Chapter 3 #2
Elizabeth thought over her situation. She felt as though she should be shocked and scared that everything she had ever known was not what it seemed, but she was not.
She had been old enough when she was brought to Longbourn to understand just enough of what was happening to provide legitimacy and understanding to the current situation.
She looked at the duke. He was both Uncle Brandon and her father.
She realized that even though he had to send her away from him to keep her safe, he had still wished to be a part of her life.
Thus, he had assumed the guise of Uncle Brandon so that he could visit her and see for himself that she was growing up well.
“I do have one question,” she said. “How did you convince Papa, that is Mr. Bennet, to accept the role of my father? In doing so, he has been vilified for being unfaithful to his wife.”
“I did not realize that he would suffer such a thing,” said Uncle Brandon. “Even so, I compensated him generously by providing dowries for each of his daughters, even Lydia who was born after you came here. I have also compensated him for the costs associated with raising you.”
“You need not worry overmuch, Elizabeth,” said Mr. Bennet.
“Your mother knows you are not my child. I had to tell her to explain where our daughters’ dowries came from, though I didn’t tell her your father was a duke.
As for our neighbors, those whose opinions I value have never criticized me.
So, I have not suffered nearly as much as you might think. ”
“But your own daughter, Mary, does not respect you,” said Elizabeth. “I feel just awful that I am the reason you must tolerate such a situation.”
“She will come around,” said Mr. Bennet, confidently.
“If that is the case, then I don’t have any further questions,” said Elizabeth to Uncle Brandon. “I know you are my father, and I can well believe you are a duke. I am only grateful that you have been as kind and generous to my adoptive family as you have.”
“How could I do any less for those who would raise my daughter?” asked the duke. “Now, since you have no more questions, what would you like to do? Where would you like to go from here?”
“I don’t know,” said Elizabeth. “I do not know what my options are. If I did as you said and took up my rightful place, what would that look like? What would my life be like?”
“I have a home in Essex, of course, as well as a home in Grosvenor Square, London. My country home, Pollaner, is where you were born,” said the duke.
“My initial thought was to take you there while you become accustomed to living the life you were born to.
Then, in January or February, we could go to London where you could enjoy all that the Season has to offer.
I would also need to have you presented to the queen.
“Alternatively, if that sounds uncomfortable, I could set up an establishment with a companion for you anywhere you wish. You would have a comfortable income and could live your life as you please, though I would need to hire extra footmen to guard you, if that is what you choose.
“The last option I can think of is for you to remain here, though we should reveal your true identity to your neighbors and friends. In fact, no matter which you choose, you will need to assume your true identity. What do you think?”
Elizabeth tried to imagine what it would be like to reveal to her neighbors that she was a duke’s daughter.
For a few moments the idea held a certain amount of appeal.
All those who had shunned her, insulted her, and ignored her would feel guilty.
They may even attempt to toady up to her due to her new rank.
The appeal of such an idea didn’t last long, however. She truly didn’t have many friends here other than Miss King, and having to put up with all manner of false friendliness would feel absolutely awful. Even being vindicated in the eyes of her sisters and adopted mother held little appeal.
Uncle Brandon’s second idea, that of setting up an establishment of her own, sounded nice, but it was intimidating.
She would essentially be sent somewhere she had never been in the company of those she didn’t know and told to live how she pleased.
She was certain she could get used to it, but it would be a challenge.
The only option that made any sense would be to live with her real father. Even that, however, seemed challenging, though at least there she would have a familiar and friendly presence in the form of the duke, her father.
“I forgot to mention something that may sway your decision,” said the duke. “A year after you left, the duchess finally gave birth again. You have a brother five years your junior.”
“I have a brother?” asked Elizabeth.
The duke nodded. “I told him about you when he turned twelve, and he has been most anxious to meet you.”
“What is his name?” she asked.
“Edward,” said the duke. “Edward Lansfeld.”
“Then I suppose that makes me Elizabeth Lansfeld.” The new last name sounded odd on her tongue.
“Yes, that is your true name, the name you were christened with. Elizabeth Rachel Lansfield,” said the duke.
“Then that settles the question,” said Elizabeth. “I was already leaning towards coming to live with you, but this just makes it even better. I cannot pass up the opportunity to meet my brother.”
“When will you be leaving,” Mr. Bennet asked the duke.
“I had hoped to leave in the next day or two,” he answered.
“Please, may I have a week to make my farewells?” asked Elizabeth.
Though she had never felt particularly welcome among her neighbors, she wished to visit all her favorite walking trails one last time, since she was certain she would not be returning for a very long time, if ever.
She also thought she should make a farewell visit to Miss King.
Her father looked at her as he thought about her request. “I suppose,” he said at last. “I wouldn’t mind spending the intervening time in London. Be ready to leave at noon exactly one week from today.”
“Thank you, Father,” said Elizabeth. “I shall be ready.”