Chapter 7: Permission
Saturday, 28 March 1812
Kent
Upon returning from her morning walk, Elizabeth was not pleased to hear that Lady Catherine had extended an invitation to tea. Having anticipated a day free from Rosings Park, she considered declining due to illness before realizing a feigned illness might not serve her interests. She determined not to think on the impending agreement and thus approached the upcoming meeting optimistically.
Despite her earlier resolution, each step grew more difficult as the Hunsford party approached Rosings Park. Her usually quick pace slowed until Mr. Collins resorted to pulling on her arm so they would arrive on time. When their party was introduced, she glanced apprehensively around the room, but her frayed nerves calmed when she saw only.
Anne motioned Elizabeth to her side—the seat farthest from her mother. Collins took his place beside Lady Catherine, who began her usual monologue with her devotee.
Squeezing Elizabeth's hand, Anne whispered encouragement to Elizabeth. This first meeting with the gentlemen would be difficult, but all would go well. Subsequent meetings would become easier. Speaking a bit louder, so the others could hear, Anne asked Elizabeth what book she was currently reading. With a strained smile, Elizabeth began a banal discussion on some novel they both had read.
Just as Elizabeth was beginning to relax, the footman announced the gentlemen. Finding herself unable to continue the conversation, she focused her efforts on appearing composed. To Elizabeth's mortification, Colonel Fitzwilliam took the unclaimed seat next to her own. Thankfully Mr. Darcy refused to look her way and wore his usual mask of indifference.
Anne broke the silence by asking Elizabeth about her walk that morning, mentioning she had seen Elizabeth from her windows. She wondered which flowers had caused her new friend to take a closer look. Thus opened a tense discussion between the three about the beauties and bounties of the back garden, as well as the joys of spending time outdoors.
The Hunsford party excused themselves after the proper amount of time, much to Elizabeth's relief. Although Colonel Fitzwilliam was able to maintain a lively conversation, Mr. Darcy sat through the entire meeting without saying a word while looking at a far wall. Having seen Mr. Darcy exhibit such behavior throughout his time in Hertfordshire, Elizabeth expected nothing more.
As they left Rosings, the Collinses and Maria took Lady Catherine's carriage back to the parsonage, but Elizabeth insisted she must walk. She had been cooped up inside for too long with too many conflicting emotions. She needed the release that activity gave her. As the carriage left, she turned her face to the sun and sighed deeply as she leapt off the final step to begin her journey back.
"Sounds like you are throwing off a weight," said a masculine voice.
Elizabeth started, turning to identify the speaker. "Colonel," she said, surprised and annoyed at being interrupted. She had counted upon spending an hour or so alone to restore her spirits. A companion would disrupt her purpose.
"May I escort you?" he asked cheerfully.
"I would prefer my own company," she retorted, wishing to avoid a repeat of their previous conversation.
Raising his hands in surrender, the colonel laughed good-naturedly, "On my honor, this conversation will be nothing but honorable!"
She turned to start her walk, graciously granting him a quarter of an hour for politeness' sake, though she doubted his honor.
Catching up, the colonel offered his arm. She refused. "I am quite capable of walking on my own."
"As you prefer madam," he relented. Fortunately, Colonel Fitzwilliam, spoke of nothing important, jesting about the shapes formed by the clouds. After ten minutes, he stopped Elizabeth in a spot free of branches and rocks. "Madam, I have a serious proposal for you."
Elizabeth turned to glare at him as she shifted her weight to launch into a run. Before she could move, Colonel Fitzwilliam captured her arm. "Please, hear me out." He looked compassionately into her eyes. When she did not respond, he said, "I understand what my family is asking of you and I am not in agreement."
Before she could confront him about his role in making it happen, he rushed to continue, "I lament that you will be limiting your opportunities for happiness in your future once this is complete. I… I want you to consider… You have a year... I would like you to consider me. I know I cannot marry without attention to finance, but you will have an estate for us to live on, and my father is willing to increase my allowance once I marry. I will begin now to reduce my spending habits so it will be enough. I know this is early and you do not know me well. I ask nothing of you now, I only ask that you consider me for your future."
He watched her earnestly, breathing heavily from his nervousness.
Elizabeth wondered if her ears had failed. The colonel was offering for her after she completed having Darcy's child? Shaking her head to try to clear her thoughts, she examined him. He appeared serious. With so many changes to her world over the past days, Elizabeth found herself in no position to entertain such an offer. Her only wish was for him to leave. This walk had been undertaken to help clear her head, not to muddy it up further.
"Sir, you are correct. It is too early to consider anything of the sort. I may consider your offer in the future but at present, I can not. I ask that you keep this private. And," she glared at him. "I am in no state to rationally consider any further offers."
Colonel Fitzwilliam's face veritably glowed. "Thank you, Miss Bennet. I will tell no one of our conversation. My wish is to comfort you during your stay in Rosings, knowing you will have such an option in the future."
"Thank you, sir. Now, please, I am in even greater need of time without company. If you will excuse me," Elizabeth dismissed him.
"Of course," he bowed. "Good day, madam."
~~~oo0oo~~~
Elizabeth spent the rest of her day with dear Charlotte. With her recent experiences giving her a new understanding of the sacrifices women took for security, she needed and appreciated the comfort of her dear friend..
Charlotte assured Elizabeth that her early departure would cause no hardships, she planned to use Elizabeth's removal as an excuse to join Maria on her return trip. It would allow her to enjoy some time with her family and a short reprieve from her husband.
Having noticed the colonel's attentions to her friend, Charlotte suggested Rosings Park may be promoting a match, that may be the reason they had offered her property to stay with Miss de Bourgh. Elizabeth assured her that such was not the case. While disappointed, Charlotte still held hope that her lively friend's time at Rosings would end with more than a secure home. When Elizabeth again expressed doubts, Charlotte quickly calmed them. "It is lovely to dream when you are twenty," she advised her friend, "but by thirty you want to know you have a home."
Elizabeth couldn't tell Charlotte about the second task required to gain the property, though she wondered if Charlotte would counsel differently even if she knew.
While Elizabeth was deep in thought about her upcoming move—she had no doubt her mother would ensure permission was granted—her friend decided to cheer her up by offering to share her aunt's scandalous letter. It did the trick. The two ladies once again spent their evening giggling over Aunt Margaret's willingness to put the most scandalous things to paper. Secretly, Elizabeth memorized as much as she could.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Saturday, 28 March 1812
Longbourn
After spending a few days confined to his bed, Mr. Bennet began to sorely miss his library. Much of the swelling had decreased, but Mrs. Bennet refused to let him get up until approved by Dr. Jones.
While tending to his every need, she found herself unable to refrain from frequent morbid outbursts in his presence. Jane finally arrived home from London, taking over most of her father's care, but no one could keep him from hearing his wife's frequent predictions of his impending demise.
Mr. Bennet sighed. If Lizzy were home, Jane could distract their mother while Lizzy stayed with him. As it was, Jane could only rotate his reading material. His oldest was a kind and gentle girl, but not half so entertaining as his Lizzy. While he wished her back for his own sake, he found great humor in the idea of her watching Collins proudly packing to prepare to take possession of Longbourn only to find it was not yet his. Mr. Bennet found himself chuckling at the face he imagined Mr. Collins would make while unpacking. Lizzy's letter, relaying every detail, could not come soon enough.
Mrs. Bennet had instructed Elizabeth to stay in Kent during his convalescence. While his wife did not tell him directly, there was no way not to overhear her telling Jane that Lizzy must keep the Collinses in Kent as long as possible after Mr. Bennet died. She was working with Mr. Philips to instruct Elizabeth on how to approach Lady Catherine to make a case for the Collinses to stay for a few more years. Lizzy must demonstrate to the great lady the disadvantage of losing her newly assigned and much admired parson so soon after his appointment. To have him replaced by an unknown curate after such a short residency would certainly introduce instability in her parish.
Mr. Philips offered the idea to Mrs. Bennet, and helped compose the letter. Mr. Bennet chuckled to hear how much effort Mr. Philips was willing to put into keeping his sister at Longbourn and out of his home. They also wrote to Mr. Gardiner asking him to take Jane in again, emphasizing that he needed to increase his efforts to throw her in the way of eligible gentlemen or any man with wealth enough to care for the women.
Mr. Bennet looked at his eldest daughter doing needlework to pass the time. Jane bore her mother's plans with equanimity, but he felt the twinge of guilt knowing his eldest daughter was being sent to market because of his neglect. He was sorry the Bingley boy had not worked out. He had seemed like a nice chap and Jane got on well with him, but youths these days were flighty. There was nothing Bennet could do about it.
Later that morning when the post was delivered it included Elizabeth's letters. As Mr. Bennet was still confined to his bed, Mrs. Bennet took it upon herself to open Lizzy's letter.
"We are SAVED!" she shrieked. "Oh that Lizzy and her wild ways! Capturing the attention of Miss de Bourgh!" she gasped as she rushed into Mr. Bennet's room. "The daughter from Rosings Park, Miss de Bourgh, has asked Lizzy to stay with her for a year. They will give her Longbourn! We are saved!" she finished breathlessly.
"Might I be allowed to read the missive and form my own opinion?" he asked. While amused by the beginning which described the great lady and her reverent pastor, the request for her to stay at Rosings Park for a year concerned him. While it did free him of the remorse he felt just a few minutes prior, it was such an unusual request. And for them to offer so great a payment—to break the entail or purchase property in Lizzy's name? Companions usually received a few pounds a year for their work, this was so much more. It was beyond comprehension.
While Mr. Bennet read the letter, Mrs. Bennet opened another letter addressed particularly to her. It was from Miss de Bourgh explaining why she wanted Elizabeth's delightful spirit to act as a balm during her last few months on this earth. Mrs. Bennet went into raptures once again, now proclaiming Elizabeth to be her favorite daughter. "I always knew the quick-witted girl would be my salvation!" she exclaimed.
While Mr. Bennet agreed with the de Bourgh woman about the joy his daughter's company brought, he still was not comfortable giving consent. He wanted time to think before granting his permission; he wanted to learn more about this unusual offer before he willingly gave up his favorite daughter for an entire year.
Mrs. Bennet, still wary that Mr. Bennet could take a turn for the worse, refused to grant him the peace needed for contemplation. "There is no question but she shall stay! They wish Lizzy to comfort Miss de Bourgh, so Lizzy will comfort Miss de Bourgh.!"
Mrs. Bennet's simple mind could only see the offer as her deliverance, she had not the wit to consider the oddity of the magnitude of the reward for such a common ordinary job. Handing Mr. Bennet his writing utensils and a lap desk, she insisted he reply, "you must write back giving your permission immediately! We will send it express! There must be no delay, my welfare is at stake!" She badgered until he finally penned his permission.
Thus Mr. Bennet was forced to write an acceptance letter against his inclination. Pressing the seal, he looked at Mrs. Bennet. "You must not speak of breaking the entail to anyone. We wish to keep this information from those who would act to thwart it. The Lucases may be quite disappointed to lose the prospect of Mrs. Collins' return."
"Oh," she realized. "You're quite right! I will only tell them that Lizzy will receive an estate of her own."
Mr. Bennet tried to convince his wife not to speak of the agreement at all, but he would have better luck asking her not to breathe. Once the seal was set, Mrs. Bennet blustered off to Meryton so Lizzy could start without delay.
After the others left, Jane quietly asked her father. "What do you think of such an extraordinary request, Papa?"
"I know not what to think," he replied with furrowed brows. "I do know I will not like having Lizzy gone for a year."
Jane patted her father's hand sympathetically. "Neither will I."
The father and eldest daughter remained in thought while the house remained empty. Jane's concerns were for the potential effects on her sister. Watching a young woman die would be difficult, as would the responsibility of providing entertainment.
Mr. Bennet's concerns were more practical as he tried to piece together this unusual puzzle. Something felt wrong, nothing stood out beyond the payment, but, he justified to himself, the wealthy often behave with peculiarities. Once he convinced himself the offer was simply due to the whims of the wealthy, he relaxed into his pillows with his latest tome.
When the others returned, the house filled with expected enthusiasm. Mrs. Bennet spoke without stop on how her sly Lizzy had now secured them all. Without even requiring a marriage! Lydia jealously expressed that she should be the one to stay with the sick rich girl as she would be much more entertaining than stuffy old Lizzy. Kitty wondered if Lizzy would be thrown into the path of rich men and be able to help her sisters find wealthy husbands. (Her mother cooed over the thought and decided to learn more about the people at the great house in her next letter.) When Mary reminded them their sister would be in possession of her own estate thus would no longer need to marry, her mother and sisters refused to hear such nonsense – all ladies need to marry!
Later, Lady Lucas called with a letter from Charlotte describing not only how Miss de Bourgh had taken to Elizabeth, but also that Miss de Bourgh was now engaged to Mr. Darcy. They were to be wed in just a few weeks. While Mrs. Bennet bemoaned that her new favorite daughter had to be in company with that disagreeable man, she satisfied herself that in such a large house Lizzy could easily avoid his company.
Lady Lucas turned the gossip to speculations. She felt the match was, based on some of Charlotte's earlier letters, to increase the estate of the prideful Darcy rather than any type of love-match. The women then put their heads together to decide how Elizabeth's year would likely go. Mr. Darcy would only be there long enough to create an heir, then, like the men of the gossip columns, he would go back to his gentlemanly 'entertainments' in Town leaving poor Miss de Bourgh, then to be Mrs. Darcy, to bear the child alone. No wonder she so desperately wanted Lizzy's companionship!
When Lady Lucas mentioned Charlotte's suspicion that the earl's son harbored affections for Elizabeth; the ladies spent the rest of the visit twittering with newly raised expectations.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Rosings Park
After spending the day assessing tenant farms, Darcy and Richard retired to the billiard room to wind down.
Richard asked Darcy about various projects needed at Rosings Park. Both agreed that the next few years would be ones to maintain rather than improve the estate due to funds needed for creating an heir. Darcy believed that with proper management, including a reduction of Aunt Catherine's spending, the estate could begin the desired improvements within three years.
Anne's heir. It hung over the men as a cloud of doom. Although Richard's part was finished—unsuccessfully, as Anne bitterly reminded him—Darcy's waited to begin.
"Have your parents responded about their contribution?" Darcy asked.
"With great joy. For the prospect of keeping them Catherine-less forever, five thousand pounds is an easy price to pay." Shooting the five into a corner pocket, "They would've paid twice that to keep the old termagant out here in Kent."
"At least the family is in agreement on this. How is Georgiana?"
"Doing well. She spends her days either studying with her masters or shadowing Mother in anticipation of her coming out."
With Georgiana finally regaining her spirits, Darcy could not let her down again.
Richard took another shot, missing his mark, then refilled their drinks before broaching the subject they were both avoiding.
"You already know the woman. That should make it easier than if she were a stranger. You admit you find her engaging, that's a bonus as well," Richard soothed.
"They make it worse. Rather than making my own decision to either engage her or leave her, I'm now forced to defile her." Darcy aggressively smacked the cue ball and sent it to a side pocket.
"She did choose this," Richard reminded him as he lined up his next shot.
"Neither of us chose this. Her father's death leaves her destitute. Anne's death leaves Aunt Catherine to destroy my sister." Darcy took a drink. "Besides, I prefer to choose who I lie with. I want the woman to freely choose me. Who wants that with someone who feels forced?" he scowled.
Richard cocked an eyebrow, "There are always some…"
Darcy veritably growled as he snapped, "I'm not one of them."
"I know," he responded gently. "You are a kind and scrupulous man. This will not be easy. When does Anne expect an answer?"
"By tomorrow, I believe."
"Do you think you'll be able to do it?"
"I don't know. It is not something to be done on command." After considering a moment, Darcy grew quiet, "There is also the concern that I may hurt her."
Richard laughed, "With your enormous manhood? Not that I care to know the details, but considering whole babies come out of there? I doubt you'll be a threat," he smirked.
Darcy frowned. "That was not what I was talking about. She returned my interest in Hertfordshire, flirting and debating me. I do not wish for her to develop an attachment I cannot fulfill."
"I have no help for you there." In Richard's past, at least two women had developed expectations only to be crushed when presented with his reality. There was nothing he could do about it. "Once she takes, you can go back to Pemberley. That only gives you, hopefully, only a month or so in close contact with her."
"Yes…" Darcy said distractedly. "I have no wish to hurt her the other way either. What is said about women the first time? There is pain in having the baby as well. I believe the cut between Aunt Catherine and my mother began due to my mother's pains during my birth."
"There's no way to avoid either of those," Richard reassured him. "Even if she were your wife, those would happen."
Darcy pondered that consideration while sipping his drink. "I have little faith that I will be able to do this. How do I even approach her?"
"A strong case of the nerves do nothing for you. It keeps the important parts from performing their function. I find alcohol helps everyone relax," Richard offered, raising his glass. "Lots of it… Well, not too much or things stop working," he grinned as he motioned around his nether regions. "Make sure you bring a bottle of wine and a couple of glasses with you. Come up with a few subjects to begin conversation with. Flirt with her, you know how it's done. I've seen you work, you have women begging for you. Look at Bingley's sister, she would eat from your hand."
"It's not difficult to get a nag to eat from a feedbag."
Richard chuckled. "True! But all women love flirting, Miss Bennet will too. After things warm up, spew a couple of romantic poems at her and there you have it." Richard grinned with his eyebrows raised.
Just as Darcy considered a retort, a footman entered to ask them to meet Anne in the study. The men looked at one another before draining their glasses.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Anne watched her cousins walk in. "The express was delivered this evening. She has permission and will move tomorrow after services."
"Does the letter simply give permission? Are there any stipulations?" Darcy asked.
Anne handed him the letter Mr. Bennet had sent to Elizabeth.
In his opening, Mr. Bennet made it clear he gave permission under duress. Miss de Bourgh's letter to Mrs. Bennet, he felt, was tantamount to sending him to Gehenna and left him no option but to agree. (1) While he applauded the breaking of the entail, he regretted his dear little girl must make sacrifices for it to happen. Even amongst his modest self-flagellation for his failure as both a parent and estate owner, Mr. Bennet reserved the right to consult his Lizzy as needed. Finally, he begged that she not forget her poor father, now condemned to a year with an absence of sensible conversation. Thus he signed off with the expected endearments.
Darcy frowned. "Are you sure he will not complicate matters? He is not giving his permission unconditionally. Are you not concerned with his reserving the right to consult with her?"
Anne assured him Mr. Bennet posed no danger. "I am certain. Both Elizabeth and Mrs. Collins tell me Mr. Bennet has an odd sense of humor. When I questioned Elizabeth about his meaning, she informed me that she assists him with the estate matters at times. It will all be done by post as he despises travel and rarely ventures beyond a one-hour ride. He has never in her life gone farther than to see his brother in London. Mr. Bennet's indolence is why Elizabeth is in her current state. Now decided, he will accept the arrangement and not bother to exert further efforts."
Darcy looked at Richard, neither comfortable with the content of the letter, decided to trust in Anne's information from Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet.
~~~oo0oo~~~
Easter Sunday, 29 March 1812
Hunsford
Collins read Mr. Darcy and Miss de Bourgh's banns at the end of the Easter Sunday mass. Elizabeth waited to hear him say "if any know of any cause or just impediment why these two should not be joined in Holy Matrimony, I will stitch your mouth closed." He said no such a thing, but his glare at the congregation ensured none dare offer an objection even if they had one.
After Easter services, Anne drew Elizabeth to the side for a few moments to remind her the footmen and carriage would arrive in two hours. Anne quietly assured her, "It is easier to start sooner rather than to draw it out."
Mr. Collins' monologue while walking home wavered between joy and jealousy. Once returned to the parsonage, Elizabeth removed to finish packing her things. Mr. Collins would have followed, but thankfully Charlotte reminded him of the impropriety. Charlotte remained to help her friend and to offer calm and sage guidance.
Charlotte once again gently reminded Eliza that her service for one year would save all of the Bennet women. Elizabeth needed to keep that in mind if Rosings Park should become overwhelming. "It will not be so bad. One year will pass quickly," she reminded, placing a stabilizing hand on her shoulder.
~~~oo0oo~~~
At the appointed time, Anne arrived with the carriage and two footmen. The carriage was packed and the women boarded for the short trip to Rosings Park.
"Charlotte expects to see me often," Elizabeth told Anne, wondering how her friend would be put off.
Anne thought a bit then decided seeing Mrs. Collins would be a good idea. She explained her thoughts to Elizabeth: as Mrs. Collins was becoming more known in the parish, her responsibilities were increasing thereby decreasing her availability. Once Elizabeth was confined to Anne's wing not even Mrs. Collins would be allowed to see her. They must protect from illnesses. The women could pass notes between the houses—that should sustain their friendship as letters had before.
No one waited to greet them when they arrived, nor were any seen on the walk to Elizabeth's new quarters.
Unfortunately, as she arrived in her room she found Lady Catherine waiting, papers in hand. "This is your contract, but we have made a copy for Rosings Park as well. Once you sign, you must keep your copy in a place it will not be found. Rosing's copy will remain in our safe." Lady Catherine laid the documents alongside the quill and ink on the room's writing table. While Elizabeth added her signature, Lady Catherine made sure Miss Bennet understood her duties and that they must start that very evening and should continue every day until the doctor confirmed pregnancy. Lady Catherine expected it to occur within the month.
"Mother, she understands. I believe we need time to rest and unpack after the move. Please arrange to have trays sent to my room for dinner, but we would like tea now."
After Lady Catherine left, Anne explained. "She is just that way. We must not be overcome by it."
Elizabeth nervously returned her smile. "I have a letter from my mother with a similar tone. It will help remind me."
Anne helped Elizabeth unpack and settle into her room. With that finished, the women sat at a window overlooking the rear gardens. When Anne tentatively asked if Elizabeth was ready, she inhaled deeply before agreeing, "best to get the worst over with quickly rather than to delay."
"I have something for you," Anne stated before she briefly went to her room. Returning with delicate silk nightclothes. "I would like you to wear these tonight. This will be your wedding night."
Elizabeth looked incredulously at Anne. "If I were to have a wedding night, I would think it very different from this. A joining with someone I care for."
Anne looked confused. "You expect to marry someone you care for?"
"Of course! Well, I had expected such. What did you expect?"
"I know of few, if any, who married for affection, though some developed a devotion over time. In my circle, marriages are to create alliances. This is what is expected for a woman's wedding night, done simply to provide an heir. Is it not the same for you? Mrs. Collins does not seem particularly drawn to Mr. Collins."
As Elizabeth sipped her tea, she reflected once again upon the similarities between Charlotte's situation and her own. To bed a man one does not love. Done for duty and security in a world where young women must depend upon men for their maintenance.
Elizabeth looked over to Anne. "You are correct. Charlotte only married Mr. Collins to have an establishment of her own." Perking up a bit, she remarked, "at least I am not required to be joined to him for life. Only a month or so, then the birth, and I return to my family."
"What do you think of Darcy?" Anne asked.
Elizabeth stumbled, trying to think of a description that would be both true and not offend his cousin.
Anne huffed out her little laugh. "You care little for him, do you?"
Annoyed at being so transparent, Elizabeth prevaricated. "He seems a very proper gentleman."
She again huffed, the closest to laughter that she could express at the moment. "I care little for him also." At Elizabeth's shock, Anne related her opinion of Darcy as being overly proud and always certain of his righteousness. "But his sister is a dear thing, and he does take good care of her."
Anne looked cautiously at Elizabeth, a smirk began as she pulled Elizabeth into her conspiracy. "Darcy's propriety makes this extremely diverting for me, watching him struggle against doing something so immoral. He rails against disguise, yet he must accept this to uphold his vow to protect his sister. Now, for the rest of his life, he must put forth the disguise of having a child with me." Anne's smirk grew. "Maybe he will learn some humility from it."
Elizabeth would have found more humor if she was not a part of the immoral acts. Anne, not noticing Elizabeth's discomfort, continued. "As disagreeable as Darcy can be, he shall be gentle with you in this. He is not a cruel man, only prideful. He shall treat you as he does his sister—well, not exactly as he does his sister, but with the same kindness and protection. He has promised me."
"He promised you?" Elizabeth sputtered. The thought of Anne and Darcy speaking of her in such a way made Elizabeth squirm. She would have excused herself for a walk, but her fear of any encounters kept her in the wing. She compromised by moving about the room, going from window to window as she watched the sun begin to sink.
"He did. He is nervous about this. Richard would have been happy for the opportunity to seduce you, but I can not force his hand the same way I can Darcy's. And Richard… well, he knows he must marry a dowry. That combined with being an earl's son has made him a bit licentious. Although, they say the best husbands are reformed rakes." Continuing, she went on. "At least Darcy has Richard to guide him. Richard claims women enjoy it too. Darcy's a smart man, he learns quickly, he should not fumble too much." Elizabeth began to pace. If Anne thought Darcy was nervous, she should try being on the other side! Try being the one without choices, one whose other options are even worse. Anne was completely unaware of Elizabeth's disquiet.
"Anne," Elizabeth asked softly as she slowed her pacing. "Why choose me for this?" She wanted to ask more, but her tongue refused.
Looking at Elizabeth quizzically, Anne answered. "Foremost my heir must be of gentle birth. The risk is too great to choose one of inferior parentage—look at what happened with Wickham. Of common parentage, but was provided every advantage given to gentlemen. He has become nothing but a blight. I cannot risk that for my heir."
Elizabeth wondered if Anne realized Mrs. Bennet was born a commoner. Anne went on. "Next I considered both health and beauty. Being of poor health myself, my heir must strengthen my bloodlines without sacrificing beauty. You are from a family blessed with good health and beauty." Anne looked longingly at Elizabeth. "I do envy you, but as I was not so blessed, my child will be through you."
Struggling with the odd behavior, Elizabeth was dumbfounded. Anne continued. "When Mrs. Collins told me of her good friend visiting, Mr. Collins kindly informed us of the entailment. While Mother was more concerned about losing her new pastor, I thought you may suit us perfectly. When you arrived, I knew. You are a gently bred woman of great health and beauty. You have not only your reputation to think of but that of your four sisters. Your father has left you in a precarious position. I would save your future while you will save mine." Anne's eyes were alight as she spoke. She was excited.
This woman was so unusual. She seemed genuine in her desire for friendship, but unaware of how disturbing it was to be openly used as a pawn in her game. Her motivations were not evil, though the actions she enlisted were. Elizabeth could no longer simply sketch her as immoral, as she had initially done, but she was not virtuous either. She seemed heedless of the feelings of others, only considering her limited perspectives. Elizabeth wondered if it was due to her prolonged isolation or if it was true of all the very wealthy.
That evening, the women dined and shared stories, finding a foundation on which to build a friendship.
When the clock struck ten, Anne excused herself citing her need to retire early. "Peeke will help you change into the nightclothes. Allow yourself to enjoy this. It is the wedding night I shall never have." Pausing a moment, then reaching her arms around Elizabeth to draw her into an embrace, "Thank you," she whispered before leaving Elizabeth's room.
~~~oo0oo~~~
(1) Gehenna is another word for hell. It's the destination of the wicked with overtures of child sacrifice. From Wikipedia: "In the Hebrew Bible, Gehenna was initially where some of the kings of Judah sacrificed their children by fire. Thereafter it was deemed to be cursed (Jer. 7:31, 19:2-6)"