Chapter Three
Longbourn
Elizabeth
“And just where do you think you are off to, Miss Lizzy?” Mama stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and a scowl on her face. “We are to go to Lucas Lodge to dine, and I will not have you delay our departure!”
Elizabeth sighed. “I meant only to walk a short distance.” She smiled in appeal to her mother. “I have been inside all day!”
“Exactly what a proper young lady ought to be doing. No husband will want a wife who traipses about the countryside without a chaperone or care for her hems. Now, I insist you go upstairs and begin your preparations.” Mrs Bennet crossed her arms and nodded firmly.
“You and Jane must share a maid, after all, and it will take longer to prepare.”
Elizabeth sighed and pretended compliance.
It would not take Sally four hours to dress two young ladies, particularly as Mama had her own maid.
She waited on the stairs until she heard her mother’s steps fade towards the back parlour and then skipped down them again and out of doors.
If she moved at a brisk pace, no one would miss her.
The path to Oakham Mount was familiar, and she scarcely attended to her steps as she proceeded along the well-trodden lane.
It was not a wide track, nor was it well-maintained, but her frequent walks in this direction kept it from becoming overgrown.
The path ran from Longbourn’s little wilderness through the grove of trees on the estate, opening at the base of the mount into a broader trail.
Trees dotted the slope, and wildflowers still bloomed.
It was lovelier in the spring, but summer had its beauties, too.
She ascended with eager steps, relishing the exertion and the sense of freedom it gave her. Whoever had declared that ladies must remain within doors and avoid all exertion deserved a sound tongue-lashing.
Elizabeth gained the summit and paused to catch her breath.
The view never failed to delight her. Though the vantage was not grand, it was high enough to afford a pleasing prospect for some distance.
If Oakham Mount is this beautiful, I can only imagine what the Peak must be.
Her aunt Gardiner’s tales of the north fascinated her most, and she longed to see all of England.
The northern shires would be hers to behold someday; of that she was determined.
A strange sensation stole over her, and she glanced about with unease. She was certain she was being watched. Yet she saw nothing and began her descent. Freedom had always been a simple thing—open fields, unguarded steps—but now she felt it slipping, though no hand yet claimed her.
Having accomplished her aim, she must now return to Longbourn and submit to being laced into her gown. As the newest article in her wardrobe, Mama had insisted she wear the rose-coloured silk that evening. Silk was lovely, but Elizabeth always feared she would damage the fabric.
She took great care as she entered Longbourn, alert lest her mother should have discovered her absence. When she was not met by a barrage of angry shrieks, Elizabeth grinned and hastened upstairs to her chamber.
“Lizzy!” Lydia hissed from her chamber door. “Come here!” Ten-year-old Lydia Bennet beckoned, and Elizabeth hastened to follow.
“What is it?” Elizabeth asked, stepping nearer.
Lydia grinned. “Mama is very angry with you! We had a gentleman caller while you were out, and no one could find you!”
Elizabeth groaned. “Dare I ask who it was?” Her mother would be furious when she found out Elizabeth had deliberately disobeyed and ventured out of doors.
“It was the new gentleman from Netherfield.”
She laughed. “Is that all? Surely, he is like all the others—smitten with Jane and calling upon her.” Mr Fiennes had dined four evenings at Longbourn since his arrival and had called a handful of times besides.
Each time he conversed equally with everyone present.
“Perhaps he has at last decided to court my sister.”
Lydia shrugged. “I was hiding in the window seat and saw the whole thing. He looked about the room and then asked where you were. And then when you could not be found, Mama spent fifteen minutes praising Jane’s accomplishments.” She sighed. “I wish I were old enough to come out.”
“All in good time, dearest.” Elizabeth kissed her sister’s head. “Enjoy your childhood while you can. Short stays are a misery, and long skirts only get in the way.”
Lydia pouted playfully but nodded, bouncing on her feet as she followed Elizabeth to the door.
“Thank you for the warning,” Elizabeth spoke softly as she departed.
Lydia was a good girl, prone to high spirits and exuberance, but not a naughty child.
She disliked being last in everything, and Elizabeth feared her younger sister might one day allow her discontent to sour into resentment if it were not gently guided.
Resolving to sneak a treat away for her younger sisters, she returned to her chamber and began to ready herself for the evening.
“Where have you been?” Mrs Bennet waited behind the closed door, hands on her hips once more and a fierce glare marring her handsome features. “Not in your chamber where I said to be, that is where!”
Elizabeth tried to look contrite, but her mother’s absurd words brought a smile to her lips.
“Do you find my distress amusing, child?” Mama began to pace. “I gave you explicit instructions, and yet you defied me! Why could you not be sweet and compliant like Jane? Even Lydia behaves better.”
“That is because Lydia has not yet learnt that she need not obey every directive.”
Her jest fell flat, and Mrs Bennet advanced on her. “I will not be laughed at, Lizzy!” she cried. “If I did not have five daughters to marry off, I would make you stay home. Now, we have scarcely any time before we must depart. Get yourself ready!”
Mrs Bennet turned and swept from the room, calling for Hill as she went.
Elizabeth sighed and plopped down on her bed.
Staying home sounded like a marvellous idea.
She had attended only a few gatherings since her parents had permitted her to go into society.
Her official come out would not take place for another six months.
Close family friends hosted the evening parties she attended, each with a limited guest list. Though she knew everyone very well, she found them tedious.
She struggled to sit still or feign interest in conversation, for most of the talk held little appeal.
Instead of listening, she amused herself by observing the other guests.
Papa had taught her to sketch characters, and she practised faithfully on those around her. Though their society was confined and unvarying, people altered so much over the years that there was always something new to puzzle out.
For instance, Lady Lucas had lately begun wearing the brightest-coloured fabrics Elizabeth had ever seen.
They were certainly not fashionable, yet she paraded about in them as if they had been designed for the queen.
From orange to purple, yellow to green, each seemed more absurd than the last. Elizabeth hoped, for the lady’s sake, that she would soon return to her former taste in dress.
Mr Long, too, had lately changed. He spoke more with the other gentlemen than was his wont and seemed on the verge of making some important decision. Elizabeth knew not what.
How is it so easy for Jane? she groaned inwardly.
The eldest Bennet daughter appeared the very picture of perfection.
Though her beauty was chiefly external, Jane’s kindness, genuine approbation of everyone about her, and her disposition to see the best in others gave her a grace that appearance alone could never provide.
And she was always so calm and composed—the model of decorum. I shall never be half the lady Jane is.
She knew she ought not to think so meanly of herself, but it was difficult.
How can one measure up to a paragon of womanly virtues?
Sighing, Elizabeth rose and began unpinning her hair.
Charlotte Lucas assures me that this is the most trying age, she reasoned.
I shall come into my own soon and grow confident in who I am.
My confidence will rise and not be shaken!
With these internal words of comfort, she sat before the mirror, brushing out her hair as she awaited Sally.
There were sounds coming from the chamber next door—Jane’s room—and Elizabeth reasoned that her obedient elder sister had followed their mother’s edicts and was already well advanced in her preparations.
With still two hours before their departure, poor Jane would be obliged to move and sit very carefully for fear of disturbing her appearance.
A full half-hour passed before Sally came to attend Elizabeth.
During that time, she dreamed of spending the evening curled up with a book.
The summer months brought extended daylight, and Elizabeth wished to take full advantage.
Unfortunately, Mama’s love of society had put paid to that notion.
She briefly considered concealing a volume in her reticule, but quickly dismissed the idea.
Mama was angry enough already, but she would be livid were Elizabeth to behave with such little regard for propriety.
A knock sounded at the door, and Elizabeth called, “Enter!” Jane appeared, with Sally following behind.
“I am sorry for the delay, Elizabeth.” Jane entered with her usual cheer.
“We discovered a tear in my hem that required mending.” She wore a gown of blue silk that complemented her figure to perfection.
Her golden-blond hair had been curled and arranged into an elegant chignon, adorned with blue paste pins placed so artfully that, whichever way she turned, they caught the light and sparkled.
A pearl necklace completed the ensemble.
Jane held her gloves, reticule, and fan in one hand, and had a shawl draped over her arm.
“The rose gown, miss?” Sally held up the dress that had been pressed earlier that day.
Nodding, Elizabeth rose. “Yes, that is what Mama wishes me to wear.”
Jane laughed lightly. “You sound as though you have been sentenced to death. I, for one, am delighted that you will be with me. It is dreadfully dull without you.”
Elizabeth regarded her sister with mock solemnity. “Have you no friends, dear Jane? Do the Misses Long not divert you? What of Charlotte Lucas or the Misses Goulding?”
“None of them is as dear to me as you, my sister.” Jane laid a comforting hand on her arm. “I promise, you will grow accustomed to society in time—and, since I know you so well, I dare say you may even come to enjoy it!”
Elizabeth smiled and turned so Sally might unfasten her buttons.
Once her gown was removed, her petticoat hems were in full view.
Jane tut-tutted and shook her head. “This is why Mama did not wish you to go out. You cannot wear those under this gown!” Fresh linen was fetched from the wardrobe, and Sally directed Elizabeth behind the screen to change.
When she re-emerged, having exchanged her petticoats and chemise for clean ones, Jane assisted her into her stays.
“This is the worst part,” Elizabeth groaned. “I detest it.”
“Another thing you must accustom yourself to.” Jane laughed lightly. “They are not so dreadful, and they do wonders for one’s figure.”
“Not that anyone is looking at my figure, Jane. I am nothing beside you.”
Jane’s gentle manner turned resolute as she addressed her sister.
“Elizabeth, if that is truly how you see yourself, I am disappointed.” Coming round to face her sister, she added, “Have you no sense of your own value? You, my dear sister, are kind, intelligent, lively, beautiful, and everything that is good. I often wish I were more at ease with others, as you are. Pray, do not compare us; it serves only to weaken our sisterly affection.”
She returned to her task, working in thoughtful silence while Elizabeth pondered her words.
“Is that truly how you see me?” Elizabeth asked at length.
“It is. We have been close all our lives. Now, ’tis only we two who are out, and our bond will be stronger for this shared experience.
Search yourself, Lizzy; discover your worth and do not let anyone diminish it.
” Jane leaned close. “That is how you will rise above the pettiness of bitter ladies who use their words to wound.”
“Where did you learn that?”
“Aunt Gardiner is a veritable fountain of wisdom,” Jane gave a small nod of approval. “I recommend you write to her of your troubles.”
Elizabeth nodded and turned so that Sally might slip the rose-coloured silk gown over her head. “I shall take your advice.” She turned slightly so the maid could lace the gown.
Mrs Bennet came into the room. “You are not ready yet? It is nearly time to depart!” She tapped her foot. “Your hair will take an age, Miss Lizzy. I warned you—”
“Mama, do you have everything you need?” Jane cut in. “I thought you meant to take your reticule and a fan this evening.”
Mrs Bennet turned to her elder daughter. “You are quite right, dear Jane. Lady Lucas always keeps her drawing room intolerably warm. I shall fetch them now.”
She bustled out. Elizabeth stifled her laughter until her mother was out of earshot, then let it free. “Well done, Jane.”
“You are welcome, dearest. Pray, try not to vex her so.”
Jane assisted Sally with Elizabeth’s hair, pinning a few silk flowers among the dark curls and fastening a gold chain with a garnet cross to complete the ensemble.
“There; you are ready.” Linking arms, the sisters quitted the room, bringing their accoutrements with them.
Fiennes
Concealed in the overgrown shrubbery atop the mount, he watched her.
Her curls bounced, just visible beneath the edge of her bonnet.
Fiennes noted the dirt on her hem, proof of her less-than-careful trek from Longbourn.
He remained motionless, his attention fixed on his object.
Elizabeth was already his—she just did not realize it yet.
Fiennes drew a small journal from his coat pocket and, with a pencil pared to a stump, made a few notes. This would be his guidebook as he moulded and shaped her. In time, everything she admired would come to reflect his own preferences. He would see to it.
Of a mind to make mischief, he crept down the mount to where his horse was tethered.
Using a fallen stump, he mounted, then turned the beast towards Longbourn.
If he knew Mrs Bennet, she had forbidden her daughter to leave the house; the woman lamented Elizabeth’s walks often enough.
And he knew for certain that the Bennets were to dine at Lucas Lodge that evening.
The lively, wilful maiden had no doubt slipped away against her mother’s wishes.
How amusing it would be to frustrate her little act of defiance.