Chapter Fifteen #2
“I might as well speak on behalf of many ladies here,” Anne said with a rueful laugh. “No, I think not. I believe we must all sort ourselves out, for there is something more rewarding in solving one’s own problems, I find. I know a little about recovering from a broken heart.”
Colonel Brandon smiled tightly. “It is harder, at a younger age – every sensation seems to carry the weight of the world.”
Anne drew in a deep breath of the bracing sea air, letting out a contented hum as she exhaled. She stared out at the serene seascape before them, feeling entirely disconnected from such youthful intensity. She was happier for it.
“I am sorry for her, and if I am not too bold in saying so, for her sister, too. I imagine it must be exhausting to be worked into such a state by the pertinacity of the heart. If I am ever to love again, I should prefer an easy, simple sort of affection, rather than the throes of infatuation.”
Anne blushed, fearing she sounded far too whimsical, and perhaps a little forward. Colonel Brandon smiled at her, the corners of his eyes crinkling pleasantly. “You are a wise young woman, Miss Anne. I shall have to adopt your style of thinking. At my age, one good swoon should do me in forever.”
Astonished laughter bubbled from her lips, and Anne found herself holding a little tighter to the colonel’s arm. Elizabeth would surely approve of her forthright manners – if only she could manage the same herself!
***
Elizabeth remained at the manor with Lady Sophia, Lady Dorothea, and Lady Blanche.
Her anxiety at the prospect of sailing might have been overcome had she not already been in ill humor, but she could not master her peevishness.
She was seldom uncommonly cross when afflicted by her monthly feminine complaints, but at present she could well comprehend why her sisters let their emotions rule them at such times.
The Goulding ladies proved to be a chorus of sympathy, and Elizabeth rallied her spirits to graciously accept their indulgence.
She was invited to join them in a private parlor on the first floor of the house, where they took tea and refreshments.
The candied fruits, cold meat and cheese, warm rolls and sugary pasties were all superb.
Even the tea was some of the finest quality she had ever sampled, and Lady Blanche laughed at her own wickedness as she boldly suggested they add a little brandy.
They played cards, seated in plush chairs around a table by a window that overlooked the grounds and the sea beyond. Even the afternoon sunshine that poured in through a windowpane embossed with a nautical scene seemed a novelty, after the gloomy week that had passed.
Elizabeth experienced exceptional luck in their card games, winning more rounds than she lost. Better still was the lively conversation; Elizabeth was treated to some truly first rate gossip as the ladies spoke of who they might invite to their next spring fête, and what scandals made for deliciously tempting guests.
After a half a dozen different card games, Elizabeth was a few pounds richer – a few cups of brandy tea had made her bold in betting her winnings from the game of phantoms. She was already enjoying herself far too well when it occurred to her that Lady Blanche had maneuvered her into speaking very freely.
She repeated some gossip about an incorrigible dandy in Kent, which she had heard Lady Catherine telling Mr. Collins during her visit to Hunsford.
She could not resist a few insinuating comments about Lady Rebecca’s friendship with Mr. Bingley, which aroused a great deal of interest in the Goulding ladies.
After her fourth cup of tea, she sent the whole table into riotous laughter after making the case for Lady Blanche to adopt her as she had done Harriet Smith.
Elizabeth was sensible of her own silliness, and yet it was a relief, after her churlishness that morning.
Lady Blanche remarked upon this improvement when they tired of cards.
“Well, Miss Lizzy, what shall we do next? I am so glad you are in better cheer, now! I think you were very sorry to miss the excursion, when I suspect you meant to meddle for your friend and sister! You know that we have a plan – you are here to enjoy yourself, child!”
“I say let her make whatever mischief she likes,” Lady Sophia quipped with a grin. “We are all clever enough to enjoy a challenge!”
“For once, Blanche is right,” Lady Dorothea told her mother-in-law. “What good is chaos?”
“The nature of romance is chaos,” Lady Sophia said with a dismissive wave. “Otherwise, I would presently be having this conversation with the Dowager Countess of Hollingsworth, Lady Catherine.”
Lady Blanche laughed and playfully nudged Elizabeth. “Your dear friend Lady Catherine! She once wished to marry my poor late brother – Lord save us!”
Lady Sophia screwed up her face and cackled. “It was a pity, that just when my poor son was on the verge of succumbing to her alleged charms, Lady Catherine was compromised with Sir Lewis de Bourgh. She was fuming, to settle for a mere baronet!”
Lady Dorothea grimaced at her. “No more of that, Mamma, or I shall send you to Shady Pines!”
“Our brother Robert’s estate,” Lady Blanche said to Elizabeth. “Mamma detests his wife.”
“And his idiotic son,” Lady Sophia added.
Lady Dorothea sighed. “He is ten years old.”
“When I was ten years old, I was not hiding behind my mother’s skirts, fat from cakes and candies. I spoke three languages, was an accomplished rider, could paint and sing, and was already betrothed.”
Elizabeth marveled at the older woman, then smiled broadly. “And if you were having this conversation with Lady Catherine, she would inform you that she, too, would be such a great proficient, if only she had ever learnt.”
Lady Sophia gave an indecorous hoot, and Lady Dorothea suppressed a smirk. “Shady Pines, Mamma!”
Lady Blanche swatted at them. “The pair of you will drive me to distraction! But Lizzy, I must have your word you will not meddle. I have it all planned out – we all do – and we are very well-informed, you know. You must trust your friends – and us – to their fate, and think of yourself while you are here.”
Lady Dorothea bristled with impatience. “Do not press her, Blanche. It has only been a week.”