The Good Sister: A Pride and Prejudice Vagary by Christine Combe

Author:Christine Combe [Combe, Christine]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice & Related Fandoms, Lizzy not a Bennet, Not in Amazon Library, To Transfer
Goodreads: 220609399
Publisher: Bonnet Books
Published: 2024-10-20T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

“Do you think they’re just covering their arses?”

Charles gasped, paused, and turned to Elizabeth all at once. “Elizabeth Bingley, I cannot believe you would say such a thing!”

Elizabeth shook her head as they continued toward the carriage, waiting until they were both inside and moving away from the pavement before speaking.

“I beg your pardon for my use of vulgar language, Charles,” she said. “I know it is not ladylike to speak such words, and I promise I shall never do so in company. I just…”

She glanced out the window at the passing buildings as the carriage carried them back to the hotel. “I cannot help thinking that Louisa and Mr. Hurst spoke of reconciliation only because they do not wish to lose what standing in society they have.”

Elizabeth turned her gaze back to her brother and added, “They do not wish to suffer the same fate that Caroline will undoubtedly suffer.”

Charles drew a breath and released it slowly. “I’ll not deny that is a possibility, Lizzy—though I remind you that you were the one who suggested I point out what they would lose if they followed her example.”

“I know,” Elizabeth replied. “I sincerely hope that they are being genuine—Mr. Hurst did seem so when he spoke of being an only child. I cannot imagine what that is like.”

“I can, to some degree,” Charles said then. “While I cannot say I was an only child, I am an only son. It would have been nice to have a brother.”

“It would have been nice had I a sister who wanted to be sisterly,” Elizabeth countered, then offered a smile before adding, “but at least I did—and still do—have a wonderful brother.”

Charles displayed the wide, puppy-ish grin she had always adored. It meant that her brother was happy, which always brought her joy. “I am glad you approve of me, dearest,” said he. “Now, about this evening…”

The Hiddleston dinner party was an enjoyable experience for Elizabeth. She got to know the gentleman’s two sisters, Edwina and Philippa, much better than she had at the ball a few days prior. Thankfully, they were not the only single young women there, as two matrons had brought their daughters; much to the delight of all the matchmaking mammas at the dinner, there were an even number of single young men to the number of single young women.

Mr. Hiddleston, though he spoke to each of the four ladies to whom he was not related, did pay particular attention to Elizabeth. She could not help but enjoy being the focus of his flirtations, his smiles, and his stories about his beloved horses. He also spoke a great deal about Brooksbank, the Hiddleston family seat, and Elizabeth could not help but wish to see the place.

“Your home sounds very lovely,” she complimented when he had finished describing the lush gardens.

Hiddleston smiled. “I am pleased you think so, Miss Elizabeth, though I am sure England looks much different from Spain.”

“Different, yes, but no less beautiful,” she replied. “I have seen many lovely landscapes since my return home.

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