Pride Prejudice and Perplexity

A Special Friend

Chapter Fifteen – A Special Friend

Not many days after Mr Darcy's departure for London, Elizabeth received a letter from his sister, which was overflowing with gratitude and praise. Though it was evident that Julia was most apprehensive and anxious at the daunting prospect of emerging from her secluded world into society, she was also palpably alive with anticipation and excitement.

Within a week of her letter, Julia arrived at Ashbourne. Elizabeth was overjoyed to receive her, and welcomed her warmly, as did Jane and Bingley. She was given the guest apartments beside those of Elizabeth, who came to help her unpack her things and make herself comfortable; and later they sat together and talked into the night.

“There are no words to adequately thank you, Elizabeth, which truly convey my feelings of gratitude. For although I feel overwhelmed at all that lies before me, I feel as if you have freed me from a prison, in which I have spent all of my life – and, but for you, I would very likely have lived all my remaining years. How can I ever thank you enough?”

“To start with, by calling me Lizzy; for it is what my sisters and close friends call me; and, pretence and appearances aside, I am hopeful that you and I shall become the very best of friends.”

“Oh, yes, I would wish for nothing less. My brother told me that you are to be my guide and mentor. I have read a great deal, including modern romances, so I am aware of how I must comport myself amongst others; but it is one thing to read of it, and quite another to actually have the experience.”

“You may trust me, Julia, to do my very best to help you and advise you. One thing you will very soon discover is that not everyone is honest or forthright; and even those who are sincere and trustworthy, may sometimes dissemble – out of modesty or politeness, or simply in conformity with what is expected in the circumstances. As you gain experience, and become adept at deciphering the nuances of tone and expression, you will learn to understand a meaning in words that is often not at first apparent.”

“Goodness, it all sounds so frightfully difficult,” said Julia apprehensively.

“If you are uncertain of anything – for example, of the intentions or feelings of another – then you must learn to ask me. Most especially, you must be very careful of your behaviour towards gentlemen.”

“Oh yes, my brother spoke to me at length upon that subject, and of the need to be careful and give no encouragement to a gentleman who would be unable to consider marriage to a lady such as myself.”

“Yes,” said Elizabeth. “Your brother and I also had a long discussion upon the subject. You need not be fearful of gentlemen – only circumspect. If you feel yourself attracted to a young man, be careful not to show him any preference out of the ordinary, until you have consulted with me, and I am able to advise you on how to proceed.”

“Elizabeth – I mean, Lizzy – do you really believe that there are gentlemen who would wish to marry me despite my background?”

“You are so beautiful, and your character is so artless and charming; you must prepare yourself for the inevitable interest of a great many young men; and yes, I believe there are those, who if they truly loved you, would wish to marry you regardless of your parentage.”

“But Lizzy, I would be entirely unable to speak upon such a subject.”

“You need not fear, Julia, for I would take that task upon myself – if you would permit me. But in any case, we are getting rather far ahead of ourselves. For the first few weeks, you shall remain quietly here at Ashbourne. On some days, there may be visitors who come to call; and Jane wishes to give her first dinner party soon, now that she is comfortably settled. But it will not be very large, and she will wait until you are feeling more at ease.”

~~~~~

Several days after Julia's arrival, Georgiana came to pay a visit, in the company of Colonel Fitzwilliam, who was but recently arrived in Derbyshire. Elizabeth suspected that Mr Darcy had chosen not to join them, on account of the awkwardness of having to pretend that he was meeting Julia for the first time.

Julia had been eagerly awaiting the opportunity of making the acquaintance of her younger sister, Georgiana, whom she had heard so much about; and she struggled to restrain her wild emotions, knowing that she must not betray the truth of their relationship – and to Georgiana, most especially.

Elizabeth observed Colonel Fitzwilliam closely, and it was evident that he very much admired Julia, and it was only with the greatest difficulty that Bingley was able to detach him from the ladies, for he was eager to show off all his fine fishing spots to the Colonel, and to engage with him in the sport while the ladies were taking tea.

The bulk of the conversation was carried on by Jane and Elizabeth, for Georgiana was shy by nature, and in the presence of a stranger she was initially reserved; and Julia seemed almost too terrified to open her mouth.

Attempting to draw Georgiana into the conversation, Elizabeth asked her, “Did you perchance write to Caroline Bingley following our conversation in the spring? I recall that you had received a letter from her, soliciting an invitation to visit Pemberley.”

“Yes, and I did just as you suggested; rather than issuing the invitation that was so clearly sought, I wrote that I was expecting various friends, and that my brother anticipated that he, too, would be much occupied over the summer. I must admit that I did not reply to Miss Bingley immediately, for I have always found her most daunting, and I did not feel sufficiently brave to deny her. However, after some weeks, upon enquiring into the matter, and discovering that I had not yet written, my brother advised me that I must; for Miss Bingley, he said, would otherwise pretend to have understood the lack of a reply as an indication of my complaisance with her scheme, and that I would very likely receive a further letter from her announcing the day of their intended arrival.”

Elizabeth laughed. “Your brother is no stranger to Miss Bingley's cunning wiles. So you wrote to her about a month after we visited you at Pemberley, then?”

“Yes,” said Georgiana, “It was about the time that Jane and Mr Bingley took up residence here, at Ashbourne.”

“Then it is just as you suspected,” said Jane to Elizabeth. Turning to Georgiana, she explained, “When Bingley and I returned to London, and Caroline learned that her brother intended to purchase an estate quite close to Pemberley, her affection – and desire to assist me in setting up my new establishment – was most marked, indeed.”

“I am sure you have long been aware, Georgiana, of Miss Bingley's designs upon your brother,” said Elizabeth.

“I would have to be blind not to have noticed it,” observed Georgiana. “And I so dislike her insincere attentions to myself; for I know that it is all pretence, and that she cares for me not in the least.”

Jane smiled sympathetically. “I, too, have been subjected to Caroline's insincere ways. Her affections towards me go from one extreme to the other – depending upon her present self-interest. Her new-found regard, upon learning of Ashbourne, lasted only until she heard that Elizabeth would be staying here for the foreseeable future.”

“Sadly,” said Elizabeth with mock remorse, “I am not Miss Bingley's favourite person; and you may imagine how disconsolate I was to learn that she did not wish to stay at Ashbourne, so long as I resided here.”

“I think I can guess Miss Bingley's principal reason for disliking you,” said Georgiana, regarding Elizabeth shyly.

Julia, who had taken no part in the conversation, yet was following it closely, and finding it most instructive, also looked at Elizabeth inquisitively; for although they had not spoken upon the subject since Elizabeth's second visit to Freston, she was well aware of Elizabeth's feelings for her brother – and of his for her, and was impatient for an opportunity of seeing the two of them together.

To save Elizabeth the embarrassment of the curiosity of both his sisters regarding their brother, Jane quickly continued, “Upon learning that Elizabeth would be staying here, Caroline's affections cooled markedly, and her desire to visit Ashbourne evaporated entirely.”

“But did not her affection, at least, revive somewhat, when she learned that her cousin, Captain Radford, was unexpectedly discovered to be wealthy?” asked Elizabeth, with an ironic smile.

“Oh, yes indeed. Upon learning that the penniless cousin, for whom she had reserved her haughtiest disdain, was in fact very wealthy, Caroline's enthusiasm for my company was equalled only by her eagerness that I should invite her to dine at Fairfield Gardens – along with Captain Radford. However, when, in consideration of the Captain's wishes in the matter, I was unable to oblige her, my stocks fell.”

“However, they have lately risen, again,” said Elizabeth, satirically, “and I imagine it is on account of Caroline receiving your letter, Georgiana. For upon learning that her cousin, too, had bought an estate in Derbyshire, and realising that her only means of being in the society of the two gentlemen upon whom she now pinned the chief of her matrimonial aspirations – at least until they might be in town again next winter – was to locate herself thither; and with Pemberley denied her, she applied again to Jane. She must be desperate indeed, to knowingly wish to reside in the same house as myself.”

“Which of those two gentlemen do you believe she prefers?” asked Georgiana.

“I imagine she is willing to be desperately in love with whichever of them will have her,” said Elizabeth with a smile.

“I suspect,” said Jane, “that she may very likely direct the chief of her efforts at her cousin, for she is well aware of a significant obstacle which stands in the way of the realisation of her long-held designs upon Mr Darcy.”

Georgiana and Julia again looked enquiringly at Elizabeth, but she said nothing.

“But surely,” objected Georgiana, “Miss Bingley cannot be so mercenary that she would marry any gentleman with money.”

“It is above eighteen months, now, that I have known Caroline,” said Jane. “And though I wish to think well of everyone, and most especially a sister-in-law, I regret to say that in Caroline's case I have found the task daunting, indeed.”

“It was fortunate,” continued Elizabeth, “that by the time Caroline's letter arrived, I had spoken of my desire to have you stay with us, Julia. Although there are guest-rooms enough to comfortably accommodate Caroline, and the Hursts, also, I suggested to Jane that your visit provided a providential pretext to put her off.”

“At my sister's suggestion,” explained Jane, “I wrote to Caroline, informing her that I expected to soon receive a second guest, a friend of my sister; and I had not yet succeeded in engaging the full complement of servants that a house of this size requires; and, lamentably, there were not yet a sufficient number to serve any additional visitors; nor were all the guest apartments yet furnished to a standard that I felt was owed to such esteemed relations, as themselves.”

Elizabeth noticed Georgiana looking curiously in Julia's direction – perhaps wondering if she, too, was from Hertfordshire; and at the nature of their acquaintance. In order to deflect her interest, and at the same time wishing to draw Julia into the proceedings, and make her feel more at her ease, she said, “Since you last visited Ashbourne, Georgiana, the pianoforte has arrived. Jane, why do we not take our tea in the drawing room, so that Georgiana may inspect it, and perhaps play something for us?”

This had the desired effect; for Julia, having never had the opportunity of hearing any other performer, aside from her masters, was delighted, and warm in her praise of Georgiana's playing. And when Elizabeth afterwards begged Julia to play, and eventually she was persuaded to oblige them, her performance was exquisite. Although she was no great judge, it seemed to Elizabeth that Julia's virtuosity exceeded that of Georgiana, and that the excellence of her performance was the equal, at least, of that of Victoria Barclay.

Georgiana was lavish in her praise of Julia's playing; and the two young ladies found a great deal to say to each other upon the subject of music, and their favourite pieces; and were very soon entirely at ease, taking turns at playing and singing.

After Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam had departed, Julia was unable to find words enough to praise her younger sister, and express her delight at having at last made her acquaintance.

“And how did you like Colonel Fitzwilliam?” enquired Elizabeth.

“Very much,” admitted Julia. “But I could not determine if he admired me or not, for I am not at all used to being in the company of gentlemen.”

“Then I may tell you that his regard for you was warm, indeed – would you not agree, Jane?”

“Yes I would. When he and Bingley returned from their fishing and entered the drawing room while you were at the pianoforte, he was entirely enchanted. But Colonel Fitzwilliam would not be suitable, I think, Lizzy?”

“No, unfortunately not,” said Elizabeth. “For one thing, he is a second son, and though he is the last man I would regard as a fortune hunter, he is used to his comforts, and is obliged to marry a lady with money.”

“That may not be an obstacle,” said Julia. “My brother has told me that should I wish to marry a man without money, he would settle a large sum on me – as much as thirty thousand pounds.”

“Good gracious; that is generous indeed!” said Elizabeth, shaking her head. “Although it would likely be a sufficient amount, still the Colonel would not do. He is the son of an earl, and once he became aware of your background, he would be obliged, by what he owes to his family, to withdraw his interest – and if he did not, his aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, would demand to know all about you; and you may depend upon it, that she would go so far as to make the circumstances of your birth known to the world, in order to thwart her nephew.”

“Oh,” said Julia sadly, “I do so admire him; and now I shall have to be on my guard and behave with reserve.”

“Yes, you shall,” concurred Elizabeth. “But in any case, despite his obvious admiration, I think it unlikely that the Colonel would develop any particular preference, for there is another lady, with whom I suspect he is already a fair way to being in love with.”

“You speak of Victoria Barclay, I imagine?” said Jane. “I am hoping that we shall see her very soon, for I received a letter, today, informing me that she has arrived at Hartington, and intends to very soon wait upon us.”

~~~~~

Not many days after the visit from Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam, Victoria Barclay visited in the company of Captain Radford. Bingley was eager to have his cousin fish with him, but his invitation was politely declined. “Please excuse me, Charles, but on one occasion when I was sailing in the Pacific, we were becalmed for so great a time, that having consumed all our provisions, we were obliged to survive by fishing. I regret to say that the experience has rendered me quite unable to enjoy the sport.”

“Then I shall come to Hartington to fish, if ever I fish out my own stream,” said Bingley. “But allow me, at least, to give you a tour of my grounds, for you have not yet seen them.”

“I shall be delighted,” said the Captain; although Elizabeth observed that he looked anything but delighted as he was led away from the ladies; and she suspected that his reticence at leaving them was chiefly on account of Julia.

Julia was shy in the presence of Victoria Barclay, and took no part in the conversation, but she observed it closely, and was most curious about the relationship between Miss Barclay and Captain Radford.

“I am utterly delighted with Hartington,” said Victoria. “The Captain, having spent almost his entire adult life aboard ship, has very little idea of how a house should be arranged. Luckily for him, I do; and I intend to remain the whole summer, here in Derbyshire, and get everything properly organised.”

“He is most fortunate indeed that you are able to perform that office for him,” observed Jane.

“Yes, he is; but it is done for myself, also – for I hope to visit him often, and I wish to be comfortable. I have already ordered the pianoforte, for I cannot live without music.”

“An instrument has only recently arrived at Ashbourne, and it is very fine, is it not, Julia?” asked Elizabeth, attempting to draw her into the conversation.

“Yes, it is, indeed,” replied Julia softly.

“Oh, do you play, Miss Harrison?” asked Victoria.

“Yes. Music is one of my greatest pleasures.”

“Oh, I must hear you,” exclaimed Victoria.

“You will not be disappointed,” said Elizabeth, “for she plays wonderfully.”

“Let us take our tea outside, in the gazebo,” suggested Jane, “for it is a delightful day, and you have not yet seen the gardens, Victoria. Afterwards, we can repair to the drawing room for music.”

“I have received a letter from your husband's sister, Miss Bingley,” said Victoria to Jane, as they were drinking their tea.

“Please excuse my surprise,” replied Jane, “for I was unaware that you were much acquainted with one another.”

Victoria smiled, “Yes, I, too, was unaware of it. I am evidently become particularly unobservant of late; for Miss Bingley assured me, in her letter, that nothing had given her greater pleasure than making my acquaintance in town; and of how excessively delighted she had been with my society. I must own to being unable to recall her speaking more than two words to me, and I cannot remember her bestowing a single smile. Clearly, my memory is deficient; for she wrote with great enthusiasm of her eagerness to be in my society again; and that she looks forward, with delight, to the opportunity of calling upon me in the not too distant future.”

Elizabeth and Jane exchanged a glance of astonishment. “I am surprised, indeed, to hear that she expects to be in this part of the country,” observed Elizabeth. “For although she indicated that she would be pleased to receive an invitation to stay either at Pemberley or Ashbourne, I understand that she has been politely informed that prior arrangements, at both establishments, make it impossible to presently oblige her.”

“Miss Bingley mentions in her letter that her sister's husband, a Mr Hurst, has a cousin living at Macclesfield, in Cheshire, which is not so very far from Hartington. It would appear that Miss Bingley had greater success in securing an invitation at Macclesfield than she did at either Pemberley or Ashbourne.”

Elizabeth shook her head. “Are you aware of Miss Bingley's reasons for wishing to visit this part of the country?”

Victoria laughed. ”She is the most transparent and designing of ladies. It was obvious in town, that she was eager to gain the attentions of Mr Darcy – although I never observed her to have the slightest success in that endeavour – for his attentions appeared to me to be otherwise engaged,” she said, raising an eyebrow as she looked directly at Elizabeth. “However, that hardly explains her new-found affection for me, and her yearning to visit Hartington. Do you suppose that it might be in any way related to her recent discovery that her cousin, Captain Radford, who tells me she has always treated him with the utmost disdain, is, contrary to what was generally believed, very wealthy?”

Elizabeth sighed. “She is a most determined lady; and must rate her charms highly, indeed, to think that she might secure the affection of either gentleman; for there is not the least cogent reason for believing it.”

“No,” agreed Victoria, with a smile. “Captain Radford was as much distressed as yourself, at learning of her impending arrival at Macclesfield. He has asked me to request that Miss Bingley give notice, in advance, of her visit – so that he can be sure to take himself well out of the way.”

“Oh, that it would be so easy for my sister,” thought Elizabeth to herself. “Not only will Caroline and Louisa call upon Jane, but they will expect an invitation to dine.”

“Jane,” she said. “When were you planning to give your dinner party?”

“I have consulted with Georgiana, and Saturday next, it seems, would suit Pemberley. Would it be a convenient day for yourself and Captain Radford?” asked Jane, turning to Miss Barclay.

“Indeed it would; we will be delighted to attend,” replied Victoria.

“Jane, why do you not send out the invitations immediately,” suggested Elizabeth, “before Caroline informs you of her arrival. For the dinner party will then consist of nine persons, three from Pemberley, two from Hartington and four from Ashbourne; and you would find great difficulty, I am certain, in accommodating any larger a party, at the present time. If she should write to advise you that they are arrived – or expect to arrive in the district before Saturday next – you may inform her that, regrettably, you do not yet have sufficient plate, or serving and kitchen staff to include them.”

“What a clever idea – yes, I shall send out the invitations today,” said Jane. “Although, I shall, of course, be obliged to invite Caroline and the Hursts to dine at some time during their stay in these parts.”

“Lamentably, I am not yet finished enumerating all the persons who seem determined to bless us with their society,” said Victoria.

The other ladies looked at her with alarm.

“When I received Miss Bingley's letter, I was at a loss to understand from whence came her intelligence that I was staying at Hartington. Unfortunately, it seems that Mr Hurst and I share a cousin in common, from whom she learned of it.”

“Not Captain Russell?” asked Elizabeth, guardedly.

“The same. You may be aware that my mother and his were sisters. Captain Russell's father, it seems, had two sisters; one of them was the mother of Mr Hurst, and the other married a Mr Jarrod of Macclesfield, whose son inherited the estate. He is the cousin of both Mr Hurst and Captain Russell.”

“But what could Captain Russell mean by wishing to come into this part of the country?” demanded Jane.

“I imagine that he still has designs upon Georgiana,” said Elizabeth, giving her sister a meaningful glance; for she did not wish to publish the fact that Georgiana had been duped and infatuated, and perhaps on the point of eloping with the rogue – not that Victoria Barclay would have been greatly surprised to learn of it. She imagined that when Georgiana failed to meet him in St James Park, Captain Russell very likely tried to call upon her at Grosvenor Square, where he would have been informed that she was not at home. Perhaps he presumed that without his persuasive presence to encourage her, Georgiana had become faint-hearted. He had no reason to suppose that she would have revealed anything to her brother, or anyone else, and he very likely held hopes of prevailing upon her in Derbyshire.

“I have not the slightest doubt,” said Victoria, “that she continues to be his object. But you did warn Miss Darcy about him, when you visited her at Grosvenor Square, did you not, Elizabeth?”

“I did; she is now well aware of what he is about and of his deceitful ways; there is no need to fear for Georgiana. Should he attempt to visit her, Mr Darcy will doubtless take the earliest opportunity of informing him that he is unwelcome at Pemberley.”

“And at Hartington, also,” added Victoria. “For although I presently preside over the establishment, it belongs to Captain Radford, who assures me that my cousin would not dare show his face on his estate.”

“Let us hope, then, that he will remain in Cheshire,” said Elizabeth.

Victoria commented no further on the subject of her cousin, for her attention was drawn to an easel stood up against the wall, with a large cloth thrown over the canvas, which it concealed. “Which of you ladies is the artist?” she inquired.

When Julia remained silent, Elizabeth said, “It is my friend, Miss Harrison, who is the artist – and a most gifted one, too; but she refuses to allow us to view her painting until it is finished.”

“Why Miss Harrison,” said Victoria, “You are an artist as well as a musician – as am I. You cannot refuse to allow a fellow artist to view your work – even though it be incomplete. May I?”

She begged so sweetly that Julia could not refuse her, and uncovering the painting, which was, in fact, almost finished, she gasped in wonder. It was a landscape, which captured the beauty of the gardens sloping down to the tree-lined river and the rolling hills behind it, with green pasture giving way to the ancient forest on the upper slopes.

“You are indeed gifted,” said Victoria staring admiringly at the painting.

Though she could not be insensible to the praise, Julia was embarrassed. And her embarrassment increased, for the gentlemen, upon observing the ladies in the gazebo, as they were returning to the house, had decided to join them. Captain Radford admired Julia's painting, and was evidently as much impressed with it as Victoria Barclay. Elizabeth, Jane, and Bingley were also warm in their praise. Julia was distressed at the attention, and observing her discomfort, Elizabeth suggested that they return to the house, so that Victoria might inspect the pianoforte in the drawing room.

Victoria was happy to play the instrument, which she found to be excellent; but when she applied to Julia to play for them, she at first declined. However, Elizabeth and Jane spoke so highly of her talent, that Captain Radford and Victoria were eager to hear her, and she was eventually persuaded to play a piece.

“Miss Harrison,” said Victoria, when she had finished Mozart's Fantasia, “though I am reckoned to be one of the finest performers amongst the many young ladies who play the instrument in London, I could never have played that piece so exquisitely. Do you not agree, Captain Radford?”

“I would not wish to make such a judgement; I will only say that I have never heard anything quite so beautiful,” said the Captain, regarding the performer with unconcealed admiration.

“You must have had the very best of masters, both in music and painting,” observed Victoria, looking at Julia thoughtfully. “And you must have practised exceedingly long hours, indeed, to have reached such an extraordinary level of accomplishment. For as my dear mentor, Madam Lasalle, who was herself a famous opera singer, oft reminds me, great talent and the best tuition are not enough; to truly attain the highest – diligent practice is also required.”

Julia was greatly embarrassed at the excessive praise, and to find herself the object of the entire party's attention. She blushed, and kept her eyes fixed on the instrument. “You are quite correct, Miss Barclay on both heads; my masters were excellent, and I have practised a great deal – although I can hardly call it that; for it was never onerous. Music and painting are two of my greatest joys.”

“I shall write to you, Mrs Bingley, as soon as the instrument has arrived at Hartington and I have the place in a suitable state to receive guests, and then you must all come to visit us.”

“We shall be delighted,” said Jane.

After their guests had departed, and the three ladies were alone, Julia immediately asked Elizabeth, “What is the relationship between Miss Barclay and Captain Radford? I could not make it out; and I recall you saying of Colonel Fitzwilliam, that he was a fair way to being in love with Miss Barclay.”

After Elizabeth had explained their unusual relationship, Julia seemed well pleased, and remarked, “Yes, I observed that they behaved very much as brother and sister. Miss Barclay is most fortunate indeed, for he is the most delightful man – so thoughtful and gentle. I know you must think me silly, and wishing to fall in love with every gentleman I meet; but I cannot imagine there exists one whom I could admire more than the Captain.”

“I cannot disagree with you; for when Captain Radford was in Hertfordshire, staying with Mr Bingley, I had the pleasure of being much in his company, and I found it entirely pleasing.”

“And you did not fall in love with him?” asked Julia. “But no – your heart was, perhaps, already engaged?”

Elizabeth smiled, but directed the conversation away from herself. “Julia, though he be a fine gentleman, you hardly know him. I fear, that having been cut off from society, your whole life long, that you may now be inclined to act with undue haste. Please, take my advice, and exercise greater caution and contemplation.”

“But… if I were to fall in love with the Captain, and he with me, how do you think he might receive the information about my birth?”

Elizabeth considered the question for some time. “Of all the gentlemen I know, he is very probably the one who would be the least disturbed at it. Would you not agree, Jane?”

“Yes, I would. For, like Bingley, he is not from an ancient family. The families of both his father and mother were in trade. Of course, there are some from such a background, who seek to hide it and strive to climb higher.”

“Such as Caroline Bingley,” observed Elizabeth.

“Exactly,” agreed Jane. “But Captain Radford is quite different in that regard, and seems to care little for social distinction.”

“Or convention,” added Elizabeth. “His own origins were humble; and I imagine that having lived much of his life on board ship, at close quarters with men of every class, he is more used to judging people on their merits, than who were their forebears.”

Julia smiled happily at this news, and Elizabeth again felt herself obliged to caution her, “Please, Julia, be careful; do not lose your heart too quickly, or attempt to encourage him unduly.”

“I shall try.”

“If, after you have been more in Captain Radford‘s society, you believe that you are truly falling in love with him, then you must tell me; and if it appears that your feelings are returned, then I shall be obliged to have a conversation with him about the circumstances of your birth.”

~~~~~

Later, when Elizabeth and Jane were alone, they talked further about Julia's preference for Captain Radford. “Lizzy, I watched Captain Radford closely today, and I must say that I thought him entirely enchanted with Julia.”

“Yes, I too. Although I always found him pleasing, I never had the impression that his interest in myself – or Georgiana, or any other lady – was in any way romantic. But the way he looked at Julia today, betrayed a marked preference; although he was guarded in his language.”

“Your advice to Julia was quite correct. It must all be so very strange for her, and difficult to know how she must behave, after living without any contact with gentlemen – save for her brother.”

“Oh, her brother!” exclaimed Elizabeth, suddenly, “I had quite forgot about Mr Darcy, and his inexplicable attitude to Captain Radford.”

“Concerning Georgiana?” asked Jane.

“Yes! In town I imagined it was because Captain Radford was thought to be poor, and that Mr Darcy assumed that he was after his sister's fortune; but even after it became known that Captain Radford was wealthy, Georgiana said that her brother instructed her not to invite him to Pemberley.”

“What objection can he possibly have to Captain Radford?” asked Jane.

“That I do not know; and I do not understand. If Mr Darcy objects to Captain Radford marrying one sister, then he will very likely object to him marrying the other. It is all so unfortunate, for I truly believe that Julia and the Captain might make an excellent match.”

“Yes, I agree, Lizzy; their temperaments are well suited to each other. But what can we do?”

“Conceal their interest in each other from Mr Darcy for as long as we possibly can, in order to give them the opportunity to discover if they truly love each other.”

“Do you think it wise?” asked Jane. “If they fall in love and then Mr Darcy becomes aware of it, and forbids it, Julia's heart will be broken – and the Captain will likely suffer greatly, also.”

“I am convinced that Captain Radford is a good and honourable man. Perhaps Mr Darcy has been deceived; but whatever is his objection, I think it is very likely wrong-headed. If Julia is determined to marry the Captain, her brother cannot prevent it – for she is above the age of twenty, and would be in no need of his money. If her brother truly has a valid objection, then let him provide it, and attempt to convince her not to proceed.”

“But Julia has such a high opinion of her brother,” objected Jane. “She would find it difficult to go against him.”

“True, but if she were truly in love with the Captain, and was not convinced by her brother's objections, then she would marry him in spite of them – and though it might be difficult and painful at first, Mr Darcy is not a vindictive man. He loves his sister, and he would, I believe, be eventually persuaded to forgive her.”

“And who would persuade him?” asked Jane with a smile. “You?”

“Yes,” said Elizabeth.

“Lizzy, are you confidant that he means to pay you his addresses?” asked Jane.

“I am all but certain of it. Since he returned into Hertfordshire with Bingley last autumn, he has, I believe, only been waiting for an opportune moment. But first there were the questions concerning his involvement with Lydia, and then my discovery of Julia at Freston, whom I imagined to be his mistress. There has been an unspoken understanding between us the whole time. He can be in little doubt that I am in love with him; and I must say that the events of the past nine months have only served to increase my feelings.”

“And his, for you. For despite his reserve, his affection is unmistakable; and you have in many ways, already assumed the role of a sister, in very likely saving Georgiana from a most imprudent elopement, and freeing Julia from what seemed destined to be a lonely and loveless life. Now that he has overcome the two obstacles which he understood would have prevented you from accepting him, he must be only in want of the opportunity of a private conversation.”

“Yes, very likely,” replied Elizabeth, “but circumstances have conspired against him; for since Julia's arrival, we have not ventured out, and he has avoided coming to Ashbourne, I believe, because he is uncomfortable at having to be introduced to Julia as a stranger. His nature is forthright and open, and he is not accustomed to artifice; but it is a challenge he will have to meet, sooner or later.”

“But what of his mysterious attitude to Captain Radford, do you think he might confide it in you?”

Elizabeth shook her head. “I think not. I have tried several times to learn his reasons, but he will not divulge them; and while it troubles me, it in no way lessens my opinion of him, or my feelings for him – or my resolve to accept him.”

“Perhaps once you are married – or even betrothed – he will be more inclined to share his reasons with you?”

“Perhaps, but I am not hopeful. All we can do is to try to hide the attachment between Julia and Captain Radford, if it continues to develop; for if Mr Darcy were to observe it at the present time, and beg Julia to eschew the Captain, informing her that he has good reasons, which he is unable to divulge, she would, very likely, obey – out of love and deference to her brother, and his superior judgement. But if their love has the opportunity to blossom and become strong, then it may be another matter entirely.”

“Yes, I agree; but it may not be so easy to hide their affection,” cautioned Jane.

“I shall speak with Julia and advise her on how she must act to avoid betraying her feelings; and without explaining my reasons, I will suggest that it would be best if her brother remains ignorant of them at present. Men often appear almost oblivious in such matters, although in the case of his sister, Mr Darcy is likely to be more attentive.”

Jane smiled. “Yes, my dear Charles never seems to notice such things.”

“But there is someone who will – and who is bound to create difficulties, given the opportunity,” said Elizabeth, forebodingly.

“Oh – Caroline!” exclaimed Jane.

“Yes! Everything is already so complicated! Why, oh why, does she have to come here?”

“She will very probably have already developed a dislike for Julia, even before she has met her,” said Jane. “Firstly, she is your special friend; and secondly, I gave Julia's presence here as the reason why I could not invite Caroline and the Hursts to stay at Ashbourne.”

“Exactly,” agreed Elizabeth. ”Caroline will be resentful and jealous, and take every opportunity of attacking Julia; who, having never encountered her variety of sugar-coated malice, will be defenceless before her. I imagine that Caroline will be eager to discover as much as possible about Julia's background in the hope of finding some means of embarrassing and belittling her – and discrediting me.”

“Sadly, you are most probably correct, Lizzy; and she will very likely begin by addressing the very matter which will do the most damage – whatever are we to do?”

“I shall warn Julia not to reply to any such questions. And if Caroline should call upon us, we will send Julia up to her apartments. She will have a headache whenever Caroline visits.”

“That will make her even more suspicious,” said Jane.

“Yes, but she will have no choice, but to direct her questions at me – and I shall know how to deal with her.”