Page 68 of Resilience

“I could never expect what he did to you to go unanswered,” Elizabeth insisted. “But I suppose that it does not matter now, when we can do nothing about it. If an opportunity arises, we must all discuss together what can be done. He cannot go on hurting others forever just because he is Lydia’s husband, and indeed, I would not wish to see the hardship that would bring upon my sister. But what happened to the…”

“The babe?” Priscilla asked as Elizabeth nodded. “God was merciful. I lost it a month later, before we could go away. Though it was a terrible experience, I am grateful that I did not have to bear a child five or six months later and give it away, even to my cousins. After my experience, I remained with Anne most of the time until she passed. For the longest period, my own mother and father barely knew how to speak to me. Eventually, they all learned to trust Darcy, and to let the matter of the identity of the man go. All except Richard. My brother is now learning to accept the matter until I am ready to change it myself. Now, I stay with my cousins, and keep a close eye on dear Georgie.”

“Well, I hope that you do not expect me to hold this against you, my friend.” Elizabeth hugged her friend’s shoulders from her place beside her on the sofa. “I do not see how I could, not when my sister is married to the scoundrel.”

“Your sister has the excuse of being barely sixteen,” Priscilla murmured.

“I forgave you before I even knew what it was.” Georgiana shook her head at her cousin for trying to blame herself. “And I do not feel any differently now.”

“You are both too good,” Priscilla’s eyes misted over. “This could damage both of your reputations, being so close to me.”

“Nonsense,” Elizabeth insisted. “As if either of us could wish to befriend anyone who does not see your worth.”

Thursday 11 June 1812

Matlock

Cousin,

Thank you for your information, and the haste with which you delivered it. The messenger was in such haste to return to you on schedule that I had to linger over this reply so that the kitchens might convince him to take a meal.

You know Mrs Younge suggested she had told another. That does not mean she was being truthful, and indeed, would the lady truly give away information that might be valuable in the wrong hands?

The only thing we can do is wait to see if anyone else writes to me. Even if I never hear another word about it, any steps taken now will affect the new Mrs Wickham, and we must be certain that to act would be right after so much time. I have no desire to ruin the life of a newly married sixteen-year-old girl, or even the man who harmed me, if there is a chance he has mended his ways during his marriage. We may discuss it again when you return to Derbyshire. In the meantime, there is nothing to be done except wait.

Georgie and Lady Catherine have taken over Matlock with their enthusiasm, and keep us lively and well-entertained. Georgiana upon the pianoforte and the harp, Aunt Catherine with her opinions and advice, which is always amusing, yet interesting. Is Lizzy certain that she wishes for me to return with Georgiana when you return to Pemberley? You ought not have a houseful so soon. I can always visit later.

Your grateful cousin,

Priscilla

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Monday, 20 July 1812

Just over a fortnight after the Darcys’ return from Ramsgate, Elizabeth presided over her drawing room on her first afternoon at home to callers. As one could imagine, she found herself quite popular. Her new friends from the village all paid calls, and there were more than a dozen from the wives, daughters, and mothers of the local gentlemen. Even Kitty had travelled from Hawthorne Vale to lend Elizabeth her support.

Miss Poole had taken it upon herself to whisper tidbits of gossip about each new guest as they entered the room. That lady had been present for more than an hour, but Elizabeth did not grudge her helpfulness, and indeed, some of the information was quite worth knowing.

“Miss Jenks and Miss Matilda Jenks,” announced the footman as the ladies entered the room and made their curtsies.

“Mrs Darcy, you are glowing,” Miss Matilda complimented as Miss Poole move on and the new arrivals took seats on a settee near where Elizabeth was pouring tea.

“My sister could not be more right. Marriage agrees with you, Mrs Darcy.” Miss Jenks accepted a cup and a plate of sandwiches.

“I might be prejudiced, but I believe that marriage to Mr Darcy would suit nearly anyone,” Elizabeth said with a grin.

“If you were any other wife, I might agree that you were prejudiced, but I cannot deny that you are uncommonly fortunate in your choice of a husband,” Miss Jenks said with a smile.

Elizabeth looked over the room filled with ladies. Mary, Kitty, Priscilla, and Georgiana were conversing with callers and each other. It being her first day at home, ladies were lingering in curiosity, for it had been many years since a lady had entertained at Pemberley. Satisfied that her guests were content, she turned her attention back to the newcomers.

“I wished to thank you again for your assistance in the delivery of the chest of linens to my sister,” she said quietly. “I understand from my husband that the man who made the delivery was one of my brother-in-law’s victims. It was very Christian of him to do any small service for her.”

“Jem Heard was thankfully not as injured by the man as some,” Mrs Jenks informed her. “Mr Wickham tricked Jem into thinking that he was a very poor card player, then by cheating, swindled him out of his savings. One wishes to be sympathetic to such a plight, but even Jem admits to this day that it was his own fault for betting. It was another fortnight before Mr Wickham was caught cheating in the pub. It was too late for Jem to recover what was lost. But he credits Mr Wickham with teaching him a valuable lesson. He has learned that he cannot afford to lose, and so he has remained out of the pub, and away from the tables and drink. It was not as painful for Jem as it would be for some to do Mrs Wickham a kindness.”

“I see,” Elizabeth said. “Well, it was still very good of him, and very good of both of you to ask him. You have my gratitude.”

“Did your sister find the items useful?” Miss Matilda asked.