Chapter 6 #2
Bingley’s sisters were rarely part of these gatherings. They were invited once for dinner, then Bingley heard them sharing impressions about the earl’s condition with their friends. From that moment, he decidedly banished them from any interaction with Lord Alveston and Lady Kendal.
Lady Kendal’s trust and affection for Elizabeth grew as well.
Several times, Elizabeth joined her in visiting the two hospitals she supported and assisted in some discussions with Mr Banfield about the expenses of the schools Lady Kendal sponsored in the country.
Elizabeth was fascinated by the extent of the lady’s charitable acts and by her genuine involvement.
She not only paid for them but was part of them.
Elizabeth had never met—or heard of—anyone with such a generous heart.
Although Lady Kendal never admitted to any further motivation other than a way of spending some additional money, Elizabeth understood that her ladyship was attempting to do for others what she was unable to do for her own grandson—enhance their lives.
The spring came and Elizabeth’s thoughts were torn between her new friends and Darcy—whose image still remained vivid in her mind.
She knew he had been engaged for months now, and every day she checked the newspapers, expecting to see an announcement about his wedding.
But there was none. She received three letters from Georgiana, but the girl talked mostly of Pemberley, Anne, and her own activities. Darcy was rarely mentioned.
As she spent most of the time with Jane and her husband, Elizabeth often spoke to Bingley about Darcy, but her brother-in-law did not know much more.
He continued a regular correspondence with him, but it contained only brief and polite news about the family’s good health.
Bingley conveyed the tidings of Jane expecting a child, and Darcy sent back his warmest regards and congratulations to him and his wife. Nothing else.
Then one day, in the middle of an amusing conversation spiced with teasing and laughter, Lord Alveston suffered a sudden seizure which Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley witnessed for the first time.
Jane almost fainted from fright, and Bingley immediately took her out of the room.
Elizabeth remained, staring petrified at Lady Kendal and the earl’s valet, who attended him calmly and gently.
Apparently, they had done so many times before.
When the quivering eventually ceased, the earl was carried to his room in a deep, restful sleep.
Bingley took Jane home, but Elizabeth refused to leave. She could not gather her composure but was also reluctant to leave Lady Kendal alone.
“My dear, nothing would give me more pleasure than your company, but please do not worry. Such situations sadly happen rather often. Philip rarely remembers them taking place. I would only ask you not to tell him that it occurred in your presence. He would be ashamed and grieved that he scared you and dear Jane.”
“No, of course not. But…why? What caused it?”
“We do not know. Dr Gordon only taught us what to do but does not know if there is something that might induce it. A servant will go and fetch him in case he is needed tonight. Philip takes some herbal remedies several times a day, but lately they have been largely ineffective.”
Sadness burdened the lady’s voice, and she leant back into the sofa as if she had abandoned the fight. Elizabeth moved towards her, taking her hands.
“How may I help you, my lady?”
“Play something for me, my dear. Anything will do.”
∞∞∞
The following morning, Elizabeth’s life took another thrilling turn. She had been offered a chamber in Lady Kendal’s house that night, but she had had not had a moment of sleep—or rest. Hours had passed in the deepest turmoil, as she worried about Philip’s state.
At dawn, exhaustion finally defeated her, and she woke up only when a maid entered the room. It was almost noon.
“Forgive me, Miss Bennet, her ladyship sent me to ask if you need anything.”
“No… I am afraid I have overslept. How is Lord Alveston?”
“He is well, I believe. He is downstairs with the mistress.”
“Is he? Oh, I am glad to hear that.”
“Will you join them for breakfast, miss?”
“Yes, of course!”
Within half an hour, she found them, together with Dr Gordon, sitting around the table.
They greeted her—all looked calm and rested, in good health and spirits. Elizabeth was surprised and relieved, glancing at the young earl repeatedly.
“I was delighted when my grandmother told me you had spent the night with us, Elizabeth. You look lovely. I assume you rested well,” Lord Alveston said. His cheeks were lightly coloured, his eyes bright.
“You look well too,” she answered. “I apologise for oversleeping.”
“Do not worry, my dear,” Lady Kendal said.
“Would you like to play some chess after breakfast?” Philip asked. “Or are you in a hurry to return home?”
“I am in no hurry,” she answered.
“I am very pleased to hear that. After you finish your chess game, perhaps you could favour me with half an hour of your time,” Lady Kendal requested. “For a private, ladies’ talk,” she added in response to her grandson’s curious look.
∞∞∞
A couple of hours later Philip returned to his apartment to rest, while Elizabeth and Lady Kendal moved to her ladyship’s private study. Elizabeth was curious and concerned that more bad news would follow.
“My dear girl, this is one of the most difficult conversations I have had to undertake in my entire life. And I am counting on you that at such a young age you will have the wisdom to listen to me and to take my words as they are meant—respectful, caring, affectionate, and trusting. In truth, although we only met six months ago, there is nobody I trust more. Nobody I care more for except Philip.”
“This sounds grave and frightening. Has something happened to Philip?”
“No. But it is very grave. It is a matter that will affect the lives of many—and most of all, you. Something for which you might well hate me. Yet, I must speak to you nevertheless.”
“Please. And have no concern that I could ever hate you.”
“Very well, dear girl. As I said, there is nobody I trust more than you. Therefore, I put Philip’s life and mine into your hands.”
There was another long pause and more dark shadows crossed her ladyship’s face.
“We have known you for only a few months but we have come to admire and love you. To us, you are part of our family, and the days when we do not see you are gloomy and empty.”
“Thank you. Surely you know the feeling is mutual.” Elizabeth was equally emotional, intrigued, and concerned.
Lady Kendal had been pacing the room, then suddenly she stopped and smiled tentatively.
“I do know… I am asking you… I am begging you to become part of the family. Officially.”
Elizabeth’s heart started to race. She said nothing, as she felt like she had been thrown back into the past. Her ladyship continued, more restless, her speech rushed.
“I am proposing you marry Philip and accept the legacy that will come with this position. It is a favour that I am praying you will accept.”
Elizabeth listened, awestruck.
“I spoke to Dr Gordon last night. I fear we cannot hope for any improvement in Philip’s health.
Quite the contrary, he might take a turn for the worse at any moment.
I also have a weak heart—last night, it ached more than usual.
I took it as a warning from God. My heart cannot take any more I am afraid.
It has suffered too many losses, too much grief. I cannot bear more.”
“Dear Lord, I did not know. How are you feeling now?”
“I am as well as can be expected. The doctor will remain with us for a few more days.”
Elizabeth’s head was spinning. She could hardly comprehend all the disturbing information that closed around her like a cage.
“When we are gone, our entire fortune will be shared between distant relatives. There will be no hospitals, no schools, no charities to support. Everything will be lost. I need someone who has the will and the fortitude to continue my work and to help it grow. Someone caring and compassionate and clever. Someone able to manage our fortune to the benefit of many others. And trustworthy. To take care of either me or Philip—whoever should remain alone. Of course, you will have full command of the entire fortune. I expect you to arrange a good dowry for each of your sisters, to provide your family with all the comfort they wish. You will be Lady Alveston, the mistress of all, and will run everything to your liking. All decisions will belong to you. Everything will be yours.”
“Lady Kendal, this is… You should know that I shall always take care of you and Philip as long as you need me. I shall readily assume any responsibilities and will put every effort into your charities. I do not need to marry Philip to do so. I cannot… It would mean to deceive him. I do love him with all my heart but almost as a brother!”
“You would not need to deceive either of us, my dear. Both Philip and I know the nature of your affection for him. Believe me, there is no other way. You must have a legitimate right over the family’s fortune!”
Elizabeth was stunned, trembling, doubtful, while Lady Kendal continued.
“We both know how poor his health is. Philip could never be a true husband to a wife, so your kind of affection for him, and your generous loyalty, is precisely what we all need. With you, he would not feel ashamed, useless, or pitied. To others, your marriage will be perfectly legitimate. You will be Lady Alveston, his and my heiress.”
Despite the explanation, Elizabeth could offer no answer. She was trying to comprehend and to gather the strength to respond.
“My dear, I am asking you to sacrifice a few years of your life, for your family, for Philip and me, and for many others. I know I have no right to ask such a favour, but I have no choice either. You are our only salvation!”