“We are indeed very curious,” Lydia said. “Are there many eligible gentlemen in Westport?”
“That is the difficulty. There are few families of real fortune in the immediate vicinity. Those gentlemen who possess both means and consequence are much sought after, which narrows the field for everyone else.”
“But you are beautiful,” Lydia protested, gesturing to Wilhelmina’s striking appearance. “Surely that must count for something. The gentlemen ought to be queuing at the door.”
Wilhelmina blushed. “You are kind to say so. But beauty without fortune is considered an incomplete offering in the marriage market. The local young ladies have learnt to position themselves strategically whenever a new gentleman arrives in the neighbourhood. They descend like hawks upon a rabbit.”
“A charming image,” Elizabeth remarked.
“But accurate,” Wilhelmina replied with a slight smile. “You will observe it yourselves this evening, I expect. There is a gentleman newly arrived in the neighbourhood, very wealthy, it is said, and well-connected besides. I think half the ladies attending the garden party will have set their caps at him before the event concludes.”
“And will you be amongst them?” Kitty asked.
Wilhelmina glanced over her shoulder towards the entrance hall, where their mothers’ voices could still be heard. Satisfied they were not being overheard, she leant closer and lowered her voice.
“My affections are otherwise engaged,” she murmured. “There is a gentleman expected at the party, Mr Rowan O’Sullivan. He is not wealthy in the way Mama values, but he is steady and sensible, and I have reason to believe his regard for me is sincere.”
“Mr O’Sullivan?” Jane prompted. “Tell us about him.”
Their cousin’s entire countenance softened. “He is a gentleman of modest means who manages his family’s small estate near Ballina. His income is respectable but not grand and he is well-read and kind-hearted. He has never directlydeclared his intentions, but I believe...that is, I hope he might be preparing to make an offer.”
“Then we must devise a plan to secure his attention properly!” Lydia cried out. “If he attends this evening, we shall ensure he spends the majority of his time in your company.”
“Oh yes!” Kitty added. “Perhaps if you were to walk past him several times, each time appearing surprised to encounter him—”
“Or position yourself near the refreshment table,” Effie cut in. “Men are always more amenable when there is food available.”
“I think,” Jane said, “that Wilhelmina might prefer a subtler approach. Is that not right, cousin?”
Wilhelmina smiled gratefully. “Indeed. Mr O’Sullivan is quite shy, you see. Anything too forward might alarm him. I welcome any assistance you might offer, provided it does not involve theatrical gestures or conspicuous positioning.”
“Where is the enjoyment in subtlety?” Lydia demanded. But she was already revising her schemes with Kitty and Effie, the three of them huddled together whilst Jane and Mary offered occasional moderating comments.
Elizabeth listened with half her attention, the other half consumed by thoughts of the evening ahead. She would need to be careful and make no lengthy observations, no cleverness that might be construed as inappropriate.
“—do you not think so, Lizzy?”
She realised Jane had been speaking to her. “I apologise. My mind wandered.”
“I was merely remarking that Mr O’Sullivan sounds like an estimable gentleman.”
“Certainly,” Elizabeth replied. “Any man who values intelligence must possess considerable merit.”
“There!” Lydia exclaimed. “We have devised the perfect plan. Wilhelmina, you must position yourself strategically near the entrance, so he sees you immediately—”
The door opened, admitting Mrs Bennet and Aunt Ahearn, who had apparently reached some form of détente.
“Girls!” Mrs Bennet announced. “You must dress for the party immediately. The guests will arrive in a couple of hours, and none of you are prepared.”
“There’s still some time, Mama,” Kitty protested. “Surely that is sufficient.”
“Sufficient for mediocrity, perhaps. But I expect excellence from my daughters this evening. You must look your absolute best. There will be eligible gentlemen in attendance, and first impressions are of paramount importance.”
“Then we had best begin our preparations immediately,” Jane said diplomatically.
They proceeded upstairs in a flurry of excitement. Lydia, Kitty, and Effie led the way, their voices carrying back.
“I shall wear my blue muslin,” Lydia announced. “The one with the lace trim that makes my eyes particularly bright.”
