“Mr. Collins visited his patronage this morning. It seems Lady Catherine feels the pain of the departure of her nephews most acutely.” Charlotte’s comments elicited no visible reaction from her audience. “We have been invited to dinner at Rosings Park this evening.” Lizzy made a sound to acknowledge that she had heard the comment, but she made no effort to further the conversation. “I can only imagine the advice Lady Catherine will have for you, Lizzy. You are a fresh new victim that shall soon escape from her grasp. How difficult it will be for her to impart in the course of one evening a sufficient amount of wisdom to last you a lifetime. Fret not, my dear friend, for I am certain that I will be asked to forward her suggestions and observations through our correspondence.” Charlotte smiled as she thought of her ridiculous patronage. If she ever believed that wealth could ensure decorum she was now disabused of such a notion.
Elizabeth looked up from her book and studied Charlotte carefully. Her mind had been focused on the letter Mr. Darcy had given her the morning he had left Rosings Park. She had told Mr. Darcy he would be the last man on Earth she would consider marrying, but looking at Charlotte and remembering her own proposal from Mr. Collins, she knew that she had been untruthful. At no point before or after visiting the Parsonage could she feel even the slightest twinge of regret. She was not entirely certain she could say the same in regards to Mr. Darcy’s offer. But regret could be too strong of a word. After reading the letter, she felt she had misjudged the man and for this, she was sorry. He was taciturn and proud to be sure, but he had acted honorably toward Wickham. It would be more accurate to say, had it not been for the pain he had inflicted on Jane, a very small measure of regret might be able to eventually take root in her heart.
“Lady Catherine has been most generous in her dinner invitations,” Lizzy replied. Any amusement she had initially found in these visits had by now been replaced with annoyance. She wondered if Mr. Collins had been so bold to press Lady Catherine for such frequent invitations. He certainly had no compunction preventing such actions, but she doubted he possessed the courage. Yet, he did have an incentive to solicit these summonses. Throughout Lizzy’s time in Hunsford, Mr. Collins had done his utmost to demonstrate what a comfortable and rewarding life his wife was leading. Having an affiliation with a woman of such wealth would, in his mind, demonstrate the elevated position his family held in society. His desire for envy might be sufficient to overcome his cowardliness.
Now that it was obvious how much she had wounded his pride, Lizzy could feel pity for him. But she could never feel what he desired which was regret for rejecting his proposal. He remained certain his would prove to be the best offer Elizabeth Bennet would ever receive. Given his obvious admiration for Mr. Darcy, Lizzy could only imagine how shocked and miffed he would be had he known what transpired in his home only a few days earlier. Perhaps he would take comfort in finding he was not alone in receiving her rejection.
“Indeed. She likes you,” Charlotte smiled to herself as she began on a second rose. “You are proving to be a great challenge for her.”
Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. “How so?”
“She enjoys providing those around her with advice and guidance. Many of us are indebted to her and make little fuss in accepting her suggestions. You, however, have no connections to her, and while you listen to her advice with patience and politeness, I believe she knows that you will not yield to her authority. I am sure she has few opportunities to encounter someone with such regularity that is not so easily persuaded to her way of thinking.”
Lizzy wondered what had come of the strong-willed girl she had grown up with. Charlotte was as observant and wise as ever, but when had she become so willing to be molded into any shape other than one of her own choosing. “I am surprised that you have not provided the lady with such a challenge. At one time, your will could easily bend my own.”
Charlotte set down her embroidery hoop. “Oh Lizzy, I do hope that one day you can forgive me for choosing security and comfort over ideals. A strong will wrapped in lace and ribbon is much more tolerable than one wrapped in paper and string. Age does not share his kindness equally, and you cannot pretend to believe he saw fit to show me charity. I feel as though I have gained more through the compromise I have accepted than I have sacrificed.”
“Are you happy then, Charlotte?”
“I have never expected happiness so I find I am more happy than I ever thought I would be.”
Lizzy was saddened by this reply. She had been uncharitable toward Charlotte. She had lost respect for Charlotte for agreeing to marry a man like Mr. Collins. And since then, she had been holding Charlotte at an arm’s length. She had not thought this shift was noticeable, but it seemed that she was mistaken. Now, without seeking pity, her friend had admitted to being resigned to completing her life in a manner that she did not deem entirely fulfilling. Charlotte had felt her only choice had been to select the lesser of two evils. Rather than offer comfort and compassion to a friend facing a less than ideal future, Lizzy had felt disdain and had distanced herself.
Lizzy could not bring herself to instantly take Charlotte back into her confidence, especially in matters that might involve individuals of great importance to Mr. Collins, but she would try to reestablish this connection over time.
∞∞∞
Since Lizzy had not been comfortable sharing news of recent events with anyone while at Hunsford, she had to wait until she was again reunited with Jane to unburden herself. This proved to be a great challenge as Mr. Darcy’s proposal and subsequent letter filled her every waking thought. Upon her arrival in London, Elizabeth rejoiced that she would finally have a confidant, but events transpired that delayed her confession until the sisters were safely tucked away in their bedroom at Longbourn.
After a lengthy discussion about Mr. Darcy’s proposal, the conversation shifted to Mr. Wickham. “I cannot believe a man to be so wicked,” Jane responded after hearing Darcy’s account of events. “And yet I do not doubt the truth of Mr. Darcy’s words.”
Jane’s reaction reaffirmed her sister’s belief that her goodness prevented her from seeing the flaws of others. Lizzy pulled her shawl up around her shoulders. “I too was shocked, but upon reflection, I see that I was hasty to accept Mr. Wickham’s explanation. I gave too much credit to Mr. Wickham and I might have judged Mr. Darcy too harshly.” Lizzy still felt torn regarding her feelings toward the latter. She had held herself back from divulging any details about Darcy’s involvement with Jane’s romance, but she could not fully forgive the gentleman for his interference.
It was true that Jane had difficulties recognizing evil, but she had no trouble finding the less sinister flaws that plagued the lives of those she loved. Unaware of Lizzy’s second accusation, Jane believed it was entirely Lizzy’s prejudice and stubbornness preventing her from acknowledging a growing admiration for Mr. Darcy. This could be for the best. There were no assurances that the gentleman would renew his offer. But Jane would speak to her aunt before they arrived to bring Lizzy on their summer tour. She would suggest their trip to the Lake District would be lacking should they not include a detour to Derbyshire. According to the Bingleys, that county was simply lovely. And if Fate had intended this man for Lizzy, perhaps a visit so near his home would provide him a second opportunity to win her.
“Is that why you have been so reluctant to have Mama entertain the militia before their departure?” Jane asked.
“Yes. I am very glad to hear they will soon be headed for Brighton. I have also done all in my power to support Papa in resisting the pressures of Lydia’s campaign to have our family follow them for the summer.”
“This is for the best. We have only just arrived back home, but I can see we are not the only ones to have been taken in by his charms,” Jane replied thinking of her mother’s girlish giggles when the man’s name was mentioned.
Lizzy walked to the hearth and placed another log on the fire. “Well, if I ever again find myself in private conversation wit
h him, I will make sure he is aware that I am no longer so ignorant of the truth.” Jane’s eyes grew wide. She could not imagine being so bold. Lizzy saw her sister’s expression and laughed. “Do not fear. I will not be blunt. I will simply imply that I have gained information that has altered my impressions. Perhaps this will give the man an incentive to stay clear of Longbourn.”
Jane nodded. “Yes, it would be best if he were not quite so constant a visitor.”
Little did the sisters know at that very moment Lydia was rehearsing a speech she would deliver to Mrs. Forster the next day. This speech would result in an invitation to accompany the Forsters to Brighton. While this turn of events would allow Lizzy to confront Wickham and would spare most of the family from spending additional time with him, Lydia would not be so lucky. Yet even had the young girl known more of the officer’s past, it was likely she would still hold him in high regard. Love had a way of protecting one from the truth. If Lydia was not yet in love with George Wickham, Cupid was poised to ensure she would be soon.
∞∞∞
Lydia was the first to leave Longbourn to seek other entertainment for the summer. Lizzy enjoyed the peace that settled over the home after her youngest sister had departed, but she worried daily about what sort of mischief her sister was causing at Brighton.
Tomorrow, Elizabeth would be leaving on her journey with the Gardiners, and since Katherine had generously offered to lend her some books for her trip, she found herself walking through the familiar streets of Meryton. She hoped her friend had time to visit. They had only spoken briefly since her return from Hunsford. It felt as if they were able to converse more through letters when they were hours apart than when they were within walking distance.
When Lizzy reached the shop, she was surprised to find it was closed. She went around back and knocked on the front door of the family’s home. No one answered. She was disappointed, but assuming Katherine had gone on one of her secret trips, Lizzy returned to Longbourn. If only she had peeked through the window, she might have seen Mr. Carter, lying on the floor. She might have noticed the pool of blood under his head. She might have discovered that the Carter family had become the latest victims of Joshua Smith. But she did not, and with Lizzy out of town, the shops closure would go by unnoticed for weeks.
Chapter 26
Lydia looked over at the quill and paper. She had promised to write home often, but that was before she had known how very entertaining it would be in Brighton. Mrs. Forster’s voice floated up the stairs. “Lydia, we are heading to the camp. Would you like to join us?” It seemed that fate had intervened and decided for her. She would write later. She would not dream of missing a visit to the camp, especially when a certain lieutenant had said how much he was looking forward to seeing her again.
The night before Wickham had left Meryton he had attended a dinner party hosted by the Bennets. He had been looking forward that evening to once again seeing Miss Elizabeth. When he arrived at Longbourn, he had been very surprised at Elizabeth’s distant and impersonal demeanor. Perhaps his pursuit of Miss King had impacted her more greatly than he had thought. He redoubled his efforts to engage her only to find she turned the conversation to Fitzwilliam Darcy. She indicated she had gotten to known Darcy better and now had a better understanding of his disposition.
Was it possible Darcy had spoken of him? Could she know the truth? He was taken aback by her comments and could not gather his wits fast enough to find his answers, but even after leaving Meryton so long ago, these questions continued to nag at him. He had not actually lied in regard to his inheritance. He had simply been selective in which details he chose to share. But Georgiana could not as easily be explained. Surely, if Elizabeth knew of his engagement to Miss Darcy, she would have said something to warn off her sister. If he could not get an answer as to what she knew from Miss Elizabeth directly, he would speak to Miss Lydia to see what she had heard.
He was delighted when he left his tent and discovered Miss Lydia holding the arm of Mrs. Forster. At their last encounter, he had suggested he would await her return. He had half expected his comment to scare her off, yet here she stood.
He walked over to the pair and made a gallant bow. “Ladies, how lovely it is to see you this morning. What brings you to our camp?”
Lydia blushed and her hand lifted to her mouth in an effort to hide a giggle.
“We thought we would enjoy the exercise of accompanying my husband to work,” Mrs. Forster said kindly. “But we will be off soon. We wish to visit the millinery on our way home.”
“It has been ever so long since I myself have shopped at a millinery,” Wickham said, making both ladies laugh.
“You may join us but only if you promise not to take the bonnet with the most ribbons and flowers for yourself. I am certain, even without seeing it, that it would suit me best,” Lydia teased.
Wickham agreed to only consider the purchase of the second prettiest bonnet, and the trio set off to town. Like many women who already possessed husbands, Mrs. Forster enjoyed the practice of matchmaking. “The strap on my shoe comes loose if I walk too fast. But please do not delay on my account. I will be but a short way behind you,” she called to her friend and the handsome Lieutenant.
Wickham made the obligatory objections and protests but was firmly told to not wait. He gave in without a great deal of fuss. Once they were entirely alone, Wickham turned the conversation toward a topic he hoped would lead to the satisfaction of his great curiosity. “The Bennet sisters certainly seem to be great travelers. I understand Miss Bennet has recently returned from London, Miss Elizabeth from Hunsford, and you now travel to Brighton.”
“Yes. I would envy Jane — London is so very exciting — but since I have better company on my holiday, I would not trade with her for the world.” Lydia squeezed Wickham’s arm a little, thinking how nice it was to be walking with so handsome a man.
“Do you not feel some remorse you could not join your other sister in her visit to Kent? It is a lovely county.”
“Oh, no!” The distaste was so clear in her tone, Lydia thought to clarify her reaction. “I am sure the country is lovely, but if you only knew our cousin better, you could feel nothing but pity for Lizzy. He is most disagreeable.”
“I do not doubt you. In our brief encounters during his stay in Meryton, I myself did not find him fully agreeable. But I do understand Miss Elizabeth was often entertained by your cousin’s patroness and her two nephews, Darcy and Fitzwilliam. Perhaps this company was more to her liking.” Wickham adjusted his pace. The milliner was only a few blocks away, and Mrs. Forster had left a sufficient gap to safely slow his step.
Lydia thought for a moment. That name sounded very familiar. “Do you mean that tall, proud man who stayed with Mr. Bingley?” Wickham nodded. Lydia looked mortified, “Lord! I pitied Lizzy before, but I can’t imagine what she must have done to deserve that punishment. She did not even tell me she had to endure Mr. Darcy during her visit.” Of course, even if Lizzy had brought up such a detail, it would have slipped Lydia’s notice. Mr. Darcy was nearly as dull as Mr. Collins, and was far nastier. “I hope she is having a better time on her current trip.”
“Is she traveling again?” Wickham asked, rather surprised.
“Did she not tell you? She was invited to tour the lakes with my aunt and uncle. Kitty’s letter said that the trip was delayed and shortened. Still, she would have left by now. I think they are planning to tour some country estates and sites. It sounds dull and boring, but at least she will not be forced to endure the company of men like Collins or Darcy.”
“No, she did not mention the tour to me,” Wickham said. Wickham fell silent. Based on this conversation, he erroneously assumed Lizzy had not been told of his involvement with Georgiana last summer. He set aside his other worries for now and focused on the attractive, young girl who obviously wanted to flirt with him. “What a pity she cannot visit cities. If she has your eye for fashion, I should think she would prefer London.”
> Lydia smiled at the compliment.
∞∞∞
“Charles, I really think we will require two carriages,” Caroline said as she looked at all of the trunks, hat boxes, and various bags scattered throughout her room.
Bingley looked through the doorway into the room and was horrified. “Caroline, we are visiting Pemberley for the summer, not moving in.”
“Yes, I know. But the Darcys are so refined. I need to have dresses for dinner, and those dresses would simply not do for morning wear, and then there are the riding clothes, and one never knows about the weather…”
Bingley cut her off with a wave of his hand. “I will see to it that we have a second carriage.” Charles had learned long ago that if his sister was in a good mood, it was well worth any amount of money needed to preserve the present state.
Caroline smiled to herself. With two carriages, her sister and husband would occupy one and her brother and the Darcy party the other. She would ask Louisa to invite Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley to join her carriage. It would not be too difficult. They had recently been discussing a book all had read. Then, with the two women shifting carriages, it would be only natural that she should move into the carriage with Mr. Darcy. Charles always fell asleep on such journeys and that would mean the ride to Pemberley would be nearly like being alone with him.
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