by Jann Rowland
The gasp from Olivia almost broke Elizabeth’s heart. She knew her departure would be hard on her young cousin, and Elizabeth herself felt little desire to be separated from the girl she was coming to esteem highly. But her character would not be maligned in such a way without response. Luckily, the conversation was interrupted before anything else could be said which could not be taken back.
“That is enough, Mrs. Drummond.” Mr. Drummond stepped into the room and glared at his wife, and though she gave every indication of defiance, Elizabeth could see it was more bravado than anything. “In fact, I invited Elizabeth here, and I will decide how long she is welcome to stay. Furthermore, as far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with her behavior.”
“You did not see her flirting with every man present last night?”
“I hardly think that her playful manner constituted flirting, Mrs. Drummond.” Mr. Drummond’s voice cracked like a whip. “In fact, I believe that Olivia cannot but benefit by having such a vivacious example as Elizabeth to guide her in our society. The fact that Elizabeth was so widely accepted last night by so many is a testament to her ability to put others at ease and recommend herself to new acquaintances.”
Mrs. Drummond smirked at Elizabeth. “Or perhaps it is a way of letting all the young men know that she is—”
“Enough, Madam!” roared Mr. Drummond. “You claim to be genteel yourself and you insinuate such vile innuendo? If your brother knew you were speaking of his daughter in such a manner, he would slap your mouth, and I would not prevent him!”
The couple glared at each other, but Mrs. Drummond was the first to look away.
“Elizabeth,” said her uncle, turning kindly eyes to her, “I cannot begin to express my mortification at the attacks to which you have been subjected in my own home. I can only apologize sincerely and beseech you to remain with us. Though there are some who have apparently allowed longstanding grudges to affect their judgment, I assure you that everyone else in this family values you as one of our own. I beg for your forgiveness.”
Though Elizabeth eyed her aunt with some distaste, she directed conciliatory words back at her uncle. “Uncle, I have been happy to be here. You have all been welcoming, and I have come to think of you as my family in reality rather than simply in name. Olivia has become as dear to me as my own sisters.
“But I cannot—I will not—be the subject of such attacks. Should she speak in such a way to me again, I will write to my father, begging to be allowed to come home.”
Mr. Drummond replied with a curt nod, though his eyes never left his wife. “It will not happen again. You have my word.
“Now, Wife—I would speak with you in our chambers. Come with me now.”
The look Mrs. Drummond directed at Elizabeth was pure poison, but she did not gainsay her husband. When they had gone, the silence in the room was almost deafening.
“I hate her!” exclaimed Olivia, and she collapsed onto a nearby sofa and burst into tears. “She cares nothing of any of us. All she wishes is to make all our lives miserable!”
Though Elizabeth had no cordial feelings toward her aunt at that moment, she sat beside her cousin and drew her into an embrace. “Though I will own to having no knowledge of what motivates your mother, I cannot think her completely without feeling. Her disappointments in life have made her bitter, it seems.”
“She should be happy with what she has. She makes my father miserable, and I cannot bear to see it.”
There was nothing Elizabeth could say to Olivia’s words, as she knew it was nothing more than the truth. As Elizabeth thought back on the confrontation, she realized that Mrs. Drummond had almost certainly attempted to offend Elizabeth enough to make her wish to return to her home. The reason for such an attack eluded Elizabeth at that moment, but she was almost certain that she was correct.
Further consideration told Elizabeth that she herself was almost incidental to the woman’s enmity. She did not dislike Elizabeth particularly; rather, her antagonism was directed more at Elizabeth’s father than Elizabeth herself. She was incidental—nothing more than the target of Mrs. Drummond’s ire because of the simple fact of her presence.
But she would not allow Mrs. Drummond to hurl such vile insults as the one she had been about to say when her husband had stopped her. If she was forced to return home, perhaps Olivia could go with her to visit Longbourn. Even with the situation with Jane, her mother’s nerves and Kitty and Lydia’s silliness, it would almost certainly be more comfortable for them both than to be constantly on their guards against a bitter woman.
Later the day of the unpleasantness with Mrs. Drummond, Elizabeth had taken some time to herself to reflect on all that had happened since her arrival in Derbyshire. By now, Elizabeth adored Olivia and Leah, she respected and esteemed her uncle. She was coming to appreciate Edward as well and had nothing but fondness for his younger brothers. The countryside was beautiful, and though she could not walk as much as she would have in Hertfordshire, still she appreciated what she could see.
As for Mrs. Drummond herself, whatever threats her husband had used to force her good behavior seemed to be efficacious—at least at present. Elizabeth could not state with any degree of certainty that the woman’s good behavior would last, but other than a few dark looks in her direction, Mrs. Drummond appeared intent upon ignoring her. Elizabeth found that she could bear the woman’s indifference quite cheerfully.
“I understand you and my mother had a disagreement today,” Edward had said the previous evening. Aunt Claire had not descended the stairs for dinner, allowing for a peaceful meal and a momentary cessation of her attacks.
“We did,” replied Elizabeth, though she truly did not wish to speak of the matter.
Edward sighed and shook his head. “If it is any consolation, I do not believe her ire is directed at you in particular.”
“I believe I have already apprehended that fact.”
“And you did not take offense?”
“On the contrary, I took great offense. Your mother was about to accuse me of vile actions before your father put a stop to it. But as the matter has already been dealt with, I do not consider it useful to dwell on it.”
“That is wise,” was Edward’s quiet reply.
When Elizabeth returned to the house after her constitutional, she found that Olivia and Leah were together reading, and as she did not wish to disturb them—and more importantly, wished to continue her privacy for a time—Elizabeth climbed the stairs to go to her room. But before she could enter, she was stopped in the hall by her uncle, who beckoned her into a nearby sitting-room, one which was all but unused.
“Elizabeth,” said he, as he turned to face her, “I wish to take this opportunity to again apologize to you for your aunt’s conduct. I have known since the time of our marriage that she was not happy and did not consider me enough of a gentleman for her tastes. But she has never mortified me to the extent that she did yesterday.”
“As I said before, Uncle, I do not hold you to blame for her words. You have been nothing but welcoming since I came to Derbyshire.”
“It is a credit to you, Elizabeth.”
Mr. Drummond sighed and sat down on a nearby chair, motioning for Elizabeth to do the same. The thought was incongruous at the moment, but Elizabeth noted that the furniture in the room was old, though it did not show overt signs of the wear she would have anticipated in pieces which were greatly aged. It seemed clear that the family had simply ceased using this room at some point in the past, either when the furniture had fallen out of fashion and could not be replaced, or because of diminishing circumstances.
“I know your aunt offended you grievously,” said Mr. Drummond after brooding about it for a moment. “But you should not take her words to heart. It seems like there is little which does not offend her these days, but I do not think her words constituted a disapproval of your manners. Her target was, in fact, something quite different.”
“That
was quite evident, Uncle.” Elizabeth paused, wondering how she could raise the matter without prying or insulting, when she decided that it was best to simply ask her question. “Why has she become like this?”
“She has been disappointed in life. I do not wish to unearth old grievances, Lizzy, so I prefer not to speak of it.”
“If you will forgive me, Uncle, Aunt Claire is more than willing to not only unearth those grievances, but also to wave them about like a flag.”
“That is true. But let us not descend to her level. My primary motive is to protect my children from her vitriol, and, indeed, to protect you as well. Though my wife rarely listens to me, I can still command her, and in this instance, I have done so. She will not attack you again with such spurious charges, or she will reap the consequences.”
“Thank you, Uncle Drummond,” said Elizabeth, putting her hand on his arm. “I appreciate your support.”
“And I appreciate yours. Your presence has been wonderful for my daughters. I would not wish for you to be made uncomfortable or made to flee by the accusations of a bitter woman.”
After exchanging a few more words, Elizabeth parted from her uncle and retired to her room for some rest. She was still annoyed that he would not explain the reason for his wife’s objectionable behavior, but she understood why he did not wish to speak of it. Perhaps she should write to her father, demanding that he explain what had happened to his sister. She would have, if she thought he would respond.
Chapter X
It was with great relief that Elizabeth left the tense circumstances at Kingsdown, including the brooding person of her aunt, behind to attend Georgiana at Pemberley. The girl, who had not been able to attend the assembly, sent them a note, and in reading between the lines, Elizabeth was able to determine that she was all afire with curiosity for an account of the evening. Thus, the day after Elizabeth’s confrontation with Mrs. Drummond, she embarked in the Darcy carriage, sent for their use, for the short journey to visit their friend.
“It is unfortunate that Georgiana cannot participate in society yet,” said Olivia once they had set out.
“She is still only sixteen, Olivia,” reminded Elizabeth. “I have experience with coming out too early. It is better that she wait for another year and gain more maturity.”
Olivia cocked her head to the side. “You have told me about your coming out, but you did not say much of your impressions.”
Elizabeth sighed. She had not spoken of her family much, not wishing to give her cousin a poor impression of their behavior. Perhaps now was the time to do so.
“Every one of my sisters came out at the age of fifteen,” said Elizabeth. “I dare say Jane handled it with her usual calmness, while I managed by laughing away my insecurities. But Mary was lost, and Kitty and Lydia much too immature for it. Trust me—it is better that you waited until seventeen, for you are much better able to understand how you should behave.”
“You have spoken of your sisters before,” observed Olivia.
With a sigh, Elizabeth shot her cousin a smile and said: “Kitty and Lydia were both much too young. Add to that an indulgent mother who does not completely understand how a gentlewoman should behave herself, and you have a pair of girls who are completely wild.
“And though I have not been part of that world myself, I am certain that young women do not come out in London until they are at least eighteen. Anything younger would be unseemly. Thus Georgiana might begin to partake in some country society next year, but in London she will need to wait another year.”
“I suppose I will not have to concern myself with such things.” Olivia shot Elizabeth a smile. “Papa is not wealthy enough to give me a London season.”
“From what I have heard, my dear Olivia, I do not think that is much of a loss. Be content with what you have and those you will meet here. Regardless of what your mother says, I think there is a good chance you will find someone to love and to live in a state of bliss for the rest of your life.”
The girls laughed together, and Olivia grasped Elizabeth’s hand with fervent affection. “I am so glad you have come, Lizzy. I have never had so much confidence as I have now. I do not know what I shall do when you leave.”
“Then I shall simply have to stay,” replied Elizabeth. “I believe I would be happy to live the rest of my life in Derbyshire.”
The carriage soon stopped in front of their destination, and Olivia and Elizabeth were treated to the sight of shy, reticent Miss Georgiana Darcy hopping from foot to foot in her excitement. They laughed as they stepped from the conveyance, greeting her exuberance with fortitude and not a little amusement. Only the presence of Mrs. Annesley by her side kept Miss Darcy from demanding an immediate account of their experiences, Elizabeth thought, though it did not take long after they were seated before they were inundated with questions.
“Were you not informed of the events of the evening by your brother?” asked Elizabeth.
Georgiana only rolled her eyes. “My brother does not enjoy society and cannot be bothered to pay attention to anything that is of any interest to me. He would not even tell me with whom he danced!”
“He danced with Lizzy,” said Olivia, turning a sly eye on Elizabeth. “I have it on good authority that he enjoyed it very much, indeed.”
A joyful clap of her hands accompanied Georgiana’s exclaimed: “Oh, I knew he admired you! Now I shall have a sister!”
Elizabeth felt her jaw drop at such a pronouncement, and by her side Olivia was in much the same straits. She was about to reprimand her friend when she saw a mischievous gleam in Georgiana’s eyes and the twitching of her lips. And then her friend could not hold it in any longer, and she laughed out loud, drawing Olivia and Elizabeth—though much more restrained—into her mirth.
“You should have seen your countenance, Elizabeth,” said Georgiana between gasps of laughter. “I thought you were about to expire from mortification.”
“I will own to being surprised,” said Elizabeth.
Georgiana eyed her sternly, though underneath Elizabeth could see the same playfulness. “Should I be offended for my brother that you do not see him in such a way?”
“Oh, Georgiana,” said Elizabeth, shaking her head. In truth, Elizabeth was not enjoying her new friend’s mirth—Mr. Darcy was an amiable man, and Elizabeth thought she could esteem him quite easily. But she would not allow herself to be lost in dreams of a future with this man when, in truth, he was far above her, both in consequence and birth.
“Miss Darcy,” interjected Mrs. Annesley; her frown of disapproval spoke volumes as to what she felt about her charge’s jest. “I believe you owe Miss Bennet an apology.”
“I am not offended, Mrs. Annesley,” said Elizabeth quickly. “I understand that Georgiana was teasing.”
“I know, Miss Bennet,” said Mrs. Annesley with a nod at Elizabeth. “But it is still not something of which she should jest. If someone were to overhear, it might cause rumors to be started which could damage both yourself and Mr. Darcy.”
Elizabeth nodded, knowing that Mrs. Annesley was, in part, attempting to teach her young charge, and in part protecting her employer. The woman was loyal, which spoke well to her character.
“I do apologize, Lizzy,” said Georgiana, in a tone which almost managed to convey contriteness. “I know you have just met William. It is just . . .” The girl paused and ducked her head, suddenly shy. “I have longed for a friend, and now that I have you—and Olivia too—I am loath to lose you. You must understand that I will use every stratagem I can devise to keep you in Derbyshire.”
This time they all laughed together. “I am quite happy to be your friend,” replied Elizabeth. “I shall be here for some months yet, and even when I do return to my home, I will continue to be your friend. And Olivia will remain when I am forced to return to my home.”
“I will,” said Olivia, though in a quiet and shy tone.
“Then I shall be content with that,” said Ge
orgiana.
They continued to speak for some time, Elizabeth and Olivia sharing with Georgiana some of the impressions they had of the assembly. The girl listened to them with rapt attention, and it was clear that she wished she could have been there herself. It was hard, Elizabeth knew, for younger girls to hear of such things and not partake in them themselves, but Elizabeth knew Georgiana’s patience would be rewarded in the end.
When they had been speaking for some time, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam came in to greet them, and they sat down to visit. When they had been engaged for some minutes Elizabeth could not help but tease her host.
“So, have you gentlemen assisted any other travelers in distress? I would not be surprised if it has become a habit.”
“No, Miss Bennet, it is not a habit. In fact, I believe the episode the other night was the first time I have ever found myself in such a situation.”
“What is this?” demanded Georgiana. “You did not speak a word of it, Brother.”
“That is because there was not much to tell.”
“On the contrary, sir,” said Elizabeth, shooting him a reproachful frown, “I have rarely seen such an act of bravery, such sheer compassion for the welfare of others. I dare say the bards would make an epic of it, if only it were known!”
“Then you must share it with me, Lizzy!” exclaimed Georgiana.
“And share it I shall,” replied Elizabeth, arching an eyebrow at Mr. Darcy, daring him to object.
Mr. Darcy only waved her on. “I am certain only you can do the story justice, Miss Bennet.”
“Then you had best prepare for something shocking, Georgiana, for your brother and cousin displayed a heroism far from the common sort. For you see, on the way to the assembly, a group of common people, numbering among their number two damsels, who were most assuredly in distress, encountered more than a hint of trouble. While they journeyed, they were betrayed by treacherous rain-soaked roads, which rose to prevent their ever arriving at their destination.
