Page 4 of The Heir and Spare
Before her mother could begin wailing anew, her father’s voice interrupted behind them. “He is a colleague of mine. Wecorrespond weekly on all manner of topics. He’s an eccentric to be sure but a brilliant mind. You will find his wit delicious, and his knowledge of the world is unmatched. I’m quite envious, actually.” He smiled and reached for his daughter’s hand. “As for why he chose the two of you, I cannot say. But I suggest you enjoy yourselves. It promises to be highly diverting if not quizzical at times. And I would guess his invitation to include some fine minds indeed.”
Lizzie nodded, her interest and curiosity definitely piqued.
Mary stepped forward, glancing nervously at their mama. “Am I to go then? Truly?” She showed the tiniest spark of hope as if she daren’t but wished to.
Her mother commenced wailing again. “Oh, my Lydia! Never to have an opportunity like the rest of you and by far the prettiest outside of Jane.” She clutched her eldest daughter’s hands. “It is not for nothing you are so lovely. Bingley will marry you and save us all, mark my words.” Her eyes were wide and desperate.
Lizzie looked to her father. What were they to do?
He shook his head and stepped out into the hall. Mary and Lizzie followed. “I do believe your invitations are due to my intimacy with him. We are quite close by letter. And he knows of all my daughters. Perhaps he knew you to be the most appreciative of his humor or his library.” Her father winked. “Either way, it will be a good diversion will it not?”
Mary nodded and clutched her hands to her chest. “I shall treasure every moment. Do you think he will appreciate a good sermon?”
Her father chuckled. “I cannot say. We have not been overly communicative about the things of the cloth. But I daresay someone there might wish to humor you.” He patted her hand, sharing a glance with Lizzie. “Follow your sister’s good example in her decorum and conversation. She will lead you well.”
Lizzie tried to wrap her mind around this new turn. She was intrigued. And curious. And it provided such a different diversion to her normal predictable life she admitted to being quite excited. “So, he has an impressive library you assume?”
Her father’s eyes twinkled. “Judging by his correspondence, I would guess one of the best. He is quite knowledgeable on many different topics and quotes different authors as though they are dear friends.”
Lizzie could tell by the way he lingered in thought that he treasured this correspondence. She wondered just how much influence he had exerted to gain an invitation. But she was grateful. It would be good to get away. Especially with her dear Jane so well situated and being courted by Bingley. She could avoid the awful Darcy and still hope the best for his friend.
She kissed Jane on the cheek as she hummed with a little skip down the hall to call for a trunk to be brought to her room.
The next day was filled with preparations for the two girls to leave. It was not often they were invited to do anything outside of Longbourne. In fact, none had ever been to a house party. Their mother had stopped wailing and eventually left her room to exert herself in the girls’ behalf. She had many thoughts on colors to wear and which bonnets to bring. She even had the girls bring their newer ball gowns just in case. By the time they were loading into the carriage, she had even summoned a smile and a hope for Mary to do really well. “If you smile more, my dear, you shall find the man for you. I’m sure there is one who loves to read and carry on about Fordyce’s sermons the way you do.” She dabbed her eyes. Though she didn’t sound very convincing, Mary seemed cheered by her words.
Lizzie put an arm across her shoulders. “Don’t worry, sister. We shall find much with which to divert ourselves, I’m certain of it.”
“I daren’t breathe wrong for fear she will stop my going.”
“Never fear. Father is right there ensuring our departure.” She smiled warmly at him. “Thank you. We shall write when we arrive.”
“And do make a note of all that is ridiculous so that we may divert ourselves later.”
“I will. But perhaps it shall not be as ridiculous as it is fanciful. Or even fun.” She winked, and then she and Mary stepped up into the carriage.
Her sister breathed out in relief as soon as they started moving and then her tears began to fall. “Shall I really be allowed to attend? I cannot believe it.” She wiped at her eyes, but the tears kept flowing.
“Oh, my dear.” Lizzie moved to sit at her side. “Of course we are off. We are moving, see? Father has made sure of it.”
She sniffed again and again but eventually the tears stopped, and she leaned into Lizzie with a smile. “I think this shall be the happiest times of my life. I shall not want to leave.”
Lizzie squeezed her. “We shall experience them together whatever they may be. I’m quite as excited as you, I think. At least for the library.”
“And who knows but the others who are invited have a predilection for books too? Or something in common with us?” Mary lifted out a novel.
“What is this? Are you reading fiction now?”
“I thought I should so that I know how to function in these sorts of activities, how men wish to be handled, how to fall in love.” Her face turned as bright red as Lizzie had ever seen it. “I’m ridiculous I know. But I’m desperately uneducated in the ways of romance.”
“As am I, my dear. I think fiction is a good choice for you but not because you need to change your ways. You just smile like Father said and be yourself. You’ll find someone who enjoys youjust the way you are.” She was gratified to see the relief in Mary’s expression.
She opened the book to the second chapter. “All the same. I shall try to be the most approachable and knowable, pleasant version of myself. How’s that?”
“I think that is very savvy of you. Quite a great way of putting it. I shall do the same, how about that?”
Mary nodded, pleased. “If I learn anything of import in my book, I shall let you know.”
“What are you reading?”
