Chapter 15

I slowly woke to the crowing of a rooster. Georgie would be up soon and she and Darcy would probably be wanting breakfast. I heard high pitched giggling and laughter and the patter of several feet going down stairs. What? Disoriented, I shot up in the bed and frantically looked around. Oh yes, I was in England. The Bennets. I realized that Jane was already gone, and her side of the bed was neatly made. I blearily dragged myself from the warm bed and dressed for the day. Not sure what I should do exactly, I opened the door and peeked out into the hall. All the other bedroom doors were shut and I slowly tiptoed into the hall and down the stairs. To my dismay, many of the stairs squeaked, and I couldn't help but cringe at each one. Calm down, I told myself, you are not a thief here but a guest and, technically, a family member. There is no reason to sneak around. With this thought in my mind, I straightened my back and walked down the stairs, ignoring every squeak and squeal of the wood.

I reached the bottom of the stairs and started down the hallway leading to the kitchen. As I walked toward the smell of freshly baked bread, voices coming from a side room captured my attention. My steps slowed and I stopped outside the door, which was cracked open. I knew that it probably wasn't any of my business and that I should just keep walking. But for some reason I surreptitiously looked to my left and right and then flattened myself against the wall beside the door where the room's occupants wouldn't be able to see me.

"I don't care what you think of her. You've only spoken to her once. And I know you, and I've seen her, so I'll bet that your conversation lasted all of five minutes during that three hour ride."

I recognized Mrs. Bennet's high pitched voice. The stress of her tone was making it even more unpleasantly shrill, but I picked up the topic of conversation immediately and knew that I should probably listen to it.

"My dear, five minutes of conversation is sometimes all one needs. And even if I am wrong, we do not have a choice at the moment but to let her stay. And besides, whether she stays for a week or a month, it does not matter at this moment. We will get to know her better, and then we can form an opinion."

Mr. Bennet's voice was sure and strong, yet gentle and controlling. I could tell that he probably dealt with his wife in this fashion every day, for the woman probably always had something to harp about.

I told myself to remain calm and take Mr. Bennet's own advice. I did not know these people well enough yet to judge them, but oh, it was so hard not to.

"Mr. Bennet," Mrs. Bennet's voice was firm and no-nonsense, "Did you see the clothing she arrived in? It was one of the finest dresses I have ever seen, and she treated it like everyday garb!"

The dress in which Mrs. Bennet was speaking was actually one of Vivian's more worn out dresses, and it was the only one that I didn't feel guilty for taking because of that fact.

I shook myself from these thoughts and focused once again on the conversation.

"She practically drips of wealth and contempt. Did you see how she held her nose high as she walked in? And then you went on to act as though we didn't have servants! She is probably here to hunt for a husband, and it is no wonder. I imagine that the pickings in America are quite slim indeed, all backwoods huntsmen who probably pay more attention to their furs and guns than to their wives. But Mr. Bennet! She is stealing possible husbands from our girls!"

"My dear, she has been here for less than twenty-four hours. She has not yet met anyone. And I have it on good authority that she is not interested in husband hunting at the moment. She merely wants to become more acquainted with us."

"Oh, poor Jane," Mrs. Bennet continued, undeterred, "My poor, poor dear Jane. She may have beauty but after what happened with that dreadful Mr. . . well. Nevermind. The point of the matter is simply that we need to make sure that this Elizabeth does not steal any potential husbands for our daughters."

"Mrs. Bennet. . . ."

"No. They are your daughters, and it is your duty to be sure that they are all married off before you die Mr. Bennet! Oh, for the way you talk it seems as though our girls have a grand inheritance! When you do die Mr. Bennet, which may in fact be very soon, our girls will be left without even a penny to their name or anywhere to go! And then that dreadful Mr. Collins and his snooty little wife will inherit everything."

I froze as I absorbed this information, surely they were not speaking of the same Mr. Collins and Charlotte whom I left in America?

"And my poor Lydia!"

I had to restrain the snort that threatened to rise at that remark.

"Lydia is but fifteen years of age. She has plenty of time to find a suitable husband, yes, but that is only because of her youth. Considering our predicament is an entirely different matter. Oh, my poor nerves. Surely they must know what this is doing to me!"

"On the contrary my dear, I have the highest compassion for your nerves. They have been my constant companion all these years."

This time I had to slap my hand over my mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

"Mrs. Bennet, my dear, you must keep in mind that Elizabeth herself is also our daughter. I do not doubt that Jane's beauty will attract her a husband soon enough. That has always been your hope, has it not? And as for Lydia, I would not worry there. As you said, she is still young and has plenty of time, and I, for one, do not intend to die quite yet. As for our situation, the estate still has enough money to sustain all of us for quite some time."

Mr. Bennet's voice held an air of finality; their conversation was over. I could hear Mrs. Bennet huffing even as I hurried away from the door and ducked into the kitchen.

Once in the kitchen, I immediately found Betsie. She was piling food onto a tray even as we could hear Lydia's shrill call for her. I saw Betsie heave a sigh, and she exchanged a weary smile with the cook. That's when everyone seemed to notice me, and they all froze. The cook was a stout lady, but I could see the tiredness in her eyes. If I were anyone else, they would probably be getting a scolding right now.

Betsie gave me a hesitant smile, which I returned, and then she hurried out to deliver the food and deal with Lydia's latest whim.

I wasn't quite sure why I had chosen the kitchen, but I decided that I would rather be here than in the dining room.

"Can I get you anything?" the cook asked.

"No, thank you, not at the moment," I replied. After a while, I finally asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Pardon, Miss?" It seemed like the cook wasn't quite sure what she had heard.

I realized that it was a mistake to ask,"Oh, forget it."

I cast one last, yearning glance at the bustling kitchen, and then slipped out the door and into the dining room. The entire Bennet family was gathered around the table, and I felt suddenly as though I were approaching the chopping block or running through gauntlet. Either scenario seemed to fit the moment.

"Good morning, my dear!" Mrs. Bennet said, using a much different tone than the one I had overheard earlier.

Jane offered me a gentle smile, "I thought perhaps you might have wanted to sleep in a little after your journey."

"Thank you," I replied, "I did, actually. It felt wonderful to sleep in a bed that didn't rock."

This earned a few half-hearted laughs from some. Mary merely reached across the table for another roll, and Lydia scowled down at her plate. What was wrong with that girl?

I slipped into an empty seat and took in the room. For the first time, I really looked at the beautiful upright piano that sat against the back wall. The room was well furnished with tasteful curtains, chairs, wallpaper, and paintings hanging on the walls.

"Who plays the piano?" I asked. As I took a roll from the platter nearest me, I noticed that it was the same one Betsie had taken out to them a few minutes earlier.

"I do," Mary said, "Do you also play?"

I was struck with the feeling that I had already gone through this with Lady Catherine about a month earlier, and decided that it would probably be better if I didn't repeat that experience. I chose my words carefully.

"I can manage my way through a few scales, but I cannot do anything elaborate. I would love to hear you play, though."

Mary's face lit up, and I knew immediately that I had found what interested her. She jumped up and headed toward the piano, but before she could even sit down, Mrs. Bennet's voice sailed across the table.

"Mary, please? Not yet dear, it's too early for that!"

Mary slumped back to her seat, only to gain another reprimand from her mother about slouching. I sank down into my seat, and stared at the roll that was still sitting on my plate.

"Jane, dear, we have been invited by Lady Lucas to take tea with her. I thought that we could bring Elizabeth along with us and begin introducing her to our neighbors," Mrs. Bennet gave this pretty speech to Jane and never once looked at me.

Jane smiled and turned to me, "Would you care to accompany us, Elizabeth?"

Mrs. Bennet looked at me, as though startled I was there.

"Of course," I replied, "I would love to go."

"Well, that's wonderful!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, "I'm sure you'll love Lady Lucas. She has a daughter, Charlotte. It is a pity that girl is not more handsome, but at least it seemed to gain her a husband. Although I have no idea what she saw in that Mr. Collins, or what he could have possibly seen in her. The entire town expected her to end up a spinster, but alas."

"Mama, please," Jane said, trying to stop her mother's mindless blithering gossip.

I sat there in shock, so it was the same Mr. Collins. How ridiculous and extraordinary! And if both Charlotte and Mr. Collins were connected to Meryton like this, then perhaps there was a chance I may see them again before I left. This hope was unlikely, but I was desperate for anything that could possibly warm up my visit, so I grasped it and held on. I wondered idly about what the Bennets would think of my knowing the dear Mr. and Mrs. Collins, and I smiled slightly at the thought of it.

The drive to the Lucas's estate was short, and unfortunately, far from quiet. Mrs. Bennet prattled on about every possible means of gossip about everyone she could think of. I sat quietly, nodded and smiled, and watched the scenery pass by. The sun was actually shining, and the countryside was beautiful. We passed many rolling, grass covered hills and a few patches of woods. Everything was green, and I assumed it was because of the rainy weather.

We finally pulled up to the Lucas Estate, and the doorman helped us from the carriage. We were ushered into a sitting room where a middle-aged, slightly plump, regal looking lady rose to meet us. She greeted Mrs. Bennet and Jane, and then I was introduced. And thus I met Mrs. Lucas.

The four of us sat in the sitting room, drank tea, and ate the little cakes that were served. Mrs. Bennet and Lady Lucas chatted most of the time, and occasionally Jane joined the conversation. A few times a question would be directed toward me, but that was rare and I was content to sit back and listen to them talk. I was struck by how much Lady Lucas reminded me of Charlotte. In her manner, she was kind and straightforward. I couldn't help but notice that she handled Mrs. Bennet the same way Charlotte handled Mr. Collins. I felt the corners of my mouth turn up, and I hastily dabbed the corners of my mouth with the napkin in an attempt to hide the smile. Jane cast me a curious look, but then turned to Mrs. Lucas to answer a question.

I found, surprisingly, that the visit was quite relaxing. Just listening to the other women talk, and not having to do anything. I sat there and contentedly sipped my tea and ate more cakes than I could keep track of. It probably wasn't ladylike, but I didn't quite care. Eventually, the visit came to an end and goodbyes were exchanged.

On the ride back, Mrs. Bennet promptly fell asleep. I could practically see Jane's curiosity, and I braced myself for her questions.

"You seemed to know Mrs. Lucas. Or at least be familiar with her," Jane began, and I could hear the question in her tone.

"I have never met Mrs. Lucas before today, but I am acquainted with her daughter, Charlotte. As well as her husband, Mr. Collins"

"Really? How extraordinary! How and when did you meet them?"

"In America," I looked again at Mrs. Bennet to make sure she was truly asleep. Jane seemed to sense my hesitation and leaned closer. "In America," I continued, "I was married. Mr. Collins is our local parish, and he married us. That is how I know them."

"Married!" Jane gasped, "To whom? How? When? That's wonderful! But you said you were married, did anything-"

"I am still married," I hastened to assure her, "My husband payed for my ticket to America so that I could meet you, after we found out who my real family was."

I was trying to avoid mentioning Darcy by name, but then inspiration struck, "His name is William, and at first it was a marriage of convenience, but not anymore. But you mustn't tell anyone!"

"Oh, I'm so happy for you," Jane said with a kind smile, and I could tell that her words were sincere. "But why can I not tell anyone? This is wonderful news, and I know that mother would be thrilled."

I had to think fast, and decided to go with the truth, of a sort. "Yes, but I know that Mrs. Bennet already resents me slightly for reasons I'm not quite sure of. And if we were to tell her I was married, I believe she would resent me even more for being married. I am under the impression that it is her goal in life to marry all of her daughters, if you will excuse me for being so bold. But she does not consider me her daughter quite yet, and I believe that telling her of my marriage would only cause unneeded jealously."

I could see Jane absorbing this, "Yes, I believe you are quite right. And no, it is not too bold of you. Mama has been trying to see to all of us getting married since we were born. That is no secret, but a fact. I believe that you are right, although, if I may be so bold, there is something you are not telling me."

I looked at her sharply, she was quick, "I may have omitted a few details, but what I told you was the full truth. I cannot tell you anymore because I promised my husband that I wouldn't. Please, I do not want everyone knowing all of my business. It's not that I don't trust you but. . . we have just met. Please try to understand."

Jane looked at me for a few moments, and then sat back, "I do understand, and I will respect your wishes and not pry."

"Thank you," I offered her a smile, which she returned.

We went back to observing the scenery, which was punctuated by Mrs. Bennet's snores. I did not find her snoring offensive, but rather as a good sign. It meant that she was truly sound asleep.

Jane sat back up suddenly and leaned toward me, "You have told me some of your secrets, and I would like to share some of mine with you. Like you, though, I will not divulge all the details, and all parties shall remain nameless," she paused to look me straight in the eye.

"Nothing you say shall leave this carriage," I promised.

She nodded and continued, "I was almost engaged last spring. I truly thought he was close to proposing, but then, he didn't. He and his family packed up and left. I heard nothing from him, there was no explanation before or after they left. I knew that he was returning to London, so I decided to follow him because I was truly naive and thought that there was something between us. I stayed in London for over a month, but never heard from him. I then learned that he wasn't even there! He had gone to America, presumably to deal with some business and get as far from me as he possibly could. I still do not know what happened. I feel that there was some misunderstanding. There had to be. And that is where I stand now."

My mind was racing. It had to be Mr. Bingley, it had to be. There was no other candidate, and it was too far-fetched to be a coincidence. Charles's story tied in perfectly with Jane's.

"Was there possibly any of his family who could have disapproved of the match for some reason?" I asked. "That could explain why he would have left so suddenly with no word. He could have been under someone else's influence."

"He was here with his sister, but she was a wonderful woman! I do not believe she would be capable of such deceit," Jane said emphatically, and then I was sure. It was Charles.

Now came the debate of whether I should tell her or not. But I did not have all of the complete facts, for Charles and Jane both had been very vague in their details. And I did not have enough background information to know exactly how I could advise either of them. And now this! Of course! Charles's rather rude departing words to me made perfect sense now.

I looked at Jane, "If he truly ever loved you, he will come back. If he didn't, then perhaps it is better that he is gone for he doesn't deserve you. He knows where you are. If he changes his mind, he will come to you. Until then, I would just wait and see, and try to meet someone else in the meantime."

"Thank you, Elizabeth," Jane said with a grateful smile. I could see the tears welling in her eyes.

"Please, my friends call me Lizzy," I corrected.

"All right then, Lizzy, I do hope that we can be friends."

"As do I."

The carriage then pulled up to the house and jerked to a halt. Mrs. Bennet woke with a start and sat up, quite flustered, before smoothing her dress and patting her bonnet. The driver tied up the horses and then alighted to help us down. As I hurried into the house, my mind was whirling with everything that I had learned that day.

Hello, all! I'm sorry it took me so long to update, but here it is! Finals were killer, but hopefully I passed all of them. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. And now that it's break, I'll see what I can do about getting another chapter up sooner. Thank you once again for all of your reviews!