“Yes, yes, I’m aware of that.But, it would not be the first time in history a pretty face has made a man forget himself. I am sure Miss de Bourgh would not have such a broken heart.” Mrs. Bennet sniffed. “I understand she is a sickly girl with very little understanding of the world. She would find happiness elsewhere while our Kitty would secure our future.”
“What nonsense you speak!” said Elizabeth.
“Mama, this is an invitation for a holiday, not for his hand in marriage,” Jane gently murmured.
“Yes, but we must make it such. Lizzy, you will go with them to London…”
“But, I have not been invited.”
“That is of little concern. No one cares a jot for those kinds of things. You will stay with my sister Gardiner in Cheapside and go to the warehouses to pick out fabrics for wedding clothes.” She nodded to herself.
“Mama! I am not engaged nor is Kitty. Jane is the closest to that connection.” Jane blushed. “If you want to scheme send her, not me.”
In truth, Lizzy could not communicate why she was so averse to the plan. She enjoyed her aunt and uncle Gardiner and her dear, young cousins. She loved the theatre and museums. Admittedly, she even became giddy in delight while looking at bolts of fabrics and new patterns. But, the one thing she could not admit was how unnerved she might be traveling with Mr. Darcy in the confines of his carriage. Something occurred at Ashby Park between them that she would not acknowledge. And sitting in a carriage with him for hours would not help her cause at all!
“Yes, Mama. Send Jane to prepare for her upcoming wedding.”
“Lizzy, you are more betrothed than I. Mr. Bingley has not declared himself.”
“Nor has Mr. Hamilton,” Lizzy said with exasperation. “Therefore, let’s just send Kitty by herself as she was the one to receive the invitation.” Lizzy dropped down in the chair and folded her arms.
“No, no, no. That puts me in mind… Mr. Hamilton is still in London. I will have your father pen him a letter that you are there staying with your aunt and would welcome a call from him.”
“Mother! You will do no such thing! I will have some self-respect.” She stood to her full height. “If you will excuse me. I have a headache and will retire to my room.” Lizzy huffed down the hall, stopping to knock on her father’s study.
“Come in, Lizzy.”
“Papa, how did you know it was me?” she asked, closing the door behind her and crossing the room to sit in her chair.
He chuckled and lay his book down. “My dear. Just because I choose to sit in this room all day does not mean I am unaware what occurs outside these walls.” He smirked and removed his glasses before steepling his hands in front of him. “Now you would like me to tell your loving Mama to allow you to stay home while Kitty travels to London to unwittingly secure our fortunes as the next Mrs. Darcy?”
“Yes. Well, no. Although, Mama’s machinations are unorthodox, they are not my concern. I worry about Lydia.”
“Lydia? What trouble has my youngest been brewing?”
Lizzy sighed at the mirth in his voice and attempted to help him see reason. “Papa, you must see that she is setting herself and our family on a path of ruin. Traipsing alone through the countryside with young men whose character may be in question.”
Mr. Bennet clucked his tongue. “Oh, my Lizzy. I believe you are concerned with matters which have no merit. No intelligent man, which Mr. Wickham appears to be, would saddle himself with the silliest girl in all of Hertfordshire.”
“But, Papa. You must understand…”
“No, my dear,” he said replacing his glasses with a wry smile. “Your mother has insisted she knows what’s best for our daughters in issues of matrimony. She wisely chose me so how can I argue with her logic?” A snicker came forth from his usually sardonic face. “Now, be off with you, my girl. You have packing to do.”
* * *
“Miss Elizabeth, how fortunate we were leaving for London on the same day of your own departure.”
“Yes, very fortunate,” Lizzy replied, stifling a grimace as she wondered what Mr. Darcy must think of her. Her own thoughts were interrupted when she noticed he was looking upon her expectantly. “Pray, did you say something?”
“Only asked after your comfort. Are you well?”
“Yes.”
Across from Lizzy, Kitty and Georgiana were whispering to each other, as Mrs. Annesley slept beside her. According to Kitty, although Georgiana was not as relaxed as she had been on previous occasions, Wickham’s failed plan had not succeeded in unnerving the girl over much.
“Miss Darcy seems to be holding up well,” Lizzy murmured softly to Mr. Darcy.
“I am so thankful for Miss Katherine’s guidance to Georgiana and her wonderful example of all that is proper set by her elder sisters.”
