Page 151 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“Mr Wickham was an officer who was stationed with his regiment in Meryton for a few months. He was a close acquaintance of our family for a short while. Sadly, he proved unworthy of our friendship, so we did not miss his presence when he left Hertfordshire. There is nothing else to be said about him.”

“He is a scoundrel of the worst sort, that is all I shall add about him,” the colonel said.

“He was very handsome,” Mary added, much to the astonishment of those around her. She realised what she had said and turned crimson, mumbling, “That is what Kitty and Lydia said.”

“Miss Bennet described the situation accurately,” Darcy interjected, surprising Elizabeth. Their eyes met and held for another moment, while he addressed the room. “There is nothing else to be said about Wickham.”

Being completely oblivious to any past dealings with Wickham, the statement amused Lady Kendal exceedingly. She imagined the man was a handsome rascal who had trifled with the Bennet girls’ affection.

“And Mr Collins?” Her ladyship enquired.

“Mr Collins, Papa’s cousin, is a clergyman and is married to our dear friend, Charlotte Lucas. Mr Collins’s parish is near Rosings, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s estate,” Elizabeth explained.

“Mr Collins is quite a character! But we are ready to forgive his flaws, as that is how we met Miss Bennet,” the colonel added. “She was staying with her friend Mrs Collins when Darcy and I visited Aunt Catherine at Easter. A most fortunate coincidence.”

Elizabeth smiled apprehensively and instinctively looked at Darcy again.

“Most fortuitous,” Anne de Bourgh agreed.

“I believe I have seen Rosings once. A beautiful property with an impressive park,” Lady Kendal declared.

“Very handsome,” Elizabeth said.

“Thank you. Your ladyship has a wonderful property here too,” Anne uttered. “A perfect combination of greenery, shadow, sun, sea, and shingle. Simply lovely. But best of all is the privacy, the peace, the silence. So comforting compared with the bustle of other places in Brighton.”

“It is perfect indeed,” Georgiana agreed.

“I confess we like it too, as does Elizabeth,” Lady Kendal stated.

“Brighton is so busy that it may become tiresome,” Jane said. “Especially the beach during the day. Lydia and Kitty have found a place for sea bathing. Mama and Aunt Gardiner are both pleased with it. They are excited about the tumult and the bustle of people and horses. The children are thrilled too. But for me, it was too crowded.”

“We shall find a more secluded place for the three of you,” Bingley promised his wife. “Darcy and I shall enquire later today.”

“Surely you know that you may come here anytime,” Lady Kendal offered. “We do not have enough rooms to accommodate many more guests, but there are two more available. You may come early in the morning and spend the day with us. You could sea bathe, then come in to rest, enjoy a cup of tea with us and return home in the afternoon. We have hired enough dippers to assist us all.”

“Oh, that is so generous of you,” Jane said, exchanging glances with Anne and Georgiana.

“Not at all, I assure you. We would enjoy your company. And you will have all the privacy you need. Philip is using one of the machines now and we have another one available.”

“That would be a perfect arrangement!” Bingley cried.

“Perhaps we would not bother you every day, but it would be lovely,” Jane agreed.

“Lady Kendal, we are truly thankful for such a kind offer,” Anne added. “As the doctor recommended sea bathing for me, having the chance to do so without any intrusive eyes would be a blessing. We gladly accept your kind offer, if you are in earnest.”

“My dear, let us not discuss this any longer. You are welcome in our home at any time,” Lady Kendal concluded.

Although pleased with the prospect of her friends and sister’s company, Elizabeth was apprehensive about the proposal.

She cast another glance at Darcy, who remained withdrawn in the corner, silent and pensive. His countenance showed nothing of his opinion; he seemed somehow lost in his thoughts, apparently oblivious to the conversation.

“We should leave now,” Colonel Fitzwilliam declared. “As I already mentioned, I am afraid we do have a previous engagement.”

“We shall await the ladies tomorrow morning,” Lady Kendal said.

“And we are looking forward to seeing you at dinner tomorrow evening. Would six o’clock be convenient for you?” Jane asked animatedly. “It will be a lovely dinner, I promise you!”

“We shall discuss more of this when we meet again,” Lady Kendal said conciliatorily.