Page 93 of To Love And To Cherish
Jane replied warmly, "Charlotte is our dearest friend. Lizzy’s and mine. She is not especially close to Mary, our friend is seven-and-twenty, and Mary is only nineteen, but she’s much loved by all our family. Mary is hopeful that she has found a possible suitor for her."
"Are there truly no eligible men in Meryton," Darcy asked, "or do they overlook Miss Lucas for a particular reason?"
Elizabeth replied, "Charlotte is plain. Not unattractive, but plain. She’s also exceedingly practical, kind, and good-humored. A very good woman."
"And she dresses poorly," Kitty added. "Her gowns are all so drab."
Jane defended her gently. "Only because she and her sister help in the kitchen. Her gowns must be serviceable. And with four brothers and two sisters, the family resources go to the boys’ educations and futures."
Elizabeth looked at Darcy. "Fitzwilliam is taking me to London for a new wardrobe. I believe I’ll send Charlotte my Scotland gowns and the two habits Papa gave me. We are of the same height, and with slight alterations, they’ll suit her well."
"I’ll add two or three of mine," Jane offered. "Though most of my colors are too pale for her dark hair."
"Speaking of her hair," Kitty said, shaking her head. "She wears it in a tight bun like a spinster!"
Elizabeth laughed. "Very well, Kitty. Alice and I can work with her hair. Perhaps we can find her a more flattering style."
Darcy watched his wife and her sisters conspire to improve their friend’s prospects. Their affection and practicality charmed him.
When the ladies withdrew to the drawing room, Darcy lingered behind with Bingley.
"Tell me truly," Darcy said, "are you worried about Caroline? Might she do something outrageous? Run off, perhaps?"
Bingley shook his head. "Not likely. Caroline always spent beyond her means and frequently begged loans from me when her allowance ran dry. Jack doesn’t indulge her. He’s halved her quarterly funds and insists they save for life in America. Her funds are now legally his. If my sister wants comfort, she mustsupport his success. Caroline is clever. If she applies herself to the right ends, they may do very well."
Darcy nodded. "If only she had learned that lesson years ago."
They joined the women in the drawing room, and the rest of the evening passed quietly.
Chapter 48: Christmas At Pemberley
The months of November and most of December had sped by, and now Elizabeth wished to plan a modest Christmas celebration. It was too late to contrive anything extravagant, yet a special dinner and some simple decorations would be easily accomplished.
Elizabeth entered the small parlor belonging to the mistress’s suite and rang the bell. When the maid appeared, she ordered tea and requested that Mrs. Reynolds be sent to her.
While she waited, her gaze wandered across the room. It was elegantly appointed, with polished furniture, damask draperies, and ivory wainscoting. The upholstery was spotless, the floors gleamed, and though the room had likely not been used in many years, it bore no sign of neglect.
She crossed to a charming little escritoire that faced the window and paused to look out. The view was breathtaking, a sweep of rugged hills and dark woods veiled in soft mist, so unlike the gentle slopes of Hertfordshire.
There was a quiet tap, and then the door opened silently behind her. She turned to see Mrs. Reynolds standing just within the threshold, her brow faintly furrowed, her eyes cautious. “You rang Mrs. Darcy?”
Elizabeth smiled warmly. “Please, Mrs. Reynolds, do come in. I hope you will sit with me.”
“You wish me to take tea with you, mistress?”
“Yes,” Elizabeth replied. “I have not yet had breakfast, and I hoped we might speak of Christmas while we take tea.”
The Housekeeper’s face softened into a smile. “Of course.”
They seated themselves, and Elizabeth poured the tea, offering the plate of cakes. Choosing one, she took a delicate bite.
“Lemon,” she said after a moment. “This may be my favorite cake of all time, with a filling to weep for.”
Mrs. Reynolds smiled. “I shall tell Cook. She will be pleased to know her cakes are so well received.”
Elizabeth sipped her tea. “We shall be spending Christmas here at Pemberley this year, Mrs. Reynolds. Can you tell me about the Christmas traditions?”
The housekeeper looked genuinely puzzled. “Christmas traditions, madam? I am afraid there are none. The master has always spent Christmas in London with his aunt and uncle. If they have any customs at Darcy House, Mrs. Nichols has never written of them.”
