Page 8 of The Mistress of All & Torn

Elizabeth struggled to conceal her fear and desperation. They were on the brink of wasting the little they had, and possibly even a step beyond it.

“But enough about me...How was Rosings Park, Lizzy? Were you as astounded by its greatness as Sir William and Mr. Collins? And how did you find Lady Catherine?”

“Everything was as I expected,” she smiled. “And yes, Rosings is large and impressive! Many, many windows and staircases!”

“How delightful! And Mr. Collins’s house? I hope you were not too jealous of Charlotte and did not regret your rejection too much!” Mr. Bennet mocked her further.

“Not at all, I assure you. But I was pleased to see Charlotte content, enjoying her new life. She has truly made a lovely home!”

“Well, it is a relief to hear she is such an excellent mistress, since she will also own Longbourn soon…”

“Papa, do not speak so! There is no ‘soon’, only a very distant happenstance, not worthy of being mentioned! You are still a young man!”

He waved his hand disapprovingly.

“Speaking of young men, how is Jane? Still grieving after Bingley?”

“Papa, please do not tease her. She is still out of spirits, I believe.”

“You know, I always believed that the man would return to Netherfield. He does not look like a man to make such drastic and sudden decisions. If he did, he must have been induced into it, by either his sisters or that friend of his—Darcy.”

“If Mr. Bingley is so easily influenced, perhaps he is not worthy of Jane. I hope she will find another man worthy of her affection soon.”

“Perhaps an earl or something? It would certainly solve all our problems,” Mr. Bennet jested. Elizabeth tried to smile. She did have the solution in her power, offered by Mr. Darcy, together with his ardent love and admiration. But she did not value him or his proposal enough to accept it, and it had suddenly turned into a secret she did not dare confess, even to the people most dear to her.

“No such fortunate outcome looks likely, Papa.”

“No? Then what is with this strange dinner invitation? I suspected the earl had fallen in love with one of you girls. There cannot be another explanation.”

“I am not sure either, Papa. But no, there is certainly no falling in love involved; I am sorry to disappoint you.”

“Well, well. Then perhaps I should decline. I see no opportunity to amuse myself and I loathe the notion of a long carriage ride twice in one evening.”

“Papa, you cannot abandon us! Let us suffer or make sport together. I missed you at every dinner with Lady Catherine de Bourgh—you cannot disappoint me again!” Elizabeth laughed and Mr. Bennet eventually surrendered to her smiles.

∞∞∞

The Barringtons’ large and elegant carriage arrived punctually and, after half an hour of smooth travelling and scarce conversation, they stopped on the edge of Hyde Park, in front of an impressive house.

“Lady Augusta must be very fond of your company, since she invited all of us,” Sir William said, staring at the mansion.

“Surprisingly, I tend to agree,” Mrs. Gardiner answered. “She must be desirous of the company of ladies.”

“In such a case, I would be happy to return home,” Mr. Bennet said.

“I will gladly join you,” Mr. Gardiner replied, as they exchanged amused glances.

“Gentlemen, behave!” Mrs. Gardiner scolded them both, a moment before the door opened and they were invited in.

Barrington House was everything spectacular and grandiose, and every step further inside it increased the guests’ puzzlement. Their presence in that luxurious place was impossible to explain; even more so, Lady Augusta did not seem lonely, as there were three gentlemen and two other young ladies, as well as a much older one keeping them company in the drawing-room.

When the servant announced them, silence fell, then Lord Barrington hurried towards them.

They were introduced to Mr. George Lambert and his sister, Miss Fanny Lambert, as well as Mr. Blackmore and his fiancee, Lady Colleen Hodge. Then followed Mr. Gill St. Claire and lastly, the elderly lady, who they noticed to be sitting in a wheelchair—Lady Henrietta Egerton, Countess of Sedgewick. Near her, there was a Dr. Linfield, a gentleman apparently several years older than Mr. Bennet.

Sir William forgot to breathe, Maria was pale and barely managed a curtsey. Elizabeth, Jane and their aunt were stunned, while Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet experienced a growing desire to escape from what seemed a boring, formal gathering.

“We are delighted to have you here,” Lady Augusta declared. “I was just telling my sister-in-law—Lady Sedgewick—how fortuitously we met and how much we enjoyed your company afterwards.”