Chapter 3.13 #2
Madame Claudette did not stop complaining about having her generosity betrayed, about how she could not count on anyone and had to do everything by herself, but Elizabeth ignored her.
In a place filled with the most illustrious women of London, there was a little girl abandoned by her mother at the mercy of people to whom she meant nothing.
Elizabeth was aware there were countless similar situations, but since she had crossed paths with this one, she found it hard to accept it.
Suddenly, her own perfect happiness seemed painfully opposite to the ordeal that the lonely girl called an annoyance had to bear. Elizabeth remembered herself at the age of eight, wandering around Longbourn’s garden, playing with Jane, affectionately scolded by her mother and spoiled by her father.
"Elizabeth, are you unwell," she heard Georgiana asking. Elizabeth forced a smile.
"No, I am fine… Just lost in my thoughts. These gowns are beautiful," she said absently.
"Did Darcy give you the jewels?" Lady Matlock asked.
“Oh, yes. The gold and diamonds with citrine set will be perfect. Just as your ladyship suggested."
"I am glad. It will be a spectacular evening at the theatre, and we must be prepared."
"Gold and diamonds and citrine? What a perfect combination for the gold dress! Your ladyship's taste in fashion is flawless, Lady Matlock," Madame Claudette approve readily.
The entire conversation sounded so shallow, so useless, that Elizabeth felt pained and ashamed. Georgiana was still watching her with concern, and she tried to keep her composure.
The appointment lasted longer than Elizabeth expected. Lady Matlock invited her for tea, but she claimed a sudden headache and declined.
When they arrived home, she was told Darcy had not returned yet. Troubled, she tried to clear her mind by writing to her father and to Jane and only when she had finished the letters, did her husband finally return. As soon as he entered, she hurried to him and found comfort in his tender embrace.
"What is it, my love? What happened?" he asked, taking her to sit together on the bed.
"It is nothing, truly. I am just happy to see you."
"So am I. I have greatly missed you," he admitted, kissing the top of her head. "How was your appointment?"
"The gowns are beautiful…"
"And that would be all? No other events? No more drama from Lady Sefton?" he jested.
"No … but that little girl…I asked about her…
Madame Claudette said she was left there by her mother, who eloped with a man.
That her mother wrote only once and asked her to take care of the girl until she returns.
They put her to work for them. I did see her carrying the packages in the storm; I am sure of that.
How cold she must have been! She is only eight, can you imagine? "
Darcy held her tightly. "This is what upsets you, my darling?
I understand your distress, but there is little you can do.
There are so many abandoned children, so many grievous circumstances, so much injustice.
All we can do is to ensure all those under our care and protection are properly looked after.
This has been my main concern all my life, and I have taken it from my father. "
"I know that… but that little girl…I simply cannot forget her. Can you imagine her going to sleep alone and waking up to bear a new day, pained, hopeless…"
Darcy held her hands, looking at her. "Elizabeth, what can I do?
It breaks my heart to see you so distressed, but there is nothing to be done.
She was left there by her mother, we have no right to interfere.
And even if I approach Madame Claudette on this subject, she would surely not be honest with me.
She will probably put the girl to work just as hard, making sure nobody witnesses it. "
"Yes, I know. I am being unreasonable; I am aware of that. Forgive me…"
"My love, do not apologise for being kind and generous and caring! I only wish to be able to do something for your relief…"
He continued to hold her, trying to comfort her.
They had dinner, then she played the pianoforte for him, but she felt her distress had not diminished.
Her concern for the strange girl was impressive and heart-melting.
That was his Elizabeth. In a circumstance where most women would have enjoyed a day of shopping at the most famous London modiste, where the majority of ladies could not even obtain an appointment, she had been affected by the ordeal of an unknown child.
That night, he heard Elizabeth sighing several times in her sleep. She moved around restlessly, while he watched her with a heavy heart.
When the daylight broke the night he arose, careful not to disturb her, then moved to his room and dressed without even calling for Stevens.
He waited impatiently in his library until the clock showed an hour decent enough for a visit, then left the house, leaving word that he would return in time for breakfast.