From Longbourn to Pemberley - Winter 1810-1811 by M-C Ranger

Author:M-C Ranger [Ranger, M-C]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-11-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter III

In which we learn, with relief

that every truly accomplished young woman

knows to exercise restraint

Even though this March evening was rather cool, it did not prevent Mrs. Jennings, who had recently returned from Devonshire, where she had spent part of the winter with her husband and her daughter, from inviting Miss Dashwood and her sister, Miss Marianne, to the concert, where they heard the great Italian soprano, Angelica Catalani, perform. The three of them managed to work their way through the crowd of spectators and make it to their seats.

‘Excuse me, Miss!” exclaimed Mrs. Jennings, turning towards a pretty young woman who had just taken a seat near her. ‘If I’m not mistaken, you are the eldest of Thomas Bennet. You’re Jane, are you not?’

‘Indeed, I am,’ responded Miss Bennet, blushing somewhat, rather bewildered that she should be addressed so impetuously in public. ‘It seems that I too, have already met you.’

‘Naturally! I am a cousin of your father’s by marriage. I remember coming to Longbourn with my dear husband. You must have been about seven years old and you were playing with your little sister, who could not have been older than five.’

‘Yes, I have a vague recollection of this. I was with Elizabeth, and it was your two daughters who read stories to us...’

‘Exactly. How quickly time passes! Both girls have left home and are married. Lady Middleton, my eldest, already has four children, and my youngest, Charlotte, is expecting any day now,’ Mrs. Jennings exclaimed, laughing.

As Mr. Gardiner and his wife had just arrived, introductions were made. And so Jane Bennet made the acquaintance of the two Dashwood sisters, from Devonshire, who had been invited to spend a few weeks in London with Mrs. Jennings. The young woman noted that while Miss Marianne exhibited a great deal of interest in music and singing, she seemed somewhat agitated and distracted during the intermission and when conversations were resumed. Fortunately, the eldest, Elinor Dashwood, who was calmer and more collected, made a good impression with her pleasant manners. However, the challenge was to slip in a question or an answer at an opportune moment, as Mrs. Jennings’ voice dominated everything; it seemed as though she knew everyone and that she had to bestow everyone with a comment, which made Madeline Gardiner smile several times. Her husband, benefiting from a quiet moment, discretely asked her what is was that she found so amusing.

‘Edward, Mrs. Jennings reminds me of your sister, Fanny. Wouldn’t you agree?’

‘You are right my dear,’ responded Mr. Gardiner, gazing upward. ‘However, allow me to point out the pleasure our niece is having in being here this evening. She really appreciated the first part of the concert; she just thanked me for bringing her along. And now she’s having a pleasant conversation with Miss Dashwood.ʼ

‘That reassures me, because ever since Jane Fairfax left, she seems to be nostalgic more often, though she has been trying not to show it, but you know her, Edward.’

‘Madeline, since these young people

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