Page 10 of Saving Jane
Your most affectionate sister, Jane
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After the children had been taken to the nursery for the evening by their nanny, Elizabeth spoke of the visit of her father’s heir to Longbourn.
“And how is this man your father’s cousin and heir when he is not even a ‘Bennet’?” asked Aunt Gardiner.
“I do not know Aunt. My father was estranged from the man’s father–some argument from university days that was never resolved. But the entailment is the only thing my mother thinks of other than gowns and parties,” Elizabeth said.
“That is not fair Elizabeth,” her uncle replied. “Fanny loves you girls very much and she is worried for your future.”
“Is our future trulythat dire Uncle?”
“I am afraid it is, and your father does not address it in the least.” He motioned her to sit beside him as his wife quietly listened. “Your father’s estate makes an income of two thousand a year–a modest fortune that allows the seven of you to live very well with servants, new gowns, horses and ample food. Your mother’s dowry was five thousand pounds invested in the four percents. How much income does that make for your father each year?”
Elizabeth performed the calculation in her head and answered, “Two hundred pounds a year.”
She looked up her uncle. “That is a small income but will clothe and feed everyone.”
“But consider if your Mamma also must pay rent, buy wood and coal, pay servants and taxes from that sum. If she and your sisters were not at Longbourn, how would she live with only two hundred a year?”
“Not very well,” Elizabeth conceded before falling silent for a moment; the Gardiners recognized that their niece was considering different ideas.
Mr Gardiner rose. “I must review my accounts before bed. Thank you for a pleasant supper my dear.”
He stepped close to his wife and kissed her cheek before departing for his office. Mrs Gardiner waited for a moment and then asked, “May I know what you are thinking Lizzy?”
“A lady is not permitted to work, is she?”
“A gentleman’s daughter may only serve as a governess or lady’s companion and retain her reputation,” her aunt replied. “With Lydia’s fall, I fear that it may be hard for you to find a husband in Hertfordshire–some men will not take you in any case because of the lack of fortune. A bad family reputation may make it doubly hard.”
“So, if I do not marry, I must be a nanny or companion,” Elizabeth concluded. “Those positions are treated as servants in many households.”
“I believe you should not give up on marriage, Lizzy,” Aunt Gardiner said. “I take great joy in making a home, raising my children and comforting my husband.”
“But who comforts the wife?” asked Elizabeth.
“The husband–when he is a good man–comforts his wife. They are one person in many ways.”
Elizabeth fell silent once more; she knew her parents were not a good match. Another two days passed before another letter arrived atGrace Church Street for Elizabeth. This time, the letter came from Mary.
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Dear Elizabeth,
I take pen in hand to write of news. Our father and mother have forbidden Jane to write and tell you of these events, but she is so affected that I feel compelled to inform you. Our parents have arranged for Jane to marry Mr Collins. Mamma spoke plainly to Jane of her duty as the eldest to secure our place here at Longbourn after our father’s passing. When Mamma stated that she sent you to London to remove you from Longbourn, I pressed her for the reason.
She said you would likely interfere and convince our father and Jane not to accept an arranged marriage–this is why she talked with Father to send you to the Gardiners until Christmas. I understand I shall be in Father and Mother’s disfavour when they learn I have written to you with this information, but I find this arrangement unsettling–I fear Mr Collins is not an intelligent man.
On more than one occasion, Jane attempted to speak to Mr Collins regarding tenants, cows and crops but he will not hear anything she says. We fear he will quickly ruin the estate when he inherits. Though there is nothing we can do–Jane’s future is set as Mrs Collins–I had to write and tell you.
Your affectionate sister, Mary
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“Aunt, may I speak with you?” Elizabeth asked after reading Mary’s letter.
“Certainly, my dear,” Mrs Gardiner said setting her sewing to one side. She stood up and closed the parlour door before giving her niece her full attention. “I do not wish for the maids to carry our conversation to the cook.”
