A Summer Shame by West Elizabeth Ann

Author:West, Elizabeth Ann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Pemberley Possibilities
Published: 2014-11-22T16:00:00+00:00

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Chapter Seven

The parlor drapes of Matlock House in London were drawn as preparations to close the house were well under way. Lady Matlock bustled into the parlor at the request of her youngest guest, anxious to hear what the girl had to say. Mary Bennet had been quieter and more withdrawn than usual and she was hopeful the young woman was finally confessing that which vexed her.

"The silverware is secured away and the books Reginald wished to be packed are set aside. Now, Miss Mary, how can I help you dear?" With a genuine smile, the grand dame of Matlock took a regal seat in her normal armed chair to begin the interview on an open tone.

Scrunching her handkerchief, Mary twisted the cloth in mimicry of the knots in her own person. She had no wish to disappoint her kind sponsor in society, but after much prayer and reflection, found there was no other solution to her fall.

"I am afraid I cannot in good conscience travel to Matlock for the hunting season." The young woman frowned and gazed down at the most famous Oriental rug in London, finding little humor in its infamy.

"I see." Lady Matlock pursed her lips. Mary was not like Jane, deep in this girl was a soul accustomed to being quiet, to being overlooked. If Margaret Fitzwilliam pushed hard, she knew the stronger Bennet sister would have no qualms shutting her out entirely. Still, the Countess of Matlock had a nose for romantic anguish and Mary's behavior was suspect. "May I ask why you have changed your mind?"

Plainly, Mary met the older woman's eyes with an overwhelmed expression that was strikingly similar to her sister Elizabeth when she was piqued. Mary shook her head gently. "Please, my lady, it is a shame I must bear alone. I fear I cannot trust myself to fulfill the standards so required by such a house party."

Mary swallowed, shifting her weight from foot to foot, realizing she appeared horribly wanton and the last thing she wanted was for Lady Matlock to guess her awful sin towards her own son. "I was never as socially intuitive as my elder sisters, and while I did try to put on a brave front for the family, I feel my talents might best serve my mother as she comes to London in a few weeks with Miss Darcy and my sister, Catherine."

Lady Matlock studied the young woman up and down and sighed. The poor girl trembled and the last thing her hostess wanted was for Mary to leave feeling unwanted. "Come, come, I am sure you have your reasons. I will have Mr. Davies arrange for your trunks to be taken to Gracechurch Street. That is where you wish to go, is it not?"

Mary nodded gratefully, relieved she had not revealed her behavior in the carriage. Making a curtsy, she left the room to finish packing her personal effects in the lavish guest suite she had enjoyed for the summer. Lady Matlock groaned and pulled the bell chord to summon Davies.

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