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Tears filled Elizabeth’s eyes. “I know. Hill keeps me informed about Papa’s condition through her letters. I would love to see him whilst I am here, but—” Elizabeth could not continue.
Jane patted her arm. “I know, dearest.”
“If my sisters discover me, they will listen to you. Plead with them to keep my presence here a secret in order to keep Mama’s temper under control. Surely, they would rather say nothing than suffer a repeat of what happened the last time Mama discovered I was here.”
Knowing Lizzy was right about their mother, and stubborn as well, Jane sighed heavily. “Do as she asks, Mrs. Dowd.”
After both had settled on a sofa, Elizabeth said, “At least Lady Cargile insists she will still pay me should she decide to recuperate in Brighton. She wants me to be kept on so that I may rejoin her the minute she returns, which will help me save towards having my own establishment. She also said I was welcome to occupy my rooms in her townhouse until matters regarding her health are settled; however, I overheard Lord Addison tell the housekeeper he would be staying in London for the foreseeable future, and I fear being caught there alone with him.”
“I can well understand your concern.” Then Jane brought up another point. “When you first went to work for Lady Cargile, you said she was fiercely independent. How is it that Lord Addison has managed to take over her affairs?”
“Frankly, I do not understand it. It is as though the countess is a completely different person now that he is in residence. She has given him almost complete control. More importantly, it is as though she has accepted his word that her health is declining. Only days ago, she told me not to be sad if she should die, for she has lived a long, happy life and is ready to go on to her reward. She stated that at five and sixty she has outlived her husband, most of her family and all her dearest friends.”
“I would hope to feel the same way if I were in her situation,” Jane interjected.
Elizabeth seemed to be contemplating something else before she said, “Should she die, I shall truly miss her. Lady Cargile has always been very kind and generous with me. Though should she pass, I will not begrudge her being reunited with her Bradley, as she refers to the late Lord Cargile.”
“If your position as her companion ends, I hope you will consider coming to live with us rather than seeking a new position. If you were no longer in service that would put you in a position to receive offers of marriage. I assure you that David has many kind friends seeking pretty, intelligent women to marry and he would love to introduce you to them. Until you marry, you can help me with the babies.” With that Jane made a point of patting her stomach.
Elizabeth teased with a wink, “You have increased so quickly, I wonder if you are carrying twins.”
“Please do not say that! It has occurred to me, but, but I dare not give it credibility by speaking of it.”
“So, you have not mentioned it to David?”
“Heavens, no! He worries enough about me as it is.”
Elizabeth leaned in to give Jane a hug before pulling back to smile at her. “As to your offer to live with you, you know how I feel about imposing upon my favourite brother. If Papa were to die, Mr. Collins would sweep in to take Longbourn, and David would be obligated to support our entire family, possibly including Lydia and Emma. God forbid he should have to support me, too.”
“But you would not be imposing. You would be earning your living by helping with the children. Besides, we miss you when you are away.”
“And I am grateful that you do, for I feel the same way about you and David. Still, I am much too independent to be beholden to anyone. I need to know that I can support myself … and, hopefully, Lydia and Emma, as well.”
“I am certain that David would contribute to a deposit on the bakery if you would only ask.”
“I love that he would, but his money needs to go towards improving Morgan Manor, in addition to keeping his own family afloat.” Elizabeth continued, “Besides, I trust that if the worst should happen and I lose my employment, I can find another employer as kind as Lady Cargile, but without an annoying nephew—at least until I can raise all I need to buy the bakery.”
“I wonder why Lord Addison continues to pursue you after you have made it clear you are not interested.”
Elizabeth’s expression became solemn. “I cannot explain how I know, but I sense that he is not the type of man to just accept no for an answer. In any case, the last time he brought up the subject of marriage, I claimed that if the position with Lady Cargile were to end, I would move to Morgan Manor with you and David and act as the governess for your children. I thought that with him knowing I have other options besides being a companion, he might see the futility in continuing to pursue me.”
“I am surprised. You have always told the truth without flinching.”
“I am sorry if I ruined your good opinion of me; however, Lord Addison is one person whom I do not wish to know my true intentions. I would not put it beneath him to sabotage my efforts to be independent.”
“What do you mean?”
“I worry what he would do if he was truly convinced I would never give in to his plan to marry me.”
“Surely, he cannot be that bad.”
“He has no heart. I told you about his late wife … that she died on their honeymoon?” Jane nodded. “He appears to have no regrets about her death whatsoever.”
“Perhaps he tries to appear happier than he is in order to hide his despair.”
“Oh, Jane, you always imagine the best in people, but in addition to his lack of empathy, he is very arrogant. Even though he knows I am a gentleman’s daughter, because I am presently employed as a companion, he treats me as though I am nothing but a common servant.”
“I see,” Jane sighed knowingly.
