Page 26 of To Love And To Cherish
She turned to seek Miss Bingley and found her standing beside Mr. Darcy, a rigid figure of elegance and irritation. Elizabeth’s breath caught when she realized Mr. Darcy was staring directly at her. His expression was grave, she might even call it grim, and Elizabeth looked away at once, her cheeks warming despite herself. It did not seem a gaze born of admiration.What offence have I given him now? Or is he merely offended by my existence?
Miss Bingley, meanwhile, kept her gaze fixed on her brother. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him beside Jane, her face a mask of silent disapproval.
A pang of fear twisted in Elizabeth’s chest.Will she attempt to turn him away from Jane?From the brief exchange she had shared with Miss Bingley upon their introduction, Elizabeth had gathered that Miss Bingley possessed neither her brother’s openness nor his warmth. A woman of such pride would never willingly accept a sister whose connections were so decidedly beneath her.
Elizabeth folded her hands tightly in her lap, determined not to frown. She would not let worry spoil this evening, not when Jane looked so radiant, and Mr. Bingley so attentive. But even as she forced her lips into a smile, a silent resolve began to form: she would do everything in her power to protect her sister’s happiness. Whatever Miss Bingley planned, she would not succeed without resistance.
Chapter 14: Disappointed
The air was fresh as Elizabeth climbed the rise of Oaken Mount, her feet treading familiar paths worn smooth by many solitary walks. At the crest of the hill, she caught sight of Georgiana Darcy approaching on horseback, her groom trailing respectfully behind at a distance. Elizabeth smiled; the sight had become a welcome constancy in her daily routine.
Georgiana dismounted with practiced ease and greeted her friend warmly. “Good morning, Elizabeth. I feared I might be late.”
“On the contrary,” said Elizabeth, taking her arm. “You are as punctual as the sun.”
They walked slowly along the ridge, a summer breeze stirring the curls at Georgiana’s temples. For a few moments, they said nothing, merely enjoying the gentle hush of the morning.
At last, Georgiana broke the silence. “Elizabeth… I must tell you something that has troubled me exceedingly. Miss Bingley spoke to me at breakfast, at some length, regarding Fitzwilliam’s behavior at the assembly they attended last night. She did not name the lady, but she implied he had given deep offense by insulting someone within hearing. I cannot reconcile it. My brother is proud, yes, but I never thought him… cruel.”
Elizabeth’s heart gave a painful jolt. She hesitated, then replied carefully, “Do not distress yourself, Georgiana. I have little doubt that your brother acted in a moment of thoughtlessness rather than deliberate malice. Men are often permitted the liberty of saying precisely what they think, though they havebeen trained as gentlemen and ought to know better. Women, as you know, are held to a far stricter standard.”
“But it is so disappointing,” Georgiana whispered. “He is my brother. I have always looked up to him.”
Elizabeth gave her arm a gentle squeeze. “Indeed, and you need not cease to do so now. A single misstep does not define a man’s character. And in the grand scheme of life, what is a slight at a dance? My youngest sister, Lydia, who is not yet sixteen, not much older than yourself, passes each day in fear that my mother will pluck her from school and marry her off to a stranger, regardless of his age or character, as long as he is wealthy. My mother’s hope is always the same: to secure a wealthy husband who might save us from penury when my father is gone.”
Georgiana looked stricken. “But surely that will not happen?”
“My uncle has promised he will provide for Lydia’s maintenance, and he is firm in his resolve, but still my sister frets. We write to her often with cheerful encouragement, but we cannot ease her burden entirely. It is difficult to be so young and so powerless.”
“That is dreadful,” Georgiana murmured.
Elizabeth continued, her tone lightening, though her words remained grave. “I myself am beginning to look about for employment. I have no desire to be forced into marriage without affection or, at the very least, respect, and I fear Mamma’s attention will soon settle on me. Since the age of fifteen, my mother has been relentless in her efforts to see Jane married.”
Georgiana’s brow furrowed. “And what might you do? Surely someone as clever and capable as you would find a post quickly.”
“I have written to my uncle Gardiner and asked for his guidance,” Elizabeth replied. “I could perhaps become a governess or teach languages at a ladies’ seminary. Or I might accept a position as a companion. My situation will decline regardless, but some positions are worse than others. I have worked with our local physician since I was fifteen. I have skills, but I would never be permitted to study to become a surgeon, nor even a physician. Nurses, though invaluable, are treated little better than harlots, paid miserably, and worked past endurance. Though I love the work, I could never accept such a fate unless I had no other choice.”
Georgiana was silent for a moment. “I had never thought of my dowry as more than a means of purchasing a husband. But now I understand it could purchase my independence. I might live quietly on the interest if I learned to economize. That is a far better prospect than being forced to marry a man I cannot abide.”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “You are wise, Georgiana. Very wise.”
They strolled on in companionable quiet, the distant trill of birds lending a gentle cadence to the morning, until at length Elizabeth broke the silence.
“Miss King has asked me to accompany her to Scotland. Her uncle has sent for her; he desires to see her well established before his death. He is her guardian, and she is his heir. Though her cousin, Miss Ancilla Trent, is to travel with her, they are scarcely acquainted. Miss King has entreated me to remain with her until she is married.”
Georgiana turned to her with quiet surprise. “When does she plan to depart?”
“By the end of April, I believe,” Elizabeth replied. Then, seeing the shadow that crossed Georgiana’s face, she added gently, “But I am glad, truly glad, that I shall still be here when you leave. These mornings together have meant a great deal to me.”
Georgiana lowered her gaze, her voice low with feeling. “And to me as well. I no longer wake in tears. It has been a fortnight since my last nightmare.” She hesitated, then said shyly, “You have been a balm to me, Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth’s expression softened. “You are a brave soul, Georgiana. I shall miss our walks more than I can say.”
“It is difficult to reside with Miss Bingley, but Charles has been kind. I believe he is quite taken with your sister.”
Elizabeth laughed. “That is no surprise. Jane is quite irresistible.”
Georgiana’s expression grew pensive. “He would make an amiable husband for your sister, but I cannot imagine residing under the same roof as Caroline. What if she never marries? Your sister would be burdened with her forever.”
