Lizzy glanced up from the missive she had been reading and paused before she answered. “Yes. It seems she has not only dined at Netherfield Park several times since our departure but has also gone out riding.” Lizzy furrowed her brow. “As well as a few shopping excursions to Meryton with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.”
“Well, that is promising.”
“Yes, it is. However,” she said, setting down the note and rising to cross the room and look out the window, “there is something about Caroline Bingley I do not trust. Each time I was in company with her, I felt her condescension and censure. She feigns friendship to attain her end goal, of that I am sure. I have not yet determined what her interest is in Jane.”
“Elizabeth, could it not be that Jane’s sweet countenance has won over this woman? Is Jane to be punished because you and Miss Bingley do not have similar characters? Do not be so suspicious, my dear niece. Jane finds friends wherever she is because of her gentle nature. Those who would not do well with your spirit are quite comfortable with her tender heart. Do not begrudge her.”
Lizzy shook her head. “You mistake my meaning, Aunt. I do not begrudge Jane, only… I believe that Miss Bingley’s motives are not pure. But, no bother,” she said, shrugging her shoulders, “as you say, I am much more suspicious than our dear Jane.” She read more of the letter and said, “She also mentions her concern for Lydia’s behavior. It has become so unpredictable that young Mariah Lucas is no longer allowed to be in her company.” Lizzy bit the bottom of her lip. “It seems at the last assembly in Meryton, our youngest sister became more in her cups than ever and made quite a spectacle of herself with Mr. Wickham. If only Father and Mother could be prevailed upon to reign her in. She is ruining Jane’s chances with Mr. Bingley.”
“Is that what Jane has written?”
Lizzy turned from the window and sat on the couch. “Of course not. You know Jane. She is all sweetness and kindness. She claims Lydia has only grown more wild since Kitty left. She says that our youngest sister will soon see the error of her ways.”
Aunt Madeline smirked. “And you know, my dear, your parents will never take pains to control her. She is too much as your mother once was, and Francis is remembering her own youth through Lydia.”
“Of that we are all aware.”I must write to Father. With the incident with Miss Darcy not being made public, I am sure Father is unaware of the necessity of protecting our family from Mr. Wickham.“I will write Father tonight to encourage him to check Lydia’s behavior. If word is reaching London, I am sure it is elsewhere also.”
At the sound of a carriage outside, Lizzy turned artlessly back toward the window. When the carriage continued past the house, she met her aunt’s raised eyebrows with a tilt of her head. “I am only anxious to see Kitty and Georgiana. It has been several hours since I have been in their company. And I only wonder how they have occupied their day.”
A knowing smile spread across Aunt Gardiner’s countenance. “Of course. Anything else from home?”
“Mama writes of me securing Mr. Hamilton before I return, and if I scare him away, the regiment will be encamped for another month or two so I can find a young man there.” Lizzy breathed deeply at the thought of the trial that was her mother. “I do not understand the union of my parents…”
“Remember, my dear. Often times in life, people do things they themselves cannot explain. Your mother was a beautiful woman who was quite enjoyable to be in company with, and your father enjoyed socializing decidedly more than he currently does. They complemented each other quite nicely.”
“I can hardly imagine it.”
“Yes.” Madeline Gardiner crossed the room and sat by her niece. “However, there are often indications early in the acquaintance that people with different natures might not suit over time. There are signs of compatibility which should not be ignored.”
“These signs you speak of…? Such as…if someone spoke of your obstinacy and had a desire to change you?”
Aunt Madeline took up her hand and held it between hers. “Yes, my dear it would. And, on that topic, your uncle has invited Mr. Hamilton to dine with us tonight as well.”
Lizzy bit her lip while looking down at her hands. “I am not yet resigned to marry him. He has not asked me. But he is one of my oldest friends and he is a friend to Mr. Darcy. I will welcome Mr. Hamilton here tonight as a friend, and that is what he is. He has said nothing to me of his intentions.”
“And my dear niece, would you accept the offer if it was made?”
Lizzy shrugged her shoulders before standing to complete final preparations for the evening. “Tonight will simply be dinner amongst friends.”
* * *
She could not lookat Mr. Darcy. After the display by Mr. Hamilton at dinner, she was certain he was ignoring her as well to avoid another scene.
If only Mr. Hamilton had not acted so.But he had. James Hamilton had behaved like a possessive, green boy.How difficult to remain civil to him when I was unable to converse with anyone else. And then to make a scene when he discovered he was not seated next to me!
Lizzy blanched at the memory but was glad when her aunt sat beside her. In hushed tones, she said, “It has been quite an evening, has it not my dear?”
“Oh, Aunt. I know not how to make amends for Mr. Hamilton’s slight on your excellent arrangements. I am mortified.”
“It is not the most indecorous thing which has ever occurred to me. I only wish he would have had the sense to not show that side of his character in front of our guests. It does not paint him in a favorable light.”
“Very ill indeed.”
Sipping her coffee, her aunt continued. “I have noticed Mr. Darcy looks at you a great deal.”
“I cannot think why. And he has not said more than five words to me the whole course of the evening.”
“Elizabeth. A man does not have to speak to show his partiality. His eyes follow your movements and he is attentive when you speak. If he was not already engaged, I would suppose he was half in love already.”
