by M-C Ranger
‘Lydia, if you were to stop your jeremiads, I’d be able to give you news from Catherine. If you remember well, she had confided to us that she would be going to Bath; well, she has been staying there since early March with Mr. and Mrs. Allen.’
‘Bath! Oh, how I’d love to go there! Catherine is so fortunate! As for us, we’re relegated to the country, where there really is so little going on.’
‘Don’t be so envious. Listen instead to what she has written me. You’ll find it interesting, as it is about Miss Thorpe and a Miss Hawkins.’
‘Isabella Thorpe?! How can that be?’ exclaimed the youngest, jumping onto the bed beside her sister, forgetting, for a few moments, to complain about nothing and everything.
‘Catherine said that she was surprised to see her brother James come to Bath, where he chanced upon John Thorpe and his sister again. She remembered that we had told him about the latter and wished to become acquainted with her immediately. In fact, they have become friends and see each other regularly.’
‘Oh, Kitty, how I would love to be in Bath and spend time with Miss Thorpe! I am certain that we would get along famously. Catherine is so fortunate! Did she have any other interesting encounters?’
‘She goes out frequently to balls and concerts, and meets many young people. One, among others, has shown himself to be charming, and she added that she’d come to know him during a rather unusual situation where it seems that the young man in question had demonstrated a certain degree of knowledge when it came to muslin…!’
‘I too would like to go to Bath! And talk about muslin and spend time with Miss Thorpe and all these wonderful people!’ lamented Lydia, stretching out on the bed. ‘Longbourn, how boring!’
‘Listen, she finishes her letter by recounting how she witnessed a marriage proposal!’ Kitty interrupted, turning the letter over the read the back.
‘A marriage! Not hers, I hope!? I want to be the first of us to be wed… It would be so amusing, as I am the youngest!’
‘Lydia, allow me to finish. There, it seems it is an elegant young man, a pastor by profession. He lives in Surrey and had come to Bath early in January to stay there for a few weeks.’
‘A pastor, humph… there is no equivalent to a military man in uniform, if you’d like my opinion.’
Lydia’s opinion was in no way required by this young man, towards whom several young ladies had felt a certain inclination, so as to help him make an informed decision. In fact, the fortunate chosen one was one of the young Hawkins ladies; to be precise, the second of three girls. The first, Selina, had walked to the altar just a bit more than a year ago on the arm of Mr. Suckling, the rich owner of Maple Grove. And now the second, Augusta, had just found love when she was taking the waters. The diligent presence of the young pastor near the young Hawkins ladies and their friends had not gone unnoticed. However, it was not possible to tell which of them was the object of his constant attentions, at least not at the beginning. As their late father had done well, the Hawkins sisters each had a dowry of ten thousand pounds. It was unquestionably a powerful argument when it came to evaluating the quality of a marriage, of which our seductive pastor was most aware … and as Miss Augusta was the prettiest, it was quickly understood that he had simply united the beneficial with the pleasant. Everything was settled in an afternoon, next to the fountain in the grand ballroom, under the more or less discrete gaze – highly indiscrete, it should be noted – of Bath’s high society, happy to find relief from their boredom.
*****
Having recently arrived in Bath, Anne Elliot had to comply with the requirements of her father and her sister and appear at different locations, where it was in good taste to be seen. She liked the promenade in front of John Wood le Jeune’s Royal Crescent, but she was already becoming bored of strolling along Milsom Street almost daily and having tea in the company of Lady T*** or Sir C***. Because she had refused to visit the dowager viscountess Dalrymple and Miss Carter, Anne Elliot found herself the object of her father’s anger. Nothing could supersede family, especially if family was of high lineage; there were duties that could not be neglected, and she should have known this. With all due respect to Sir Walter, she went to see Mrs. Smith, a former boarding school companion. It was on her return that she had overheard smatterings of a conversation between her sister and Mrs. Clay. It seemed that a certain young lady had just, almost under their very eyes, accepted to unite her destiny to that of a young man who had been frequenting the area for a few weeks. Elizabeth Elliot would have quite a story to write about in a letter to her friend Caroline Bingley! Alas, imagine the disappointment of Miss Elliot when she learned, somewhat later, that the new fiancée, herself a friend of Miss Bingley’s, had hastened to take the responsibility for this task; something we cannot reproach her for, as she was, after all, the primary person concerned. As for Anne Elliot, taken aback, she asked herself how one could find happiness in Bath, between two concerts and an evening of cards at the M***? No, this would never happen to her, of that she was certain.
This is what she wrote to Elizabeth Bennet, who smiled slightly in reading these words; she was well aware of her friend Anne’s solicitudes, and also of her reserved attitude. The anecdote about this marriage proposal in public must have offended the sensibility of this young lady, whereas it had certainly flattered this heiress and her ten thousand pounds. What young lady did not dream of being courted by a young man who was coveted by her friends? And Elizabeth immediately thought of Caroline Bingley… as did Augusta Hawkins.
Even Sir Lucas heard word of this marriage, as his old friend, Mr. Weston, mentioned it briefly in one of his letters. He simply commented that the young pastor in his village had gone all the way to Bath to find conjugal happiness, whereas he had only needed to go to his neighbour to find the same privilege! But because no names were mentioned, Sir William never knew that what Elizabeth Bennet was talking about over dinner at the Long’s was the same story as his. However, one could still concede that the world seemed somewhat smaller than it appeared to be, even if none of the guests, that evening, would have been able to confirm this.
Chapter III
In which we learn, with relief
that every truly accomplished young woman
knows to exercise restraint
Even though this March evening was rather cool, it did not prevent Mrs. Jennings, who had recently returned from Devonshire, where she had spent part of the winter with her husband and her daughter, from inviting Miss Dashwood and her sister, Miss Marianne, to the concert, where they heard the great Italian soprano, Angelica Catalani, perform. The three of them managed to work their way through the crowd of spectators and make it to their seats.
‘Excuse me, Miss!” exclaimed Mrs. Jennings, turning towards a pretty young woman who had just taken a seat near her. ‘If I’m not mistaken, you are the eldest of Thomas Bennet. You’re Jane, are you not?’
‘Indeed, I am,’ responded Miss Bennet, blushing somewhat, rather bewildered that she should be addressed so impetuously in public. ‘It seems that I too, have already met you.’
‘Naturally! I am a cousin of your father’s by marriage. I remember coming to Longbourn with my dear husband. You must have been about seven years old and you were playing with your little sister, who could not have been older than five.’
‘Yes, I have a vague recollection of this. I was with Elizabeth, and it was your two daughters who read stories to us...’
‘Exactly. How quickly time passes! Both girls have left home and are married. Lady Middleton, my eldest, already has four children, and my youngest, Charlotte, is expecting any day now,’ Mrs. Jennings exclaimed, laughing.
As Mr. Gardiner and his wife had just arrived, introductions were made. And so Jane Bennet made the acquaintance of the two Dashwood sisters, from Devonshire, who had been invited to spend a few weeks in London with Mrs. Jennings. The young woman noted that while Miss Marianne exhibited a great deal of interest in music and singing, she seemed some
what agitated and distracted during the intermission and when conversations were resumed. Fortunately, the eldest, Elinor Dashwood, who was calmer and more collected, made a good impression with her pleasant manners. However, the challenge was to slip in a question or an answer at an opportune moment, as Mrs. Jennings’ voice dominated everything; it seemed as though she knew everyone and that she had to bestow everyone with a comment, which made Madeline Gardiner smile several times. Her husband, benefiting from a quiet moment, discretely asked her what is was that she found so amusing.
‘Edward, Mrs. Jennings reminds me of your sister, Fanny. Wouldn’t you agree?’
‘You are right my dear,’ responded Mr. Gardiner, gazing upward. ‘However, allow me to point out the pleasure our niece is having in being here this evening. She really appreciated the first part of the concert; she just thanked me for bringing her along. And now she’s having a pleasant conversation with Miss Dashwood.ʼ
‘That reassures me, because ever since Jane Fairfax left, she seems to be nostalgic more often, though she has been trying not to show it, but you know her, Edward.’
‘Madeline, since these young people seem to be getting along so wonderfully, let us arrange for them to see each other again; this would most certainly do our Jane some good.’
And so this is how the idea came to fruition and an invitation for two days later was extended and joyfully accepted. The young ladies would meet at Mrs. Jennings’, and then they would first stroll along Bond Street, where they could look into different shop windows, and they would do the same on Oxford Street. Once they’d had their fill, they would go to Kensington Gardens.
*****
‘I could swear, Louisa, that I just saw Jane Bennet stroll by, here, on Oxford Street; she was walking with a young woman, and their conversation seemed rather intimate...’
‘Come, Caroline, you must be mistaken. I am certain that Miss Bennet has returned to her part of the country and that this chapter is closed. Good, I’ll take this one, but add a longer feather to the left of the knot,’ specified Mrs. Hurst, turning towards the milliner.
‘No, I am certainly not mistaken. Fortunately, Charles is at his club, and Boodle is not nearby. He was to stop in on Mr. Darcy afterwards.’
‘It’s important to not speak of this to anyone, and nobody will know,’ said the older sister, complicitly. ‘Yes, put that one aside too... In fact, I’m still unsure. What do you think of this one, Caroline?’
The shopkeeper suggested a celadon green ribbon to give the hat Mrs. Hurst was trying on more dapper appearance. With a dismissive wave of her hand, Miss Bingley made it clear that her opinion had not been solicited. Intimidated, she curtseyed and busied herself putting away all the hats her two customers had displaced.
‘No, Louisa, that one does not suit you. It’s too, how shall I say, “country”. It’s as though you came straight here from Hertfordshire!’ her younger sister exclaimed, maliciously.
Both burst into condescending laughter, until the bell on the door rang, indicating that a new customer had entered. To their great surprise, it was none other than Georgiana Darcy, accompanied by Mrs. Annesley.
‘Miss Darcy,’ said the milliner, moving towards her, ‘Allow me to...ʼ
She did not have the opportunity to finish her sentence before Caroline Bingley interjected, monopolising the young woman’s full attention.
‘Miss Darcy, what a pleasure! Have you come to find an elegant hat for our evening at the opera next week? We are very much looking forward to accompanying you.’
‘The pleasure is all mine. In fact, the response is yes and no; I was on my way to visit a friend, and, when we passed in front of the store, Mrs. Annesley reminded me that I still needed a little something to complete my outfit for next Sunday,’ explained Georgiana Darcy, smiling at her lady companion.
‘Mrs. Annesley, how considerate of you! I’m certain that your help is most appreciated by our young friend,’ Louisa Hurst hastily added, conscious of her sister’s lack of civility.
Helena Annesley calmly answered that it was only natural that she help Miss Darcy and that it was a pleasure to meet these ladies who would soon be the guests of Mr. Darcy.
Caroline Bingley was too familiar with the rules of decorum to not notice that she was very nicely being given a lesson in civility.
‘It’s a small world, and here you are, and we just saw Miss Bennet who...’
‘Louisa, there is no need to bother our friend with our little personal conversations,’ her sister quickly interrupted.
Mrs. Hurst suddenly became aware of her faux pas and tried to rectify the situation, but the young woman barely left her the time to do so, as the name had awakened in her a certain curiosity.
‘Miss Bennet? Do you mean Miss Jane Bennet?’ she asked, timidly.
Astonished, both sisters looked at each other, and then Caroline Bingley, playing her cards, responded, in a tone that she hoped was neutral, ‘Dear Georgiana, it seems hardly believable that you should know this young woman who lives in Hertfordshire.’
‘You are correct, Miss Bingley. But your brother mentioned her name the last time we saw each other.’
‘If the name of Miss Bennet came up in one of our conversations, it must have been purely by chance, as we have not visited with this family for quite some time,’ answered Mrs. Hurst, in a tone that she hoped seemed detached.
‘In fact, it was purely due to circumstance that we spent time in her company, as we were staying at Netherfield Park,’ added her sister, to indicate how little interest she had in this topic.
‘Yet Mr. Bingley told me that he greatly admired this young woman,’ Miss Darcy persisted, despite her shyness. ‘It seems that she is an angel... I had no idea your brother was such a romantic. His confession moved me.’
Caroline Bingley looked lividly at her sister; this is where an indiscretion could lead - to somewhere one did not wish to go.
‘I cannot help but make a connection to another young woman: Miss Elizabeth Bennet,’ Georgiana Darcy continued.
Transfixed, her interlocutors looked at her without saying a word; even Miss Pratt, who evidently knew nothing about the situation, could feel the tension rising in her shop. It was Miss Annesley who, gauging the delicacy of the subject without having any understanding thereof, allowed herself to comment.
‘Miss Darcy, perhaps you should inform these ladies that you have never met the young woman in question, and that you only know her by name.’
‘You are right, Mrs. Annesley,’ she replied, somewhat embarrassed, suddenly understanding that there was something untoward about this conversation.
However, she could not help but add, in closing, ‘It’s true, I only know the name of this young woman; however, she intrigued me, as Fitzwilliam had mentioned her several times in his letters. But doubtless this is without importance.’
Caroline Bingley, guessing at the significance of this comment, felt such a degree of resentment that she lost her composure; this provided Miss Pratt with the opportunity to offer her services to Miss Darcy. The latter blushed, as she was not used to being the object of so much attention. At this exact moment, Mrs. Hurst placed the hat she had in her hands on her head, trying to lighten the atmosphere by asked in an amused tone what everyone thought. All heads turned towards the mirror that she was facing.
‘My dear Georgiana, just when you were coming into the store, Louisa and I were wondering if this hat suited me. What do you think? Your opinion would help us avoid a long discussion, as you are always tastefully dressed,’ added Caroline Bingley, ignoring her frustration.
‘Really, I... I do not feel I am capable of...’
‘Come, my dear friend, I think you are capable of providing a most compelling opinion, and we would respect it; that goes without saying,’ encouraged Louisa Hurst.
Somewhat confused, the young woman hesitated for a few moments. Then, seeing what the milliner was holding, she relaxed and smiled.
‘I believe, Mrs. Hu
rst, that the hat suits you, but it seems to me that a ribbon, like the one Miss Pratt is holding, would give it a hint of spring, which is not to be scorned.’
‘What a wonderful idea! Really, Louisa, we should have thought of that! The celadon green suits you wonderfully! It was lacking a hint of colour; that is exactly what I was trying to explain to Miss Pratt!’ exclaimed Miss Bingley, a better actress than one might have thought.
Because after all, was it not important to not lose sight of the real interests at stake? This is what Mrs. Annesley surmised who, behind her polite smile, thought that it would be most preferable if Miss Bingley were to frequent a salon other than that of the Darcys.
*****
On this mild Sunday in March, the wind blew through the branches of the large elm trees and the laneway where they were walking was still bathed in sunshine. After the crowds in the more commercial streets, it was a pleasure to stroll along the Serpentine and Elinor Dashwood thought to herself that her sister would have enjoyed this walk, but she had refused to accompany them. However, Mrs. Jennings had proposed to meet them in Kensington. As she walked along, the latter met Miss Steele, who was very anxious to join the charming young women who were walking a hundred or so paces ahead. Since it was a great source of pleasure to her to make as many young people as possible happy, Mrs. Jennings therefore decided to ask the young woman to accompany her. And so the two of them hurried to catch up with the walkers. Unaware of the happiness that would be awaiting her in a few minutes, Jane Bennet enjoyed the gentle mid-March sun and thought briefly of Elizabeth who would soon be walking along the pathways in Kent, at the residence of Charlotte Lucas - no, Charlotte Collins, how could she forget! Then her thoughts returned to Miss Dashwood, who was telling her that she was very happy to have made her acquaintance.
