“More feminine and suited for a lady’s taste?” Mary asked with a small smile.
“Yes! Exactly. What would you suggest?”
“Well, I did notice her reticule is in need of replacing. The velvet is quite worn away in spots. I am sure you could find one that would suit in Meryton.”
“The very thing! Thank you, Miss Bennet—that will do perfectly!”
***
The two moved together so well, Mary wished the dance set would never end, but at last Mr. Yarby escorted her from the floor. She looked around for Amelia but did not see her, so she found a chair and sat, waiting and hoping for another dance with Mr. Yarby. She studied the other single young ladies in the room, some younger than she, others a bit older. They all seemed in high spirits, gaily laughing and flirting. Mary wished she could flirt. It simply was not in her nature; such a false act to attract a man’s attention was abhorrent to her in every way. And, she had to admit, she would not even know how to begin.
But could Robert fall in love with her if she did not flirt a little? How else could she let him know of her feelings for him? She could not simply declare her feelings to him in a blunt fashion. It would be terribly forward. And what if she did and he rejected her? She would die from embarrassment.
Oh, Mama, if you were here, I am certain you could give me some guidance. Tell me how to use my mind and words to win him over.
But as she watched the other young ladies, she reflected that Mrs. Bennet might not have been able to advise her on a strategy. It was not her intellect after all, but her mother’s beauty and charm that had won over her father.
Neither of which I have in abundance…
Chapter 18
After leaving Mary and her brother to dance, Amelia went to the supper room. Of course, at the low subscription prices for these assemblies, a full meal was not served, but there were a couple platters of cheeses, some bread and sweet rolls, and hot tea, as well as a large punchbowl of negus. She would have preferred a cool beverage to the warm wine punch, but as it was the only other option, Amelia moved towards the table.
As she reached for the pewter handle of the ladle, her hand collided with another’s. She jerked her hand back with a small gasp and heard a familiar chuckle.
“Forgive me, Amelia. It seems we are again wanting the same thing at the same time,” Mr. Bennet said.
Amelia took a step back, and gave a small curtsey. “Good evening, Mr. Bennet,” she said formally. Noting his confused countenance, she glanced around to see whether anyone was watching. Assured they were not being observed, she said in a lower voice, “Pray pardon the formality of my greeting. I only wish to keep from drawing attention to ourselves, of course.” She turned away slightly and casually picked up a punch cup. “I am so happy to see you, Eugene.”
“And I you,” he said softly. “May I?” He took the cup from her hand and filled it with the warm mixture of port wine, water, and sugar, and handed it to her, then served himself. The two strolled to a corner of the room where they could observe others.
“You are not dancing?” Mr. Bennet asked.
“I had a set reserved with my brother, but I felt a bit faint from the heat and asked him to escort Mary onto the floor instead so I could get a drink.”
“Mary? But she rarely dances.”
“Really? She seemed content to do so. Oh dear, I hope I have not erred in asking her to step in for me.”
“The only issue will be whether she knows the steps at all! Robert may have a challenge on his hand, but it will likely be fine. Do not overly concern yourself.”
“And…are you of a mind to dance tonight, Eugene?” She kept her eyes on the others in the room as she asked, a serene, impersonal expression on her face as if they were not truly having a conversation.
In a similar fashion, Mr. Bennet looked placidly straight ahead. “I know very few of the newer dances, but if they play a tune for a good old country dance, I might be inclined to take to the floor. If…you would be my partner.”
Amelia briefly cut her eyes over to see whether he was teasing, but he appeared in earnest.
“I should love it above all things, but…would that be wise? You have nearly six months more of mourning. People would talk.”
“Let them. If I do not have some happiness in my life, I believe I shall not live the next six weeks altogether, Amelia. You are all I think of, day and night.”
“And you are so often in my thoughts, I fear Robert thinks me quite addlepated these days. More often than I care to admit, he has to ask me something twice because I did not hear him the first time. My mind being more…pleasurably occupied.”
A movement at the door caught Amelia’s eye, and she sharply drew in her breath. Mr. Collins was entering the supper room. He immediately spied her and gave a nod along with what Amelia thought was a smirking smile. Struggling to remain calm, Amelia finished her drink and set the cup down on a nearby table. To anyone observing, there was nothing that would signify she and Mr. Bennet had anything more than a casual, genial relationship, but she knew Mr. Collins had deep suspicions. She should leave the assembly soon, perhaps tell Robert she was unwell. She turned to curtsey to her companion. Under her breath, she murmured, “I must decline any dances with you tonight. But soon, Eugene, soon.”
She swept out of the room, leaving him gazing with longing after her.
***
