Page 16 of Compromise & Consequence
“Lizzy…” Jane began to protest again, but Elizabeth coveredher mouth with the palm of her hand.
“It is a gift. You will accept this.” She removed her hand. “Do not tell your mother. She has no idea. Only Uncle Bennet and Uncle Gardiner – and I suppose Aunt Gardiner as he keeps no secrets from her – know of my inheritance. Promise you will not tell a soul?”
“I promise,” Jane said with a sad little smile.
“Pinkie swears?”
“Pinkie swears.”
She and Jane entwined their little fingers and squeezed them together.
“You shall be well, Jane. I have confidence in you.”
***
Elizabeth settled the last of her accounts in the shops of Meryton, not wanting to leave behind any outstanding debts before her marriage. The last shop she entered was the modiste.
“Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth, I had hoped to see you before the day was out. I received a shipment of those bonnets and muffs I had mentioned earlier.”
“They are here?”
“Yes, would you like to see them?”
“Of course. If they match the outfits we settled on last Wednesday, I will have you add them to the order, and my uncle will have someone from Longbourn come and pick them up on Tuesday next, as planned.”
“Then, come this way.”
Mrs. Henshaw drew back a curtain and led Elizabeth to a storage area in the back, Jane following close behind. On a long table, several muffs, elegant bonnets, gloves, and stockings were laid out. Hanging up were some pelisses and redingotes.
“Oh, Lizzy. They are beautiful. How in the world can you choose just one?”
“I have no intention of choosing just one.”
“But…” Jane lowered her voice so Mrs. Henshaw could not overhear her. “You are only allowed to take a small trunk.”
“Fear not, Jane. I have a plan, and will not suffer for any great length of time.” Elizabeth’s attention was focused on the table and her eyes lit up. “I will most definitely not fear the cold with this.” She picked up a muff and pushed her hands inside. “Yes, this would do nicely.”
She then asked Mrs. Henshaw if she could try on the cardinal redingote which had caught her eye as soon as she entered the room.
“Most assuredly, Miss Elizabeth.”
She brought down the coat and after Elizabeth had shed her heavy pelisse, slid her arms into the redingote. It fit almost perfectly. No adjustments would be necessary.
“I will take this with me today, Mrs. Henshaw, along with the muff and two pairs of ivory stockings.” She turned to Jane. “Is there anything you need, Jane? Would you like a muff?”
“Oh no, Lizzy. I could not infringe on your kindness.”
For one brief moment, Elizabeth regretted telling Jane of her self-reliance.
“Nonsense. The other girls shall receive theirs in due time. Mrs. Henshaw has guaranteed them to be delivered to Longbourn for Christmas. You are receiving your gift early because I so dearly want to see you smile.”
Jane’s eyes welled with tears at the reminder that Elizabeth was forbidden from contacting family after her marriage.
“Then, how could I refuse,” she said and squeezed Elizabeth’shand.
“Remember to hide it from Lydia until after Christmas. She is like a squirrel. Always stealing things and hiding them in obscure places.”
“That she does.”
