Ooops or Consequence & Consequences Chapter 8, a pride and prejudice fanfic

Lady Sophia has arrived. I hope you enjoy.

~~~o0o~~~

On Sunday morning, Lord and Lady Carlton arrived at Barrington, to escort the two ladies to services, on the suggestion of Lady Carlton, who had sent a note to Elizabeth and Jane with the offer. The sisters had been happy to accept, since it would ease the introduction to their new neighbours.

Lady Riona, the Countess of Carlton turned out to be a pleasant, unpretentious lady in her fifties. 'I am delighted to make your acquaintance. It is wonderful to have some young ladies in the neighbourhood again. While I love my husband and sons dearly, at times I long for female companionship.' The Lady smiled engagingly at the sisters. 'I do hope that you will spend much of your time at Barrington.'

'We do not yet know our exact plans, but since our father dislikes travel, I expect we will spend much of our time here.' Jane felt drawn to this lady. In manner she was very similar to their Aunt Gardiner.

'Lady Riona, Mrs Darrow mentioned a Lady Sophia. Would she not be company you would enjoy?' Elizabeth asked. If she was going to consider that lady as a teacher for her family, she wanted a second opinion.

'She would indeed be delightful company… if she were not as stiff-necked as to think that an invitation to tea is charity on my part.'

'Would she be too proud to accept a position?'

Lady Riona beamed. 'Not at all. She is simply determined not to accept what she considers charity. My husband said that you were looking for someone to educate your younger sisters. I believe she would be perfect. If you are agreeable, I will introduce you after services.

~~~o0o~~~

Lady Riona, was true to her word. After the service, they exchanged brief greetings with Mr Simons, before Lady Riona intercepted her target, and introduced her to the sisters.

Lady Sophia was a stately and elegant lady in her forties, whose fiery red hair was sprinkled with a few strands of silver, which made a stunning contrast. When they were introduced, Elizabeth noted the sparkle of good humour in her green eyes.

Her dress, while elegant, was two seasons out of date and was starting to show signs of wear, but she still carried herself like a queen.

Elizabeth asked, 'Lady Sophia, would you be available to accompany us back to Barrington? It would give us pleasure to become acquainted with our neighbours.'

The lady gave the sisters a questioning look, before she smiled. 'I am available and would be delighted to get to know you.'

Lord and Lady Carlton took their leave of the sisters, whose own carriage had arrived to take them and their guest to Barrington.

~~~o0o~~~

'Am I right in presuming that this invitation is in the way of a job interview, Lady Southwell?' Lady Sophia asked with astounding frankness, as soon as they had settled into the carriage and left the church precinct.

'It is indeed, Lady Sophia,' Elizabeth answered with equal candour. 'But how did you guess?'

'Bridgecote is a small village and people like to gossip. It is well known that you are distant relations of the late Duke. I assumed that you might not had the benefit of an education appropriate for your new stations. The alacrity with which Lady Carlton introduced us indicated to me that she felt we could be of mutual assistance. Although from what I have seen so far, neither you nor Lady Jane need instruction. Do you have younger sisters?'

'We do indeed have three younger sisters, of whom the two youngest will need a great deal of attention, since they are sadly lacking in accomplishments. Although the rest of us will need to learn about court etiquette.' Jane explained cautiously.

Elizabeth was feeling a little uncomfortable and self-conscious. She was too new in her role, and this lady was every inch a Lady. Yet she needed to question her about her ability to teach.

Lady Sophia, with her decades of experience in society, noticed Elizabeth's discomfort. While she appreciated that her new rank had not gone to Elizabeth's head, she thought that the young lady needed to learn not to be quite so sensitive.

'Lady Southwell, I think I should explain my situation, to spare you the need to consider my feelings.'

When Elizabeth gratefully agreed, she explained. 'My father was a minor Earl, who effectively sold me to my husband, who at the time had just come into his inheritance, to absolve his debts. My husband also liked to gamble, unfortunately, he was less and less successful as the years went by. He ended his days so seriously in debt, that it took virtually everything we owned to cover them. The only thing which was left, was a small settlement, which was tied up in such a way that my husband could not touch it. When he found that he had run out of options, he killed himself, although it was represented to have been a hunting accident.'

She shrugged. 'A year and a half ago, I found myself widowed and with minimal funds. I withdrew from society, and was able to rent a small cottage, which I have learnt to look after myself. I have too much pride to accept charity, but I feel no humiliation about performing honest work.' She finished her recounting with a defiant look.

Elizabeth sighed with relief. 'Thank you, Lady Sophia. You have greatly relieved my mind. Could you tell us about your accomplishments? I need to know if I have to hire other masters.'

'I played the pianoforte and the harp quite well, although not having had an instrument for over two years, I am out of practice. I also sing and can teach voice control. I can draw and paint, but while the drawings are technically accurate, I have no great talent. I can sew, and my embroidery is very fine. I know how to manage a household on a budget. I can plan an event from a small intimate dinner party to a formal ball with a hundred guests, and have done so in the past.'

Her expression became cynical. 'I was presented at court and mingled with the first circles of society. I met most of its members and know where most of the bodies are buried. Figuratively, if not literally. Lady Sefton happens to be a true friend of mine, and I recommend that you will cultivate her friendship as well.'

'You also have a great sense for fashion.' Jane, who had admired her dress, commented.

Lady Sophia suddenly blushed at the compliment. 'I admit that has been a vanity of mine. To dress elegantly, rather than ostentatiously, makes one stand out in society.' She suddenly smirked. 'Gentlemen generally prefer ladies who are not overfond of lace. Lace is expensive, frivolous and useless. They generally prefer to spend money on useful things, like hounds…' She grinned.

'Of course, hounds are so much more useful,' Elizabeth agreed sarcastically. 'Personally, I prefer books.'

Lady Sophia laughed. 'I feel the same way. I heard that the library at Barrington is quite extensive…'

'It is, and you are welcome to peruse it.'

During this conversation they arrived back at Barrington. Since the library was one of the few rooms which was comfortable, Elizabeth asked for tea to be served there.

~~~o0o~~~

Using the time until she had poured tea for everyone to consider the situation, Elizabeth decided on an approach.

'Lady Sophia, I would like to suggest a trial of three months to see if we suit each other…'

'Go on, Lady Southwell.'

'You may find our mother and youngest sisters too great a challenge. To be brutally honest, Mother is no mental giant, and as the daughter of a country solicitor, she has never learned what is expected of a gentlewoman. Our father's estate is entailed to the male line and we have no brothers. This has made her anxious to marry us all off as quickly as possible.'

Elizabeth paused, embarrassed to speak so insultingly of Mrs Bennet, even though her statement was true. 'For the past seven years she has pushed all her daughters out into society as soon as soon as possible, in the hope that we would catch husbands. Misfortunately, her ideas of achieving this aim, is focused on her ideas of beauty and liveliness, not education and accomplishments.'

Elizabeth paused, and Jane took up the explanation. 'This is particularly noticeable with our youngest sister, Lydia. She was allowed out when she was not even fifteen years of age, since Lydia objected to being left at home while Kitty, our second youngest sister was allowed to have fun. Lydia, as the youngest has been overly indulged by our mother, who thinks that Lydia is perfect.'

Having had a chance to fortify herself with another sip of tea, Elizabeth continued. 'Although I cannot prove it, I believe that Lydia's looks and behaviour are exactly what Mrs Bennet was like at that age. While this kind of behaviour was overlooked in a sleepy place like Meryton for the daughter of a minor gentleman, it will negatively impact the whole family, if it is allowed to continue in our new circumstances. It will take someone very strong minded to make Lydia behave. I expect screaming, sulking and tantrums. But despite that, I do not wish the use of corporal punishment. I have no wish for anyone to break her spirit, only to teach her control, and better ways to achieve her goals.'

Lady Sophia smiled. 'I enjoy a challenge. It sounds as if both your younger sisters have to go back to the schoolroom. Although it may take some time, all this can be achieved, as long as I have the support of the Duke, and preferably the Duchess as well.'

Elizabeth laughed as a thought occurred to her. 'You will have the support of the Duke, since this house is large enough to house Lydia where he will not be disturbed by her screams.'

'That will be most satisfactory. How soon will my charges arrive?' Lady Sophia was enthusiastic about the prospect of helping the sisters, since it would allow her to use her knowledge, talents and experience, as well as giving her a purpose again.

'They will not arrive until Christmas,' explained Jane.

'But if you are agreeable, you could start to teach us about court etiquette and the members of the ton.' Elizabeth suggested.

'We could also use some help interviewing and hiring more staff, as well as redecorate this house. Perhaps you could move in tomorrow?' she added.

Lady Sophia was delighted to accept. While she had learned to take care of herself, it would be wonderful to have staff again. Even if the staff answered to her employers, just as she would do.

~~~o0o~~~

The next three weeks flew by. With the assistance of Lady Sophia, Lady Carlton and Mrs Darrow, the sisters scoured the local shops to find wallpaper, as well as fabric for curtains and upholstery.

Elizabeth authorised Mr Darrow to engage workmen, to be ready to paint rooms, hang wallpaper and re-upholster chairs and sofas which they had found in the attics.

They even took one brief trip into Birmingham, leaving early in the morning, and returning just after dark. This trip was necessary to order mattresses and additional curtain fabrics, since the local shops did not stock the quantity which they required, despite the fact that they were merely restoring the drawing room, one small parlour, and only enough bedrooms to accommodate their family.

Once that flurry of activity was over, and the seamstresses and workmen were busy with their jobs, Mr and Mrs Darrow, assisted by Elizabeth, Jane and Lady Sophia, interviewed staff for the additional positions available at Barrington.

They were able to engage several maids and footmen, as well as a talented junior cook and two scullery maids.

While they would need more staff later on, the had sufficient to look after the needs of their family over Christmas.

The final supplies arrived, rooms were made up for the family, and the parlours became comfortable rooms again.

The house was ready for its new occupants.

~~~o0o~~~