The tension in the Longbourn parlour lessened considerably once Elizabeth and the Countess had left the room. The Earl seemed content to enjoy his refreshments and listen to the conversations around him. He noted that his son, Richard, had gone to sit beside Miss Mary; they were speaking together with some intensity. He wished he could hear the conversation.
In truth, he would have been dismayed could he have done so.
“I must thank you for your gifts, Colonel,” Mary began, softly, indicating the fan in her lap.
“I wished very much to thank you for your astonishing presence of mind, but could not think how to do so,” the Colonel replied, equally softly.
“There was no need; I understood at once what had happened, and I applauded your action. What of his accomplice?”
The Colonel shook his head. “I know where she is to be found, but I know not what punishment is appropriate. I cannot countenance treating her as I did Wickham. Wickham is an evil man; but I do not know anything about Mrs. Younge.”
“Other than the fact that she betrayed her employer, as well as put a young girl in a terrible situation?”
“Well, yes, but I cannot convince myself that she deserves death, nor that it is for me to mete it out.”
“Deportation?”
The Colonel sighed. “That is likely the same as death, I think, as is debtor’s prison.”
“So she is to escape retribution?”
“It does not sit well with me, I confess, but I cannot think what else to do.”
“I do not doubt that you will do the right thing, Colonel,” Mary replied, smiling up at him.
She is pretty, the Colonel thought. I do not recall her being so pretty; the blue gown she wears is perfect for her complexion. And she is intelligent. I like her, he realised. She is not as lively as Miss Elizabeth, nor as pretty as Miss Bennet, but I like her.
He glanced at Miss Bennet, just as she rose to sit beside the Earl.
“Is there anything I can get you, my Lord?” Jane began, arranging her skirts so that she might sit beside him.
The Earl turned his head to see the prettiest girl he had seen in a long time beside him. “You are engaged to Mr. Bingley, are you not?” he enquired.
Jane blushed. “I am, yes.”
“Will you join the Darcys in London?”
“Yes; we will open Bingley House and stay in London for as long as the Darcys are there.”
“It is good of you to support them,” the Earl observed.
“I would do anything for my sister,” Jane replied simply. “And we have all come to love Georgiana as well, so there is no great sacrifice involved.”
The Earl looked over at his niece, who was sitting between two young girls of about her own age.
Kitty, Lydia and Georgiana were careful to keep their voices low as they discussed what might be happening out in the back garden. “Will your aunt tell Lizzy that she cannot marry your brother?” Lydia hissed.
“Of course not,” Georgiana whispered. “And even if she did, it would make no difference. Once my brother makes up his mind to do something, nothing and no one can change his mind.”
“So he is stubborn?” Kitty asked.
“I would say determined, rather,” loyal Georgiana replied.
“But your aunt…” Lydia said.
“She will come round,” Georgiana said. “Elizabeth will bring her round; wait and see.”
And just then, the Countess and Elizabeth came back into the room, arm-in-arm, and laughing together.
