“Or at least some attraction powerful enough to keep a sensible man from London for six weeks beyond his intention,” said the Colonel.
“A rare occurrence,” said Ashford.
“Extremely rare.”
Darcy shook his head. “You are both determined to be unreasonable.”
“Entirely,” said the Colonel.
He set aside his glass and rose. “Come. We have exhausted wills, wards, and investments for one evening. If we remain here much longer, my mother will conclude we prefer them to her company.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
When the ladies withdrew to the drawing room, the ease of the evening followed them. Cloaks were set aside, chairs drawn nearer together, and as tea was brought in and distributed, conversation, which had been restrained at table, resumed with greater freedom.
“So, Madeline,” said Lady Ashford, accepting her cup, “we are at last to know your niece, of whom we have heard so much.”
“She is a great favourite of mine; I make no apology for it.”
“I do not doubt it. Though I must complain that we have been denied the acquaintance until now.”
“That is more the fault of circumstance than inclination. Elizabeth is most often with us when the town is empty and all of you are at your estates. We have been very unfortunate in our timing.”
“Then we must repair it now,” said Lady Ashford, turning to Elizabeth. “We have just heard of pebbles. I confess I should have expected shells.”
“I had a particular place where I liked to walk,” said Elizabeth. “The pebbles were better suited to it.”
“You see how it is, Elizabeth,” said Madeline. “Amelia is determined to learn the entire history before the evening is over.”
“And why should I not?” said Lady Ashford. “One cannot hear of favourite walks and collections of pebbles without wishing to know how they began.”
“On her first morning there, she discovered a little pebbled beach,” said Mrs. Gardiner. “And as she sat admiring the sea, there was a gentleman who proved himself very useful.”
Elizabeth turned to her aunt at once. “Aunt—”
“A bonnet, I believe,” Mrs. Gardiner continued. “Carried off by the wind, and very properly restored.”
“On her first morning?” said Lady Ashford. “And yet I recall you writing that the introductions were not made until the second evening.”
“So it appears. I did not learn of it myself until later. My husband, I believe, had the account from James.”
“And you kept this from us?” said Lady Ashford. “I think we have been very ill-used.”
“There was very little to tell,” said Elizabeth.
“Which ensures,” said Lady Ashford, “that we must hear it immediately.”
The whole of their time at Brinmouth was then related, though chiefly by Madeline, whose account was far more readyand particular. Elizabeth spoke little, and only when directly addressed; and even then with a brevity that left much to be understood rather than declared. The early meeting upon the beach, the subsequent introductions, and their shared excursions were all touched upon with ease and animation; yet of their last morning's walk nothing was said. Between Madeline's openness and Elizabeth's reserve, the ladies were made sufficiently acquainted with the history of the visit, though not, perhaps, with all that had passed within it.
Lady Matlock required no explanation for what had not been said. She had observed enough; the quiet attention between them, and earlier, though by chance, her nephew's marked regard. Taken together with what had now been related, it left her in little doubt as to the direction of the attachment.
The ton, she knew, would not think Miss Bennet sufficiently connected, nor sufficiently wealthy. Such objections had never carried weight in her own family. There had been marriages made for consequence; her brother's among them, and Lady Catherine's no better in its design. She had seen what such considerations produced, and had no wish to recommend them. If her nephew chose differently, and chose with affection, he would have her full approbation.
Lady Ashford set down her teacup.“And now that we have discovered your partiality for the sea, Miss Bennet, we must determine how you are to bear the town.”
“I begin to think I shall have little choice in the matter,” said Elizabeth.
“Very little,” said Lady Ashford. “We have already formed our plans.”
