Hi guys
Welcome back to
Golden Cage
I own nothing recognizable but I think everyone knows that
I have no beta at the moment so any and all errors you might find are entirely myown doing please consider this your warning.
This chapter is dedicated to Lily Draco and Proud Vegetable who granted this story its 55th and 60th reviews respectfully, I never thought that this story would receive this much love
Apologies if this update has been delayed, between a bout of food poisoning, my fridge going thud, my birthday and a wedding shower for one of my best friends its been an interesting week indeed.
Now with the formalities concluded I bring you
Chapter 9 A Father's Pride
Skydancinghobbit
"I have been a selfish being all my life, in practice, though not in principle. As a child I was taught what was right, but I was not taught to correct my temper. I was given good principles, but left to follow them in pride and conceit
Jane continued to mend, in the passing days but to her sisters mind it seemed the accident had altered her sisters temperament. Normally gentle and reserved she had by degrees become, more like their father, as close as Elizabeth could fathom. Her temper had grown shorter and her outlook was on the whole rather inclined to be shocking realistic at times. The apothecary was not overly alarmed by this change citing that it was common in those afflicted with sudden head injuries and would hopefully be restored in time.
"Her brain has received a severe shock Miss Elizabeth. it may recover it may not, best to wait, hope and pray I think"
Sage advice but this new Jane was rather startling and like a dutiful daughter her parents had been informed at every mild stone by Elizabeth, her first full meal, timid steps and even the first temper flair when Jane could not traverse the entirety of the upstairs hall without needing a rest. Caroline proved to be something of a marvel. Weathering these sudden moods and tempers with an equanimity that Elizabeth marveled at. When questioned the heiress merely smiled as she replied pouring the tea during a private afternoon tete while the gentlemen where out shooting, their guns filling the occasional gap of silence between them admirably.
"Why should you be surprised Miss Lizzy? My mother had a very similar events in the months before she passed on, your sister could do nothing to frighten me away you need have no fear of that"
"Your mother, oh Caroline how dreadful, was she...that...is'
"Ah ha the great and powerful Lizzy is at a loss for speech what you meant to ask I suppose was if she was very much trouble, be not afraid in offending me by such a question given the circumstances, in short yes she was, though to be fair hers was a terrible blow and she did not live to see the spring so I would not fret so. Jane has already improved already I am sure she will be herself soon'
Elizabeth smiled at the teasing, it was so rare to find another women who enjoyed the simply pleasures, despite her love of society and amusements the women had an independent streak almost as visible as her guest, being well off indeed with a fortunate of 30,000 pounds she had no need to kowtow or simper to find a husband. On the other foot she stood in near starstruck awe of the linage of the esteemed Darcy family. It was his bloodline and connections she craved not his money.
"For generations they have survived illnesses and wars weathering them without loss of life or station, coming as I do from a family who are almost succumbing to the smallest thing it would be a blessing of heaven to be part of his home'
Rather surprised by this almost livestock view of such a confusing man Lizzy merely drank her tea and said nothing in reply, knowing full well that given what they had been told during their interview in the library it was likely her friend would not care for such demands but to say so would have been giving insult and quarrel where there was no reason to do so thus she let the subject drop, bringing instead their proposed idea of returning home. She was not surprised at receiving a well meant caution against such a notion.
"Though she is improved Lizzy I would not risk her nerves with the noise of your family home just yet"
"Yet I do worry Caroline there are limits even to the most generous of hosts and I do not wish to impose needlessly long on your family."
"That is something to consider if we cared for such a thing, therefore let us compromise Miss Elizabeth, Sunday after service the physician from town will be here and if he finds her fit enough to travel we shall all part as friends"
This scheme was agreed to immediately and then as the guns fell to silence Mrs. Hurst wandered in to invite them on a stroll in the garden. She had been snipping flowers for a table centerpiece and found it too beautiful a day to be without company of cheerful companions. Happily married but yet without children she was a lively conversationalist as they left the parlor in quest of bonnets and parasols before braving the wonders of nature. Only a few days before she had insisted in being addressed by her first name when they where in private company, much to the surprise and delight of Elizabeth. Who had in return found the energy and good cheer of this elder sister infectious making her feel like, and occasionally to act like a happy young school girl again.
"Just think Elizabeth, in a few scant months the flowers will all have gone and we may have snow!"
"Oh perish the thought Louisa, it is cold and savage outside and one is always in fear of a draft when trapped indoors, without pleasant company or a distraction now and again winter can be very dull indeed!"
"The Twelfth Night Ball being perhaps a good example?"
"Indeed but apparently that has not been hosted here for a long time, my father told me once of the wonders of the last one,he if you can imagine was just a young man that story is his pride and joy!'
Caroline replied this time while Elizabeth paused on a nearby bench to remove a tiny pebble that had somehow managed to work its way into her shoe
"As every elderly man once was my dear, why that fact is so shocking I do not know but I confess I find it rather hard to imagine at time"
"Come let us repair to Jane and we shall talk of this, I am eager to know what it was like that last fabled Twelfth night Ball!"
So ends Chapter 9-hands out birthday cake for all!-
What think you gentle readers worth the wait? How do you think this new Jane will alter things?
Whomever grants this story its 65th review shall win chapter 10's dedication
Stay tuned therefore for Chapter 10.A Flock of Trouble
Skydancinghobbit
P.S. Please take a moment to look over my other stories they need love to you know
