Chapter 24 #2
The conversation lasted awkwardly for another half an hour, then the guests left, the Bingleys and Cece departed for Netherfield and Elizabeth locked herself in her old chamber until dinner time.
∞∞∞
On her first morning back at Longbourn, Elizabeth woke up at dawn. She had slept ill but she felt rested enough and, from her open window, she watched the sun slowly rising above the hills.
She dressed in one of her old gowns—light and soft, unlike her mourning clothes—and left the house in silence.
The fresh air filled her body and soul and her steps led her down her favourite path, towards Oakham Mount.
Lizzy Bennet was finally taking a long walk—the first one in months—while Lady Barrington remained behind.
When she reached the highest point she sat under the old oak and gazed out across the valley. There was Longbourn, Netherfield, Meryton. Her childhood. Her past.
The sounds of nature, the scents, the views filled her senses.
It had been almost a year since Bingley had first rented Netherfield and the changes in their lives had begun, and she struggled to remember the Elizabeth of a year ago.
Then her musings turned towards Darcy and his business in town.
He was always in her thoughts, whether she wished to admit it or not.
She avoided mentioning his name, but was glad when others did.
Cece spoke of him quite often and there were moments when she wondered if her friend’s admiration for him went beyond mere friendship.
It was a dangerous road that would bring more distress to everyone, and she did not dare open such a conversation with Cece, and so continued to deny to herself the touch of jealousy that troubled her when imagining his affection might move somewhere else.
Lost in her thoughts, she lost track of the time.
The sun was already up in the sky when she eventually hurried back, wondering if her absence had worried her family.
The old Lizzy would not have been bothered by such a reflection, but Lady Barrington was already accustomed to thinking of others first. There was only one more thing she wished to do while she was still wearing her old clothes—to run back home like she was still a carefree child.
And she did just that—while from the windows of Longbourn, her mother and Aunt Phillips stared at her in disbelief.
∞∞∞
For several days, Elizabeth’s life flew by pleasantly, mostly in her father’s company.
The Bingleys and Cece were at Longbourn all the time and—as she had imagined—her friend and her father had quickly formed a friendship, based on debates and arguments over favourite books and politics.
Mary also grew very fond of Cece, whose knowledge and talent at the pianoforte were a source of deep admiration.
In the presence of the Bennets, Cece opened herself up even more.
She studied or practised with Mary, enjoyed strolls in the garden and hearing stories about officers with Lydia and Kitty and even walked to Meryton with them one day.
In Meryton, the colour of Cece’s skin mattered little compared with the compelling gossip about her accomplishments, grossly exaggerated by Mrs. Bennet.
The main interest of their neighbours remained Elizabeth’s situation. And although she forbade her mother to speak of Lady Barrington, the subject was hotly debated by everyone acquainted with the Bennets. Sir William even wrote about it to Mr. Collins in more than one letter.
One afternoon, an express arrived from Mrs. Gilford, with information about the running of the household and a strange note.
‘There is something of importance that requires your ladyship’s approval.
Yesterday, I was approached by a young woman who claimed to be the cousin of Jacob, one of the servants from the Barrington estate.
The young woman asserted that she had worked at the Barrington estate two years ago and she came to apply for a job, with her cousin’s encouragement.
I am aware of your ladyship’s desire to shelter the former employees of Lord Barrington but this is a peculiar situation, as this young woman has a young daughter and no husband and it might be difficult for her to accomplish any duties as a maid.
I allowed her to stay here since she seemed to have no place to live with the child.
I kindly ask your ladyship for instructions. ’
With no hesitation, Elizabeth replied.
‘Mrs. Gilford, your decision was excellent as always. I trust you will find a safe and comfortable way to accommodate the young woman and her child until I return. There are so many of our properties that need loyal employees, that I am sure we will find the right place and the right tasks for her in the future.’
Elizabeth assumed many of Barrington's former servants would apply to her, but very likely people did not trust her yet. Her plan was that, as soon as she had visited all the properties, to allow each servant to choose where they preferred to work, considering the proximity of their families. Also, she gave much consideration to Darcy’s suggestion about renting, even to servants’ families, if they were willing to engage in such an effort.
She did not expect any additional income for the first year, only to set a solid ground for the future.
“Lizzy, please take me with you to Brighton when you visit! Please!” Lydia cried, barging into the room.
“I know you have a house there and the regiment is still there and Harriet said they will be there until the end of September and there are still balls and parties! You have such a large carriage that surely there is a little room for me!”
“And me!” Kitty cried. “I do not need any invitation from the colonel’s wife if you are going! Please Lizzy, please!”
“You are aware, I hope, that I am not going to balls and parties there. And I will probably not stay longer than two nights. Perhaps less. Mr. Hoskins and Cece will be with me too.”
“Jane said she and Mr. Bingley will go as well! Surely you have room for us! Even two days would do! We have so many friends there that we absolutely must see! Mr. Wickham is there—I am sure we will see him too! He was your favourite once—surely you want to see him!”
“Not at all, I assure you. I am in no disposition for visits and entertaining, nor meeting officers.”
“But you may take us, anyway! We will not bother you at all, I promise you! You will barely hear or see us!” Kitty begged.
“We may stay with Harriet for two nights if you prefer,” Lydia offered.
“Absolutely not! If I decide to take you, you will be chaperoned by Jane and Charles. I shall not have you wandering around a full camp of officers alone. I shall speak to Papa.”
“Oh, Papa will do anything you want! Please, please, Lizzy!”
Such requests were repeated countless times, with support from their mother. Again and again until, during dinner, Mr. Bennet lost his patience.
“Lizzy, I would not oppose it if you took them to Brighton for two days. At least I would have some peace. That is—if it would not be too much trouble for you.”
“Very well,” Elizabeth accepted, to general cheers and thanks. “But I am uncertain of my plans yet. I might first stop at the girls’ school in Surrey for a few days and only then go on to Brighton. My main interest is in the orphanage, not in Brighton’s amusements.”
“I am going to write to Harriet right away!” Lydia stopped listening to Elizabeth and ran from the room in excitement, followed by Kitty, ignoring even Mrs. Bennet, who called them back to the dinner table.
Two days later, to the general surprise of everyone, Colonel Forster wrote to Mr. Bennet.
In his wife’s name, the colonel invited Lydia and Kitty to Brighton for a week, to attend a ball hosted by Mrs. Forster in three days' time.
The girls would be under his protection until Lady Barrington retrieved them.
The letter aroused such an insupportable burst of joy that Mr. Bennet could not bear the commotion and locked himself in his chamber.
The two girls and Mrs. Bennet’s nagging went on for an entire day before Elizabeth was eventually convinced.
Although it was mostly Jane’s sensible arguments that tipped her opinion.
“Lizzy darling, this is their only opportunity for amusement this year. They will stay in the colonel’s house for not more than a week. Nothing can happen in such a short time.”
“Jane, we must understand that, due to my position, they might be the victims of fortune hunters, who could easily use their naivety for personal gain.”
“I understand that. But let us write to the colonel and warn him to watch them closely. As I said, it is only a week.”
“Lizzy, I know you have good reason to be doubtful and cautious, but now I see no basis to fear the worst,” Mr. Bennet said, making Elizabeth regret that her own fears might affect her sisters’ lives.
And so it happened that, eventually, Lydia and Kitty left Longbourn in Bingley’s carriage, with Mr. Bennet’s old servant, John, and two others to guard them.
Two more letters arrived from London—one from Darcy to Bingley and one from Mr. Gardiner to Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth waited eagerly to hear some news about Darcy and her impatience was rewarded.
Bingley was excited to hear his friend's business would be concluded soon and Mr. Gardiner mentioned he had met the gentleman twice.
It was little, but enough. She had no right to either enquire or to expect more.