Page 51 of The Marriage Game

The next day, Elizabeth found this letter in her morning post.

Dear Lizzy,

You know by now that Lydia is here at Longbourn with her two babies. You cannot imagine how much fuss and furor is going on here! It is impossible to sleep, and Mama has no time for anyone or anything except Lydia and the babies.

Can Kitty and I not come to Darcy House for a visit? We would be no trouble at all, I promise! You know I would not bother you were it not an emergency!

Your rather desperate sister,

Mary

And this:

Dearest Sister,

I so long for London, you have no idea! Surely you would not begrudge your favourite (very well, second favourite) sister a small taste of Town life? I am certain Papa would let us use the carriage.

Your hopeful sister,

Kitty

And this:

Lizzy,

You have forced me to take matters into my own hands.

Your irate Mama

Elizabeth passed the three messages to her husband. He read them in silence, and then asked, “Whatever can your mother mean? She will take matters into her own hands? That sounds rather threatening.”

“I tremble to think,” Elizabeth laughed. “But she is right to be angry, for she has sent me any number of letters and I have not found ten minutes to reply to her.”

“It is unlikely that your sisters will find worthy husbands in Meryton,” Mr. Darcy observed. “Perhaps next year we might consider hosting them here in Town.”

“Mama will appreciate that,” Elizabeth replied. “I shall write her and inform her of your very kind offer.”

“You had better write soon,” Mr. Darcy said, seriously. “I have a rather ominous feeling about this.”

“I certainly shall.”

***

The drawing room at Darcy House was full that afternoon. Lord Fane, Agatha and Lady Amelia were there, as were the Bingleys and Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam. Richard was now Mr. Fitzwilliam, as he had resigned his commission that morning. Mrs. Annesley was helping to hand round the teacups.

“I would say that Marriage Game was a success this year,” Elizabeth remarked to Mrs. Annesley as she accepted a cup.

“Well-played,” Mrs. Annesley nodded. “I had no doubt of Miss Darcy, but Miss Bingley’s success was a surprise.”

“But a very welcome one!” Elizabeth said.

“I shall begin to look for a new position soon,” Mrs. Annesley said.

“Oh, must you?” Elizabeth protested. “I feel that you have become part of the family.”

“You are very kind, Mrs. Darcy, but I shall go where I am most needed.”

Just then, Taggart entered the room with an odd expression on his face.

“Taggart? What is it?” Elizabeth asked.

The butler was unceremoniously pushed aside. “No need to announce us,” Mrs. Bennet told him. “She knows who we are.”

“Mama?” Elizabeth and Jane spoke together.

“Hullo, Lizzy!” Kitty cried. “I am so happy to see you!”

Mary peeked over Kitty’s shoulder. “I am sorry that we are arriving uninvited,” this serious sister said. “But Mama –“

“I told you I was taking matters into my own hands, Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet interrupted.

Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Annesley and said, “Two more players for the Marriage Game, Mrs. Annesley! I beg you to look no further for your newest employment!”