Jane’s gentle manner turned resolute as she addressed her sister. “Elizabeth, if that is truly how you see yourself, I am disappointed.” Coming round to face her sister, she added, “Have you no sense of your own value? You, my dear sister, are kind, intelligent, lively, beautiful, and everything that is good. I often wish I were more at ease with others, as you are. Pray, do not compare us; it serves only to weaken our sisterly affection.”
She returned to her task, working in thoughtful silence while Elizabeth pondered her words.
“Is that truly how you see me?” Elizabeth asked at length.
“It is. We have been close all our lives. Now, ’tis only we two who are out, and our bond will be stronger for this shared experience. Search yourself, Lizzy; discover your worth and do not let anyone diminish it.” Jane leaned close. “That is how you will rise above the pettiness of bitter ladies who use their words to wound.”
“Where did you learn that?”
“Aunt Gardiner is a veritable fountain of wisdom,” Jane gave a small nod of approval. “I recommend you write to her of your troubles.”
Elizabeth nodded and turned so that Sally might slip the rose-coloured silk gown over her head. “I shall take your advice.” She turned slightly so the maid could lace the gown.
Mrs Bennet came into the room. “You are not ready yet? It is nearly time to depart!” She tapped her foot. “Your hair will take an age, Miss Lizzy. I warned you—”
“Mama, do you have everything you need?” Jane cut in. “I thought you meant to take your reticule and a fan this evening.”
Mrs Bennet turned to her elder daughter. “You are quite right, dear Jane. Lady Lucas always keeps her drawing room intolerably warm. I shall fetch them now.”
She bustled out. Elizabeth stifled her laughter until her mother was out of earshot, then let it free. “Well done, Jane.”
“You are welcome, dearest. Pray, try not to vex her so.”
Jane assisted Sally with Elizabeth’s hair, pinning a few silk flowers among the dark curls and fastening a gold chain with a garnet cross to complete the ensemble.
“There; you are ready.” Linking arms, the sisters quitted the room, bringing their accoutrements with them.
Fiennes
Concealed in the overgrown shrubbery atop the mount, he watched her. Her curls bounced, just visible beneath the edge of her bonnet. Fiennes noted the dirt on her hem, proof of her less-than-careful trek from Longbourn. He remained motionless, his attention fixed on his object. Elizabeth was already his—she just did not realize it yet.
Fiennes drew a small journal from his coat pocket and, with a pencil pared to a stump, made a few notes. This would be his guidebook as he moulded and shaped her. In time, everything she admired would come to reflect his own preferences. He would see to it.
Of a mind to make mischief, he crept down the mount to where his horse was tethered. Using a fallen stump, he mounted, then turned the beast towards Longbourn. If he knew Mrs Bennet, she had forbidden her daughter to leave the house; the woman lamented Elizabeth’s walks often enough. And he knew for certain that the Bennets were to dine at Lucas Lodge that evening. The lively, wilful maiden had no doubt slipped away against her mother’s wishes. How amusing it would be to frustrate her little act of defiance.
Chapter Four
October 1805
Netherfield Park
Fiennes
“Goodmorning,Bennet.”Fiennesgreeted his guest cordially. “How do you do?”
“I am well, Fiennes, very well.” Bennet took the indicated seat, leaning forward eagerly. Fiennes wondered what prompted the usually staid yet sardonic gentleman to such animation. “I wish to speak with you about a venture in which I plan to engage.”
Fiennes affected mild surprise, keeping his mien composed while inwardly rejoicing. For months he had contrived to weave mention of his dealings into casual conversation—tales of gentlemen he hadassistedby lending money on easy terms. Ever casting himself the benevolent neighbour, he had long hoped that one of the local gentry would come to him seeking financial aid. How much he profited from their distress would depend on the particulars.
“Pray, tell me more.” He rested an elbow on the arm of his chair, studying Bennet with apparent interest.
“A friend from university has invested in a diamond mine in India,” Bennet continued. “He is seeking partners and promises an equal share of the profits to whoever invests, along with the return of the initial sum.”
A risky speculation, but one that promised a handsome return if the mine indeed proved fruitful. Assuming the air of a concerned neighbour, Fiennes frowned. “Are you certain this is wise?” he asked gravely. “Do you know this friend well enough to be sure he will not abscond with the funds?”
“Cartwright is the most upright man I have ever met—not a deceptive bone in his body.” Bennet laughed and shook his head. “He is a dreadful liar, too. What is more impressive is his business acumen. Never have I known another man with such a talent for making money. I have complete faith in him.”
Fiennes suppressed his affront and the sting of envy that rose within him. How dare Bennet supposeanyman more intelligent than his nearest neighbour? He would pay for that presumption.
