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Golden Cage
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Now with the formalities concluded I bring you
Chapter 7 Recovery and Discovery
Skydancinghobbit
The more I see of the world the more I am dissatisfied with it
The next morning dawned bright and cool, tempting Elizabeth to an early morning walk just as the house staff began to stir. Rambling here and there through the lovely garden she breathing deep of the fresh crisp air and allowed her mind to wander settling at last on the enigmatic figure of Mr. Darcy going over every instance of her acquaintance with the gentlemen who had thrown her into such confusion. he was such a odd mix of traits she could not gather the substance of his character. For a student of human nature and folly it was a most vexing conclusion.
Mr. Bingley was a far easier prospect, a gentlemen of considerable merit she could find nothing in his person or dress to object to, perhaps a trifle asserting of those around him but that in general was no evil provided he did not turn tyrant, yet his spirit amused her being in good regulation in conjunction with the hue of his hair. A smile tugged at her lips as she remember the expression that had crossed his face while facing down Darcy at the ball, she had not a doubt the man had intended a slight by not asking her to dance, yet a gauntlet had been thrown down and he had risen to the challenge.
Finally tired of a subject where there was nothing to be done but wait and watch Elizabeth returned to the house keen to check the condition of her sister and was surprised to meet the maid on the landing who greeted her with a most pleasant smile.
"Good morning Miss your sister is awake and has been asking for you, shall you take breakfast with her?"
"I think that best, did she pass the night well?"
"Tolerably Miss, she had some distress in the night and the good apothecary gave me something to calm her and she is better now, just keep watch she does not grow too agitated and do herself some harm'
Heartened by this report Elizabeth was quick to agree to this scheme only pausing to refresh her attire before making her way to her sisters room, promising within herself to keep the visit as light and cheerful as Jane's battered nerves and aching head would allow
Opening the door she found the room still darkened, the blinds were drawn and a fire already laid in the grate its crackling familiar sound soothing to her ear as she approached Jane's bed. Her sister lay swathed in light blankets her golden hair down and curling about her shoulders like a princess in one of their girlhood books as she slowly tilted her head and recognized her sister with unfocused eyes no doubt the result of another draft of the apothecaries preparations .
"Oh Lizzy!"
The use of her own childhood nickname was enough to prompt her motion as she reached for her sister grasping her hand with both of her own. Elizabeth gave vent to the emotions that the news of her siblings injury prompted.
"Jane, I was so worried for you! It is so good to see you awake"
Her gentle sisters distress was painful to watch as the memory of the event washed over her mind. Yet whatever draft she had been given was still doing its office and she did not thrash about as the maid had warned her. Only her words and pallor gave testament to her strong emotions.
"I was so frightened Lizzy it happened so fast! One moment we were making good time on the road and then the world was tossed about in such a fashion as I have never experienced, when it stopped I had discomfort everything at once and then I knew nothing more'
Tears spilled from her eyes as she was finally able to vent her fears to one not likely to belittle her for the moment of weakness. In short order however she began to calm even going to far to attempt a smile.
"At least everyone survived, that is something'
"Yes and you dear Jane, must get better with all due speed, for I have great need of your wisdom and good sense!"
This brought a spark of good humor to her sisters eyes, thought she was not yet up to much conversation she was more than ready to listen to whatever prompted this wish, it was so rare to see brave Elizabeth so discomposed and as she suspected over a certain gentlemen. Squeezing her hand gently Jane gave her first true smile since the accident.
"Tell me everything'
It was nearly a half hours time before Elizabeth finished her tale, in company with her breakfast ,the events of the evening before every motion every gesture of the entire party had been recounted with accuracy and Jane expressed her surprise and feelings on the matter with forthright candor as Elizabeth reached the end of this small drama and raised her cup of tea to her lips.
"It seems you have misjudged the gentleman, Lizzy for no one who reads such a poem with such feeling can be entirely bad"
Immediately she raised her left hand to still the outcry against her display of good sense as her sister lowered her cup with more force the necessary and opened her mouth no doubt to refute the claim with furrowed stormy brows but Jane continued on riding over her objections for the second time since yesterday.
"nor can he be entirely good, I fear in all I have read on the subject and no doubt you have yourself seen in watching the habits and behavior of those in town, the heart of men lies somewhere in the middle, Mr. Darcy may be no different Elizabeth, Caroline had been to visit me as well today and she claims him to be shy and reserved even among his intimate acquaintances"
Silently fuming Elizabeth nodded her mind looking someway to counter this, but after a moment or two of deep thought found to her great annoyance nothing at all with which to do so. Exhaling rather forcefully she was forced to concede a point for the third time in as many days to a sister she was gaining more and more respect for. Yet she had at least one point against that little speech she could point out, though it was not a satisfying victory.
"Miss Bingley is quite wealthy in her own right Jane, perhaps she has a rather warmer regard for him due to other motives"
'Perhaps that is so Lizzy but as you just made their acquaintance it would be wise to get to known them better before pronouncing such a judgment,"
Jane yawned here barely able to cover it with her hand as she settled back into her pillows, signally the conversation was concluded for now, Elizabeth rose and bid her pleasant dreams and concluded with a promise to bring her something of interest to listen to that very evening before she left the room forcing a smile for the maid that waited in the hall.
"Miss she should rest for several hours, the master has suggested a tour of the house for your pleasure in company of his sisters if that pleases you'
She agreed immediately and quite pleased with the idea the maid departed indicating the others would meet her in the vestibule momentarily. As she made her way down the stairs to the spot and bird song was audible through the open window Elizabeth began to calm once more it was better by far to follow Jane's advice for the time being. perhaps there was more to this family then met the eye.
Perhaps
So ends Chapter 7-dodges thrown objects-
I know not much happened and there was no Darcy this time but I needed a filler chapter so we can gear up for whats next
Whomever grants this story its 50th review shall have Chapter 8's dedication
Stay tuned therefor for Chapter. The Library
Skydancinghobbit
P.S. Please take a moment to check out my other stories they need love too you know