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Elizabeth recounted the whole conversation she was subjected to. The two gentlemen had moved to her before speaking, so there could be no accusation of eavesdropping. Frankly she did not care about such a minor matter when compared to the vicious insult.

“He really said that? Tolerable but not handsome enough to tempt him?”

Mary could think of nothing good to say so chose silence. But she could not contain her annoyance.

“Did he not take note of the room? Every Assembly in the country is suffering from a lack of men due to the war. I will not say what I am thinking, I am embarrassed to be thinking of such epitaphs.”

Elizabeth smiled. Only Mary would be embarrassed at thinking things.

“What are you going to do?”

Elizabeth rather helplessly shrugged.

“I am not sure. You know I have a sharp tongue and I was ready to excoriate him in front of everyone. But he is a wealthy gentleman and I would just be seen as a bitter and hysterical woman. I think I am going to write to Jane and see if I can stay with her for a month or so. You know Mrs. Bennet will not object.”

“I know it is unfair on poor Kitty but do you think Mama would let me stay with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner while you are away. I do not wish to be subjected to relentless criticism while Lydia displays appalling behaviour yet receives no censure.”

“Ask. Maybe write to Aunt Gardiner first and get her to ask Mrs. Bennet. That is more likely to be successful.”

Elizabeth wrote an express to Jane asking to visit. Rather than write a reply Jane just sent her carriage. Within three days of the Assembly Elizabeth had left the neighbourhood. She would not return until after Twelfth Night.

It took Mary a week longer to make her escape but she too left Hertfordshire. Her month in London turned into more than two and she would return with Elizabeth in the new year. The intelligent Bennet daughters had made their escape.