Chapter 6

He saw her as soon as he approached The Laughing Dog Inn. She was once again sitting on a bench, this time munching an apple. She seemed completely absorbed in surveying the many different activities happening in the yard. Darcy gave his horse and instructions to the hostler before heading in her direction. Just before he reached her, she recognized him. He took it as a good sign when her face lit up in a brilliant smile. She patted the seat next to her, and he did as she suggested.

"Mr Darcy, I did not expect to see you ever again."

"I was hoping to catch you. Your aunt, Mrs Gardiner, told me your destination. You see Lambton is but five miles from Pemberley. It is a route I travel often. Since I was planning to journey home." Her laughter told him she found his answer comical. The sound was enticing as usual. Elizabeth Bennet was unlike anyone he had known before or after that kiss in Vauxhall.

"And so, now you have caught me Mr Darcy, what next?" Suddenly her face changed to concern. "Did my sister take a turn for the worse?"

"No, when she left Netherfield for Longbourn she seemed much improved, nor did your father mention her having a relapse."

"You spoke to my father?"

"Yes, but he claimed he had no knowledge of where you were being sent."

"Mr Darcy, what are you about? I have told you my parents have disowned me."

"Yes, I know, but you deserve to be safe during this journey, even if your father does not seem to care what happens to you. Once I persuaded your aunt to tell me your destination, it became my mission to protect you as you travel to Derbyshire. It is the least I can do after leaving you open to gossip in Meryton."

"As I told you before, you owe me nothing. My reputation was already in tatters—I was ruined by another."

He knew he should tell her the truth, but she would certainly expect him to marry her if he did. He wanted to make amends but not at that price. "I will hire a carriage to take you to Lambton."

"Why would you do such a thing?"

"You are a gentleman's daughter. It is unseemly for you to travel with those below your station."

He heard her sigh. "You spoke to my father. He no longer considers me his daughter." Once again, he saw a struggle to restrain her emotions. To counter, her jaw jutted out in determination before she spoke. "My old life has ended. It is time to embark on a new one. I have accepted my new place in society and so must you."

"But you still deserve protection."

She looked up at him with a quizzical look, the way she sometimes had at Netherfield. At the time he had assumed she was trying to sketch his character. "Mr Darcy, that word has a much different connotation to a woman of my current status. When I was Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn. I would have assumed a gentleman such as you might be considering a marriage proposal… but not now. My plan is to find my way without having to stoop to being some man's mistress."

"He could do little but splutter and say, "You misinterpret my offer. I only want you to arrive in Derbyshire safely. I could rent a carriage and ride alongside so none would see us alone together."

"But they would speculate why one of your consequence would do so for someone of mine."

He knew she spoke the truth. He resolved to allow her to do as she wished for the time being. Later, he would ensure her situation in Lambton was as it should be. "I am sorry I offended you. Your point is well taken."

"Please, an apology is unnecessary. I have enjoyed my conversations with you, but I also enjoyed speaking with the man who kissed me in Vauxhall and then left me at the altar. I have much to learn as I embark on my new life. My goal is to grow wise enough to do the proper thing when it comes to trusting the motives of men."

Now was the perfect opportunity to tell the truth, but it would change his life as drastically as hers had been altered. He delivered his next words with a laugh though it was not truly the way he felt. "I will leave you then merely with the admonition to be wary of those of my sex."

"Thank you, for the advice. I will take it as if given to me by a loving brother… something I know you to be. Jane and I often imaged our lives being entirely different had we had one."

"I am going inside for something to eat. May your solicitous brotherly friend bring you something more filling than your apple?"

"Thank you for your kindness, but I have met a lady who is also travelling alone. She is bringing me a roll and a bit of cheese. Miss Golden is also going to Lambton. She has secured a position teaching at Mrs Thatcher's school for young ladies. Do you know it?"

"I believe my uncle, the Earl of Matlock, is a patron."

"My traveling companion believes it possible I might find a position there as well."

His sudden mortification upon hearing those words became overwhelming, while her demeanour seemed more about anticipating an adventure. All he could fathom was her new life would eventually end in utter degradation due to his impetuous drunken action. Luckily, she was so engaged in her dream of what was to be, that she did not notice his look of dismay. He reined in his disapproval and said what he knew she expected. "I hope to see you again now that we will be living but five miles from each other."

The smile she gave him made him remember the prelude to their kiss. "Perhaps Mr Darcy, you will attend an assembly in Lambton, and we will finally be able to have that dance you requested."

Though unsure of her intention with such a statement, he did not perceive any malice in her eyes. She simply seemed to want to let him know where she would be. "I will be living with my aunt's father and his sister. His name is Mr Goodwin, and I believe he owns several businesses in town." Once again, her eyes became quite lovely as they shone with excitement. "My Aunt Gardiner told me one is a book shop."

What could she be thinking. He would never attend a gathering where shopkeepers would be present. Had she no understanding of his position in the area. They were worlds apart. How could he ever make things right for her. Though he detested artifice he said, "Perhaps, Miss Bennet." He turned, and strode purposefully toward the inn. His mind was so occupied with his dishonourable dilemma, further complicated by the pleasure he felt when in her company, that he almost bumped into a tall lady carrying a bundle wrapped in a napkin walking toward her.

Esther sat down beside her and handed her the bread and cheese she had requested. She looked back at the man entering the inn. Her words took on a conspiratorial tone. "Who was that handsome gentleman with whom you were talking?"

"He is Mr Darcy of Pemberley. I just learned his estate is but five miles from Lampton."

Miss Golden had an appraising look on her face. She smiled as she said, "The way he was standing and talking to you reminded me of Michelangelo's sculpture of David… despite his not being naked and seventeen feet tall. But to your explanation, I have heard Mrs Thatcher mention the Darcy family. He is related to the Earl of Matlock, I believe."

The mention by Esther of his uncle, the one she believed had married his betrothed, caused her to remember their discussions in the library at Netherfield. She had never met any man with whom she enjoyed talking to as much as Mr Darcy. His cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, was a pleasant conversationalist, and Mr Wickham and she had an interesting discussion the night they kissed. However, upon getting to know him better his words had not impressed her as much. Mr Darcy, on the other hand, spoke words of substance about life and possibilities. He made her dream of something much better than the humdrum existence she had led at Longbourn.

"How do you know him?"

Elizabeth could not control her laughter as she answered. "I met him recently in Hertfordshire. He was staying with a friend nearby to my father's estate. We spoke of being left at the altar while together in the library at midnight. While we were there conversing alone, me in my nightclothes and bare feet, his friend's sister attempted to compromise him."

"What about your reputation?"

"By then I was already ruined, jilted and disowned. I told you about what happened in Vauxhall Gardens."

"What were you talking about just now?"

"He once asked me for a reel at a most inappropriate time. We discussed his attending an assembly in Lambton and finally having a chance to dance one together."

"You seem to approve of him. Does he have an interest in more than a dance?"

"No, definitely not. He is much above my station. Marriage is completely out of the question, and I made it very clear I needed no protection from a man. He is an honourable gentleman, so he was deeply offended I would even think that of him."

"I think better of him for that. So few men seem honourable these days. What about Mr Darcy appeals to you?"

"Our conversations have helped me put my new life into perspective. I would so like him to remain a friend."

"I know from experience men and women are rarely able to simply be friends. I had a wonderful friendship with one of my father's students at Oxford, but once he married, his wife insisted we never see each other again."

"Just another reason for me to dislike marriage. My father gives in to my mother's demands just to have peace and quiet. Why did your friend not marry you?"

"I am Jewish and no Christian man of his elevated position could consider me as a wife. His family expects him to go into politics."

"You are the first person I have ever met who is Jewish. You seem exceptionally wise. Your father must have been an excellent teacher."

"He was. He prepared me well for what lies ahead."

"As I said, Mr Darcy is also quite far above my status… especially now that I have been disowned. Still, he understands me better than any man of my acquaintance. He reminds me of the man who kissed me, but then that man turned out to be quite different from my first impression.

"He seemed quite determined about something as he strode away from you. What do you believe it was? I wondered who the Goliath was this David was considering defeating."

Mrs Edward Gardiner received three letters in the post enclosed in one packet. One was to her from her father, one was from her niece, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and the last one was sealed and addressed to Miss Jane Bennet from her sister. She started with her father's news.

My dearest Margaret,

Your niece, Miss Elizabeth, she insists we call her Lizzy, has been here but a fortnight and is quickly becoming a most enjoyable diversion for all three of us. Your letters did not reveal just how opinionated, and I would add determined, Lizzy is. Her hopes for the future are not something a gentleman with plans for his daughter to marry well within her station would approve, but alas, I am not her father, nor even a true guardian, so I am allowing her to pursue them. None are something to ruin a tradesmen's daughter. If her own family had wanted something different for her, she would not be living with me. I suppose you are able to tell how much I disapprove of what her family has done. Surely, she deserved a lesser punishment.

Upon her arrival, she immediately told me and Gwynneth plans for earning her keep. Her primary objective was to not be a burden to either me or your Edward.

Within days of her arrival, she told me about finding employment of sorts. Three days a week she will be living at Mrs Thatcher's, you must remember the school on the road to Matlock. It seems on her trip to Lampton she met a recently hired teacher at that establishment and an arrangement has been made. She will educate the young ladies in French and assist the music master who spends one day a week teaching the young ladies. It will be Lizzy's responsibility to help them with their practicing when he is not there. The pay is very little but she will receive meals and lodging, and as she tells me be able to improve her own playing from observing the master's instruction. Her teacher friend, Miss Esther Golden, is also helping our dear girl to learn Italian. She has a dream to travel to Venice someday.

Please do not tell Edward my next bit of news. She wants me to allow her to work in the book shop. I told her I believed doing so would be too much of a descent from her birthright. She would never be able to come back from such a degradation. Her words to me were "earning my keep doing something I love could never be a degradation. You are not treating me like Cinderella and denying me my rightful place. My parents want it this way." When I looked puzzled, she explained it is one of the tales she uses to teach French. Maggie, I am uncertain what to do. I never allowed you to be associated with any of my businesses, but I am tempted to permit her. She laughed the way she does so endearingly as she told me, "It is possible I may meet a man with a great library who will admire the knowledge I have acquired working in a book shop. He will think my accomplishment will make me the perfect woman to marry and help him acquire new books. He will undoubtedly propose on the spot."

Your Aunt Gwynneth loves when she reads to her. Her voice changes for the different characters. In exchange my sister, who has been so sad since her Alfred died, is teaching her to sew. They are redoing her wardrobe so she does not look quite so shabby. Your aunt has some older frocks that are being redone for her as well.

I have enclosed a letter from her to you as well as one for her sister. Missing her seems to be the only thing I know for certain Lizzy regrets about her change in circumstance. All in all, she seems filled with hopes and dreams for her future.

I would like to see my grandchildren next summer. Perhaps you would like to travel to Derbyshire.

Love, your Papa

Next, she turned her attention to Lizzy's letter. It told her much the same things her father's had, but there was just enough about the two men who had paid her a visit looking for news of her nieces to set her to wondering

Dear Aunt Maggie,

Thank you for persuading Uncle Edward to allow me to live with your father, your aunt and your cousin. I am quite pleased with my situation. All have made me feel so very welcome. Your aunt, Mrs Swift, is improving my wardrobe by teaching me to sew. We are using the fabric from some old gowns she had as well to make knew dresses for me. Your cousin, Jamie, has ever so many books he is allowing me to read. He is very knowledgeable about Italy during the Renaissance. He knows I very much want to visit there some day. I have wanted to go to Venice for a time, but now I have a great hope of going to Florence to see the seventeen foot high naked statue of David preparing to slay Goliat in a town square there.

I am also spending much of my free time learning Italian from a young woman I met on the coach. Her name is Miss Esther Golden. Her late father had been a don at Oxford. They lived in Florence until she was thirteen. After her mother died, she and her father moved back to England. Her family is Jewish, and she has told me so many interesting things about her religion. We share a room three days a week at Mrs Thatcher's school. She persuaded the headmistress to give me a position to teach French and help the young ladies with their pianoforte practice. The pay is very small but when I receive it at the end of the month, I plan to give it to your papa to help pay for my keep.

Miss Golden and your cousin seem to enjoy each other's company. I have never met two people who are so learned about so many things. It is my luck both quite willing to share their knowledge with me.

I am most excited to say your father has said I may work in his book shop. We have agreed I will mainly stay in the backroom keeping the ledgers up to date. He will use me to also help with correspondence and the ordering of books. I will only help with sales when busy. He worries about me being sullied as a marriageable young lady. If my parents do not care, why should I worry about becoming a spinster. My hope is my contribution will allow him to return the money Uncle Edward sends. Someday, I plan to find the means to make enough to travel.

About the only hardship I face is being without Jane. Please see if my parents will allow her to spend time with you in London. I know one man who is currently staying there who might be considering an attachment. He is Colonel Fitzwilliam. He is recovering from a war wound. I believe he and Mr Darcy came to you looking for Jane and me. Mr Darcy found me on my way to Derbyshire, but he told me my sister was not residing with you. He lives but five miles away from Lambton at his estate, Pemberley. Do you know it? Your father does. He says there is a place I can walk to on its property that is open to the public.

I have enclosed a letter for Jane. Send it along discretely when possible. Please tell Susan and George, I miss them. I hope you and the children plan a trip to Derbyshire next summer.

Thank you again for looking out for my welfare.

Lizzy

As expected Lizzy's letter told her much the same things as her father's. Her desire to know about the two men who had called was increased due to the bits her niece included. The added information about her cousin Jamie also intrigued. She so wanted to know what Lizzy had written to Jane, but could not bring herself to betray the sisters' right to privacy.

She quickly wrote a letter to her sister-in-law asking permission for Jane to visit London. She decided not to tell Mrs Bennet about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy looking for information about her daughters. Something told her, it was knowledge her sister-in-law need not know. The business with Lizzy being disowned was not something of which she approved and her husband's being complicit troubled her even more. Thank goodness her family had come to the poor girl's rescue.

She penned a separate letter to Jane that included Lizzy's correspondence. The invitation for Jane to visit was related as well as the news that Colonel Fitzwilliam had paid Mrs Gardiner a visit hoping to find Miss Bennet in residence. She also told her niece about Mr Darcy's trip to find and speak with her sister while enroute to Lambton. Her hope was Jane would confide in her about what exactly was between Mr Darcy and Elizabeth and herself and Colonel Fitzwilliam

She had decided to keep the information from her husband about Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Darcy visiting to seek information about his nieces when it had happened. She had not trusted what he would have done with the knowledge. Lizzy's letter made her believe it in the interest of his eldest niece that he be persuaded to also correspond with his sister to allow Jane to stay with them. Until Mrs Gardiner had more information about either men's interest, it would remain her secret. Upon his return from his warehouse, she merely told him she had received a letter from Mr Goodwin telling of Elizabeth's arrival and her father, aunt and cousin's enjoyment of her company.

He had merely nodded his approval and said, "Elizabeth is quite witty, much like her father. Although, I believe her to be much less cruel in her words for others. She should find her way."

"According to Papa, she also seems much less indolent than Mr Bennet. I hope you are correct about her resilience."

"Though Fanny refuses to admit it, Lizzy is her brightest and most resourceful daughter. I am pleased she is making the best of her situation in Lambton. We could have done much worse by her. My blame for her fall from grace is definitely with the man who kissed her. He was obviously no gentleman!"