Free The Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Pamela Mingle Page B

she didn’t credit it, she wanted to know the truth.”
    “Well, perhaps that is all it was.”
    “Yet why are Lydia and Wickham such objects of interest to her? I had a strong sense she intended to learn what she could for a purpose.”
    “But what purpose could she possibly have?”
    “I challenged her on that very thing, and she said since her husband paid her little attention, she was very much drawn to other people’s predicaments.”
    “Just as I said. Only imagine the audacity of owning to it!”
    “I don’t trust her. I fancy she may be hiding something.” I stopped in the middle of the path. “Jane, I think her outwardly foolish manners may be an act.”
    “That is pure speculation, dearest!” Jane said, raising her brows at me.
    I shrugged. “Hear me out. I think she uses it to cover up her sharp questions. To make them seem innocent and inoffensive. Believe what you like, but surely we must be extra cautious around her.”
    “I think you are mistaken, Mary, but in any case, it wouldn’t hurt to turn the conversation to other matters if Lydia comes up again.”
    “I only hope Kitty is using discretion. I saw her in animated discussion with both the Ashtons at the picnic.”
    Jane sighed, a wispy sound, expressing her doubts about Kitty’s prudence. “I shall speak to her about it.”
    Up ahead, Charles called to us. “Ladies, make haste. Our host is in need of your opinion.”
    The group was situated on the lawn near the bank of the lake, looking back toward the house. “What do you think of this spot for a temple, or a folly, perhaps?” Mr. Walsh asked. He raised his brows at Jane and me.
    “From here, the vista is lovely. One can see the house, wood, and gardens. But would the structure be visible from the house?” Jane asked.
    “From the front door, the breakfast parlor, and the library, yes.” He turned to me. “What do you think, Miss Bennet?”
    Before I could answer, Kitty broke in. “I love follies and ruins and such! They make the wood seem inhabited by nymphs or . . . or spirits.”
    Mr. Walsh smiled at her. “Yes, Kitty. So you’ve said. But now I should like to hear your sister’s opinion.”
    Usually, I did not scruple to tell the truth. But I had always given my opinion too freely, and often was sorry for it later. Although I found temples and follies artificial, it would have been horribly rude to say so. “It’s as fine a spot as any, I believe. It would attract all the notice, since there are no trees nearby to draw the eye.”
    “Do I detect a note of disapproval, Miss Bennet?”
    Caught out, I felt my color rising. “No, sir. That is, I—”
    Kitty stepped between us. “La! Mary thinks such things are frippery. She likes everything plain and unadorned.” It was true, but I rather wished she hadn’t felt the need to point it out.
    “I would be in raptures over it!” Mrs. Ashton said. Everybody ignored her.
    Charles walked off with Jane and Amanda toward a wildflower garden vibrant with spring colors. From where we were standing, I could see cowslips, marsh marigold, rosemary, and flowering currant. A semicircle of lilac bushes bordered the rear of the garden. Jane called to Kitty, who gave a frustrated grunt before leaving Mr. Walsh and me alone.
    I wished the earth would swallow me up, right after I pushed Kitty into the lake.
    “Miss Bennet,” Mr. Walsh said, “you may be honest with me. I promise not to take offense.”
    “Sir, it is your home and park. My opinion is of no consequence.”
    He watched me, hands clasped behind his back. “You are very wrong if you believe that,” he said. “Come, tell me the truth.”
    What else was I to do, since he’d already guessed? “Very well. What Kitty said is true. I am not fond of temples, except for the original ones built by the Greeks and Romans. I think they are ostentatious.”
    He surprised me by laughing, a resonating sound that seemed to well up from his chest. I grinned ruefully in response.