Page 34 of Cousin Elizabeth
“Yes, and papa had once said our house was a replica of the one he grew up in, but I didn’t realize it was such a close copy until we went to Pemberley! It is half the size though. I can’t imagine why we would need so many rooms!”
Gigi smiled shyly while the sisters sat quietly in consternation. “The Darcy’s used to be a much larger family. It was only in the last three generation that there were less than ten children born, so there would have been many children and grandchildren living in the house at the same time.”
“Yes, I guess so. Now it’s just you and your brother, the same as with Ethan and me. Even fifty rooms seem a lot to rattle around in. My brother needs to marry and start filling up the halls!”
“What about you, Beth?” Caroline was not at all timid, but the question came out in a timorous voice.
“Well, I don’t know Caroline. I have yet to meet a man who meets my high ideals. I have more than enough money to live on, and Ethan said he can always stick me in the other wing if I annoy him too much. This is the first traveling I’ve done, and I rather like it! Maybe if I can get my brother married off, I could travel the world!”
“What about children?” Louisa asked.
“I think I could be happy being the batty aunt of my brothers’ children. Bring them back treasures from all over the world.”
Caroline sat back, “I have never met anyone like you.”
Gigi giggled just as the men were entering the room, “Wait until you meet Lizzy and Lydia!”
Miss Bingley popped up and diverted her attention to Mr. Darcy. “What do you think of this Lizzy and Lydia?”
“I have not met Miss Elizabeth. Miss Lydia is not out.”
Mr. Bingley said chirpily, “Well it is a good thing there is an assembly day after tomorrow. We can meet all the Bennets then!”
Chapter Twenty-nine
It had been decided, that since neither Kitty nor Lydia were out, that Gigi would spend the night of the assembly at Longbourn where Mrs. Greaves could look after them. Mr. Bennet would escort his three eldest and dance the first with Mary since this would be her coming out. Bennet hoped to ask Mrs. Russell for a dance or two. The girls had been helping him brush up on his dance steps. Lizzy had been the last to come out before his wife died, some five years ago, at the age of just fifteen. It had been discussed for Lizzy to go back in, but Jane felt she was mature enough, and besides, she did not want to be the only one out. Regardless, he was rusty and did not want to embarrass himself with Mrs. Russell or his daughter.
Beth brought Gigi over early so she could visit with her cousins before having to dress for the assembly. “William is in a terrible mood today. Miss Bingley tripped and nearly fell into his lap last evening, and he thinks she did it on purpose. I saw her toe catch on her dress, and she was mortified when she fell into him.”
“But Beth, there was that time at Pemberley…”
“Yes, you told me, but Isawher trip.”
Lizzy raised an eyebrow, “So…she may havetriedto compromise himbefore, but you do not think this was an attempt?”
“You surmised a great deal from a few words, but yes. Caroline flirts, badly, with both Theo and William. Neither have any interest her. She is a known social climber, but I find her interesting…and occasionally comical. If she would just be herself around the gentlemen, she might make at least a bit of headway.”
“I look forward to meeting her. What of the rest of the household?”
“Mr. Hurst likes his food and drink a bit too much, but he is polite and conversant. Mrs. Hurst, the eldest Bingley sibling, is quiet. She supports her sister in all things. She reminds me a bit of Kitty…more on the inside than shows on the outside. Mr. Bingley is…enthusiastic. He is a happy fellow, and not who I would ever imagine William having a close friendship with. I could be wrong about that. Will is not outwardly lively, but he seems to gravitate to people who are. Colonel Fitzwilliam is very spirited.”
“And you are very cheerful Beth. He liked you from the start. I have never seen him so relaxed around a lady as he is around you.You have said your brother is very much like Will, does he prefer lively friends?”
“Well, John is his best friend, but all the friends he brought to visit from school were very jaunty. Ethan is not quite as reticent as your brother though.”
Lydia had been listening quietly to the conversation. “I think Mr. Darcy is shy around those he does not know, and distrustful. He has been hurt and betrayed and protects himself.”
Both Gigi and Beth looked at her for a moment and nodded. “You are likely right, Lyddie.”
Elizabeth and Jane glanced at each other then Jane said, “Then we will not make judgements on first impressions. Mr. Darcy sounds like he will be reticent and standoffish in a gathering where he knows few. Do you agree Lizzy?”
“I know I tend to judge too quickly. I will try.”
“Please try Lizzy. Will has a mask he puts on in public. I wish the rest of you had met him in Ramsgate where he was so relaxed and happy.”
“He was playful too!” Kitty told them the story of him chasing Beth around trying to retrieve a letter.
“Well, I best get back and dress for the Great Meryton Assembly! One of my cousins is coming out, I have heard. I must not look like a country cousin from America when I meet all her friends!”
