Raising her shoulders one after the other as the tenseness of every muscle in her body spoke angrily, Elizabeth gazed lazily at her sister.If only she had the strength left to rebut Jane’s jest.
“For once I have no reply, save a moan. I am spent. Entirely so. If agreeable to you, I am for bed.”
“What of food? You have not eaten.”
“No,” Elizabeth agreed, “I have not. However, I fear I have not the strength to lift a spoon to my lips. Ascending the stairs shall be its own accomplishment.”
“Very well,” Jane said, eyes narrowed as she viewed her sister. “I assume you wish to wait until tomorrow to discuss this with our sisters–Mary in particular ought to have a say in it.”
“Tomorrow. Yes. Tomorrow. Sleep well, Jane,” Elizabeth murmured as she forced herself to stand.
“Goodnight,” Jane’s soft voice followed as she mounted the stairs, until, at last in her room, Elizabeth fell into bed. Asleep in moments though fully dressed, and dreaming not of the days to come, but of their mother’s secret.
∞∞∞
Suppressing a yawn, Elizabeth observed Lydia’s fierce glower with little surprise.
“If Mamma were still here, she would not make me do all the studying you have planned!” Lydia whined as she stood from her seat at the table, setting her hands on her hips as she stared defiantly at her two oldest sisters. “Ask PaPa, he will not make me!”
“Lydia,” Jane soothed, “I know everything has changed… However, it has been left up to us to do all these things. Each of us has a role to play. Indeed, upon reflection last night, I came upon an idea; if Elizabeth agrees, I thought that you and Kitty might follow Elizabeth or myself as we take care of the estate, house, and other tasks once a week? It would be a great help to us. And then Mary might do the same twice a week? Perhaps occasionally completing some task on her own?”
“That sounds a capital idea,” Elizabeth smiled as she buttered a piece of toast. “My only complaint is that I did not contrive it myself–to think some have said I was the clever one–but no matter, I shall gladly enjoy the benefits of your scheme. Are you all in favour of it?” she asked, turning to each sister to fully include them in the conversation.
“I am,” Mary said quickly. “A rewarding use of time, I think… though, I would prefer not to have to speak with the tenants, or contend with too many men for that matter.”
“You and Jane,” Elizabeth chuckled, “afraid of all those strange men–that is the problem, I fear, with girls’ education. We are kept so long at home, disallowed from spending overmuch time in company outside of family and some charitable works, that when at last we are ‘out,’ we know not what to say or how to act save for what we were made to memorize. Well, we need to make certain, Jane, that our younger sisters do not face the same lack, and joining me occasionally when I see to our tenants is one way to help in that. Perhaps,” she whispered conspiratorially, “we may learn what men truly do discuss, or, if so fortunate, what they enjoy. Mr. Kingston, for example, I am certain, has strong views on fish, and I for one am unspeakably eager to hear.”
“Oh please,” Lydia begged, “anything but fish. Though I do favour your plan to follow you two. It sounds a lark! I would much rather that than be stuck here studying. All. Day. Long. Ugh! What say you Kitty?”
Whirling on her sister, Lydia’s curls danced around her as Kitty considered her answer a moment too long.
“Oh, do answer, Kitty! It would be such fun, I should think! Almost like being in charge… or like a married woman even. It. Oh…” Lydia said, lip quivering as her eyes grew glassy and body as still as ice.
“Very well,” Kitty agreed hurriedly, brows furrowed as she studied her sister. “I will. I mean, we shall… I promise.”
“What is the matter, Lydia?” Jane asked, her own expression falling at the sight of her sister.
“Mamma. I. I miss her so and… it was her dream. All of us married, running our own homes. But, even if it happens, she… she never… and I…” crying Lydia dropped into her chair, arms thrown upon the table as she began to weep into them.
“Shhh,” Jane soothed as she hurried to Lydia’s side and began to rub small circles upon her back, “shhh. It shall all be alright.”
Observing the wide-eyed heartbreak of her sisters, Elizabeth’s face fell.Alright?
Perhaps. If they could learn to stand by and care for one another as they never had before. And if they could keep the estate afloat.
If? Those were rather large ifs, and,she thought, her eyes cutting toward her Father's study,they would have to do it alone.
Chapter 5
Liverpool, England – 1809
Their vessel drawing near to a rainy harbour swathed in dark clouds, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and his sisters observed it carefully–the grey harbour, which held little hope in its appearance, still managing to ease Darcy as nothing apart from boarding the vessel at Boston had.At last he and his sisters might discover what had been missing since their parents died; family.
Not that they lacked that apart from their aunts, uncle, and cousins; but it was not the same. Nor could it be with Cathy locked so deep within her grief as to cause every effort made by himself or Georgie to be nullified.Taking a deep breath as their vessel moved nearer the shore, he observed the expressionless mien of his youngest sister.The pampering and love of their family would see to that in no time. She would learn to smile again, as he and Georgie had, and everything would be well.
∞∞∞
London, England – 1809
