Page 80 of The Secret Diary of Anne de Bourgh

Jane had arranged everything for our comfort. I took Luna to my room before she could become too much interested in exploring a house she has not seen since she was very small.

It was pleasant to recognise the rooms. So much has happened since we were last here that I had almost expected them to look different.

I thought of Richard, of course. I remember too well how anxious we were about him, and how glad I was merely to be permitted to sit beside him. It seems ungrateful to be unhappy now that he is so much better, merely because he is not here.

I should nevertheless have liked to see him coming into the room.

Christopher is expected in Hertfordshire tomorrow. Mary will then have everybody she most wishes to see, and only two more days to wait.

Elizabeth has promised that we shall go to Longbourn tomorrow.

I am looking forward to seeing whether Mary has prevailed about the lace.

6 October

Mary has prevailed about the lace, though she owes her victory in some part to Darling.

We went to Longbourn this morning and found the household still very much occupied with the wedding. Mr Bennet was in the hall when we arrived. He greeted Elizabeth with particular affection, then turned to me.

“Well, Miss de Bourgh, Hertfordshire evidently agrees with you. Or perhaps it is Derbyshire. At any rate, somebody has been taking very good care of you.”

“I have been very fortunate in my company, sir.”

“You look exceedingly well. I am glad to see it.”

He spoke the last words quite simply, without any teasing, and I was pleased. I had liked him when we first met; he can be very kind.

There was less tranquillity in the drawing-room. Mrs Bennet had brought out the lace again, apparently in the hope that the addition of Jane and Elizabeth to the company might improve its chances of being attached to Mary’s gown.

Mary had scarcely finished explaining that the gown was complete when Kitty discovered that Darling had taken possession of the loose end hanging from the table.

“Oh, you dreadful creature!” Mrs Bennet cried. “Kitty, take her away! She will ruin it!”

Kitty attempted to do so, but Darling, having secured her prize with both front paws, appeared determined to take it with her. Every effort to persuade her to release it produced another cry from Mrs Bennet, which did very little to assist matters.

Georgiana at last distracted her with a scrap of paper. Kitty carried the kitten out, and Jane gently disentangled the lace from the leg of the table.

“I do not think she has done any harm, Mama,” she said, examining it. “It is very pretty. Would it not make a lovely trimming for a baby’s gown? And there would be enough for caps as well.”

Mrs Bennet looked at the lace, then at Elizabeth.

“Why, so it would! Lizzy, come here and let me see you. My dear girl, you must tell me what you have already ordered. I dare say you have forgotten half the things you will require.”

Elizabeth, who had been regarding the scene with considerable amusement, found herself drawn down beside her mother and subjected to a great many questions. Mrs Bennet patted her hand, admired her complexion, and declared that she had never seen her looking better.

Lizzy seemed quite at a loss for a moment. I am accustomed to seeing her ready with an answer to almost anything, but such enthusiastic approval from her mother appeared to take her entirely by surprise.

Mrs Bennet did eventually remember that she had another daughter to be married before the grandchild arrived. Her thoughts then turned to the only daughter absent.

“As for Lydia, I hardly know what she is about. She scarcely ever writes to me. I am sure she might spare her mother a few lines.”

Jane said that she hoped Lydia was well, Elizabeth continued examining the lace, and Mary asked Kitty a question about a letter she had received from their Aunt Gardiner. Nobody appeared particularly concerned.

I realised then how little I have heard any of them speak of their youngest sister. Even Kitty, who must be nearest her in age, never seems to have anything she wishes to say about her. I know a great deal more about Jane’s daily occupations than I do about Lydia’s existence.

Christopher arrived while we were still there. Mary heard his voice in the hall and put down the gloves she had been folding.

She did not hurry to the door, but I think that was only because everybody was watching.