Chapter 9 #2
The conversation showed Elizabeth a new trait of Lady Kendal’s character.
Her determination, persistence, and power were impressive and allowed no contradiction.
In a certain way, she reminded Elizabeth of Lady Catherine, except Lady Kendal’s purpose and the reasons behind her obstinacy were utterly different and completely thoughtful.
In the carriage, once they had finally completed their duties and were returning home, Elizabeth still had many questions to address.
“We offer care and assistance to everyone who asks for it, but we can only afford to host those who are in a serious state,” Lady Kendal explained.
“I would like to have more space, more doctors, more means—but for the time being, this is what we can do. With God’s will, we shall open two more hospitals in the countryside. ”
“This is truly impressive. It is a gesture of greatness to take care of so many people,” Elizabeth said with the deepest admiration.
“Not at all, my dear. We only try to cure those who can be healed. It is a better use of money than to gamble it on cards or to waste it in stupid wars. Forgive me, I am not a supporter of men’s pugnacious interests.”
“Are there other ladies who support your charitable causes?” Elizabeth asked.
“Yes, around twenty, including the patronesses of Almack’s.
All their portraits are in the main hall.
I wish everybody to be aware of their generosity.
We also receive some financial contributions from His Majesty.
But the hard work—the responsibility for keeping everything properly managed and providing the necessary funds—belongs to us. And soon to you, my dear.”
“I am still astonished that you are relying on me to continue your work—that you chose me and trusted me to rise to such high expectations.”
“My dear Elizabeth, it is not a matter of choice. You were the only one to whom I even considered making such a proposal. You see, my dear, all these duties require tremendous effort and dedication. And I can think of nobody from my distant relatives or from the young ladies I am acquainted with that would commit to such daunting burdens. They have not enough willingness, devotion, strength or wisdom to carry such a burden. You have it all.”
Elizabeth smiled nervously. “I am not as confident as your ladyship, but my willingness and devotion you must not doubt.”
“I do not. But at times, I worry Mr Darcy is right.”
Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat, and she felt her cheeks burning. “About what?” she eventually asked.
“About his concern that I am taking the weight from my shoulders and throwing it upon yours. That I am benefiting from your kind heart. That in fact I allowed you no choice. I asked for your approval, but I put you in a position that made it impossible for you to refuse my proposal.”
Elizabeth felt chills slip down her spine.
“Mr Darcy is a considerate friend. He has knowledge and wisdom gained over the years since he took full responsibility for his fortune and his family. I appreciate his concern, and I admit his worry is legitimate, but, as I said, I entered into this engagement with my heart and mind open.”
“Very well, my dear. I am relieved to hear that. Please tell me, were Mr Darcy’s notes useful to you?”
Elizabeth blushed again. She had read the papers countless times only to allow her eyes to savour his handwriting.
It was the same script she recollected from the Hunsford letter but less nervous, more confident, and more organised.
On the first reading, she neither comprehended nor remembered anything.
Then slowly, as her nerves settled, the words started to become meaningful.
“Yes, very much so. I thought that if we increased the earnings from the county estates we could support more patients. Of course, I do not know how we might do that—not yet.”
“You may ask Darcy how he grew the profits from his properties. Then you might decide whether we can apply those same methods to ours too,” Lady Kendal said.
“I do not like to bother Mr Darcy more than necessary. He has his own duties already. But I will do so if I must. My uncle and Charles may speak to him on my behalf,” Elizabeth said.
“I see you and Darcy are still uncomfortable working together. Is this because he refused to dance with you?” Lady Kendal enquired. Elizabeth stared at her in disbelief for a moment, then laughed heartily.
“Who could have told your ladyship such a story? You have not met my mother yet, so I suppose it must have been Charles?”
“Indeed,” her ladyship admitted with amusement, and Elizabeth laughed again.