Page 21 of Gold and Good Sense

“But that is marvelous!” cried Lydia. “What would such a stitch even look like?”

Elizabeth listened to the two of them talk about embroidery for quite some time, never even trying to insert herself into the conversation. She simply marveled that Lady Esther had managed to make Lydia excited about needlework, when Lydia was notorious for complaining about it every second she was forced to do it.

Jane did not return either. Elizabeth assumed that she, Mary, and Mrs. Jamison were gathering books from the bookroom and setting up whatever space they would be using for learning.

With everyone’s attention elsewhere, Elizabeth had a chance to think.

Though she had initially been shocked at the news that Kitty had eloped, in retrospect it was not so surprising. Kitty had always been neglected to some degree. The only person who paid her any attention was Lydia, but Lydia’s attention always took a rather selfish form. She demanded attention from Kitty rather than offering much in return.

It only made sense that Kitty would be susceptible to any young man who flattered her enough, but Kitty had possessed a tendre for Alan Goulding since she first met him, making her far more susceptible to his machinations in particular than she otherwise would be.

Elizabeth only hoped that this would end in a marriage and that the family wouldn’t suffer too much from it.

~~~~~

The rest of the day flew by. There was no indication that anyone had any doubts that Kitty was ill. Elizabeth helped the delusion along by visiting her sister’s room every couple of hours. She even took a tray up there at mealtimes, though she always had to bring it back down mostly full. She tried eating a few bites of food from it, but she couldn’t eat much without stifling her appetite for her own meals.

At dinner, Mama surprisingly announced the news of their fortunes. “Well, my dears, it seems as though your father has misled us entirely,” she said. “Before he left for London, he told us you all had ten thousand each, and this morning I came to discover that the number is closer to sixty thousand.”

Mary’s face looked blankly stunned, but Lydia immediately clapped her hands and said, “Oh, does that mean we can go shopping more and have new gowns made and perhaps buy some jewelry? How nice my green gown would look with some emerald earrings, don’t you think?”

Before Mama could either agree or disagree, Lady Esther said, “I do not think that would be a particularly becoming combination. If I remember rightly, your green gown is a pale color that would not go well at all with gemstones of any kind. I do, however, think it would be lovely with pearls.”

“Oh, yes, Lady Esther,” cried Lydia. “You are so correct. Mama may I get some pearl earrings to wear with my green gown?”

“Well, I am certain your father will have no objections to having a few gowns made,” said Mama. “In fact, that is the very reason he hired two new ladies’ maids for you girls. As for jewelry, I am afraid that will have to wait until he returns. Besides, I don’t think there are any pearls available for sale in Meryton.”

Lydia clapped her hands and said, “In that case, can we go shopping in Meryton tomorrow? It is such a shame that Kitty is still sick. She will miss out on all the fun.”

The rest of the conversation was dominated by Mama and Lydia discussing all the things they wished to buy, though there were a few comments from Lady Esther when they seemed likely to purchase something foolish or unsuitable for a girl who was not yet out.

Once again, Elizabeth marveled at Lady Esther’s deft handling of Lydia’s heedless high spirits. She did not seem inclined to suppress them. She only redirected them into safer waters.

~~~~~

The next morning, Mrs. Jamison accompanied Mama, Jane, and Lydia to Meryton to do some shopping. Mary stayed behind to practice piano and tend to her studies. Elizabeth remained at Longbourn to continue pretending to care for Kitty.

When she was not upstairs in Kitty’s room, Elizabeth found herself alone with Lady Esther in the parlor.

“I wonder if you would be willing to tell me the truth of what is happening, Miss Elizabeth,” said Lady Esther.

A chill ran down her spine as Elizabeth replied. “I’m not certain what you are referring to.”

“Come now,” said the Lady. “You know people are not so easily fooled. Gossip wouldn’t be as common as it is if people allowed the wool to be pulled over their eyes with such simple tactics.”

Elizabeth sighed. “Do you think the servants are aware as well?” she asked.

“Without a doubt,” said Lady Esther. “Are you aware that no maid has tried to enter that room even though they should at the very least be making a fire and emptying the chamber pot twice a day if not more?”

Elizabeth sighed. “I suppose I am not particularly good at subterfuge.”

“Nor is your mother, I imagine,” said Lady Esther. “She seems to be a rather straightforward sort of person.”

This made Elizabeth laugh, and the release of tension made her feel inordinately better. “That is certainly one way of putting it,” she said.

When her laughter had faded, she said, “I suppose that means that knowledge of Kitty’s misadventure is certain to come out soon enough.”

“Perhaps,” said Lady Esther. “Perhaps not. Your servants seem to be quite loyal. Otherwise, the news would already be everywhere. Now, will you tell me what is happening so that I can know how best to help?”