Page 51 of To Love And To Cherish
From the other end of the table, Mary King inserted herself into the conversation.
"I don’t think women should go about unchaperoned. It leads to odd behavior and bluestocking tendencies."
Ancilla tilted her head and murmured, “Cousin, I confess, I’m not entirely certain of your meaning."
Mary flushed but said no more.
The meal continued in comfort and laughter. Elizabeth, seated between two people who respected thought and honored honesty, felt herself unfold in ways she had long forgotten.
For once, she was not resisting her world; she was exploring it.
Chapter 27: A Narrow Escape
The wind tugged at Georgiana's bonnet as she rode into the yard at Longbourn, her groom trailing a short distance behind. He helped her dismount, cheeks flushed from exertion, just as Kitty came bounding out of the house and waved a cheerful greeting.
"Has Elizabeth written yet?" she asked, brushing back a strand of hair. "Do you have her address?"
Kitty smiled. "Yes, Papa received her first letter yesterday. Shall I fetch it for you so that you may read it for yourself?"
Georgiana hesitated. "Would your father mind? I’m not family."
"Not at all," Kitty chirped. "It’s in my room. Come up with me."
Together, they climbed the stairs. Kitty retrieved the letter and handed it to her friend, who settled into a well-worn stuffed chair. Kitty flopped across her bed, waiting patiently as Georgiana unfolded the paper and began to read in silence. After a moment, Georgiana murmured, “I wish I could see the rowers,” and then began to read aloud, her voice soft and clear as Kitty listened with quiet attentiveness.
Peterhouse is the oldest college at Cambridge and most graceful in proportion. I am charmed by its simplicity and its gardens, which open upon the River Cam. The rowers pass daily, all strength and rhythm, and it is one of the most graceful sights I have ever beheld.
Professor Trent, our host, is a kindly man of letters. His daughter, Miss Ancilla Trent, is lovely, with red hair, green eyes, and a mind of striking clarity. I confess Iwonder why such a beautiful, intelligent woman remains unmarried. I am eager to know her better.
We shall remain here for six weeks. Miss Trent is tutoring a young man, Mr. Gilbert Ludwig, aged three and twenty. He is now to be dispatched to Italy as attaché to the ambassador, all at his father’s whim. I suppose even men must sometimes follow the dictates of their parents.
After reading, Georgiana folded the letter with a sigh of admiration.
"What an adventure," she murmured.
Kitty nodded. "Come, let us walk to Meryton. I want to look at ribbons."
Georgiana smiled. "Very well."
They left without calling for Georgiana’s groom, who was visiting the stablemen. The shop was a cheerful place filled with bolts of ribbon and lace. They browsed for twenty minutes before stepping outside again, only to stop short.
There, in full regimentals, stood George Wickham.
Georgiana went pale. Her breath caught, and her hands began to tremble. She reached for Kitty's arm.
"Georgie?" Kitty whispered, alarmed.
Wickham’s eyes narrowed. "Well, well. Miss Darcy. Alone. In the middle of nowhere. I must say, fate is kind."
His smile was sharp and bitter. "You got away from me once, but not again. I will marry you, and your dear brother will hand over your dowry."
Georgiana turned, seized Kitty’s hand, and darted back inside the shop.
"Quickly," she whispered. "But act as if nothing is amiss."
They passed the shopkeeper’s wife, who was sweeping, and slipped through the back door. A narrow grassy path lay behind the buildings.
"Come, Kitty. We must hide. That man was my father’s godson; he is the most wicked man I know. Where can we go?"
