The Betrothed, Charles-Louis Muller (1815–1892) [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons
~*~*~
“You look lovely,” Georgiana said upon entering Kitty’s room at Darcy House. “Is this the dress you wore the first day you went driving with Mr. Langley?”
“It is. Do you think it is foolish for me to wish to wear it? I had thought it might be better to begin again in a completely new dress, but he said he remembered this one when he helped me get my ribbon back from Oliver that day.” She straightened a sleeve that did not need straightening. Her stomach was all aflutter, and her heart would not remain calm. Today, she would promise herself to a gentleman whom she loved – if he was still willing to wait for her. She turned to examine her hair in the mirror. “He said he likes green and that it was a becoming colour on me.”
Georgiana grasped Kitty’s shoulders from behind and rested her head on one of them so that she was looking into the mirror with and at Kitty. “It is not foolish,” she said with a small laugh. “I cannot believe that my friend will soon be betrothed.”
Photo taken by Leenie Brown at Prescott House Museum, Summer 2016.
Prescott House, located in Starrs Point, Nova Scotia, was built by Charles Prescott as the centerpiece to his estate, Acacia Grove, between the years 1811 and 1816. After falling into disrepair, the house was purchased by a great-granddaughter of Charles Prescott and restored in the 1930s. The interior is furnished to reflect the 19th century. This tea tray was part of a lovely display in one of the rooms. I love the pink dishes and the (fake) fruit tarts. (Isn’t it just so cheery looking?) The fruit is representative of just some of the sweet produce grown at Acacia Grove. Prescott is known for his contributions to Nova Scotia’s apple industry, and (fun fact) that is why the hero of my story “Apple Blossoms” (found in First Blooms and Second Chances) is named as he is. But that has nothing to do with our story for tomorrow. Tomorrow, in chapter 12 of Marrying Elizabeth book 5, as you can see in the excerpt below, there is an invitation to take tea with the Darcys, and that is why I decided to share this photo today.
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…Sobering, but only slightly, Richard took a sip of his coffee. “My message for you, Lori, is, and once, again, I am quoting my brother for he insisted I deliver it word for word as he said it, ‘Everyone has returned to town, and Miss Kitty seems most anxious to see you. Call on her directly, and then come to dinner in Brook Street to inform me of your happy news. Bring Young Alfred.’
And my cousin Georgiana would like for me to make certain that you know that she, her brother, and Elizabeth would be delighted if Mr. Alfred Langley would join them for tea while you are driving with Kitty.”
“And this could not be sent to me by way of a note?”
Richard shook his head. “I am to carry your reply to Georgie – so she can be prepared for tea, and to Lady Westonbury – so dinner can be planned appropriately.”
“That could be accomplished through a note.”
Richard smirked. “According to Westonbury, the mail service is so very unreliable these days…”
[from Marrying Elizabeth book 5]
I wonder why Georgiana wants Alfred to visit? Any ideas? Guess we will find out in a chapter or two from now. 🙂
Confidences, Frédéric Soulacroix [Public domain] via Wikimedia
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Georgiana turned toward her friend. A little flutter of anxiety flitted through her breast. “I overheard him talking to Wes.” She crossed to sit next to her friend. “That is what I wished to speak to you about because something I heard troubled me.”
“What did you hear?” Kitty’s eyes were large with concern. “He did not lie to me about loving me, did he?”
Georgiana grasped Kitty’s hands. “No, I am certain he loves you since he has offered for you–“
“You know about that?” Kitty asked in surprise.
“It was part of what I overheard. It seems he is most anxious for you to accept him. Your hesitance to do so is where the troublesome bit lies.”
A Conversation Overheard, Charles Joshua Chaplin [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons
A conversation is not overheard in this chapter. In fact, Kitty is listening and hoping to hear some conversation so that she knows she can enter the library safely. Hmmm. I wonder who is in Netherfield’s library. [Hint: If Lydia is there, that must mean that others in the Fitzwilliam family might also have arrived at Netherfield. ;)]
~*~*~
Kitty had only taken two steps into Netherfield’s library before turning around and darting out of the room. She stood near the partially open door and listened for the sound of voices to indicate that entering might be safe. She placed her hands, which were cool, on her cheeks to keep them from growing too warm.
“What are you doing? Are you eavesdropping?” Lydia whispered as she came to stand next to Kitty.
“Yes,” Kitty replied.
“Have you heard anything of interest?” Lydia leaned toward the door to the library. Her brow furrowed. “I do not hear anything. Is there someone in there?”
Courtship, Edmund Leighton (1903) [Public domain] via Wikimedia Commons
Do you remember how Persuading Miss Mary ended with Kitty and Lorcan being discovered kissing in the music room? Well, Kitty, who loves music, has not been able to enjoy playing nearly as much as she did before that fateful day and could not bring herself to play the piece of music she had been playing on that day — until now when there is a possible courtship on the horizon.
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Mary,
When you are sharing all that Jane has written with our sisters, would you be so kind as to share my eager anticipation of Georgiana’s arrival with her? There is so much I wish to discuss with her. Also, tell her that I have promised myself to practice our duet most faithfully until her arrival.
Give
my love to my sisters. It will be lovely for us all to be together again.
