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“Enough of that just now, we can talk of it later. We were discussing the neighbourhood’s new resident, the single gentleman in want of a wife, to quote Mama.”
Mary gathered her thoughts.
“That was why I talked of Sir David. My most recent experience in observing the courting process is that of him and Jane. And I do not think it is typical. I do not know if you remember the shooting party three years ago. The Uptons had already closed the house and retired to Bath for the waters. But there was a shooting party one autumn. It was only gentlemen, there was no hostess, so none of the ladies of the district could visit. A few of the local gentlemen, our father included, did attend a day or two of shooting but that was it. We never got to see or meet any of the gentlemen and they were gone within a week.
“All Mrs. Goulding said was that the tenant is a single gentleman with a large fortune. But if he does not have a hostess how are we to visit? And will he be inclined to visit all the estates in the area? There are hundreds of single gentlemen in London, thousands probably, but we do not know any of them and have no way of being introduced. He could be exactly the same, just on the adjacent estate.”
“You do know how to cheer me up Mary!”
The laughed and Mary raised her hands in surrender.
“We need more information. The next Assembly is in a week, Michaelmas is Monday so he can take possession then. Mayhap he will attend the Assembly and we can see what all the fuss is about.”
Mary leaned over and took Kitty’s hands, meant to be a comforting gesture but rather scaring the younger woman.
“I have dodged the issue long enough. Mama had a preference for Jane and Lydia, and Lizzie, you and me all suffered through her obvious bias. I have no idea what this man is like, will he be a force of nature like Sir David, or will he be more measured, but I do know that Mama will attempt to place Lydia in front of him, to the exclusion of you and I.”
“Even though she is only 15?”
“That will not bother either of them. She has a more womanly figure than you and I, there is no hiding that fact, and when you see her next to Mama they are a similar shape. I suspect Mama was an early bloomer back in the day. Now I do not care for myself, I am happy not to be in the spotlight and I hope that I am wrong. But you need to be ready and not let her inevitable gloating get to you.”
Mary let go of Kitty’s hands and turned to her desk.
“In fact, I am going to write a letter to Lizzie and Jane telling them the news. If things are tense here then maybe Jane can arrange that visit for you sooner rather than later.”
Kitty’s eyes were bright with unshed tears of gratitude. Ever since Jane had married life had been getting better for her.
--
The day before the Assembly there was panic in the neighbourhood. The young gentleman, now known to be a Mr. Bingley, had returned to London. But the next day all the outrageous rumours circulating as to the reason for his departure were shown to be nothing but idle foolishness. He had merely returned to collect his guests. And when the party made their entrance at the Assembly Room all the ridiculous guesses as the composition of the party were seen to be just as reliable. Including Mr. Bingley there were only five people.
Mary stood at the back of the room with Charlotte Lucas. This lady was close to a decade older than Mary but she was a friend to the oldest three Bennet sisters. With Jane married and Elizabeth away visiting she stood with Mary.
“What can you tell me of the others Charlotte?”
Before she could answer she was called away to be introduced to the party by her father and once the Lucas family had been made known then it was the Bennets turn. There was only four of them present, Mr. Bennet as usual not being in attendance. It was only after the second set of dances that Mary and Charlotte could return to discussing the Netherfield Party.
“A good start Charlotte, you were the first to dance with Mr. Bingley.”
She nodded but did not appeared overly excited at the honour.
“Father is the only knight in the district and it is not unexpected that he would honour me with the first. He paid me full attention most of the time but his eyes strayed once or twice when Kitty was close to us. He wasted no time in asking her for the third.”
Rather than consider this Mary tried to change the subject and asked Charlotte her opinion on the rest of the party.
“Mr. Bingley is a gentleman, well-mannered and polite. There is an open air to him. The two sisters are determined to think poorly of us provincial folk. They are managing to just about contain their sneering but they think themselves above their company. The husband of the older sister, Mr. Hurst, appears to be trying to drink the Room dry. Florid of face and stout of girth, he is harmless. As long as you do not get between him and his food and drink.”
Mary had to stifle a giggle. Charlotte might be a dutiful daughter but was not above gently mocking her father in the same manner, and for the same reason.
“I wonder if Mr. Darcy had to shoot his stallion on the way here.”
“Shoot his horse? Why would you think that?”
“Have you seen his face? He might be tall, dark and handsome but he could curdle milk with that face.”
Another stifled giggle.
“He does not look comfortable, he has not danced with anyone yet and he appears to wish to be anywhere but here. I wonder why he bothered attending. He is not doing Mr. Bingley’s reputation any favours with his countenance.”
