Chapter 7

Lizzy Bennet was finding more pleasure in her new life than she had ever imagined possible. She was free to master all manner of things her mother would have never approved of her learning. Mr Goodwin had a cook who came in three days a week, but Elizabeth and Mrs Swift made do the other days. She was now quite adept at preparing excellent boiled potatoes. Mrs Bennet would have been appalled. Though not quite having mastered baking bread, the entire family relied on her preparing toast exactly as they liked it in the morning.

Jamie and Esther made learning about the Renaissance exciting. They had her reading The Prince in both English and Italian. It was interesting, but the thought of so much violence and intrigue to ensure power and position often resulted in sleeplessness. She much preferred reading the book on the artists of the age by Georgio Vasari, Esther had loaned her.

One delightful event that had happened since she arrived in Lambton was her becoming acquainted with a female kitten. She had come begging for a bit of comfort outside the backdoor of the bookstore. Lizzy let her in and fed her a bit of chicken she had brought to tide her over until dinner. The following day she was back and this time she had brought more chicken as well as some milk and a saucer for her just in case she returned. The routine became a habit and after a sennight, she asked Mr Goodwin permission to let her sleep in the shop. He agreed and said a mouser would be a great addition to the staff. Elizabeth named her Iphigenia after the daughter Agamemnon agreed to sacrifice to appease the goddess Artemis. Somehow it seemed appropriate her new friend should have an equally spineless father as her own.

At night alone in her bed chamber at Mr Goodwin's, she indulged in the guilty pleasure of imagining what her encounter might be like with Mr Darcy at the assembly. They would have their dance, and she would be able to tell him about all the delights of her banishment. Most importantly, he could be eased of his believing he was obligated to protect her.

Finally, on a beautiful late November day, Lizzy received a letter from Jane. Worry about her sister's future wiped out all feelings of excitement for the assembly in two days, Still, just to be able to hear from her made the day sweeter.

My dearest sister,

Your letter was so appreciated. It broke the wearisome sameness of my days. Mama seems proud of the fact we dine with four and twenty families, but unfortunately, they are the same people over and over again. I miss you and Papa poking fun at their follies and nonsense, but currently I find them too well known to be diverted. However, your character sketches of Miss Golden, Mr Goodwin, Mrs Swift and her son James were delightful. Your pen made them come alive for me. Oh, that I could be with you as you go forward into as you say, "my brave new world."

We have recently experienced a distraction, though not an altogether pleasant one. A Mr Collins has come to stay for a fortnight. He is a distant cousin of Papa's and is the heir to Longbourn. Mama was told not a word about his visit. Papa so enjoys torturing her. He received a letter from him about his intentions more than a month before, but Papa only read his letter to us the morning he arrived. To me, he seemed overly deferential toward his patron, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He mentioned her twice and referred to her several more times in a short letter. He even implied she had sent him to us. I struggled to make him out with his pompous style and apologies about the entail. To me, he seemed less than sensible. I would have loved to hear your opinion. Papa seemed to rejoice in his oddity. He told us he had great hopes in observing his ability to mix servility and self-importance. Mary defended his reference to extending an olive branch. Mama was livid until after he arrived and Mr Collins told her he was aware of the hardship of his fair cousins and that he came prepared to admire us. He hinted at marrying one of us.

Within days it was obvious I had become his chosen one. I spend most of time avoiding him.

Mr Wickham has become quite popular with most of the young ladies in the neighbourhood. I must admit he is the most handsome and charming man I have ever met, but I have avoided him as well. Mama seems quite conflicted about his presence. She blames you for his not showing up to the wedding. Her explanation of his ungentlemanly behaviour is he was so appalled with your improper behaviour in the end he could not countenance marriage. I have told her, as has Papa, what you said about him, but she does not believe us. Lydia is silly enough to think it would be a great triumph if he were to actually marry her after having jilted her sister. He currently is paying a great deal of attention to Miss King. She has inherited 10,000 pounds with her grandfather's passing. I believe that is his true interest.

We are to have dinner this evening at Lucas Lodge. Charlotte seems quite envious of Mr Collins' attention to me. I would gladly trade places with her.

Write to me soon to tell me more of the things you are learning and the adventures you are having.

Your loving sister, Jane

"Thank you for allowing me to stay with you and Georgiana, Darcy. I do not believe I could bear staying with my father and Isabelle."

"Richard, you know I am always pleased to have you. Georgiana will enjoy your company as well. Perhaps your sparkling repartee will be able to bring her out of her dejection. It appears she still pines for that scoundrel. Did I tell you he left Miss Elizabeth at the altar?"

"You did. Speaking of Miss Elizabeth, I stopped in Lambton on my way here and heard there is an assembly on November 26th. As I recall, the two of you were hoping to share a dance together."

"That was her desire. It would be unseemly for me to be seen at such a gathering."

"Darcy, you are entirely too fastidious, not to mention needlessly proud. You demean Wickham for his actions toward the young lady in question, but you and I know who actually kissed her."

"You are a second son. You are under no obligation to maintain a certain propriety."

"Oh yes, the way my brother, the Viscount Smallwood does. I understand perfectly now."

Darcy glared at his cousin. "Bertie is hardly a good example of my point about decorum among those of elevated status."

"I am not certain the Earl of Matlock is either. However, I have decided I am going to this assembly."

"What do you hope to accomplish with your appearance?"

"I will renew my acquaintance with Miss Elizabeth and learn what news she has of her sister."

"I knew your motive was not to simply be a companionable neighbour to the inhabitants of Lambton."

"I have never met a more engaging young lady as Miss Bennet. She is both lovely and kind hearted. Your infatuation with Isabelle, who granted was also a beauty, completely overlooked her lack of caring for the needs and wants of any but her own. All that mattered to you were her impeccable connections. I have other more important conditions when choosing a wife."

"I believe you told all the women you met you required a dowry of 50,000 pounds."

"Yes, I did, but that was before I met Miss Bennet."

"Why have you not proposed?"

"Because I make my living as a soldier, and if you haven't noticed we are at war. That is no life for her, worrying how she will survive if I am killed or gravely wounded."

"Then why find out about her? It would be better to forget her completely."

"Because the desire is strong. Who knows, the war could end, and then I could serve safely here in England, or I might inherit some property from some long-forgotten relative. The most important thing is I must find a way to be able to marry Miss Bennet"

Darcy listened carefully as his cousin detailed his affection toward Miss Elizabeth's sister. He had never seen Richard display feelings so openly about any young lady. For the last ten years he had never strayed from explaining to the females he met about his need for a wealthy wife. Suddenly in the midst of hearing his cousin's admiration for his golden-haired beauty, he also realized there was a possible solution for his own moral dilemma. Miss Elizabeth had told him she would be content living with her sister if she was married. Her ambition was to teach her nieces and nephews to speak French and play the pianoforte. His job was to find a way to help Richard to marry and live comfortably. He was not yet able to commit to assisting him, but he could at least raise the possibility of helping.

"You seem to genuinely care for her, cousin. Perhaps I might be able to help. I have no ideas currently, but perhaps together we could find a way for the two of you to marry."

"Lizzy why do you look so pensive?"

"I am composing a letter to Jane in my head. She is unhappy at home, and I want to find the exact wording to cheer her with my good news about Colonel Fitzwilliam asking about her."

"How genuine do you believe his intentions toward your sister are?"

"I believe him quite serious in his affection for her, but his obligations as a soldier make him unreliable. His cousin has been very generous during his recovery, but his future is far from secure."

"He told me he believes he will return to Portugal or Spain soon after the first of the year."

"Yes, he told me the same. He also hinted he would prefer to leave the military, but if he did there would be little to support a family."

"That does sound as though he is seriously wishing he could find a way."

"During our second set, he apologized for telling Jane he required a wife with fifty thousand pounds when they first met. He confessed those were glib words he has been saying to young ladies who seemed interested for years. When uttered to my sister, the Colonel had yet to recognize the special qualities—beyond her beauty—he soon grew to admire."

"Does he have any prospects at all?"

"He said Mr Darcy believes he should enter parliament and live at Pemberley until he becomes successful."

"That hardly sounds to be a certainty."

"Yes, and it is why I must be careful what I write to my sister. It would be wrong to allow her expectations to exceed the possibilities… and yet I do not want her to agree to marry just to please my parents because all hope is lost. My dearest Jane deserves a wonderful marriage with someone who treasures her goodness."

"Did Colonel Fitzwilliam have any information on why Mr Darcy did not join him at the assembly. I believe you were hoping he would."

"Yes, I was wishing so, but perhaps it is best he did not attend. My feelings for Mr Darcy are complicated. When I was caring for Jane at Netherfield, he asked me to dance at a totally inopportune time… when no one else was dancing. Our host's sisters were performing. The unmarried one was, I believe, the main reason Mr Darcy had been invited. Miss Bingley seemed to have marriage in mind. He was obviously not interested. However, my sister was there recovering, and I was not free to enjoy myself with a bit of frivolous fun. That kind of behaviour had already drastically altered my life."

"You refused him?"

"I did. He was not so very offended… more bemused by my rejection than annoyed. Later that evening we had a delightful conversation about both of us being abandoned at the altar. He had the misguided notion he had ruined my reputation because we were caught alone together in the library. Actually, I saved him from being compromised by Miss Bingley."

"Why did you raise the possibility of dancing together at an assembly when you met at The Laughing Dog?"

"He seemed to believe at that time It might be enjoyable to continue our acquaintance. I simply gave him the possibility to do so. It is clear he has changed his mind."

"Why do you assume so?"

"Colonel Fitzwilliam told me he had been called away to London, but Mr Wright, his steward, said Mr Darcy had met with him that day. He assured me Mr Darcy is not travelling to London until after the holidays."

"What does that mean?"

"I assume he asked his cousin to tell me a fib. Despite my father's despicable treatment of me, his obligations to his family and position in society are more important than my welfare."

"What about his steward? He seemed taken with you."

Both Mr Wright and Mr Darcy are wrong for me. I do not want a marriage without true affection. To be honest, I am dubious I should marry at all. I am enjoying trying to make a life on my own."

"I too felt that way, but I am beginning to believe there may be someone for me."

"Yes, Jamie speaks of you the way Colonel Fitzwilliam talks about my sister. He also favours you with that special look. I call it the look of love. The signs are there, dear Miss Golden."

"He, nor his mother, seem put off by my being Jewish. I pray I am not being foolish in that belief. This evening, I told him about a special dish my mother used to make for Chanukah, and he immediately proposed I prepare it for all of us once the holiday begins."

"'That sounds delightful."

"They are scrumptious, Lizzy. First you make thin pancakes, then you put sweetened cheese on them, roll them up and serve them with jam. My mother taught me to make them when I was about ten. They always bring back such fond memories of her when I make them."

"My mother would not let any of us do anything in the kitchen. She felt such work beneath us. Having a cook who did everything was an indication to her of our status. I envied my friend Charlotte Lucas. She was known in the neighbourhood for making mince pies. Mrs Swift is planning to teach me when she makes them for Christmas. I love learning things."

But alas Lizzy, the time has come for me to prepare my lesson for today. I will leave you to find the perfect words to write to your sister."

Darcy was lingering over breakfast hoping Richard would join him. His need to know about her was uncommonly strong this morning. It was during his third cup of tea when his cousin arrived noisily boasting, in the irritating way only Richard could do, about what a satisfying time he had spent last evening.

"Your reluctance to be seen mixing with the hoi polloi caused you to miss a most enjoyable time. I met several of Miss Elizabeth's acquaintances. They were of no significant consequence, but all provided excellent company. Her friend Miss Golden was a most amiable dance partner, despite being taller than I am. Still, she amazed me with her knowledge of Portugal and the Peninsular campaign."

"I believe she is the one who persuaded Mrs Thatcher to give Miss Elizabeth a position at her school."

"Yes, we talked about my mother's patronage of the establishment among other things. I paid little attention to your friend at Netherfield, because my interest was with her sister, but never have I met a young lady quite like Miss Elizabeth. She is hardly a bluestocking, but she is much engaged in understanding her world."

Darcy stroked his lips with his finger for a second before he spoke. "Yes, that was my initial observation about her as well."

"Her ability to converse is unique. Her audience seemed to wait with bated breath and keen anticipation for what she would say next."

"I agree."

"You would have thoroughly enjoyed the conversation we had. Mr James Swift, the man she lives with, urged her to explain to all of us her impression of Machiavelli's The Prince.

"Who is this Mr James Swift? What do you mean they live together?"

"They live in the same house. He is Mr Goodwin's nephew. His mother also lives with them. Miss Elizabeth is well chaperoned by Mrs Swift."

Darcy told himself to remain calm. He gave his cousin a smile as he inquired, "Please go on about the conversation."

"Miss Golden and Mr Swift have your friend reading The Prince simultaneously in both English and Italian. Mr Swift helps her understand it in English, and she and Miss Golden discuss it in Italian."

"Tell me Miss Elizabeth's observations?"

"I hardly remember them exactly, but I can tell you all who heard her, myself included, were captivated. She began by noting all the bribery and violence was difficult to read, and the lengths Machiavelli suggests one must go to keep one's princedom, position, privilege, power and prominence demoralized her. All those 'p' words strung together had people laughing. When I asked why she felt 'pessimistic,' she graced me with a smile for my wit, and told me it bothered her to think there were people who wanted such things in life. I believe she might have been speaking to me directly about her sister with her reply."

"What else did she say?"

"That it was preferable reading it in Italian because it was less understandable to her than in English. She said one thing that caused a bit of a tear to her eye… though she covered her distress with a cough."

"What was the source of her discomfort?"

"She said prior to reading The Prince she had been thinking about her own struggle with loss of consequence. The lack of compassion for human kind written by Machiavelli had allowed her to gain some perspective."

"Did she elaborate?"

"No. The musicians were returning. The last thing I remember her talking about was being pleased this particular lesson was almost over. As I recall a brilliant smile lit her face and a twinkle replaced the tear as she explained she was reading about Renaissance artists in Italian with Miss Golden and that caused her to dream of visiting Italy to see them. She said she much preferred Italian art to Italian philosophy. Mr Wright joined us just then because he was to partner Miss Elizabeth for the next set."

"My steward?"

"Yes. He seemed quite taken with her."

"He just wants a mother to care for his two children and a pretty woman to keep him…" Darcy could not abide the image that sprang into his mind—nor could he finish his sentence. The thought of seeing her at Pemberley and knowing such a thing was happening was abhorrent."

"Is that so wrong? She would be well cared for. You have often told me he is an honourable man."

"He is, but she is a gentleman's daughter."

"Not anymore."

"Yes, yes, I know. It is my fault her circumstances have been so reduced. But believe me, Mr Wright is wrong for her. He only reads books about farming and finances."

Richard laughed at him for a bit before determining the perfect thing to say to his cousin. "The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks."

Darcy shook his head with annoyance. He only knew the line from Hamlet because he had heard him say the quote many times. Still, he should have gone to the assembly. His 'prestige' would not have been so damaged with what sounded like a delightful he reflected upon Richard's tale, he could not repress a smile despite what he suspected had been a rebuke of him by her. His main thought was he could have suggested adding that particular 'p' word to her performance. Perhaps, she would have even favoured him with one of her smiles to congratulate him for his wit. Alas, neither he nor she would ever know; because he had been too cowardly to give her the benefit of his 'prestigious' presence.