A Look Behind the Mask: A Pride & Prejudice Variation by Tiffany Thomas

Author:Tiffany Thomas
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2021-10-19T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

As their carriage took them home from Netherfield and their first tea with Mrs. Bingley—Georgiana, Lizzy reminded herself—Kitty let out an excited squeal.

“Oh, Lizzy!” she exclaimed. “Have you ever met such a wonderful lady?”

Lizzy laughed at her sister. “I think Jane might still rank above her in that competition; but yes, Georgiana is a lovely young woman.”

“Young woman?” Kitty said in confusion, “But she is married!”

“Yes, but did you notice how she said she was only eleven when her brother met Jane? That was five years ago; she is only sixteen years old,” Lizzy patiently explained.

“She is younger than I am!” exclaimed Kitty. “How is she married already?”

“That is a very good question,” Lizzy mused, “She did not tell us specifically, but she did tell us that it was not a love match. My first inclination was that her brother arranged it, but she said that was not the case, either.”

“Perhaps it was an accidental compromise of some sort?” Kitty suggested.

“That is a possibility. Gossip can be quite cruel,” Lizzy considered. Then she groaned, “I still cannot believe I told our neighbors about Bingley and Jane. What on earth came over me?”

“You love Jane and were angry on her behalf,” answered Kitty. “To be honest, I had the same feelings as you.”

Lizzy gave Kitty a grateful smile, but said ruefully, “I am afraid that I am not always in control of my temper when it comes to my sisters and their hearts. My good opinion, once lost, is lost forever, I daresay.”

Kitty laughed. “You know that is not true. You have the capacity for forgiveness, if you so choose. I do think, though, that you willfully assume that every man is capable of great wickedness until he proves otherwise."

“You may be right,” Lizzy admitted. But I have seen such wickedness first-hand, she thought, and I would not wish it on anyone. I may have failed Becky, but I will not fail anyone else in this.

“Either way, Lizzy, we know you love us, and we love you as well,” Kitty said seriously.

“It could be a great scandal if you did not!” exclaimed Lizzy in jest, sending both girls into peals of laughter that continued until the carriage arrived at Longbourn.

Once inside, Lizzy and Kitty found Mary in the drawing room, discussing the upcoming meals with Hill. “Remember, Mr. Collins is particularly fond of boiled potatoes, so I would like to have that dish served at least twice while he is here.”

Hill nodded, bobbed a curtsy, and departed toward the kitchens.

“Why is Mamma not planning the meals?” Kitty asked her sister.

Mary smiled, “I asked Mamma if I could make the preparations for Mr. Collins, as a way for me to prepare to be his wife and future mistress of Longbourn. She was more than happy to turn her duties over to me.”

“Where is she now?” Lizzy asked.

“In her rooms, writing a letter to Lydia,” Mary answered. “She is ensuring all is in readiness for the militia to quarter at Meryton for the winter.

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