His expression was so sincere and his voice so gentle, she nearly burst into tears again.“You must stop, Colonel, or I shall never recover.”
He smiled at this and pressed her hand.“I hope you know I will stand your friend, Miss Bennet.And should you ever need it, I shall stand as your brother.”
She did cry a little at this, for she had always wished for a brother, and though she and the colonel had enjoyed a flirtation, they both knew it would be entirely fruitless.She was free to enjoy his friendship with no expectation of more.Hearing him acknowledge the same was both a relief and reassurance all at once.
“Be careful what you offer, dear Colonel.I may take you up on it.”
“I am at your service.”
He helped her up from the grass gently and led her to the lane as if she were an old lady who could not support herself.
“I will be well from here.”
“Are you certain you do not wish me to escort you to the parsonage?”
“I am certain.Thank you, for your information and your kindness.I will not forget it.”
He bowed deeply before her and watched her walk away, glad that she seemed to be mostly recovered, and relieved she had accepted his offer of friendship.
Still Thursday
Elizabethburstintotheparsonage, her mind in great tumult and her hair a blousy mess about her face.She made directly for the stairs and she would have made it to her room unimpeded, but Charlotte stepped into the hall just as Elizabeth was reaching for the bannister.
“Eliza, whatever is the matter?”she cried.
Elizabeth opened her mouth but instead of words, a choking sob emerged.Mortified, she turned away from her friend and raced up the stairs.
Charlotte, ever practical, ordered tea, told Maria she would be indisposed until dinner, and followed Elizabeth.She rapped twice on the door and entered without waiting for a response.Elizabeth was lying on the bed, her face buried in the pillow, weeping.
Charlotte sat beside her and stroked her back.“Dearest, whatever is the matter?”
“Oh, Charlotte!It’s all such a muddle!”This was followed by more sobs.
“Have you received bad news from Longbourn or from the Gardiners?”
“No, everyone is well,” Elizabeth replied before noisily blowing her nose on the handkerchief her friend pressed into her hand.“I am only a very great fool who has made a goose of herself.”
Charlotte resisted the urge to laugh.“Have you quarreled with one of the gentlemen?I know you often meet them on your walks.”
Elizabeth shook her head, avoiding her friend’s gaze.
“Eliza, you know I ordinarily would not press a confidence, but you are staying in my home and under our care.If it involves anyone from Rosings, it will affect us in some way.I must insist you tell me what has happened to leave my normally sanguine friend in such a state.”
There was a knock on the door and Charlotte answered it without letting the maid come inside.She took the tea tray and was careful to close the door and lock it behind her.She quickly prepared two cups and pressed one on her friend.
“Drink this and tell me all about what is troubling you.”
Elizabeth had hoped no one would ever know of her shameful idiocy, but the truth would come out sooner or later—she may as well be done with it.And perhaps seeking succor in her old friend was a wise choice.
“I met Colonel Fitzwilliam on my walk this morning.”
“Yes?”
“Oh, Charlotte!I am an addlepated ninny!”
Charlotte spluttered on her tea.
“He told me the most awful things.We have been terribly deceived in the character of Mr.Wickham.”
