A Spot of Sweet Tea by Maria Grace

Author:Maria Grace [Grace, Maria]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: regency historical fiction regency historical romance, wealthy rich, Jane Austen variation pride and prejudice variation Jane Austen fan fiction Pride and Prejudice sequ, European historical fiction European historical romance, 19th century historical fiction Historical British Fiction, classic historical fiction classic historical romance, Jane Austen sequel
ISBN: 9780692530979
Publisher: White Soup Press
Published: 2015-09-25T22:00:00+00:00

Chapter 3

November 26, 1811

The night of the Netherfield Ball, Mama pulled Charlotte aside just after she finished dressing. “Your gown looks very well indeed.”

“I am glad you are pleased, Mama.”

“It is a shame we must give up hopes of Mr. Bingley—”

Charlotte cringed. Pray not another lecture about her failure to attract Mr. Bingley’s eye. At least she had ‘lost’ him to worthy competition. Few could stand in Jane’s shadow and not be outshone.

“—but his preference is very clear. Mr. Collins however—”

“Is quite set upon Eliza.”

“Whilst that may be true for now, he certainly seems to enjoy keeping company with you. Remember the Philips’s party? You did very well together. What is more—and perhaps most significant—Eliza has no preference for him herself. That should free your conscience and permit you to take full advantage of any available opportunity.”

“You make this sound like a military campaign.”

“My dear, a ballroom is a battlefield of sorts, and I do not wish you going out unprepared. Consider what it is you wish for and take every occasion to pursue it.”

Much as she hated the sound of it, Mama was right. Mr. Collins was the first man of her acquaintance whose views toward marriage were so practical. How much better matched in expectation and temperament could they be? Moreover, he showed himself considerate toward the needs and desires of others. What more could she desire in a man?

Eliza made it clear she experienced no warm sentiments toward him. It was difficult to believe, though. How could she not? The great boon he offered her family, the honor he offered her. Somehow, all her romantic notions blinded her to the world’s harsh realities. But then again perhaps reality was not so hard when one was not considered on the shelf.

If Eliza could not appreciate Mr. Collins’s finer qualities, perhaps Charlotte should make herself available as someone who did.

Since Papa was not required as Master of Ceremonies, Mama insisted they not arrive so early as to be the first ones there. A small crowd had already gathered in the retiring rooms when they arrived.

Charlotte barely found a place to sit and don her dancing slippers. She edged and shouldered her way through the press, past the greeting line of Bingleys, and into the ballroom. Finally, she could draw a breath, albeit a small one.

The entire upper society of Meryton must be making their appearance here. The best dressed among them were the Netherfield part, but as they were fresh from London, one hardly expected anything else. Still, not a few were clothed well enough to meet even the ‘superior sisters’ satisfaction.

“So you finished the new trims on your gown after all.” Eliza sidled past two officers and slipped into a tiny open space beside Charlotte.

“Are they to your liking?” Charlotte held her skirt out.

“Very much so. I could not envision it when you described it to me, but it looks very well indeed.”

“Your approbation is always very welcome.”

Eliza chuckled. “Listen to you, so very formal, almost as though we had not been friends all our lives.

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