Chapter 2 #2
For a moment, Darcy did not speak but merely watched this young lady speak.
Finally, he responded to her earlier suggestion.
“I think Georgiana would do well to begin to learn from you. Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, can assist, but our present steward, Mr. Wickham, is widowed. I will try to think of another woman who could assist my sister when you go, but for now, I will accompany the two of you. I am very busy, but I can combine my duties of speaking with the tenants while you and Georgiana speak with their wives.”
Elizabeth grinned at him, causing him to smile slightly in reply.
“My aunt hopes to remain through the end of the harvest, so we should be in Lambton for at least another two months. That should give us plenty of time to begin, and I can encourage Georgiana and answer any questions in letters after I leave. She is a little lonely. I know she is young, much younger than you, but she wants to assist however she can.”
Darcy closed his eyes and drew in a deep breath. “It has been difficult,” was all he could say.
Once more, Elizabeth leant across and impulsively laid her hand on his in a comforting gesture.
“She does understand, Mr. Darcy. She also misses your father, but we have spoken a little about how much you have on your shoulders. My father’s estate is much smaller, and I began assisting him years ago when I was near Georgiana’s age.
While Papa was a little more established as master and perhaps not quite as overwhelmed as you, I think your sister would adore spending time with you.
She could help with some of your correspondence, and she is not too young to begin learning the duties of a mistress.
She could also assist with your bookkeeping.
I know Pemberley is much grander than Longbourn, but there are still things she could do even now. ”
Darcy nodded, swallowing the lump that formed in his throat at her words. The weight of his responsibilities felt heavier than ever, and guilt gnawed at him for not giving Georgiana enough attention. He often worried that he was failing her, but felt powerless to change that.
“You have said several times that Georgiana is young for all this, yet you are scarcely older yourself. I also feel too young for my position, but circumstances forced me to assume the master’s duties far sooner than I would have preferred.
Perhaps you are right, and I should begin teaching Georgiana to help me.
It would at least allow me to spend more time with her. ”
Elizabeth grinned at him. “It might help you as well. I think Papa encouraged me to help because he enjoyed having someone with whom to discuss matters. In a way, I became his confidante and assisted him with estate matters.”
This thought surprised Darcy. “You discuss estate matters with your father?”
She laughed, causing him to flush. “Yes, I suppose you could say I am accomplished in this way,” she teased.
Seeing his slightly perplexed look, she continued.
“This spring, I met a lady in London who had a great deal to say about what made a woman ‘accomplished.’ She listed all manner of qualities—everything from how one walks, to the tone of one’s voice, expressions, and manners.
With such a lofty description, I found it difficult to believe she had ever met such a person.
“When I said so, she took great offence and called me an impertinent child for daring to contradict her.
What surprised me most, though, was not her words but her attitude.
While I have no issue with her background—my uncle is in trade, after all—she seemed intent on making herself appear superior to me.
She spoke of her education, her dowry, and her connections in a way that made it clear she thought they outweighed any claim I might have as a gentlewoman by birth.
“I suppose what troubled me most was the way she sought to diminish me and my family through her remarks. True respectability, in my view, has less to do with wealth or polish and more to do with how one treats others. For all her talk of refinement, she seemed to forget that.”
Darcy laughed aloud, surprised by the sound.
He realised he had laughed little in recent months and found himself enjoying the feeling.
“That is perhaps an overly simplistic view, but still true. There was a man I met in my final year at Cambridge whose father is in trade, and his sister is very much like what you have described.”
“Once, I begged Papa to send me to school, but after meeting her, I wondered if I was better off receiving an education at home. Perhaps I am lacking in the accomplishments some believe are necessary, but I do not feel I am lacking in any important way. Besides, when I do marry, years from now, I want to marry for love, not for status or wealth,” Elizabeth countered, her eyes flashing as she spoke.
Looking at the girl across from him, he saw the sincerity in her words.
The oddness of the conversation struck him when he noticed the maid sitting next to her.
“I do hope you find it, Miss Elizabeth. Love matches are rare, but I aspire to find one myself. My parents married for love and were happier for it, even though I am uncertain my father ever truly recovered from my mother’s death.
” His tone was gentle, and he looked away for a moment, gazing out the window at the buildings passing by.
“We are nearly to Lambton. If your aunt permits you, come to Pemberley tomorrow to begin Georgiana’s training and send word if you need my carriage.
Each day you come, it will be available to return you.
Do you think your aunt will have a few moments to speak with me? ”
“I would think she could spare a moment,” Elizabeth said as she glanced out the window. “She is waiting for me; do you see her standing in the doorway? I hope she has not been too worried.”
“She appears to be smiling,” Darcy replied, following her gaze. Something about the woman struck him as familiar, and he turned back to Elizabeth. “Who did you say your aunt is?”
Elizabeth smiled. “She is Mrs. Gardiner now, but she was Miss Clarke when she lived here before. She is visiting her aunt and uncle, the Wilsons.”
“Mr. Clarke was the rector of Lambton, was he not? I believe he died nearly a decade ago, is that correct?”
“Yes, although I think it was approximately eight years ago when he passed. It was not long after my aunt and uncle married but before they had their first child. She could not travel to Lambton for the funeral since she was with child, and he will turn eight later this summer.”
Darcy nodded his agreement. “I remember Miss Clarke before she married. She was a very kind lady, and I believe several of the local men were sorry to hear she would marry a gentleman from London. You say he is a tradesman?”
“His father was a country solicitor, the second son of a gentleman who owned a very small estate. My uncle did not want to follow in his father’s footsteps, and so, after attending university, he partnered with an importer.
They did very well, and then my uncle’s partner died, leaving the entire business to him.
He has done well for himself, and he and my aunt now have three children.
I adore my aunt, and, next to my grandmother, I would say she has been the greatest influence in my upbringing. ”
“Not your father?” he asked, surprised.
Elizabeth sighed. “Papa has no doubt influenced me, but I learned far more from my grandmother and my aunt. He has helped to educate me, but more often, he handed me a book and sent me off on my own. We would discuss what I read, but if I needed to know anything important, I would have asked my grandmother or, now, my aunt. I learned how to behave as a proper gentlewoman from those two women.”
“I wish Georgiana had an aunt or a grandmother to speak with. I fear I do not know what to do with a young girl.” His voice was almost a whisper.
The carriage pulled to a stop, and Darcy rapidly disembarked. He turned to assist Elizabeth and was surprised at the look in her eye. “You are doing well,” she whispered. “Georgiana does understand, and I hope my friendship will be of aid.”
Darcy nodded and then followed Elizabeth to the door where her aunt stood.