Chapter 2.18 #3
There was no doubt that they enjoyed each other’s company. Did it mean something more to Elizabeth? Could she be happy with his cousin, the only barrier being his lack of financial stability?
What about Mowbray? He was equally easy mannered, amiable, and handsome, and his position and wealth gave him complete liberty in action and marriage.
Would Elizabeth be impressed by him? And could he already be interested in her?
It was not impossible, of course, as he remembered being enchanted with Elizabeth the moment he observed the sparkle in her eyes.
His breathing suddenly became unsteady. The thought of Elizabeth within his family —bonded to one of his relatives, so close to him yet lost forever —cut him inside like a knife.
He struggled to calm himself as his torment was ridiculous, based on an entirely impossible premise. He hoped and prayed it was impossible. But it was out of his control; he could only wait and see what fate had prepared for them.
∞∞∞
The first thing Elizabeth did was to remove her bonnet, gloves, and reticule and knock on Georgiana’s door. At the shy invitation, she entered and found her friend staring out the window. As their eyes met, the girl smiled.
“How are you, dearest? Are you well?” Elizabeth inquired.
“Yes, very well. I was just a little surprised by the surprise,” she attempted to joke.
“Yes, we all were. But they seem to be nice people. Lady Hardwick was pleased to see them.”
“I imagine she was. But both Lady Emmeline and Lord Mowbray make me…a little uneasy.”
Mist was searching the room curiously, and Elizabeth took him into her arms, petting him.
“Have you known them for long?”
“Since I was very young. Emmeline is…she was always kind to me…but I feel she is more interested in William than she is in me. Which is understandable of course…”
Elizabeth laughed and caressed her hair.
“You should not be too harsh. It is a tendency of many women to do anything to gain the attention of a young, desirable gentleman with a good fortune.”
“Yes, I know. I am glad you do not do the same, Lizzy.”
“Well, my dear, I might well do so if the right gentleman should appear, so do not be too hasty to praise me.”
Georgiana laughed. “I cannot believe that until I see it. Lizzy, how is it you always help me relax and turn my distress to amusement?”
“I believe it is a skill I gained living with three sisters who frequently argued and at least one of whom was always upset. Now, dearest, may I help you with anything before dinner?”
“No, I thank you. You were so kind to come and talk to me. We should wait for William. He will come to fetch us when it is time to go downstairs.”
“Very well,” Elizabeth replied and suddenly flushed without knowing why.
Once inside her room, Elizabeth lay across the bed for a moment, thinking of her conversation with Georgiana.
Yes, Lady Emmeline seemed quite interested in Darcy, and she did not attempt to conceal it.
She possessed a self-confidence that left others no choice but to obey her.
She took Darcy’s arm with a determination that admitted no objection.
Not that he would attempt to object. He did not appear pleased to see the newly arrived group, but he rarely showed his inner opinions.
And she could hardly claim any proficiency in guessing those feelings.
Elizabeth walked around her room restlessly, troubled by a strange feeling. She could not escape the thought that this was the room Darcy should have occupied —that he had occupied in the past. This was the bed where he used to sleep.
Those considerations made her cheeks burn and her skin quiver as with a chill.
She knew she was being ridiculous, and she felt ashamed of herself.
And yet, her eyes turned repeatedly towards the pillows.
There were four of them on a single bed.
Did he prefer more pillows to keep his head higher while he slept?
She had the same preference. How strange was that?
She refreshed her face then looked in the small mirror hanging on the wall.
Her hair needed some adjustment. Lady Emmeline and her sister looked impeccable, even after hours spent in a carriage.
Of course, that was laughable; why should she care about other people?
She should be careful with her own appearance —nothing more, nothing less.
After tightening her pins and arranging a few rebellious locks, she sat in a chair by the window, observing the room more closely.
Though Georgiana’s bed was not large enough for two persons to sleep comfortably, this one seemed to be. He always took the same room, the innkeeper said. Had he ever shared it?
“Oh, this is ridiculous!” she cried to herself.
She cooled her flushed face again with water, then opened the window widely, and looked outside.
It was already darkening; the sky seemed cloudy, and the wind had started to blow.
She wanted to take a stroll before dinner but resisted the temptation.
She was in a completely strange location, surrounded by people she did not know, so she had to refrain from any unwise gestures.