Mr Collins spent the rest of the morning on the wooden bench overlooking pontoons where various holiday boats and fishing vessels were moored and which, fortunately for him, was already inhabited by Charlotte Lucas, who proved to be a friendly ear. News filtered through by way of passing Bennet girls whispering in Lottie’s ear that Lizzy had definitely refused Mr Collins, and he sat sulking. When Lizzy, herself, happened to walk by, he looked the other way, ignoring her. Lizzy was, in fact, on the way with her sisters to North Sands, where they were hoping to see some more of the red-and-yellow trainee lifeguards, and Mr Wickham in particular. As good fortune would have it, Wickham was there and delighted to see Lizzy.
“Sorry I didn’t make the Harbour Swim—but, you know with Darcy around, who knows what might have happened. Best to keep out of shark-infested waters!”
There was the evocative sound of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons “Allegro” from Jane’s phone. Jane went over to the rock pools to read the message. Lizzy could tell at once it was not good news and excused herself from the luscious Wickham.
“It is from Cazza,” said Jane. “Look.”
Hey, Jane—jtlyk all off to London 2 party. Not back for yonks. Chas in lve with Darcy’s sister, Georgiana… wedng on way?!! Muchos love, Cazza :)
“The cow!” Lizzy could not help herself. “She just wants to take Bingley away from you. I could strangle her with her own Boden tights!”