Read Second Glances: A Tale of Less Pride and Prejudice Continues (Tales of Less Pride and Prejudice) for Free Online

you quite a bit, but I thought that his response to your refusal to meet his eye. He’s quite a character, you know, always teasing. You must pay him no mind.”
    “He is Mr. Brooks’ very good friend?”
    “His closest. They own neighboring estates.”
    Kitty schooled her face to betray none of her dismay but was not entirely successful in the endeavor. Georgiana was surprised to find her friend so discomposed over nothing but pressed her no further. Kitty, determining to change her dress, told Georgiana she would meet her downstairs, and the latter left her to contend alone with the tumult of her mind. On the landing she met Elizabeth, who saw her exit Kitty’s room, and inquired after her sister as they descended the staircase together.
    “She should be down shortly,” reported Georgiana, conveying with her eyes that there was more to be said on the subject. Elizabeth silently indicated her understanding, and, finding the drawing room empty, she seized the moment for communication.
    “I am wondering if Kitty is not quite herself. Does she seem ill at ease to you?”
    “Yes, ever since Sir James and Mr. Brooks’ call,” she gazed at Elizabeth in confusion. “Is it possible she could dislike Mr. Brooks? I had not considered it before, assuming she would like him as much as I – well, perhaps not quite so much.”
    Elizabeth could not suppress her humor. “Indeed not!” she laughed. “I am sure Kitty will like Mr. Brooks very well in time. She could barely see him today with her nose buried in her lap. I wonder at her behavior! She is not usually so awkward.”
    “She seems quite put out by Sir James, for some reason. I told her not to mind his peculiar wit, as it is just his way.”
    Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Darcy, who greeted the ladies warmly, inquiring about their activities that day. He was delighted to learn Sir James was in town, but admitted to some disappointment in not being present to gauge his perceptive wife’s first reaction to his old friend.
    “Will you begrudge me the introduction, brother?” Georgiana playfully questioned.
    “Not in the slightest, but I do insist Mrs. Darcy be precise in recounting her impressions of Sir James. I predict she liked him a great deal.” At this Kitty entered, and the line of conversation drifted to other subjects. They awaited the Gardiners and Bingleys, come to welcome her to town, and it was not long before a happy party was assembled. Surrounded by family, Kitty was able to put her discomfort aside for the evening, behaving enough like her usual self to ease some of Elizabeth’s concerns. She mentioned these to Jane and Mrs. Gardiner, as they listened to the young ladies practice their duet after dinner.
    “At first I was embarrassed by her manners, but Kitty has never been shy. I think there is more going on there than she acknowledges.”
    “Lizzy! You are so quick to be suspicious! Could it not be love at first sight, and Kitty overcome by emotion?” suggested Jane, giggling at the notion.
    “That’s a lovely thought, Jane! If he proves amiable, it would be highly felicitous for Kitty to someday be titled!” laughed Mrs. Gardiner.
    “I hope you are both correct, and they enjoy a speedy courtship,” confessed Elizabeth coyly, “for there is something on my mind that may render my task as chaperon more difficult than I envisioned.”
    Her telling blush quickly informed Mrs. Gardiner as to what her niece referred, but Jane needed a bit more elucidation before blushing fiercely and exclaiming, “Oh, Lizzy! How can you be sure?”
    “I have an appointment to speak with Mr. Messling this Saturday.”
    “My dear Elizabeth! I could not be more pleased for you!” exclaimed Mrs. Gardiner with a warm embrace. Jane offered similar congratulations, but there was a sadness behind her customary smile.
    Elizabeth squeezed her hand. “Your time will come soon enough,” she whispered.
    “I do hope so, Lizzy, but lately