“Oh, Elizabeth. What a splendid wedding breakfast. Your mother has outdone herself.”
“Yes, she has. Poor Cook and Mrs. Hill have not slept this entire week attempting to pacify the demands of my mother. Father has been holed up in his study, and we girls have done all in our power to make it as easy as possible for Jane, who was overly concerned for mother’s nerves.”
Charlotte let out a little laugh and smiled. “This is not to be your mother’s only wedding, however. Do you not expect the same magnificent preparations for yours?”
Lizzy rolled her eyes at the idea before replying. “Now, Charlotte. As my dearest friend, you know the answer to that. Mother’s least favorite daughter will be lucky to receive a new dress for the grand event.”
“Elizabeth Bennet!”
“No, I am not serious. Mama has already ordered a haunch of pork from the butcher in preparation, but you are aware of my tastes. I do not wish an elaborate affair. Small and intimate suits me fine.”
After donning their cloaks, the two friends walked out to the garden, arms still linked together and paused to sit on a bench where the roses would bloom in the spring.
“And do you have a notion when that event will occur?”
“No, I do not. Mr. Hamilton has not spoken to me since my return from Pemberley. And as you saw, and aseveryonein attendance today saw, he has not deigned to be in my presence for more than a minute’s time.”
“Did you quarrel?”
Her laugh reverberated through the garden. “How can we quarrel when he only glares at me? I know not what I have done but expect he will move beyond his mood. Remember as children? He does not stay angry for long. I just wish I knew what troubles him.”
“And you love him? You always said you would only marry for love…”
Lizzy knew the answer but was uncertain if she should voice it so openly. “James is a good man who cares for me and will provide for me. I esteem him and value his friendship.”
“But do you love him?” Charlotte asked quietly. “I know you, Lizzy. Can you be happy in a marriage of convenience?”
“But, there will be things which will make me happy—helping with his tenants, running my own house. There will, I am sure, be children. I will pour my love into them.”It is interesting that a topic which made be blush when thinking of Mr. Darcy merely seems a task to be completed with Mr. Hamilton.
Charlotte was silent and reached over to clasp her friend’s hand while looking out beyond the garden. “Eliza, I am not romantic and only have wanted a comfortable home. Let me not have the grief of seeing you unable to love and respect the partner you have chosen—for love is necessary for your happiness.”
The silence settled around them while the two friends observed the goings on of the wedding guests through the windows.
“It is true, Charlotte, that I do not love him the way I had imagined loving a husband, but he is a good man. I know he respects me, and he is able to accept impropriety of my mother. Granted,” she said, turning her head to the side in thought, “he does believe I am too obstinate at times, which I am, but he cannot alter me.”
“But, will he try?”
Lizzy looked at Charlotte with an odd expression. “I should hope not, but we shall see.” After a moment, she laughed and patted Charlotte’s hand. “Enough worry of me. We have had little time to discuss your new role as the mother of a parish. Tell me more about your home. Mr. Collins. Rosings Park.” At the last, Lizzy’s voice faltered.
“Mr. Collins is, as I suppose, as he always was. He is very dedicated to his patroness and amasses all his time and attention to the upcoming wedding of Miss de Bourgh and Mr. Darcy. Pray, forgive me, Lizzy. But I am to understand from Kitty that you spent a great deal of time in that man’s company.”
“Yes, I did. We became good friends.”
“From what Kitty tells me, you would often find yourself discussing books or politics at dinner.”
“Oh, Kitty.” Lizzy smiled at the memories. “Yes, he is a very knowledgeable man who has very admirable qualities. Have you been in company with him much since his coming to Rosings?”
“No. Not at all, as Lady Catherine does not extend invitations to dinner to the parsonage when she has company. And with the wedding preparations, she is besieged with tasks which must be resolved.”
“Yes. It is difficult being the mother of the bride, I am sure. As I have had daily proof.”
The girls laughed before standing to return to the house. “Lizzy, if I may be so bold…”
“Of course, dear Charlotte. What is it?”
She took a deep breath and sighed. “As a woman who married for comfort, I encourage you to act in a manner which will only constitute your own happiness without reference to any person so wholly unconnected to you.”
“I will. Fear not, Charlotte. My melancholy mood as of late is due to the impending separation I will suffer with Jane’s departing as a married woman. My future is bright, of that I am sure.”
