Page 37 of Missing
Elizabeth released Jane's hand, stood, and looked out the window to collect her thoughts. She did not wish to argue with her sister and needed to understand why Jane thought William acted in such a manner.
Charlotte had once told Elizabeth that Jane chose to see only what she wished.
Elizabeth supposed her dear sister could not perceive the flaws of others and always thought everyone good.
At that moment, however, she realized Charlotte might have been correct, and that Jane's disposition made it impossible for her to understand what was truly happening.
"Jane, could you explain why you think William is abusing Charles's trust? What makes you believe that?" Elizabeth asked, at once intrigued and wounded.
Jane had spoken to Caroline and Louisa before visiting her sister. They had warned her that Elizabeth would attempt to sow doubt and refute her opinions. So she remembered her sisters-in-law's advice and spoke without hesitation.
"Lizzy, your husband asked Charles to change solicitors and rehire the old firm that managed his father's business. But my husband is no longer in trade and requires the guidance of someone who understands the management of an estate, not of commercial contracts."
"Jane, do you not recall that on the very day William and I returned from our honeymoon, Charles came to this house to ask for my husband's aid?
William promised to assist him, and he always takes his commitments most seriously.
He read the documents Charles provided, grew suspicious, and made further inquiries.
In the process, William discovered that your husband's solicitor had advised him to invest a large sum in a high-risk venture with unreliable men.
" Elizabeth took a deep breath and concluded, "William does not wish to control Charles's decisions; it is Charles who has sought his counsel from the very first."
She gave Jane a few more particulars, but soon perceived that her sister was not listening.
"Lizzy, I do not want to argue. I understand you believe what your husband tells you.
I do not desire to create conflict between us, or between you and Mr. Dalton.
Therefore, let us not quarrel further; we should speak only of family matters.
We shall not fall into disagreement provided your husband ceases to interfere in Charles's affairs.
" Jane felt satisfied, believing she had expressed all she intended.
Elizabeth could scarcely believe what she heard.
How could Jane be so blind to reality? "I understand, though I think you are mistaken.
Still, I agree that the best course is not to discuss our husbands.
From now on, if Charles requires support, he must turn to others, not to William.
Yet I confess I still do not comprehend how you concluded that my husband is abusing Charles. "
"Because Charles told us at breakfast that Mr. Dalton recommended dismissing his solicitor.
Lizzy, your husband is strong-willed and authoritative, while Charles is a gentle, cordial man.
It is not difficult to believe that when Mr. Dalton recommends something, my husband feels compelled to obey.
" Jane repeated everything Louisa and Caroline had suggested, convinced that they were correct.
She often felt that something similar had occurred with Elizabeth.
Elizabeth saw that the conversation was becoming increasingly absurd and knew that nothing she said would alter Jane's mind.
"Very well, Jane. I shall tell William that you and the rest of the Bingley family perceive his assistance as interference.
I am sure he will never again involve himself in your husband's concerns after knowing how his loyalty and time are valued. But I ask one thing of you."
"Of course, Lizzy; how can I help you?"
"Never again speak of my husband in the manner you have just done.
You have not taken the trouble to know him better, and yet you presume to judge him, disregarding both him and my feelings.
I also suspect that Louisa and Caroline have influenced your opinion, as they detest William for being a tradesman.
As I have said, I shall speak to William, but please tell Charles not to trouble him again with his affairs, or I shall be forced to reveal this conversation. "
"I understand, Lizzy. If your husband refrains from interfering in my husband's affairs, we shall have no future conflict," Jane replied, pleased with what she thought she had secured. She was now a Bingley, loyal to her husband and resolved to protect him.
Elizabeth sat again and attempted to converse on other subjects, though she felt most uncomfortable. After five minutes, Jane announced that she must return home, said her farewell, and departed.
Elizabeth was upset and hurt. Jane seemed to have no interest in knowing William, in discovering how mistaken she was.
Though Charles was friendly, he lacked intellectual curiosity, and his conversation was superficial.
Nevertheless, Elizabeth had taken the trouble to know him, to see his virtues, and to accept him as a brother.
Fortunately, Violet returned home that morning and told Elizabeth that Madeline and the children were feeling much better, so she no longer needed to remain in bed all day. Elizabeth chose not to tell Violet about her conversation with Jane, not wishing to trouble her with such concerns.
Later that morning, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley visited, and thanks to them, Elizabeth forgot much of her unpleasant exchange with Jane.
"Lizzy, I came to invite you to my father's fifty-fifth birthday celebration. He does not care for parties, but this is the first I shall host for him, and I wish it to be most exceptional."
"Thank you, my dear Georgiana. I shall be happy to support you and celebrate your father's birthday," Elizabeth said warmly.
"Mrs. Dalton, you are also invited. I have told my father so much about you that he is eager to meet you."
"Thank you, Miss Darcy. It will be my pleasure. As you know, he and I are both from Derbyshire, so we shall have much to discuss," Violet replied.
Georgiana spent half an hour with Elizabeth, and though she wished to remain longer, she had other invitations to deliver.
"I like Miss Darcy, my dear Lizzy. She is such a gentle and good girl. Despite being the daughter of a wealthy gentleman and belonging to the first circles of society, she has no hesitation in associating with people from other classes," Violet said sincerely.
"I know she is exceptional, and I am very fond of her," Elizabeth answered, reflecting how different Georgiana was from the Bingley sisters, who looked down on everyone. Then she remembered Jane's words and thought how much her sister now resembled Caroline and Louisa.
Violet began to sneeze repeatedly, and Elizabeth grew concerned. "Mama Violet, I think you should go to bed and rest. You have been caring for ill people for several days, and I do not want you to fall ill yourself."
"Do not worry, Lizzy, I am well," Violet said, sneezing again.
They had luncheon, but when Elizabeth saw that her mother-in-law continued sneezing, she persuaded her to rest. Elizabeth then finished writing letters to her family, which she intended to send to Longbourn the following day.
◆◆◆
William completed his work as quickly as possible, eager to return home earlier than usual.
He had thought of Elizabeth all day, recalling how sweet their reconciliation had been.
Once, his father had told him that a relationship was stronger after overcoming a quarrel, however difficult, and William now felt that he admired and loved his wife more each day.
He was happier than he had ever imagined.
Beyond the tenderness and esteem of their union, there was also the physical bond, in which they complemented each other perfectly and delighted in every moment they spent alone.
He laughed to himself, remembering how his friends once teased him for being too reserved and incapable of expressing feelings.
With Elizabeth, however, he was neither timid nor ashamed.
With her, he had discovered that he could be as ardent as she in the expression of love.
Without doubt, marrying Elizabeth had been the best decision of his life. He would always be grateful to his mother for urging him to travel to Hertfordshire and do everything in his power to win her affection.
William now felt renewed determination in all his pursuits.
He longed to succeed, to honour the Dalton name in tribute to his parents, but also for his new family, that he might be a worthy husband and an excellent father to their future children.
Elizabeth's love had given him new strength, and he saw the world full of possibilities.
When he returned home, William was pleasantly surprised to find that his mother had come back. He was delighted to dine with the two women he loved best. Though the conversation was lively, both William and Violet perceived that Elizabeth was less animated than usual.
"And what did the prettiest women in all of London do today?" William asked, hoping to draw his wife into the conversation.
"Permit me to correct you, dear son," Violet replied with a wink at Elizabeth, "Lizzy and I are the prettiest women in all of England, not merely London."
"You are quite right, mother. You are indeed the loveliest in all of England."
"William, Georgiana called upon us today and invited us to her father's birthday celebration."
"And do you wish to go?" he asked, looking from Violet to Elizabeth.
"Yes, son, I believe we ought. It is an excellent opportunity for you and Lizzy to meet people from other circles, which may be useful to your business. But beyond that, Miss Darcy came personally to invite us, and it would be most ungracious to decline her kind gesture."