Chapter 19 Hope #2
“Since you hope to secure a position with a family of means, you should apply to the registries that serve the wealthy.
Mrs. Hay's, Mrs. Faircloth's, and Mrs. Foley's employment registries all cater to the families of Mayfair who own country estates. You may tell them you prefer a position in the north, particularly in Derbyshire.”
He paused.
“Elizabeth, you will need references from a previous employer or from respectable families. I fear none of your relatives or acquaintances hold a position high enough to recommend you for the sort of household where you wish to serve, especially as a governess or a lady's companion.”
“Uncle, perhaps Sir William Lucas would provide a letter of reference. I am certain Charlotte would write it for him. He need only sign it.”
“That would answer very well, my dear. Can you think of another?”
“I could ask our friend, Mr. Bingley, if he would be willing to persuade his sister, Mrs. Hurst, to write one on my behalf. He holds our entire family in high regard, and I am certain he could obtain such a letter for me, though she and I have not met.”
“Then we shall ask him. Do you have his direction? I can write to him today.”
“I do, sir. He gave his card to Jane. I shall run upstairs and fetch it.”
That same day, Elizabeth posted letters to Charlotte and Mr. Bingley.
He called the very next day. The moment he saw Jane, he appeared troubled.
“Miss Bennet, have you been unwell?”
Warmth returned to Jane's face for the first time since arriving in London.
“No, sir. I have been well, though somewhat out of spirits.”
“Ah, I understand. May I take you and Miss Elizabeth for a drive through Hyde Park? The sunshine and fresh air are sure to do you good.”
Jane's expression brightened further as she replied, “Yes, sir. I should like that very much.”
Mr. Bingley looked to Mrs. Gardiner. “Ma'am, may I take your nieces out for a drive?”
“Yes, Mr. Bingley. I should greatly appreciate your kindness. My niece has slept poorly and has no appetite. I am certain a little sunshine and fresh air will help to restore her.”
* * *
When they had reached the park, and Mr. Bingley found an opportunity to converse, he said, “Miss Elizabeth, your uncle mentioned you seek a reference from Mr. and Mrs. Hurst. You are looking for a position?”
“Yes, sir. I hope to find a position in Derbyshire as a governess or a companion.”
“Derbyshire, ma'am? Is that not rather remote?”
“I am a country girl at heart, sir. And, to be candid, I understand there are several stone circles and a henge near Bakewell.”
“Indeed, there are. I have visited them. My friend Darcy resides only a few miles from Bakewell, and he once took my sister and me there for a picnic.”
“What did you think of them, sir?”
“We were there in the spring about three years ago. The fields were covered with cowslips and primroses, and the nearby woods were filled with bluebells and purple orchids. It was a beautiful sight. Arbor Low had a quiet majesty. I shall never forget the beauty of that place.”
“I have heard much of Derbyshire, and the stone circles and the henge at Arbor Low especially attract me. I should like to live in the area for a few months, perhaps a year, and see all that can be seen while I am there.”
“I am certain my sister, Mrs. Hurst, will write a reference for you. When we return to the Gardiners', prepare a list of your accomplishments, and she will be sure to include them in her letter.”
“Thank you, sir. I greatly appreciate your assistance.”
After securing his promise, Elizabeth withdrew into her thoughts. What had once been only a wish now seemed within her reach.
She longed to stand at Arbor Low at sunset on the twenty-first of December. She wished to discover for herself whether there was any truth in the tales and legends she and her father had studied, those that claimed the veil between the two worlds grew unusually thin at that time of year.
She meant to be at Arbor Low at the appointed hour and attempt to cross the veil. If the stories proved false, nothing would be lost. No one need ever know.
Elizabeth resolved to continue her studies with greater diligence. She would search out every reference she could find. Perhaps while she remained in London, she could visit Hatchards and discover other books to study.
She determined to ask Mr. Bingley to escort them there. It would afford him more time with Jane while she searched out literary treasures.
When Mr. Bingley directed the carriage toward Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth made her request.
“Mr. Bingley, have you ever visited Hatchards, sir?”
He grinned. “Do you wish to shop for books, Miss Elizabeth?”
“I do, sir. Papa used to take me there once each year. He loved reading every bit as much as I do.”
“I should be delighted to escort you and Miss Bennet to Hatchards. Afterward, we might stop at Gunter's for ices.”
Jane's face brightened as she looked at her suitor. His eyes brightened as he returned her smile.
“How does tomorrow suit? Shall I call for you ladies at one o'clock?”
“That time would suit me very well, sir. What say you, Jane?”
“Yes, Mr. Bingley. That time would suit me very well.”
That evening, after dinner, Elizabeth brought down the excerpts from the Britannia and asked her Aunt Gardiner if she might spread them upon a little table that stood at the far end of the drawing room. The light there was excellent, and she would be well out of everyone's way.
Having received permission, she fetched her notebook and the branch of candles from her room and settled to her work. Though very little had ever been substantiated, folklore abounded, and she recorded everything that bore even the slightest relation to her subject.
As she studied, she wished she might speak with Aunt Maddie's father. If she succeeded in obtaining a position, she would ask permission to travel to Derbyshire two or three weeks in advance so that she might pay him a visit.