Chapter 15 #2
“I know it is, but I find myself questioning the life that the gentry lead in England. The life that I led. My mother was vociferously opposed to our learning even the basics of cookery and cleaning. In my case, I was not even required to learn to play the pianoforte, though I did choose to learn, nor did I learn to draw or paint. Many upper class women spend much time learning those skills; but then I think about Sarah, and Rebekah, and the slaves, and both of you! It seems to me that the life I lived in England was largely useless!”
Mr. Kendall leaned back in his chair with a quirk of an eyebrow, “Do you believe that artists and musicians are of no importance then, Miss Bennet?”
Elizabeth took a scalding sip of tea and shrugged, “I do not know. They do not grow food for the table, fetch water from the well or sew clothing for us to wear, after all.”
The clergyman pursed his lips, “On the other hand, the Lord himself blessed certain people with musical and artistic gifts to praise His Name and to build his Temple and tabernacle. I would argue that musicians and painters and architects help us to reach beyond mere survival and into something more.”
Elizabeth leaned back in her chair and sighed, “You are correct, of course, but does it not seem to you that the life of a gentlewoman in England is foolishly circumscribed? Why must we only pursue the so-called elegant pursuits? Why should we not cook and bake and serve when so many of God’s children are toiling in tropical heat or winter snows to provide for us?
As I told Mr. Darcy, I am frustrated by my own incompetence in the basic areas of survival. ”
To her surprise, Helena Kendall suddenly leaned forward and began speaking in a rhythmic cadence,
To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
“That is from the Bible?” Elizabeth inquired softly.
“From the third chapter of Ecclesiastes, yes. My dear Elizabeth, you describe your distress at your ineptitude here on St. Croix when you have served us diligently and most competently.”
“Mostly competently,” her friend returned with a sly smile.
“Well, there was the odd bread loaf without salt on occasion,” Helena replied with a chuckle.
“Please realize that I have struggled mightily with my own weakness during this season. I pledged myself to support my husband in his work here at the Anglican Church, but have largely been laid low with sickness from the pregnancy. I have been completely useless; more than that, I have been a burden to you all!”
“You are expecting a child, Helena! We all understand completely!”
“I know you do, but I truthfully have loathed my own incapacity. I have clung to the word of Ecclesiastes 3 during this time. There are seasons for everything. While in your mother’s home, you were required by honor to obey her injunctions against learning practical housewifery.
Here in St. Croix, you have a season of learning such skills and serving me.
I, in turn, learned how to manage a household in my early years, but am unable to perform adequately now because of the baby I carry.
There are seasons of intense work and yes, seasons of dancing and celebration. ”
Elizabeth nodded at this, a furrow between her eyebrows, “That is wise, Helena. But I do wish to live a useful life, even as you do. I will never be a great musician or artist, and I wish to live a life of purpose, even if it means some discomfort and struggle.”
“If you accept Mr. Darcy, I daresay you will not live an excessively easy life,” Mr. Kendall commented gravely.
“I have spent hours working side by side with him, and I know him to be a diligent master of a truly great estate. Hundreds of people depend on his decisions and when he marries, his wife will have great influence on him and thus on the well-being of all those people.”
Elizabeth bit her lip thoughtfully, “That is true. I admire and respect Mr. Darcy very much and if I accept his offer, I will strive to be a hard-working and diligent mistress of the estate. You have given me much to think of, both of you. Thank you.”
“I would also add ...” Helena began.
“Yes?”
“Do you like him and respect him? Such things are important in a marriage.”
Elizabeth bit her lip and looked out the window with upturned lips, “I do respect him and like him. Indeed, I believe that I am in love with him.”
“That is excellent, dear friend,” Helena replied, then compressed her lips as she turned slightly green. “I am afraid that my malaise has returned, but I had three good hours this morning. Mr. Kendall, can you please help me to my bedroom?”
“Of course, my dear.”