Chapter 11 #2
“We are so happy and honoured to finally meet you, your ladyship, my lord,” Mrs Bennet uttered. “We cannot adequately express our gratitude for your kindness and generosity. I am sure you have noticed that my youngest daughters are wearing some of your gifts!”
Lady Kendal answered warmly, “They look lovely, indeed. Mrs Bennet, I congratulate you on the beauty of all your daughters. Please choose any chair you wish, no formal seating arrangements are in place. I want everyone to be at their ease.”
“Oh, we would be content anywhere,” Mrs Bennet said as everybody sat.
Lady Kendal asked how they liked their house and whether they were well accommodated, and a new round of thanks began.
“It is larger than this and better situated,” Lydia said, drawing a reproachful glare from her father. “It is even larger than Mr Bingley’s house!”
Lady Kendal smiled. “I am pleased you approve. We prefer more privacy, and this cottage is perfect for us. Jane dear, are you enjoying Brighton so far?”
“I am, very much so.” Jane blushed.
The conversation continued on neutral subjects. Lydia and Kitty whispered between themselves, occasionally glancing at Lord Alveston. Elizabeth threw them some scolding looks but with no success.
It was challenging to continue to ignore the younger girls, so eventually the earl addressed them directly, in a light, friendly manner.
“Miss Kitty, Miss Lydia. I could not help noticing that you have been looking at me.”
The others frowned, and even Lydia appeared disconcerted for a moment. Then she responded directly.
“I was only telling Kitty that you are very handsome. I never saw a man more handsome than you, and it is a pity that you are ill.”
A heavy, embarrassing silence fell in the room, then the earl laughed heartily.
“I believe that is one of the best compliments I have received in years.”
A grin of satisfaction lit Lydia’s face, and soon everyone dared to be amused.
Elizabeth addressed her betrothed teasingly. “Indeed, sir, you must remember that I told you the same when we first met. However, your manners now are much improved compared with that evening.”
“And I attribute it all to you,” he admitted, kissing her hand. “So, Bingley, what news do you have? Have you met any acquaintances in Brighton?”
“Not yet. But we have hardly left the house since we arrived, except to walk along the beach,” Bingley admitted.
“But I received news from Miss Darcy,” Jane interjected, flushing at her husband’s words. “She arrived earlier today, together with Miss de Bourgh, Mr Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam. And their companions. The ladies’ companions, of course.”
Elizabeth felt her cheeks burning and gulped some wine.
“It would be lovely to see them again,” Lady Kendal said. “I have not seen them since the ball.”
“Oh, I hope Miss Darcy is not unpleasant and proud and haughty like her brother!” Lydia cried. “And if she is, I hope not to see her at all.”
“Lydia!” Elizabeth scolded her severely.
“What is it, Lizzy? You know I am right. You said so many times that you had never met a man more disagreeable than Mr Darcy!”
“I was wrong to say such a thing,” Elizabeth continued coldly. “I was proved wrong a long time ago, and I shall not have this conversation ever again!”
Lydia shrugged and returned to her plate, again whispering to Kitty.
“Mr Darcy has been a great help to us,” Lady Kendal continued. “He also provided useful insights and valuable pieces of advice, especially for Elizabeth. We are truly grateful to him.”
Mr and Mrs Bennet both looked incredulous. “So, I assume Mr Darcy is the sort of man more at ease in a business conversation than at a ball,” Mr Bennet concluded.
“Indeed,” Lady Kendal approved. “He does not seem affable nor to enjoy society much. But to us, his service was greatly appreciated.”
“Well, I can easily sympathise with him,” Mr Bennet concluded. “I am not the sociable sort either, as I do not like the society of strangers much.”
“My solicitors were quite impressed with his knowledge and experience,” Lady Kendal continued. “And they are not easily impressed.”
“Darcy is the cleverest man I know,” Bingley declared, then looked at the other gentlemen in the room apologetically.
“Oh, I did not mean—”
“Do not worry, we all know what you meant,” Lord Alveston offered with amusement.
“And I agree with all your praise of Mr Darcy, since he was of such great help to Elizabeth. I confess I have never given much importance to my businesses, especially regarding the country estates. I never considered my duties thoroughly until the last few years.”
“I still lack useful skills in managing my property,” Mr Bennet confessed. “But since my daughter is soon to be advantageously married, I intend to abandon it entirely, so Mr Collins will inherit a ruin.”
Lord Alveston and Lady Kendal were unsure about his sardonic tone and stared at the gentleman in puzzlement.
Lydia explained. “Oh, Mr Collins is Papa’s odious cousin. He proposed to Lizzy, but she rejected him and he married Charlotte Lucas instead.”
Her words fell like thunder, and another long moment of silent discomfiture filled the dining room.
With much diplomacy, Lady Kendal put a charming smile on her face and signalled for the second course to be served.
By the time the third course came out, the embarrassing moments were so numerous that nobody counted them any longer and they were met with amusement. As the guests became accustomed to each other, the conversation flowed, sprinkled with humour, and plans for the next few days were made.
Surprisingly, Elizabeth was less talkative than usual during the meal.
Despite her efforts, few subjects interested her.
She found herself thinking of Darcy, wondering how long he would stay in Brighton and whether she would see him.
Since they were situated on the outskirts of the town, a chance meeting was unlikely.
In London, when they had taken tea with Georgiana and Anne, he had never been at home, so that possibility was unlikely too.
Later, when the party was over and everybody had retired for the night, Elizabeth’s thoughts were still on Darcy.
She opened her window widely, admiring the view of the sea, with the water calm and the moonlight mirrored in it.
A gentle breeze cooled her face, but inside she was burning.
As sleep evaded her, she slipped out of the house to walk along the beach.
She took off her shoes, appreciating the sand on her bare feet.
Then she stepped into the water, and gentle waves lapped at her legs.
The beach was empty and seemed almost wild; only the sound of the waves breaking the silence of the night. Suddenly, her heart felt as desolate as the empty beach and she felt alone. And lonely.