Page 104 of To Love And To Cherish
Charlotte followed, exchanging smiles and greetings. The gentlemen stood aside, discussing the journey.
"I trust the roads were passable, Sir William?" The rector asked politely.
"Indeed, Mr. Bennet. A touch of rain, but the inns were good, the food hearty, and the linens well aired. All in all, no complaints."
They entered the house while the footmen saw to the trunks. Kitty found her cousin amiable, his voice gentle as he helped her remove her pelisse. Once seated in the drawing room, tea was served, and a cheerful camaraderie took hold. The rector invited Sir William to fish the following day, and the gentlemen launched into a discussion of rods, bait, and the sport to be had in the stream at Rosings Park, while the ladies withdrew to converse amongst themselves.
Mary leaned toward Charlotte with a knowing smile. "You look very well. Your hair is arranged quite differently. It suits you. You no longer resemble a stern governess."
Charlotte flushed. "Elizabeth and I worked with Alice. It took me four weeks to master it myself, but I confess I rather like the effect."
Mary nodded her approval. “It was certainly worth the effort. You look very well indeed.”
"Your travelling dress is lovely," Mary added. "Did your father purchase a new wardrobe for your visit?"
Charlotte grasped her hand. "No. Elizabeth gifted me the gowns she wore to Scotland. And Jane sent several of hers as well. They are flattering, and I mean to make the best impression I can."
"And you shall," Mary said. "I never knew you had curves until now. Most of your dresses resemble potato sacks."
"That was rather the idea," Charlotte replied with a rueful grin. "Mamma never allowed anything else."
"Well," Mary said, "If you succeed in catching Mr. Bertram, it will be partly due to Elizabeth's gift."
"And yours," Charlotte returned. "You are arranging the introduction."
Mary nodded. "I have invited Mr. Bertram and Mr. Grant to dine on Sunday. They believe they are coming to discuss parish charity, which is partially true. I’ve also invited the physician and apothecary. We aim to provide not just food and clothing, but medicines and health care for the indigent."
"Mary, that is admirable," Charlotte said.
"I was inspired by Elizabeth. She plans something similar in Derbyshire. I am only a step ahead because she had to travel to Longbourn."
Kitty, who had been listening intently, now spoke. "Is there something I can do to help, Mary? I still sew for the needy of Meryton. I should like to be of use."
Mary smiled, visibly pleased. "There are garments cut for the parish children, but they must be delivered to five seamstresses. Perhaps you might deliver them? You could end with Mrs. Grant; she is Mr. Grant's mother."
Kitty tittered. "I should like that very much."
"You shall ride Daisy. I could send you in the gig, but it is better if you arrive looking wind-tossed and fatigued."
Charlotte grinned. “A most cunning scheme.”
Mary’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “I learned from the best."
I will wear my new riding habit," Kitty interjected. "It is sapphire blue. Lizzy bought it for me with her pin money."
"Perfect," Mary said. "We have a plan."
"Mr. Grant’s estate is very near, only three miles down the road. He is handsome, Kitty, but reticent. The young women of the parish have all hunted him, and thus he has grown guarded. But sister, you will come as a quiet, helpful girl, not one who makes sheep’s eyes or throws herself at him."
The following day, Kitty set out just after luncheon. By four o'clock, she approached the Grant estate. It was a beautiful home, larger than Longbourn and set among rolling hills with a stream in the distance. Her groom helped her dismount, and within moments she was admitted.
"Miss Catherine Bennet, madam," the butler announced.
Mrs. Grant, an older woman with embroidery in her lap, looked up. "Sit, Miss Catherine. You must be the rector's sister-in-law."
"Yes, ma'am. My sister asked me to deliver the children's sewing."
Mrs. Grant inspected the cut fabric. "This will keep me busy. And the others?"
