Page 49
“No. My initial forays were all fine but there was more than a touch of lack of courtesy. It seemed that no one was making much of an effort. Since then I have become a little more distant. And I do not have Mrs. Bennet screeching at me every day to change my behaviour.”
“You are unhappy?”
“No, but I would also say that I am not happy. The society misses are debuting once they turn 17. If they have not found a husband by the time they are 20 then they are considered to be on the shelf.”
Charlotte had just turned 27, until recently fully acknowledged as a spinster. She looked shocked at this revelation.
“Until recently I had not heard of the phenomenon known as the Fishing Fleet. And it has nothing to do with catching fish. Actually they are trying to catch metaphorical fish rather than the real thing.”
“You are not making any sense Eliza.”
“Sorry. Unmarried young ladies take passage on ships heading to India. They hope to catch a husband amongst the single gentlemen out there. It is a sufficiently common phenomenon that it has a name.”
“Good grief.”
“It did rather take me by surprise. I was sure my aunt was sporting with me when she first told me. Anyway, enough of all that. Tell me about the week.”
“It is quiet. We will do a final fitting on your dress tomorrow. Then they will both be ready. Wednesday is a quiet day, nothing is planned. Thursday your parents will be informed that you will be my bridesmaid. We will go to the church in the afternoon and check on the decorations. It is also neutral ground where you can talk to your sisters and father, if they wish. Actually, now that I think on it, Mariah can invite Mary and Catherine to visit on Wednesday and you can spend time with them.
“Thursday, Charles’ family arrive.”
“Is there a family dinner, for both sides to meet?”
“No. Charles has soured on his family recently. The gentleman who is standing up with him is not even staying at Netherfield Park. He is going to stay in St. Alban’s and drive up early on the Friday morning. We both hope there is not unexpected snow. But he is adamant about not wishing to reside in the same house as Charles’ sister.”
“Why on earth not?”
“She fancies herself as Mrs. Darcy and is not treating his lack of desire as any kind of obstacle.”
“Darcy, Darcy, hang on. Is he not the gentleman that upset the Michaelmas Assembly? Mary wrote of the details in her letter.”
Charlotte spent the next 20 minutes explaining all that had happened since.
“It is impressive in its own way. Not that impressive considering the apology should never have been needed but it does show some strength of character.”
Elizabeth settled into the guest room at Lucas Lodge, enjoying the three days of peace and quiet before Mrs. Bennet was told of her presence.
--
It had been quite the day. Elizabeth was introduced to Charles Bingley and saw that he was a perfect gentleman. What she also saw was Charlotte Lucas giddy and happy in his presence. By the end of the day she was sure that the world had been turned on its head.
Jane had married well, materially comfortable with a good man as her husband. Catherine was marrying well, to the heir to the estate, another level of material comfort although Elizabeth was unsure if he was as good a husband as Geoffrey Warburton. Both of them were following the simple guidelines Charlotte had spoken of many times. Yet she herself was marrying a gentleman who clearly loved her. And she was obviously in love with him as well.
How on earth had Charlotte Lucas married for the deepest love when Jane Bennet had been unable to?
Elizabeth was not bitter or jealous but did find herself frequently shaking her head in wonder.
--
Mary and Elizabeth stood wrapped in each other’s arms for close to a minute. Elizabeth did not realise how much strength her younger sisters took just from her presence. She had been gone for close to nine months and Mary especially had missed her. Eventually they broke apart.
“You are looking well Mary. The colour of this dress suits you.”
“Thank you Lizzie. You look very elegant yourself.”
“Enough of this formal stuff Mary. How are you?”
Mary had to smile, Elizabeth was back. It was only for a few days but they were going to be excited.
