Miss Bingley, who has been rather a thorn in everyone’s side, has been banished from Netherfield and sent to some relative up north. Perhaps it is rude to say this, but Netherfield is a far better place without her. You see that I am affected by Mary, as I am telling a simple truth even if it is not strictly polite to do so!
Your always loving great-niece,
Georgiana
***
Dear Georgiana,
I am happy to know that you are having an enjoyable time in Meryton. Your description of the Bennet sisters made me smile; it sounds as though they are very interesting individuals.
Miss Elizabeth is quite right; it would not do at all for her to become Mrs. Darcy when there is very likely going to be a stain on her reputation. I give her credit for understanding that. It is not just you who would be affected, Georgiana; your uncle and I would be made to feel it as well.
Until that girl is found, Miss Elizabeth Bennet cannot become Mrs. Darcy. I hope everyone involved understands that!
Your loving and very wise,
Aunt Eleanor
Chapter Forty-Four
Away from her stern and unforgiving dance master, Miss Alice proved to be nimble and graceful. Lydia taught her some of the tricks she and her sisters had used to master the steps, and chuckled when she heard Miss Alice whispering them under her breath as she moved.
“I am so grateful, Lydia!” she said on their final practice session before the ball was to take place.
“As I am grateful to you, Miss Alice. I know not what would have happened to me had you not taken pity on me.” Lydia spoke fervently.
“I am glad I could – but oh! I almost forgot! Mama said that you are to help serve at the ball tomorrow; she thought you would enjoy seeing all the pretty dresses.”
As it happened, Lydia would much rathernothave to stand on her feet all night long after having been on her feet all day, helping the other maids clean the house until it sparkled, but she could not say so. Instead, she said, “How very kind of her! But it would be best if she were to convey her instructions to Mrs. Hodges, otherwise I will not be excused from my regular duties.”
“Oh, of course. We must protect Mrs. Hodges’ feelings at all costs.” Miss Alice actually rolled her eyes, causing Lydia to laugh aloud.
***
Lydia found Edith changing the sheets on Miss Emily’s bed, and she immediately ran in to help.
“Back from the ballroom, are ya?” Edith asked.
“Yes, and you will be delighted to hear that I am to serve at the ball tomorrow night while you are resting with your feet up!”
“But why? It is for the footmen to serve, not us!” Edith was indignant.
“Her ladyship has taken it into her head that it is a reward of some sort for me,” Lydia grumbled.
Mrs. Hodges’ arrival interrupted them. “So you are to serve at the ball tomorrow night, Lydia, according to her ladyship! Did she ask my opinion of the matter? No, she did not! ‘Have that Lydia girl help at the ball,’ says she, and so I shall. But you are to stay out of sight, do you hear me? And do whatever Mr. Durston tells you!”
Lydia agreed, though not with any enthusiasm.
***
The next day was a long one. Lydia and Edith were up before dawn, obeying orders barked out by Mrs. Hodges and Mr. Durston. The house was to be sparkling clean, flowers were to be arranged perfectly, the massive chandeliers in the ballroom were equipped with brand new beeswax candlesticks. The kitchen was downright frenetic; family and servants alike had only cold repasts throughout the day while Cook and her assistants worked on the feast that would be offered to the guests that night.
“Will we get any of it?” Edith whispered to Lydia.
“Depends; if there are leftovers, they will go to us.”
“You’ll get some though, right enough,” Edith whispered, enviously. “Put one of them cinnamon things in yer pocket fer me!”
