Page 111 of May I Have the Pleasure
“They are a bit silly.”
“Not really. They just love you, as we all do.”
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Stockholm—November 1817
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“Charlotte! Richard!Welcome to Stockholm! Do not delay a second. Get on with your most important task, I beg of you.”
“Very well, will you do the honours, my dear?”
“Of course, my love. Your Royal Highness, Princess Elizabeth, may I have the pleasure of introducing to your acquaintance Miss Elizabeth Catherine Fitzwilliam.”
“Charlotte… you did not… you did not… I am speechless.”
“I will refrain from the obvious comment. You heard it from Lady Catherine before.”
“Thank you. She is the most beautiful creature I ever beheld. Why did you not tell me?”
“And miss a silent Princess Elizabeth! I think not!”
“Elizabeth, I must agree with your assessment. Little Lizzie has thankfully more of her mother’s features than mine.”
“Richard, you get worse and worse every year... more and more accurate in this case, but still worse.”
“Guilty as charged. Now take your namesake and become acquainted. I have been reliably informed a glass of brandy and cigar have my name on them in the study.”
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“Charlotte, she really is the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. I am as happy for you as it is possible to be.”
“Thank you, my friend.”
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“Lizzy, you know of course that both Anne and Kitty are increasing?”
“Yes, they have both written. Almost all the most important people in my life are getting on with… well, I shall stop before I start.”
“You feel some bitterness.”
“Do not fret, my friend. I am not made for melancholy. I will get over it.”
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“Charlotte, do you know what day it is?”
“Not exactly.”
“It is the 26thof November. Today is exactly six years after the great ball at Netherfield. Can you imagine my mother’s reaction if I had refused to dance with Mr Collins on the basis that I would be a princess someday?”
“Good gracious! Lord bless me! Only think! Dear me! A princess of Sweden! Who would have thought it! And is it really true? Oh! my sweetest Lizzy! How rich and how great you will be! What pin-money, what jewels, what carriages you will have!”
“Oh, you make me laugh, Charlotte. That was pitch-perfect.”
“Have you ever contacted the rest of your family? I amnotsaying you should, mind you. I am simply curious.”
