More Than a Pretty Face: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Reynolds Frances

Author:Reynolds, Frances
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Quills & Quartos Publishing
Published: 2022-05-22T16:00:00+00:00

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On Saturday, preparations for the dinner party having largely moved into the sphere of the servants, Jane and Kitty explored the attics with Mrs Dumfries. There they found a number of treasures of which Jane took note in case she might wish to re-do any rooms at a later date, and also a clock and a dressing mirror much more to her own tastes, as well as a very pretty screen painted with roses, which she asked to have placed before the washing stand in her future chamber.

On Sunday morning they took the carriage down to the village to attend services. The church was quite full of people who all seemed to be determined to get a good look at the young earl’s betrothed, and at her sister while they were at it. Jane and Kitty both blushed from the notice as they made their—seemingly very long—way to the Lyfford pew in the front. Jane let out a small sigh of relief as they were seated and she no longer had to directly confront all the attention which was directed their way. Lyfford’s expression was apologetic as he murmured, “They are good people, by and large, and the novelty of your presence will soon fade.”

Jane said quietly, “I do understand, and I expect this is rather how your friend Mr Darcy felt when he first entered the assembly rooms in Meryton.” Lyfford chuckled.

When the service ended, a number of people wished to make her acquaintance, although most of those who were willing to elbow their way through the press to succeed in that endeavour seemed to be young ladies or the mothers thereof, come to look Jane over critically and welcome her to the community with the barest civility. She bore them with that placid gentility which had served her so well in other difficult situations, leaving them with little to criticise and all the more frustrated for it. Lyfford remained firmly situated next to his betrothed, occasionally favouring a lady whose minimal politeness slipped for a moment with a stern look. Kitty fixed herself at Jane’s other side and slightly behind her, saying little and wearing a pleasantly interested expression behind which she grew increasingly incensed. Mrs Swindon stood on his other side and conversed easily with those who waited for their chance at the newcomers.

When finally they were able to make their way to the church door, they were greeted with sincere pleasure by the parson, whom Lyfford introduced as Mr Phelps. In the churchyard they met with many acquaintances of Lyfford’s and Mrs Swindon’s who had not cared to engage in the battle to speak with them inside. These were also, in the main, a more welcoming group. Though obviously curious about the future first lady of the neighbourhood, most greeted Jane with real courtesy, and she was glad to know that Lyfford’s assessment of the populace had not been far off the mark and she would be able to make friends and pleasant acquaintances here.

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