Chapter Twenty-Nine
Anne had been true to her word and had written several letters since Georgiana had left Rosings, but Georgiana had been rather neglectful. The morning after the assembly, she resolved that she would mend her ways at once.
Dear Anne,
I must apologise for not having written sooner! I have no good excuse except that I have been rather occupied, but I am determined to do better!
I find Netherfield Park a bit small, but Brother says it is only small compared with Pemberley and Rosings Park, and that it is actually quite a good size for an estate.
There is no other lady in residence, so I serve as the hostess, which means very little, as the housekeeper has everything very well organized. She has me look over the menus for the week, but quite honestly I do nothing except read them, nod, and thank her.
We live quite near a family with five daughters, the Bennets.
Their estate is called Longbourn, and the house is even smaller than Netherfield, though of course I said nothing about that!
I have become quite friendly with the three eldest – Jane, Elizabeth and Mary.
Mary plays the piano quite well, and we practice together a good deal.
The two youngest are closer to my age, but very different in temperament, as they are quite loud and not at all well-behaved.
They voice a good many opinions in loud voices, and then fight with one another about – well, everything!
None of it seems to make any sense, but they evidently enjoy fighting.
We went to an assembly last night, and I was permitted to dance!
I wore my pink gown, the one with the white lace around the bodice, and I think I looked quite nice!
I danced with Brother, of course, and Mr. Bingley, and then two other gentlemen asked to be introduced to me and then asked me to dance!
I saw Brother watching me, but he was smiling, so it was all right.
Mr. Bingley has his eye on Jane Bennet! He sits beside her whenever he has the opportunity and danced with her twice – twice!
– at the assembly. No one could blame him, as she is quite the loveliest lady I have ever seen, and her manners are gentle and kind.
I know if I were a gentleman, she is exactly the sort of wife I would want.
Brother seems to look a good deal at the second Bennet daughter, Elizabeth, who we call Lizzy.
Lizzy is not as pretty as Jane, but she is quick-witted and well-read, which I think Brother admires.
They had a discussion about poetry when we were at Longbourn for dinner; I would have found such a discussion quite dull, but they both seemed to enjoy it a good deal.
I have not yet gone to Meryton, the little town that is closest to Netherfield, but I think I will go there with the Bennets later this week. There is evidently a militia unit that has just been stationed here, and all the young ladies are in a great deal of excitement as a result!
I hope you are going out in the phaeton? Socks does need exercise, you know!
With love,
Georgiana