Page 145 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Do not worry, we are ready! We shall wear the gowns Lady Kendal sent us. They are better suited for a ball, but they will do for dinner with an earl too,” Lydia continued.

“This is even more special than a ball, as we shall meet Lady Kendal and Lord Alveston for the first time. I still cannot believe this is truly happening. My Lizzy, married to an earl! You will be even richer than Mr Darcy,” Mrs Bennet uttered.

“Well, Mrs Bennet, you must be grateful that Lizzy disobeyed you and rejected Mr Collins. Surely you remember how much you insisted on her accepting him. If she had done, there would be no earldom, no holiday in Brighton, and no gowns or fripperies,” Mr Bennet said sardonically. His wife paled.

“Indeed, I do remember. How fortunate that Lizzy has always been so headstrong and obstinate! Oh, I hope I shall not say anything of the kind tomorrow! God forbid that Lord Alveston changes his mind and breaks the engagement! Dear sister, do stop me if I speak nonsense,” Mrs Bennet addressed Mrs Gardiner.

“Yes, please do so, sister. And this would be a good moment to begin,” Mr Bennet added with the same sarcasm.

Elizabeth exchanged a worried glance with her aunt and uncle. The dinner party would surely be a challenging gathering.

∞∞∞

The meeting between the Bennets, Lord Alveston, and Lady Kendal was a reason for preoccupation for Elizabeth.

The dining room was arranged more formally than for a usual family dinner, and several courses were ordered. As had been previously planned, Mr Bennet arrived first, and, together with Mr Gardiner, met her ladyship in the study.

Mr Bennet was uneasy about his daughter’s decision to enter into this marriage and, despite Elizabeth’s assurances, his distress persisted. Therefore, he raised countless enquiries, asked for details, and offered his reluctant opinion.

Even after the discussion, his heart remained heavy. He had no reason to doubt the earl or his grandmother’s character, but the particulars of the arrangement raised huge concerns. Yet, he could do nothing but accept. The settlement was so generously in Elizabeth’s favour that she and her entire family would be able to live comfortably for the rest of their lives.

Afterwards, Lord Alveston was assisted to his place at the table. Mr Bennet was invited to sit at one end, while Lady Kendal was at the other with Mary at her side.

The earl looked nervous, and Elizabeth sat next to him, holding his hand for encouragement. On Lord Alveston’s other side sat Mr Gardiner.

At the appointed hour, the other guests entered: the rest of the Bennet ladies, Jane and Bingley, and Mrs Gardiner. They were greeted by Lady Kendal and Elizabeth. Mr Gardiner and Mr Bennet remained in their seats, like Lord Alveston—a small gesture of consideration much appreciated by the earl.

The Bennet ladies were introduced to her ladyship, then to the earl.

“We are so happy and honoured to finally meet you, your ladyship, my lord,” Mrs Bennet uttered. “We cannot adequately express our gratitude for your kindness and generosity. I am sure you have noticed that my youngest daughters are wearing some of your gifts!”

Lady Kendal answered warmly, “They look lovely, indeed. Mrs Bennet, I congratulate you on the beauty of all your daughters. Please choose any chair you wish, no formal seating arrangements are in place. I want everyone to be at their ease.”

“Oh, we would be content anywhere,” Mrs Bennet said as everybody sat.

Lady Kendal asked how they liked their house and whether they were well accommodated, and a new round of thanks began.

“It is larger than this and better situated,” Lydia said, drawing a reproachful glare from her father. “It is even larger than Mr Bingley’s house!”

Lady Kendal smiled. “I am pleased you approve. We prefer more privacy, and this cottage is perfect for us. Jane dear, are you enjoying Brighton so far?”

“I am, very much so.” Jane blushed.

The conversation continued on neutral subjects. Lydia and Kitty whispered between themselves, occasionally glancing at Lord Alveston. Elizabeth threw them some scolding looks but with no success.

It was challenging to continue to ignore the younger girls, so eventually the earl addressed them directly, in a light, friendly manner.

“Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia. I could not help noticing that you have been looking at me.”

The others frowned, and even Lydia appeared disconcerted for a moment. Then she responded directly.

“I was only telling Kitty that you are very handsome. I never saw a man more handsome than you, and it is a pity that you are ill.”

A heavy, embarrassing silence fell in the room, then the earl laughed heartily.

“I believe that is one of the best compliments I have received in years.”

A grin of satisfaction lit Lydia’s face, and soon everyone dared to be amused.