Mary nodded and took a deep breath.
“Apparently, you like him more than you let on,” Elizabeth said, smirking.
“It certainly appears that way,” Jane agreed.
“Yes, well, that does not mean he likes me, so it is of little consequence,” Mary said.
“Very well, just be calm,” Jane said.
“What if it is clear he does not wish to continue the acquaintance but simply wishes to be polite?” Mary asked worriedly.
“Then you are better off knowing so you will not regret him,” Elizabeth said with a decisive nod.
Mary nodded in response just as Mr. Hadley approached them. She turned to find him suddenly standing before her.
“Mr. Hadley!”
“Miss Mary,” he greeted her, smiling. After greeting Jane and Elizabeth, he turned again to Mary. “How do you do?”
“I am well,” Mary replied. “How are you, sir?”
“I am doing well, thank you. It is a pleasant surprise to find you here this—”
“Whit!” Uncle Edward said as he joined them.
Mr. Hadley turned toward Uncle Edward, smiled, and the two shook hands.
“Gardiner!”
“I see you have met my nieces!”
“Your nieces?” Mr. Hadley asked, a look of surprise on his face.
“Indeed! I had hoped to introduce you this evening.”
“Actually, I recently met your nieces when Lin and I were in Hertfordshire.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes, we met at a public assembly,” Mr. Hadley explained.
“Ah, I see!”
“What do you see?” Aunt Madeleine asked as she and another woman approached.
“Whit and Lin made the acquaintance of our nieces in Hertfordshire recently.”
“That was serendipitous!” Aunt Madeleine said enthusiastically. “Evelyn, please meet my nieces, Miss Jane Bennet, Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Girls, this is Mr. Hadley’s mother, Mrs. Hadley.”
Elizabeth and her sisters curtsied and expressed their pleasure at making her acquaintance.
“Where is Lin?” Uncle Edward inquired.
“He had another engagement this evening,” Mr. Hadley replied.
“Ah!”
Turning again to Mary, Mr. Hadley asked, “Is your supper set available?”
