Page 6 of The Mistress of All & Torn

“I am puzzled, too. My father is quite opposed to London. I cannot imagine what sort of business would bring him there all of a sudden.”

“Will you remain in London long?”

“We have established with our aunt to stay three or four more days before returning to Longbourn, but that was before I found out about my father’s arrival. Our schedule will depend on his business.”

“I hope to stay a day or two in London, too. And would like a walk in Hyde Park, with all the rich people, with their carriages and horses, and to see Covent Garden and to visit some shops…”

“Hopefully we will have time to do all those things,” Elizabeth smiled at her. “I am sure Sir William will need at least a day of rest before returning to Meryton.”

Within four hours of their departure from Hunsford, they reached Mr. Gardiner's house, where they were to remain for a few days.

Elizabeth had missed her sister dearly, but she also looked forward to seeing her aunt, uncle and cousins again, with whom she shared a strong affection. She eagerly wanted to talk to Jane about Darcy’s proposal and about the truth behind Wickham’s lies. However, she was determined to wait until they arrived at Longbourn. She also had to choose carefully how and if she mentioned anything about Darcy’s involvement in Bingley’s departure from Netherfield.

To Elizabeth’s utter astonishment, when they entered the house they found Mrs. Gardiner and Jane entertaining guests: Lord Barrington, a gentleman in his late twenties, and his mother, Lady Augusta. Elizabeth immediately noticed the new acquaintances’ elegant, expensive and fashionable clothes. They were not the sort of people one would expect to meet in Gracechurch Street. She looked at them with curiosity, as she had never heard Mrs. Gardiner mention that name, nor had Jane written to her about any lady or earl. Secondly, she observed the young earl’s exceedingly handsome figure that left Maria speechless.

Introductions were performed and a brief conversation began. It was obvious that the earl and his mother were new acquaintances for Jane and Mrs. Gardiner too. The subjects discussed were tentative, glances exchanged timidly.

To Elizabeth, only a minute was needed to see the earl’s admiration for her eldest sister.

Jane looked well, only a shadow of sadness was blurring her eyes and her spirit seemed still a little low. But her beauty was as stunning as ever and her smile as sweet.

Half an hour later, the guests left and only then were happy embraces shared.

Mrs. Gardiner offered them refreshments, asking about the journey and their time spent in Kent. Then Mr. Gardiner and the children joined them and it was not until after dinner when Elizabeth and Jane, alone in their chamber, could finally speak at length.

“So? Tell me—who is Lord Barrington? He is obviously charmed by you,” Elizabeth teased Jane.

“Oh, Lizzy, do not speak so! I do not even know what to say! We met Lord Barrington and his mother completely by chance a week ago, while I was walking with our aunt and cousins in Hyde Park, waiting for our uncle to finish his business. The children ran, playing, Lady Augusta’s carriage was running at high speed and almost hit them, so they stopped. The earl and his mother were accompanied by two of his male cousins. We spoke, they were all very amiable, they spoke with the children and Lady Augusta offered them some biscuits. I never expected to see them again. Today, we were stunned to receive their call—the earl said they were in the neighbourhood and remembered that we lived close by. I do not even recollect telling them our address...That is all.”

“Really? Well, my dear Jane, I do not see any other reason for such attention than the earl’s admiration for you!” Elizabeth replied. Suddenly, she remembered Charlotte suggesting long ago that Mr. Darcy might hold a special interest in her, but she had always mocked Charlotte for such an improbable assumption. It had now been proven that Charlotte had been correct all along.

“Lizzy, please do not tease me. I am in no disposition for such a conversation.”

The sadness in Jane’s voice betrayed her still-wounded soul and Elizabeth’s heart ached. Knowing too well the reason for Mr. Bingley’s departure and after her terrible fight and harsh, offensive rejection of Mr. Darcy, the chances of Jane ever meeting Mr. Bingley again were very small.

“Forgive me, dearest. I had no intention of teasing you,” Elizabeth answered, embracing her sister. After that, she did not open the subject again. She could never have imagined that the encounter in Hyde Park had not been as fortuitous as they were led to believe, nor how it would change their lives forever.

∞∞∞

The next day, after breakfast, Mrs. Gardiner was astounded to receive an invitation for dinner from Lady Augusta, in three days' time. Her ladyship informed Mrs. Gardiner that they were having a small, unpretentious party among friends.

“Dinner? What could possibly be the meaning of this?” Mrs. Gardiner addressed her nieces. “Why would a lady of her consequence invite us to a party among friends?”

Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who seemed uncomfortable.

“I cannot imagine,” the eldest Miss Bennet answered. “I confess I am rather distressed. Since we met them in the park, they have seemed determined to form a friendship with us for reasons difficult to understand.”

“I agree—it is strange,” Elizabeth admitted. “Will you accept the invitation, Aunt?”

“Would you like me to, girls?”

“Not really,” both responded at the same time.

“Besides, Papa and Sir William will arrive tomorrow. We cannot leave them at home while we have dinner with new acquaintances,” Elizabeth added.

“True. And this will be my exact reply,” she said, writing immediately.

Lady Augusta,