An Overheard Proposal by Jennifer Lang

Author:Jennifer Lang [Lang, Jennifer]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-03-10T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seven

Elizabeth had just finished her packing and was waiting for the servant to help her carry her bags downstairs, when she heard Anne’s voice in the hall below. That is kind of her, she thought. Anne has come to say goodbye. She tidied her hair at the mirror and then went downstairs. Anne had by this time moved through to the parlour. Elizabeth went through, and saw that Charlotte was entertaining her guest.

‘Miss Bennet, I am pleased to see you,’ said Anne. ‘I heard you were leaving us today and I have called to offer you a seat in my carriage. I am going to London and you will be doing me a great favour by accepting my offer. I would like some female conversation on the journey, and my companion cannot speak as she has a sore throat. Will you oblige me by accepting?’

Elizabeth was struck by Anne’s kindness and gratefully accepted. She had not been looking forward to travelling on the stagecoach. Although she had not greatly feared any real evil would come of it, for the journey was not overlong and could be accomplished in the daylight, she would have been vulnerable. If any male traveller had made her the object of unwanted attentions it would have been distressing. She had also worried she might not get a ticket. Or, that if she managed to get a ticket, that she would not be able to sit inside. Even if she had not been subjected to any of these annoyances, the stage coach was an uncomfortable and inconvenient way to travel when compared with a private conveyance.

Mr Collins was effusive in his thanks, but Anne looked at him disdainfully, and Elizabeth guessed that Anne despised him for turning her out of the house.

‘Will you take some refreshment before you leave?’ Charlotte asked Anne and Elizabeth.

She looked ashamed of herself, as well she might, but Elizabeth knew it was too little, too late. The friendship between the two of them had been cooling for some time, and this had made it positively cold.

‘No, I thank you. If Miss Bennet is ready, I think we should be on our way,’ said Anne.

Elizabeth professed herself ready. Miss de Bourgh’s footman carried her bags to the carriage, and Anne said she would wait outside whilst Elizabeth said her farewells.

It was a very cool leave taking. At the last moment, Charlotte said, ‘Try not to think too badly of me, Lizzy. We are in a difficult position here. Take a warning from it. Life is not easy, even when you are married, if you are married to a man in a dependent position. Speak to Mr Darcy now. It is still not too late. You do not want to find, five years from now, that you are forced to accept a man of far less worth. Take care you do not share my fate.’

Elizabeth only shook her head, without taking the trouble to reply, and said, ‘Goodbye, Charlotte.’

‘You will give my love to my family?’ asked Charlotte.

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