14 May 1806
Lucas Lodge
My dear Eliza,
Or should I give a deep curtsy and say,Your Grace?
Elizabeth could see her friend’s teasing face as she mockingly did just that. How she would love to see Charlotte again. Her gaoler would not allow her to have contact with someone with ties so close to trade. She returned to the page.
Much to her chagrin, Mrs. Bennet has discovered a fortnight would not make the residents of the area forget her crimes.
Yesterday, she had the temerity to call at Lucas Lodge as if nothing untoward had occurred. It did not take long before she was screeching at full volume, and using some expletives mind you, when she was not granted access to the house.
My father had once before threatened her with arrest for trespassing if she set foot on our land again. She obviously thought it was an idle threat. It was not! The woman who gave birth to you is in the town gaol and will remain there for 5 days.
Do you think she finally understood how serious my father was? I hear that no matter how much she screamed, screeched, and caterwauled for someone to have Mr. Bennet come and pay a fine so she could go home, he never did. I would wager he is relishing the temporary peace and quiet at Longbourn.
“Now that is something I would love to see! Fanny Bennet in a gaol cell,” Elizabeth smiled widely. “If only it was for much longer and Mr. Bennet was in the cell next to hers!”
Although I understand you not being able to see us is not your choice, I do miss you so much. Each time I go for a walkand end up on Longbourn’s lands, I almost expect, or more likely hope, you will come around a bend in the path singing and swinging your bonnet around in your hand as you walk.
Alas, it is not to be.
Before I forget, Mama and Papa, Franklin, John, and Maria all ask to be remembered to theDuchess. John says he cannot imagine the girl who used to fight with him over a frog in the mud is now the Duchess of Hertfordshire and a marchioness as well.
“John is not the only one who cannot believe it. I wish it were not true,” Elizabeth said to her sitting room. “If only that was all I had to worry about, catching more frogs than Johnny Lucas.”
You know Eliza, the Lord works in mysterious ways, so mayhap it will not be too long before I see you again.
Stay strong my friend. With warmest regards,
Charlotte
Elizabeth gave a long and loud sigh. It was almost time to dress for dinner, the one meal of the dayheinsisted she join him.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Thankfully her husband was not welcome at St. James, or any other royal residence for that matter. It was a pleasure to be going to be presented without his objectionable company. His lackey, Mr. Wickham, would ride behind on a horse. Much to her approbation, he would not be allowed into St. James Palace either.
Elizabeth had been collected at Hertfordshire House by the Earl and Countess of Colbath. There was another man in the coach, who she quickly learnt was the man she would inform after her presentation was complete.
“Your Grace, we have never been away from your husband’s men before, so excuse me if my question is impertinent,” Lady Morag stated.
The Earl saw the Duchess give a questioning look towards his solicitor. “That is Mr. Crawley, my solicitor. He is the soul of discretion,” the Earl assured Her Grace.
“In that case, please ask what you will,” Elizabeth allowed.
“Am I correct being attached to that man was not your choice?” Lady Morag probed. “You of course are free to ignore any of my questions you feel have crossed a line.”
“You will find I am rather outspoken with my opinions, so if I feel I do not choose to answer, I will tell you,” Elizabeth informed the Countess. “No, it was most certainly not my choice.” Elizabeth paused. “May I ask a question?”
“We will be as candid as you have been with us,” Lady Morag responded.
“How is it you attend my husband when he is universally scorned by theTon?” Elizabeth questioned.
“My husband was cheated…” Lady Morag told the Duchess of their association with the Duke and all about how he had hung the vowels like the Sword of Damocles above their heads.
“That is why I must inform Mr. Crawley after I have been presented; it is the last thing you agreed…” Elizabeth was cut off by the Earl.
