Page 123 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I beg your ladyship not to distress herself,” Mr Banfield replied. “You could not have possibly guessed it would snow.”

“Of course not! Who could imagine that snow might fall in December?” Lord Alveston interjected sarcastically.

His mocking voice startled the party and made Lady Kendal’s face colour.

“Philip, please!” She then turned to the guests, inviting them to sit.

“We shall start dinner directly,” Lady Kendal said.

“They already know that, Grandmamma! Nobody expects me to walk around the room and entertain the party!” Lord Alveston mocked her again.

Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a quick glance, then looked at their aunt. What gentleman would behave in such a despicable manner?

Each chose a place; Jane sat between her sister and her husband, obviously distressed by the atmosphere.

From where she was situated, Elizabeth faced the earl across the table, again wondering at his unusual beauty. It was no wonder that in his early years he had been a favourite of the ladies, as Mr Gardiner had mentioned. ‘His early years’ sounded inaccurate, as he was still quite young. Very likely close to Bingley’s age.

The conversation began reluctantly, while the servants brought out the first course.

“Again, I thank you for coming, Mr Gardiner, Mrs Gardiner. Mr Banfield speaks so highly of you—and of your nieces—and I can see the praise is not undeserved,” Lady Kendal said.

“Your ladyship is very kind,” Mrs Gardiner responded. “I confess we were surprised but also honoured by the invitation.”

“I imagine you were surprised. I wonder how my grandmother tricked you into coming here tonight. Or perhaps you were curious to see the talk of the town. That would be me,” Lord Alveston interjected with the same sarcasm as before.

His grandmother dropped her fork onto her plate. “Philip, please! You have no reason for distress, I assure you. Let us enjoy the meal.”

“Oh, I am not distressed but rather entertained,” the young man declared. “Yes, let us enjoy the meal.”

A few more minutes of calm followed, then Lady Kendal addressed the Bingleys.

“I understand congratulations are in order. I know you are newly married.”

“Yes. Two months ago. Thank you,” Bingley replied, glancing at his wife adoringly. Jane blushed and only nodded.

“Your father owns a small estate in Hertfordshire, I hear,” Lady Kendal continued.

“Yes, your ladyship,” Jane finally said.

“Oh, a gentleman’s daughter. And such stunning beauty. You are a fortunate man, Bingley. Your father made his fortune in trade, did he not?”

That new interruption was equally offensive. Lord Alveston appeared to enjoy disparaging others.

Elizabeth glared at the young man. She could understand his frustration; it was not difficult to see his disturbed soul beneath his mocking behaviour. He likely was behaving badly on purpose, like a small child who has been asked to behave in front of guests, against his will. His grandmother probably insisted on his involvement in society; she presumably refused to let him lose his spirit in loneliness. But for him, the evening seemed distressing. Even when he tried to eat, his hands trembled. She did understand his turmoil, but that did not diminish her irritation.

Opposite to her annoyed musings, Bingley answered joyfully.

“Yes, my lord. My father made his fortune in trade, and I am proud to say he was the best father one could hope for. And I was even more fortunate in being accepted by the most beautiful and worthy woman that I have ever met. No man is happier than me.”

His effusions of bliss left everyone speechless. Then the earl started to laugh and applaud.

“Excellent response. And I presume Mrs Bingley’s feelings are no different. Now that is something rare and praiseworthy. A marriage of true love! Wonderful!”

He attempted to drink some wine, almost spilling it on himself. Then, just as the others seemed to relax, he continued.

“Of course, my grandmother made a poor choice by inviting you. Witnessing your happiness and realising I shall never be able to reach it, cannot be too comforting for me, can it?”

A most profound and tormenting silence followed, and only the fire in the grate and their breathing could be heard.