Play No Evil （Free Indirect Discourse） #5
Earnestly, speaking to both ladies, Mr Read continued.
“I have seen man scarred and nearly destroyed by battle, ladies. I have seen one man sitting next to another, both near to death, and then come back to look at each sometime later to find the sicker-looking man is now hale and hearty, while the less ill has succumbed. Perhaps I overly simplify things, but I believe the thing that makes some survive and thrive while others falter is purpose. Family, love, charity, duty, ambition, pride… it matters not what drives someone to strive, just that they do it. If you come with me to Ohio, we will build something grand… together.”
Anne sighed. “Was all this not supposed to come at the end of the courtship?”
Mr Read laughed. “A very good point. I had planned a slow and careful courtship, but it seems Miss Bennet has brought me to the point much sooner; and I find I am happy with her insistence. I must do things properly, so let us begin.”
Anne raised her free hand to stop him.
“Mr Read, I beg you to hold the question that is on the tip of your tongue for a moment. I shall be happy to hear that question… in six weeks’ time.”
The gentleman’s face fell, but Anne caught his gaze with a fearsome grip, ensuring he was paying careful attention to what she said, and not falling into despair.
“You must understand, Sir. I have led a life of quiet despair. For much of my life I never knew if I would survive the week, the month, or the year. For much of my life, I was not even certain whether my own mother actually loved me, or tended me out of duty. I now know that she does, but the matter was uncertain for some time. You see sitting beside me the only person in the world whom I have always had complete faith knew me and loved me, warts and all.”
Mr Read nodded in acknowledgment, aware he was being told things of a very personal nature. A glance at Miss Bennet revealed she was paying close attention to everything being said as well; her countenance betrayed a touch of sadness at what Miss de Bourgh said, but not any particular surprise.
“I can assure you, Sir, that it takes every ounce of self-discipline I have to ask you to continue with your courtship as you offered, and to ask your question in the proper time and place. I would very much like to be certain that we both are making the right decision. You are quite certainly the best man I have ever met, and it would kill me to believe that I chained you to a life of misery simply because you are the first man to really pay me any attention. If our affections are strong and sure, they will survive a six-week courtship strengthened rather than diminished. At that time, we can decide based on true understanding of one another.”
Though the gentleman had now given free rein to his heart, and considered his own decision fixed and irrevocable, he agreed her idea was sound.
“I shall happily accede to your request, Miss de Bourgh. Every couple deserves a courtship, and while it is entirely possible and in fact admirable to have a proper courtship even after marriage, I would not wish to rush things. Let us do as you say that we may be happy we have done things properly.”
The look on both ladies’ faces pleased him. His lady displayed a combination of happiness, insecurity, and longing; he was quite certain things would work out as they should, in their own good time.
One other piece of business needed attention.
“Miss Bennet, perhaps I am rushing myself; but should things work out as we all hope they will, it would be my privilege to offer you an open invitation to reside in my home as long as you like, be it a week or forever. I realise the offer is redundant so long as you have Miss de Bourgh’s good graces, but I wish to make absolutely certain you understand how welcome you will always be. ”
Both ladies smiled shyly, and for the most part everybody was content with the plan. Six weeks would be more than enough time for them to get to know one another, and there was generally little doubt about what the outcome would be.
Elizabeth was impressed, but she was also aware she had spent only a few hours in the man’s company.
She would know more after she had spent more time with him, but since she was not the one marrying him, her opinions would be in an advisory role at most. She was not even entirely certain she would offer that much advice.
Anne was perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
Mr Read rose from his knees… well, truth be told he was not a young buck anymore, so while he attempted to stand gracefully, he in fact toppled to his side.
A bit of scrambling put him to rights while the ladies enjoyed a good laugh at his expense—as things should be.
Mr Read would be happy to be ridiculous for these ladies any time it was required, and ultimately the triumvirate was back on their feet, ready to take some refreshments and decide on their future for the next six weeks.
At least for the moment, and perhaps forever, it seemed the two ladies were to be Americans.