“Lizzy dear, it is laudable you are willing to be so introspective and come to such understandings about yourself, but I disagree with you partially,” Madeline stated. Elizabeth cocked her head in question. “If your father had never influenced you the way he did, would you have acted the way you have just revealed on your own?”
Elizabeth cogitated on her aunt’s question for some moments. “If I am honest, I would say, I know not. I am obstinate, headstrong, and think I know best; these traits have nothing to do with my father.”
“Yes, you are all of that, and do not forget impertinent. However, and Edward may disagree if he thinks I am wrong, but had you been educated like a young lady, as you should have been, without being manipulated by Thomas, for as yousaid, more than twenty years, those natural parts of your personality would have been under good regulation,” Madeline asserted. “Does that mean you are pardoned for those things you could have, should have, done or not done? No! However, your part of the blame is greatly reduced. You still need to make amends as you are determined to do, but I, as is Edward,” he nodded his agreement, “am confident you will learn from all of this and make the corrections you need to make.”
“What do you plan to do next?” Gardiner enquired.
“When Jane, Mary, and Charlotte return home to Meryton on the final day of November, I will travel with them,” Elizabeth stated firmly. “As much as I have loved my time with you, as I always do, there is much waiting for me to do at home, not the least of which is to support Janey in any way I am able.
“I need to have a discussion with my father. A meeting I am sure he will not appreciate, but that will wait until after Jane and Charles marry. I refuse to do anything which could potentially take away from Janey’s pre-wedding joy. Making amends to my mother and sisters, and some in the neighbourhood I will do when Jane does not need me as that will have no negative repercussions on her celebration.”
“What if, as I am sure he will, my brother tries to pick up where he left off with you?” Gardiner enquired.
“It is not my intention to be disrespectful, I will go when called, but I will point out that as the maid of honour I have much to do for my sister. If he orders me to remain in his study, which I doubt he will do, I will sit quietly until he releases me,” Elizabeth explained.
“That sounds like a well thought out, yet respectful, plan,” Madeline agreed.
“I do feel so much lighter than I did before. It is better to walk about without the scales on my eyes.” Elizabeth paused for a moment as she thought of something. “The one good thing is if my father orders me to remain at home after thewedding, I will have a little more than three months before I reach my majority.”
“Let us hope it will not happen in that way,” Gardiner added.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
“Jane! Mary! Charlotte! It is so good to see you all,” Elizabeth enthused as she hugged each one she named. She looked around and saw no one else.
It amused Jane that Lizzy who used to hate the very sight of Mr Darcy, seemed disappointed he and those who had escorted them to London had not come in. “Charles and the rest who we travelled with did not want to overwhelm Aunt and Uncle, we will see them later.”
Before Elizabeth could ask what Jane meant, Charlotte spoke. “Mrs Gardiner, please allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation for hosting me in your house.”
“It is our pleasure, Charlotte. Welcome to you, Jane and Mary. You two,” Madeline looked at her eldest and middle niece, “if you do not go and greet your cousins soon, they will invade the sitting room. Lilly would have been here but she is in a lesson.”
“Janey what did you mean when you stated, ‘we will see them later’?” Elizabeth asked.
“My impatient Lizzy,” Jane smiled. She turned to her aunt. “We are all invited to dinner at Darcy House this evening, if it is convenient for you and Uncle Edward.”
“I know of no prior engagements, unless you do Lizzy?” Madeline averred with a smile.
“I go where you go, Aunt,” Elizabeth riposted.
“Mr Darcy told me the invitation includes my cousins,” Jane revealed.
Elizabeth was impressed, not only had the man she had once thought proud, invited her tradesman uncle and his wifeto his home, but their children as well. She had to admit, if only to herself, she was greatly in anticipation of seeing Mr Darcy.
“Lilly and Eddy will come in that case. Peter and May are yet too young for a dinner at a house which is not our own,” Madeline averred. She left the sitting room to send a note to her husband.
“Charlotte, I am so happy for you. Colonel Fitzwilliam is a discerning man if he saw the jewel of the first water you are,” Elizabeth wished. “And you Mary, you are a sly one, nothing official yet, or is there?”
“Thank you Eliza, I did not anticipate finding such a man, or the feelings I have for him,” Charlotte replied dreamily.
“Our Lotte has gone and fallen in love, and unless I am blind, the good Colonel is besotted with her,” Jane added. “If I wagered, I would do so on his proposing soon after she meets his parents, which will be tonight.”
“His parents, you mean the Earl and Countess will be at dinner?” Elizabeth verified.
Mary was pleased the conversation had moved on without her having to respond to Lizzy. “Yes, Lord and Lady Matlock will be at Darcy House this evening,” Mary confirmed. “Based on knowing their sons and daughter, I say it bodes well for what they will be like.”
“That reminds me Mary, you never answered my question,” Elizabeth recalled as Mary groaned.
“Andrew and I are good friends,” Mary owned.
