Think of Me by Elizabeth Adams

Author:Elizabeth Adams [Adams, Elizabeth]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-05-25T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eleven

Elizabeth

I had quite surprised myself when I befriended Mr. Darcy. He was not normally the sort of person I would choose as a friend, but as I got to know him better, I realized he did in fact have a sense of humor. He merely kept it under close regulation. I had never met someone who seemed so in control of himself and his actions. Even his facial expressions were well-regulated. It must be exhausting to always rein oneself in. I could not imagine living like that every day.

The militia arrived a few days after the party and as I had feared, my sisters lost their heads over the redcoats. Well, Mary and Jane did not, but Lydia began a campaign against each of my parents, begging them to allow her to come out. Did they not see all the fun she would miss by staying home? It appeared that our talk had not had lasting effects. I could only sigh and hope my father would stay strong.

“Surely, the fact that she is already behaving thusly over the soldiers is a black mark against her coming out.”

Ruby looked at me with her big green eyes and meowed.

“I quite agree. She is not ready, and that fact is being demonstrated more every day. And Mother is encouraging her! It is disgraceful for a woman her age to coo so over an encampment of soldiers. Do you not agree?”

She purred and butted her head against my ankle.

I scratched behind her ears. “Listen to me, talking to a cat like a batty old woman.”

Ruby purred again and wound between my feet. A knock sounded and I whispered, “Shh. Mama is not supposed know you are inside!” I tried to shoo Ruby under the bed as I called out, “Who is it?”

“It is Jane.”

“You are safe, Ruby.”

I opened the door for my sister and closed it tightly behind her.

“Lizzy, this just arrived from Netherfield.”

She held out a letter and I took it. Jane was invited to Netherfield to dine.

“Do you wish to go?”

“I do not know. I would not mind knowing Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley better.”

I held my tongue at that. I would mind very much.

“But I do not wish to encourage Mr. Bingley.”

“But this says he will be dining out.” I scanned the letter again. “And that Mr. Darcy went to London three days ago. Hmm.”

That was the day after the party at Lucas Lodge. Had he had a chance to speak to Mr. Bingley? Jane voiced a similar concern.

“We cannot know. Since Mr. Bingley will not be there, you could go if you wish.”

“My mother wishes me to go.”

“Oh, Jane, you know you should always open letters in private,” I teased.

“It was delivered when she was sitting next to me. What could I do?”

“Very well. She wishes you to go?”

“Yes. On horseback.”

“On horseback!” I looked out the window at the grey sky. “It looks like rain. It has rained every day this week.”

“I know.”

I squinted my eyes. “That is her plan, is it not? You will go on horseback and then be forced to stay the night.

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