Brougham Park

Chapter 13

The atmosphere in the drawing room was undeniably gloomy. The once lively space, filled with chatter and activity, now felt heavy with silence. The crackling fire provided the only sound, adding to the sense of unease. Catherine, who usually found solace in her embroidery, had lost all interest in it this evening. Her usually nimble fingers remained still, as her mind wandered elsewhere. Samantha, too, could not concentrate on the book she held in her hands. Her thoughts were scattered, and her heart weighed with unanswered questions. The absence of conversation between the sisters was a reflection of their unsettled emotions. The unspoken tension between them only deepened their sense of isolation.

Observing the young misses' distress, Mrs. Norris couldn't help but feel concerned. Seeing them withdrawn like this troubled her deeply. Although she couldn't change the circumstances that had led to their exclusion, she wished she could do something to lift their spirits. Mrs. Norris decided to take action, hoping to ease the atmosphere in the drawing room. She made frequent visits, checking on the girls every half-hour, and offering them sometimes tea, coffee, or some comforting pastry. The girls refused anything since their hearts were weighed down.

Deep down, Mrs. Norris shared their disappointment at not being invited to Mr. Harris's dinner party. She had come to care for the Dawson family as if they were her own, and she wanted nothing more than to see them happy. The girls, in particular, were like her own daughters, and she felt a strong sense of protectiveness toward them.

After enduring the prolonged and oppressive silence, Kitty decided to speak up. "I really hope that Mr Harris would have invited us. I understand that Eleanor has gone to London for a few weeks and thus she will not be there to accompany us throughout the party, but I simply could not understand what that has to do with us being uninvited." She poured out her frustration.

"Indeed. I have been equally perplexed. I didn't really mind him not inviting us at first for I thought that we might perhaps spend our evening with the Carters. Celia would have been more than happy to spend some time with us. But as it is, she disclosed to me something astonishing," Samantha remarked, her countenance reflecting a similar vexation

"Pray, what did she say?" Catherine asked, her curiosity piqued.

"She informed me that her family had received an invitation from Mr Harris to dine with him today. He has invited her whole family. He did not exclude Celia. I find such conduct most unfair and disconcerting" Samantha said, fuming with anger.

"It is indeed unfair. I cannot seem to understand the reasoning behind this behaviour. It is most peculiar and unbecoming."

"I keep wondering if we have offended him in any manner. As far as I can recall, he was pleasant while we paid the Harrises a visit a few days back."

"Neither can I think of any. I had a wonderful conversation with him that day. He was pleased with us in taking the trouble to reach out to Eleanor." Kitty said.

"Something is definitely amiss but I cannot guess what it might be," Samantha commented.

"Since we could not do anything about this pathetic situation of ours, I propose we overlook it entirely. We might never find out the reason for this. Why waste our precious time and energy over this matter." Kitty sounded sensible.

"You are right. It is getting late anyway. Let us retire for the night. We do not know when the rest will be back. Moreover, we will need extra energy and patience to deal with them tomorrow as they recount the fun things they did at dinner." Samantha suggested.

Feeling weary and in need of rest, the young ladies tidied their belongings and withdrew to their comfortable bedchambers.

Samantha, after changing into her nightgown, was still lying wide awake on her bed. Her brain was still filled with curiosity about the exclusion. Though she attempted to dismiss such thoughts, the uncivil treatment had wounded her deeply. She had not sought his friendship nor yearned for his approval, but she could not deny the sting of feeling excluded from a gathering to which many of her cherished ones were invited.