Chapter 6 #3
“I am an early riser and I enjoyed walking the fields of Longbourn every morning. I most often ended my trek at Oakham Mount, a particularly beautiful spot to watch the sun rise over the valley below. After breakfast with my family, I spent time with my father learning all the things an educated person should know. He also taught me how to handle a bit of the estate’s business and he often sent me to settle the disputes between our tenants.
Sadly, he was a recluse who cared much more about his books than his family’s welfare.
I was his favourite only because of my willingness to learn.
My sisters and I often shopped in Meryton, the small market town a mile away from our home, or we joined Mama when we had callers.
I read everything I could and played the pianoforte, though as you have heard, not very well.
Perhaps if I had applied myself more to practising, I may have improved.
Like you, my life sounds very dull, but every day brought various friends and neighbours to dine at Longbourn or my family with them at their homes. ”
* * *
Late one afternoon, Darcy had been gazing out the drawing room windows when he spotted Elizabeth walking towards the cottage.
She had removed her bonnet and was swinging it by the ribbons as the dappled sun was reflected in the golden highlights of her chestnut hair.
She spun around as she looked up at the trees around her, and her smiling face had a healthy glow.
He could not take his eyes off the swaying of her hips while she walked.
His heart skipped a beat. What was happening?
He had never before been physically attracted to any woman, and he forced himself to turn away.
She must not see him watching her. He could not be in love with her!
Nothing could ever come of his temptation.
Miss Bennet was totally unsuitable to be his wife.
Why was he even thinking this way? His relations would cut him out of their lives if he brought a servant into the family.
Georgiana would be a social outcast, and he would never do anything to hurt his sister.
* * *
Elizabeth had reflected on certain aspects of her own life after she had last spoken to Mr. Darcy, and overall had no cause to repine.
Their time together was precious, and made her feel more special than she had in her life.
However, they had been silent for a while, and that concerned her.
She glanced at her walking partner with curiosity and determined that the conversation was not over.
“Mr. Darcy, did you have an enjoyable childhood?”
“Yes, very much so. My father taught me to ride and introduced me to our tenants at an early age. He showed me how to treat other people with kindness, and I have always endeavoured to follow his example. He instilled in me a great sense of pride in what I. . .did before the fire. My mother loved music; she played the pianoforte and sang beautifully. She read to me every day, and I could read on my own before I had my first tutor.”
“Why does that not surprize me?”
They exchanged a smile. “Georgiana was a baby when my mother died and since then, nothing has been the same. My father never got over her death and stayed alone in his study for months. I had no choice but to assume most of his duties. I spent time with my sister every day I was home from school, and I read to her just as my mother did for me. When my father died and I became master, I was overwhelmed by the responsibility. I pined for my carefree life at Cambridge, but I could not travel or mingle with others as my contemporaries did. I only went to town for business and have been alone here with my sister for the past five years. Thankfully, on the night of the fire, she was visiting my aunt and uncle.” Mr. Darcy became very quiet.
Was he thinking about the events he had just described?
After a few moments, he seemed to clear his mind and asked, “What of your childhood?”
“I grew up in a loving household; often loud but cheerful.
My father paid particular attention to my education, and I thrived under his tutelage.
We debated and played chess and every day was full.
My birthmark caused me anguish but, overall, my sisters and friends treated me like everyone else. Yes, I was happy growing up.
“Regrettably, my father took little interest in the goings on of our family. Rather than intervene when he ought, he mocked my youngest sisters’ inappropriate conduct and walked away.
He could not be bothered to temper their behaviour or punish them.
My mother has no regard for the feelings of others and says whatever comes into her head.
My father did nothing to stop her and often instigated her outbursts for his own amusement.
I love my mother, but she is singularly focused on marrying off her daughters.
Jane and I often cringed at her conduct and took advantage of every opportunity we were offered to stay with our relatives in town.
My youngest sisters are silly, but they always came to my defence if anyone remarked on my face.
At times, I did not always like my family, but I do love them, faults and all.
” She found that in airing her family’s woes that she was relieved to be confident to know Mr. Darcy would never criticize her situation.
* * *