Page 39 of Elizabeth and Caroline
Caroline sighed, because the compassion made her realize that regardless of whether it was just the truth, it did hurt somewhat.
“I am only saying, however,” said Elizabeth, “that I think we must assume that it is the women who are set against me, and not the men to begin with. And that charming theirhusbands may, in fact, make them even further set against me.”
Caroline could see the sense in this, she supposed. “Yes, I guess they would feel as if you were an interloper, wouldn’t they?”
“Yes, I don’t belong, and I have gotten into this echelon of society precisely because my husband has been charmed by me. So, if I go about charming men, that will only confirm their opinions of me,” said Elizabeth.
“But do we care?” said Caroline. “We are trying to find me a man, after all.”
Elizabeth considered this. “Well, that would mean I must make inroads amongst single men, of course.”
“Yes, entirely,” said Caroline. “Everyone knows that when one goes to a ball, one is meant to dance with as many people as possible, and not with one’s own husband, of course.”
“Of course,” said Elizabeth. It was considered rude to spend too much time with one person, especially to the detriment of people who were looking to dance. “So, I could try to ingratiate myself to single men, I suppose. It would not have a good effect on the women in society, I don’t think, doing that, however, but it would not make them feel as if I were using their husbands against them. And single men do have mothers and sisters, do they not? So, if everyone views me badly—”
“They don’t view me well,” said Caroline.
“How do they view you?” said Elizabeth.
Caroline hesitated, only because she was not entirely sure. “I shall need you to discover that for me, I think. Because I cannot quite say. I only know that when I am at a ball, I have difficulty filling my dance card. I know that when I join conversations, people are not welcoming. They will speak politely to me for a bit, but then they make excuses and leave. I am often alone. Something about me is off-putting.”
Elizabeth surveyed her. “Well, we may have our work cut out for us, indeed.”
Caroline bowed her head.
“No, no,” said Elizabeth, “don’t take it that way, Caroline. I do not say this because there is anything flawed within you, or within me. We, as we both know, are quite delightful people.”
Caroline smirked.
“We are,” said Elizabeth, lifting her chin. “And anyone would be pleased to be quite close to us. But only because we are both outsiders and neither of us has any way in to the inner circle and the people who are closing ranks against us are likely quite stubborn. But we shall find a way. I am determined.”
Caroline nodded. “Yes, you are, are you not? Always determined. And you always succeed.”
“Always?” said Elizabeth with a shrug.
“Always,” said Caroline firmly.
Elizabeth met her gaze, smiled, and gave her a quick nod. “All right, then. Always.”
Caroline smiled, too.
“Are there any men that you have your sights set on?” said Elizabeth.
“Well, perhaps it would help us to make a list of the sort of man I am looking for, and then see if we cannot match certain men to the attributes.”
Elizabeth considered and then nodded.
“You don’t approve?”
“You and I are different sorts of people is all,” said Elizabeth. “I respect that you know what you want. So, what is it?”
“I have to admit I hoped deeply for a title,” said Caroline. “But now, I begin to worry I may be reaching too high. I do not know if I can manage that.”
“A title is more important than his annual income, I suspect?” said Elizabeth. “You want someone who can help you to rise, to bring you into respectable society.”
“I do,” said Caroline. “And there are dukes and earls out there in need of money. I do have a dowry. I think, if we feel it is not adequate, that we can prevail upon Charles toincrease it just to make it so someone takes me off his hands.”
“Oh, I’m sure your brother wishes you to be happy,” said Elizabeth. “Mr. Bingley is a good man.”
