I was about to make the introduction, when Kitty burbled, bouncing upon her toes, “I’m Kitty, that is Catherine Bennet, I’m Lizzy — that is, Elizabeth — that is, Mrs Darcy’s sister. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mother Grouse.”
“Ay’up,” said Mrs Grouse, smiling wryly, though her eyes were yet shrewd and calculating, flicking from face to face. “And what brings’ee t’our humble cot? Art’ee in need o’our services after all, Mistress Lizzy Darcy?”
“Not yet, Mrs Grouse, thank you. Alas, my husband is away on business, and while I hope to need your services most soon, circumstances have not changed at all since last we met.” When she nodded, I put my hand upon Florry’s shoulder, who jumped at the touch. “We have come with my maid, your granddaughter, who requires your… help.”
“Oh, aye?” Mrs Gr
