What Would Lizzy Bennet Do? by Katie Oliver

Author:Katie Oliver [Oliver, Katie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781474047425
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Published: 2016-04-24T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 28

Lizzy made her way through the knots of Daddy’s guests in search of two things: a glass of wine to calm her roiling emotions, and her sister, Charlotte. Where was she? It was beyond rude for Charli to hide herself away upstairs like this…

‘Ah, Lizzy, there you are.’ Mr Bennet appeared with the elusive Charlotte trailing behind him. ‘Come along. I’d like to introduce both of you to my old school friend, Ralph Knightley.’

Ralph Knightley? Lizzy’s thoughts churned at the unwelcome news. What was Mark Knightley’s father doing here? She wondered if Mark had ever chanced to mention her to his father. Had he told his father about their fling – a fling she’d never once mentioned to Hugh?

She bit back a groan. Crikey – this was an awkward prospect she’d never in a million years anticipated.

‘I can’t just now, Daddy. Sorry,’ Lizzy said. Exchanging social pleasantries with her ex-lover’s father was the last thing she wished for at the moment. ‘I’ve spilt a bit of wine on my dress,’ she lied. ‘I need to go in and scrub it off.’

‘I don’t see anything.’ Charli’s eyes raked over her sister’s pale blue dress with scepticism.

‘You wouldn’t,’ Lizzy said sharply. ‘It’s white wine. Excuse me.’

And she marched off into the house.

***

As Charlotte followed her father reluctantly across the grass towards the garden wall where Ciaran stood, Holly passed them on her way to the house and cast a brief nod in their direction. Her face was pale and wan.

Ciaran spotted them, and his eyes locked briefly with Charli’s. His expression was unreadable.

If Mr Bennet noticed, he gave no sign. He nodded politely to the actor as they passed, and drew Charlotte forward to face a tall man of military bearing wearing khakis and a striped blue blazer. A straw boater with a blue band rested atop his head.

‘Major Knightley,’ he announced as he drew Charli forward to present her to his old friend. He beamed. ‘I’m very pleased to introduce my youngest daughter, Charlotte. Charlotte, this is Ralph Knightley.’

‘It’s a very great pleasure to meet you, Miss Bennet,’ Knightley said. He set aside his drink and offered his hand as well as a polite smile. ‘I’ve heard a lot about you from your father.’

‘Yes, and all of it bad, I’ve no doubt.’ She managed a smile, uncomfortably aware of Ciaran standing only a few feet away.

‘On the contrary, he’s quite proud of you and your sisters. And with good reason.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Well, I’ll leave the two of you to get acquainted,’ Mr Bennet said. ‘I’ve other guests to mingle with and strawberry scones to take out of the Aga, so if you’ll pardon me, I’ll leave you to it.’

And, beaming, he departed.

After exchanging pleasantries with Major Knightley for a few more excruciating minutes, Charli excused herself on the pretext of finding her sister and turned back towards the house, leaving Knightley to wander off in search of another gin and tonic.

‘Charlotte! Where are you off to in such a hurry?’

Ciaran pushed himself away from the wall and blocked her path.

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