Kitty took Georgiana’s hand and drew her away. “Come, let us ask Papa now.”
Elizabeth watched them hurry away, and she realized that Kitty would be well.
Mr. Darcy spoke, his head inclined near hers. She turned to face him.
“Miss Bennet, I did not mean to touch upon a matter that caused you pain, though I see that I did. I had given very little thought to the condition of women. For the first time in my life, I understand that men possess every advantage. My question revealed how little I have considered it, and I regret that I asked it.”
She could see that his apology was sincere.
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. It was an ill-considered question, yet your manner is so contrite that I cannot remain angry with you. I expect this is true of all women who have anything to do with you, sir; you must be quite spoiled by now.”
He chuckled. “Since you speak in jest, I shall take it as proof that you have forgiven my blunder.”
Before he could continue, the two girls returned. Georgiana threw her arms about Elizabeth.
“Your father said yes. We shall have such fun together. I can hardly wait.”
“Georgiana,” Mr. Darcy said, “comport yourself well.”
“She is a child, Mr. Darcy, filled with the joy of living. Let her enjoy it while she may, for life will intrude upon her soon enough.”
Chapter 39: The Morning of the Ball
It was mid-October, and the day of the Netherfield ball had arrived at last. Elizabeth was taking breakfast in her room with Georgiana and Kitty, and the three of them spoke of the ball with anticipation.
“Lizzy, I can hardly wait to see you dressed in your new ball gown, with a golden ribbon threaded through your coiffure and wearing your new slippers,” Georgiana said. “I believe you will be the belle of the ball.”
“My dear, if I look half so well as I did for Jane’s wedding, I shall be very pleased. You have a decided eye for fashion, and I thank you for the pains you have taken in designing my gown.”
Kitty sighed. “I am glad to put aside the black weeds. It is sorrow enough to lose one’s mother, yet to be compelled to wear heavy black gowns for six months together only deepens one’s melancholy.”
Elizabeth turned to her sister. “I have been concerned for you, Kitty. How are you doing?”
“I cannot seem to overcome the sorrow, Lizzy. Our home is not the same. It is missing its heart.”
Elizabeth drew near and kissed her sister on the cheek. “You have taken our mother’s loss very hard. You were close to her.”
Kitty turned toward her sister and said, “Yes, very close. Were not we all?”
Elizabeth replied, “No, Kitty. Our mother never cared for Mary or for me. It surprises me that you did not notice.”
Kitty’s brows rose. “Are you referring to the times she would take Jane, Lydia, and me shopping in Harpenden and leave you and Mary behind?”
“She spent all the pin money on the three of you, Kitty, while Mary and I wore hand-me-downs. And mother never spoke to us, except to censure or to command. It was easy to see which way the wind blew.”
Elizabeth lifted one shoulder in a careless shrug. “I had Papa. We spent many hours in his study discussing our favorite classical works and world events. I hardly missed our mother. When she was away shopping or paying visits, it brought me relief from her fractious temper. Yet I feel for Mary, for she had no one.”
Kitty said, “At least she is happy now. She and Mr. Collins love one another, and he is especially good to her, for he says that he owes his life to her.”
“I am glad that our sister has found happiness. Thank you for telling me, Kitty. That is a comfort to me. And to see Jane so happily settled is a state I never imagined.”
Kitty turned to Georgiana and said, “At one time, my mother attempted to arrange a match between Jane and Mr. Goulding.”
Georgiana raised a brow. “Mr. Goulding? I do not believe that I have met him.”
Elizabeth said, “And you will not. He does not attend church, so you are safe from his notice, my dear.” She turned to her sister. “Kitty, it was improper of you to introduce that subject, and I forbid you to speak of it again.”
Elizabeth’s tone was severe.
