Page 6 of Pride & Precipitance (The Victorian Vagaries #1)

The ladies spent the day resting after their journey, and a note was sent to Gracechurch Street, inviting Mr and Mrs Gardiner to luncheon after church the next day, which would be Sunday.

"We will keep the knocker off the door, since I will not be accepting callers for such a short stay in town," Elizabeth told her sisters after they settled in and were taking tea in the small library, which was Elizabeth’s favoured room. "Of course there are a few people we must call on. The Dowager Duchess of St I___ will be in town, and after my mentioning so many times how I longed to entertain my sisters for a visit, Lady B______ who lives just across the street would never forgive me if I did not bring you to tea on Thursday."

"A duchess! Lizzy, I would not know how to behave with such a person of rank!" exclaimed Mary.

"There is nothing wrong with your manners, Mary, or her grace's manners either for that matter, the lady is simply delightful," soothed Elizabeth. "Just behave as you always do, and you will do very well. There are certainly people who disdain others in the ton, but they are not among the society of my closest friends. I do not wish to alarm you, but I must also inform Her Majesty that I am returned to town. I doubt she would invite us to visit her when I explain the shortness of our visit, but it would never do not to inform her that I am here."

"Lizzy, I could never go to meet Her Majesty!" Mary wailed. "I would die of nerves!"

"Well, as I said, I do not believe it will come to that this week, Mary," chuckled Elizabeth. "However, as you accustom yourself to the society I keep, you should try to get used to the idea. I am determined to bring you out as you deserve, and that means you must be presented at court. I do not want you to worry over that now. As much as I would like to bring you out this Season, due to your already having reached nineteen, I am aware you are not ready so soon. However, by next year, I believe you may even look forward to it. You are near to my size, so I have had Sarah and Ethel begin altering a few of my gowns for you to use this week while we are about town. I have several brand new ones that I probably will not wear that will suit your colouring very well."

"Thank you, Lizzy. My attire was one of the first things I worried about when you mentioned meeting your friends. I would not wish to meet a duchess in my drab grey gowns," said Mary.

"As much as I hate to disappoint you or your friends, Lizzy, I am afraid I will not be meeting them," said Jane coolly. "I wish to return with my aunt and uncle to Gracechurch Street tomorrow."

Elizabeth sighed inwardly. Jane had been like this for all of the last two days. She would begin to warm up slightly, then seem to realise it, and return to her ice cold serenity. Each time she did so, she became slightly more venomous.

"Of course I would never pressure you, Jane. If you wish to go right to our aunt and uncle, I will not stop you. Please do whatever makes you feel comfortable," Elizabeth encouraged.

"I must go and speak to the cook," Elizabeth stated as she stood and shook out her skirts. "It will probably seem peculiar to you both, and I hope you do not mind, but I generally allow the servants to have the entire day off on Sunday. It means a bit of fending for ourselves, but no one was ever hurt by a cold breakfast and making their own bed once a week. Usually I would go into the kitchen today, and prepare something I can easily put into the oven after church but since we only just arrived in time for lunch, I must see what there is to be had for tomorrow."

"Lizzy, do you really work in the kitchens here? I cannot imagine why that should be necessary in a house like this. Since you will only be here one week, would they really mind working tomorrow?" asked Jane.

"I am sure they would not, but tomorrow is the Lord's day of rest, and the servants must have theirs, as scheduled by the Almighty," said Elizabeth briskly as she began to exit the room. "The only servants on duty tomorrow will be the men who guard the doors, and one hall boy who minds the fires, and they alternate each week. I hope you both enjoy the rest of your afternoon. The housekeeper Mrs Hayes will show you to your rooms."

"How ridiculous! Who ever heard of giving all the servants the entire day off every Sunday!" derided Jane when she thought Elizabeth was out of earshot. Elizabeth was not one for eavesdropping, but since Jane was making no effort not to be heard, she paused anyway.

"Jane, I cannot understand why you would be so unkind to her after everything she has done to help you," said Mary sternly.

"She is only trying to buy our affections, and she cannot buy me. I am surprised at how quickly she bought you, Mary, given all your past moralising," Jane said unkindly. "You ceased your sermons, and began looking for her favour almost as soon as she entered the neighbourhood in Meryton."

"I did not even speak to her until that terrible evening at Longbourn, Jane, and she has been in Meryton all summer, much to my shame! And as for sermons, it is difficult to lecture others on wickedness when you discover how little Christian kindness is in your own family. After seeing what our loving mother has done to her most precious child, you must pardon me for declining to wait about to be the next daughter cast out into the night. I do not have to listen to your unkindness, Jane. I have had enough unkindness at Longbourn these nineteen years. I am glad to put them behind me now," challenged Mary hotly.

*****

Elizabeth continued on her way to the kitchens. She had gone through three cooks before she could find one willing to share their kitchen. One would think that double the usual salary and every Sunday off would incline anyone to bend their thinking a bit, but some servants were even more conscious of rank than most peers and were patently incapable of re-examining their own ideas of what was proper.

Upon arriving in the kitchens, Beau hot on her heels, Elizabeth found everything well in hand. Knowing Lady Astley would only be in town one week, it was nothing for the cook to go the extra mile to prepare a simple dish that Elizabeth made often on Sundays. There were several loaves of fresh baked bread and soft rolls to go with all of the meals, and there was also cold hard boiled eggs, ham, and cheese, as well as a lovely apple pastry ready for breakfast. There was a large roasting pan for a late luncheon ready to go in the oven. Then more cold chicken, ham, pies, and other simple delicacies for supper, which Elizabeth preferred to take on a tray in her room, for it was a day of rest for her as well as the servants. There was a glass-covered stand piled with scones, muffins, cakes, and biscuits as well, for any who wanted them.

Elizabeth usually walked to church and put her lunch in the oven, and spent the rest of the day quietly in her suite, typically reading while Diane and Beau played in her sitting room. Usually she made quite an adventure of it with Diane, as she was used to doing every week with Sir Christopher, who embraced the practice with good humour and liveliness when she suggested it. She would do that tomorrow with her sisters.

Sunday morning, Elizabeth woke early, made her bed quickly, washed in the refreshing room attached to her suite, then dressed in an elegant, yet practical gown, and pulled her hair up into a simple and attractive twist. She then went to the nursery and relieved the nurse for the day, and helped the child make her bed, wash, and dress herself. They made their way to Mary’s room where they entered laughing and singing to Mary's called invitation, and helped Mary make her bed. They then went downstairs to set out breakfast as Mary prepared to dress for the day, promising to help Jane before she came down.

Jane and Mary entered the kitchens to find Elizabeth and Diane singing hymns and nursery rhymes and ABC's as they finished laying out breakfast. The ladies ate in the kitchens, and then cleared away all traces of breakfast in good cheer and surprising efficiency and left the kitchen fires in the care of the hall boy who would receive the following Sunday off while another tended the fires.

The little family walked to Church with Lady B______'s family, since the weather was so fine, and the distance was small. In this manner, at least one of the introductions Jane was trying to avoid were made anyway, and the younger ladies were received by the Dowager Viscountess and her daughters with kindness.

After the service, Elizabeth made introductions of her sisters to several friends, including Lady D_____ and Lady O_______, two elderly Dowagers who terrorised the ton with their good natured, yet sharp tongues, and then their little party walked the few blocks back to Astley House.

"Where do you keep the servants of a Sunday, Lizzy? Do you not feed them? I was surprised to find no one but us in the kitchens this morning," asked Jane.

"There is a goodish sized room upstairs attached to the servants’ quarters. It was no trouble to have a long table installed there." Elizabeth answered good naturedly. "The servants spend their day much as we do. The cook provides everything necessary for cold meals like the one we had this morning, and they do not mind it a bit. The servants serve themselves breakfast before they walk to church, and then sit down to luncheon together. Then they all rest, read, and serve themselves a light dinner when it suits them, and they return to their duties on Monday much refreshed. Some of them attend church with their families on Sunday."

"But what about my aunt and uncle's visit today? Who will wait upon us at lunch?" inquired Jane.

"The Gardiners and their children have spent many such Sunday meals with Diane and I. They find it liberating for everyone to break out of their usual routines, and have most of the house to themselves without so many staff about. Aunt Gardiner has implemented a similar method at Gracechurch Street. Uncle Gardiner even has quite the adventure harnessing the horses and driving the carriage with our young cousins when they come for luncheon on Sunday afternoons."

"I believe it seems a perfectly irrational way to entertain guests, Lizzy, but it is your home," sneered Jane as they entered the house, hung their own coats, and left their bonnets on a side table.

"I believe we should expect our family to arrive in about an hour," observed Elizabeth, ignoring Jane’s venom. "I will go to the kitchen and see our dinner into the oven."

Diane took Mary’s hand and led her upstairs, babbling happily, as Elizabeth turned her back on Jane and left her standing in the hall.

*****

The Gardiners arrived, and far from being offended at serving themselves, they arrived in good cheer and bearing a lovely pudding. Mr Gardiner and the children started a crackling fire to warm the small library and set up a screen to protect the carpet. They met the ladies in the small dining room just as Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner came in with the roasting pan from the oven and trays of soft bread rolls. Everyone took their chairs and passed their plates around the table as Elizabeth served from one end. Once everyone had their meal before them, Uncle Gardiner cleared his throat loudly from the other end of the table, held one hand out to Jane and the other to his daughter, as the family bowed their heads for the blessing.

The luncheon was joyful and filled with the laughter of the children, and the happiness of the Gardiners at having their second and third eldest nieces with them. It had been five years since Thomas Bennet had allowed them to visit.

When the meal was finished, everyone carried their plates and all evidence of the meal to the kitchens. The family laughed and joked as they covered the dishes and the roasting pan in the sink with water for the scullery maid to attend to in the morning. The family trooped upstairs to the small library, where Uncle Gardiner stoked the fire. The children sat down to play quietly in the corner as the adults talked.

Elizabeth spoke briefly with Aunt Madeleine in the kitchen before lunch, and had acquainted her with Jane's behaviour from the last two days. Jane had not warmed up very much during luncheon, and seemed to be irritated in her serene way at the enjoyment her family was taking in the meal.

Now, Jane was sitting with her aunt and uncle and speaking quietly while Mary and Elizabeth sat with the children to read a Bible story. After a short time, Jane stood. "Lizzy, I am going to my room to pack a bag to bring with me for tonight, since there are no servants to help with my trunks."

"Certainly Jane, I will have your trunks sent over to Gracechurch Street tomorrow," answered Elizabeth.

While Jane was upstairs, Elizabeth chatted with her aunt and uncle, making plans to pick up their aunt, and Jane also if she wished, in the morning for a trip to Uncle's warehouses to look for fabrics for Mary’s new wardrobe. They would stop for luncheon at a popular tea house. Next, they would continue to Elizabeth’s modiste, who was sent a note the day before and responded that she had cleared the entire afternoon for them.

"I think we all must remind ourselves that Jane has been through two unacceptably distressing events in the last few days and that she may not be up to the jolly visit we are used to having. When she does come down, she may wish to leave as soon as possible, and I would not like to make her uncomfortable by forcing her to remain," Elizabeth said to the Gardiners. "I am sure she is quite keen to return to Gracechurch Street and settle in. This has all been very difficult for her."

"You are probably right, Lizzy, we will take our leave as soon as Jane indicates she is ready," replied her uncle. "Jane could probably do with a long talk with your aunt, and a day or two of rest. I hope this Bingley does not turn up too soon, she needs a bit of quiet before this bumbling boy and his family discomfort her again."

True to Elizabeth’s prediction, ten minutes later, Jane appeared at the door of the small library, holding her bag in front of her, and looking as if she might catch lice if she were to come back into the room.

"Well that is our cue to head home, then. Come lads, let's ready the carriage, while the ladies prepare to leave," said Uncle Gardiner as he roused his sons.

The ladies acquainted Jane with their plans for the next day as they donned their bonnets and waited for Uncle Gardiner and the boys with the carriage. Jane made no comment as they chatted and then made their goodbyes, but just before leaving she did turn to Lizzy and said, "Thank you, Lizzy, for the ride to London." Dipping into the barest curtsey, Jane turned and herded the girls outside.

Aunt Gardiner followed her, eyebrows raised almost to her hairline, after giving Elizabeth and Mary each a loving hug.

"Thank you for the ride to London, indeed! How could she behave so!" exclaimed Mary as the door shut behind them. "The ride to London was the very least you did for her this week!"

"Let us not dwell on such things on the Lord's Day, Mary. Diane is looking rather sleepy. I believe she could do with a short nap, and I would not mind a short rest myself. We usually lie down for a bit on Sunday afternoons. Would you mind if I took her upstairs for a while?" said Elizabeth as she held out a hand to the child.

"Of course not, Lizzy. I would like to spend some time in the music room, not playing of course, but I'd love to look through the music, and later to select a book to read from the library. I would not mind spending the rest of the day in my room reading. To be honest, the refreshing chamber attached to my suite is calling me. I would love to take the opportunity of this quiet afternoon to take a long bath and rest which I would never be able to do on a Sunday at Longbourn." answered Mary.

"That is a sound idea, as that is what Sundays are for, and you will get little rest for the remainder of the week," teased Elizabeth. "We will do so much shopping this week that you shall beg to return to Meryton on Saturday. I showed you all that is laid out in the kitchen for dinner. You must help yourself to anything you like when you get hungry this evening. I usually prepare a meal for Diane at about five, and have her to bed by seven. I take a tray in my sitting room after she's asleep. You may join me, or if you are enjoying your book too well, you may stay in your rooms as you like. And as you have probably seen, I keep a kettle and a tea service next to the boiler in each suite, so you can make yourself a cup of tea whenever you wish. I can never see the point of calling for a servant just for tea when I am alone in my rooms."

"Thank you, Lizzy, I cannot wait to see what music you have," said Mary.

"You must feel free to take any or all of the music that you like back to Hertfordshire with us when we go, Mary," replied Elizabeth. "I can easily replace whatever you take with us. It would be nice to hear someone practising when we return to Meryton. My own skills are only tolerable."

The ladies parted in front of the door to the music room, and Elizabeth and Diane continued up the stairs. Diane was still used to taking a short nap each day, although Elizabeth allowed her to skip it occasionally if the Gardiner children were visiting, but now that they were gone, the child's head was nodding. Even Elizabeth was feeling drowsy. She rarely napped. Usually she laid down and read on a Sunday while Diane napped on her bed, but a rest certainly sounded like a good idea today. The events of the last few days were catching up to her.

Elizabeth helped the child undress down to her shift, then Elizabeth did the same and climbed into her large bed. Within moments, the two were fast asleep, with Beau curled at the foot of the bed.

Elizabeth woke an hour later feeling refreshed, as Diane was crawling to the foot of the bed to cuddle with the dog. Beau's tail thumped harder and faster as the child drew closer, and then covered her face with canine kisses of joy while the girl giggled.

Elizabeth rose and donned her gown and looked to the mirror at her vanity table as she brushed and plaited her hair into a simple braid. Certainly not appropriate for company, but for a quiet Sunday with most of the servants upstairs, it would suit. She assisted Diane with her dress, and they headed downstairs with the dog and, dog lead in hand, they greeted the footman at the doors to the back garden.

"Hello Andrew, I hope all is well with you today."

"Beg pardon, your ladyship!" exclaimed Andrew as he scrambled to his feet and set a book down on his chair by the door.

"Nonsense, Andrew, you've done nothing wrong. I place these chairs by the door on Sunday for your use. Just because you are spending your Sunday protecting us does not mean you must stand at attention all day. Have you had a rest?" said Elizabeth.

"Indeed I have, ma'am, as Robert came down and took my place for an hour after luncheon so I could eat and stretch my legs. After dinner the night men take over," answered Andrew.

Elizabeth had a crew of men just to watch the doors at night. One of her kidnapping attempts had consisted of a nobleman paying a servant to gain access to her home at night. It went very badly for the nobleman and the servant, both of whom had woken badly beaten, tied hand and foot on a ship bound for Australia. Elizabeth was completely ruthless when her safety was threatened. She would see a duke onto a ship to Australia bound in chains without a second thought.

Now she took no chances. The men and women who worked for her were paid triple the going rate for their positions. Elizabeth covered all physician care for themselves and their families. She opened every servant an investment account for their retirements, and encouraged them all to put in a percentage of their pay on each quarter day, and matched what they contributed. She sponsored their education in any subjects they chose. Every servant in the house could read, write, and figure, and tutors were on retainer to provide direction for those who wished to study history or other subjects. Sometimes it resulted in a servant leaving for a better line of work after their education, but then Elizabeth always had a loyal contact in whatever that new industry happened to be, such as modern plumbing, which was always useful. Mostly it resulted in exceedingly intelligent and loyal staff that valued their positions highly.

Every member of staff knew that if they died while defending her family, Elizabeth would see their families fed and cared for all their lives. No one wanted to die in her service, of course, but for such advantages as they received, every man would fight to the death to defend her. It was a costly policy, but Elizabeth found it worth every single penny. She easily made up for the expense simply by abstaining from the gluttonous menus and great quantities of wine and port that most fashionable households consumed.

"Diane and I must give Beau some exercise, and allow him to take care of his business. Would you accompany us to the garden?" Elizabeth always had a footman or a groom accompany her when Miss Carmichael was unavailable. Even just in the garden.

Andrew stationed himself in a location where he could observe them in the garden, and also continue to watch the door so it was not unguarded. Elizabeth did not insist on guarding the doors every day, since she retained a large staff who were all about the house on regular days. But on Sunday when the house was always quiet, and at night, when all were abed and all the servants upstairs, she insisted on the doors being watched.

Diane hunted for a stick while Beau nosed about and did his business. As soon as the dog finished, Andrew swooped in quietly, cleaned up behind the dog with a scoop and a bucket, and resumed his position.

Diane ran back with her stick and began throwing it for the dog. Usually they would walk in Hyde Park each morning to exercise the animal, but on Sunday such activities were unseemly. Beau was a lovely dog, but he was still young, and had quite a bit of energy to expel each day. Elizabeth found the dog was an angel, as long as he had an hour of exercise each day, preferably in the morning after breakfast, but Sundays they typically went in the garden for the afternoon if the weather was not wet. Even in the cold, Elizabeth believed it was good for both the child and the dog to spend some time outdoors, as long as they were bundled up. Elizabeth even knitted a sweater for the dog, for the very cold weather.

Fetch was Beau's favourite game, and the dog would chase the stick and bring it back all day if one would humour him. The joyful dog spent a happy hour running back and forth across the garden and chasing and playing with Diane.

They returned inside just before five o 'clock, as the sun was beginning to set, and Elizabeth led Diane and Beau to the kitchens. Diane was eating her dinner at the small table in the corner; Elizabeth had just set down the dog's meal when Mary entered with a damp braid down her back.

"I hope you do not mind me in my dressing gown, Lizzy. I couldn't see getting dressed again just for a scone in a house almost empty of servants," said Mary, blushing.

"Do not concern yourself, Mary. I do the same often on a Sunday. This is one of the reasons I give the servants the day off. Yes, it is a day off for them, but it is also a day off for me, when I can finally relax and not be concerned about appearances," assured Elizabeth.

"After Diane is finished eating, we usually spend some time in the nursery. She will be down for the night at seven o'clock. I usually have a tray in my room at about eight o'clock if you would like to join me in my sitting room."

"I am sure I will, as it will compel me to take a break from the novel I am enjoying. Otherwise I might read all night," chuckled Mary.

"Mary Bennet is reading novels! Whatever will happen next!" teased Elizabeth. "If anyone has been guilty of reading novels all night it has surely been me, and I am certain I will be guilty of it again many times over."

“I decided while I was in the library that if I am to make a new life for myself with you, I must turn over a new leaf. I do not wish for you to find my company dull. I chose the first volume I pulled off the shelf because I did not know how else to choose, and it is a good book,” Mary confessed.

Elizabeth took Diane’s finished plate from in front of her and slid a plate with a small cake and a cup of chocolate diluted heavily with milk in front of the child. She did not always allow chocolate before bed, but on Sunday it was allowed as a special treat.

Elizabeth poured Mary a cup of tea, and they chatted quietly as Diane finished her cake. Elizabeth then put the few dishes in to soak with the roasting pan and dishes from luncheon, and they all went back to their rooms. "I will return to the kitchens to make a tray at half past seven, Mary."

"I will come down as well and help, Lizzy. Good night, Diane." Mary ruffled the child's hair as they parted at the top of the stairs.

Elizabeth helped Diane to bathe, singing songs as the child played games in the bath, and then assisted her with drying off and getting into her nightgown. She then squeezed onto the little bed and cuddled the child as she read a bedtime story, with Beau at their feet, and then sang to the girl until she fell asleep. She cherished these Sundays alone with her daughter. Certainly she spent an enormous amount of time with Diane during the week compared to other society mothers, but she especially cherished these simple evenings together.

The nurse returned at seven; Elizabeth wished her a good night before going to the library. She spent a half hour browsing for something new to read, and eventually settled on an old favourite before heading for the kitchens.

Mary was already in the kitchens, preparing a plate from the foods available, and Elizabeth joined her. They carried their trays upstairs to Elizabeth’s sitting room, and settled down comfortably.

"Lizzy, I have to tell you that I was almost as uncertain as Jane about your Sunday rituals. but I must say this has been one of the most enjoyable days in my memory," Mary observed.

"I have been lectured by nearly everyone about it, that our fending for ourselves is the same as work, but I ask you, what about the servants? For me it is a change of routine, which is as good as a rest, whereas if I did as most of society does, the servants would be working all day, and certainly have no rest at all. I find the quietness and privacy of the house quite restful. I believe we all must decide for ourselves what we consider to be rest, as long as we are observing the Lord's day respectfully," replied Elizabeth.

"I never thought of it that way, but now I agree with you," said Mary thoughtfully. "Today in the kitchens, cleaning up after ourselves didn't feel like work. It felt like a holiday."

"That is my feelings on it exactly!" exclaimed Elizabeth. "Usually it is quieter; the Gardiners only join us on Sunday once a month or so when we are in town. In the worst of the winter sometimes, they have spent the night on Saturday and Sunday. We've made quite an enjoyable time of it. Sometimes it's easier for them if they are already here, and do not have to manage their carriage. It is certainly exciting for the children.

"So tell me how you spent your day, Mary. Did you enjoy your afternoon?"

"Enjoy? Lizzy, it was the closest thing to heaven I've ever experienced. I have heard about these water closets and bathing chambers many times from those who have travelled to London and stayed in the newer hotels, but I have never seen one before leaving Longbourn," gushed Mary. "I am ashamed to admit it but with the convenience of the boiler, I stayed in the bath for nearly two hours! And all the oils the maid left... I confess I felt quite decadent."

"I am glad you were able to rest after the days you've had recently," replied Elizabeth. "We all talk about how distressing it has all been for Jane, but I am sure it has been a great deal for you as well, Mary. And do not worry, I have taken my share of two hour baths. I may even take a long one this evening. I rarely have time to do such during the week. Also, speaking of the maid, how do you like Ethel? She will be your personal ladies maid if you get on. She has been in training with my maid, and Sarah feels she is ready for the promotion if you like her."

"I had no expectations of being assigned my own maid, Lizzy. I thought a housemaid would help when necessary, like at Longbourn. Are you sure it's worth the expense?"

"It is not only worth it, but necessary, Mary, as your wardrobe is about to become significantly more complicated. Do not worry about the expense. I have taken you into my household, and you will be provided for accordingly as befits the station of my house. You are my cherished sister, Mary, not a poor relation," answered Elizabeth.

"I was surprised to see the refreshing chambers at Lilac Cottage, Lizzy," said Mary. "How did they come to be installed there when the main house does not have them?"

"I suppose I should confess to you now that I own Netherfield, Mary," Elizabeth confessed.

"You own Netherfield! How has that come about?" Mary exclaimed.

Elizabeth told Mary about her husband purchasing the estate quietly before their marriage, and the events that led to Mr Bingley having signed a contract just before Diane fell ill.

"The lease stipulates that the dower house will not be part of the lease, and that it can be used by anyone at the owner's discretion. I did that in case something happened to Papa while Mr Bingley was in possession of the property. I have always planned to install you all there if the worst should happen. All of you as well as Mama will have the place for your lifetimes if you need it."

"Mama ought to be ashamed of herself for her terrible behaviour all these years, and you have been preparing to provide for us all the time," Mary said indignantly.

"When I decided to bring Diane to the country, I had the refreshing chambers installed before we came. I have grown spoiled. I cannot bear to live in a house with old fashioned chamber pots again," said Elizabeth. Modern toilets and water closets, while discussed in all levels of society, as was often the case with newer inventions, were becoming more popular in the city, mostly in fancy hotels and tradesmen's homes and in newer mansions. Unsurprisingly, the nobility and those with old money would be the last to accept anything new or modern into their homes, but Elizabeth preferred comfort and cleanliness to tradition, and she arranged an apprenticeship for a previous footman with an engineer who later became skilled in installing the pipes and fittings. The man was grateful to Elizabeth for having provided the opportunity to better himself, while Elizabeth enjoyed quality work done to all of her properties when she needed it, and was never on a waiting list. "I am waiting to find out what Mr Bingley plans to do about Netherfield, but I am unsure whether I will agree to renew his lease. I would hate to interfere if he wanted to settle there with Jane, but at the same time, I would rather not stay in the dower house forever. When he ends his lease, I will have work crews come in, and build the new refreshing chambers in the main house. It will probably take at least a month or perhaps more to complete the work."

Mary was astounded. All of this time, her mother spoke of Elizabeth as someone of whom to be embarrassed. And it turned out that Elizabeth seemed to be incredibly wealthy and well bred indeed, which Mary had suspected ever since her sister returned to Meryton.

They spoke a little longer, about their plans for the next day before Mary returned to her suite, carrying her tray with her. Elizabeth assured her the maid would clear it from her room in the morning, and Mary was certain she would stay up late reading, and would probably pick at the tray a bit more as she did so.

Elizabeth finally was able to run her own hot bath and relax for the evening. Eventually she crawled into bed with her book, but the events of the week caught up with her again, and she fell asleep quickly, barely able to keep her eyes open long enough to blow out her candle.