Page 100 of The Scarred Duchess
Lydia patted her hatbox. “Of course she will! This creation is perfect for her. I made sure the veil met with Jane’s instructions.”
“How clever are our girls, Franny. Arriving in Bethlehem with gifts,” Mr Bennet said with an indulgent smile upon them all.
“None of your wit, dear. Save it for your friend.”
He waggled his eyebrows, gaining smiles and giggles just as the carriage turned into Grosvenor Square.
In the withdrawing parlour, a large tea tray, cold sandwiches, and fruits sat on the sideboard. Mama, Kitty, and Lydia had accompanied Mrs Annesley and Miss Darcy on a house tour. Mr George Darcy and Papa had paired off by the dormant hearth, heads close together. Mr Darcy entertained Elizabeth and Jane. Mary sat with Lady Catherine, who seemed to be measuring her.For what, pray tell?
“Miss Mary Bennet, do you know why I have sought you out?”
“Something to do with Mr Collins I suppose?”
“Has my parson made you an offer of marriage?”
“He has, and I have accepted him.”
Lady Catherine seemed pleased. “And has Mr Collins sought your father’s blessing?”
“He has not.”
“That does surprise me.”
Mary glanced at her father, who returned her silent enquiry with a raised eyebrow. “It has surprised my father as well.” She turned back to Lady Catherine. “I have complete faith in Mr Collins.”
Lady Catherine glanced over her shoulder, then turned back to Mary. “Mr Collins loves you dearly, child. I look forward to seeing you regularly at Rosings Park.”
That evening, Jane and Elizabeth joined the younger girls in Georgiana’s sitting room. Having donned dressing gowns and robes, they all took seats on the floor, just as they might have at home. Georgiana looked hesitant for a moment, then with a giggle, sank down with them.
“It is lovely to be amongst you,” Georgiana said. “I hope my lack of experience with sisterly society will not make me seem silly.”
“You shall be our newest, most beloved sister,” said Mary reassuringly.
“Perhaps when Mary marries Mr Collins, we three may have our first Season together!” Lydia exclaimed.
“Our dearest Mary has captured the heart of an excellent man,” said Elizabeth, “but Jane has the most admirable suitor of all.”
“Jane? You do? Who is he?”
Jane sighed. “My most constant friend. At Season’s end, we shall wed.”
“I am so pleased for you,” Georgiana said. “If he is as excellent a man as my brother, you will be happy indeed.”
“Oh, he is a fine man,” Jane said, smiling at Elizabeth. “Even Lizzy would agree he rivals Mr Darcy in looks and character.”
“Jane! Now Lizzy will get that dreamy look and forget we are here!” Lydia threw a small pillow. Everyone laughed.
Georgiana dropped her eyes. “I am very happy for you all. I shall enjoy being the aunt who visits regularly and teaches your children to play their instruments.”
“Whatever do you mean?” asked Kitty.
“Well, I doubt I shall ever marry.”
Lydia, Kitty, and Mary turned to Elizabeth, who whispered. “Jane? Perhaps you might…?”
Jane turned to Kitty, “Have you your drawings, my dear?”
“Oh! Of course.” Kitty rose and hastened away, returning quickly with her sketch-book.
