“Yes, as was Mr. Darcy, I hear,” Jane said slyly, looking at the dress. “Aunt Madeline said he has become quite a fixture at Gracechurch Street.” When she received no response from her sister, she continued. “Aunt also said Mr. Hamilton has been a frequent visitor as well.”
“Jane, Mr. Darcy is to be married to Miss de Bourgh. Their engagement ball is tomorrow night, remember? He has no interest in me, other than that of a friend to his sister.”
“Then what of Mr. Hamilton?”
Lizzy allowed the question to hang in the air before sighing. “I so want to marry for love. I know that love comes in many different forms, but I had hoped, dear Jane, for the type of love that you and Mr. Bingley have found.”
Jane lowered her eyes and blushed at Lizzy’s words. “Is it so obvious?”
“Oh darling!” Lizzy laughed. “When you are near, he lights up like the fireworks at Vauxhall Gardens.” She leaned over and squeezed her sister’s hand. “I am so happy for you. Your goodness has been rewarded by a pure love which will last throughout time. Generations from now, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren will look back on your marriage as one to emulate.”
Jane blushed a deeper pink and giggled. “Stop!”
“Very well then, sweet sister. Generations from now, your descendants will speak of you in legends and wonder at your patience and your happy marriage despite Caroline Bingley living under your roof for all those years.”
Jane only snickered at her uncharitable quip. “It is true Caroline can be rather tiresome, but I find she has improved upon further acquaintance.”
Lizzy looked at her sister doubtfully. “There, there, dear Jane. I will ask you no more, as there must be some level of pain to appreciate the perfection which is your Charles Bingley.”
“Charles is not perfect, Lizzy. He has faults just like any other man. But, we have spoken of our own feelings. Have you considered this with mister… with Mr. Hamilton?”
She esteemed James Hamilton for the friend he once was, and the kind person he showed himself to be.Am I too headstrong? I must accept Fitzwilliam Darcy will never be mine. She sighed and looked up to see Jane studying her intently.Had I never met him, I might had been quite content with Mr. Hamilton… James is a good man who has always been kind to my family.Just as she was about to say she was only resolved to do what was in her best interest, the maid announced she had a visitor.
* * *
She and James Hamiltonhad made their third circle around the small park across from her aunt’s home with Jane following dutifully behind them. They had exhausted numerous topics—family, friends, London. His anxiety was evident by his stuttering speech but not half as anxious as Lizzy as she anticipated his true intentions.
“Miss Elizabeth…Lizzy,” he said, stopping to take one of her hands in his. “We have known each other for many years, and although you might have believed there were times I was indifferent to you, that is not so. You are so much better than I deserve, but I have had a strong attachment to you which over time has grown. I am hoping you will agree to a courtship.”
Lizzy sighed in relief. A courtship was not as binding as an engagement. She felt dizzy and wondered if the adultElizabeth and Jameswould be as happy as the childhood friendsLizzy and Jimmy.
“If it is agreeable to you, I will depart for Longbourn in the morning and speak to your father.”
Lizzy looked at the people milling about the park. The governesses wielding their young charges; little boys sailing boats in the pond; young girls reading to their dolls.
She started when he cleared his throat. “Elizabeth? What say you? Shall I ride to Longbourn in the morning?”
“Mr. Hamilton—”
“James. Please, call me James as you used to.”
“We have been friends for many years, and I used to think you knew me better than anyone outside of my family, save Charlotte Lucas. But I must ask why you told my aunt I was an obstinate, headstrong girl?”
This was not the reaction he expected and he colored. “I did not know your aunt was to be so little trusted.”
Lizzy shook her head. “Please do not blame my aunt. My young cousin told me first. Then my aunt attempted to defend you.”
He kicked at a small stone with his toe as he did when they were children. “I am sorry, Miss Elizabeth. I confess I am mostly frustrated because you have been much in the company of Darcy. I said things I did not mean nor should have said. I fear I have been jealous.” He lowered his eyes again, before looking back at her. “Miss Elizabeth, please do not allow the last few weeks to alter our future. Will you not accept my request?”
Lizzy turned away from him and looked across the park contemplating her future.He is a good man who will treat me well. The love I seek can never be had because it is promised to another.
“I would be very happy to accept a courtship with you, James.” He took her hand and kissed it tenderly. She made herself smile but could not enjoy the sensation.Should I not feel something akin to my heart racing?He tucked her hand in his arm as they walked back to Jane and shared the good news.
Chapter 16
“Doyou think it is appropriate, Jane? This neckline is so much lower than I remembered." Lizzy bit her lip and gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Their aunt’s abigail had just completed pinning fresh flowers through her curls.
“You look lovely, Lizzy. And that gown fits you to perfection.”
