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“Yes, she did. I told her I must speak to David before he leaves for the north, and she was very accommodating.”
Once a maid had relieved Elizabeth of her pelisse and bonnet, Jane had a better view of her sister’s face. Taking note of her worried expression, she asked, “Has Lady Cargile’s health worsened?”
“Not that I can tell, but Lord Addison keeps insisting her cough is not improving. Yesterday he threatened again to move her to Dr. Goolsby’s clinic in Brighton, insisting the sea air and sunshine will aid her recovery.”
“And will she go?”
“At present she is still holding out against it. I suppose I shall just have to wait and see who wins the battle.”
“How unfortunate for poor Lady Cargile,” Jane murmured, shaking her head sympathetically. Then, grasping her sister’s hand, she led Elizabeth towards the library—a room their mother and sisters barely knew existed—and the one place where they had a reasonable expectation of not being disturbed.
“If I may ask, what do you need to speak to David about?”
“Lady Cargile gifted me with another piece of jewellery, and I wanted to add it to those he has already—those he plans to show to his friend in Sheffield.”
Jane repeated, “Friend in Sheffield?”
“Surely you recall him speaking of his friend from university whose youngest brother owns a jewellery shop there. David believes Mr. Bromberg will offer me a fair price for the jewellery Lady Cargile gifted me.” At Jane’s perplexed expression, she added, “Please do not tell me he has changed his mind about visiting Morgan Manor?”
“No. I was just confused, for I cannot recall David mentioning that he would show the jewels Lady Cargile gave you to a jeweller.” Then she chuckled. “I suppose if he did, I was not listening. I know my attention span is sorely lacking since I am expecting again. I feel as though I am always on the verge of falling asleep.” Seeing the concern on her sister’s face, Jane added, “Oh, please do not tell David. He is continuously asking if I wish to hire a wet nurse, and I do not want one. Still, he will take any concern you have as verification that we should.”
“I promise I will say nothing.”
As she was speaking, Elizabeth pulled a black velvet box from inside a small bag. Opening it, she brought out Lady Cargile’s latest gift, a diamond and emerald necklace. “Here is the last piece she gave me. Is it not beautiful?”
Jane gasped. “It is! And it must be worth a fortune!”
Elizabeth sighed. “I know. I confess that I fantasised about keeping it; however, in truth, my future will never include fancy balls or soirees where I might have need of such ornamentation.”
Jane grew more sombre. “Have you heard back from Mrs. Potter about purchasing her bakery?”
“I have and she seems willing to sell it to me on payments, but only if I can raise a large deposit. I have sent her some money hoping she will have pity on me and take it as a good faith payment. Unfortunately, though, I will lose that money if I cannot finish paying for it.”
Jane’s brows furrowed. “Does Lydia know?”
“I told her just before I left London. I stressed it is merely an idea and may not come to pass. We will just have to see if I can sell my jewellery for enough to cover the deposit.”
“Lizzy, are you certain you wish to tie yourself to Lydia for the rest of your life? We all love Lydia, but her present situation is of her own doing. You are still young and beautiful, and you may yet receive other offers of marriage.” At Elizabeth’s scoff, Jane added, “Must I mention James Morgan or Lord Addison to make my point? Men still find you attractive.”
“Only those I could never marry,” Elizabeth said wistfully. Then, placing the necklace back in the box, she added, “As you know, since childhood you and I vowed only to marry for the deepest love.”
“And I would not have found happiness with David had I not forsaken that silly vow. You know that I was not in love with him when we married, but I have learned to care deeply for him. The same could happen to you.”
“I am too selfish to give up my dreams. Consequently, given my present situation, I do not expect to receive any more offers … most especially not from someone whom I love deeply.”
Seeing the longing look on her sister’s face, Jane asked, “Given all that has happened, Lizzy, do you regret refusing Mr. Darcy?”
Elizabeth pasted the faux smile on her face that she always employed whenever Mr. Darcy was mentioned. “Of course not! Mr. Darcy was never in love with me. If you recall, he said he liked me against his better judgement and in spite of his family’s expectations, the inferiority of my birth, and his rank and circumstances. Moreover, he married his cousin within weeks. No. I have no regrets in that quarter.”
Just then the housekeeper walked into the room and Jane addressed her. “Mrs. Dowd, have Lizzy’s things taken to the bedroom she normally occupies.”
“No!” Elizabeth interjected. “Put my things in one of the empty servant apartments. I had rather Mama not find out I am here, and my presence there will be less obvious.”
“Surely, you do not think you can hide from Mary or Kitty by residing in the attic with the servants? They come over almost daily to get away from the gloominess that has settled over Longbourn since Papa took to his bed.”
“I am surprised Mama does not accompany them.”
“Mama claims Papa could die at any moment, and she cannot be traipsing about the countryside like Mary and Kitty. Unfortunately, she is correct about Papa. He is not doing well, Lizzy.”
