Lady Catherine advanced with quiet dignity.
Elizabeth offered a curtsey. “Well met, Lady Catherine. I am so happy to see you.”
To Elizabeth’s surprise, the lady affected a mock frown. “I got a kiss on the cheek last time we were together, and now all I get is a curtsey.”
Elizabeth laughed, and the dowager chuckled with her, then turned to the others. “Mr Oakley, it is good to see you again. It has been some years.”
“The pleasure is mine, Lady Catherine.”
“My late husband had some dealings with their family from time to time," the lady explained to Elizabeth. "I have not been in contact recently. I understand your mother passed a few years ago. I offer my condolences.”
“I thank you, madam.”
Elizabeth wanted a few minutes with Lady Catherine before the night ended. “Mr Oakley, I look forward to our next meeting. If you wish to dance again—”
Oakley smiled. “Miss Lucas, might I have the pleasure, if you are not engaged for the next set?”
“I am not engaged, sir,” Charlotte said, with a deeper blush than Elizabeth had ever seen on her friend.
The couple went off to dance, and Lady Catherine said, “You are quite the fisherman. You seem willing to throw a very impressive catch back.”
“Excuse me?”
“Do not get yourself into a lather! I was curious why you threw the most eligible man in this room, by a wide margin, at your friend. That is my job. I can tell you the shock is quite a trial on my poor nerves.”
Elizabeth laughed indecorously, and Lady Catherine joined her in mirth, though with less overt enthusiasm. Elizabeth was astonished at the grand lady’s change in deportment, but took it in stride.
“Mr Oakley just told me he is trying to build a wide circle of intelligent friends. I thought I would start with Charlotte, then perhaps Mary, and work our way up.”
Lady Catherine grinned slyly. “If you say so, I must accept it… I suppose.”
“I truly am happy to see you.”
“You are not concerned I will take you to task over dragging my daughter out of Rosings then summarily abandoning her less than a fortnight later?”
“Not particularly.”
The dowager chuckled and waved towards two empty chairs, suggesting they sit for a while.
Elizabeth gladly complied, made sure the lady was comfortable, and asked if she might get her refreshment.
“Not for the world. Sit and let us return to Mr Oakley.”
“What can I tell you? You are correct, and I like that you seem to approve of him. I have known him but two hours, and he seems to be all a young man ought to be.”
“And yet, you introduced him to your friend, who you know perfectly well is in want of a husband, and sooner than later.”
Elizabeth shrugged inelegantly. “I cannot help myself. Much like you, I like to be of use. I see two people who would get along well and feel obliged to make an introduction.”
The lady harrumphed in a less than entirely ladylike manner. “Might I dig deeper into this matter?”
“Of course! You cannot imagine I would object to any topic you choose.”
“That is laying it on rather thick. A lighter touch in your fawning, if you please.”
Both laughed gaily before Lady Catherine said, “Might I theorise that Mr Oakley isalmostall a young man ought to be. Perhaps he is notquitetall enough.”
“The evidence of your own eyes says I barely break the 5½ -foot mark, even in boots.”
