Understanding at last flitted across Amelia’s countenance. ‘Oh. I beg your pardon. He does not want people to fuss, so the family has almost forgotten about his circumstances. How did you find out?’
‘He confessed all,’ Madeline informed her friend. ‘Before you ask, he did so because he is courting Jane.’
‘So, the rumour I have heard is true.’ The lady smiled hugely but she simply had to know the truth, and therefore she addressed Jane. ‘Was his confession the reason you accepted his courtship?’
‘On the contrary. I almost broke it off when I found out yesterday,’ Jane said with some asperity at being thought to be mercenary.
‘Yesterday? How wonderful. Cousin Isabella will be so very pleased that her son has made a love match.’
‘We are courting… not engaged,’ Jane reminded her.
Amelia tilted her head as she examined Jane. Eventually she said with a fond smile, ‘Surely it is just a matter of time.’
When Jane refused to commit herself, they changed the subject and discussed Darcy’s apology and their plans to rescue his reputation.
‘I am pleased that you have discovered that he is not such a villain after all,’ Amelia exclaimed in pleasure since she had a soft spot for the gentleman. As a woman without marriageable daughters, he had been more relaxed and therefore more sociable around her.
When Amelia found out about the outing to the museum, she insisted on being included. ‘To keep Madeline company while the young people are too busy to pay you any attention,’ she claimed.
To which Mrs Gardiner responded with some asperity, ‘I will have you know that I am not yet old and decrepit.’
~T~
23Curiosities
On the day of the museum visit, Mrs Gardiner received a message while at breakfast. She read the note which was accompanied by several inclusions.
‘Lady Sefton has sent vouchers for Almack’s for all of us,’ Mrs Gardiner informed her nieces. ‘She also mentions in her note that there is a ball tomorrow night, and she hopes to see us. As we have no other commitments, I suppose that we should arrange for tickets so that we may attend.’
The sisters exchanged glances which did not speak of enthusiasm. ‘Do we have to go?’ mourned Elizabeth.
Mrs Gardiner smiled encouragingly as she responded, ‘I am afraid we cannot avoid it. Not only will it put the rumours to rest about Mr Darcy if you are seen to be dancing with him and being on amiable terms, but it will also benefit Jane. Since Lord James is most determined to win her heart, being seen in that exclusive environment will show your sister in a good light.’
Elizabeth sighed dramatically. ‘The sacrifices we make for family and friends,’ she said with a martyred expression, which changed to a grin when she saw that Jane was about to demur. ‘Do not trouble yourself, Jane. I confess to curiosity. I wish to see for myself if those balls are as insipid as I have been told and as you know, I do enjoy dancing.’
‘At least we shall not have to worry about the gentlemen being in their cups,’ offered Mary as a consolation. ‘No one can get foxed on weak bohea or lemonade.’
‘That is true. Unfortunately, those delightful refreshments accompany nothing but brown bread and butter or stale cake.’
‘Therefore, we shall have a good dinner before we go so that you will not faint from hunger,’ Madeline Gardiner reassured her nieces.
~T~
The outing to the museum was a success in many respects.
As expected, the three incipient couples paired off to wander around the exhibits, while Mrs Gardiner and Mrs Carlton trailed along behind them.
Darcy and Elizabeth were most fascinated by the stone which had been discovered at Rosetta.
Elizabeth asked, ‘Did you know that scholars are using copies of the stone to help them learn to translate Egyptian writing?’
‘I do indeed,’ Darcy responded as he leaned closer to get a better look at the bottom section of the stele. ‘The decree must have been of great importance to be recorded in three different scripts – Greek, demotic and hieroglyphic writing.’
‘I suppose the pharaoh wanted to ensure that everyone was aware what the tax rules were,’ Elizabeth said and hid a grin at Darcy’s astonished expression. To make her point even stronger, she too leaned forward and started to read and translate the Greek text.’ In the reign of the young one who has succeeded his father in the kingship, lord of diadems, most glorious, who has established Egypt and is pious towards the gods, triumphant over his enemies, who has restored the civilised life of men…’
As soon as Jane and Mary heard Elizabeth start reading the Greek text, they led Deveril and Fitzwilliam away.
‘I think it best if we leave them to their esoteric discussion. Personally, I prefer to admire more mundane objects,’ Mary told her companions, who heartily agreed.
