Pride and Prejudice Fan Fiction

Unlocked Cage

Previously:

"I will talk to Lord Bryce when he comes back with my father and we will send a letter to Mr. Hudson speaking highly of you and denouncing what Mr. Hurst has been spreading anywhere he goes."

"I cannot thank you enough, Charlotte."

Letters

CH. 11

Thump! Thump! Thump! Heavy Footsteps pounded down the steps of the Hudson's estate as Carlisle worked in his office with his door wide open. He, like Rosie, could knew it was Mrs. Craven without having to step away from his desk. Laying down his quill, Mr. Hudson wished he could say he was surprised when the lady appeared in the doorway looked extremely concerned.

"I have interviewed half a dozen potential governesses. And I did as you said. I went to the chapel and sat by myself in prayer. I cannot shake the feeling they are not to be hired. And yet, I am to leave within the month. Surely, I would have gotten a yes answer on one of them."

The sunlight from behind Mr. Hudson's desk slid is rays over his head and around his shoulders as he looked at two letters he had just received that morning. One was from an old business associate in London and one from Lord Bryce. They had both been written about the same person.

"I think I may know why. But tell me ...before you came here, did you ever hear the name of Caroline Bingley? I do know a Bingley in my younger days, she had a younger sister by that name. However, I am wondering, could it be the same as this one in the letter."

"Why, yes, but she would have gone to Northhanger Abbey School for Girls. One of the better students Mrs. Thatcher ever had. I did not know her older sister. I heard she mixed herself with the likes of Mr. James Hurst, rotten scoundrel as far as I am concerned. How people cannot see that he gambles, steals and lies is beyond me. But I find it hard to believe that Caroline is the same one. And even if it is, I have a question...why are you insisting on me being the one to pick the next governess? I am Miss Rosie's nurse, not her relation." Her words backed up what he already knew.

"My niece has grown extremely close to you. We both know this, if you pick the governess, this house might have a chance at surviving." Looking back at the letters he tossed the one the garbage... it was someone who was opting to believe Mr. Hurst. Turning to Lord's Bryce it read:

Dear Mr. Hudson,

Miss Bingley, who many recall from her presence at London social gatherings, is in need of another position ... one as a role of a governess. I understand there have been unfounded claims regarding her suitability for such a position. In particular from Mr. Hurst, or at the very least that is who they stem from. I assure you that any claim that gentleman...a term I now use loosely... are without just merit.

Miss Bingley, a young lady my wife is very much aware of. She recently moved to Netherfield and then to Longbourn as a governess to the landowner's daughter. The sister to one of my wife's best friend. Miss Bingley has proven herself to be a woman of considerable talents and unimpeachable character. Her tongue is not split and, recently, I inquired of a delicate matter she could have easily lied on - and I could tell it was not easy for her to talk- and yet speak she did, the whole truth. There was no effort made to deceive me. And, when I double-checked the facts, I found nothing lacking on what Miss Bingley had told me.

Moreover, while I confess, she is new to being a governess... only one pupil... her skills were remarkable. The student grew in a manner no one expected. And Caroline's aptitude for education and childcare I checked into from a Mrs. Thatcher. She assured me Miss Caroline Bingley's qualities are unique. Those qualities, and my observations -along with my wife's are, I believe, just the thing that would make her an excellent governess for your niece, Rosie. I must confess, though, were it not for her desire to stay in England we would be hiring her for ourselves.

You should be receiving more information as to her qualifications from a Mr. Thomas C. Bennet of Meryton, the gentleman of her first pupil- and one of good standing, is well acquainted with Miss Bingley and can attest to her virtues. If you do not get it, someone has got to be interring with your mail.

Yours sincerely,

Baron Hayden D. Bryce

"It appears it is the young governess is the same one you remember." Mr. Hudson laid down the letter and said nothing about any missing letter; he knew ways to get around that. "If, after you think about it, things set right with you; she will be hired."

Mrs. Craven exited the Hudson home and walked down the hard packed dirt towards the private chapel, leaving Mr. Hudson reread the letter. If he had not been so concerned about making sure Rosie had a shot at being on board with the new hire; hence pulling Mrs. Craven into things- something he was kicking himself for not thinking of earlier as those two had gotten so close- he would have hired Miss Bingley right then and there.

His decision was based on two things. Number one, desperation... Mrs. Craven was indeed due to leave shortly and two, if it was in between trusting an associate from London who was trusting the likes of Mr. Hurst or trusting Lord Bryce; he voted for Lord Bryce. He may be Scottish, but that baron was as honest as the day was long and then some.

As Mr. Hudson went back to his work, and Mrs. Craven sat in the chapel, Rosie wondered the upper half of the top floor as was her daily habit. Her hands ran along familiar bumps, crevices and such as her thoughts mulled over what had told and promised her.

"I have to go, Miss Rosie, I am no longer a young woman. I am getting old. I am beginning to need help myself. However, I am praying extremely hard over their names. Unless I get a really feeling when I dwell on their name, I will not recommend them to your uncle."

"Promise?"

"I promise."

Rosie had heard the nurse head downstair the flight of stairs which she always used when coming to check up on Rosie when the prospective governesses came. So far, Mrs. Craven had not told her one had been hired. And her young heart asked the question 'Did anyone else really want to be seen with a girl who could no longer see like anyone else?