Page 20 of Obligation and Redemption
At Elizabeth’s look of distress, she continued, “I told her that our mother could not know what happened that day, since you have not spoken with her, and that I know for certain that you would not do anything lacking complete propriety. She then just patted my arm with a look of concern and said that I was na?ve to the ways of the world, and that a gentleman like Mr. Darcy is used to getting what he wants, and certainly, a lady of your beauty would not be ignored in such a circumstance. I began to defend you, but then Lydia had overheard, and said that you would not spend an entire day with that severe man, especially after he offended you so meanly at the assembly, and that if he did need saving that you certainly would not want to be the one to have to do the task. Then she said, ‘We do not care if he is the richest man in Derbyshire.’”
Elizabeth listened in horror to the account of her sister’s bringing disgrace to the Bennet family. Sometimes Elizabeth was able to ignore the indecorum of her younger sisters, but then she would be reminded of their unseemliness time and again.
“Then Mr. Collins decided to add his view of the situation. He said that his cousin could not possibly have done anything to help Mr. Darcy, as he is such a strong and capable man, and you are so weak, that it was likely the other way around. Mr. Darcy, being the man of noble lineage would have come to your rescue if any saving were necessary, but that he would never put himself in that kind of position with a woman of less distinction, for Lady Catherine could never approve.” Elizabeth rolled her eyes at this, but knew he was probably correct on that point.
Mr. Darcy, though likely gallant with the ladies of his own station, would not possibly do any more than was necessary for a daughter of a country gentleman.
“Mrs. Hopkins then said, that for your sake, she hoped Mr. Darcy would do his duty, as no one could respect the family of a woman who would discredit herself for the sake of catching a rich man.”
“Jane, she cannot believe that I have done anything disreputable! She has always been so kind to me. She must know that I would not knowingly bring scandal to Longbourn!”
“I told her you would not, and she just shook her head and tsk tsk’d. She then suggested we make our purchases or leave.”
After Elizabeth had taken all of this in, she asked, “Did you see anyone else?”
“Yes, we did see Aunt Philips while on our way home from the milliner’s.
She told us what Mama had told her. Lydia and Kitty giggled and said that if you had to pick someone to save, you should have waited for the officers to arrive.
But Mr. Collins did not believe it to be true, that he was certain Mr. Darcy could not have allowed himself to be degraded by you. ”
Jane looked to her sister with remorse in her eyes for having to be the one to pass on such offensive news.
But Lizzy hugged her and said, “Dear sister, you must learn to laugh at the insensibility of others. Mr. Collins is demonstrating his ignorance, rather than my shame. He probably dreams up speeches to declare his place as our saviour and ours as his charity. Surely, you must know that his opinion cannot matter one jot to me.”
“But what of Meryton? Surely the opinion of our neighbours must have some weight? Lizzy, what if they believe Mama’s words? There is no way to disprove her, and if they continue judging you as I witnessed yesterday, a scandal against our family is inevitable.”
“I should go into town myself and make sure that everyone knows that I have no shame and that I am well. Surely a disgraced woman would not show herself in town brazenly. They will know by my demeanour that I am innocent.”
“I do hope you are correct, but you must not walk there today; you are not fully recovered. I can tell that you need your rest.”
“I am afraid you are correct on that point, so I will wait until tomorrow. Will you join me? You are stronger than you think, and your strength will help carry me through the day.”
“I would be pleased to go with you. Now you go rest.” Elizabeth hugged her sister again and went to her room for a needed nap. However, sleep would not come to her as she considered how her life was beginning to spin out of control.
ELIZABETH FELT STRONGER THAN THE PREVIOUS DAY, despite a deficiency of sleep during the night.
She knew that what she needed most was fresh air and some activity to work out the lingering effects of her illness.
The day was proving to be lovely, and the sun was shining, so she put on her spencer, bonnet and gloves and set out to Meryton with Jane.
Mr. Collins watched them as they departed the manor, curious to know where the two were going.
Nothing was said of an outing over breakfast, and he felt for certain that Miss Elizabeth had set out to fan the flames of deception that had been ignited by her mother.
Mr. Darcy would be a brilliant catch for her, but Mr. Collins was quite certain that his patroness would be horrified by even the hint of any unseemly behaviour displayed by her illustrious nephew, especially in light of his pending engagement to his cousin, Anne de Bourgh.
He now realised why Miss Elizabeth had so adeptly caused him to change his allegiance from herself to her sister, Mary.
She obviously had had her sights on a more lucrative prey.
He quickly donned his coat and hat and headed out after them.
Even in her somewhat weakened state, Elizabeth still tended to outstrip her sister on their trek to Meryton, which was but two miles from home.
She was uneasy about what she would find in town.
Surely her sister had worried too much concerning the gossip being bandied about.
Elizabeth had grown up amongst these people.
They were familiar enough with her character to know that although she did often walk without a companion, this was because no one was available, rather than improper reasons.
As they entered town, they slowed their steps, so that nothing would appear amiss.
They casually went into the bookstore, perusing the shelves for something unique.
Elizabeth had brought some of her saved pin money, so that she would have purpose while in the many shops she intended on visiting.
A book would be just the thing to bring her joy while soliciting information about her reputation.
The owner of this shop, a man of about her father’s age, saw them enter.
He kept behind his desk as they shopped.
Two local ladies entered together, saw her and smiled.
Then they put their heads together and whispered indistinguishable words.
Giggling, they left the establishment, glancing back her way one more time.
After about ten more minutes, the proprietor walked up and said, “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, can I assist you in finding a purchase?”
Elizabeth smiled at the man she had known since she came of age, “Hello, Mr. Thompson, I really have nothing in mind. Is there anything that you could recommend for me? I find that I would like to branch out a little and expand my limited supply of books, perhaps something that a woman would enjoy, for I have all the books of my father’s at my disposal. ”
“How about Fordyce’s Sermons?”
Elizabeth almost laughed out loud. What were the chances of this man suggesting the same book that had inspired her insipid cousin so?
“No, I think not. I believe there is already a copy of that same book in possession of our cousin who has been visiting these two weeks. We have heard more than our share of that particular book. Perhaps a novel. I have been reading one from Radcliffe that amuses me, but I prefer trying a different author.”
“A novel? Why Miss Elizabeth, I never took you for the maudlin type, but I suppose there are many things about you of which I have limited knowledge.”
Her cheeks traitorously became scarlet as she considered the unspoken meaning behind his words.
“Sir, my hope is that no one unconnected with my family would have a full perception of me, nor would judge my character without complete understanding. A casual observer, such as yourself, should not have the privilege of that much insight. As you would not judge a book by its cover, you should also not judge a person by mere observation or even more, hearsay. But I am sure, you were just considering my usual purchases and considering my tastes, which as you may recall are as varied as the people of Meryton.” Elizabeth knew better than to offend, but she wanted to make her point clear, so she smiled charmingly at him to disarm her words, as she usually did when there was a risk of giving offence.
If this man, who had known her for several years, was accepting the gossip at face value, what damage could the intermeddlers be instilling in the general population, and was that damage something from which her family could recover?
“If I can assist you in finding any purchases, I will be in the back.” He turned and headed into the other room.
Finding his usually solicitous attention lacking, Elizabeth turned to her sister and said, “Jane, I think we have done enough shopping here. Shall we head to the milliner’s?”