Read Online Jane Austen’s First Love by Syrie James - Free Book Online Page B

guests’ arrival was delayed in any case.” Glancing at us (with a quick review of our dress, which she seemed to find wanting), she added, “Is everyone all right?”
    “They are. They suffered a mishap on the road,” said Sir Brook. “Their chaise was rescued by my cousin Edward here, and thankfully all survived with heads and limbs intact.”
    “Thank goodness for that.” As Lady Bridges’s glance touched on Edward Taylor, she briefly frowned—a reaction which puzzled me.
    “Edward!” cried Sir Brook, “Now that you are here, you and Mr. Payler must stay for dinner.”
    With dignity, Edward Taylor replied: “Thank you for the kind invitation, sir, but we are not dressed for dinner, and our boots are in no condition to enter your hall.”
    “Nonsense! Your coats are easily brushed and pressed, boys, and Andrew will shine your boots while we play a game of billiards—I believe you owe me a chance to win back my half-crown.”
    Mr. Taylor hesitated; but upon observing Lady Bridges’s silent acquiescence and Mr. Payler’s unspoken assent, he said, “Thank you, sir. We should be happy to stay.”
    The riders dismounted and waved off the groom, insisting that they would stable their horses themselves; they then walked off deliberately, clearly familiar with the place.
    I watched them go, unable to contain my smile.
    To perceive that Edward Taylor was so well known to Sir Brook and Lady Bridges—indeed, was
related
to them, and apparently very well liked by him—was agreeable indeed; but most importantly: he was staying to dinner! If I was lucky, I might have a chance to converse with him again!
    Further contemplations of Mr. Taylor were cut short when my brother Edward stepped forward to make the formal introductions, beginning with Lady Bridges.
    “It is a pleasure to meet the sisters of our Elizabeth’s fiancé,” said Lady Bridges, holding out her hand to Cassandra and me. “It is a shame that your mother and Mr. and Mrs. Knight were obliged to put off their appearance; but I am thankful that
you
were able to arrive before the main festivities begin, and the neighbours descend on us.”
    “We are grateful to you for your kind hospitality,” said Cassandra, a sentiment I echoed, and to which Lady Bridges replied:
    “Sir Brook was not
quite
truthful when he said you suffered no casualties on the road, my dear. Your slippers and stockings are a sight.”
    “Sadly,” returned Cassandra, colouring, “the only other pair I brought are my dancing shoes.”
    “A good pair of shoes will be procured for you—surely one of my daughters’ feet will be your size.” Turning to Charles, Lady Bridges said, “How do
you
do, little man? There is no doubt that
you
are Edward’s brother, for you greatly favour him. I have a son almost exactly your age, who has been anxious to meet you.” She called to her own boy, a well-behaved but grave little fellow who was introduced as “Edward,” to which Charles replied with a laugh,
    “Not another Edward! My
brother
is Edward;
Mr. Taylor
is Edward; I shall never be able to keep all of you straight!”
    “Well, I have two names,” responded the lad. “You may call me Brook Edward, if you like.”
    “Thank you, sir,” said Charles. “That will do very nicely.”
    From that moment on, and for several years after, I could think of Brook Edward Bridges with no other appellation.
    Our trunks by now had been unfastened from the chaise, and as the vehicle was driven away to the stables, Lady Bridges glanced at it in some perplexity. “Where is your maid? Has not she come with you?”
    “No, ma’am,” replied my sister. “We have no lady’s maid. We dress ourselves.”
    “Indeed? Well, that will not do at
Goodnestone
.” (Her hand on her chest in dismay.) “Not in the home of the heiress to the title
Baron Fitzwalter
. But we have more than enough maids to go around, and will be happy to share.”
    My brother Edward now introduced the daughters of the family.