Elizabeth sighed. “Aunt, that describes nearly everything I own. Mama does not like me and rarely purchases anything for me.”
Mary nodded sympathetically. “Lizzy, if I had anything to spare, I would give it to you. But Mama dislikes me as much as she dislikes you. Everything I have is a hand-me-down.”
Jane rose. “I have five or six of everything. Come to my room, and I will share some of my corsets and undergarments with you.”
All four ladies followed Jane upstairs, sorting what she would keep and what Elizabeth might take.
“I do not need too much,” Elizabeth said. “Once I am at Pemberley, I will ask my husband to take me shopping. I only need enough to last a week or two, just enough to keep the servants from gossiping.”
Aunt Madeline said, “You are right, my dear. Mr. Darcy will see you properly outfitted if you ask him.”
Elizabeth would make do with what she had, though as she and her aunt took inventory, she could not deny the truth. “My gowns are indeed worn and tattered, Aunt. I spend hours outdoors climbing stiles, walking, or sitting in my oak tree reading.”
“Why do you spend so many hours outside, my dear?”
Elizabeth’s brows rose. “Mamma. She does not like me, Aunt Maddie, and it is best for everyone if I am not underfoot. She says I am obstinate and headstrong. When I spend hours reading or studying in my oak tree, she cannot belittle me. It hurts my father and sisters when she does. It is simply better if I stay away. I imagine she is delighted to be rid of me.”
Mrs. Gardiner grew thoughtful. “Perhaps. But your papa will miss you.”
“Yes, and I will miss him. I have missed our morning sessions. He allows me to ask any question I wish, and he is very faithful to give me a sound answer, rooted in evidence.” She giggled. “Those are Papa’s own words. I hope to invite him for Easter, but I must first see how Mr. Darcy and I get along. It would pain Papa if my husband proved unkind. He keeps me in his study at home to shelter me. We spend hours and hours together. I have learned all about the Greek poets, the estate ledgers, the biblical prophecies, sundry articles and journal publications, anything that might improve my mind.”
“Then, Lizzy, ask Mr. Darcy the questions you would normally ask your father. He is a learned man. I remember when the master’s son went to Cambridge; the whole neighborhood heard of it, and the family was so proud. It will be a way to connect with your husband, to know him better.”
Elizabeth smiled. “I will, Aunt. He may repent marrying me, for I have many questions.”
“Many questions? For example?”
“Before we were exiled to Netherfield, I had meant to ask him why Achilles withdrew so completely from the war. He knew it would lead to the deaths of many Greeks.”
Mrs. Gardiner laughed softly. “Lizzy, I foresee hours of entertainment for Mr. Darcy. Do ask your questions. You will learn much about human nature in the process.”
“I thought of my studies when I saw Miss Bingley’s behavior toward me,” Elizabeth said. “It seemed cruel at first, but then I realized she was a woman in pain, just as Achilles was in pain, and we do not always behave well when wounded, do we, Aunt?”
“Come, Lizzy, enough of classical literature. Your sisters are upstairs preparing a gift for you. Let us go and see.”
They ascended to the second floor, and Mrs. Gardiner tapped on Jane’s door.
“Come in,” Jane called.
When they entered, Elizabeth saw Jane holding up a lovely veil. She and Mary had needles in hand, carefully hemming the lace. Elizabeth burst into tears. Her sisters put down their work, and all four women embraced. They understood that Elizabeth wassacrificing herself for their family’s future, and they meant to make her wedding as happy as they could.
At last, Elizabeth wiped her eyes and took the delicate lace in her hands. “This is the most beautiful veil. I never expected to own anything so exquisite.”
Jane lifted it. “It is shoulder-length, Lizzy. We can pin it to your hair with the pearl circlet. It will look beautiful against your dark hair.”
On Thursday morning, two letters arrived from London, personally delivered by one of Mr. Darcy’s grooms. His note to Mr. Bingley stated that he would arrive that evening and that the wedding would take place on Friday morning. They were to return to London that afternoon following the wedding breakfast.
His note to Elizabeth read:
Elizabeth,
Your father has written that the wedding breakfast is planned for Friday; therefore, we shall marry on Friday morning at nine o’clock, followed by the breakfast. We will remain one night in London and travel to Pemberley the following day. I am bringing my sister, Georgiana, and my cousin Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam to attend the wedding. I have invited Mr. Bingley, Caroline, and the Hursts to join us at Pemberley. They will arrive in two weeks’ time, as Charles must first close the house in Hertfordshire and complete some business in London before traveling north. Their visit will extend until the end of September.
Pray let Miss Bennet know of Mr. Bingley’s planned visit, for it is meant as a compliment to her and in gratitude for her kind service as your companion. I know this departure from your home and your beloved father, to travel with a near stranger to the wilds of the north, cannot be easy for you.
Until this evening,
Your intended,
