Elizabeth explained it all again, glancing apologetically at Charlotte who was forced to hear it once more. When she finished, Lady de Bourgh nodded solemnly.
“You were put in an untenable situation, my dear,” she said sympathetically. “I encourage you to find things to admire in your husband. It may be that you come to love him naturally.”
“He is very officious. I do not think he even realizes he is doing it.” Memories of their conversation that morning returned, and she frowned. “Though I must admit, as I have come to know him better, I find more to admire.”
“He is a man used to getting his own way. He has been master of his estate since he was two-and-twenty, and all who depend upon him follow his every command without complaint. Is it any wonder that he behaves as he does?”
Elizabeth sighed. “I suppose not,” she agreed reluctantly.
“It takes practice. Now, we have great need of visiting the modiste. I understand your wardrobe needs supplementation.”
They discussed when they would next meet, and Elizabeth arranged for the fabric to be brought to Lady de Bourgh’s home in two days. After they made their selections, they would go to the modiste.
“We shall need slippers, walking boots, shawls, gloves, underthings…” Lady de Bourgh went on and Charlotte penned down her words onto a piece of paper. “You must tell your aunt to bring heavier fabrics. It is cold in Derbyshire, and you will need warmer gowns.”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, ma’am. My Aunt Gardiner hales from Derbyshire, but I shall remind her nonetheless.”
She left an hour later, resolved to follow Lady de Bourgh’s advice and find even more things to admire about her husband than she had considered thus far.I do not give him enough credit,she mused.I ought to more closely consider all that others have tried to tell me about my husband.And her own observations contradicted her previous suppositions. It was foolish to continue ignoring the evidence of her own eyes.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
May 21, 1812
De Bourgh House
Charlotte
“Your friend seems to be a good sort of girl. Her liveliness will be a good counter for Darcy’s more sober personality.”
Charlotte nodded in reply, and Lady de Bourgh continued to speak.
“She will do well, I think. She is no bashful miss; her courage will be put to good use amongst theton. Anyone with a weaker personality would fall victim to their schemes.”
“How did you escape?” Charlotte asked.
“After that first season, Anthony and I retreated to Briar Court. He comforted me and introduced me to his neighbors. They were more accepting of a country girl marrying the onlybachelor in the neighborhood, and I gained my footing there. Then, when we returned the next season, I had a small circle of friends. They introduced me to their friends, and things improved from there. I met Lucy Fitzwilliam during that second season. She had recently married the Earl of Matlock. As first the daughter and then the wife of an earl, it was she who truly facilitated my acceptance in society. Now, my name and reputation are enough. Without them, Elizabeth’s experience will be much like mine.”
So, that was why the old earl felt like he could approach Sir Lewis.Charlotte nodded absently.
“Now, I must change the subject. What are your feelings toward my grandson?”
Charlotte’s head shot up, her full attention now on the lady seated in the chair across from her. “I do not know what you mean,” she prevaricated, though she could feel the blush of her cheeks betraying her words.
“I am not ignorant that Sir Andrew disappeared at the same time every day while we were at Rosings Park. He seemed particularly fond of your company. You cannot deny that.”
“I have no wish to deny it, though it does not follow that his interest has spurred feelings in my heart.” She stubbornly refused to see anything more than solicitousness in Sir Andrew’s manner.
“There is no shame in admitting your heart has been touched. I hope it has, for Andrew deserves to marry for love.” Lady de Bourgh looked at her knowingly, her eyes twinkling with good humor.
“Sir Andrew will not marry me. He disabused me of any expectations upon our first meeting.” Besides, he would never pick a plain, practically dowerless spinster to be his wife.
Lady de Bourgh sighed. “Oh, Andrew. He is letting his past interfere with his happiness again, I am afraid.”
Charlotte did not know how to respond. After a moment’s pause, she asked, “What do you mean?”
“It is not my story to tell, sadly. I shall have to invite him back to town. He may not come, but it is worth the attempt.” She shook her head, her white curls shaking as she did so. “That boy…”
Lady de Bourgh dropped the subject and instead spoke of their shopping expedition. “I hope you will do me the honor of allowing me to purchase a few gowns for you,” she said. “I never had a daughter to spoil and would enjoy it very much.”
