Mrs. Bennet’s Story
MRS. BENNET’S STORY
Mrs. Francine Bennet stared at the letter from her sister-in-law, her heart fluttering like a caged bird suddenly offered freedom. An invitation to London. Just when the silence of Longbourn had begun to feel suffocating, dear Madeline offered salvation.
“Oh, what perfect timing!” Franny murmured to herself, envisioning the delights that awaited her: long days spent in warehouses brimming with the finest lace and silk, leisurely afternoons in Bond Street selecting the most sumptuous accessories, and―most thrilling of all―the opportunity to survey London’s eligible bachelors with an eye toward securing advantageous matches for Mary, Kitty, and Lydia.
Leaving her pony and cart behind was not a sacrifice, considering all that London had to offer.
At first, the cart had provided freedom.
But within days of Mr. Bennet and Lizzy’s departure to Egypt, Franny realized that Lady Lucas and the rest of her usual society, including her own sister, Agnes Phillips, had little time to spare for her.
And Bingley and Jane were still newlyweds; twice she had inadvertently caught them in a passionate embrace, embarrassing them all.
Heavens above! When was the last time she and Mr. Bennet acted in the same manner?
It had been so long, she simply could not recall.
The journey to Gracechurch Street passed in a pleasant haze of anticipation.
Franny dressed in her finest traveling gown, the one with the most becoming lace trim and ribbon work, determined to make a favorable first impression on the ton.
The Gardiners would be proud to show off their fashionable sister.
However, from the moment she arrived, Mrs. Bennet sensed that Madeline’s plans were quite different from her expectations.
“My dear Francine,” Mrs. Gardiner said warmly as they settled in her comfortable sitting room. “Edward and I are pleased to have you with us. We have arranged several outings that you should find most instructive.”
“Instructive?” Franny’s brow furrowed. “I thought we would visit some of those lovely warehouses you describe in your letters and shop for myself and the girls.”
“All in good time,” Madeline replied with a mysterious smile. “But first, I thought you would enjoy an evening at the opera. Edward has secured us excellent seats.”
Franny’s spirits lifted immediately. The opera! She would finally have the opportunity to observe London at its best and display her own refined tastes.