Page 149 of The Mistress of All & Torn

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In the afternoon, the occupants of the house returned to their regular schedule. Rested and calm, Lady Kendal and Philip awoke in good spirits. Fortunately, the doctor was not needed.

The weather was mild as the burning heat of noon had gone, so they all moved to the beach, sitting at the tables sheltered by parasols. Fruit, biscuits and drinks were brought out, and they carried on in their usual, pleasant way.

“Jane’s letter was an invitation to dinner at their house. For the day after tomorrow,” Elizabeth told them. “They are eagerly anticipating welcoming us to their home.”

Philip and Lady Kendal exchanged a glance. “How lovely. Who will attend?” Her ladyship asked hesitantly.

“Only the family. And Miss Darcy, Miss de Bourgh, Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth said. She felt her voice sounded unsteady and noticed another look between the two.

“I do not know most of them,” Mary said. “I hope they are not all as frightening as Mr Darcy.”

“They are all pleasant and amiable. And Mr Darcy is not frightening either,” Elizabeth added. “Miss Darcy is extraordinarily talented on the pianoforte. I am sure you will like her very much.”

“I only hope she is not too proud and haughty. I remember Mr Wickham used to say Miss Darcy was very much like her brother,” Mary continued.

“You must also remember that we learned facts that induced us to doubt everything that Mr Wickham told us. As you will see, Miss Darcy is lovely company and an admirable young lady,” Elizabeth said with a trace of severity. She took offence every time her sisters spoke ill of Darcy, knowing she was at fault for their poor opinion of him.

“So, how should I reply to Jane?” Elizabeth enquired, wishing to change the subject. “I am sure it will be a pleasant and undemanding evening. With people that we already know.”

“I would rather not go if you do not mind,” Philip answered reluctantly. “Please send Jane and Charles my apologies. We may host another dinner here whenever you wish, but it would be rather daunting for me to go.”

Elizabeth smiled and took his hand. “Do not worry, nobody will mind. I will inform Jane we cannot go and plan for another evening here.”

Philip kissed her hand. “My love, I do not wish to attend, but you should. I insist upon it. You should spend time with your family while we stay in Brighton and do whatever gives you pleasure.”

“It gives me pleasure to stay with you.” She smiled with affection.

“I know that, but I also know you enjoy many other things, and I do not want to deprive you of any of those. I love being with you too, but we have time enough to do so. So, as your betrothed, I demand you have dinner with your family and friends,” he jested.

“Well, well. This is a peremptory tendency that I have discovered, Lord Alveston,” Elizabeth teased him. “Do I have no right to oppose you?”

“On this matter, no, Miss Bennet,” he said. “What about you, Grandmamma? Would you like to dine with the Bennets, the Gardiners, and the Darcys?”

“I am not sure… I still need a little while to become accustomed to Brighton. The fresh air and the sun are soothing but also exhausting. I feel tired all the time,” Lady Kendal replied. “May I decide tomorrow?”

“Of course. There is no hurry at all. I hope you will join Mary and me, but only if it is agreeable to you,” Elizabeth said. “For now, enough talk. I heard Philip did not go sea bathing today and he absolutely must. It is my turn to demand he follow the treatment diligently.”

“I have no right to oppose you?” he joked.

“Not on this matter, sir,” she repeated his earlier statement.

Lady Kendal followed the small exchange with delight and profound affection. Elizabeth’s behaviour towards her grandson and her genuine care for his well-being was everything her ladyship could hope for.

Marlowe and another servant took the earl to the bathing machine, and the ladies resumed their conversation.

“You and Mary should sea bathe. I shall wait for you here, enjoying a cup of tea under the parasol,” Lady Kendal insisted. “However, I confess I am very tempted to experience the water myself.”

“Then you should.” Elizabeth encouraged her. “Mary and I may test the water directly, with no machine. We have the bathing clothes your ladyship ordered for us. There is no one to see us, as improper as we might look.”

Mary stared at her in panic. “What do you mean, Lizzy? I have never bathed in the sea, either with the machine or without! Except for paddling my feet at the water’s edge, I mean.”

Elizabeth laughed. “The more you test the water, the more you will enjoy it, I promise you! You must trust me on this. Shall we all go and change our clothes? Then we may use the second bathing machine. Lady Kendal will stay in it, while we shall swim around.”

“Swim around? But Lizzy, I cannot swim!” Mary cried.

“I can!” Lady Kendal declared, much to her companions’ disbelief and amusement. “So you may stay in the machine, Mary, and I will swim with Elizabeth.”