Chances Come, Ney Mitch [snow like ashes series TXT] 📗

The awkwardness of the moment, so striking, so subtle in its effect, was not how I wished to ever be greeted by the news about Mr. Bingley.

Ah, the irony!

Ah, the agony of the tide being turned!

“He is arriving in advance?”

“Yes.”

I sat down.

“How strange it all is,” I professed. “Mr. Bingley is a pleasant and gentlemanlike man. There was often a time when I was glad to see him, for I knew that he would be the means through which my sister would be made happy. And now, to hear of this news and it does not bring me joy! How bitter a pill to take. And tomorrow evening, the Colonel is sure to visit.”

“Precisely. That is the reason that I wished to consult you. My proposal is embarrassing to confess, for it is the actions of a coward.”

“What do you mean?”

“Rather than invite Bingley to dine with us tomorrow night, I thought, perhaps, it would be wise for me to go to his home during the day and pay him a visit.”

“If we do that, then the first time that Jane, Mr. Bingley, and the Colonel will be in each other’s company, is at Sir Aleck’s ball.”

“Yes, and I know that it may sound like I am not being particularly brave…”

“No, you are being smart.”

Mr. Darcy blinked.

“You see how I am feeling?”

“Yes,” I encouraged him, but not blindly. I genuinely agreed with him. “For, if they meet each other in the privacy of your home, then it shall become very apparent that there are two men in one drawing room who are pursuing the same woman. Awkwardness shall ensue, Jane will be placed in a most painful position, for she will be forced to choose one on the spot, and the two gentlemen will wish to kill each other by the end of the night.”

“Yet,” Mr. Darcy added, happy that I agreed with him, “if they meet each other at the ball, they can speak to each other very little. And they can dance with Jane separately, where she does not have to be taxed by them both imposing their attentions on her.”

“Very good,” I assured him. “You have made yourself into a very good tactician.” I stood up. “Now, I am going to change into one of my smarter pair of boots, for I shall not want to disgrace my mother, who would despise me not being my best in town. I swear, fashion rules our lives too much.”

“Yes, it does. And thank you for agreeing with my sentiments.”

“Never fear, for it was correct. If it was not, I would have not hesitated to disagree with you.”

I smiled at him and then left him before our reputations could be called to question because we had spent too much time alone. Again.

Chapter 12 A Man of Many Talents

Darcy took us to Madame Duellane’s, and, in truth, we had quite a delightful time. Darcy was adept at accompanying women when they dressed for gowns. When I mention such, what I speak of is something that is quite a marvel: he did not just sit in a corner awkwardly, but he expressed his preferences in gown color, cloth, and style. He was attentive, had good information on how there was elegance in a gown that fit a woman simply, and properly.

Yet, the surprise was once more entirely on our side. For, when going, he arranged for us to have three gowns made for us, and two new dresses that were meant for everyday use. When we expressed our refusal to accept such a large gift, he was adamant. He made the point very simply, that after the ball, there was the chance of us being invited to other dinner parties, and that we should be prepared.

Despite that it was an embarrassment of riches, I confess to not refusing him for very long at all. Faith, my initial refusal to accept his gift was singular and flimsy at best. Despite the vanity of it, I felt joy at him being around us and pampering us in such a way.

It was all a simple thing.

A little thing.

And yet, it made me feel closer to him.

Jane, as always, responded to his generosity with gentle happiness, but Kitty was overjoyed. Yet, her raptures were not rambunctious, but rather, they were just enough to make Mr. Darcy know of her appreciation.

Since Mr. Darcy was tending to us, and also since he clearly had been there before with Miss Darcy, we were attended to by all the shop women. Our requests were simple, because most of the gowns and dresses that suited us perfectly were already made. They simply had to be tailored down to our size.

Therefore, we were promised that our gowns would be completed by the next afternoon.

We left, in all satisfaction, and returned to Darcy’s home with contentment.

As we all retired to our rooms to prepare for dinner, I was choosing which gown that I was to wear, when I received a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I called.

The door opened and Kitty entered.

“Kitty?” I asked, going back to choosing my gown. “Do you need something?”

“Yes,” she announced, boldly, “I need the truth.”

“Truth? You are sounding philosophical at the moment.”

“No, it is a truth that is more personal. I want the truth, Lizzy, do you love Mr. Darcy?”

I froze.

And I remained frozen for a whole ten seconds.

Or perhaps it was a little longer.

“Lizzy, have you lost the ability of speech?” Kitty asked me.

“Yes, no… well, yes.”

I sat down on my bed, wondering how it was best to approach the situation. Then I decided that it was best to just voice the truth.

“Yes, I am,” I responded.

“Very well. That was all I came to ask about. Now, I shall leave you to it.”

She went to the door and turned the knob.

“Wait,” I blurted out. “That was it?”

“Was there anything more to say?” Kitty responded. “I asked if you love him, you said yes, and therefore, the mystery is solved. Therefore, mystery over!”

“I am