Chapter 2
The next few days brought a flurry of activity to the Willstone residence as everyone readied themselves and the home for the arrival of Mrs. Willstone's sister, Rosalyn. Elizabeth eagerly looked forward to meeting this young lady who was merely a year older than herself. Mrs. Willstone hoped that the two young ladies would enjoy each other's company in the ensuing weeks Rosalyn would be staying with them in London and possibly the whole summer in the country. Elizabeth was certain they would, if she found her to be as affable as Mrs. Willstone.
Rosalyn arrived on Thursday afternoon that week. Elizabeth was sitting in a rocking chair in her room with a light coverlet over her. She had briefly dozed off with a book in her hands while Emily was napping and was awakened by the sound of the bell ringing, announcing the arrival of guests. Knowing that Rosalyn was due to arrive today, she promptly stood up, smoothed her dress, and went to the dresser mirror to readjust her hair.
She slipped into Emily's room and gently nudged the girl. Emily slowly opened her eyes and looked at Elizabeth.
"Did I oversleep, Miss Bennet?"
"No, Emily. I am awakening you because I believe your Aunt Rosalyn is here."
The little girl reached up and rubbed her eyes, yawning as she did. "Do you think she brought me a gift? She oftentimes brings me something."
"We shall see. The sooner we get you ready and go downstairs, the sooner you shall find out." She leaned down and gave her a big smile. "Now, let us dress you in that pretty yellow frock you picked out earlier."
Elizabeth helped Emily dress, brushed out and adorned her hair with ribbons, and escorted her into the drawing room where the Willstones and Miss Matthews were gathered. As they walked in, the younger of the ladies, dressed in a fashionable gown, stood up and opened her arms for her niece.
"Emily! I am so delighted to see you! My how you are grown!"
"Do you have a surprise for me?"
"Watch your manners, Emily," Elizabeth whispered.
Miss Matthews looked to Elizabeth and smiled. "You must be Miss Bennet."
Mrs. Willstone brought her hands together in delight. "Miss Bennet, may I introduce you to my sister, Rosalyn Matthews? And Rosalyn, this is Elizabeth Bennet."
I have heard much about you through my sister's letters, Miss Bennet. She writes that you are doing a wonderful job."
"And I have heard much about you from your sister's very own words, Miss Matthews. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."
Rosalyn looked down at Emily with a conspiratorial look. "And if you heard anything from Emily, you know that I always bring her something."
"Did you? Did you?" Emily squealed excitedly.
"Well, let me look in my bag here and see if there is anything you might like."
The little girl rubbed her hands together with a burst of anticipation as she watched anxiously as her aunt leisurely began to look through her handbag. "Now, let me see. Do you suppose this could be for you?" She held up a lacy embroidered handkerchief.
"Noooo," the little girl laughed.
Elizabeth smiled as she came to suspect that this was the manner which always passed between the two.
"Oh, here is something you might enjoy," Miss Matthews whispered, glancing up at the young girl. She pulled out a small, leather bound book. "Would this be it?"
"Noooo!" Emily cried, standing on her tiptoes trying to look into her aunt's bag herself.
"Hmmm," Miss Matthews continued. She began to pull something out of the bag and peered closely at it. "No, I do not think this could be it."
"What is it?" asked Emily, barely able to control her countenance.
"Just a little doll… but no, this could not be it." Miss Matthews looked over to her niece with a smile teasing the corners of her mouth.
"Yes! I am sure that is it!" Emily reached out her small arms, palms upright, greatly wishing to see it.
Miss Matthews slowly pulled the doll out of the bag and put it in Emily's hands. The girl laughed with unrestrained glee. "How beautiful she is!" the young girl exclaimed. "Does she have a name?"
"I thought you might choose a name for her."
"I shall call her…ummmm…" She tapped her fingers against her lips. "Elizabeth! I shall name her Elizabeth. May I go play with her?"
"Certainly," Miss Matthews said, "if it is agreeable to your mother and Miss Bennet.
"The little girl looked to her mother and then to Elizabeth, who each gave her an assenting nod.
Emily proudly carried her new doll off to the corner of the room and Elizabeth began to follow.
"No, Miss Bennet, please join us," Miss Matthews reached out her arm. "I should like to become better acquainted with you."
Elizabeth seated herself in a chair, eager to get to know Miss Matthews a little better as well. Elizabeth liked her friendly smile and welcoming demeanour. She was a little taller than herself, fairer in complexion, and she was most graceful in her movements.
"Miss Bennet, that is quite a tribute to you, to have Emily name her doll after you."
"Indeed?"
"She has named every doll she has ever owned after someone special in her life!"
"Well, I must admit I consider her very special as well!"
The three ladies visited for quite some time as Emily entertained herself with her new doll. Elizabeth liked Rosalyn. She carried herself well but without any trace of hauteur or condescension. She appeared to be well educated and well read. The two soon found themselves in a spirited discussion comparing the merits of poets Joseph Addison and William Lisle Bowles.
At one point, Rosalyn expressed her condolences for the loss of her father. “I see you are still in mourning. Do you mind me asking what he was like?”
“He was a very good man. Intelligent and kind. Very witty. I am deeply indebted to him for passing on to me the love of reading. He spent a good deal of the day reading, and encouraged me to do likewise. We would often sit in his study discussing one of his books or dissecting a favourite poem.” Elizabeth sighed as she felt her eyes tear up. “I do miss him very much.”
Rosalyn reached out, taking her hand. “He sounds like a wonderful father. What do you miss most about him?”
Elizabeth pondered this for a moment. “The way he challenged me to be all I could be and to learn all I could. We were without a governess you see, but I had such a desire to learn. I am quite certain it came from my father.” She took in a shaky breath. “My favourite pastime spent with him was playing chess. Of my four sisters, I was the only one who enjoyed the strategy of the game and could best him on occasion.”
“You play chess?”
“Yes, but it has been a long time since I have played.”
“Unfortunately, none of us here play, although my brother, Simon, plays well. He tried to teach me on several occasions, but I simply could not remember how each piece moved. It would be much easier if each piece just moved one direction!”
“But then it would be draughts,” Elizabeth said with a smile.
They both laughed at this, and went on to discuss a myriad of other things.
Elizabeth lost all sense of time, as she, Mrs. Willstone, and Miss Matthews spent a good part of the afternoon conversing. Other than her visits with the Gardiners and Jane, Elizabeth could not recall having spent a more enjoyable afternoon in quite a long time.
Elizabeth occasionally glanced toward Mrs. Willstone, who seemed quite pleased that she and her sister were getting on so well. She was more than grateful that these two ladies from wealthy, prominent families did not look down on her due to her current station in life. That she had gone from a landed gentleman's daughter to have to seek employment as a governess did nothing to lower her in their eyes. The rigid line that separated governesses from their employers seemed overlooked by them.
For the remainder of the week, Rosalyn often accompanied Elizabeth as she gave lessons to Emily and worked with her on her manners, singing, and piano playing. Rosalyn enjoyed the friendship that was developing between her and Elizabeth, and as she also took great pleasure in spending time with her niece, she was quite pleased to be able to do both at the same time.
As was her habit since becoming governess, Elizabeth adjourned to her chambers after Emily was settled in bed. She felt strongly that her employment as governess did not allow for her to enjoy the comforts and privileges of the home and therefore rarely visited with the Willstones in the evenings. But with fervent invitations from Rosalyn and consensus from Mrs. Willstone, Elizabeth began to feel as though she had been accepted as almost part of the family.
Shortly after Rosalyn’s arrival, it became the expected norm for Elizabeth to return downstairs after seeing Emily off to bed, and the ladies would continue whatever conversations had been struck up during the day. They proceeded to cover every topic of interest imaginable.
Rosalyn gave Elizabeth what she missed most in no longer having Jane around; someone with whom to converse. They challenged each other and encouraged one another, and while their conversations did not take the place of her talks with Jane, she found her to be almost as amiable.
That following Sunday, when Elizabeth spent the afternoon with the Gardiners and Jane, they noticed immediately the glow in Elizabeth's eyes and the warmth in her cheeks. For the first time since her father's death, she had come to the Gardiners in exceedingly good spirits and they were most grateful. She did not come ravenous for good company and conversation, as she had fed on it all week. Instead, she arrived with contentment and an eagerness to share stories with her family about her new friend.
While Elizabeth had never pined for any of the social privileges that those of the first circles enjoyed, she took great delight in hearing Rosalyn talk about all the engagements she enjoyed over the years whenever she spent time in London.
As Rosalyn described the balls to which she had been invited, the concerts and theatre plays she had attended, and the presentations at Court, Elizabeth delighted in the enchanting way she described them. She could not help but feel just a small bit of envy as she wished that perhaps just once she would like to step into Rosalyn’s world and experience it for herself.
"Oh, Elizabeth! The music just fills your ears as hundreds of dancing couples bow and curtsey, swirl and promenade down the endless ballrooms!" Rosalyn's eyes lit up as she described the balls in Town, which, although similar to ones that Elizabeth attended in the country, were on a much grander, more prestigious scale.
"And all the fine gentlemen! Oh, sometimes I can barely breathe when one asks for my hand!"
Elizabeth smiled, fully cognizant of the fact that she would never receive an invitation to such a ball or to dance with such gentlemen, being in the position in which she now found herself. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to dream, as Rosalyn finished her narrative.
At length, Rosalyn softened her voice.
"Elizabeth, do you think a gentleman would find me attractive?"
Elizabeth opened her eyes and looked at her. She tilted her head and narrowed her eyes, teasing her with her scrutiny.
"Please, Elizabeth! I am serious!"
"I think any man would find you a most handsome young lady!"
"You do not say that merely to appease me?"
"Rosalyn, you have beautiful blue eyes, a fine nose, nicely shaped lips, and a tall, slender figure." Elizabeth smiled. "You have a charming personality and I know that you must certainly turn many a man's head."
"Please do not think me silly, Elizabeth, it is just that sometimes I wonder why…" She took in a deep breath and pursed her lips.
"Rosalyn?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "It is just that he never looks my way."
Elizabeth's eyes widened. "He?" she asked. "Who is he?"
Rosalyn gave her head a firm shake. "Oh, I could never tell!"
"Pray, Rosalyn! Why?"
"He is far above me, above our family. He would never take a second look at me."
"Rosalyn, your family is much esteemed. Why would you say that?"
"To own the truth, Elizabeth, my father married beneath him. My mother had no noticeable connections, and growing up, I felt the disdain of many families who were of more refined and well bred society."
"Oh, Rosalyn, certainly you must be mistaken."
"Whether or not I am mistaken, this gentleman has never acknowledged me and if Lorraine knew that I continued to pine for him, she would scold me ruthlessly!"
Elizabeth laughed. "Pine for him? Can you not tell me more? Now I am most curious."
"I will only say that he is a man who lived near my family growing up. The first time I ever saw him, I just knew he was the one I wished to marry! But I could never tell you his name!"
"And you still pine for him?"
She nodded her head slowly. "My whole family knew of my infatuation with him when I was younger and they laughed and thought me young and silly. Now that I am older…"
"Your feelings are unchanged."
"Yes," she said as she nodded her head.
"Well, if you cannot tell me his name, you must tell me everything else about this man!"
"Well," she dropped her eyes and a blush softly coloured her features. "He is terribly handsome. Tall and handsome. And he is wealthy, although I really cannot say that is all that appeals to me.” She paused and smiled. “Well, perhaps a little bit. I suppose that is a good thing." She was rambling now, and Elizabeth made a futile attempt to stifle a smirk. "He is a good, principled man, from everything I hear. No one speaks ill of him."
She gave Elizabeth a pointed look. "Should I even allow myself to hope that he would notice me?"
"Rosalyn, if he is such a man as you describe, you have no reason to be ashamed of your feelings. And he would be a fool not to take notice of you."
A satisfied smile graced Rosalyn’s lips. “You are too kind, Elizabeth.”
That night as Elizabeth lay in her bed, her head swirled with thoughts of balls and dances and being presented to the queen and handsome gentlemen. But it was the image of one particular gentleman that kept intruding, reminding her that any happiness for her sister had been destroyed by his actions.
*~*~*
It was in the latter part of the following week that Elizabeth began to hear of preparations for visitors that were to come the following Saturday. Mrs. Willstone, who was the epitome of a charming hostess, worked closely with the kitchen staff in planning the refreshments and meal that would be served. She arranged every detail from the time guests would arrive, which was about five o'clock in the afternoon, through to the conclusion of the evening.
Elizabeth was told that they would prefer to visit with their guests without the presence of Emily, but that they would send for her at some time in the evening. Mrs. Willstone instructed Elizabeth to take her dinner with Emily early and then have her ready to come down for a short visit when she was summoned, returning to her chambers afterwards.
She heard little about the guests who were coming; only that there would be a party of eight. Mrs. Willstone and Rosalyn had grown up near one of the young ladies and they were both anxious to meet the young man about whom people had been speculating would soon make her an offer. Rosalyn appeared to be most concerned about making a good impression on this particular couple and repeatedly consulted Elizabeth about what to wear, how to style her hair, and even what song to play if she was asked to perform on the pianoforte.
On Saturday, Elizabeth knew her greatest responsibility was to keep little Emily quiet and out of everyone's way. Mrs. Willstone kept busy with the kitchen staff ensuring everything was coming along as desired. She walked through the house inspecting it for cleanliness and admonished the staff if something was found not up to her expectations.
Elizabeth was grateful for the mildly warm day, which meant that she and Emily could spend a good amount of time outdoors and out of the way. A small play area in the rear of the house afforded Emily with some delightful amusements. Elizabeth obligingly pushed Emily in the swing and helped her build sand castles in the sandbox, making up a story for the young girl about a handsome prince who lived in the very castle they built.
After the noon meal, Elizabeth and Emily took a long walk down the street to a park, where they enjoyed the array of beautiful flowers lining the path and listened to the flurry of birds as they sang their cheerful songs. Elizabeth enjoyed teaching Emily all the names of the flowers that grew nearby and the birds that flew overhead. Emily seemed just as eager to learn them.
When they returned to the house, they proceeded upstairs where Emily napped and Elizabeth took the opportunity to read. Per Mrs. Willstone’s wish, they ate an early supper, and then returned upstairs to dress for company. Once they were ready, Elizabeth would keep Emily entertained with some books until the young girl was called for.
They were just finishing up their first book when Elizabeth heard the bell announce the arrival of guests. Emily was anxious to go down and meet them, but Elizabeth reminded her that the adults wished to dine, have some time together, and they would call for her when they wanted her to join them.
Finally, after finishing three books and playing with her new doll for a while, a young servant girl, Lilia, came to the door to summon them. Emily anxiously jumped to her feet, ready to run downstairs, but Elizabeth stopped her.
"Now, Emily, let me have a look at you to make sure you are presentable." Elizabeth turned the girl completely around, readjusting a curl that had fallen out of place. "Remember to be very polite and curtsey, say 'please' and 'thank you' and only speak when spoken to."
"Yes, Miss Elizabeth."
Elizabeth smiled and smoothed out the young girl's dress. "There! I do believe you are ready!"
Emily clasped her hands and then took one of Elizabeth's in her own. "Come, Miss Bennet."
"No, I believe I will stay here." Elizabeth told Emily. "Miss Lilia shall take you down."
Lilia looked at Elizabeth and smiled. "I understand that you are expected to come down as well."
"Are you quite sure? I would not wish to impose."
Emily looked to Elizabeth and back to the maid. "She would not impose, would she?"
Lilia laughed. "No, Miss Emily, I do not believe she would be imposing." She turned to Elizabeth. "Come along with us, Miss Bennet."
Elizabeth looked to the little girl. "Come, Emily. We shall both meet the guests, then."
They walked down the stairs, or at least Elizabeth walked. Emily had more of a skip to her gait as she was always eager to meet new people.
They walked in and Elizabeth's gaze drifted across the room. When Mrs. Willstone noticed them at the door, she smiled and beckoned them to come over.
A young lady, who had been seated facing away from the door, turned and Elizabeth saw that she looked to be rather young. She smiled shyly at Elizabeth.
When the gentleman next to her turned, Elizabeth was rendered motionless for a few moments. A look passed between both of them of shock, at first, and then a tentative smile came across the gentleman's face. He stood up abruptly.
"Miss Bennet!" the young man exclaimed. "It is… it is good to see you again!" His features betrayed the awkwardness they both felt and the young lady next to him looked somewhat bewildered, looking from him and back to Elizabeth.
"Mr. Bingley,” Elizabeth replied after quickly composing herself. “Is everything well with you?"
"I am… I am quite well, thank you,” he answered with a nervous laugh. “And you and your family?” A deep questioning look swept over his face.
“You may not have heard that our father passed away last year.”
Mr. Bingley’s eyes widened and his jaw dropped. “No…no, I had not heard. Please accept my deepest condolences… to you and all your family. I imagine it must be very difficult.”
“Yes,” Elizabeth answered. “We are doing the best we can.”
An awkward pause took hold of the room as they looked at each other and then each looked away. It was shock enough to be suddenly facing Bingley again, but worsened by the fact that he was standing next to the young lady she supposed had replaced Jane’s affections.
"Miss Bennet, you are acquainted with Mr. Bingley?" Mrs. Willstone quickly interjected.
Elizabeth looked to Mrs. Willstone. "Yes… yes I am. He let a residence near Longbourn some time ago."
Elizabeth looked directly at him. "I had heard that Netherfield was purchased."
"Yes, I have not…” Bingley began. “I heard that as well." He seemed at a loss for words. The young lady at his side continued to look from him to Elizabeth, and back to him again.
When the conversation between them ceased, Mrs. Willstone proceeded to make the rest of the introductions.
"May I introduce you all to Emily's governess, Miss Elizabeth Bennet? She then turned to Elizabeth. "Miss Bennet, this is Mr. and Mrs. Estes, Mr. and Mrs. Fountain, Mr. and Mrs. Hampton. You are acquainted with Mr. Bingley, and this fine young lady is Miss Georgiana Darcy."
*draughts is the British name for the game of checkers
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