Page 136 of Bitterness of Spirit & The Painting

“Do not speak of kindness, Darcy, when you have been so generous with me since we became friends.” He suddenly paused, listening to the sound that had entered through the open windows.

“Who is playing? Is Georgiana here?”

“No, of course she is not here. I would have told you if she was. Someone from a nearby house is playing,” Darcy answered.

“What a wonderful performance!”

“It is, Bingley. So, will you call on Dawson now?”

“If you do not mind. I will return in a few hours.”

“Very well, then. Just in time for dinner.”

“Are you certain you do not wish to join me?”

“Very much so, Bingley. We will speak more this evening.”

In truth, Darcy felt relieved that his friend had other plans that might keep him entertained. It offered him time to prepare his speech for the upcoming conversation that he expected to turn into a confrontation.

But regardless of his low disposition, Peter Dawson—Lord Stanford’s youngest son—was not his idea of good company. In that, Bingley was correct.

∞∞∞

In the afternoon, Elizabeth and Jane visited Mrs Forster, as they had planned. Mary stayed at home, but Kitty insisted, even cried to be allowed to join them, and Mrs Gardiner—whose carriage they used—supported her request.

Even at that early hour, Colonel Forster’s house was filled with people and the ladies’ appearance was welcomed loudly and joyfully. Among the guests, there were several officers with whom they were acquainted and some others who were introduced to them. To Elizabeth’s relief, Wickham was not among them, so she was able to enjoy her time.

Amongst such a large gathering, there was no opportunity for a private conversation with either the colonel’s wife, or with Lydia. However, the latter began, with little concern for the others in the room.

“Lizzy, I have spoken to Harriet and she agreed that Kitty may come and stay with me! I have my own room and we can share it! And there will be a private ball in three weeks’ time and you may come too!”

“Oh, that would be so wonderful! Thank you, Mrs Forster!” Kitty interjected, tearful with happiness.

Elizabeth frowned but tried to remain calm, smiling politely.

“Lydia, we will discuss this later on. In fact, Aunt Madeline and the children were expecting you to return with us tonight.”

“Return? Where? I cannot leave Harriet; it would be rude of me since she invited me as her intimate friend!”

“I would be sad to lose Lydia’s company,” Mrs Forster declared and Elizabeth exchanged a quick look with Jane. The present situation allowed them no chance to insist further. Colonel Forster, a gentleman with high morals and impeccable manners, intervened with much diplomacy.

“My dear Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, we would be happy to host Miss Kitty too for the next few days. My wife is lacking company while I am busy with my duties. Please be so kind as to allow them to stay, if your father does not disapprove and it does not cause you any inconvenience.”

“What inconvenience? They certainly do not need me at the cottage. It is so boring there, there is nothing to do except for sea bathing!” Kitty replied.

They were already creating quite a spectacle for the other guests, so Elizabeth nodded to the colonel and his wife.

“Thank you. It is very kind of you. I will write to my father and I am certain he will agree to this arrangement for a few days.”

Kitty and Lydia’s joyful cries mortified their eldest sisters. The colonel gave them a complacent glance, then said with apparent sincerity, “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, please do attend our little party. It is in three weeks’ time. With so many officers around, the presence of two lovely young ladies would be much appreciated. I must insist on this if you do not have any other fixed engagements.”

His wife insisted too, as well as some of the officers. The entire discussion was already embarrassing, so Jane hurried to put an end to it.

“Thank you, sir, we would be delighted to come,” she said. Elizabeth agreed too. After all, a ball hosted by the colonel could be nothing but enjoyable, despite the fact that she dreaded seeing a certain someone who would surely be in attendance.

Eventually, the eldest Miss Bennets took their farewell and entered the carriage with some reluctance.

Instead of being four, as they had anticipated, they were now only two and Elizabeth’s anxiety returned. However, she realised her concerns were ungrounded. Staying in the colonel’s house and sharing a room with her sister was as safe as possible a situation for Lydia.