It had been less than a week since Elizabeth's return to London, and her days had been filled with numerous activities. She accompanied her aunt to the Campbells for tea on the third day.
Mrs. Campbell was an elegant and talkative woman who had been a beauty in her youth. Her youngest daughter, Marianne, was pretty, but she was nothing like her mother. Unfortunately, Mrs. Campbell probably compared Marianne unfavourably with her older sister without realising it.
"Several gentlemen still lament because my beautiful Maria got married. She is considered one of the most beautiful ladies in London, and even Lord Charles wanted to marry her. I know Marianne will not be as successful in her first season as my beautiful Maria, but I will be satisfied if a gentleman, even a younger son, marries her."
"Marianne is beautiful, and I am sure several gentlemen will be interested in courting her," Victoria answered politely and changed the subject. "This cake is delicious. Please extend my compliments to the Cook."
"Yes; it is a special and old recipe." Looking at her daughter, Mrs. Campbell added, Marianne, you should eat less cake. You are growing fatter and know very well that gentlemen do not like fat young women." She said, "It is a shame you do not have your sister's willowy body!"
Marianne blushed and resignedly replied, "Yes, Mother. I promise I will not eat any more."
"Miss Campbell, would you like to go with me to Hyde Park tomorrow morning?" Elizabeth asked sympathetically.
Before Marianne could answer, her mother did it for her. "That is a fine idea, Miss Bennet! We have an appointment in the afternoon with the seamstress to make the final adjustments to our gowns. Do you already have a gown for the ball, Miss Bennet?"
Elizabeth nodded. "Yes, but I may purchase a new one for the occasion. What do you think, Aunt?"
"I think it is an excellent idea, Lizzy. In fact, I have to order a new one as well. My favourite gown has become too tight for me."
"Victoria, you should care more for your figure; otherwise, Mr. Harrison will leave you for a mistress."
"Mother, please. You should not speak so!" Marianne exclaimed, horrified.
"Why not! It is the truth, Marianne; you should not be horrified. Besides, you know very well that your father has kept a mistress these last three years. The woman is barely a few years older than your sister."
"Lizzy, did you tell them you met Lord Sebastian in Hertfordshire?" Aunt Victoria said to change the subject.
"Lord Sebastian!" Mrs. Campbell excitedly exclaimed. "We are not acquainted with him. Oh, how I would love to invite him to Marianne's ball. What did you think of him, Miss Bennet?"
"He is a tall, handsome, and intelligent gentleman. My sister, Mrs. Barton, is married to a cousin of his. Despite being such an important gentleman, he is not proud and treats people with respect."
The meeting lasted another half hour, and Mrs. Campbell continued to monopolise the conversation for most of the time. Elizabeth and Marianne agreed to meet at the Harrison house, where they could converse more privately.
The next day they went for a walk in Hyde Park and were pleasantly surprised to meet the Darcys and a gentleman they were unfamiliar with.