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“I would not go that far. But from her recounting she was justified both times, maybe not the exact words in response but there were insults from her hostess that could not go unanswered.”
Once again Lady Susan demonstrated her intelligence.
“The hostess? So that would be Bingley’s sister, Miss Caroline Bingley?”
Lady Maria just nodded.
“She has been a plague upon Darcy ever since Bingley graduated Cambridge and joined society. Both the Earl and myself have questioned him, quite bluntly I might add, as to why he maintains the connection. His response is that Bingley is a good friend, importantly he is a cheerful soul who lightens Darcy’s own temperament. He will not force Bingley to choose between a friend and his sister. He would not countenance anyone even suggesting such a thing with Georgiana.”
“The only way he will drop Miss Bingley’s society is if he drops the connection to Bingley?”
“Exactly.”
“Based on how she behaved in Hertfordshire, that situation might be closer than you think.”
“She was that bad?”
“The usual nouveau riche airs and graces, sneering at everyone, whether they deserved it or not. Since when is the daughter of a tradesman better than the daughters of a gentleman? Attending a seminary and having a significant dowry just shows that her father was ambitious and successful.”
“What of the dowry of Miss. Are we calling her Miss Elizabeth or Miss Bennet?”
“None of the other sisters are here, so Miss Bennet. I have always called her Miss Elizabeth and she granted me permission to drop the Miss. But to society in general she will be Miss Bennet.”
“Back to my question, what of her dowry?”
Lady Maria pursed her lips.
“There is something going on there but she refuses to discuss it. Her response when asked is ‘my father has not set aside a dowry’. She will receive £1,000 on the death of her mother. But she dissembles when further questions are asked. I believe, with no facts to back it up, that she has a dowry from her uncle. But she does not want it bandied about town. But that is conjecture like I said.”
“Interesting. I presume you will force the issue if anyone pays serious attention?”
“I will, and I think she knows it. She is well versed in contracts, and knows that the marriage settlement will detail everything. She is not someone who puts herself forward, there is a natural reticence to her.”
“I do believe you like her. I have not seen you this engaged for several years. Not even your own nieces have captured your interest like this.”
“Given the family connections there was little need for me. This is someone who is without support and I believe she is worthy of my time.”
Lady Maria realised that she had probably overstated to Lady Susan her position, and influence, with Elizabeth. And yet at the same time the second half of her last sentence was the truth. Elizabeth Bennet was worth the time.
--
The next 10 days were trying for Elizabeth. For the first time, she was dragged through the torture known as a visit to the modiste. She may have indulged in a spot of hyperbole but standing at the whim of a temperamental dressmaker was not her idea of a good day. After a discussion with Lady Maria she agreed to buy six new dresses, and all the necessary accessories. Elizabeth did not resent the expense while at the same time promising herself that such a trip was not going to be a regular occurrence. Once her wardrobe had been updated Lady Maria once again invited Elizabeth for tea.
“Do you know whether your uncle intends to move?”
“He does. He has finalised a lease with the Portman Estate for a townhouse on Bryanston Square. The date of acquisition is in the spring I believe. Why do you ask?”
“We need to be prepared. You are accompanying me to a small private ball this Friday evening and we need to talk about your responses to any questions.”
“I understand the need for preparation. What else needs to be resolved?”
“The one that has triggered this conversation is how you respond if a gentleman asks to call.”
“You think it likely?”
“I do not know, but if we do not consider it, then inevitably someone will ask.”
Lady Maria then spent 20 minutes explaining the confusing etiquette of making calls. Elizabeth wished she had paper and a quill, she needed to take notes.
