Chapter 4 #4
“There is something I must confess, something I should keep secret, but I cannot, precisely because I value your friendship so much. I am sure it will be a significant obstacle for any future connection between us, and yet I cannot conceal it from you.”
“Miss Lizzy, this sounds quite frightening. Are you unwell?” the countess inquired.
“Oh no, I am quite well,” Elizabeth replied in a quiet voice to avoid being overheard even by her cousins.
“It is just that…my father has arrived in town since we last met in the park. He is here to solve a most delicate family matter. My youngest sister…she is not sixteen yet…she eloped a week ago…her intentions were to marry but we know this has not happened yet. My father and uncle are searching for them as we suspect they are in Town.”
Elizabeth could barely gather the courage to look at the two ladies in front of her.
The countess appeared astonished, but Miss Anna’s countenance was completely pale and still.
She grabbed the small basket in her lap so hard that Mist meowed, frightened.
The young woman petted him gently, pulling the kitten to her chest to calm him.
Elizabeth was confident she could understand her companion’s reaction.
“I know anyone would be appalled by such a situation. But my sister is very young, and the man who stole her heart is an officer and a close acquaintance to our family…so she had every reason to trust him. But I also understand that nothing can justify such behaviour, and it cannot remain without consequences for our family and our name. That is why I wished to tell you the entire truth. I would never dare to put you in an uncomfortable position by being connected with me in any way. And that is why I would not dare write to you.”
Elizabeth felt defeated by the distress that had threatened her mind and heart for so many days. Her strength weakened, her self-control vanished, and she only hoped not to appear a complete fool in front of the two ladies.
“Miss Lizzy, is there any way we can help you?” the countess inquired.
“No…I thank you, no…I have high hopes that my father and uncle will find them today. My greatest desire is to know my sister is safe.”
“We pray that everything will come to a better resolution than can be foreseen now,” the countess said. “Please keep us informed about the outcome of this situation in the next few days.”
Elizabeth stared in disbelief, wondering whether she had heard correctly.
“Does your ladyship wish to meet with me again?”
“Why on earth not?” the countess replied calmly.
“I imagined that…I know very few people of your ladyship’s position who would. Forgive me…I am so silly…I do not know what is wrong with me. I can hardly speak coherently.”
“Miss Lizzy…” Miss Anna’s gentle voice interrupted Elizabeth’s stammering; the young woman continued to talk, holding the kitten tightly, her blue eyes heavy with tears.
“I understand you very well, as I was in the same situation only a year ago. You see now that you also have good reason not to speak to me…”
Elizabeth’s bewilderment was now complete. She could not trust her ears, and her lips did not dare say a word. Surely, she had not understood correctly. This perfect, impeccable, accomplished young woman! It was impossible to imagine her in the same situation as Lydia.
“I did not quite elope,” Miss Anna continued, “but I was convinced to do so. The gentleman was also very close to my family…I have known him all my life…but as you said, nothing can justify such thoughtless behaviour. I was fortunate enough that my brother arrived unexpectedly only a day before the elopement. I could not bear the notion of betraying and abandoning him, so I confessed everything to him…which was also fortunate, as I discovered that the object of my affections was neither honest nor genuine in his claimed fondness for me. I hope your sister will not have to suffer such disappointment…”
Elizabeth and Miss Anna looked at each other for a few long moments, dark brown and light blue eyes locked together, sharing sadness and shame, silently speaking a language understood by both.
Each had put her soul into the hands of a near stranger, confessing a menace to their futures —even to their lives —and they seemed mutually to agree to share the burden as they split it in half so each could carry it more easily.
The children’s joyful laughter and Didi’s happy barking startled them, breaking the silence; the countess intruded briskly, attempting to ease the distress of both.
“What my niece tried to say is that such accidents may happen to anyone; even the brightest and most well-educated woman may lose her heart and sometimes even her mind to a handsome man. Miss Lizzy, this is not the first and certainly not the last case of this kind. As long as your sister is uninjured, there is no tragedy in it. If they eventually marry, all the better. If not, the world will surely not end. There will be rumours for a while, but they will soon cease. I dare say that, from this point of view, it is a good thing that your family is not a prominent one. The fewer people who know you, the quicker the gossip will die.”
“I do not know what to say…” Elizabeth whispered. “Except that your courage is remarkable and your wisdom praiseworthy, Miss Anna.”
“There is no need to say anything else for now.” The countess smiled while her niece only thanked Elizabeth with eyes full of gratitude.
“Once the situation with your sister is resolved, I would suggest we all three have a long conversation over a nice cup of tea. We would be very pleased if you could visit us one of these days. I will be delighted to receive news from you.”
“I would like that very much, Lady Hardwick…very much indeed…” was all Elizabeth could answer to such a generous invitation.
When the time to separate finally came, the farewell was warmer and longer than any time before.
Elizabeth’s confidence grew as her heart became lighter from the sympathy shown by the countess and the trust proved by Miss Anna’s startling confession.
No matter how many people censured their family for Lydia’s elopement, the two ladies’ support was strong enough to compensate.
In their luxurious carriage, Georgiana petted her kitten and dared look at her aunt, who was caressing Didi.
“Aunt Amelia, do you blame me for my confession to Miss Lizzy? Do you believe it was a mistake?”
“I do not blame you, dearest; I was only surprised. I know you to be a private person, and I did not expect you to open your heart to someone whose complete name you do not even know.”
“I cannot explain what came over me, but I saw her so sad, so ashamed, and suffering so much for her sister that I imagined how William must have felt for me. She does not know my name either, and yet she had the strength to share her story with us. I sensed she could understand me just as I understand her. Is it not strange that, when I finally found someone I could be friends with, she is going through the same ordeal that I did?”
“I understand what you mean, dearest. And yes, it is a little strange. You two seem to have much in common, although you are quite different. I admit I am curious about how all this will end, and I am now even more eager to learn further details about Miss Lizzy.”
“So am I, Aunt. Perhaps it will happen tomorrow. I hope it will.”