Chapter Eleven
O n Friday morning, Mrs. Gardiner of Gracechurch Street and her nieces paid a morning call to Mrs. Houghton of Houghton Park. As expected, her receiving rooms were well populated with callers by the time they were announced. Jane was inclined to shyness and, upon entering the large and elegant salon, was keenly aware of the stares directed at them by its other occupants. Elizabeth was no less aware, but smiled brightly at Mrs. Houghton, who greeted them with great civility .
“You keep your word, I see, Miss Elizabeth,” she remarked after the usual exchange of social niceties was completed. “I bade this young lady present herself here soon after my soiree the other evening.” Mrs. Houghton addressed the lady beside her. “Lady Metcalf, did you have the pleasure of meeting my young friends that evening? Ah no, for you were obliged to leave early, I recall now. I shall introduce you then. The Miss Bennets hail from Hertfordshire, you know, and are visiting Mrs. Gardiner for a time in London. I rather hope we might persuade them to stay a while. One needs variety in society, after all. Lady Metcalf has daughters a little younger than you, Miss Elizabeth, and lives in…in Kent, is it not?”
This was politely confirmed by Her Ladyship, and after a moment Elizabeth attempted to make conversation. “I hope to visit Kent myself after we leave London, Your Ladyship. My dearest friend is to be married, and her husband, who is a cousin of ours, has his living there.”
“Which part of Kent does your cousin come from, Miss Elizabeth?” Lady Metcalf was not unwilling to speak to any friend of Mrs. Houghton.
“Hunsford, I believe. I shall miss her company, as will her parents. Sir William and Lady Lucas live a short walk from our home. It will be interesting to travel, however; I have never been to Kent after all and I must assure myself that she is well settled.”
“Hunsford! That is where Lady Catherine de Bourgh's estate is.”
“It is a familiar name. My cousin, Mr. Collins, mentioned Her Ladyship when he visited us this last autumn. I understand the parsonage is very close to Rosings Park.”
Lady Metcalf was gratified by the knowledge of this connection. “Then you will likely make Lady Catherine's acquaintance when you visit your friend. I will be able to write to her beforehand and tell her I have already met you here. Miss de Bourgh, her daughter, does not come to town so I see her rarely, but I think perhaps Miss de Bourgh may be a similar age — certainly in her twenties. ”
They did not exceed the quarter of an hour at Mrs. Houghton's house, but in spite of the brevity of the time, spoke to a good many of the callers there and were received with pleasure. It seemed that Mrs. Houghton's good opinion was a high accolade indeed and those present were as willing as Lady Metcalf to befriend them .
Miss Henning, who had called with her mother, brought a blush to Jane's cheeks by being quite transfixed by her beauty. Jane saw with a kind heart that the seventeen-year-old debutante was of a timid disposition, and gently encouraged her in conversation. By the end of their discussion of needlework, Miss Henning was in a fair way to thinking that Miss Bennet was a paragon of all virtues. Mrs. Henning, her mother, smiled on them and asked if the Miss Bennets would pardon the short notice and attend dear Alice's ball on Monday. “I am sure that you have any number of engagements already, but Mr. Henning and I would be most pleased to welcome you if you are able to come. I am sure that you dance delightfully. What a picture for the gentlemen to see three such pretty girls in our ballroom.”
Elizabeth thought this an odd remark but looked to Mrs. Gardiner for her consent. Jane smiled at Miss Henning's beseeching face and, at her aunt's nod of approval, politely accepted .
In the carriage on the way home, Mrs. Gardiner looked at her nieces. “It seems, my dear nieces, that you are to enter society. I cannot speak definitively as to how this has happened, but you do not appear to be unhappy with this course.”
Jane answered first. “You must not think we are engaging on a course that is wrong, Aunt; indeed, we mean very well by what we are about.”
“My dear Jane, you need not even say this; I know very well that you would not do wrong. I do not know that you have ever even been in a scrape.” Mrs. Gardiner laughed suddenly. “Elizabeth, on the other hand…”
“I protest that this is unjust,” objected her maligned niece. “I am up to no mischief. It is only that Jane and I have the way of making friends. What could be wrong in that?”
“You will need a ballgown. Did you think of that when you embarked upon this course?”
“Happily, I have the same gown with me that I wore to the Netherfield ball, but Jane of course must have a new one, as hers is not white.”
“It must be white?”
“Yes indeed, for how else are we to float in and out of society like ghosts, as Mrs. Houghton says some were calling us at her soiree.”
“Tell me truthfully, girls. Is your intention to catch a husband in town?”
The surprise on their faces answered her. Slowly Elizabeth shook her head. “It is not. We are able to enjoy new company a little and add to our funds by Jane playing a card game or two. We had neither of us thought of returning home with a husband.”
“The ton thinks of little else when they come for the season. If not to get a husband, then to be a husband, and if not that to watch others find matches.”
“May we not simply be the watchers?” replied Lizzy, seeing that Jane's thoughts had inevitably gone elsewhere.
“This is charmingly modest, my dear, but I must point out that looking as you both do, others will assume you desire to be married.”
“So we do, but it is not our purpose.”
“I see. Your purpose is to attend parties, to dance, and to play cards.”
“All perfectly unexceptionable activities for young ladies.”
“Ye-es. Will you accept your aunt's caution?”
Jane ceased from looking out the window at this and turned attentively. “Certainly. We are grateful that you care to warn us. What is it that troubles you?”
“Not every man is a gentleman and not every card player is honourable. I do not tell you to turn from your course — indeed, I will aid you as best I can and foresee that good might possibly come from it — but I would urge you not to pledge more than you are willing to lose.”
“I should never put forth a stake that I could not afford to cover, Aunt. I told Mr. Fitzroy the same when we played.”
“Very well then; I know that you are sensible. Forgive me for having spoken.”
“It is comforting to know that you will watch over us, Aunt,” said Jane with affection.
“Then we shall turn our minds to more practical matters. New dresses must be made and I think we do not wish to forever be stitching to keep up with requirements.”
“We might afford a modiste for one dress, but not many,” said Elizabeth. “The material is of little difficulty — white silk suits us both, and if we may purchase more of that we shall do well enough.”
“I do not mind sewing in the least, Aunt,” offered Jane.
“That is so. I had thought that we might spare ourselves some labour, however. There are many excellent seamstresses in London. I know of two myself whom I have employed to make up a dress or two when I simply lack time. They would be glad of the work, I daresay, and with sufficient incentive could complete a gown for Jane by Monday.”
“This is an excellent plan,” said Elizabeth. “We must make haste and enact it.”
“Quite so — the sooner the better, in fact. What say you to a visit to the draper's for material and then I will see if the housekeeper has the address for the needlewomen I used last year.”
When they returned home later that day, a servant informed Mrs. Gardiner that a Miss Bingley had called, but, seeing that they were out, had gone away again .
Jane made no comment on this and instead went upstairs to put away her things. Elizabeth sent a speaking look to her aunt .
“It is a pity Jane missed the call from her friend that she has been waiting for.”
“I am not sorry for it. Jane looked happier this morning talking to Miss Henning and shopping at the draper's than she has done sitting beside the window hoping for the Bingley carriage to draw up to the front door. It is a pity she was not told we were visiting Mrs. Houghton.”
“Take care, Lizzy — that sounds like retaliation.”
“It would do Miss Bingley a great deal of good to know that Jane was not waiting anxiously to be recognised by her. She would not see that Jane sought her out in town through feelings of friendship. Depend upon it, Miss Bingley thinks only that she is a better connection for Jane than Jane might otherwise have.”
“It is likely that you will encounter the Bingleys in town. Have you thought of that? Will it cause your sister pain? I know you wish to avoid that happening at all cost.”
“I do indeed. I suppose there is no avoiding it. Perhaps it will help her to meet him again — either for pain or for pleasure; it might aid her peace of mind. I daresay Miss Bingley has not mentioned to him that we are in London.”
Elizabeth was correct in this and would have taken no small measure of satisfaction in knowing that Miss Bingley was undergoing the faintest stirrings of alarm at their presence there .
She had dismissed, with little difficulty, the call that had been paid at their home. A brief discussion with Louisa had confirmed the strong belief that dear Charles was not to be informed — surely it would only bring uneasiness and possibly prompt their brother to do something foolish. Caroline had taken the opportunity also to speak to Mr. Darcy who, although uncomfortable with the concealment, had agreed that the timing of Miss Bennet's visit was unfortunate. Bingley, he said, had not yet put his fleeting infatuation from his mind and seeing the young lady again might not be best for him .
Mr. Darcy bowed then and made as though to take his leave. “Miss Bennet was alone, I think you said? I do trust she and her family are well.”
“Quite alone, Mr. Darcy. I do not think she mentioned the health of her family. Shall I enquire after their well-being when I return her call? If indeed you think I ought to return it. Which family member were you seeking to ask after in particular, sir? Her mother, perhaps? Mrs. Bennet was always so talkative on the subject of her health. Perhaps her youngest sister, Miss Lydia. There is no doubting that girl is hale, even hearty.”
In his cool and dispassionate manner Mr. Darcy answered her. “It was a general inquiry, Miss Bingley; do not put too much upon it. Certainly you ought to return the call — I see no reason why Miss Bennet should be snubbed. Good day, Miss Bingley.”
The next time Miss Bingley heard of Miss Bennet and her impertinent sister was when Mrs. Houghton called upon her. Happily Charles was out that morning, for that much respected lady insisted on speaking very highly and at length of Miss Bennet's beauty and Miss Elizabeth's wit. By Mrs. Houghton's account, the young ladies had been popular, much sought after for dances and introductions.
“And little wonder,” said Mrs. Houghton, with a cat-like smile. “Given Miss Bennet's beauty I am astounded she is not already married. Even the other young ladies agreed there was no one present better dressed or so elegant than my young friends, and young ladies, I am sure you know, are usually the last to think well of one another. Even Lady Matlock was charmed and introduced her nephew.”
“Her nephew?” Miss Bingley sounded a little weak, afraid that Mr. Darcy had caught her out in her small omission. “I had thought that Mr. Darcy was out elsewhere and could not attend. He already made their acquaintance in Hertfordshire.”
“No, not Mr. Darcy, Miss Bingley,” murmured Mrs. Houghton, “although it is interesting that he already has met them, for they certainly did not mention it to me. I meant Sir Vernon. How pleasant it is to meet young ladies who do not boast of their acquaintance — they have not even whispered to me that they already knew Mr. Darcy. Well, I must depart. There are many other calls I must make, you know — already word is spreading about town that the Miss Bennets are good company and I must hear what is said. One might almost call them my protégées. Good day, Miss Bingley.”
It grew worse a few days later when Caroline and Louisa met Mrs. Henning in the park. Mrs. Henning, with her silent daughter beside her, boasted of the friendship that would surely grow between Miss Bennet and Miss Henning .
“I even prevailed upon them to come to the ball, so you will see them there. I will introduce you if you like. Mr. Fitzroy was enchanted to hear that they would attend. He lost a card game to Miss Bennet and says that there was never a match he enjoyed losing more. Lord Cranshaw heard that they were in town and sought me out most particularly to ask if he might attend the ball. A Cranshaw! They never go out much — is not that a boon? Mrs. Houghton is so fond of them, you know; I saw them, not twenty minutes ago in her new landau — did you know she had it painted to match her favourite gown, Mrs. Hurst? Imagine it. Dear Mr. Henning thought it a marvellous idea and said that I might perhaps have one myself with the wheels picked out in blue. ”
Alice Henning spoke softly, shy girl that she was. “Miss Bennet was at the card party Lady Metcalf held last evening. She won every game and Mr. Eckworth said that Mr. Fitzroy owed the introduction to…” she broke off in the face of Miss Bingley's stare. “I…I did admire her dress; she looked beautiful. Mama says I might try a dress in white silk myself, although I do not think I will look so well in it as Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth.”
“I see,” said Miss Bingley. “I do not recall ever having seen the Miss Bennets in silk when we knew them in Hertfordshire. Do you, Louisa?”
“No, never,” replied Mrs. Hurst, “but then I suppose our acquaintance was only a passing one.”
“Indeed? That is not what Mr. Hurst told Mr. Henning the other evening at White's — he said that their father's estate was very pleasing and that they stayed at Netherfield for a little time. As to not wearing silk in the country, I think very well of them for it — too many people betray vulgarity by overdressing in the country. It is as I told my dear Alice — simplicity is what is needed when one is at home. ”
Mrs. Hurst, as surprised as her sister, though perhaps not so piqued, was unable to find a reply .
“You said that the Miss Bennets will be at your ball this evening, Mrs. Henning. We shall look forward to seeing them there then, and all of you of course. We are all anticipating the event. I believe my brother reserved a dance with you, Miss Henning? He will be most anxious to enjoy it.” Miss Bingley looked at her sister and gave a very creditable start. “Louisa, my dear, are you quite well? You look so very pale all of a sudden. Let me take your arm, sister, and we will summon the carriage. Forgive me, Mrs. Henning, but as you can see I am all sisterly concern now and can think of nothing else but getting Mrs. Hurst home. We shall see you later on, I trust, unless Louisa feels very ill. I am sure it will not come to that, however.”
Once in the carriage Caroline hissed at Mrs. Hurst, “At least hold your head in your hands as though you have a megrim, Louisa. What on earth is Mr. Hurst about? Did you not tell him that the Bennets were not to be acknowledged if we could possibly help it?”
“Why must I be the one who is ill, Caroline?” objected her sister, ignoring the accusation against her husband. “You might have pretended to faint or something — I most particularly wished to go out this evening!”
“Certainly not. We are to dine at Lady Matlock's tomorrow and that is an opportunity I must not miss. Darcy might be in attendance. If I were to miss this insipid ball for that insipid miss, then I should also be obliged to stay in tomorrow. It is much less inconvenient if you are the one who is ill. We must keep Charles in. What does Miss Eliza think she is doing by coming to town? They had much better have remained in the country.” She sat for a moment or two in deep thought as the horses began to pull into their harness and the carriage wheels rolled forward. “And dressed in silk too! I cannot fathom it.”