mannerisms! We picnic often, for instance, with Sir William Lucas—such a man of fashion! So careful and so concerned! He has always something on health-and-safety matters to say to everybody—That is my idea of good breeding; and those arrogant, bigheaded, supercilli… silly persons who fancy themselves superior and never open their mouths except to be rude and supercilli… silly… quite, quite mistake the matter!”
An embarrassed silence ensued until Lydia, remembering, reminded Mr Bingley of his promise to give a beach party.
“I am perfectly ready to keep my promise, and as soon as your dear sister has recovered, you may name the date, and the party will be set.”
Lydia and Kitty squeaked in delight, and to Lizzy’s relief, left with their mother before any more damage could be done.
Chapter 10
The Bingley party had become particularly fond of The Ferry Inn, which lay on the waterside directly across the estuary from Netherpollock. Evening entertainment saw them take to the seas in
It meant leaving the invalid, Jane, still in traction on the other side of the waters, but they supplied her with a torch, and it was felt that if the pain worsened and that she was in mortal danger or in need of extra morphine, she could always signal across by flashing in Morse code.
Lizzy was amused to note on these occasions how outrageously Cazza would flirt with Darcy, complimenting him on his speed of texting (“I text rather slowly” came the reply), how masterfully he managed
Karaoke was always leapt upon as a great diversion, and Cazza, Lulu, and Hattie delighted the locals in a bawdy rendition of “Je t’aime”, but Lizzy could not be prevailed upon. Darcy tried to encourage her to join in some arm wrestling, but she was not to be drawn. However, her sweet and fun-loving nature was having an effect. Darcy was bewitched.
Chapter 11
Frantic Morse coding from across the bay went unnoticed at The Ferry Inn until the group was departing and became aware of a flashing light. On landing on Small’s Cove, Lizzy leapt out of
“I am sorry,” said Jane, gasping through a web of bandages that had come loose. “I was merely trying to get to the window to send a Morse code message, as I was ravaged with pain. Oh!”
It was only now that Lizzy realised the folly of their plan: Jane’s torch could not be shone through the window at the correct angle to be seen at The Ferry Inn if she was lying in her bed. It was an unfortunate mistake. As Lizzy was pondering the error, Cazza, Lulu, and Hattie popped their heads round the door and claimed delight that Jane seemed to be recovering so speedily, then dashed downstairs to watch reality TV. Lizzy remained to heave Jane back into bed, retie her bandages—including strapping up the broken jaw, which as a consequence left her dear sister unable to speak again—and resetting the traction before descending to the drawing room, by which time the news had come on, and Cazza, yawning, suggested she and Lizzy take a turn on the treadmills.
“I assure you it is very refreshing after sitting so long in one attitude.”
Lizzy accepted happily, and the young ladies started jogging two kilometers at a speed of 11.5. Darcy looked up at the spectacle, and Cazza immediately asked him to join them.
“Try the rowing machine, Darcy. You have the perfect physique for rowing.”
Darcy declined and spent the rest of the evening exercising his vision in a most pleasing fashion.
Chapter 12
The next day, despite Mrs Bennet’s protestations, the elder Bennet girls decided the time had come to return to 3 Island Street, and
Chapter 13
The following week saw the Town Regatta commence in Salcombe. This was a week of uncommon excitement and challenging events. Running races, street art, and fancy dress were all on offer, but for the Bennet girls, the highlights had to be the Harbour Swim across the estuary and Greasy Pole competition.
Jane was recovering well, though Mary insisted she still bore a convincing resemblance to the Egyptian mummy Queen Hatshepsut. Mummy or not, Mr Bennet was relieved to have his two elder girls home. The remainder of his family had done their very best to drive him insane with their constant chitter-chatter about hunky lifeguards, rugged fishermen, and brave and bold lifeboatmen. He had one further reason to be glad of their return. Mr Bennet was in receipt of a letter, the contents of which he took the opportunity to reveal to his family over breakfast.
“Mrs Bennet,” he said, “I hope you will make a special visit to obtain fresh lobster today from a local pot, as we have a visitor for dinner tonight.”
“But we are partying, Father!” interrupted Lydia in dismay. “It’s Frankie C’s birthday, and he has invited all the beautiful young people to meet at Whitestrand at six, and then we’re walking over to North Sands to chill out on the beach for a bit before having cracked crab in the Winking Prawn. How awesome is that?”
“Tonight, Lydia, you will dine with us,” interjected Mr Bennet with unusual firmness. “I have received a letter from a gentleman and a stranger.”
The pairing of the words held the young lady’s attention momentarily.
“It’s Mr Bingley!” cried Mrs Bennet. “Why, Jane, did you say nothing of it?”
“It is not Mr Bingley,” said Mr Bennet with patience. “It is from my cousin Mr Collins, who, when I am dead, may turn you all out of Longbourn and 3 Island Street as soon as he pleases!”
“Oh, that odious man!” exclaimed Mrs Bennet. “I cannot bear to hear his name! How unfair it is that he should inherit our family’s wealth and leave our girls penniless!”
“We will not be penniless, Mother, for we are educated and are going to university, and will, God willing, have a career.”
“A career! A career! What do I care for a career?” wailed Mrs Bennet. “All I care for is to see my five daughters well married, for they will inherit nothing. Nothing!”
“Calm yourself, my dear,” commanded Mr Bennet. “Let me read you an extract from his letter, which may perhaps soften you towards him.”
