The Journey by Hahn Jan

Author:Hahn, Jan [Hahn, Jan]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Meryton Press
Published: 2012-02-29T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

The next day was Sunday, and as was the custom in my uncle’s house, the entire household, including the servants, met for morning prayers. My uncle chose a passage from Proverbs for his reading. I sat next to Jane on the sofa, still sleepy from the night before, my eyes swollen from weeping. I confess I had a difficult time concentrating on the text, and my mind strayed until I heard the following words:

“There be three things which are too wonderful for me, yea, four which I know not: the way of an eagle in the air; the way of a serpent upon a rock; the way of a ship in the midst of the sea; and the way of a man with a maid.”

The way of a man with a maid. Instantly I felt Mr. Darcy’s arms around me. I remembered his mouth caressing mine and how easily he had taken command of my senses. Yes, the writer spoke the truth. It was too wonderful to comprehend. And then I felt abashed that my mind had wandered so far from the scripture and to a scene that should have caused me shame. I willed myself to return to the present and heed my uncle’s reading.

“For three things the earth is disquieted, and for four it cannot bear: a servant when he reigneth; a fool when he is filled with meat; an unloved woman when she is married; and a handmaid that is heir to her mistress.”

An unloved woman when she is married. Once again, I was struck with the revelation of wisdom and the way my uncle’s choice in scripture applied to my life. I knew with certainty that neither the earth nor I could bear marriage to Mr. Darcy, knowing I was unloved.

Tears began to well up within me, and I kept my gaze lowered, thankful that we were now praying. I blinked several times, and with the final amen, I was able to restrain the signs of emotion stirred up by my thoughts.

Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, along with Jane and the children, left for church services shortly thereafter. My father had already said he and I would not attend because, in my present state, he felt I did not need the added burden of prying eyes.

As soon as they walked out the door, he asked me to accompany him into my uncle’s study. He sat down upon the tapestry-covered divan and patted the place next to him, indicating that I should join him.

“Now, Lizzy,” he said, taking my hand, “I am not about to scold you or even admonish you for your decision, although heaven help us when your mother hears that I have permitted you to refuse another proposal. You and I may have to take up residence in the stable when we return to Longbourn.”

“Oh, Father, I do not care. Let us return home this very day, and I shall gladly move into the barn.”

“Yes, well, let us hope it does not come to that.

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