Page 6 of Obligation and Redemption
“ The Italian . I find that my favourite stories are the ones that most mimic reality. Finding similarities in stories to match real life can be quite entertaining, if one enjoys observing the characters around us. The author of this particular story has included some outrageous coincidences, which I also find amusing.” After some reflection, Elizabeth continued, “The heroine, an upright and moral creature of seemingly low birth, attempts to follow her conscience and keep to her own social sphere as a way to protect herself from the evils of the upper class, but love intervenes. Fortunately for her, the one whom she loves, Vivaldi, is also moral and upstanding, always doing what is right in the sight of God and his own conscience; however, he finds that his heart rules him. He cannot overcome his impassioned love for Ellena. His mother, the Marchesa, maliciously schemes to keep her son and his undeserving lover apart, sending each of them on perilous journeys across the countryside and into the Inquisition and the mercy of a murderer. Ironically, of all the characters, Ellena is the noblest of all and the most deserving of happiness; nevertheless, her rank in their culture would keep her locked away if possible. Of course if she were not beautiful, then her situation would be safe, for who would give up his station in life and family for someone unpleasant to look upon? Will their love survive? In novels, everything comes to good in the end, so I would imagine so. I plan on completing my book, now that I am no longer expected to entertain our guest.”
Although Mr. Darcy would not at first acknowledge that he was listening to her chatter, due to the difficulties related to nausea when opening his eyes and his not wanting to give this woman any more attention than she deserved, he was indeed listening.
After several minutes had passed, and after Elizabeth was sure that he had fallen back asleep, he said, “I imagine your book was written by a woman of average standing in society. What could she know of the expectations of those with rank, of the nobility? She obviously writes about that which she knows nothing.”
“So by your estimation, the author can have no understanding of the character and actions of those who may have different backgrounds from herself? I confess that I have always found that observation of others outside of our own circles could lend enlightenment to their possible actions and motivations. There are those of the aristocracy who lower themselves, at least to a degree, in order to marry their choices. You cannot deny this. And if this is indeed noticed in real life, could the author not also determine that her characters are to enjoy the same advantage?”
“Advantage to whom? Surely not to the Marchesa’s son, or his parents. Their standing in society will, of course, diminish. There can be no advantage there.”
“I suppose we must define advantage. For surely, having the freedom and will to marry whom one chooses could be considered advantageous by some, if not by most.”
“You, miss, have been reading fairy tales. You can have no understanding regarding the personal decisions of those of consequence. Your environs provide little variety with which to make an informed judgement.”
“Mr. Darcy, all people have hopes, dreams and inclinations towards finding happiness. Of course, the means of finding such joy may vary amongst people, but in general, no matter a person’s station, finding a true love match must have significant value.
Even kings and queens have sought felicity in the arms of a sanctioned lover.
Dissatisfaction in the marriage state drives men and women alike into the arms of others, due not necessarily to the desire for profligate behaviour, but out of a yearning to feel loved and to show love.
Of course, simply a desire to experience feelings of wanton joy does not justify such actions, but I cannot help but wonder if extramarital pursuits would not diminish, if society in general put more value in marrying for love rather than the material advantages. ”
“And you have learnt by observation about the licentious tendencies of the upper class, Miss Bennet?”
“It is all over the gossip section of the paper.” When he sneered, she responded, “Do you find it more improper to read the gossip or to create it? I own that I prefer the former, but then I have never claimed to be in the same league as the upper class when it comes to ability to create gossip.” The irritation clearly present on Mr. Darcy’s face provided Elizabeth a source of dearly needed amusement.
She was not a mean sort of girl, but she did enjoy creating a response in someone so intent on having none.
Darcy was shocked at such a speech from a supposed gentlewoman; that she would express her opinions so openly to a gentleman was unseemly and unheard of. He responded in silent reflection, thus ending the conversation.
Elizabeth, sensing she had yet again gone too far, remained silent as well, rather spending time in contemplation of her escape.
The rain had lessened, and she decided that Mr. Darcy was well enough to be left alone while she sought help.
Elizabeth considered that the course of events would be better arranged if she were not actually with Mr. Darcy when found.
Elizabeth stood to inspect her dress to see if during the course of the past few hours, it had dried sufficiently.
When standing, she realised how she had over-exerted herself with no nourishment to replenish her long spent energy.
Her legs wobbled below her, a feeling Elizabeth had never had the disadvantage of experiencing, unlike other ladies with less stamina.
She leaned upon the chair as the light-headedness passed.
Fortunate to find her gown tolerably dry, considering the fire had dwindled from its already reduced state, Elizabeth looked around the room to determine if there was somewhere that might afford her some privacy as she changed from the draping of a quilt to her clothes.
She did not trust this Mr. Darcy, especially after her suspicions earlier, but there was no separation from him to be found.
She suspected that although he was quiet and still, that he might yet be awake.
Elizabeth would not give credit again to his appearance of sleeping, but still she must dress.
Elizabeth checked to see if his coat and waistcoat were ready for him to put on, and although still somewhat damp, could likely be worn without too much discomfort.
“Mr. Darcy, I find that our clothes are no longer soaking wet; we could likely put them back on without too much of a chill. I would be willing to assist you as you need, since I know that raising your head can be rather painful for you, but I also ask that you give me the privacy that I need in order to dress myself first.”
“Then go to it.”
“As there is no where within the confines of this room, the entire cabin really, in which to dress alone, I need to ensure that you will not look in my direction while I drop the quilt and put on my gown. I need no assistance, except in the privacy, which I beg you will give me.”
“I am a gentleman, Miss Bennet. You can be assured of my providing you with whatever privacy you require to put yourself back into a state of decorum. I do not make a habit of sharing rooms with ladies, and I can assure you that I will give you no reason to suspect otherwise.”
“That sounds commendable, but how can I know that I should trust you? You, who plead to be trustworthy, have given me no reason to believe in the veracity of such a claim. I have heard how men of means give the appearance of propriety, but behind closed doors, show every sign of debauchery that they can afford, and some they cannot. ”
“How dare you accuse me of impropriety, while frolicking around the room in nothing but a chemise and quilt!” He took a deep breath.
“I give you my word as a gentleman; I will keep my eyes firmly closed.
I have no desire of opening them just to be reminded of the situation in which you have placed me.
I simply ask that you make quick work of things.
“ This speech made his head pound as his anger took hold.
Elizabeth warily placed herself in a position where she could stand behind his head, so he would have to truly strain in order to see her.
She suspected this would be impossible for him, as she had seen the effects of moving in one direction or the other.
She did not trust this man, after suspecting that he had been gazing upon her, and she was determined to protect her privacy.
Upon dropping the quilt, she quickly stepped into her dress, pulling it up to her shoulder, and buttoned the front.
The seams had not yet dried completely, but overall, it was satisfactory.
She then put on her woollen pelisse and felt much warmer than she had since their arrival, although still rather chilled.
Her hair was adequately dry to pin back up, which she quickly accomplished.
Feeling more herself, she offered to assist Mr. Darcy with dressing.
He replied to her inquiries, “I do not want help, as I am able to dress myself. You should not have removed my clothing in the first place, no matter how cold I seemed to be; you did so without my consent. I was perfectly comfortable with my clothes on; removing them has created a problem that could have been avoided. I have to wonder why you would have taken upon yourself the charge to doff my attire; surely the necessity was not sufficient for such a response. I marvel at your ingenuity in contriving such a gainful situation,” said he with an unmistakeable implication of her guilt.
“If you could please hand over my waistcoat, I can begin, and finish, hopefully before we are discovered.”