A Matchmaking Mother by Jann Rowland

Author:Jann Rowland
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781989212103
Publisher: One Good Sonnet Publishing
Published: 2019-09-19T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter X

Margaret Bennet possessed the curious ability to take any situation, say something inappropriate and improper, embarrass her daughters, and make what should be a happy time into one anxious and mortifying. That she did not mean to cause such trouble was something Elizabeth understood. Mrs. Bennet could be a loving woman when she so chose. The worries of the entail, having five daughters of little dowry and few prospects often overwhelmed what little sense with which she was blessed, and her opinions concerning the best ways to attract husbands and her lack of understanding of proper behavior did not make matters any better.

If one observed the presence of the Bennet sisters in London, coupled with their mother’s continued residence in Hertfordshire, the witness would be excused for assuming there was little she could do to discomfit said daughters. Sensible as they were of their mother’s limitations, Elizabeth had little desire to endure her mother ruining the friendships forming between herself and those with whom she stayed in London. Unfortunately, a letter that arrived the day after the dinner threatened to do just that.

“It is from Mama,” said Jane in a quiet voice when the post was delivered.

Mrs. Bennet was not a great letter writer, and what she did write was filled with nonsensical instructions and improper suggestions. Assuming it was more of the same, Elizabeth nodded and allowed the matter to rest for the moment to attend their hosts. Later, when they were at liberty to discuss the letter, she would discover what it contained.

Though Elizabeth was not in any condition to consider the matter rationally, she realized later that Lady Anne must have seen something in their faces, for she found them not long after, but once they had read through the letter. As the door opened and the lady stepped in, surveying them, Elizabeth fell silent, not wishing to debate her family’s foibles in front of a woman whose opinion was becoming important to her.

“Is something wrong?” asked Lady Anne as she watched them both closely.

“We have just received a letter from our mother,” said Elizabeth, attempting to portray it as nothing more than some correspondence.

Lady Anne directed a grave look at them both. “I have observed that your mother’s letters often cause consternation. Furthermore, when I stepped into this room, it seemed like you were both eight years of age and caught in some mischief.”

In any other circumstance, Elizabeth might have seen the humor in Lady Anne’s comments. At present, however, with her mother’s threats looming, there was little to be gained in laughing. Lady Anne closed the door behind her and approached them, her firm gaze never wavering, and when she sat nearby, she eyed them.

“If you do not wish to share your troubles with me, I shall not press the matter. However, I would have you both know that I am willing to help if it is something with which I may assist.”

Elizabeth shared a look with Jane. Neither wished to portray their mother’s character any worse than Lady Anne likely already knew.

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