Mr. Bingley Regrets: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by A.L. Ward & Jane Austen

Author:A.L. Ward & Jane Austen [Ward, A.L.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-12-19T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Jane sat beside her sister at a work table, which had been brought into the morning room by the new pair of footman, making decorations from greenery for the various rooms. It had been decided that Mrs. Gardiner was to enter her confinement early, due to her uncomfortable size, and the family would not make their usual trek to Hertfordshire to celebrate the holidays at Longbourne. The little Gardiner’s were distressed to miss their time in the country, but as they had their cousins to play games with and read them stories, they had soon forgotten their disappointment.

“Those garlands for the banisters look delightful, girls.” Mrs. Gardiner greeted, practically waddling to a comfortable chair near the window; followed by a maid with her work basket. Mary hurried to place a footstool beneath her feet before returning to her own seat.

“How are you feeling, Aunt Madeline?” Asked Jane as she plumped a pillow behind her back.

“Exhausted, honestly.” She replied with a grateful smile. “And extremely thankful for my two highly capable nieces.”

“We have been glad to be of assistance.” Jane replied returning to the table. “You have done so much for us through the years, I have been grateful for the opportunity to return the favor in some small way.”

“Oh, sweeting, we love all of you so much it has never been a hardship.” She smiled pulling out a tiny dress, made of the softest muslin, and her embroidery threads.

“I was so glad that you were able to make one last visit to the theatre with us.” Mary smiled. “It was a lovely performance and it would have been a shame to miss it.”

“I completely agree.” Mrs. Gardiner nodded, “and to think that Mr. Gravely has shown such interest in Jane! I never would have thought to introduce you on my own, but his mother was certainly thrilled by his interest it you.”

“He has been exceedingly kind, but hardly interested as you say.” Jane denied with a blush. “He has been no more obvious in his attentions than any other new acquaintance.”

“You think not?” Mary replied with a teasing grin. “He has not been nearly as attentive to myself.”

“Well, he was not seated next to you.” She attempted to deflect, though her grin was hard to repress.

“You are so much more lively, Jane.” Mary insisted. “It is rare for any gentleman to be able to take his eyes off of you.”

“Mary!” Jane sputtered through her laughter.

“Thank you for bringing me to London. I have felt free to be my own self here.” Mary said quietly, addressing her aunt. “Without the constant embarrassment of our family.”

“They are not—” Jane refuted automatically.

“They are Jane, or at least they were. Kitty and Lydia had changed greatly before I left, and from Lydia’s letters, you both have had a positive influence on my mother.” Mary replied earnestly. “But even you, Jane, have been entirely different here, away from the challenges of Longbourne.”

“I have noticed that all of my nieces are different in various ways, when they come to London, though in essentials, I am happy to say, you remain constant.

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