“And what would that be?”
She handed him a piece of stiff paper.
Ladies Voucher
ALMACKS
Delivery to
Miss Caroline Bingley
Tickets for the Balls
on the Wednesdays in 1815
And on the bottom right hand corner were the initials MS.
The Colonel gaped. “You got her a voucher to Almack’s?”
“I did. Heaven only knows what I will be required to do for Lady Sefton in order to repay this favour.” The Countess frowned mightily at her son.
“No doubt you will insist that I attend Almack’s whenever she attends and dance with her,” the Colonel complained.
“You are quite right.”
“I dislike Almack’s.”
“As do all gentlemen, but you must go to support Georgiana in any case,” his mother reminded him.
“That is true; does Georgiana have her voucher?”
“Yes, as does Elizabeth. Suggest to your Miss Bingley that she accompany the Darcys.”
He scowled at her. “Hardly my Miss Bingley.”
“As you say,” she said.
“I hate those enigmatic replies, Mother.”
“I know,” she said, smiling widely at him.
***
The following day saw the Colonel, blue hyacinths in hand, at Bingley House. He was admitted by the butler, who led him into the drawing room. Mrs. Bingley was sitting by the fire; she rose as he entered the room.
“Good afternoon, Colonel.”
“Mrs. Bingley, it is good to see you.”
Her blue eyes danced. “I do not imagine those flowers are for me.”
The Colonel immediately felt uncomfortable. Should he have brought flowers for Mrs. Bingley as well? Damn these social conventions!
Jane saw her visitor’s distress. “I apologise, Colonel. I am simply teasing you. I will have Caroline come down.” She pulled a cord, and asked the maid who answered it to have tea brought in and to tell Miss Bingley that she had a caller.
Caroline walked in. She wore a simple day gown of cream trimmed in green; the Colonel had to admit that she looked quite nice, and the cream made her red hair stand out. She entered with a smile, likely expecting one of her friends, but the smile turned into a frown when she saw him.
“Why are you here, Colonel?” she demanded. “I do not want your flowers; you may stop sending them.”
