Page 38 of An Interrupted Proposal
“Have you not been listening? I said Darcy would not appreciate the presence of younger sisters.” He turned to Georgiana, tipping his head her direction. “Not that you area trial of any sort, Miss Darcy. They will simply wish for their privacy for a time.” Returning his attention to Lydia, he continued. “Miss Darcy and her companion will not be going to Pemberley in the near future.”
The young girls exchanged looks. “But where will they go?” Lydia finally asked.
“If they are willing and Mr. Darcy approves, they will remain at Longbourn.”
Lydia’s eyes widened once more and she grasped Kitty’s hand, “Truly?”
“Will you mind Mrs. Annesley and abide by her rules?”
With her head nodding furiously, Lydia agreed. “Oh yes, I will. You will, too, won’t you, Kitty?”
“Yes,” Kitty replied, a bit more subdued.
“Very well.” Mr. Bennet placed a hand upon the paving stones and pushed himself upwards, moaning as he straightened his legs. “Then I suggest Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy, Lydia, Kitty, and I adjourn to the library to discuss what will be expected in the coming months.”
Lydia leapt from her seat and kissed her father on the cheek before a blush stole across her countenance and she curtseyed to him instead. “Thank you, Papa,” she said in a quiet voice.
“You are welcome, my dear.” He offered her his arm and they led the others into the house.
“Well,” Mrs. Bennet said after the door closed behind the group. “I am torn as to where I should be.”
“With us,” Jane said as she laid a hand on her mother’s arm. “We have a double wedding to plan and will need your assistance.”
CHAPTER NINE
Grandmamma
Mrs. Olivia Gardiner’s arrival at Longbourn was highly anticipated by all the inhabitants, as well as the neighbours. The lady was a Meryton treasure, though she no longer called the village her home. Her son-by-law looked forward to her intelligent conversations, her step-daughter hoped to impress the lady with the improvements that had been taking place at Longbourn, and the youngest Bennet daughters anxiously anticipated the gifts they might receive. The three eldest daughters, being the ones most acquainted with the lady, looked forward to spending time with her again, while Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley wished to gain the matriarch’s approval and blessing. The rest of Meryton hoped to catch a glimpse of her and perhaps exchange a few words of greeting and reminiscence.
The Netherfield party, which now included Mr. Bingley’s sisters, arrived at Longbourn to join the Bennets on the drive to greet Mrs. Gardiner. Miss Bingley and her sister did not appear as excited as the others, but refrained from voicing their opinions of the to-do that was being made over an old lady. When the fine barouche with its well matched horses drew into view, Elizabeth observed the surprised countenances of the sisters and suppressed her grin.
Mr. Bennet waved the groom away as the equipage drew to a stop and opened the carriage door himself. “Olivia, how good itis to see you. You are lovely as always,” he said as he bowed over her hand.
“Thomas, you old charmer. No wonder you had so many children.” She stepped out of the carriage and looked at the assembled party. “My, look at you all! Are all of you waiting for me?”
Elizabeth rushed forwards and grasped her grandmother’s hands. “Of course! Who else would we be waiting for?”
The ladies kissed one another on the cheeks and then joined the others. Mrs. Bennet curtseyed to her step-mother and smiled as she said, “Welcome back to Longbourn, Mother. I am so pleased that you were able to come. The girls would have been sorely disappointed if you had not been able to celebrate with us.”
Mrs. Gardiner’s eyes widened and she leant closer to Mrs. Bennet. “Thank you, Fannie. You must know that I would not miss Jane and Eliza’s weddings if I was able to attend. Shall we go inside so you can introduce me to your party?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Bennet fluttered for just a moment before taking a deep breath and motioning for everyone to follow her and her step-mother into the house.
Elizabeth exchanged a smirk with Jane and accepted Darcy’s arm, following Jane and Bingley into the house behind their father and Mrs. Hurst. She glanced over her shoulder to see Miss Bingley’s frown as she was forced to follow Georgiana and the youngest Bennet daughters, with Mrs. Annesley just behind her.
Once everyone was inside, Mr. Bennet began the introductions. Mrs. Gardiner smiled and nodded as each individual was introduced. When tea was called, the lady linked arms with Elizabeth and asked if she might retire to refresh herself before enjoying the repast. Mrs. Bennet's handkerchiefmade a brief appearance, but the lady smoothed it down on her lap before assuring her step-mother she would keep the tea hot.
Once upstairs, Elizabeth guided her grandmother to the guestroom and assisted her to change out of her travel attire. “What do you think of our guests?” she asked.
Mrs. Gardiner eyed her granddaughter, her lips twitching with amusement. “Is there one in particular you wish to know my opinion of?” She laughed as Elizabeth huffed. “Your young man is exceedingly handsome. I understand why his belittling comment raised such ire. Were you attracted to him the first time you saw him, Eliza?”
Elizabeth’s jaw dropped open but she quickly composed herself. “I had not considered it, but I did find him highly attractive the evening of the assembly. Before he opened his mouth, of course.”
“And his friend is an amiable man.” Mrs. Gardiner adjusted a hairpin and tucked a stray hair into place. “His sisters are a bit lacking in that.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I believe your warning regarding them was spot on, my dear.” She turned from the mirror and took Elizabeth’s hand. “Now, you must tell me what has occurred in this house to evoke the changes I am seeing in your mother and younger sisters.”
“Perhaps we should just return below before we are missed and you will be able to determine the source yourself.” Elizabeth grinned as she moved towards the door with her grandmother in tow.
Upon re-entering the parlour, they found the party had broken into groups. Mr. Bingley sat by Jane with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst nearby. The latter ladies were making suggestions to Jane, who was listening but not commenting on whether she would employ the advice. The youngest Bennet sisters were gathered around the tea table, ensuring everyone was properly served. Lydia approached her grandmother assoon as they entered the room and offered a steaming cup of perfectly flavoured tea to each of the ladies.
