Page 55 of Attempted Compromises
“Oh, Lizzy,” Jane said with concern, “you must be chilled to the bone!”
“Only a little damp,” Elizabeth replied, brushing her wet skirts and shaking out her shawl. “But it seems I made it back just in time—listen to that rain.”
The two sisters stood for a moment, watching the rain pour down outside the window, the drops pelting the glass in a steady rhythm. The wind howled as the storm took hold, and Elizabeth felt grateful for the warmth of home.
“I do hope Mr. Collins made it to the posting inn before the rain began,” Jane remarked.
“Oh, was he leaving today?” Elizabeth asked in surprise.
“Yes, I believe he said something about the importance of returning to his duties at Hunsford. Apparently Mr. Darcy made a strong case for his return.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Well, that certainly was kind of him, was it not? We must hope Mr. Collins remains in Kent for quite some time.”
She left Jane and went up the stairs to her room, eager to don a warmer chemise. After changing out of her walking clothes, Elizabeth joined her family at the breakfast table. The warmth of the fire and the hearty spread of tea and toast worked quickly to banish the chill from her bones.
“What positively dreadful weather,” Mrs. Bennet declared, looking forlornly out the window. “How are we to receive visitors or make any calls with such a rain? And I had so wanted to go into Meryton today for shoe roses and ribbons for the ball!”
Elizabeth exchanged a look with Jane, trying to suppress a smile at their mother’s dramatics.
“Surely the weather will clear by Monday morning, Mama,” Jane offered gently, buttering a slice of toast. “That will give us plenty of time before the ball on Tuesday.”
“That is hardly the point,” Mrs. Bennet replied with a huff. “We have so much to prepare! I must speak to the milliner about my new lace, and there is still the matter of Kitty and Lydia’s bonnets. Oh, and your sister Mary requires a proper ribbon for her gown—it is entirely too plain without one.”
“I am certain we can make do for today,” Elizabeth said calmly. “Perhaps we might spend the afternoon in more industrious pursuits indoors.”
Mrs. Bennet let out a theatrical sigh, clearly unimpressed by Elizabeth’s suggestion, but said no more. The remainder of breakfast was completed in relative silence, the steady patter against the windows providing a soothing backdrop to the meal.
After breakfast, the Bennet women retired to the parlor, each finding a way to occupy themselves. Elizabeth curled up in her favorite chair with a book, the pages a welcome escape from the dreary weather. Jane worked on a piece of embroidery, her needle gliding deftly through the fabric. Mary sat at the pianoforte, practicing scales, while Kitty and Lydia flitted between projects, making over bonnets and discussing which officers might attend the upcoming ball.
The quiet rhythm of the afternoon was interrupted only by the occasional crackle of the fire or the soft rustle of fabric as Mrs. Bennet inspected Jane’s embroidery with a critical eye.
“Lizzy, you do not think this too plain, do you?” Jane asked, holding up her work for Elizabeth’s opinion.
Elizabeth set her book aside and leaned forward to inspect it. “Not at all. I think it is quite elegant—simple, but tasteful.”
Mrs. Bennet, overhearing the exchange, let out another sigh. “It is well enough, but I do wish we had gone to Meryton today. A bit of new lace would have improved it immeasurably.”
Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a small smile before returning to their respective tasks.
It was nearing tea time when the sound of a horse pulling up to the front of the house broke the peaceful quiet. A few minutes later, Mrs. Hill appeared in the doorway, holding an envelope.
“A note from Netherfield, miss,” she announced, handing it to Jane.
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes lit up as she snatched up the letter, her earlier gloom forgotten. “From Netherfield! I do hope it is an invitation.”
She tore open the envelope and began to read aloud, her voice growing more excited with each sentence:
Tuesday Afternoon
Dear Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth,
It is with great pleasure that I extend an invitation to you both for tea tomorrow evening. I have recently received a most delightful blend from London, the likes of which I am certain you have never tasted before. I cannot bear to keep such a treasure to myself and insist that you join us to partake in it.
I am certain you will find it as remarkable as I do. I will brook no refusals, as it would simply break my heart were you to disappoint me. In anticipation of your answer to the affirmative, I will make arrangements to send our carriage for you, as I shan’t allow anything to stand in our way.
I should also mention that my brother and Mr. Darcy will be in attendance, so it will be a delightful opportunity for further conversation.
Yours most sincerely,
