Marrying Elizabeth – Page 7

Painting of a family game of checkers (Louis-Léopold Boilly)

Painting of a family game of checkers (“jeu des dames”), Louis-Léopold Boilly [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

From etymonline.com: “draughts (n.)British name for the tabletop game that in U.S. is checkers, c. 1400, from draught, perhaps because the pieces are “dragged” over the board in moves. Earlier it is recorded as jeu de dames (late 14c.).”

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While Mr. and Mrs. Bingley settled in to play draughts, Lorcan was given the privilege to play fox and geese with Kitty. It would have been a wonderful way to get to speak to her in hushed tones had not his annoying and ever-present cousin been at his elbow instructing him about which was an excellent move and which was a daft one.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

MAILING LIST PATREON

Wordless Wednesday Revisited

Do you remember this little fellow who likes to climb drapes, pounce on tables, and steal pretty things? I used this picture before with a few lines from Loving Lydia. You can find that post here.

The Butterfly by John Henry Dolph [Public domain] via Wikimedia

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“Oh, how am I supposed to get you when you are under that?” Kitty gave a small stamp of her stockinged foot.

Oliver had slipped under a chest of drawers that held a clock, a lamp, and beautiful vase that stood waiting for a fresh bouquet of flowers.

She got down on her hands and knees and peeked under the piece of furniture.

“May I please have my ribbon?” she begged in as sweet a voice as she could muster when feeling as annoyed as she did.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

MAILING LIST PATREON

Illustration from “Eugene Onegin” edition (1908) by Samokish-Sudakovskaya

Illustration from “Eugene Onegin” edition (1908); Elena Samokich-Soudkovskaïa [Public domain] via Wikimedia

Our couple takes a walk in the garden in chapter 4, and there is a bench involved. However, the couple in this painting look far happier than either Kitty or Lorcan will be during their walk in the garden.

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“Are you well?” Kitty cried.

Mutely, he shook his head, for speech had left him.

“Do you wish to sit down?”

He nodded. Sitting was not exactly what he wished to do, but it was likely better than standing when the garden began to waver. She led him to a bench, and gratefully, he sank down onto it before his legs could fail him.

“Go on without me,” he said when he could once again speak now that his mind was no longer focused so intently on keeping him upright.

“But you are unwell,” she protested.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

A Courtly Interior (A. Stephan) 1870

A. Stephan [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons

Though this scene depicts the 18th century and our story is set in the 19th century, I picked it because it reminded me of the Bennets — a mother and father with five beautiful daughters. I can just hear Mr. Bennet saying “we have done very well for ourselves, have we not, Mrs. Bennet.” (Does anyone else wish to smooth that rug? 🙂 )

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“It is Mother and Father’s anniversary. They will have been married twenty-four years next Thursday.”

“Oh, I had forgotten it was so soon!” That was indeed a day of great importance. “Are you planning a dinner for them?”

Since the time Jane was twelve, she had taken over the celebration preparations for their parent’s anniversary dinner. Before that, Mama had always arranged things.

“It may be the last dinner I get to plan.”

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

Beechwood Park, Hertfordshire, 1818 (John Preston Neale)

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Lorcan rubbed the back of his neck while he studied Netherfield. He had no great desire to go there, but he also did not wish to walk to Meryton or remain on the road. “And what if no one is in residence?”

“There will be staff, sir. They will be able to help you find accommodations. Send a footman to Meryton if there is an issue, and I will hire a carriage to collect you.”

“Very well,” Lorcan agreed. There really was not much else to do.

[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]

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Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4