Page 7 of Through the Eyes of Love

“My father always said, ‘when one window closes, another one opens’.”

There were no more dinner parties. At first, it seemed as though the change was the result of her lack of success attracting a suitor. But that was not all. More was taking place than just her courtships, and she could not fathom why the changes had occurred. Of late, they had fewer food choices at every meal, and the children’s clothes showed wear and were too small. Several maids and a footman no longer served the house, and her adult relatives were frequently sequestered behind the doors of her uncle’s study, causing her to fret and chew on her lip as she tried to figure out what was wrong. Her aunt had dark ringsunder her eyes from lack of sleep and was caught wringing her hands when she thought no one was looking. The changes in the Gardiner home were in the forefront of Elizabeth’s mind. What, if anything, could she do to help them?

After the children were abed one night, the adults were all seated in the drawing room. Elizabeth put down her teacup and said, “I shall never marry because of my birthmark. It is time I learnt how to make my own way in the world. I am educated enough to be a companion or governess. If required of me, I shall even take a job as a maid since I am not afraid of hard work.”

“Are you saying this because of the changes we have had to make in the house?”

“Well, yes, Uncle, but that is not all. I need to make a life for myself. I cannot remain here and expect you to support me forever.”

Her uncle rose and sat beside her. “I did not wish to burden you with this problem but let me explain. Oliver Palmer was the honourable man I partnered with many years ago, and he had my complete trust. He died recently, and to my misfortune, his son turned out to be a thief who absconded with all the money in the company account. I am thankful that he was not interested in stealing any of the goods housed in our warehouses, so the sale of those items is what continues to support us.”

She was shocked by the news. “Oh, Uncle, that is terrible! Is there no way to get any of the stolen money back?”

“I hired a private investigator to help locate him; however, Joseph Palmer was last seen in Plymouth boarding a ship for the West Indies.Mymoney is undoubtedly in a strongbox stashed securely under his bed.”

“Lizzy, your uncle and I shall discuss possibilities for you and we shall talk again in a few days.”

She attempted to appear calm. What would she face when she left the Gardiners’ home? Every young lady had heardstories about how ladies in service were often treated in an untoward manner. Her misgivings caused her chest to tighten and it was difficult for her to breathe. “Thank you both. You took me in when I had no place to go.”

“You are so dear to us and may stay here as long as you like. If you go into service, you will never marry someone equal to you as a gentleman’s daughter. Are you certain you wish to take this step?”

Since she had already given her decision a great deal of thought, she did not hesitate. “There is no other solution to my problem.”

* * *

Several dayslater

While they waited for morning callers, Elizabeth and her aunt sat together in the drawing room mending the children’s clothes.

Aunt Gardiner put her needle into her work. “What do you think about relocating to Lambton in Derbyshire? I grew up there and still correspond with several old friends who may be able to help you find a position. Lambton is a small village, but there are many estates nearby. An exceptionally large property called Pemberley is not far away. They must employ more than a hundred people there. I shall write to my cousin Alice Hopkins who still lives in Lambton. She is older than me and married very young. Her husband died years ago, and her children are already grown up and moved away.”

“I remember you and my uncle travelled there for a special occasion.”

“Yes, we attended her son Robert’s wedding.”

“Thank you. That sounds like the perfect solution. Do you think Mrs. Hopkins can help me find work?” For the first time in weeks, Elizabeth was hopeful.

“I am certain she will do her best. She knows so many people in the community that she is bound to hear of something. On another topic, my dear, it is time you stopped wearing black and transitioned to lilac or other appropriate colours. I shall ask Edward if he has any fabrics in the warehouse that may be right for you.”

“I cannot take goods from you that could be sold to feed your family.” Her relatives had already been so kind to her and she did not wish to be any more of a financial burden.

“Letusbe concerned about that.”

* * *

“Uncle, these fabrics are lovely.”

“You are a very special young lady and shall be well dressed when you arrive in Lambton.”

Despite her objections, a neighbourhood seamstress fitted Elizabeth for five simple day gowns.

“Lizzy, Alice Hopkins has written to me, and she heartily agreed to have her dearest cousin’s niece live with her and help her find a position.”

Elizabeth was comforted knowing she would no longer be a burden on her favourite relatives, yet she could not sleep thinking about the uncertainty of what awaited her in Derbyshire.

CHAPTER 3

July 1811, midnight