“We have more than an hour before the riders return. What say you we retire to our bedchamber torest?” Holder suggested, his voice husky. He was overjoyed when without speaking, Edith stood and grabbed his hand. It did not take long before they were in the privacy of their shared bedchamber.
Chapter 32
Elizabeth was in great anticipation of the celebration of her birthday that evening, not because of any gifts she may receive, but because of all of those who would be in attendance.
The whole of the extended family was to be present thanks to Marie and Andrew deciding that at just about six months of age, John was ready for his first journey of any length in a coach. The Lucases were being hosted at Hadlock House, the Phillipses at Holder House, and happily, Jane and Richard had arrived as they had planned.
Most important of all was William’s presence. Elizabeth had, in her opinion, shown William as much about her feelings for him as propriety would allow. Would he say anything before Papa informed him that he was free to declare himself,ifhe chose to do so? She did not want to make an assumption.
Aside from the fact Elizabeth loved William, thanks to an unscrupulous former law-clerk who used to work for Richard’s solicitor spreading the true amount of Jane’s dowry, Elizabeth expected the attentions of men in theTonto be relentless.
In addition to John, Brian, and their men being posted in the ballroom, the family had contrived that Lizzy would not have a single set available on the night of her ball. When Mr Bingley arrived from Scarborough, with his invitation to Elizabeth’s ball, she hoped that he would agree to take the final open set on her dance card that night.
The day after Mr Bingley’s arrival in London, Elizabeth had been collected by Jane, and the two had gone to Hadlock House to visit Charlotte. They were not sure if Jamey would be home, but he was, as was Mr Bingley.
“Welcome,” Charlotte said warmly when the butler showed two of her sisters-in-law into the room. “You remember Mr Bingley do you not?” Seeing nods from her friends, she looked at her husband. “If you and your friend require privacy, would you repair to the study?”
“Bingley, is there anything you want to tell me or discuss that my wife or sisters should not hear?” Hadlock asked.
“There is nothing I would feel uncomfortable speaking of in mixed company,” Bingley insisted. “Given that in the past Caroline’s machinations were aimed at you and your sisters, I think it would be appropriate for all of you to hear what I have to tell.”
Jane and Elizabeth took seats close to Charlotte and Jamey and then everyone looked at Mr Bingley expectantly.
“You have heard me speak of the apparent change in my younger sister’s character some months ago, have you not?” Bingley saw nods from the four in the room with him. “I know the way I said it made it sound like it was an act. I did that because at the time I was not sure whether it was prevarication on her part or not. I can tell you that unless she is the best actress ever seen in the known world, it is not. I hardly recognise her as the same person I banished to Scarborough after Lady Jane’s coming out ball. She is so very different, even pleasant to be around, that I almost asked her to return to London with me. However, I discussed that with my aunt and uncle, and they recommended that I stick by my word that she was to remain with them until she reaches her majority in September of this year. It was not recommended as a punishment. Rather, they felt that Caroline needed more time to live with her amended character before being reintroduced to London society.”
“As they are the ones who have guided her since she changed, I think that is wise,” Jane opined. Three nodding heads agreed with her.
“If she continues as she is, I will not object to being introduced to her,” Hadlock stated after he saw Charlotte nod her agreement. Hadlock remembered something. “I know Mrs Hurst had been very sceptical. Has she seen Miss Bingley and expressed an opinion?”
“Yes indeed, she has. The Hursts travelled to Scarborough just before Twelfth Night and remained for a sennight. Lulu, that is what we call Mrs Hurst, saw that the changes were genuine, and she is very happy to have her baby sister back,” Bingley revealed.
“Have her opinions of us and ourlow birthchanged as well?” Elizabeth enquired.
“I forgot you remember everything, Lady Elizabeth,” Bingley responded with a grin. “That too has changed. She is very embarrassed of her former opinions and her stubborn clinging to you being foundlings when it was factually established that you were not, even before Her Majesty conferred the title of ‘Lady’ on you and your sisters.”
“In that case, I,” Elizabeth looked at Jane, who nodded, “we will be happy to be introduced to your younger sister and Mrs Hurst if our paths cross.”
“For now, the Hursts have returned to their estate, Winsdale, which is also in Yorkshire, less than twenty miles from Scarborough, as my older sister is increasing and will not travel any further until after she delivers their first babe,” Bingley reported. “So, I am afraid unless you visit the Hurst estate, it will be some time until you meet Lulu and Hurst.”
“Mr Bingley, I have a favour to request of you. It is just that, and I will not think any less of you if you refuse,” Elizabeth stated.
“Unless it is something objectionable, which I cannot believe it will be, if it is in my power to grant, it will be my pleasure and honour to do so, Lady Elizabeth,” Bingley responded.
“In that case…” Elizabeth asked if Mr Bingley would reserve her final open set, the second one after supper. She also explained why.
“Lady Elizabeth, it will be my pleasure to protect you from the fortune hunters. So yes, I would be more than happy to dance with you,” Bingley offered. “I danced with you before Viscountess Hadlock and Hadlock’s wedding, so I know it will be a pleasure to stand up with you again.” Bingley stood and bowed to the lady.
“Jamey, I trust you will bring your friend to the celebration of my birthday,” Elizabeth suggested.
Hadlock extended the invitation, and Bingley happily accepted.
After spending a very pleasant hour with their sister-in-law, Jane and Elizabeth departed. The former conveyed the latter to Holder House before heading to her own house and Richard, who was working in the study.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
For the rest of her life, Elizabeth would look back on the celebration of her eighteenth birthday as the best birthday she ever enjoyed. She was surrounded by those she loved the most in the world, which included all her growing number of sisters. The best part was the way William looked at her. When he was not at her side, his eyes followed her wherever she moved as if he would not be happy unless he knew where she was.
Before the birthday celebration, Elizabeth had suspected, perhaps hoped, that William felt for her as she did for him. After experiencing the level of solicitousness and attention to her, Elizabeth was certain that William loved her as a man loved a woman and not just as cousins.
