A Twist of Fate by Brenda J. Webb

Author:Brenda J. Webb
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Pride and Prejudice Variations, Pride and Prejudice Variations and Sequels, Jane Austen, Historical Romance, Classic Romance Fiction
Publisher: Brenda J. Webb
Published: 2018-05-18T16:00:00+00:00

THE BENNETS’ COTTAGE

The Bennets had been reduced to living in a remodelled building consisting of only four rooms, with one of those being a sparse kitchen. The other rooms were filled with beds or sofas that were used as beds, leaving no space to escape the mayhem that too many people in a small space created.

Mrs. Bennet and Kitty occupied one bedroom, whilst Mary, Lydia and Lydia’s daughter slept in the other. This left the parlour as a bedroom for Jane and Elizabeth, and as was often the case, once the child awoke, it meant no more sleep for the eldest Bennets. This was especially hard on Elizabeth who had to sleep during the day.

Kitty, who had assumed the duties of a kitchen maid since Elizabeth was working and Jane was so weak, was brewing tea when her sister arrived home. Tiptoeing past Jane who was sleeping restlessly, Elizabeth smiled at her sibling as she walked into the kitchen. Once she sat down at the table, Kitty poured a cup of tea and set it in front of her.

“Did Lord Bascomb pretend to check on his mother again?” Kitty asked.

“Last night went well. I think Lord Bascomb went out for the evening because the house was eerily quiet.”

“Thank God.”

“I did,” Elizabeth replied. “Unfortunately, I was told my services will not be needed until two days after Christmas. There is a new companion—a widow. She is taking my place until then. It appears Lord Bascomb admires her.”

“But does she admire him?”

“She acts as though she welcomes his attention. I fear she could take my place, and I shall be looking for work again. Please do not mention it to the others, though. I do not want Jane to worry unnecessarily.”

Elizabeth placed a small burlap bag on the table. “I almost forgot. Aunt Maddie sent another loaf of bread and a jar of plum preserves.”

“That was kind of her. I was pondering how to tell Mama there was nothing more this morning.”

Elizabeth smiled. “God forbid Mama would have to make do with just tea.”

“Well, there might be more if Lydia did not insist on having a slice of bread with preserves whenever I give one to Susan.” Kitty’s expression grew sombre. “Lizzy, why will you not stay with our uncle and aunt during the day? It would be better than trying to sleep through all the commotion created here once everyone is awake.”

“You know full well why I do not. It is not worth having to listen to Mama complain that I think too highly of myself to live with the rest of you.”

“Well, Jane, Mary and I do not feel that way. It worries me that you stay awake all night and most of the day. You cannot keep up such a schedule. It will take its toll at some point.”

Elizabeth reached for Kitty’s hand. “Thank you for caring, but I am perfectly well.”

Kitty wanted to object, but seeing the resolve in her sister’s eyes, she refrained. Instead, taking the bag Elizabeth had brought home, she returned to the counter where a tray had been set out.

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