Page 7 of The Marriage Game

“Jane! Lizzy! I am delighted to see you both!” Mrs. Gardiner gave each of her nieces a warm hug before inviting them into her drawing room. The room was designed for comfort rather than fashion, and Elizabeth was grateful to sink into her favorite green chair near the fire. Soon all three ladies had teacups in hand. “Tell me all your news,” their hostess demanded. “The children will be down in half an hour, so we have not much time for sensible conversation.”

Jane began, “Lizzy is here for the Season –“

“For Georgiana’s come-out,” Elizabeth added.

“And she had this utterly brilliant idea of having us bring Caroline for the Season as well,” Jane went on.

Mrs. Gardiner eyed her nieces shrewdly. “I see. So, Lizzy, you will invite Caroline to a number of society events in the hope that she will finally take?”

“Precisely, Aunt! I knew you would understand,” Elizabeth said, smiling.

“And Mr. Darcy agreed to this?”

“He agreed with only a little reluctance, as did Georgiana; it was the Countess who was seriously displeased with the idea.”

“I can well imagine,” Mrs. Gardiner remarked. “Can not someone teach Miss Bingley how to behave herself?”

Jane sighed. “As her sister, I suppose it is my duty to do so; but she very firmly believes that she need not lower herself to take instruction from anyone, let alone country girls like me and Lizzy.”

“Then she will not find a husband who is not a fortune hunter, I fear,” Mrs. Gardiner said.

“Aunt, at this point, I would happily turn her over to a fortune hunter!” Jane exclaimed. Then she reddened. “I should not have said that,” she added, looking at her hands.

“You are amongst family, Jane; say what you think. So she has been that unpleasant, has she?”

“Oh, Aunt!” Jane looked up. “It has been quite dreadful! Everything I do is criticised. Everything I wear is wrong. Every dinner I order is in some way lacking. Everything – everything! I do not know how much longer I can bear it.”

“I am surprised your husband has not taken her in hand, Jane.”

“Charles is too kind a person to do so, I am sorry to say.” Jane shook her head sadly.

“You know, I think Caroline will learn some humility this Season,” Elizabeth remarked. “She will attend a few events and be soundly rebuffed. Then she will understand that something needs to change. I hope so, in any case.”

“What do you have planned, Lizzy?” Mrs. Gardiner asked.

“Oh, many things. Georgiana must become known, so I will host teas for young ladies, hold dinner parties, go to the theater, and of course Georgiana must have her come-out ball after her presentation. Aunt Gardiner, you and Uncle must attend her ball.”

“Oh, Lizzy, no. Our presence can hardly help Georgiana’s cause.”

“I will hear no objections, Aunt. Society will survive the presence of a brilliant merchant and his elegant and lovely wife for one night!”