“Girls, there is someone here who would like to meet you,” Fanny said, claiming the older girls’ attention. After making sure their dolls were seated securely, all four girls stood and lined up in order of age. “My oldest is Jane.” Jane gave a most creditable curtsey. “You know Cassie, I am sure?” Elaine nodded. “Next is my Lizzy, the one from the tale at Pemberley.”
Lady Elaine had been looking at Fanny when she said the last; as she turned, the petite girl with mahogany tresses was in a curtsey, and then stood and looked at the Countess with the greenest eyes—eyes that green and large she had only seen once before, on Priscilla De Melville.
“Last,” Fanny carried on as if she had not seen the reaction to Lizzy, “this is Mary, who is but three years old. Over with the nursemaid are Kitty, who is two, and Lydia, not yet one.”
“Your daughters are very pretty,” Lady Elaine offered, but her eyes were locked onto Elizabeth. It was as if she were looking at Priscilla at a young age.
“Girls, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Lady Elaine Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock,” Fanny completed the introductions.
Lady Elaine turned to Fanny. “Elizabeth isyourdaughter, a daughter of your body?” she asked quietly.
“Come, Elaine; you need to join Fanny and me for a talk,” Lady Anne suggested in such a tone that let her sister know it was not a request.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As soon as the door to the sitting room was closed, Lady Elaine turned to the other two ladies. “Elizabeth is not your daughter by blood, is she?”
“She is not. Let us sit. Read this first and then I—we—will answer any questions you have.” Fanny handed Elaine the letter. Both she and Anne sat in silence while Elaine read the letter twice over.
“Goodness gracious. Elizabeth is Priscilla's and the Prince’s legitimate daughter. She is a Princess. Why did Priscilla not want her to be raised by the royals?” Lady Elaine asked.
“Because Cilla’s dying wish was for Elizabeth to be raised in a regular family with love. She was afraid if her existence as a Princess was known earlier than eighteen, her daughter would have been taken from her and cloistered in some palace or country house belonging to the monarchs and raised by governesses, nursemaids, and fawning attendants. She wanted Elizabeth to know the love of a mother and father, unconditional love.” Fanny sat back and allowed the Countess to assimilate the information.
“What if she is seen in society?” Lady Elaine asked.
“She will not be, not for many years, at least. My Thomas has no time for the hypocrisy and debauchery of many in theTon, so until Elizabeth is much older, there is no worry on that front. I know your families are members of theTon,so I am sorry if my words offend,” Fanny stated contritely.
“No apologies are needed; we happen to agree with you. It is that hypocrisy which caused Priscilla’s family to cut her and lose contact with their granddaughter,” Lady Anne stated emphatically.
“You know I will not be able to keep this from Reggie, as Anne was not able to keep the news from Robert,” Lady Elaine explained. “I have a suggestion Fanny.” Lady Elaine took Fanny’s hand.
“What is it, Elaine?” Fanny asked although she felt she knew what was coming.
“Is it not unfair to your husband not to know the truth of his daughter’s parentage? Do you worry he will love Elizabeth less if he knows the truth?” Lady Elaine asked softly as she looked at Fanny.
“No, I cannot see anything that would cause Thomas to love her any less. But I promised Cilla.” Fanny was conflicted between her vow and the knowledge Elaine was correct.
“You have honoured Priscilla’s wishes more than any other would have; I am sure that if she were here, she would be the first one to tell you she understood the need to be completely honest with your husband. Do not forget he has been denied the right of mourning his son,” Lady Anne soothed.
“You are both correct. I will inform him when we return to Longbourn, as Priscilla’s letter is there. I want to be able to have him read it when I make the full disclosure to him. Thank you; this will lift a great weight I have been carrying.” Fanny felt relief now that Cilla’s friends had allowed her fears and concerns to be discussed, and she could finally tell her Thomas all of the truth.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Lord Reginald Fitzwilliam was very seldom—if ever—so at a loss for words as he was after his wife told him the truth about Priscilla’s daughter and gave him the letter to read.
“She is not the wealthiest non-royal, sheisa royal! She is a Princess of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Elaine,” Lord Matlock stated as he emerged from his stupor.
“That she is, Reggie, and wewillhonour Priscilla’s wishes and allow Elizabeth to be raised with love and family,” Lady Elaine stated not brooking any opposition.
“You have my word, Elaine; I will not breathe a word of this to anyone,” Lord Matlock raised his hands in mock surrender. He would honour Priscilla’s wishes anyway, but he also would not gainsay his wife. “Your suggestion that Mrs. Bennet inform Bennet is a good one. Did you see his pride and love for them when she and her older sister exhibited for us after dinner?”
“It was hard to miss. There was no exaggeration of those girls’ musical talent,” Elaine averred. “I loved the story of how Elizabeth kicked William’s shin. It pleases me that our brother is making him learn humility; one Catherine in the family is more than enough, thank you very much.”
“We must do anything we can to assist the Bennets if they ever need it. Mayhap one of our boys will have the good sense to fall in love with Elizabeth,” Lord Matlock stated. “Do not look at me so, Elaine; I will not interfere. I want our sons to marry for love as their father did.”
“Can you remember ever seeing more strikingly beautiful girls? All the Bennet sisters are gorgeous in their own way. I wonder if the two youngest will have the musical and language talents of their older sisters,” Elaine wondered.
“Given the talent of the two older daughters by blood, I would assume it will be so,” Lord Matlock opined.
