Page 24 of Mr. Darcy Comes to Town

“Farewell,” she whispered, and gently swept her arm upward. The sparrow chirped and flew off. Lizzy watched it for a moment, then turned back, entering the lending library once more. She ignored staring eyes and found her seat next to Mary.

“Drink more tisane,” Charlotte urged.

Lizzy took a gulp of the now lukewarm liquid. “I would like more, if there is any, please.”

Charlotte poured more tisane into her cup, and Lizzy added some honey.

“I hope it did not do its business on your bonnet,” Mary remarked.

Maria giggled. The other ladies stared at her, startled, and then they all laughed. Charlotte sobered and buttered a wedge of Whig teacake.

“Did Mr. Darcy have any conversation?” she asked Lizzy.

“I told him that Cook is writing a cookbook,” Lizzy said, shrugging a little. “He offered a piece of good advice, and then we parted.” She took a bite of her teacake, chewed, swallowed, and then added, “He liked Cook’s rambling bar.”

“They are tasty,” Jane acknowledged.

“That is not much conversation,” Mary observed, grimacing.

“We were not together long,” Lizzy pointed out.

“I am looking forward to meeting Mr. Darcy,” Charlotte admitted. “I suppose we will meet him at the assembly next week.”

Maria’s eyes opened wide in obvious excitement. “We are going to the modiste for my fitting after we leave here.”

“Your new dress for the assembly?” Jane asked.

“Yes,” Maria said in thrilled accents.

“I am excited for you,” Lizzy said, grinning. “I am looking to find a new shawl. I have been saving my pin money, you see. I want something lighter, suitable for evening wear, in Norwich silk.”

The talk of fashion continued until they finished their repast, collected their books, and then parted ways outside the entrance of the lending library. The three Bennet sisters crossed the street while the Lucas sisters turned right.

*

“I will say,” Mary said as they walked home, “that it has been pleasant to be out without Lydia and Kitty.”

Lizzy privately agreed, but merely smiled slightly to acknowledge her sister’s remark. “I wonder how they managed with Papa’s choice of books.”

“I have read both of his choices and they are straightforward treatises,” Mary said dismissively.

“I do not believe either Lydia or Kitty have your intellect, Mary,” Jane reminded her. “They may have potential if they apply themselves, but at the moment I think those books will be a challenge for our sisters.”

“Good,” Mary said, nodding emphatically.

“That is not kind,” Lizzy said gently. “Everyone’s learning experience is different.”

“I suppose that is true,” Mary acknowledged.

The sisters entered through their gates and spied Harry gamboling across the grass toward them. “Ah, hello, boy.”

“And, look, there is a footman at our door,” Jane said, nodding across the forecourt. “I do not recognize the livery.”

“Do not bark at the footman,” Lizzy reminded her dog, who had reached them and smiled up at her with his tongue hanging out. To her, he seemed to be saying, “Of course not.”

The footman touched the black brim of his hat as he passed the Bennet sisters, who nodded back. Jane held out her hand to stop him.

“Sir?”