Was that jealousy Elizabeth detected?“I will, but he will be busy with estate matters, and some things I must do on my own.If he is constantly stepping in for me, the staff will not learn to respect me.I may consult with him in private of course, and I intend to, but the execution will be up to me alone.”
Minerva nodded.“That does sound daunting.Surely Georgiana will help you, as well.And might not one of your sisters come to stay with you?”
“I have thought about bringing my sister Catherine.Our other sister Mary has recently married and moved to Kent, and Jane is at Netherfield, as you know.But if I take Kitty, Lydia will be here all on her own, and that does not seem fair to her.She is already likely to be the last one at home due to her being the youngest.It seems cruel to begin that prematurely.”
“I see your point.A house party seems a good idea then, but invite your friends instead of your husband’s.”Elizabeth laughed, but Minerva seemed shocked by her own words.“Forgive me, I meant no offense.”
“I am not offended in the least!Truly, you may speak as you wish here.Once you get to know my younger sisters, you will see why it takes more than such a statement to offend me.”
Minerva choked out another laugh.“Thank you, Miss Bennet.”
“Would you call me Elizabeth, or better yet, Lizzy, as my sisters do?We are to be cousins, after all.”
Minerva bit her lip.
“It would help me to feel more at home in the family.”
Minerva’s eyes instantly brightened in understanding.“Of course!It is strange to suddenly be called by a new name.I will call you Lizzy, of course.And you must call me Minnie, as my sister does.”
“Very well, Minnie.I am sure we shall be great friends.”
“Your cousin is a brute,” whispered Elizabeth.She and Darcy were standing by the window in the drawing room before dinner.
“Which one do you mean?”
“Lord Seaton.His wife is shy, but she has a lovely sense of humor if you draw her out.”
“Does she?”
“Yes!But he will not take the time to do so.He is not even gentle with her!You saw how he was barking at her to put her cloak on faster.I was mortified on her behalf.”
Darcy scowled out the window.“I cannot say you are incorrect, though it pains me to say it.Jeffrey thought he was getting one thing in a wife and could not cope with his disappointment when he got another.”
Elizabeth huffed.“He is not a child.Disappointment is a part of life.If he would take the time to get to know her, and be kind to her, he might find she is even better than whatever it was he was expecting.”
“You are right, of course, my dear.”
“You would never speak to me in such a way, would you?Even if you were cross and disappointed?”
Darcy looked horrified.“Of course not!Do not even think such a thing.”
“I am relieved to hear it.”
“I am surprised Lady Seaton told you so much.She had only known you for an hour.”
“She told me very little.Much of it I deduced from my own observations.”
Darcy nodded.“Perhaps I should speak with Jeffrey.”
“Someone should.Why not you?You have a soulmate now.You are not completely without experience.”
“Very well, I will attempt it while he is at Netherfield.”
Elizabeth beamed at him.“Thank you, my love.”
“Where is this cousin of yours?Everyone will be here soon.”
They were waiting for her cousin Claude who had been expected several hours ago, but had likely been delayed by rain.Darcy’s family had gone back to Netherfield to rest and dress for dinner, and they were expected back at Longbourn within the hour.
