Page 30

D earest Lizzy,

I still cannot believe it has been six months since you left. I am a selfish being, and I want to rant about the sorrows of my life here, fully aware of the reality of your suffering.

Even though so many people surround me, I feel lonely.

Everything I see in Longbourn reminds me of your love, kindness, and compassion towards me.

I miss you so much, Lizzy. Sometimes, I wish to leave Longbourn and join you in Ashton Park.

I could trespass on the kindness of Lady Martha and get employed there.

But the only thing that stops me from making that decision is your welfare.

You say you are happy and safe there, and I do not want to destroy that.

It pains me to say it, but Mamma and Papa have never repented their actions.

Mamma still thinks you ended your life somewhere, but Papa does not believe it.

He doubts you are staying with Uncle Gardiner, and as you know, they have severed ties with us.

Though Mamma has spread the word that you are living in London with our uncle because you did not want to live here anymore, the villagers do not believe it.

They do not believe in the reasoning. They want to know why you left, and all they have is concern and love for you.

I have been asked so many times why you have not returned.

When will we meet Lizzy? It pains me to think we may be subjected to this way of communicating through Mariah and Charlotte. I fervently hope not. As I mentioned earlier, Netherfield is finally occupied by one Mr. Bingley. He is here with his sisters.

We met him at Lucas Lodge last week, and I must say, he is quite taken with Jane. She does not need any persuasion to attach herself to a gentleman of good fortune.

Mamma is elated and is almost certain he will propose within the first week of seeing her.

I can imagine you are amused by this, but the only thing that bothers me is that Mr. Bingley is nothing like Jane. I could see he had a genuine heart in the few hours I spent in his company. He went out of his way to ask Mariah to dance with him when she was left without a partner.

He is too good to be disappointed in love, Lizzy. You may smile again now, thinking about when I started caring about a stranger's affairs. Honestly, I do not know.

I feel so happy to read about your experiences as a governess. Both Emily and Edmund sound lovely and must remind you of our cousins.

We are to dine at Netherfield this week, and Mamma is thrilled about the invitation.

I hope you stay happy and safe there. I wish I could someday meet all your acquaintances in Derbyshire, especially Miss Darcy.

Not a single moment passes in my day without thinking about you.

Yours,

Mary Bennet

Mary's letters were always a source of comfort to Elizabeth. Even though it reminded her of the past, she could express herself freely only to Mary and Charlotte.

She did not feel any sadness in understanding how her parents felt about her disappearance as she had come to terms with the reality of the situation long ago.

Elizabeth contemplated about Mary's mention of Mr. Bingley. She had hardly ever remembered Mary being interested in a gentleman's welfare.

Maybe she likes him .

But she knew her mother would do anything to secure Jane's match with the wealthy gentleman.

She heard a knock on her door, and her maid came in. Elizabeth knew it wasn't time for her classes with the children yet.

"Miss, Lady Martha needs to see you."

"Of course."

She left for the parlor, and Lady Martha looked at Elizabeth with a worried face.

"Good morning, madam."

"Good morning, my dear. I may have to take some of your time for a discussion."

"Of course. May I ask in what regard?"

"Well, my daughter-in-law has the sudden desire to visit her parents. And my son intends to go with her."

“Oh!”

“But I do not want the children to stay here without their father. As much as I would miss them, I want them to go along.”

“Don't Lady Isabella's parents live close by?”

“They used to, but recently, they moved further north and bought an estate there. So, if my son leaves, he will not return for a month.”

“Pardon my interference; the children have stayed here before without their father. I don't think they would be distressed, but they will certainly miss him.”

“That is exactly my point. Edmund and Emily are getting used to living without their father. He went on a long honeymoon; they cried for the first few days and became accustomed to his absence. Between your company and their nanny, their father is an option for them. I do not want it to be that way. I want him to be there for them unless it is absolutely necessary to leave them here with us.”

“I understand your reasoning.”

“Now, coming to the part that concerns you. Would you be willing to travel with them? Of course, their nanny will accompany you all.”

“Considering my position as their governess, I wonder why you would require my consent in this matter?”

“Because I do not want to force anything on you. Lady Isabella's parents are not as detached as her, but it will be a new house with new acquaintances. You have settled here well, and I wanted to ask if you are comfortable staying there for a month.”

“I would be happy to go along with the children. I do not think a new place will hinder our usual routine.”

She knew she was happy because she could escape being in Darcy's company.

“When do we leave?” she asked.

“Next month, you will return by the end of November.”

It was settled that Elizabeth was to travel, and Lord Ashton was also happy about the decision, but Elizabeth could sense that Lady Isabella was not.

She hardly spoke to her during dinner, and Elizabeth pondered the previous week's happenings and the mysterious person in the garden. Lady Isabella's strange behavior made no sense to her, but she knew the sudden visit planned had something to do with it.

A couple of days passed, and Georgiana visited her almost every evening as she was upset about Elizabeth's intended travel.

“I will return in a month, Miss Darcy.”

“Oh! A month is too long. I shall miss you terribly.”

“I hope it will pass soon.”

“I will be bored at Pemberley. My brother seems upset about something and is not his usual self. We usually go for morning rides together, but now he prefers to go alone. I don't know if it is something I did,” she said with sadness.

“I am certain it is nothing. I do not know how your brother could be upset with you.”

“You think I cannot do anything wrong?”

“Certainly! You feel the same way about me, right, Miss Darcy?” she asked with a laugh.

To Elizabeth's horror, suddenly Georgiana started to cry.Elizabeth immediately hugged the young girl and was glad they were in her room.

“Oh dear! Did I say anything to upset you? Please talk to me.”

“I am such a horrible sister, and I am a horrible person. You would not even wish to be acquainted with me if you knew the truth.”

Elizabeth could not understand what she meant. Within the next few minutes, Georgiana blurted out everything about her association with Wickham and the elopement in Ramsgate.

Georgiana's revelation horrified Elizabeth as she understood how close the innocent girl had been to ruin.

“Miss Darcy, please do not cry. You made a mistake but did not proceed with the elopement. I am certain your brother does not detest you for this. He does not seem like a person who would dislike his beloved sister for one mistake, and I am so proud of you for making the right decision. I am glad you are safe.”

“You still …you still wish to be friends with me?”

“Of course I have, sis...” She corrected herself.

“I have been acquainted with many young women of your age. Your feelings are not uncommon, and sadly, someone tried to cheat you in the name of love. I admire your courage in this matter, as you told your brother of your intended elopement once you saw him, which speaks volumes of your love for him. I am certain he is not angry at you.”

A wave of relief hit Georgiana, and she smiled weakly.

“I cannot forgive myself. Even though my brother declared he did not hold it against me, I feel guilty whenever I think of Ramsgate. But now I feel something is amiss; he hasn't spoken properly for the past week and avoids spending time with me. I am worried.”

“Maybe it's not something related to you. He could be stressed about business. Please do not assume things, Miss Darcy. If he does not want to go on the morning ride with you, think about something else you can do together.”

“We used to read together, play chess, and sometimes even go for a picnic. But now, I do not know how to ask him why he is so distant.”

Elizabeth was silent.

“Sometimes I want to say so many things to him, open my heart, and pour out my feelings. He is more like a father to me than a brother. But my guilt stops me from expressing myself. I could use your advice; please help me. What should I say to him, Miss Smith? How can I ask him whether he is upset with me.”

“I am honored that you trust me as a friend and confidant. But it would not be fair for me to guide you in this matter. I can see how much he cares for you, and it would break his heart to know that his sister hesitates to talk to him and asks her friend for advice. I respect him and cannot say anything in this matter.”

“But I do not have anyone like you to discuss my feelings.”

“I understand. But this is between you and your brother. Please talk to him without hesitation. Your bond takes precedence over our friendship, and I cannot take the liberty of guiding you in this. But I can say for certain that I do not think your brother holds the past against you.”

“I definitely will. I feel a lot better after talking to you today.”

Elizabeth smiled and felt happy that Georgiana trusted her.

She was glad that Georgiana was safe after the ordeal and could not help but pity Darcy.

It must have broken his heart to see his sister betrayed thus .