By Duty Bound: A Variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice by Michelle Ray

Author:Michelle Ray [Ray, Michelle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2024-02-05T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

The next afternoon, Aunt and Uncle Philips arrived with their predictable noise and fanfare. They had many trunks and servants, and their voices were loud as they directed the footmen where to put their belongings. In all of the commotion, they did not realise that Mary and I stood awaiting their notice.

“Mary! Lizzy!” my aunt said at last. “These servants are fools. It should be obvious where things go and yet they know nothing.” I cringed but she continued. “Not a brain between ‘em. Money seems not to buy good help.”

I attempted to catch the eye of a servant hanging a coat in the armoire, but he averted his gaze immediately.

“In London, so many are starving. One would think there would be eager men about with some care for their work.” She turned in a circle. “These rooms will do. For what we paid, they should, but one never knows whether a place will disappoint.” She walked to the window, touched the heavy striped curtain and nodded with approval. “Quite a view, if it were not raining. How has the weather been?”

Mary said, “Glorious, really. Each day has felt like a gift.”

Her words reminded me of the invitation to the ball. “Oh Mary, I nearly forgot. What say you to attending the ball tonight?”

She appeared a little dubious, though surprisingly tempted. “We are not subscribers. It is twice the price.”

“Would you want to subscribe and attend week after week?” When Mary smirked, I said, “So the price is not the issue. And before you argue that we have nothing to wear, rest assured that Mama had our gowns and slippers packed.”

“You must!” exclaimed Aunt Philips. “What better place to find a husband, Lizzy. And Mary, it would do you good to exert yourself.”

My aunt knew nothing of what would do Mary any good, and the comment about husbands stung Mary, and me on her behalf. Nevertheless, a ball would be enjoyable, and Mary was having a good day, having eaten a decent breakfast and walked to and from the dining room without complaint.

Aunt Philips added, “I love nothing more than a ball!” and we knew there was no refusing her.

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