Certainly, it was a risk worth taking.
“You will join me, I assume,” Darcy said, his glower reminding that it was not a question, but a statement.
“Of course. Shall we invite Bingley as well?”
A sly grin forming, Darcy agreed.If Lady Charmane proved as harsh toward the trade class as most peers, he, Bingley, and Fitz would be removed from her home in short order. If not, the three would enjoy one another’s company, and prove ample barrier against single ladies.
Chapter 10
Hertfordshire, England – 1812
“Jane! Elizabeth!” Kitty called as she entered Longbourn, her sisters rushing to her side as they exited the drawing room.
“Whatever is the matter?” Jane worried as she ran a hand over her sister. “Have you been hurt?”
Laughing as she nudged her sister away, Kitty leaned against the now closed door, eyes alight and face pinked.
“Nothing is the matter,” she sighed, eyes drifting upward as her lips curled. “I… I am to be married, that is all.”
“All? You and he never thought to ask PaPa or at least Jane?” Elizabeth questioned, her voice rising even as her heart fell.
It had proved as horribly inevitable as she had supposed the year prior. Their happy home would be left one sister short… and there was nothing she could do about it. Nothing which would not hurt Kitty in the trying–if mere protests would even work to keep a couple in love apart.
Frowning, Kitty’s eyes grew glassy as she viewed her sister.
No. She would not protest. She would appear in all ways content with her sister’s choice… though the pain it would bring would be great.
“I apologize,” Elizabeth hurried, “it is all so sudden, and, though we have expected his proposal, it is merely…”
“Merely that we wish to be a part of your life,” Jane cut in as she pulled Kitty into a hug. “And itiscustomary for a gentleman to speak with a lady’s family. To receive permission when a lady is not yet twenty-one.”
Nodding, Kitty squeezed her sister tighter. “I know.WEknow, James and I. It is only… only PaPa. He has been away for such a dreadfully long time; and he writes but every few months. How are James and I to obtain approval from a man who must remain so far from us? We shall write to him, certainly, but is it not Uncle who has the ability to provide consent whilst PaPa is away? If he does not protest, and Jane and you approve, then what else do we require? No lands come with me, only the inheritance from our mother set aside as our dowry. I know you two have added to it, but that is still not much. Surely?”
“Uncle may need to sign your marriage settlement,” Elizabeth acknowledged, “but it will be done, even if we all must descend on Gracechurch Street to force the matter!”
“Indeed. In regard to permission there shall be no delays. Still, let us think on happier things,” Jane suggested as she led her sisters into the nearby drawing room, “Your upcoming marriage for a start.”
Standing across from her sisters, Elizabeth forced a smile, yet, even to her, the pained, awkwardness of it could not be denied; the strain of her lips pulled in unfamiliar directions.Surely, she could do better?
“When do you two wish to be married?” Elizabeth inquired, her breath catching as her sisters made themselves comfortable on the settee.
“Next spring, we hope; as much as we would prefer to marry in a month or even two, we have much to plan. He does not take orders for another month, and though Sir Lucus knows of an opening in Watford, it is uncertain if the position is to be James’. It would be lovely if that were so, for then we would live not fifteen miles from both our families… the only other opening we have heard of is in Leeds!”
“Leeds?” Elizabeth questioned, throat closing as her heart began to race.
“Leeds. James does not desire it any more than I, however, he needs a position–newly ordained as he will be and with no connections to speak of, he does not have the luxury of choice. We can only pray Sir Lucus is able to persuade them of James’ qualities.”
“I am certain he shall,” Jane said assertively, the confidence in her tone and posture unmatched by those present.
Watford,Elizabeth considered as she moved to gaze out the window,was a distance she could manage. They might see one another every month–more often when weather and responsibilities were both mild. But Leeds? A few times a year at best would be all they might manage. Probably nearer two, given the days of travel each way.
No. Nothing about a position in Leeds would prove any good.
“Whatever is the matter with us?” Jane smiled, the downturned faces of her sisters meeting her. “This is a happy day! You are to be married, and to a man you love and admire at that. We shall hope and pray for the success of the Watford position, and in the meantime, we shall begin to make plans.”
∞∞∞
“Do you intend to work up your own trousseau?” Lydia questioned from her seat at the table, the space strewn with various ribbons and notions. “I can always help if you are; though I enjoy the finishing touches to simple sewing.”
