“Miss Darcy seemed eager to continue your acquaintance. It would be a shame to disappoint her. She is so very shy.”
Elizabeth nodded. “I confess, Mr. Wickham’s description of the young lady was all wrong. He said she was proud. I detected nothing of the kind.”
“It would not hurt to call once or twice. I can send you in the carriage with a maid.”
“If you think it best.” Elizabeth agreed with reluctance. Her aunt was right; calling upon Miss Darcy once or twice would do no harm. She would send a note to Darcy House later that week, arranging everything.
Mrs. Gardiner stood. “Let us return home. The children are likely awake after their rest. They will be missing me.”
Elizabeth laughed. “Hattie, especially. She is particularly attached to you!”
Aunt Gardiner laughed with her. “More so than any of my other children. She prefers her mama to all others.”
They linked arms as they left the shop and strode down the street. The carriage waited a few minutes’ walk away, and soon they were safely inside and on their way back to Gracechurch Street.
Chapter Seven
February 1, 1811
Lucas Lodge
Charlotte
She held the letter in her hand. It was still unopened, though it had been delivered hours earlier. Charlotte recognized the handwriting as belonging to Jane Bennet—Collins. Why the new Mrs. Collins wrote toherwas beyond understanding. Jane had never been close to Charlotte, not like her sister was.
Curiosity won out and she broke the seal.
My dear Charlotte,
Kent in the winter is not as cold as Hertfordshire, though the weather keeps me indoors more often than I prefer. There is much to keep me occupied, however, not the least of which is writing to those friends and family I left behind in Hertfordshire.
I write to extend an invitation to you. Elizabeth is to visit me in Hunsford for six weeks this spring. She will depart from London on March 5th in the morning, reaching Hunsford before nightfall.
I have written to my father, and he has agreed to convey you in his carriage. He is to travel hither as well; Mr. Bennet wishes to view my happy situation and assure himself of my contentment. The Bennet carriage will leave Longbourn on March 4th and depart from Gracechurch Street the next day. You are welcome to come if you so choose.
I have not forgotten your good sense and wise advice. Your pragmatism and perspective have been instrumental in my current state of matrimony, and I thank you for both.
I do hope you will accept my offer.
Sincerely,
Jane Collins
Charlotte did not know whether to laugh or cry. Of all the ridiculous things! Her words had influenced Jane Bennet to accept her cousin! Itwasironic. Charlotte could not blame Jane, though. Her attempt at securing Mr. Collins was not known to any beyond herself and her mother.
The weeks leading up to Jane’s marriage had been dreadful for Charlotte. Mama did not stop lamenting the loss of a prospective suitor, acting as if it wereshewho suffered with disappointed hopes and not her eldest. Charlotte kept her dashed dreams to herself. It did no good to mourn that which she never had. Having done so in the past when gentlemen passed her by for younger, prettier ladies, she did not wish to waste energy on such dismal thoughts.
Jane’s invitation tempted her. To be away from Meryton for a few weeks would be a boon. Charlotte had not seen much of the world, and travel to Kent was preferable to remaining at LucasLodge where her mama could continue bemoaning her eldest daughter’s spinster state.
But would it not be awkward to be in the same house as Mr. Collins? The gentleman had paid Charlotte particular attention before offering for Jane, enough that his honor had been engaged. Charlotte’s presence in Kent might make things uncomfortable.
She smirked. Maybe a little discomfort would do Mr. Collins some good. He did not deserve to go unpunished for his mistreatment of her feelings. If fortune favored her, maybe the change of scenery would bring another chance at matrimony.
February 5, 1812
London
Elizabeth
