Tears were rolling down Kitty’s face as she attempted to speak. “But Papa will not intervene if he is buried in a book in his study. Mama will have me on the continent on my wedding tour before our father even calls for his coffee, if she has her way.”
“Well done, Kitty,” Lizzy said, appreciating her sister’s wit even during the unbearable situation. “Do not fear. Neither Jane nor I will allow our cousin to make off with you to the continent.”
Kitty’s hiccupping sobs had almost ceased as Lizzy reached over to wipe the tears from her eyes. “And if Papa does not leave his study to lend his support against Mama?”
“Then, dear Sister,” Lizzy said, wrapping her arms around both Kitty and Jane, “we will convince Hill to allow us to hide in the cellar and eat strawberry jam and scones as we did when we were children.”
“Yes!” Jane said, getting in the spirit of the moment. “And we will make ourselves sick and have to be taken to our beds for several days.”
“By then,” Kitty added, “maybe Mr. Collins will have tired of our absence and will seek his future bride elsewhere.”
The girls giggled before resting back carelessly against the chair.
“Be not a witness against thy neighbor without cause and deceive not with thy lips,” Mary quoted, raising her chin and exiting the room, leaving the sisters behind her.
“Oh, Mary.” Lizzy sighed, resting her head against the back of the chair.
“No, she is right,” said Jane. “We are not being fair to Mr. Collins. He may end up being everything a young man ought to be.”
“Very true,” Kitty said hesitantly. “But, I still am not ready to marry at seventeen.”
“Do not worry, Sister. Mr. Collins will work himself out.”
Chapter 7
Lizzy lookedout of the Bennet carriage and said a silent prayer that she and Sarah would make it to Ashby Park before the rain increased. Her day began with a quiet walk around Longbourn’s gardens to watch the sun rise. Upon entering the house, Mrs. Bennet had also risen early to begin preparations for the arrival of Mr. Collins later that day.
“Lizzy, you are to dress at once. Mrs. Wallings requests your immediate assistance at Ashby Park.”
“Mama, why would Mr. Hamilton’s housekeeper send for me?”
“Her note said that Mr. Hamilton requested your opinion on fabrics in the parlor. This is a great honor to you, although you have done little to deserve it.”
“It is an honor, Mama, but one which might be seen in the wrong light by our neighbors. No courtship has been announced. For me to be alone at Mr. Hamilton’s house? I do not want to look at if I am forcing his suit. I cannot allow gossip. You must see that!”
“No, I do not see that!” The lines around Mrs. Bennet’s eyes stretched as her frustration increased. “Girl, stop questioning and go allow Sarah to dress you this instant.”
“Mama, I cannot go unaccompanied and my sisters all await the arrival of our cousin.”
“Sarah will go with you then. I think we might do without her until this evening. It is only ten miles to Mr. Hamilton’s estate and you should be back for supper. It is not quite nine o’clock yet. Hill shall prepare a basket for the carriage.” With her orders set, she walked out of the room.
…And that ishow my mother believes I will get a husband? I might as well put Lydia in charge of my courtship.Lizzy shook her head.It is not a courtship. When he came yesterday to take his leave, he did not ask Father for a courtship. Although, I cannot say I am sorry—I am not sure I want one yet.
Lizzy looked up to see the eyes of her traveling companion peering out the window. “Sarah, would you like another tart? You know Cook’s are the best in all of Hertfordshire.”
The young maid accepted the tart readily. “Thank you, Miss Elizabeth.”
Lizzy’s eyes roamed the countryside. It had been a rapid departure with her mother shouting for her to make haste before “…this opportunity slips through your fingers…”And with Kitty chasing after the carriage because I forgot my reticule, too. Such an odd event.She pushed the reticule and the troublesome thoughts of this excursion aside.
“This storm did sneak up on us, did it not? I am certain Mama would not have encouraged us to come if she had known it would be so severe today.”Well, she very well might have if she believed Mr. Hamilton to be in residence!She shook her head at her mother’s machinations and sighed, grateful a good man such as James Hamilton resided in Hertfordshire—and did not see her mother, lack of dowry, or low connections as an impediment!I only wish I was in love with him.
“When do you believe we will arrive at Ashby Park, miss?”
“In about another quarter hour, Sarah. I am not expecting us to stay longer than an hour, and we will be on our way back home.”If the weather permits.
* * *
The china rattledas the table trembled with Lady Catherine’s anger. “You are a charlatan. Leave my presence at once,” she shrieked, hurling her cup across the room. She sat in the small sitting room of her London townhouse listening to the prognosis by the third physician she had seen in as many weeks.
