AU Not Cannon

Pride and Prejudice

They Called Him a Bennet Too

Meeting Christina

Ch. 1

Cold wind bit at the bottom of Elizabeth's cloak as she hurried up the steps of her friend's home in London and knocked rapidly on the door. She held the sides close and tight as the wind tried ripping the cloth out of her hands and away from her body. "Elizabeth!" Victoria pulled her friend into a warm embrace, shutting the door as she did so. "I was not expecting you until next week." The lady then turned and called for a cup of hot tea and biscuits to be brought in.

"Fitzwilliam and my father came for a business meeting, so I came too." Victoria's parlor was small and held only a settee, few chairs and a new credenza desk. Elizabeth sat down and watched a young lady pour a cup of tea for both herself and Victoria.

The lady had fairly dark hair and couldn't have been any bigger built than Jane. Elizabeth marveled she'd walked into the room as if on air. Her head and shoulders did not move as one used to servant's work, but one born of higher status. Elizabeth said nothing as she watched her start to leave when Victoria stopped the stopped the servant.

"Come back Christina, when you put those items up. I wish you to keep Elizabeth company for I fear I have already made commitments this morning. I do not wish for her to be bored." Victoria then turned and whispered to Elizabeth. "She is older than she looks, honest. However, I promised her that was not a subject I would discuss. Please, see if you cannot t get her to open up. The lady is as honest as the day is long. I have tested her before. Left large sums of money she could have easily taken without a word, but she has always returned it." Victoria shook her head. "I know my maid could use it; she lives in a horrible part of town. I have offered her a place here, but she turns it down every time." Victoria's speech stopped as soon as Christina's footsteps could be heard returning.

"I will be back shortly." Victoria stepped out of the room and then the house.

Christina sat down and, yet again, reminded Elizabeth of Jane simply by her demire. "I do not bite." Elizabeth spoke softly.

"I'm sorry." Christina tried to relax. "I do not...have not...been around people in a long time. I do my work and go straight home."

"Do you mind me asking why?" Christina minded Elizabeth could tell for the lady stiffened. "Forget I asked, I will tell you about myself?" She was rewarded by the maid's relaxed smile. "I am the second of five girls." She couldn't help but laugh as Christina's eyes widened.

Your father did not div..." Christina's face reddened and shut her mouth.

"No, my father did not divorce my mother." Elizabeth wondered if Christina had been kicked out because she could not bear children; however, that was not her place to ask so she continued on. "Jane is married to Charles Bingley and lives at Netherfield Park. Mary is not married and lives at home. Lydia married George Wickham; he is military and stationed in the north." She saw no need to mention his like for gambling as it was always kept in check and did not interfere with her sister's household money. And last of all there is Kitty, she married a parson. She lives near to where Lydia's husband is stationed."

"Where do you live?" Christina found herself surprised by how quickly she was warming up to Elizabeth.

"Pemberly, though my husband's aunt wishes it were not so. I.." Elizabeth could not help but act like Lady Catherine. "Polluted the halls of Pemberly."

"She did not really say that, did she?" gasped Christina in shock who thought all of Victoria's friends had been born not only into money but were cut out of the same cloth as her employer never associated with anyone who thought they were better than others.

"Yes, and then some." Elizabeth told Christina her story in a nutshell and was rewarded by Christina's soft voice speaking slowly.

"You are fortunate, some of us have no family."

"I am so sorry." Elizabeth could tell the woman wanted to open up but sensed not in Victoria's home. "How about we talk about other things and then, when you are done with work, I will give you a ride home in my carriage? It will be far safer for you."

Christina's eyes once again widened surprised a wealthy lady would make such an offer. "I live in a rough part of town."

"Out of all my sister's I can handle it. Now, let us talk of other things." Wondering as she spoke how on earth Christina was handling it as she appeared so fragile herself.