Chapter 24 #3
“It certainly does seem improbable that everyday activity should strain you so excessively,” Mr Bingley pointed out.
Anne grinned. “Mama is not much led by probabilities.”
“Except, for some reason, in the matter of the Bennet succession,” Priscilla quipped.
Georgiana rang the bell for tea as Priscilla took her embroidery to sit by the window.
“I always tell myself that she must mean well,” Anne went on.
“I should certainly hope so,” Mr Bingley said. “You are her daughter. She ought to want what is best for you.”
“I suppose one may mean well and still be exhausting.” Anne paused.
“Though I always sense that Mama, even as a child, always considered herself too important to exert herself to learn anything. She must have learned to dance, for she had many seasons before she married. But she never learned an instrument, and it was easy to see, even to me, that her education is lacking, even compared to younger ladies like my cousins. I feel like she never wanted me to learn anything that she did not know herself.”
“It is a crime that you were so confined,” Mr Bingley was indignant. “Ladies are already too confined as it is.”
Their conversation continued. Anne spoke, a little shyly at first, then more freely.
Of Rosings Park and her desire to eventually be more involved in the management.
Of Lady Catherine’s oversight of Anne's every waking hour.
Of never being allowed to walk even as far as her own gardens, to read novels because they ruined the dispositions of ladies, to read educational texts because they were too taxing of her strength, to sit near a window because of drafts, to climb stairs unnecessarily, or even enjoy fine weather.
Bingley listened with mounting concern. “Have you ever walked a half mile?”
“Never.” Anne brightened. “Though I can drive. My cousin Darcy gave me a phaeton and two ponies to pull it when he left university, and my other cousin taught me to drive it.”
Bingley beamed. “And how do you like driving your phaeton, Miss de Bourgh?”
“I find it most invigorating, though I am not permitted to go very fast,” Anne admitted.
Bingley beamed at her admission. “I am happy that you find it so enjoyable.”
“Perhaps I should send for it.” Anne brightened. “It would be delightful to go for drives here in Ramsgate.”
“That is a capital idea!” Bingley exclaimed. “I hope you will invite me sometime. I have never been taken for a drive by a lady, but I am sure I should like it very well indeed.”
Anne coloured at this and glanced across the room at her cousins.
“But your confinement cannot continue.” He leaned in with profound gravity. “Miss de Bourgh, I believe that walking in the fresh air, restrained activity, and dancing will transform your health.”
Anne was thoughtful. “That sounds very enjoyable.”
Bingley nearly bounced in his seat. “I am happy that you agree.”
“My mother would be outraged. She would lock me up forever.” Anne grinned
Bingley looked almost merry. “Your mother’s outrage sounds like one of the most delightful consequences of the endeavour, if you do not mind my saying so.”
Anne giggled. “Mrs Bennet is a great advocate of the warm sea baths and sea bathing. Perhaps I could join her.”
“I believe that is a compelling idea and it cannot possibly hurt, if you enjoy it.”
Anne listened attentively as Bingley explained his plan
“You must not be intimidated by the exertion,” he assured her.
“I must admit that I am rather intimidated, but it is my desire to improve my strength, so I must persevere."
“That is of the greatest importance, Miss de Bourgh. Your willingness to persevere. Your anxiety will vanish when you proceed in earnest.” He smiled encouragingly.
This, Anne seemed to think, was a most compelling point. “I am all anticipation to begin, Mr Bingley.”
“You already have, Miss de Bourgh,” Bingley pointed out. “You practised your dance steps for nearly an hour today.”
Plans were made for Mr Bingley to accompany Anne for a walk on Monday. He said his goodbyes to Georgiana and Priscilla, bowed low over Anne’s hand again, and left them.
“I did not think you would find a suitor so quickly, Anne,” Priscilla teased.
“Is he a suitor? I do not know if he is only being kind,” Anne said anxiously. “I do not know how suitors behave.”
“I think the nicest ones behave like Mr Bingley,” Georgiana giggled. “Are you tired, Anne?”
“No,” Anne said. “Why?”
“Let us stroll the garden for half an hour before we dress for dinner. We must do our part in helping you build some strength for Monday,” Georgiana suggested.
“Darcy wants us to stay indoors until Wickham is dealt with, Georgie,” Priscilla warned.
“I have no desire to defy my brother, but we have not had the sun upon our faces in three days,” said Georgiana. “We can take footmen with us; as many as you like. My father should join us, he has been too low since…since…”
Priscilla laid a hand upon her shoulder. “You are right, Georgie. We will be safe enough in the garden with my uncle. Your brother will understand. I am happy that you are no longer secluding yourself.”