Page 13 of The Heir and Spare
“What is there to know besides our complete compatibility?” She smiled a dreamy and utterly naïve smile, and Elizabeth realized her mistake in not preparing Mary for the euphoric sense of infatuation up against the cares of determining if it was a truly wise direction to follow. “Well, as a matter of fact, there are many things to know.”
They entered the lavender room together and Miss Vincent joined them. “I have been wanting to know the sister of the intriguing Miss Mary.” She smiled warmly and Mary introduced them. “Miss Vincent comes from the coastal town of Scarborough. She has actually been sea bathing before.”
“Have you? I must know how it is done.”
“I am happy to give you all the details, though some are more palatable than others.” She shivered.
Elizabeth laughed. “Now I must know.”
“Perhaps in less crowded company.”
She nodded, more than a little intrigued.
The housekeeper, Mrs. Godly, joined them, followed by maids with trays. “We have some cordial and tea as well as some of our cook’s excellent tarts and small cakes. I think you will find it all to be delectable as she is much applauded in the area.”
An appreciative murmur and small exclamations of delight seemed to gratify Mrs. Godley enough. She curtseyed and left them to themselves.
“Shall I pour?” One of the ladies with calculating eyes stepped forward as acting hostess for their group. A more competitive side of Elizabeth would have bristled at that, but as things sat, she had no need to position herself in any which way. She was more of the mind of Mr. Darcy, seeking connection before posturing. Though she was rather particular about her tea. “Thank you. Shall I assist?”
The flat-lined smile sent in Elizabeth’s direction was not the friendliest of reactions, but she chose to ignore it. Perhaps she simply did not know how to be friendly. Though that idea was ridiculous, it was easier to swallow and respond to as well.
Miss Vincent and Mary laughed together while Elizabeth dealt with the flat-lipped tea pourer. “I don’t believe we have been introduced. I’m Elizabeth Bennet…”
The other woman sniffed and then nodded. “It is a pleasure to meet you. I’m Miss Winderly, from London.”
“Oh, you are the only person here from actual London, I do believe. So many are from so far.”
“I cannot account for it myself. Lord Shackley was a dear friend of my late governess.”
“And of your parents?”
“Certainly, though they have much less to do with me than my governess did.”
Much needed explanation in that situation in Elizabeth’s mind but she let it pass. “Do you know anyone else at the party?”
“Not from before, no. How about you?”
She was about to explain Mr. Darcy’s brief meeting but decided against it. “My sister. Mary Bennet.” She indicated Mary.
“Ah yes, she’s lovely.”
“Thank you.”
They poured and passed out tea to everyone’s specifications and at last for themselves. They moved to sit but not before Miss Winderly poured a sizable amount of cordial into her tea.
Elizabeth wondered at that but pretended she didn’t notice.
They had been offered cordial, had they not? Miss Winderly could drink of whatever she liked even if she hid it in her tea.
A shadow passed in the hall.
“Mr. Darcy!” One of the other two ladies nearly shrieked out his name.
He stepped back into the doorframe with his eyebrows up. “Yes?”
She rushed to his side and clung to his arm. “Would you care for some tea?” She nearly dragged him forward.
He paused their entrance. “I do believe I’m intruding, am I not?” His eyes sought Elizabeth, who could only shrug in general amusement.
