emma: chapter 4

8/8/2019 Emma: Chapter 4

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/emma-chapter-4 1/150



Miss Blackthorne was sitting by the foot of Kitty‟s bed. It was nearly

ne o‟ clock in the morning, but sleep was unlikely that night. She shivere

ightly and wished she‟d grabbed a shawl before coming to sit with her

iend, but she wasn‟t willing to leave her just then.



It was the beginning of autumn and the weather of the past few days

as leading everyone to believe that it would be one of the mildest winter

ages, but not that night. That night, it was freezing.

Mary Jane stood up carefully so she would not wake Miss Fitz and

oked at the fire.



She shivered again as she ensured Kitty was properly covered, but

ready the room was warmer.

Kitty moaned in her sleep, and it sounded like she was dreaming about

enjamin as she mumbled “love” several times, and “worthless” a few

ore than that.



The burn at the back of Mary Jane‟s throat was incredibly irritating.

“You will not cry,” she ordered herself in a whisper. She leaned back

to the chair and, while trying not to doze off, she thought of the events

f that very long, very bad day.



It had begun innocently enough. Francis, Benjamin, & William were

raduating from Pemberley University; due to the closeness of their house

Pemberley, Thomas and Philadelphia Austen were hosting a dinner in

heir honor.

Kitty, Mary Jane, & Elle went along to support the young men leaving

ucy and Requiem at M. Bennet‟s with Mrs. Whedon, and passed the shor

arriage ride in a mostly silent manner. Indeed, Mary Jane pretended to be

leep and Kitty did not so much as glance away from her book becauseheir escort, William Blackthorne, was staring rather longingly at Elle the

ntire time. To the two outsiders it was altogether embarrassing.

They were pleased, however, that the necessity for an escort made the

arriage too cramped for Raphaelle to ride with them, and so her father

nt a separate carriage and a footman for her.



The graduates were congratulated and fawned over, William and

enjamin especially. Elle was extremely impressed that Ham had finished

s education in half the usual time and could not stop mentioning it.

Kitty kept teasing Mary Jane that he had great motivation to finish

uickly, and looked pointedly at Elle each time; Mary Jane usually poked

itty in the ribs for that.

What Mary Jane and Kitty did not see, however, was Elle‟s face as Hamccidentally let slip his little problem…



Ham beamed. “You are so kind, thank you for your congratulations! I

as so happy to have the luxury of studying on my own, and I really thank

at for getting me through my education so quickly. Imagine! Being deaf

one ear is such a bother when one is trying to listen to a lecture on the

evolution.”

Elle‟s radiant smile turned into a frown. “What.” Ham laughed

ervously.

Henry, overhearing the conversation, winced on his son‟s behalf. “Oh

ar, I really think we ought to have made him tell her sooner, my love.”

Charlotte was concerned, but for her own reasons.“I hope she isn‟t

OO upset, I really like her. And she is so very smart, not a ninny like

ost young ladies these days…”



Mary Jane, completely unaware of her brother‟s distress, forced down a

ugh as she watched Benjamin. He was not even pretending to be polite

her, and was currently being attacked with flirtation by Raphaelle.

Well , she thought, at least Benjamin’s ridiculous professions of love this summer

roved to me that Phae was completely deluded about their imminent engagement.

Her amusement vanished when she saw Benjamin catch Raphaelle‟s

and and kiss it.

Was…yes, was…



It was just as everyone headed to the dining room for dinner that Mary

ne saw Benjamin pull Thomas Austen aside; her heart just about fell out

f her chest at that moment. Though it had been quite some time since

s declarations, Mary Jane had not informed Kitty of the mistake, and if

enjamin was doing what she thought he was doing, everyone was in for a

hock.



The burning in the back of her throat had returned. So stupid. How

uld I be so stupid? I should have told Kitty that very night he proposed to me, but in

y own useless vanity I could not. And now look what has happened…



“Miss Raphaelle Austen,” Benjamin said then after a quick pat on the

ack from his uncle Thomas “Might I have the privilege of speaking to

ou alone?” His face was bright red when Mary Jane caught his eye.

The family around the table all looked at each other, most of them

rinning. But Miss Blackthorne did not care about that.



All Mary Jane cared about was the completely crushed, devastated,

efeated look on the beautiful face of Catherine Fitz. She watched

aphaelle stand up quickly and exit the room with Benjamin, and wanted

othing more than to rush to Kitty‟s side. Or possibly run after Benjamin

nd throttle him, but that must come later.



As soon as the door shut behind them, the room was filled with

abbling and excitement.

“He‟s proposing?!”

“Of course he‟s proposing!”

“Do you think she will accept?”

“You‟re mad! Everyone knows little Phae has been in love with

enjamin for years!”



Mary Jane looked at Francis. He‟d been right all along, but he did not

ok smug.

He looked…sorry.



The new couple (for indeed that is what they were then) returned only

inute later. Raphaelle was positively beaming and sporting a very large

amond, while Benjamin looked very smug indeed as he winked at Mary

ne and Kitty.



Mary Jane felt the bile rise up, and her stomach flipped nauseously at

he thought of that terrible wink .



Dinner was utterly forgotten for the moment. Raphaelle hugged her

ther, then her mother, and soon the room was filled with so much hand

haking and hugging that Mary Jane thought it enough cover to escape

ith Kitty. Francis watched them go.



Francis spun around, thankful to see that Mary Jane‟s brother was right

ext to him.

“Miss Fitz was suddenly ill, so Janie and I saw her back to M. Bennet‟s,

orrect Blackthorne?” Francis muttered with a determined look on his

ce.



William blinked. “Hey?”

Francis groaned. “Oh, for the love of—!”

“I shall see that everyone is informed, Mr. Howard,” Elle said helpfully

he‟d only just learned of Ham‟s partial deafness, but now that she was

ver her irritation, she found it endlessly amusing.

“Thank you, Miss Fitzhugh,” Francis said, bowing swiftly.



And Francis was off.

“…What did he say?”

Elle only giggled, and left a very confused William Blackthorne to pass

ong Francis‟ message.



“Janie!” Francis shouted as he dashed through the front door and out

to Dargent House‟s courtyard.



He skidded to a halt and could not help but laugh; Mary Jane had

ready called for the carriage, and the swiftness of its arrival could only

ean she had threatened the poor driver while doing so; he squinted

hrough the darkness and saw that Kitty was safely inside.



“Well, look at this! I am rendered quite useless.”

Mary Jane gave him a wry look. “Sorry, no damsels in distress at

resent. Well…” She looked through the glass at Kitty, and her face fell.

“Janie, I—”

She winced. “Do not say „I told you so‟, Francis, I beg you.”



Francis looked away. “I wouldn‟t dream of it. As much as making you

sane thrills me, I will never intentionally hurt you.”

Mary Jane opened her mouth to say something snarky at this, but could

ot.

“Come, let us get her home,” Francis said, breaking the silence. Mary

ne nodded, and let him help her into the carriage.



Miss Blackthorne smiled to herself, and recalled the quiet, yet

omfortable ride across Simdon.

“Dear Francis,” she said softly.



Francis helped the ladies into the house and carefully took Kitty‟s right

m as Mary Jane grasped the left. He accidentally shut the door with a bi

o much force which earned him a look from Mary Jane.

“Do try to be quiet, Francis. We shall not want to wake Mrs. Whedon

or she will only make things worse with her fussing.”

“Of course, apologies,” he whispered back without a hint of irritation

his voice.



They started off down the hall when Francis realized he did not actuall

now where they were going.

“Where is her room?” he inquired.

“Er, on the second floor, last door on the right. The stairs are just

ere, through that door.” Miss Blackthorne indicated a plain white door,

nd they proceeded.



“Please, do not worry over me. It is mortifying…” Kitty murmured

hen they entered her bedroom.

Mary Jane frowned sadly. “Nonsense, you‟ve just had a terrible shock,”

he said, taking Kitty‟s hand. “We will leave you to ready for bed, then I

hall return in a few minutes. Is this acceptable?”

Kitty nodded.



Mary Jane shut the door to Kitty‟s room and leaned against it. She

aused there for a moment before speaking.



“Thank you for seeing us back,” she finally said.

Francis did not immediately reply. He just looked into Mary Jane‟s eyes

or a long moment, unthinking.



Mary Jane‟s eyes widened. “You knew? How is it that you know

erything ?”



The young man chuckled. “It is a talent. He has loved you for some

me, and I think I have always known, deep down, that he intended to

arry you. It did not occur to me consciously, of course, until the nightou rejected him. He was very loud about it, you see. Mama went so far

to threaten giving him a good lashing.” Francis laughed again, this time

the memory of kind Elizabeth Howard waving her favorite bonnet

ound menacingly.

“Mm…” Mary Jane did not know what to say, though she was amusedthe idea of her aunt harming anyone in any way. And yet Mary Jane

ould not shake the feeling of awkwardness that had just descended upon

hem.



Francis‟ following question startled her, lost in her thoughts as she was

I must ask, Miss Blackthorne…why did you reject him?” His expression

as unreadable, and confusing.

Mary Jane raised an eyebrow, unsure why he cared at all.

“I…” Why were Francis‟ eyes burning into hers?



She turned away, trying to formulate an answer. “I have no desire to

arry, and I thought him perfect for my friend. Erm…” She cocked her

ead to the side. “Why did you call me Miss Blackthorne?”

Francis didn‟t answer.



Francis took his leave soon after that, and Mary Jane returned to Kitty.

When she did, she saw that Kitty was crying.

“He was in love with you? I am sorry, I did not mean to listen…but

ou were just outside my door, and I could not help…but…hear,” Kitty

uttered, and she began crying harder.



Mary Jane led her to the bed and sat down next to her.

“I was very wrong to conceal it from you. I confess that I hoped he

ight still change his mind, but that was more wishful thinking and the

ability to admit my mistakes than anything else. He…” She looked at

itty‟s teary face and felt her own face crumple. “While expressing his

rvent admiration for you as a person, it is unhappily I who have captured

s fancy. Naturally I do not return his feelings, but that does not make it

ny less of an embarrassment and I place the responsibility for this directln my own shoulders.”

Of course she was lying about his admiration for Kitty, but Mary Jane

ould sooner die than repeat the awful things Benjamin had actually said.



Kitty sniffed loudly. “Oh, no! Not at all!” she exclaimed, shocked. “I

ave always felt that I did not deserve Mr. Howard's affections. So…I

annot blame him for believing the same. I could never blame you. You

ave been so kind a friend, and you believed in something for me that I

ould never dream possible.”



“…Kitty, I had always hoped that I might have something to teach you

ow I see that I shall be lucky to resemble you in any small way.”



Kitty moaned again in her sleep, and Mary Jane finally let the wretched

ars fall. She was wrong, and she hated it.

But she admitted it.

-----



Kitty‟s mood did not improve much over time. She tried very, very har

ot to show her disappointment, but it showed, and Mary Jane kept

uggesting that she put Benjamin out of her mind completely.



“Yes, and I shall,” Kitty would say each time, but without fail she was

ways noticing something to do with Benjamin within the hour, whether i

e leather the precise color of his favorite boots, or a horse with his exact

ye color.



Mary Jane tried to distract her as much as possible. It was her fault,

fter all, and Mary Jane was determined to set her to rights. More often

han strictly necessary, they would endure the short trip to Simshire to visi

Mrs. Legacy. It was just another part of the distraction plans.



Mary Jane thought small outings with almost no chance of mentioning

enjamin were good ideas, and usually they were, but for the first time in

er life, Leonora Legacy failed her best friend.

“I still cannot believe Benjamin and Raphaelle are…” She paused,

atching the look on Mary Jane‟s face. “What, dear? I do not care much

or being glared at.”

Mary Jane continued the glare. Pointedly.



Kitty tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. “Mrs.

egacy, might I explore your library ?”

“Of— of course,” Leonora replied kindly, looking at Mary Jane in confusion



Kitty stood immediately, and with a quick curtsey exited the room.

Leonora gaped for a moment. “What in the world is wrong with the

wo of you? You, with your glares, and Kitty! What ever did I say?”

Miss Blackthorne shook her head sadly. “Have you forgotten what I told yo

f Benjamin and Kitty?”

“ You said you had hopes of their attachment, yes I remember,”eonora said, nodding.



“It appears I misread every sign! Somehow, even though I was sure he

anted her portrait, it was really my painting he wanted to watch. Very

dd, is it not? I was so sure he would be in love with her, he always spoke

f her so well to me!”

“Clearly he was only trying to flatter your friend for your approval of himself.”

“ Must you be so astute? Oh! I have made such a mess of things. If I

as not entirely certain rejecting Mr. Legacina was the right thing to do, Ihould feel very wretched indeed. As it is, I swear I will NEVER try to

atch anyone again!”



“I think that would be for the best, dear. Do not fret, she is young!

ou both are, and time heals all wounds. Speaking of which, have you and

rancis reconciled?”



But Mary Jane was in her own little world. “The best thing for her to

e happy is for her to make a good match. What do you think, who is

uitable? Bleu O‟Leery?”



“Mary Jane…!”



“Too licentious? Robert Austen, perhaps?”



“I am sorry, but I thought you just swore to me you would never try to

atch anyone again.”

“Ugh! You are right. Distract me, dearest,” Mary Jane whined. “Where is

ucy?” she asked, perking up immediately just by thinking of her

oddaughter.

Leonora rolled her eyes. “She is having a nap. Therefore I must say

hat I am very sorry but no, you may not have my daughter, your

…security blanket.”



Mary Jane pouted. “She keeps me CALM!” she said with a wild look i

er eyes. Leonora laughed at her.

“Really dear, I need distraction,” Miss Blackthorne begged a minute

ter. “I‟ve just run through about half the gentlemen of my acquaintance

unting for Kitty‟s future husband.” Again, Leonora giggled at her friend‟

xpense, while Mary Jane made an effort to look seriously offended. “You

e terrible!” she said.



“ Thank you, dearest! I must say I feel the same way in regards to you,”

Mrs. Legacy teased.



Miss Blackthorne looked around the room, and finally decided she may

well be kept up to date on family comings and goings . “Did you attend

he wedding?” she asked. “Benjamin‟s, I mean to say.”

Leonora shook her head.



“No, I hear it was a very small affair, despite Raphaelle’s demands, and they were

arried with only their parents and Francis in attendance. Little Josephine is still too

ung for travel, of course .”



“ Indeed? I can’t imagine Raphaelle was at all pleased.”

“No, but apparently she was comforted by the extensive new wardrobe made for her

ousseau.”



“Ha , she would be. Where did it take place ?”

“Oh, a very small church in Plysimouth.”

“Plysimouth? Good lord, why ever would they go there?”



Leonora grinned widely, excited to be the one to share this particular bi

f news. “You shall love to hear this!”

“What?”

“Well! Not only did they travel to Plysimouth for a wedding and their

oneymoon, no…our aunt Elizabeth and uncle Thomas had business in

he area, and it was deemed convenient and appropriate.”

“…And? What business could out elderly aunt and silly uncle have there?”



“Dear, Fulwar Howard has finally returned to Simland!”



-----



A party at the Howard family‟s home, Bertram House, took place the

eekend after the youngest son, Fulwar, finally arrived home with his aunt

nd cousin in tow. They were late in returning to Simland but they had

rived; the party came with the family‟s massive relief .



Mary Jane‟s aunt Mary, to whom she owed part of her name, had only

een in Simland when Mary Jane was a very young child. She seemed

uch older than Miss Blackthorne had imagined, but she was found to be

very pleasant person; Mary Jane even found herself quite enjoying her

ompany, and that of her daughter‟s.

Anna was a pretty girl and possessed a quick wit as well as exceptional

reeding. As those things were among the highest qualities a woman could

ossess according to Mary Jane, she found Miss Smith to be positively harming



The Fulwar Howard so long talked of was actually before her, and she

mmediately decided that he had not been praised enough, though he was

ertainly praised often.

“Miss Blackthorne,” he said, kissing her hand. “What do you think,

ould my parents have had a more extravagant welcome?”



He was a very good looking young man; his countenance had a great

eal of spirit and liveliness, and he looked quick and sensible. She felt

mmediately that she should like him; there was a well-bred ease of

anner, and a readiness to talk, which convinced her that acquainted they

oon must be. It was not often that Mary Jane approved of a gentleman s

uickly, but approve of him she most certainly did.

“Mr. Howard, a pleasure. And…well, we must be grateful they did not

hrow you a ball, for that would be very dreadful indeed,” she joked.



“I beg you to be silent! Though the thought of dancing with a woman

o lovely as yourself (if I may be so bold as to call you lovely) I do not

ant my mother to get any shocking ideas.”



Mary Jane pursed her lips. “I shall say no more about it,” she said, and

roke into a grin.

She did not notice that Francis Howard sat across the room, half

ntertaining Kitty with chess, half watching them. Even if she had, she

robably would not have cared overmuch.



Their conversation continued with sarcastic, witty remarks for the

hole of the afternoon. They argued over the current bonnet fashions,

hether or not gilt frames were still in style, and, much to Mary Jane‟s

elight, if Requiem Bohemian-Fitzhugh ever smiled.

Mary Jane smiled eagerly as she moved to the subject she had been

ost curious about. “I understand you and Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh wer

troduced prior to your return home? I am also told that you and Miss

nna Smith visited at Simfield recently, and Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh wahere with Miss Elle and the simselves. Is this so? How did you find

hem? I can never decide what it is about simselves, but they are a rather

dd sort.”



“So many questions!” Fulwar teased jovially. “But yes, oh yes, all of

hat is very correct. I escorted Miss Smith to Simfield as Mrs. Simself was

ery eager to see her, as was Miss Shadey. While there we encountered my

cquaintance Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh, and the young lady Miss Elle. In

ct, I was just going to mention it, as I was disappointed to not see you

here as well.”



“ Ah, no. We have been often in Simshire of late, but usually Miss Fitz

nd I visit with Mrs. Legacy.”



“I see! Well, aside from lacking your amiable presence, it was a very

uccessful visit. We met all of the Simselves (some of them are quite

ccentric, you are right) but spent most of the time with your school mate

say, the amount Miss Elle talks took me quite by surprise, and I thought i

hould be the death of me! As it was, I was forced into paying a most

nreasonable visit. Ten minutes would have been all that was necessary,

erhaps all that was proper; and I had told my Aunt Smith I should

ertainly be home with Anna before late, but there was no getting away, no

ause; and, to my utter astonishment, I found that I had been actually tting with them very nearly three-quarters of an hour. Miss Elle had not

ven me the possibility of escape before!"



“ Ah, yes, she does that. And…how did you think Miss Bohemian-

itzhugh looking ?”

“Ill, very ill— that is, if a young lady can ever be allowed to look ill. But saying so

hardly allowed these days! Ladies can never look ill. And, seriously, Miss Bohemian

itzhugh is naturally so oddly-coloured, as almost always to give the appearance of ill

alth. A most deplorable want of complexion.”



Mary Jane beamed, but she stifled it quickly. She could not allow such

lk of a woman she was meant to be friendly with; she began a warm

efense of Requiem's complexion.

“It was certainly never brilliant, but I cannot allow it to have a sickly hue in

neral. There is a softness and delicacy in her skin which gives her a particular

egance.”



He listened with all due deference and acknowledged that he had heard

any people say the same.

“But perhaps if she would just smile! I declare, I am not certain she

an do aught but glare. She is pretty enough, and her manners are not

ompletely deplorable, but good Plumbob in heaven!”



“Well,” said Mary Jane, “there is no disputing about her lack of pleasin

xpressions! At least you admire her except her complexion.”

He shook his head and laughed. “I cannot separate the lady and her

mplexion .”

“Did you see her often at Plysimouth? Were you often in the same

ociety ?”



The look on Mr. Howard‟s face confused her. Was it guilt that she saw

s it was, she never got an answer; dinner was announced that very

oment.



And so she sat across from him at the table while they

ach made silly faces at the other and joined into the

ble‟s conversation with much cheer. Both were apparently unaware of

he growing irritation within Francis Howard, yet both were to blame for

id growing irritation. Francis though he might throw something if his

rother winked at Mary Jane one more time. How positively scandalous.

~



The evening was over before anyone was ready to go, but propriety

ust be upheld. At 10 o‟clock, just as Mary Jane was about to join Kitty in

heir carriage, Francis caught her.

“You want to be careful, Janie,” he said.

“Excuse me?”

“My brother. He is not of a good sort, Janie, believe me.”



Mary Jane looked at him for a moment, trying to understand his

sentment.

“Oh, nonsense,” she said. “Is it really so hard to comprehend that

omeone might…care…for me?”



Francis started. “What?! That is not—Don‟t be…I—just, please…be

n your guard.”

Mary Jane shook her head at him, but allowed him to help her into the

arriage.



He tapped the side of the vehicle when she was settled next to Kitty,

nd as it pulled off he turned back to the house.

As Francis turned, he spotted his youngest brother bowing to Miss

equiem Bohemian-Fitzhugh. Something about the gesture, and the way i

as performed, made Francis extremely wary. And angry.

His brother was up to something, that was for certain.

Was he the only sane Howard in Simshire?

-----



The young Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Legacy were endlessly fond of

arties, taking great Pleasure in having their friends and family about, and

o it was lucky for them that Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Legacy were only too

ager to allow such frivolities on their estate.



The crisp autumn weather was to be celebrated with a ball at Regalton

ouse not long after the gathering at the Howard family‟s home, and all of

mshire was invited. Unfortunately (or was it fortunately, considering the

oderate size of the Regalton House ballroom) not everyone was able to

tend.



Mr. and Mrs. George Haggerty were on holiday in Simireland visiting

eorge‟s distant Haggerty cousins, but their son George Haggerty Jr. was

heir representative. He was escorting Miss Lucy Munster to the floor for

he first set, and did not look as if he should like to let go any time soon.



Frank and Alice Austen strode into the room, followed by Robert,

ohn, Marian, Henry, Isabella, & Miss Lark; they were all smiling as if

omething very amusing had happened in the carriage ride over.

Everyone but Miss Bella was smiling, of course.



Gabriel and Elizabeth Howard were there, speaking with Isaac and

liza Trimble. Mary and Anna Smith joined them immediately upon

ntering the room, and took up a lively conversation on the safety of the

test carriage model.



There were of course a number of simselves scattered about, a few of

hem hovering around Mr. and Mrs. Olivet O‟Leery and their daughters,

polline and Story. (Their son, Bleu, was already very occupied dancing

ith Marian Austen.)



At that moment, Miss De was waving her arms about, gesturing to the

ow red-faced young man at her side, and singing his praises.

“He‟s just so handsome, ISN‟T HE HANDSOME?”

“Mama—”

“HE‟S SUCH A NICE BOY! And he‟s SMART—”

“Mama—”

“— and he has the NOSE, and —”

“MOM.”

“Sorry, BB,” De giggled. Her admittedly handsome son Vaughn sighed



Apolline smiled and nodded awkwardly, agreeing that the boy was

andsome enough, but seriously hoping his simself mother would shoo;

he unconsciously took a step closer to her grandmama Jamie.

Of course she knew this was all part of being descended from a

mself: the rest of them never leave you alone. Thomas and Philadelphia

ere not in attendance for an unknown reason, or they too would be

urrounded by Thomas‟s mother Jamie and her friends.



The other absentees were the baronet and his wife, Sir Henry and Lady

lackthorne, but Mary Jane and her brother William were of course in

tendance, and could be found speaking with Leonora and Timothy near

he entrance. Francis and Fulwar Howard stood with them, chatting away

asily. Easily, that is, until the third Howard brother and his new wife

ntered.



“Oh! Oh, Mr. H, isn‟t this charming? Of course it is! Mrs. Legacy, so

appy to see you! Does she not look lovely, Mr. H? She does, doesn‟t

he?” Raphaelle‟s head was bobbing around in every direction, and she hader husband held so tightly it could not possibly have been comfortable fo

m.

Mary Jane nodded weakly, and shared a glance with Francis.



Ham turned to his sister, worried. “But where is Ellie— Miss Elle?

Mary Jane, I thought you said she was to come with —”

Mary Jane was so irritated by seeing Raphaelle wrapping herself around

er new husband in the most alarming way that she quite forgot to snap at

er twin.“Do not fret, darling brother, she should arrive with Kitty and

Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh momentarily.”



Fulwar looked up. “Ah, in fact I believe I hear a carriage now, and I

are say it is the two ladies you have just mentioned. Shall I fetch them?”

ut he was away before anyone should nod their acquiescence or aversion.



Ham followed quickly, after the quickest of nods from his sister as if to

y, “If you must.”



Mrs. Howard turned to Mrs. Legacy, and Mrs. Legacy promptly braced

erself. Raphaelle beamed.

“I have no doubt of its being the carriage Mr. H and I sent for the girls

he poor dears, being quite without resources — ! But of course they are

ill unmarried, whereas I, well, we are married, and do have such things at

ur disposal. Indeed, I am sure it is them; our second coachman and

orses are so extremely expeditious! I believe we drive faster than anybod

hanks to my father‟s careful collection of fine carriages and well— what aeasure it is to send one's carriage for a friend! I understand you were so

nd as to offer, but another time it will be quite unnecessary. You may be

ery sure I shall always take care of them.”



Elle, Requiem, and Kitty, escorted by the two gentlemen, walked into

he room, and Mrs. Raphaelle Howard seemed to think it as much her duty

Mrs. Leonora Legacy‟s to receive them.

Unfortunately, her welcome was soon lost under the incessant flow of

Miss Elle, who came in talking, and had not finished her speech after many

inutes after her being admitted into the room.



As the door opened she was heard to say, “So very obliging of you!—

o rain at all. Nothing to signify. I do not care for myself. Quite thick

hoes. And Requiem declares —!”

Elle‟s eyes widened as she looked about herself. William just grinned,

nowing full well how her mouth would run on when she was ill at ease.

Kitty made her excuses to Fulwar and went to stand next to Mary Jane

hile Requiem just looked around, bored, as she tended to do..



Miss Elle started speaking even faster as soon as Mr. Blackthorne

miled directly at her; she was never nervous with him, but the fact that he

as bold enough to touch her was already making her frantic. His

eartbreaking smile was almost too much. She could not contain her glee,

nd therefore went on babbling, hardly looking away from him



“Well! Well! This is brilliant indeed! This is admirable! Excellently

ontrived, upon my word. Nothing wanting. Could not have imagined it,

nd so well lighted up! Em, Em, look! Did you ever see anything like it?

h! Mr. Legacy, you must really have had Aladdin's lamp at your disposal.”



Leonora stole a glance at Mary Jane and nearly laughed out loud at the

xpression on her face. She interrupted Elle as politely as possible to ask,

Miss Elle, how marvelous it is that you could attend. How do you do?”

Elle almost bounced. “Very well, I thank you, ma'am. I hope you are

uite well?”

“Yes, I—”



“Very happy to hear it,” Elle returned a bit too quickly. “SO afraid you

ight have a headache after all the trouble you‟ve gone to for this!”

The briefest of pauses followed, and then she exclaimed, “Ah!” Elle

urned to Raphaelle, “Mrs. Howard, so obliged to you for the carriage! Yes

made excellent time. Em and Kitty and I were quite ready, did not keep

he horses a moment. Most comfortable carriage.”

She turned back to Leonora, beginning to look quite comical in heruick flipping about. “Oh! And I am sure our thanks are due to you, Mrs.

egacy, on that score. Mrs. Howard had most kindly sent us a note already

r we should have been grateful to you instead! But two such offers in on

ay! Never were such neighbors…I said to Mr. Blackthorne just the other

ay, 'Upon my word, sir —”



Elle did not finish her sentence, but instead blinked as she realized she

as standing so very near Mary Jane.

“ Ah! Here's Miss Blackthorne. Dear Miss Blackthorne, how do you do? This i

eeting quite in fairy-land! Such a transformation of the room !” Elle beamed.

Mary Jane nodded stiffly.

Ham glared at his sister, and promptly asked Elle to dance.



When they were out of Mary Jane‟s earshot, Elle whispered, “Do I

ways speak so quickly when I‟m around this many people? I swear I neve

d such silly things at home.”

“That is a pity, for I find them very…” Ham cocked his head to the

de, thoughtful.

“Very what?”



Charming,” he answered, kissing her hand softly.



Upon seeing Elle and Ham join the dance, Mary Jane turned away to

peak with Leonora rather than watch, but Leonora too had been escorted

the floor (dragged, really) by her husband.



She looked for Kitty, but Miss Fitz had wandered off to the piano, and

er new friend Fulwar was in conversation with his brother Benjamin and

o he was certainly no use for entertainment.



She met eyes with Francis, smiled awkwardly, and opened her mouth to

peak when all thoughts of a conversation were dashed as Mrs. Howard

as evidently done with being ignored. She wanted to be complimented,

nd was doing her best to make it happen.



Phae said to Requiem, “How do you like my gown? My trimming?

ow has the maid done my hair? I found myself quite angry with her, sh

ept sticking me with pins!”



These, and many other silly questions, were answered as quickly and

oftly as Requiem could manage, but it was obvious that she wanted out o

he situation.

Indeed, Mary Jane could see her about to make an excuse for herself,

ut she was stopped when Mrs. Howard said, too loudly for the content o

he sentence, “Nobody can think less of dress in general than I do--but

pon such an occasion as this, when every body's eyes are so much upon

e, and in compliment to the Legacys — who I have no doubt are giving his ball chiefly to do me honor — I would not wish to be inferior to others

nd I see very little silk in the room except mine. So! I hear my new

rother-in-law Fulwar Howard is a capital dancer! We shall see if our style

uit, as he is bound to ask me to dance, it is only right! A fine young man

ertainly is Fulwar Howard. I like him very well.”



At this moment three different reactions occurred: Francis outright

norted, Fulwar began talking so vigorously to Benjamin that Mary Jane

ould not but imagine he had overheard his own praises, and

equiem…turned a bright, bright red?

Mary Jane could make no sense of this last occurrence and therefore

ecided not to care.



Francis bowed to Mary Jane, claiming he wished for fresh air, and set

ff in the direction of the garden.



Requiem wandered off in the general direction of the simselves, and

ulwar Howard came to stand next to the newly alone Miss Blackthorne

he moment Mr. and Mrs. Howard left for a turn about the room.



Fulwar threw his hands up in amused irritation. “Requiem! Can you

elieve my sister-in-law is so forward as to call Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh b

er given name after so short an acquaintance?”

Mary Jane grinned and nodded. “Oh, I am quite led to believe that she

hinks herself very high above us all, and so calls us what she will. Poor

rancis has been “Howard” to her since she turned 15.”



Fulwar laughed at this, “What a shame I have been in Simmaica all this

me, not being able to witness such rudeness.”



Mary Jane smiled easily, thinking, despite herself, that this was the sort

f man she would not mind marrying. She swallowed, and decided that

as absolutely ridiculous; to distract herself, she asked, “And how do you

ke your new sister-in-law, Mr. Howard?”

“Not at all!” he whispered conspiratorially, laughing again.

“You are ungrateful for her praises!”



Fulwar was suddenly frowning for no apparent reason, just as Mary

ne observed Miss Bohemian-Fitzhugh being approached by Bleu

‟Leery.



Fulwar said abruptly, “Excuse me, I must, ah…find my father.”



Mary Jane wandered about the room until she was reunited with

eonora. Timothy was dancing with Raphaelle, and (thankfully) Benjamin

as not in the immediate area.

“This really is absolutely lovely, Nora,” she said upon reaching her

iend.

Leonora nodded. “Mm, but I worry about poor Kitty. She looks so

orlorn over there by herself.”

“Has nobody asked her to dance?”

“Not at all.”

Mary Jane frowned and grabbed Leonora‟s hand to tow her in Kitty‟srection.



They saw what they could not have from across the room: Kitty was

anding awkwardly near a window, and Mr. Benjamin Howard was right

ext to her, trying to look occupied.



Mary Jane went to stand with Kitty while Leonora went straight up to

enjamin.

“Do you not dance, Mr. Howard?” she asked.

“Ha, if I were to be treated with your hand, madam, I would be most

appy to dance.”



“Oh! No, I am no dancer, and my husband has used up every ounce of

y talent already.”

“Ah, then Mrs. Trimble perhaps, I shall go and ask—”

“Unfortunately, my mother informs me she does not intend to dance

night. What of Miss Fitz? I see she is here without a partner.”



Benjamin blinked.

“I…well! I, ah, did not see her there.” He nodded at Kitty, who

urtseyed politely. “But sadly I am an old married man now, and should

ot trouble young ladies with my attention. No, my dancing days are over

With that he stalked off across the room and into the garden.



Kitty looked at her feet as Mary Jane and Leonora watched Benjamin

o, both shocked, but with completely different takes on the situation. Th

udeness, the absolutely obvious callousness, was just terrible, and on that

hey agreed. Leonora was appalled for Kitty‟s sake, and for the sake of he

all. Mary Jane…well, if not for her excellent breeding and position as a

aronet‟s daughter, she would have hauled off and punched Benjamin

raight in the face, right then and there.



Francis, who had been watching the whole interaction (privately he

alized he was becoming an expert lurker) glared at his brother as he

assed.



As Leonora went to speak with Benjamin officially as Mrs. Legacy

bout this behavior to one of her guests, Francis stalked right over to Kitt

owed, and asked for the next two dances.



As she watched Kitty hastily agree and walk away, something softened

Mary Jane‟s heart.

Dear Francis, how very perfect you are, she thought dreamily, not even

membering she was supposed to dislike him most of the time.

Mary Jane was soon asked to dance by Fulwar, apparently recovered

om whatever had him angry before, and the next hour was a blur of

ancing, laughter, and smiles.



nce greybeards inform us that youth will decay,And pleasure's soft transports glide swiftly away



The song, and the dance, and the vine,and the fair,Shall banish all sorrow and shield us from ca



way with your proverbs, your morals, and rules,Your proctors, and doctors, and pedants, and scho



t's seize the bright moments while yet in our prime, and fast by theforelock catch old fatherTi



Tho' spring's lovely blossoms delight us no more, Tho' summer forsake us, and autumn be o'er;



To cheer us in winter, remembrance can bring The pleasures of autumn, and summer, and spring —



Mary Jane escaped the warm room for the cool autumn air of the

arden. She took a deep breath and stretched, reveling in the joy that was

hat evening. After Benjamin‟s terrible snub, of course.

But all is well! Kitty danced with Francis, and now with Fulwar Howard…and

as been for longer than strictly necessary, but that is no matter. Oh, they will be so

ry adorable togeth —



“Janie?” she heard Francis‟ velvety voice ask. She spun to meet him,

nable to stop herself from grinning; he chuckled and bowed politely.



“Oh, Francis, before you say anything I must thank you wholeheartedly

or coming to Kitty‟s rescue! Your brother—”



“Janie, I did warn you about Benjamin (and Fulwar, for that matter), yo

st never listen,” he said sternly, but broke into a wide smile immediately .

He too was unable to resist the pleasantness of the night.



At this Mary Jane‟s smile faltered slightly. “I know I have not acted as I

hould have. I have been a horrid friend, and I do not know how I shall

ver make up for it.”



Francis almost teased her about actually showing some humility at once

ut thought better of it. Instead, he took her hand and lightly squeezed.

Kitty worships you, I am sure you are quite forgiven.”

“By her, perhaps, but I cannot forgive myself. Oh! What is the point

f growing up if I am not to learn anything?”

“You have learned, Janie. The Janie we all knew this Spring would not

e worrying about any of this, not outwardly. The Janie we all knew beforould not stand here speaking to me of all people without even the

ightest hint of sarcasm. I…”



Francis lifted his hand to brush Mary Jane‟s cheek, shocking both of

hem quite into silence.

As Mary Jane lifted her fingers to brush his, she realized this was the

rst time a man other than her father or brother had touched her outside

f dancing. It was exhilarating. Also terrifying. Also about seven other

motions she was not at all familiar with.



Mr. Howard suddenly remembered the story of the night his parents

ll in love (indeed, his mother told it so often and with such detail he felt

if he‟d been there) in a garden much like this one, and he was hit with a

verwhelming urge to grasp Mary Jane by the waist and kiss her.



Instead, he swallowed, and took a large step back. When had he move

o close anyway?



“Francis you are turning a rather unsettling shade of—”



“Would you like to dance?”

“I…yes.”



when fleeting seasons bring life's latest stage, To speak of youth's frolic shall gladden our ag



Then seize the bright moments while yet in our prime,and fast by the forelock catch old father T

emma: chapter 4

Documents