Page 58 of Saving Jane
“My mother is a very determined woman, Mrs Gardiner.”
“Indeed, Lady Catherine is a formidable woman,” Mrs Gardiner agreed but she paused as though considering something. “Perhaps if you and Mr Darcy spoke aloud of the notion of Rosings being very pleasant; remind her that the winter in Kent is nicer than Derbyshire. You can state that after the marriage to Mr Darcy, you would make Rosings your seat.”
Miss de Bourgh was happily considering Mrs Gardiner’s words as older woman suggested, “Offer to have new wallpaper hung in the dowager’s house and watch how quickly Lady Catherine decides that Mr Darcy is not the match for you.”
“You offer interesting observations Mrs Gardiner,” Miss de Bourgh said. “I shall speak of these things with my mother this afternoon, but I shall not involve my cousin. He cannot dissemble even in a card game.”
As Miss de Bourgh drove away from the parsonage, Elizabeth approached her aunt standing at the garden gate to ask, “Aunt, what are you attempting here?”
“I have a better understanding of the world than you. A woman has little chance of happiness in this world of men–we cannot do anything without our husband’s approval and permission. I want each of my nieces settled with good husbands–not as the wife of a fool or evil man.”
“But what of happiness?”
“Happiness is impossible to find when you do not have enough food, warm clothing or a secure roof over your head,” Mrs Gardiner toldher daughter.
“Aunt, I fear that Mr Collins will give Jane none of these things. He will ruin Longbourn when he inherits. He cannot manage the servants in this house–how will he manage the tenants on the farms?”
“Can Mr Darcy bring Mr Collins under the tutelage of the steward here at Rosings?” asked Mrs Gardiner of her niece.
“He already made the arrangements, but Mr Collins resists the suggestion.”
Mrs Gardiner turned her full attentions to Elizabeth, “The gentleman will attempt to assist your family in all matters I believe.”
The two women were silent for a moment before Mrs Gardiner continued, “I am pleased with your happiness Lizzy. It is very telling that Mr Darcy comes without his sister every morning and you walk with Mr Bingley and Jane as chaperones.”
“Mr Darcy is a gentleman at all times,” Lizzy insisted, and her aunt smiled.
“Of course, my dear, but I believe he will not wait much longer before declaring his attentions.”
Elizabeth blushed to hear her aunt’s estimations but also smiled with the lightness of her heart.
“Your mother never knew what to do with you. She hoped for a good match for Jane and always thought young Mr Lucas would do for Kitty or Mary. And it appears that Mary is asserting herself to capture Mr Lucas’s attention–she is just as pretty as you since she took to wearing her hair in a more becoming fashion. When Kitty is a year or two older, we shall find a husband for her among the young gentlemen or rich tradesmen.”
Now Elizabeth saw her aunt smile. “I always worried about you and Lydia most. You both have the spirit to be wild and free-spirited–like your Aunt Phillips.”
Elizabeth looked surprised to be characterized as ‘wild’, and her aunt laughed. “Yes, Miss Lizzy! You are just as wild as Lydia, but you took to books and your father gave you words and thoughts to spur your ambition for a good life.”
“Aunt, you have depths of understanding that I had not realized.”
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The next day, Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy brought Miss Darcy to tea at the parsonage. Seated beside Elizabeth, Georgiana shared an interesting story with her friend.
“There was a great deal of conversation last evening at Rosings. After tea, my aunt was very pleased when my brother announced his intention to extend our visit for an additional fortnight.”
“Is that unusual?” Elizabeth asked glancing at Mr Darcy who feeling her eyes on him from his seat near Mr Collins and Jane, turned toward Elizabeth. When their eyes met, Elizabeth felt warmth spread across her entire being.
“This is the only time my brother has remained at Rosings for a fortnight complete and he has never extended a visit.”
“I have greatly enjoyed his company,” Elizabeth admitted.
Georgiana smiled and leaned close to whisper. “And each day, he and I speak in confidence–he wants to know of all of our conversations.”
Elizabeth blushed. “Does he correct my comments to you?”
“Indeed not. He laughs with me and encourages me to follow your lead in all matters.”
To change the subject, Elizabeth asked, “Did that announcement spur all of the conversation you mentioned?”
