Page 28 of A Forced Marriage
“Most of them do, madam. The married ones go to their homes at the end of the day, unless their husbands also work within the estate, in which case they often stay. The unmarried staff typically reside on the premises.”
As they moved further into the estate, Elizabeth’s attention was drawn to a young maid who seemed particularly quiet and withdrawn, her downcast eyes avoiding the lively exchange around her. Noticing this, Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Reynolds with a touch of concern.
"Mrs. Reynolds, that young maid seems rather subdued. Is she quite well?"
Mrs. Reynolds hesitated for a moment, a shadow of unease crossing her usually composed features. "She has faced some unfortunate circumstances, madam. She was… compromised by someone she trusted to do well by her, and since then, the rumors have kept gentlemen from calling on her. Perhaps, with the news of the master's marriage circulating around the estate, it has brought back old memories. But I believe she will be fine in time."As she spoke, her eyes flicked almost imperceptibly toward Georgiana, whose complexion suddenly paled.
Georgiana suddenly asked to be excused, citing a need to rest, her voice trembling slightly as she made her retreat. All inquiries about her well-being were met with assurances that she was quite all right.
Elizabeth watched her go, concern deepening. "Is she quite well?" she asked Mrs. Reynolds, her brow furrowing with worry.
"I believe so, madam. The journey has taken its toll on her, I fear," Mrs. Reynolds replied, though there was a subtle note of uncertainty in her tone, as if she herself was not entirely convinced.
Elizabeth’s thoughts, however, were now elsewhere. The maid’s plight had struck a chord deep within her, reminding her of the rumours that just days ago had swirled around her in Meryton. A wave of gratitude washed over her, directed toward Mr. Darcy. How far he had gone to propose to her, to protect her reputation and that of her sisters, suddenly seemed all the more significant. She could scarcely imagine herself—or any of her sisters—enduring the kind of suffering that poor maid must be facing.
As they continued their walk, Elizabeth silently resolved to speak with Mr. Darcy about her grievances upon his return. It was only right, she reasoned, that they address the issues between them with honesty and openness. Perhaps then, they could begin to move forward, to build something better from the fragments of their uneasy start.
Yet, as they made their way back to the house, Elizabeth’s thoughts were continually drawn back to that brief, unsettling exchange between Mrs. Reynolds and Georgiana. There was something in the way Mrs. Reynolds had glanced at Georgiana when she mentioned the maid’s situation, and in the way Georgiana had hastily excused herself afterward, that left Elizabeth with an uneasy feeling she could not quite shake. Something was amiss—of that much, she was certain—but what it was, she could not yet fathom.
Chapter 16
The next day, Elizabeth joined Georgiana at the breakfast table. Georgiana, now looking much restored, remarked that she felt considerably better than she had the previous day. Noting the pallor that had overtaken her the day before, Elizabeth thought it best to refrain from inquiring further into the matter, lest she inadvertently cause distress. Mr. Darcy had yet to return, but Georgiana reassured Elizabeth that he was undoubtedly well, explaining that he often spent several days away when matters concerning the estate or his attorney required his attention.
"However," Georgiana added with a gentle smile, "if he were not to return by this evening, he would certainly send word. My brother is not one to leave us without news for more than two days."
As their conversation continued over the meal, Mrs. Reynolds appeared in the doorway, a letter in hand.
"A letter has arrived for you, madam." Mrs. Reynolds said with a courteous smile.
"Perhaps it is from Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth whispered, feeling a surprising flutter in her heart.
"It is not from the master, Madam," Mrs. Reynolds replied, with a small, reassuring smile. "I believe it is from Meryton."
Meryton?
Elizabeth accepted the letter with a grateful nod, recognizing the familiar handwriting of her beloved sister Jane at the back. She allowed herself smile wholeheartedly as she carefully broke the seal and unfolded the letter, her heart already buoyed by the thought of hearing from home.
My Dearest Lizzy,the letter began.
I pray this letter meets you well and in good spirits. I chose to write two days after your departure from Meryton, having been informed that it may take two to three days for any letter to reach Derbyshire. How are you faring, dear sister? How is married life treating you? I cannot help but wonder if you have found it in your heart to make peace with Mr. Darcy. I know how difficult the circumstances must be, and I know it is quite early, but I urge you, for your own sake, to do so. It will make your new role as Mrs. Darcy far easier, and perhaps even more pleasant than you expect.
In a surprising turn of events, I must tell you that Mr. Collins has proposed to Charlotte Lucas! He did so this morning. I was quite astonished when I heard the news, and even more so when he announced that he was travelling to Rosings Park to inform his esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. What a change of fortune for our dear friend Charlotte, though I confess I am curious to see how she will manage Mr. Collins’s particularities.
As for myself, I have visited Netherfield once, at the kind invitation of Mr. Bingley for dinner. His sisters were most civil to me, which I found rather unexpected but welcome. I must confess, Lizzy, that I am quite fond of Mr. Bingley, and I do believe he holds me in some regard as well. However, he has said nothing that might suggest a proposal, and I do not wish to be a foolish girl, building castles in the air. Still, I cannot help but hope.
Kitty and Lydia send their greetings, as do our dear father and mother. Kitty is as lively as ever, and Lydia, as you can imagine, is already planning what she will wear when next she sees you.
Tell me, Lizzy, are you enjoying Pemberley? It must be a grand place, and I trust you are finding some comfort there. I thank you once again for the sacrifice you have made, a sacrifice that I know was not light. I do hope you will invite me to visit Pemberley soon, perhaps when next I visit the Gardiners before summer next year.
Until then, take care of yourself, dear sister. I shall await your next letter with eager anticipation.
Yours ever,
Jane
Elizabeth giggled as she read the closing lines of Jane’s letter. Aside from her interaction with Georgiana, Jane’s kind words were the most enjoyable she had heard since she left Meryton. Yet, as the letter came to an end, Elizabeth felt a pang of guilt. How remiss she had been! It had been two days since her arrival at Pemberley, and not once had she thought to write to her family. The sense of duty that had so often guided her actions stirred within her, urging her to correct this oversight.
Setting the letter aside, Elizabeth resolved that she would write to her family as soon as breakfast was concluded. The thought of Jane awaiting her reply with eager anticipation spurred her on, and she could not bear the idea of disappointing her dear sister.
