Mr. Darcy’s Struggle: A Pride and Prejudice Variation by Jane Elizabeth Davis & A Lady

Author:Jane Elizabeth Davis & A Lady [Davis, Jane Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2017-11-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Immediately upon gaining Fernglen, the aunts had Kitty showed to her chamber, asking Elizabeth to join them in the drawing room. Over tea, they explained that, regardless of what her papa had instructed, they would be taking all responsibility for her younger sister's reformation. On hearing this, she made to argue that such was too heavy a burden. They, however, refused to hear a word, having already discussed the subject and made up their minds, long before leaving Longbourn's doorstep.

Kitty, they informed her, would largely be confined to the house, for the first two months, at the very least. During that time, the girl would be hard at work on various lessons, not the least of which would be lady-like comportment. She would have no time for visiting until they saw marked improvement in both her demeanour and attitude. After that, her lessons would begin in earnest; a companion's services had already been arranged. This woman would teach Kitty history, French and literature so that she might broaden her horizons and prove an interesting conversationalist.

Lizzy, they maintained, should take good advantage of this, to enjoy herself to the greatest extent possible. In the face of their determination, Elizabeth could do nothing but thank them profusely, and begin to enjoy her leisure.

As it turned out, Cornwall and her renewed acquaintance with Emmy proved the perfect antidote to all that Elizabeth had suffered in Hertfordshire. With still a few weeks before autumn turned the weather chilly, the two friends arranged picnics at the shore, garden parties and the like; Elizabeth was quite determined to surround herself with happiness, given that she no longer had Jane, John or Georgiana as her comfort.

Emmy noted a certain look in her friend's eye from time to time that spoke of sadness, but theirs was still a new friendship, and she did not yet feel comfortable asking Lizzy what the matter might be.

One week after arriving in Cornwall, Elizabeth received a letter from Georgiana. It was delivered while Emmy sat with her in the morning room.

"Read your letter, Lizzy," Emmy declared, "I shall sit and keep you company whilst you do so."

Uncomfortable at the thought of reading something in front of her friend that might contain disturbing references to Mr. Darcy, she declined, saying she would rather read it at bedtime. Emmy noted the change in her friend's demeanour and added it to the growing evidence of her friend's sadness. That night, Elizabeth crawled into her bed, reaching for the letter that sat on her nightstand. Opening the seal, she took a deep breath and began to read.

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