A Match for Margaret Dashwood, Part 4

Hello again! I’m back with the next section of my work-in-progress, an epistolary novella with characters from Sense and Sensibility, Persuasion, and Northanger Abbey! If you missed the first three parts (or need to refresh your memory on what’s going on), you can read the previous sections here.

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Mrs. Jennings to Mrs. Dashwood

My Dear Mrs. Dashwood,

I am sorry for my long silence. I had almost admitted defeat with regards to Margaret and my nephew Walter. However, I took Margaret to a concert last evening, and found Walter there, attending with his sister and some other friends. The son of one of my own friends began to talk to Margaret, and while I have no doubt he is respectable, he is nothing compared to Walter. Margaret seemed to enjoy the attentions of this Mr. Thorpe, and it inflamed my zeal to see her matched to Walter again. I will not give up! If they are thrown together often enough, they must inevitably show their true, charming selves to each other. I am going to redouble my efforts. I will take her to another concert, as I have found that his sister likes to go. I called on her this morning. She, sweet creature, also thinks he needs to marry. She will beg him to take her to every concert, and I am sure he will not fail her. I will see to it that Margaret goes. I must feign an enthusiasm for music that will explain my sudden passion for concerts. Heigh-ho, the things we do for our friends!

Captain Wentworth to Captain Jennings:

Dear Jennings,

I do hope your sister enjoyed the concert last evening. You both left so quickly afterwards that you did not hear Adams telling me that there will be another musical concert on Thursday—more Mozart pieces, which you said your sister is partial to.

After you left, I saw your aunt and her charge talking to what looked like a family group, including a son. He seemed in pursuit of the young lady, so perhaps your Aunt’s endeavors to match you with Miss Dashwood will soon be at an end. Although I must say I am surprised you took a dislike to the girl, who was very pretty—and not at all stupid-looking, as she was quite animated and seemed not at all flirtatious. I daresay you know what you are about, however.

Captain Jennings to Captain Wentworth:

Thank you for the information about the concert on Thursday—My sister had already heard of the concert and asked me to take her. It will give me a good excuse if my Aunt asks me to dinner again to have me survey Miss Dashwood. I have already declared myself unavailable to go to Mrs. Lordson’s ball, as have no doubt my aunt would make sure I danced with Miss Dashwood, took her in to supper, and fetched her drinks all evening!

Margaret Dashwood to Marianne Brandon:

Dear Marianne,

Mrs. Jennings has suddenly developed a lust for music. She heard of another concert to be given last night and begged me to accompany her there. I could not deny her; besides, I wondered if perhaps Mr. Thorpe would be there. He was, and it was flattering that he contrived to sit with us. Do you remember my telling you that Mrs. Jennings talked to me throughout the concert during our last musical outing? I found that she is not the worst offender in this regard. Mr. Thorpe talked to me even more often throughout the concert, which was, I must concede, a little irritating. I happened to see, after we were seated, that Mrs. Jennings’ nephew was at this concert as well, two rows ahead of us. He had the same friends with him as last time. I probably would not have remarked him, except that whenever Mr. Thorpe made another comment to me, I noticed that Captain Jennings was sitting quietly and attentively. I had a brief desire that such a dull person as he is was my companion instead! But then when there was an intermission, I saw him conversing with his sister and friends and even laughing! He did not seem to be the same person as the one at the dinner I suffered through.

At the end of the concert Mr. Thorpe asked me to dance with him at Mrs. Lordson’s ball next week, and I quickly gave assent. It is something to know one will not be sitting out every dance due to not being asked! I wonder if he has any fortune?

Mrs. Jennings to Captain Jennings:

Dearest Walter,

I know you said that you would not go to Mrs. Lordson’s ball tonight, but I must beg you to change your mind. My head is aching almost more than I can bear, and I could no more attend a ball then I could fly. Margaret, however, should go (after I promised she might) and she cannot attend alone! I rely on your kindness. My carriage will arrive to convey you there at eight o’clock.

Your loving Aunt