Chapter 5
Mary was worried about her mother, Lydia, and Kitty. Mrs. Bennet had spent the last few days in bed because she was not feeling well, so she was surprised when she saw Mrs. Hill running to her mother's room. When she entered, she found Lydia and Kitty sitting beside their mother.
"Come in, Mary. Please sit here. Daughters, I want to apologize for not having accompanied you to breakfast, but I have not felt in good health. I have called you because I feel I should share something with you. I imagine that you have noticed that I have changed a lot, and I want you to know that it is not only due to the death of your father but also to another event that happened several months ago."
"Mama, I like it better when you allow me to chat with my friends and go to Meryton to visit our friends. Now you are just as boring as the other ladies in this town," Lydia said, complaining.
"I know it will be difficult for you to adjust because you were used to behaving differently. However, you must do it." Mrs. Bennet brathe and told her daughters everything she had heard about the Bennet family at the Netherfield ball. "Later, when I returned to the ballroom, for the first time, I saw how our neighbors looked at us and talked about us. Daughters, I never again want to expose you to the contempt of other people, and my most fervent wish is for you to be comfortable in life and happy," Mrs. Bennet concluded, crying.
Mary, Kitty, and Lydia were significantly affected by listening to how their mother described their actions. Mary felt ridiculous for thinking people admired her voice or piano playing. For their part, Kitty and Lydia felt ashamed when they realized that many thought they were silly girls who behaved shamelessly.
Mrs. Bennet felt very sorry to see her daughters so sad and told them to stay by her side, but Mary excused herself and preferred to go to her room. She had promised Jane that she would keep her informed of everything happening in the house, and she thought she should write to her to tell her about her mother's health and what she had just told them.
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Jane had not slept well the last few nights, wondering what to do. That evening, Mrs. Smith had invited some friends to dinner and she knew that Baron Norton would be present and would probably try to talk to her. Jane felt very sad and confused; at one moment, she thought that this was the solution to all her problems, and at the other, she felt that she would never be able to marry a man she barely knew.
Baron Norton was so different from Mr. Bingley that Jane doubted she would ever fall in love with him. Andrew Taylor was a severe man who smiled little. Besides, he was not as handsome as Mr. Bingley, although Jane acknowledged that was not important. Jane was worried about marrying a man who did not love her and having a marriage like her parents.
Jane was in the drawing room waiting for Mrs. Smith. One of the maids handed her the mail that had just arrived and Jane took the opportunity to read Mary's letter. Unfortunately, she had not yet received any letter from Elizabeth, but he was not concerned. Her dear sister now lived so far away that her letters would take several days to arrive.
Jane thanked Mary for keeping her informed and planned to write to her that same day to tell her how everything was in her life. Mrs. Bennet and her younger sisters were unaware that Elizabeth now worked for the Darcy family and lived in Derbyshire.
Jane was concerned when she read that her mother had been ill, but she understood that her mother was heartbreaking and sad and that this must affect her health. Jane had noticed that her mother had changed much in a month before her father's death, but she never quite understood why. For that reason, she was amazed when she read the reason why Mrs. Bennet had altered the way she behaved.
'Lizzy was always correct about everything she said about Louisa, Caroline, and Mr. Darcy! Oh, poor my sister who has to work for that man who despises us,' Jane thought horrified.
'If I had any doubts, I no longer have them. I shall do whatever I can to get my sister out of that man's house,' Jane said to herself. She was convinced that the only way to end the ordeal her sister must be experiencing was to marry Andrew Taylor.
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It was Elizabeth's second day at Pemberley and she still could not get used to her new life. The Darcy mansion was huge and sometimes it seemed like no one lived there. Miss Darcy was very kind, but she was not exactly sociable, and she hardly saw Mr. Darcy, although that did not bother her. She was used to living in a house full of arguments and cries, as well as laughter and joy. Silence and tranquility reigned in Pemberley.
Elizabeth had written a letter to her mother to tell her that she was working for a wealthy family and that they paid her an excellent salary, but she preferred not to tell her that she worked for the Darcys. Mrs. Bennet had a shallow opinion of Mr. Darcy and would not like to know that her daughter felt forced to work for him. Furthermore, Elizabeth had written to Jane to tell her about the trip to Derbyshire and Miss Darcy. But she also wrote to Mary and sent her money to buy something for her mother and sisters. It was not much, but it was her last savings. Now, she had everything she needed, and at the end of each fortnight, she would receive a salary that she planned to save as much as possible.
Elizabeth had always had the habit of getting up early, and although she really wanted to go out to explore the beautiful garden, it was very cold that morning, so she preferred to admire it from the window of one of the beautiful drawing rooms.
"Mr. Moore, I am sorry to bother you, but I would like to ask you a question," Elizabeth said to the butler. The servants in that house were just as serious as their master and she did not want to pester them.
"Please, Miss Bennet, tell me how I can help you," the butler replied in his usual grave tone.
"Thank you very much; I just want to know how I can send some letters I wrote to my family. If you tell me where the nearest town is, I can walk. I love to walk, and if Miss Darcy does not need me, I can do it today."
The butler looked at Elizabeth for several seconds, between surprised and amused. He and Mrs. Reynolds had discussed Miss Darcy's new companion and had agreed that she was very different from all the young ladies they had known who frequented Pemberley. When the old butler was about to speak, a deep and authoritative voice interrupted him.
"Miss Bennet, hand Mr. Moore the letters you wish to send, and he will arrange to post them along with the rest of Pemberley's correspondence," explained Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth turned and replied, "I understand. Who should I give the money to pay to send my mail? You can deduct it from my salary if that seems more convenient to you."
The butler could not help but smile when he saw the expression on his master's face, "Miss Bennet, can you please give me your letters? One of the servants will go to town later and take them to the post office."
"You do not need to pay for the correspondence you send to your family and friends, Miss Bennet," Mr. Darcy said, gesturing for the butler to leave.
Elizabeth handed the letters to the butler and then said, "Mr. Darcy, I plan to write to my mother and sisters every week. I do not want you to think I am taking advantage of your generosity. For that reason, I would prefer to pay for my mail; I would feel more comfortable. Also, as I explained to Mr. Moore, I can walk to the nearest town if you tell me where it is."
"Miss Bennet, Lambton is five miles from here. Believe me when I tell you that it is not necessary. Please give the letters to Mr. Moore; he will take care of the rest. It is time to have breakfast. We better go to the dining room because Georgiana must be waiting for us." Mr. Darcy ended the discussion and indicated the way to the dining room.
Elizabeth knew that she could not discuss the matter any further and that Mr. Darcy had ended the conversation. Unfortunately, now she was not at liberty to tell that man everything she thought of him, so she remained silent and walked towards the dining room.
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Jane was nervous. The people Mrs. Smith had invited to dinner were friendly and the food was delicious, but she could not enjoy anything. Jane had noticed Baron Norton watching her, but she had not dared to look for fear of blushing. Furthermore, Uncle and Aunt Gardiner could not attend because her cousins had been a little ill, and they did not want to leave him alone in the care of servants.
After dinner, the guests went to the drawing room. Mrs. Smith would play the piano for her guests, but before that, she approached her nephew and said, "Andrew, this is your chance to talk to Miss Bennet. Mrs. Parker told me that Agnes has assumed full control of Parkland and the girls."
"I know, aunt. Please do not worry. I shall talk with Miss Bennet and try to establish some kind of friendship with her. After two or three weeks, and when she knows me a little more, I think I shall be able to explain my problem to her and know if she is willing to help me," Andrew replied.
Mrs. Smith smiled at her nephew and sat at the piano. Andrew had also received a letter from the faithful housekeeper at his Somerset estate and knew the situation was worsening. So he took a deep breath and walked over to where Jane was seated. Then, he sat beside her and listened to his aunt play the piano while he thought about the best way to start a conversation with a young lady he did not know.
"Excuse me, Miss Bennet, but do you like music," Andrew said, visibly uncomfortable.
"Yes, I like music a lot although I never learned to play an instrument," Jane replied, trying to control her nerves.
"I understand. I like music too, and I did not learn to play instruments either," Andrew added, not knowing what to say.
"But I learned other things," Jane added, looking at the floor. She thought that conversation was inconsequential but did not know what to say.
"And what did you learn?" Andrew asked. He had never felt so foolish in his life. He had never been shy or had trouble maintaining an interesting conversation with either gentlemen or ladies. But he had never been in a situation like that.
"I learned a lot about flowers and plants, especially medicinal plants. At my father's house, I had a small garden and a greenhouse where I liked to grow plants and flowers," Jane thought she had at least managed to talk for a minute straight and felt a little less awkward.
"Well, flowers and plants brighten any home and require a lot of time and dedication," Andrew replied. Then, he looked at Jane and could not help but feel sorry. That poor lady had lost everything and now found herself alone and helpless. "My aunt told me about your situation, and I must tell you that I am very sorry that you have faced so many difficult things in such a short time."
Mrs. Smith began playing a second music piece that made Jane very melancholy. Mary and Elizabeth used to perform that song. Then, she remembered her family and sisters and decided to be direct. Jane knew why that gentleman was trying to be nice to her and she did not want to continue wasting her time.
"I thank you very much for your sincere words, my Lord. The hardest thing about all this situation was not losing my home or living away from my sisters but knowing that I could not do anything to help them. Believe me, sir, I would do anything to ensure a home for my mother and sisters, and above all, so that my sister Elizabeth would not have to work for a family that does not appreciate or respect her." Jane could not help but shed a few tears as she spoke and to prevent Lord Norton from seeing her, she lowered her head.
"I understand you perfectly, Miss Bennet. I find myself in a very similar situation to yours. My dear brother's daughters are in the custody of a ruthless woman who is willing to use them in order to maintain her privileges and social status."
Jane raised her head and, for the first time, and looked at Andrew's face, "Maybe I can help you if you can help me."
Andrew took Jane's hand, smiled, and added, "I believe I shall come visit you tomorrow, Miss Bennet. Without a doubt we have a lot to talk about."
After that, Jane and Andrew stood in silence, listening to Mrs. Smith play a new piece of music.
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Since arriving at Pemberley, Mr. Darcy had spent almost no time with his sister. He had to visit the estate of one of his neighbors and friends to agree on some improvements he should make to the irrigation canals that crossed both properties. Furthermore, he preferred not to interfere in the developing relationship between Georgiana and Elizabeth. He wanted to give them time to get to know each other and, above all, for his sister to learn to trust her new companion.
Finally, and after resolving all the issues he had pending with his neighbor, Mr. Darcy returned to Pemberley. That night he planned to have dinner with Georgiana and Elizabeth to see how things were progressing between them.
For her part, Elizabeth had managed to talk a little more with Miss Darcy. In fact, when she discovered that her brother was not in Pemberley, she felt more relaxed and even dared to walk with her in the garden one afternoon when it was not so cold.
"Miss Darcy, what do you think if this time, in addition to playing the piano, you try singing," Elizabeth said to encourage her.
"No, I am too mortified to sing. My voice is not as pretty as yours, Miss Bennet," Georgiana replied.
"I think we agreed yesterday that you would call me Lizzy. I do not know, but Miss Bennet sounds very formal. It makes me feel like an old and grumpy lady," Elizabeth said, smiling.
"I am sorry, Lizzy. Let me clarify that you are neither old nor grumpy but quite the opposite. But if I am going to call you Lizzy, you should call me Georgiana… If you want, of course," Georgiana said timidly.
"Of course I want to, Georgiana. I do not think we could ever become good friends if we treat each other so formally all the time."
"Do you want to be my friend, Lizzy?" Georgiana asked, very surprised.
"Of course, Georgiana. It is true that being here with you is part of my contract, but it does not have to be just employment. In a way, we both need each other, and we should help each other in every way we can."
"Thank you, Lizzy. I want to be your friend, too," Georgiana replied happily.
"Well, since we have agreed on that subject, how about you sing for me? I would love to hear your voice."
"It makes me feel insecure. Are you not ashamed to sing for other people?"
"Sometimes, depending on who is in the audience. You know there are people who love to criticize everything and everyone," Elizabeth said, thinking of Mr. Darcy. "When I started singing, and to avoid feeling uncomfortable, I imagined that the people listening to me were the animals we had in Longbourn. Mrs. Long was my cat, Sophia, Sir William Lucas was Willy, the donkey, Mr. Morgan was my dog Bruno, and Mrs. Lucas was our cow, Molly," Elizabeth explained as she described her neighbors.
Georgiana could not stop laughing while talking to Elizabeth. "But I do not have as good an imagination as you, Lizzy."
"I think I can help you," Elizabeth said. She went to a little table in the music room and drew some animals as best she could on a piece of paper. "Here, look at these animals and sing."
"What animals are those? Lizzy, you are definitely not very good at drawing. I shall teach you how to draw," Georgiana said without stopping laughing.
"And I shall take the drawing lessons if you sing for me," Elizabeth replied.
Georgiana took a deep breath, and while looking at Elizabeth's foolish drawings, she began to sing a beautiful song. Elizabeth was delighted with Georgiana's beautiful voice and thought they could sing duets to entertain themselves and brighten the gloomy atmosphere that reigned in Pemberley.
Mrs. Reynolds informed Mr. Darcy that Georgiana was in the music room, and he headed there to greet his sister and chat with her. He imagined that Georgiana had probably been locked there for hours, repeating the same notes over and over again until she could perform perfectly. It made him very sad to see his sister isolated, playing the piano for hours without saying a word, locked in her world of pain and sadness. At least this time, Elizabeth was with her, and she was not alone.
Therefore, he was curious when he heard his sister laugh heartily and sing a beautiful song. When he entered the music room, he saw Georgiana singing and looking at the music sheet. Elizabeth sat beside her, listening attentively.
When Georgiana saw her brother she immediately stopped singing. "William, I…"
"Georgie, darling, please do not stop. I am very sorry for interrupting you; the song you were singing is very beautiful."
Georgiana looked at Elizabeth and she pointed to the drawing of the animals. Georgiana smiled and continued singing without looking at her brother. At that moment, Mr. Darcy knew that his aunt was correct and that his dear sister needed someone like Elizabeth Bennet in her life.
"Did you like my song, William?"
"It was wonderful, Georgie. Fitzwilliam and I have always told you you have a beautiful voice."
"Lizzy and I are thinking of preparing some duets to sing in the evenings if you do not mind."
"Lizzy? Mr. Darcy asked, surprised.
"It is just that Miss Bennet…" Georgiana tried to explain nervously. She thought her brother was angry.
"I asked Miss Darcy to call me Lizzy. That is what my sisters call me..."
"I understand; you do not need to explain, Miss Bennet. If Georgiana feels comfortable calling you that way, I have no problem."
"It just seemed from your tone of voice, Mr. Darcy, that you did have a problem," Elizabeth said and immediately regretted it. That man was now her employer, and she could not defy him as she had done in Netherfield.
"Well, make no mistake, Miss Bennet. Although I must be honest, I think your name, Elizabeth, is much more elegant and sophisticated than what your sisters call you," Mr. Darcy explained. He could not tell his sister's companion that the name Elizabeth suited her perfectly.
Elizabeth could not believe that Mr. Darcy had no shame in telling her that her pet name, which her sisters used so affectionately, was vulgar. "I like both—my name, Elizabeth, and the unsophisticated Lizzy."
Mr. Darcy could not help but laugh at Elizabeth's impertinent and sly comment. Georgiana could not believe that her friend had spoken to her brother that way, and she also thought it was amusing. She was very animated that day and felt content.
"Mrs. Reynolds told me dinner will be served in ten minutes. If you do not mind, I would love to hear you sing after dinner," said Mr. Darcy, smiling.
"We have not prepared anything yet, but we can improvise. What do you think, Miss Darcy?" Elizabeth asked. She preferred not to say Georgiana in front of that man.
"We can try." Georgiana stood, kissed her brother on the cheek, and went to her room to change for dinner.
Elizabeth took the scores to put them in the trunk where they were, but a sheet fell on the floor, and Mr. Darcy took it. After looking at it for several seconds he could not help but ask, "What is this?"
Elizabeth was surprised because she thought Mr. Darcy was no longer there. When he handed her the paper, she could not help but blush, but without lowering her gaze, she responded, "Those are some of the animals we had in Longbourn."
"Animals?"
"Yes, sir, animals. If you will excuse me, I must change my clothes. I do not want to be late for dinner." She would allow that man to humiliate her. She was his employee but not his slave.
"I should change my clothes, too. Maybe while we walk to our rooms, you can explain to me what kind of animals these are."
"No, Mr. Darcy, I cannot explain it. You see, it takes an artistic eye to see what lies beyond this drawing."
"Miss Bennet, there is nothing artistic about this drawing. I believe I drew better than this when I was four or five years old."
"Very well, sir. I believe I had a much more artistic sense as a child than you have now," Elizabeth replied with a defiant smile. She felt so offended that she completely forgot her position in that house. All she thought about was not letting that man have the last word.
"I studied art history for a year at Cambridge, and you want to imply that I do not know what art or what is artistic is."
"Mr. Darcy, there are things that cannot be learned in books or any university," Elizabeth replied, happy to have reached the end of the hallway and the foot of the stairs that led to her room. She planned to climb the stairs quickly so Mr. Darcy could not add anything more.
"And what cannot be learned in books or one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy asked, unable to stop looking at Elizabeth and her beautiful eyes shining as she thought how to answer his question.
"I see you did not learn that at Cambridge either, sir. There are many things you cannot learn from books or studying. No university can teach you to appreciate simple things and their value because that can be subjective and depends on the eye of the beholder. Without a doubt, for you, Pemberley is the most beautiful place in the world, while for a Duke, it may be a simple and even small house."
"I understand, but how is your explanation related to this childish drawing?"
"If you knew how to appreciate simple things and were not always searching for perfection, you might have understood what it represented," Elizabeth replied triumphantly. She was happy to have told that man everything she thought about him, but in such an indirect manner that he could not reprimand her for anything.
"And what does this drawing represent?" Mr. Darcy asked, sincerely curious.
"It represents a gesture of friendship, sir."
"Mr. Darcy, excuse me for interrupting," said Mrs. Reynolds.
"Well, Mr. Darcy, I shall see you at dinner," Elizabeth said, walking away as quickly as she could.
"Yes, Mrs. Reynolds, please, tell me what you need," said Mr. Darcy, but he heard nothing she said. He was still thinking about what Elizabeth had told him. Without a doubt, once again, she spoke to him defiantly but subtly. But that conversation did not end yet, and he would request her to clarify her remarks during dinner. He was very excited to think about how entertaining dinner would be chatting with Elizabeth.
"What do you think, sir?" Mrs. Reynolds asked.
"I… Yes, do what is appropriate," Mr. Darcy replied and excused himself. He did not know that he had just authorized dinner to be served in the small dining room because they were polishing the floor in the main dining room.
Mrs. Reynolds had watched her young master and did not know whether to be content or sad. 'I hope this time you will not think about what you should do but about what makes you happy, my dear Mr. Darcy.'
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In the next chapter Jane will talk with Andrew while things get complicated in Pemberley.
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Saludos,
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