Page 26 of Count the Cost (The Secrets of Elizabeth Bennet #2)

E lizabeth slipped hurriedly into her chamber. She must not yet think how she might explain herself, but she must make notes first.

Glancing at the clock, she reached into the closet where her journal was hidden within the folded shawls. She must not be too long.

But — harps. Surely there was money in this.

High quality harps for growing children.

Several different sizes, so there was not too much disruption to the child’s learning.

Her uniqueness would be that wealthy ladies from the first circles could be assured that with these best quality instruments, their child, who in their mind at least was certainly a prodigy, would not be held back by poor quality instruments at a young age.

She scribbled hastily so she would not lose her thoughts.

What about decoration? The harps she had seen were like pianofortes, plain polished wood.

Some wealthy ladies had quite ornate tastes.

Would there be profit in having instruments that would fit a more elaborate style?

Harps would be easy, would they not? And what about pianoforte lids, too?

They could be beautifully made with inlaid wood — or even japanning.

She had craftsmen already who could do that.

And she could do a design and offer matching furniture — start with piano stools and the chairs the harpist sat on, perhaps.

It was written down, and she sat back and contemplated the page.

Normally, after an idea like this, she would stay for several hours as more and more ideas spread the initial concept far beyond what had originally come to mind.

But she had better not do that today. Her absence downstairs would be noticed, and even Lady Palmer did not know the source, nor the extent, of her wealth.

She would not understand Elizabeth’s sudden attention on the harp.

No, she must go downstairs and try not to be distracted by her thoughts and ideas. She would have to write down later what she could remember.

Hurriedly she freshened up with the cool water in the ewer, and washed the ink from her fingers. After hiding her journal again she descended the stairs to the drawing room.

Lady Palmer beckoned her over to the high-seated, uncomfortable sofa, and Elizabeth repressed a sigh. She dipped her head in respect as she drew closer.

“Shall I get you another cup of tea before I take my seat, Aunt?”

The lady gave her a penetrating glance, and nodded. “Bring your own over too, Elizabeth.”

She kept her voice low once Elizabeth was sitting beside her. “What was it that caught your attention? It was most unlike what a newly wealthy young lady should be thinking about.”

“I know, my lady. And I am sorry, a sudden thought came to me, and I did not consider what it would mean.” She bit her lip. “Have I spoiled everything?”

The lady’s gaze was scanning the room. “I don’t think so.

Only Mr. Darcy was close enough to hear what you were saying — but he was puzzled enough.

You must consider what explanation you can give to him.

” She bent a stern look on Elizabeth. “And to me. I think there is quite a lot you haven’t told me. Is there not?”

Elizabeth nodded, trying not to look too unhappy, and pushed thoughts of her business away.

How she wished her uncle was here, and she could bounce her thoughts off him, learning from the breadth of his understanding of what was possible, and what of the possible would be profitable enough to implement.

But he was not, and there were any number of people around her who knew not — and must never know — her secret.

As she looked around, she saw Mr. Darcy was not there, and breathed a slight sigh of relief. She had time to think of whether he had found her attention suspicious.

But several of the other guests were approaching and she forced her expression into a polite little smile.

Elizabeth would be glad when the day was over.

It had been an effort to keep herself from being distracted and concentrate on the ladylike entertainments.

Lady Bedford had arranged the drawing room artfully into different areas; for drawing silhouettes, sketching various still-life arrangements, and places to sit with one’s needlework, as well as stacking the pianoforte high with music scores.

She sat much of the time with Lady Palmer, using the excuse of conversation with her aunt to cover for the fact that she was woefully unskilled at the usual ladylike accomplishments. At least the gentlemen had gone on a shooting party.

“Elizabeth,” Lady Palmer broke into her thoughts of what items might gentlemen like their ladies to give them as a gift to use when out shooting, and Elizabeth pushed the thought away.

“Yes, my lady?”

“Would you really not like to try any of the activities that have been set out?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I have no talent at any of these, except the needlework.”

The lady frowned. “That is unfortunate. I wonder what your parents were thinking of, that you not learn enough when you were younger to be able to hold your own with other young ladies?”

Elizabeth smiled rather weakly, wondering what she could say.

“I have to admit I spent much of my time either out of doors, walking miles through the countryside, or reading voraciously — any subject Papa had in his library, or that the circulating library could procure for me.” And, of course, a great deal of time earning money with my business and learning that from my uncle.

But she could never mention that to anyone but those who knew.

Lady Palmer frowned. “I don’t think we can leave this as it is. I think you and I need to talk to your aunt when we get back to town.”

Elizabeth lowered her head. However would she find time to learn accomplishments to a satisfactory level? “I am not sure I can ever be on a par with these young ladies — and I am not seeking to impress the gentlemen!”

The other’s words were soft. “Do you not want a family in the future? The chance of children?”

Elizabeth swallowed. Why am I thinking of a tall, dark, aristocratic man? She forced the thought away. “I cannot imagine it, my lady. And orphanages are always full of infants who need a home if I wish for children.”

They were interrupted by Lady Bedford. “Might I offer you fresh tea, my lady, and Miss Bennet? I flatter myself that the pastries are very good this morning.” She took the seat beside them and nodded at the maid to serve the tea. “I hope you are enjoying your time here.”

Her sharp gaze settled on Elizabeth. “Please do not feel you must stay here with your aunt. I will ensure her company while you may go and make the acquaintance of the other young ladies.”

Elizabeth glanced at Lady Palmer who waved her away, and so she rose to her feet and moved away. Why did she feel so disinclined to speak to the other ladies? She was a sociable girl, was she not?

She took a determined breath and moved towards the group that included Mrs. French. Having spoken to Mr. French last night, she could converse about their children. The lady was sure to enjoy that.