Ellis examined the long, heavy tresses. “Miss Mary, you have a high forehead, but it is prettily shaped. I can cut a fringe to fall at your brows, or I can leave the length as it is. Either way, I will shorten and thin it so it may be pinned up neatly. You could wear an elegant chignon for the evening, and a looser style by day. Which do you prefer, a fringe or no fringe?”
Mary looked helplessly at her sisters. Neither could picture her with a fringe, and neither spoke.
“What do you think, Ellis?” Mary asked.
“I believe you should have a fringe. It will frame your eyes and make them appear larger.”
“Very well,” Mary said, drawing a deep breath. “Cut it.”
Ellis worked swiftly and skillfully. When she was done, the floor was littered with hair. She handed Mary a mirror. The girl gazed at her reflection for a long moment, then began to laugh and weep at once.
Jane and Elizabeth rushed to her side.
“Mary, your fringe is beautiful,” Jane said. “Why are you crying?”
Elizabeth spoke tenderly. “All is well, dearest. You look lovely.”
Mary dabbed her eyes. “I know. I look beautiful for the first time in my life. I think I am almost as handsome as the two of you.”
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged smiles over her head, and Ellis said briskly, “Yes, Miss Mary, you are beautiful. You and Mrs. Darcy are almost twins. Now, with your fringe, you have your own look. I daresay you could win any man you pleased, unless he is one of those who insists upon a rich wife.”
The three sisters laughed.
Elizabeth said lightly, “If Mr. Lewis does not suit, we shall try again in London, come November. Now, let us go; Ellis and Ruby must clean up this mess.”
Mary looked down at the floor in astonishment. “No wonder I always suffer headaches. My hair was so heavy.”
The entire Darcy party was assembled in the drawing room when Mr. Bingley and the Hursts were announced. Darcy’s eyes kept drifting to where his wife stood next to her three sisters. He had to admit, Madame Cecil’s workmanship was excellent. All four women were dressed in fine muslins in fashionable cuts, and each was elegantly dressed and beautifully coifed.
Charles Bingley entered with delight, shaking Darcy’s hand and embracing his friend. He bowed to each of the ladies, but when he reached Jane, he took her hand and kissed it. She smiled at him warmly, and her expression, gentle, open, and inviting, was enough to send color to his cheeks. The young couple moved to a far corner of the room and settled on a settee, and were soon lost in conversation.
The Hursts followed, looking jovial. Darcy and Richard greeted Mr. Hurst. “How are you, Hurst? Ready to fish?”
Hurst laughed. “Indeed. Fish, hunt, and ride. I have been trapped in London too long. Bingley kept me too occupied.”
Darcy said, “I have the smoothest cognac you have ever tasted. Shall I pour you a glass?”
Hurst accepted, and he and Richard followed Darcy across the room to the sideboard. As Darcy filled their glasses, his expression turned thoughtful. “What kept you too occupied? Has something occurred?”
Hurst nodded grimly. “A family scandal, I fear. That silly chit, Caroline, tried to run away from her uncle’s house three times. He kept a close watch over her so she did not get far, but her uncle was furious. He sent word that Augustus had taken her to Scotland to marry over the anvil. Charles was required to release her dowry. The marriage certificate came by express six days ago, and all will soon be settled between the solicitors.”
Darcy’s brow furrowed. “She married her cousin? After only a few weeks?”
“Two weeks,” Hurst said grimly. “Charles counted. It was not her choice, mind you. On her third attempt, she fled with her footman. When her cousin caught up with her, he insisted they must marry to save her name. And thank God, it is all settled at last.”
Darcy exhaled sharply. “I can scarcely believe it.”
“Believe it,” Hurst said. “I have never been so relieved. She is no longer Charles’s concern, nor mine. Her husband must bear the burden now.”
Richard muttered a low oath, then said aloud, “All’s well that ends well.” He strode off to pour himself a second glass of brandy, satisfied that the prospect of marriage to Miss Bingleyno longer hung over him like a sword. She was married once and for all.
Darcy turned to Hurst quietly. “Then Charles is free to marry as he pleases?”
“Yes,” Hurst replied. “Nothing binds him now.”
“Has he decided what to do about Netherfield?” Darcy asked.
“He still holds the lease,” Hurst said, “but he has not spoken of his plans to me.”
