“You have the right of that. Mrs. Walden says the young woman has vowed to secure matches for all of her Bennet cousins, including the younger sisters whom we have yet to meet, I might add. Though it has only been a few days, she most likely has heard of your interest in Miss Elizabeth, and her machinations may easily extend to you.”
“Is nothing private in this town?” William nearly spat. “As far as anyone is concerned, I was only in company with Miss Elizabeth for dinner last Friday, and that is hardly a cause for matchmaking.”
“Yes, but do not forget Mother was at the same dinner party, and she and Lady Deming are very close. Who is to say Mother has not already mentioned your interest in Miss Elizabeth?”
William’s scowl suddenly increased. “I certainly hope not. Your mother did ask me about Miss Elizabeth, but what I said was not meant to be shared. I do not need anyone’s assistance with the young lady and can manage very well on my own.”
“I should think so.” Again Richard chuckled. “Say, how about we get back to our game? After all, I am winning.”
William glared. “How could I forget?”
The Royal Gardens - The Kew
Outside the Great Pagoda
Shortly before two o’clock, Mrs. Gardiner stood conversing with Mrs. Walden while Elizabeth and Jane were in private conversation off to the side. The women, along with a few other guests, were waiting for the arrival of Lady Gwendolyn and several more of her friends.
“Jane, I am so happy for you. From what you say, Mr. Bingley is everything you desire in a husband and with him being so attentive, surely he will ask for a courtship.”
She blushed with the compliment. “Oh, Lizzy, that is my fervent wish. When we came to Town, I had no idea I would meet such a dear man.”
“Have you told him much about Mama and our younger sisters? With the Bingleys and Hursts being invited to Lady Deming’s dinner on Thursday, I fear it will be difficult for Mama. She will not be able to check herself once she sees how much Mr. Bingley admires you.”
“He knows of Mary’s courtship to Mr. Barton and is aware of Colonel Forster’s interest in Lydia, but little more. I know Mama and Lydia are not always proper, but how can I say anything against them? Mama has suffered greatly since Papa became ill and Lydia, well, Lydia is just young.”
Over the years, Mrs. Bennet’s nerves had only worsened with her failure to produce a male heir who could secure their estate. Now with Mr. Bennet’s life-threatening illness, the thought that her five unmarried daughters might not be provided for without the security of a good marriage sent her nerves into a frenzy.
“Sister, you are too kind,” Elizabeth said. “Of course I cannot blame Mama. She has much to shoulder, especially now. If only she could show some restraint in her effusions. As for Lydia, in my opinion she is spoiled and far too young to be out at fifteen even though Mama insisted the same for us. Being so silly, it is a wonder Colonel Forster has any interest in her at all. Frankly, I believe the man must have a strong constitution. But then, I suppose some gentlemen prefer women with … exuberance.” The two sisters could not help but quietly giggle.
“I hope that poor Kitty does not feel bad with Mary’s good fortune and Lydia’s gloating,” Jane added.
“Unfortunately, Mama can be rather unfeeling when it comes to making her point. I only pray she will not embarrass us at the charity ball. Aunt Gardiner knows my concerns and said that she would speak to her beforehand. Things are very tentative between me and Mr. Darcy, and I do not want Mama to pressure him on my behalf.”
“Surely he will understand Mama’s predicament with Papa being so very ill.”
“I believe he will, but that does not mean he will not be offended by poor behaviour, should it come to that. From what I have been able to discern, the man is positively ruled by proper decorum.”
“And what of you, Lizzy? How do you feel about Mr. Darcy? You express great concern for the gentleman’s wellbeing. Does this mean you are forming an attachment?”
“Oh, Jane, I am not sure. We have not known each other long, and I have yet to fully understand his character. He does intrigue me, though, despite his serious nature. With all of his responsibilities and the passing of his wife, I am not sure if I am the type of woman who could make him happy. Not to mention I know very little of his daughter or his sister. Certainly we have some common interests, but there is much more to consider.”
“Lizzy, Jane,” Mrs. Gardiner called, interrupting their conversation. “Come along. I see that Lady Gwendolyn is in the lane with some of her friends, including Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. It looks like we are to be a merry party.”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elizabeth responded as she and Jane quickly moved to join the others.
Once Lady Gwendolyn and all of her guests were assembled, Her Ladyship conveyed what her pleasure would be for the afternoon. First, they would begin by viewing the Great Pagoda, and then make their way through the lovely grounds and finishwith a picnic on one of the greens. All in all, it would prove to be a delightful afternoon.
Following the exchange of more pleasantries, the party commenced with Lady Gwendolyn leading the way. Mrs. Gardiner allowed her nieces and Mrs. Walden a bit of privacy by joining another group of her friends. The three gentlemen easily fell in step with their favoured ladies. William and Elizabeth, eager to speak more privately with one another, casually trailed behind the others while they traversed the grounds and visited the various exhibits.
The afternoon passed quickly. When nearing the green to where Lady Gwendolyn’s picnic was to be held, William gestured to a nearby bench, saying, “Miss Elizabeth, might we sit here and talk a bit more before joining the others?”
“I should like that very much.”
“Without being too inquisitive,” he continued, “I find I would like to know more of your family. Particularly your father, if you do not mind my asking.”
“Not at all. As you know, Papa has been very ill. I have tried not to lose hope that he will make more of a recovery, but the prognosis from our Meryton physician has not been encouraging.”
“May I ask if a physician from Town has been consulted?”
