“I wondered the same and asked him. He said no. The sentiment he feels for Mary is on her grandmother's behalf. He has never stopped loving Mrs. Talbot. Now he fears that she will lose her closest living relative and that she will be devastated, with no one to comfort her.”
“Then he should go to Hunsford to support his heir, and while he is there, he may also support Mrs. Talbot without drawing attention.” Jane dabbed at a tear with her little finger. “Since he opened up to you, you must tell him, Lizzy. Go at once, for there is no time to lose.”
“I will go now.” Elizabeth rose and hurried to the library. She entered hesitantly and found her father in a far corner, wiping his eyes. She sat beside him.
“Papa, this is a grave time for our cousin. Should you not be at his side? He is your heir, your only living heir. He may lose his unborn child, and he may lose his wife. I believe you should go to him and support him through this.”
Bennet lowered his hand and looked at his daughter.
“But what of your mother? She hates Hettie.”
“You go for the sake of your heir. No one, not even Mamma, can condemn you for that.”
He remained still, considering her words, and finally stood with determination written in every line. “I shall go to him today, and perhaps Mary will be well.”
Elizabeth also stood. “I shall ask Walters to call for your carriage.”
He embraced her, then departed the room without looking back.
Elizabeth did take her mother and two unmarried sisters to Kimpton several times, at first to find fabric and patterns, and then for fittings, and at last for accessories. They were to attend an assembly in Kimpton two days hence, and Mrs. Bennet was as excited as her two youngest daughters. Between purchasing gowns for the dance and spending time in Jane’s company, Frances Bennet was no longer tormenting the servants. At Jane’s insistence, all the women spent time with the children each morning, and as Elizabeth expected, Mrs. Bennet pronounced Jane’s son the brightest, the handsomest, and the most loved of all her grandchildren
“Miss Catherine, may I have this dance?”
Kitty’s cheeks flushed pink as she raised her eyes to the tall young man who stood before her, bowing gracefully over her hand.
“It would be my pleasure, sir.”
Kitty moved away with Mr. Allen, a young man of about four and twenty. Jane and Elizabeth exchanged a glance and smiled.
“Perhaps Kitty has met her match,” Elizabeth murmured.
“The Allens are a respectable family,” Darcy observed. “The young man will inherit a fine estate.”
“And it is near Bakewell,” Elizabeth added. “Close enough that we may all visit one another.”
Mrs. Bennet was too pleased for words. She watched the pair as they moved through the figures.
“Darling,” Darcy said quietly, “are you inclined for a dance?” Then he added quickly, “But not if it will cause you harm.”
Elizabeth placed her hand within his, and she giggled. “Darling, I am expecting, I am not at my last breath.”
“Yes, that is what I tell myself,” he said, “but you know I worry.”
“I apologize, darling. I am quite well. There is no cause for concern. Come, let us dance.”
The following day was an at-home day at Pemberley. The ladies were dressed for morning calls and gathered in the drawing room. The earliest callers were Mrs. Allen, Miss Allen, and her son Gilbert.
Mrs. Allen was offered a chair near Elizabeth, while Mr. and Miss Allen moved at once to Kitty, seating themselves on either side of her upon the settee. They were soon engaged in conversation of their own while the older ladies spoke together at the far end of the room.
Georgiana and Lydia sat together, chatting easily. They had grown fond of one another, much of their time spent riding. Lydia had begun lessons at Georgiana’s urging and now rode for her own amusement.
When the tea tray was brought in and more neighbors arrived, Elizabeth observed her mother with some anxiety. Mrs. Bennet was no longer vulgar, but she remained sharp. Mrs. Norris andMrs. Campbell were likewise inclined, and Elizabeth waited with held breath for some indiscretion.
Jane took her tea and then moved to sit beside her mother, quietly intervening when necessary. Mary sat with Mrs. Allen and assisted Elizabeth in making her welcome.
“Miss Catherine,” Mr. Allen asked, “how long do you expect to remain with your sister?”
“We shall return to Hertfordshire at the end of next week, sir.”
