When Uncle Darcy announced yesterday at breakfast that we were all invited to take a trip to London, I was so excited! As soon as the meal was over I went to my room and wrote a letter back home to my parents, asking their permission to accompany the Darcys to town. I had just finished dressing this morning when the reply came.
"A letter for you Miss Rebekah." announced one of my uncle's servants. I thanked him politely and sat down immediately to read it. It was from my mother.
"My Dear Rebekah,
Of course you may go to London with my sister and her family. It will be a wonderful adventure for you. We will miss you sorely, especially since you've already been away from us for two weeks.
We would all love to see you one more time before you leave. Please come over this afternoon with your trunk so I can help you go over your clothes and pick out outfits for the trip. You may also spend the night if you wish.
Lovingly yours,
Mama."
That evening, I packed my trunk and went home for the night. There was hardly any need for a good-bye with my cousins, since I would be seeing them again the next afternoon. At home, I was affectionately greeted by my brothers, sisters and parents. It had been over two weeks since I'd seen them last. My seventeen year old sister, Margaret, and I had a long talk together that night. She, Mama, our maid and my thirteen year old sister Emma helped me to pack my trunk.
Also that evening, I talked to my father for a long time. He reminded me, gently, of what happened to my Aunt Lydia when she went away from her family for an extended period of time. He gave me many fatherly charges, and then wished he was going too so he could make sure I was protected.
"You don't have to worry about that, Father. Uncle Darcy and Leland Smith are accompanying us. They are both good strong men."
"Yes, yes, but I would feel better if I came."
"I understand." I nodded. Then added mischievously, "I could take Richard with me." My father began to laugh. Richard was my fifteen year old brother, and a very protective one at that.
"No, that won't be necessary. I trust you completely, Rebekah my dear. Still...."
It was then that I remembered something.
"Father, I just recalled that our old friend, James Taavetti, is planning a short business trip to London in two weeks. He could stop in and check on how I'm doing and bring a report back to you. Would that be satisfactory?"
"Good old James." My father mused. "Yes, that is a good plan. I will write him this evening." He stood to leave. "Good night, Bekah."
"Good night, Father." I replied, giving him a kiss before tripping up to bed.
The next morning I spent an hour or two playing around with the little ones of my family. My three little brothers were happier to see me than they would admit. I hiked up my skirts and went outside with them to see the new treefort and inspect a few new wooden swords they had constructed. Alexander, a brilliant ten year old, had designed them himself, with special features he and Frederick, age eight, had invented.
Michael, five, just walked beside me, holding my right hand. Three year old Harriet held my left.
All too soon, it was time to say good bye. I held little Celine, just two, as long as I could before handing her off to her nurse. Then I kissed my mother and sisters goodbye and stepped into the carriage. I did not know how many months it would be before I saw them again.
Alexander and Frederick ran alongside the carriage as far as they could, waving and calling. I waved back at them as the carriage left our family estate and headed off towards Pemberly.
Now that the hardest good-byes were through, I could look forward with anticipation for the coming trip.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
The Collins at Rosings Park
That evening, Anne, Catherine, and their parents put on their second bests and walked less than a mile to Rosings Park itself. As they entered the enormous hall, Anne and Catherine, though they had been dining there since they were 8, were awed. The contrast between their parsonage and this mansion always struck them.
Eventually they reached the parlor, the only one used by Lady Catherine, and were greeted by the grand Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
"Ah, Mr.Collins, I see you have come, and brought your wife and daughters with you. Sit down. Shall I call for refreshments?" As she spoke, she motioned a servant standing behind her large cushioned chair to come nearer.
Mr.Collins immediately responded. " Ah, uh, no madam, we are quite, quite, content. As you know it is only a short walk-"
"Perhaps your wife and daughters would have some tea and cake, though you require none." She looked closely at him.
" Whatever you would prefer, my lady. I and my humble family only-"
"Rupert, bring tea and cake for the ladies", she said, interrupting Mr.Collins again, and turning toward the servant.
"Yes ma'am", the servant replied, as he exited the room with a bow.
"Mrs.Collins, I hear you are feeling unwell. Is this true?". Lady Catherine inquired, turning towards Mrs.Collins, who was seated across from her on a couch next to her daughters.
" Yes, my lady. I fear the weather here has not been good for my constitution."
"Then I hope this news will please you. You have heard of my nephew, Mr.Darcy, of Pemberly, have you not?"
"Yes, ma'am, I know of whom you speak."
"He has informed me that he and his family, and some others, are going to London shortly. My niece, Georgianna, is to be married, and they are going to London to arrange her trousseau. My nephew attends church, at least that is my presumption, and he has informed me that the preacher of the church in London has been called elsewhere." She now turned to Mr.Collins, who opened his mouth to speak. Ignoring him, she continued.
"He inquired whether you, Mr.Collins, would be willing to leave this parish for a time and replace Mr.Lowett, the preacher, you see. He says his wife, Elizabeth, has been wanting to see her old friend, your wife. Are you aware and do you understand the circumstances I am relating to you?"
Mr.Collins looked at his wife, looked back at Lady Catherine, and made a deep bow.
"Very well. You have a fortnight to consider my nephew's proposition. If you decide to accept, you will stay in an inn, suitable to your needs, close to the church. Now,young lady," she began, and turning to Anne, looked at her from top to bottom.
"Yes, madam?", Anne replied, in almost a whisper. Already stunned from the news just related to her and her family, she could not imagine what this lady had to say to her.
"How old are you?"
"I am not yet 20, madam."
"It is about time you came out. London is the best place to do so. Have you enough ball gowns, evening dresses, and slippers?"
"Uh, no madam. I have no such articles of clothing. I am the daughter of a Reverand- it is unlikely I would attend such affairs, my lady."
"You will. I happen to know that your father himself attended several balls and evening parties.Is this not true, Mr.Collins?" She turned to that gentleman, who seemed a little bafffled, but instantly responded.
"Ah, yes, my lady. It was my great fortune to meet your nephew, Mr.Darcy, on one such occasion. Indeed, I did not enjoy these things a little." He smiled and nodded slowly.
"Then your daughter must come out in London. As you do not have the means to provide all she needs, I will provide you with 100 pounds for each of your daughters, as I see your other one will also need clothing."
"Madam, I cannot more humbly accept such an offer,and I assure you, your orders will be obeyed with the utmost-"
"Mr.Collins, I must retire, and your family should do so as well. Rupert (who had returned at one point), show Mr.Collins and his family out. I hope you enjoyed your visit, you always do. Remember, one fortnight. The church in London cannot wait forever."
Eventually they reached the parlor, the only one used by Lady Catherine, and were greeted by the grand Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
"Ah, Mr.Collins, I see you have come, and brought your wife and daughters with you. Sit down. Shall I call for refreshments?" As she spoke, she motioned a servant standing behind her large cushioned chair to come nearer.
Mr.Collins immediately responded. " Ah, uh, no madam, we are quite, quite, content. As you know it is only a short walk-"
"Perhaps your wife and daughters would have some tea and cake, though you require none." She looked closely at him.
" Whatever you would prefer, my lady. I and my humble family only-"
"Rupert, bring tea and cake for the ladies", she said, interrupting Mr.Collins again, and turning toward the servant.
"Yes ma'am", the servant replied, as he exited the room with a bow.
"Mrs.Collins, I hear you are feeling unwell. Is this true?". Lady Catherine inquired, turning towards Mrs.Collins, who was seated across from her on a couch next to her daughters.
" Yes, my lady. I fear the weather here has not been good for my constitution."
"Then I hope this news will please you. You have heard of my nephew, Mr.Darcy, of Pemberly, have you not?"
"Yes, ma'am, I know of whom you speak."
"He has informed me that he and his family, and some others, are going to London shortly. My niece, Georgianna, is to be married, and they are going to London to arrange her trousseau. My nephew attends church, at least that is my presumption, and he has informed me that the preacher of the church in London has been called elsewhere." She now turned to Mr.Collins, who opened his mouth to speak. Ignoring him, she continued.
"He inquired whether you, Mr.Collins, would be willing to leave this parish for a time and replace Mr.Lowett, the preacher, you see. He says his wife, Elizabeth, has been wanting to see her old friend, your wife. Are you aware and do you understand the circumstances I am relating to you?"
Mr.Collins looked at his wife, looked back at Lady Catherine, and made a deep bow.
"Very well. You have a fortnight to consider my nephew's proposition. If you decide to accept, you will stay in an inn, suitable to your needs, close to the church. Now,young lady," she began, and turning to Anne, looked at her from top to bottom.
"Yes, madam?", Anne replied, in almost a whisper. Already stunned from the news just related to her and her family, she could not imagine what this lady had to say to her.
"How old are you?"
"I am not yet 20, madam."
"It is about time you came out. London is the best place to do so. Have you enough ball gowns, evening dresses, and slippers?"
"Uh, no madam. I have no such articles of clothing. I am the daughter of a Reverand- it is unlikely I would attend such affairs, my lady."
"You will. I happen to know that your father himself attended several balls and evening parties.Is this not true, Mr.Collins?" She turned to that gentleman, who seemed a little bafffled, but instantly responded.
"Ah, yes, my lady. It was my great fortune to meet your nephew, Mr.Darcy, on one such occasion. Indeed, I did not enjoy these things a little." He smiled and nodded slowly.
"Then your daughter must come out in London. As you do not have the means to provide all she needs, I will provide you with 100 pounds for each of your daughters, as I see your other one will also need clothing."
"Madam, I cannot more humbly accept such an offer,and I assure you, your orders will be obeyed with the utmost-"
"Mr.Collins, I must retire, and your family should do so as well. Rupert (who had returned at one point), show Mr.Collins and his family out. I hope you enjoyed your visit, you always do. Remember, one fortnight. The church in London cannot wait forever."
Friday, March 12, 2010
Lizzy talks
After I talked Liza, I went up stairs to see to my packing. After throwing about several dresses and making a general mess I sat down in a heap by the fireplace. Sighing, I laid down cooling my hot brow. The door opened and in came my beloved mother, seeing me she looked alarmed.
"My dear what is the matter?" she asked coming to me, and placing my head in lap.
"Nothing really, its just I have so may things on my mind."
Mother laughed softly, "Do wish to tell me about theses things.''
"Yes please!" I answered.
"Very well then, tell mother all about it.''
And out it came, about Liza and Bryant, Lee. It was a surprise even to myself, for it is not often that I speak of my feelings, even to my mother. She was thoughtful for some while, "What do you think of this Bryant?"
"I do not know about his character," I answered, "For only meet him a few times. But as for him and Liza...Well I think they like each other very much. That's why I was upset about Liza's news. It does seem like him to stoop as low Tyra Brunner!" I was now speaking to myself more than my mother, "There is nothing really wrong with her, its just that..." My sentence trailed off to nothing.
"Well," my Mother said standing up, "We will just have to see what happens."
I stood up too, putting my arm around my mothers shoulders, we went out together.
"My dear what is the matter?" she asked coming to me, and placing my head in lap.
"Nothing really, its just I have so may things on my mind."
Mother laughed softly, "Do wish to tell me about theses things.''
"Yes please!" I answered.
"Very well then, tell mother all about it.''
And out it came, about Liza and Bryant, Lee. It was a surprise even to myself, for it is not often that I speak of my feelings, even to my mother. She was thoughtful for some while, "What do you think of this Bryant?"
"I do not know about his character," I answered, "For only meet him a few times. But as for him and Liza...Well I think they like each other very much. That's why I was upset about Liza's news. It does seem like him to stoop as low Tyra Brunner!" I was now speaking to myself more than my mother, "There is nothing really wrong with her, its just that..." My sentence trailed off to nothing.
"Well," my Mother said standing up, "We will just have to see what happens."
I stood up too, putting my arm around my mothers shoulders, we went out together.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Hi, I'm Katherine
Hello! I am very excited to be a part of the amazing group who brings you "Sisters of Pemberly". My characters are the Collin family of Rosings Park Parsonage, particularly Anne and Catherine.
I just wanted to post a little hello, and keep visiting for the continuation of the exciting upcoming trip to London. If you are new, just look in the archives for the firstt part of the story, entitled "The Beginning".
Enjoy!
I just wanted to post a little hello, and keep visiting for the continuation of the exciting upcoming trip to London. If you are new, just look in the archives for the firstt part of the story, entitled "The Beginning".
Enjoy!
Rosings Parsonage: Anne and Catherine
While the Darcy girls and the rest were preparing for the trip to London, two sisters were sitting in a drawing room miles away at the Rosings Park Parsonage in Hunsford. The room was silent, except for the sounds of a pen scratching on paper, and the pages of a book being turned.
Eventually, one of the young ladies,who appeared to be about 20, with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes, broke the silence.
"Catherine, I do wish you would lay down that book and take a walk with me", she said to a young girl sitting in a chair, apparently buried in a book entitled, "The Sermons of Montelluiney".
The girl, who looked about 15, slowly closed the book, and placed it on the table. In her usual careless way, she placed it too near the edge and it fell with a bang on the wood floor. A cat near the hearth gave a startled jump.
"I would take a walk with you, Anne, but father says improvement of the mind is much more important than wandering about the grounds", she said, as looked into her sister's face with her large black eyes and placid expression. She smoothed back her black hair from her forehead and rearranged her rumpled dress.
"Yes, dear, but mother says that exercise of the body is as important as exercise of the mind, and I know very well you cannot have one without the other. So don your bonnet and come along", replied Anne.
The two young ladies were soon sauntering about the lawn. They were quiet young ladies, and by society's standards, were not particularly interesting.
Anne spent most of her time assisting her mother,Charlotte Lucas Collins, and attending to domestic affairs. She was very much like her mother, and was a great likeness to her, though her plain features had a prettiness that her mother's did not.
Catherine was usually engrossed in a book, though not of the usual kind for a girl of her age. She read sermons, theological essays, and whatever else her clergyman father, William Collins, put into her hands. Though not as reserved as her sister, she was absent minded, like her father, and was not very intelligent.
The girls were very much loved and disciplined by their parents, and were treated to society at church and Rosings Park, whenever the Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh (whom Catherine herself was named after) invited them to dine or spend an evening. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was a very old lady now, so the only amusement to be found there was listening to her speak about her past and her nephew Fitzwilliam Darcy and his family, consisting of his sister Georgianna, wife Elizabeth Bennet Darcy (who had been their mother's close friend), and his two daughters.
Anne always found interest in hearing about this wealthy family, whom her father claimed cousin-ship to, through the wife, Elizabeth, and Catherine delighted in speaking of her connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the Darcy's to everyone she met.The Collins family were to attend Rosings Park that evening, and the sisters hardly knew what awaited them there.
Eventually, one of the young ladies,who appeared to be about 20, with dark brown hair and dark blue eyes, broke the silence.
"Catherine, I do wish you would lay down that book and take a walk with me", she said to a young girl sitting in a chair, apparently buried in a book entitled, "The Sermons of Montelluiney".
The girl, who looked about 15, slowly closed the book, and placed it on the table. In her usual careless way, she placed it too near the edge and it fell with a bang on the wood floor. A cat near the hearth gave a startled jump.
"I would take a walk with you, Anne, but father says improvement of the mind is much more important than wandering about the grounds", she said, as looked into her sister's face with her large black eyes and placid expression. She smoothed back her black hair from her forehead and rearranged her rumpled dress.
"Yes, dear, but mother says that exercise of the body is as important as exercise of the mind, and I know very well you cannot have one without the other. So don your bonnet and come along", replied Anne.
The two young ladies were soon sauntering about the lawn. They were quiet young ladies, and by society's standards, were not particularly interesting.
Anne spent most of her time assisting her mother,Charlotte Lucas Collins, and attending to domestic affairs. She was very much like her mother, and was a great likeness to her, though her plain features had a prettiness that her mother's did not.
Catherine was usually engrossed in a book, though not of the usual kind for a girl of her age. She read sermons, theological essays, and whatever else her clergyman father, William Collins, put into her hands. Though not as reserved as her sister, she was absent minded, like her father, and was not very intelligent.
The girls were very much loved and disciplined by their parents, and were treated to society at church and Rosings Park, whenever the Honorable Lady Catherine de Bourgh (whom Catherine herself was named after) invited them to dine or spend an evening. Lady Catherine de Bourgh was a very old lady now, so the only amusement to be found there was listening to her speak about her past and her nephew Fitzwilliam Darcy and his family, consisting of his sister Georgianna, wife Elizabeth Bennet Darcy (who had been their mother's close friend), and his two daughters.
Anne always found interest in hearing about this wealthy family, whom her father claimed cousin-ship to, through the wife, Elizabeth, and Catherine delighted in speaking of her connection to Lady Catherine de Bourgh and the Darcy's to everyone she met.The Collins family were to attend Rosings Park that evening, and the sisters hardly knew what awaited them there.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
A Trip?
Liza couldn't believe it when her father told she and Lizzy the news! Her emotions were swirling! London? What happened to her father? "Father, this is lovely!" Liza said, hugging him tightly. "I am so excited! London?" Liza looked at Lizzy and they both giggled.
"I am letting you go under one condition." Mr. Darcy paused. "Alright, two conditions. One, that you make sure to behave yourselves and try not to embarrass the family." Lizzy and Liza exchanged glances. Liza's seemed to say she would try, but that it would be hard. Lizzy's seemed to say that what her father had demanded would be no problem for her. "Two, that Lee goes with you." Liza and Lizzy exchanged glances once more. Both of them saying the same thing.
"What?" Lizzy said.
"Father, why does Lee have to come? He'll only bore everyone," Liza said, turning back to meet her mother's disapproved glance. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to-"
"You are forgiven my daughter. Let it not happen again," Mr. Darcy said with loving, kind eyes. Liza smiled. "Lee must go with you to take care of you and keep an eye on you." Liza opened her mouth to speak, but Lizzy touched her arm, indicating that she shouldn't speak at this time. Liza closed her mouth. "I've already spoken to Lee about it," their father went on. "He says it sounds like a lovely idea and asked if Cassie might go along. Of course I said yes. Cassie is such a bright young lady and would be a very good traveling companion."
"I think it's a lovely idea as well," Lizzy chimed in, trying to break the silence.
"I supposed if I want to go to London that I must be content with my traveling companions," Liza replied, half smiling, half frowning. Just at that time, Lee and Cassie walked up to the garden area where the Darcy's were chatting.
"Good evening, ladies." Lee nodded his head. "Mr. Darcy, I trust that your evening has been well?"
"Indeed it has, so far," he answered.
"Good. Liza, I have to talk to you about something. If you could excuse us," Lee said, looking at Liza, then to her father. Mr. Darcy nodded, giving his consent.
"Liza, did you hear about Mr. Bryant?" Lee asked after a few minutes of them walking around the green pastures of the Darcy's land.
"No. What about Mr. Bryant?" Liza asked, trying not to sound too anxious.
"He and Mrs. Brunner are- well, they are..." Lee stopped short after seeing the look on Liza's face. "Maybe I should just let you figure it out."
"Figure what out? Lee, are you trying to say he's with someone else?" Liza asked, picking a rose from the nearest bush and slowly peeling off each pedal.
"Well... yes." Lee sat down on the bench under the big oak tree. Liza just stood in front of the bench. "I'm sorry, Liza. I know that you-"
"I what? Was friends with him?" Liza said, a bit jumpy. She was afraid Lee had noticed her interest in Mr. Bryant. "He was a very nice gentleman, but why should I care about his affairs with other woman?"
"I- I just assumed that you were interested in him."
"Well," Liza replied, "You assumed incorrectly." She took a seat on the bench next to Lee. He turned to face her.
"I am very excited about the trip." Lee paused. "To London."
"Oh, that. Yes. Me too," Liza replied, tossed the green stem that was left after all the beautiful, scarlet pedals were plucked from it.
Lee looked puzzled, "You don't sound that excited, Liza."
She tried to smile and placed her hand on Lee's shoulder, "I am excited. I was just distracted." Liza stood from the bench and started walking back towards the house. "We better get back. Mother is probably wondering how long I'm going to wander around the grounds." Lee knew it was just an excuse to get away from him. He figured Liza wasn't happy with him for "meddling" in her affairs with Mr. Bryant. Lee knew she was interested in him, even though she denied it. It upset for some reason. He had an unpleasant feeling he had never felt before.
When Lee and Liza made it back to the house, Cassie and Lee left for home. Lizzy pulled Liza aside, "Liza, what's wrong?" She waited for an answer. Then after a moment of silence, "Liza, tell me!" She was looking Liza hard in the eyes.
"Lee says that Mr. Bryant is... seeing someone else. If I had known this was true, I wouldn't have engaged myself with him so much. I feel like such a fool," Liza said, putting her hand on her forehead.
Lizzy took her sisters hand, "Whom is he seeing?"
"Lee says it's Mrs. Brunner. Tyra Brunner."
"Tyra? Why would he stoup that low?" Lizzy said, looked off into the distance thinking.
"Lizzy, you shouldn't say such things. If Mr. Bryant is in love with her, we shouldn't try to meddle. She must be a nice woman to get the interest of such a wealthy man," Liza said, bringing Lizzy back to the here and now.
"Yes, you're right." Lizzy put her arm in Liza's, "Well, if he's too blind to see what a lovely, beautiful woman my sister is, he's not worthy of her." They both smiled and giggled, walking off towards the house with the others.
"I am letting you go under one condition." Mr. Darcy paused. "Alright, two conditions. One, that you make sure to behave yourselves and try not to embarrass the family." Lizzy and Liza exchanged glances. Liza's seemed to say she would try, but that it would be hard. Lizzy's seemed to say that what her father had demanded would be no problem for her. "Two, that Lee goes with you." Liza and Lizzy exchanged glances once more. Both of them saying the same thing.
"What?" Lizzy said.
"Father, why does Lee have to come? He'll only bore everyone," Liza said, turning back to meet her mother's disapproved glance. "Forgive me. I didn't mean to-"
"You are forgiven my daughter. Let it not happen again," Mr. Darcy said with loving, kind eyes. Liza smiled. "Lee must go with you to take care of you and keep an eye on you." Liza opened her mouth to speak, but Lizzy touched her arm, indicating that she shouldn't speak at this time. Liza closed her mouth. "I've already spoken to Lee about it," their father went on. "He says it sounds like a lovely idea and asked if Cassie might go along. Of course I said yes. Cassie is such a bright young lady and would be a very good traveling companion."
"I think it's a lovely idea as well," Lizzy chimed in, trying to break the silence.
"I supposed if I want to go to London that I must be content with my traveling companions," Liza replied, half smiling, half frowning. Just at that time, Lee and Cassie walked up to the garden area where the Darcy's were chatting.
"Good evening, ladies." Lee nodded his head. "Mr. Darcy, I trust that your evening has been well?"
"Indeed it has, so far," he answered.
"Good. Liza, I have to talk to you about something. If you could excuse us," Lee said, looking at Liza, then to her father. Mr. Darcy nodded, giving his consent.
"Liza, did you hear about Mr. Bryant?" Lee asked after a few minutes of them walking around the green pastures of the Darcy's land.
"No. What about Mr. Bryant?" Liza asked, trying not to sound too anxious.
"He and Mrs. Brunner are- well, they are..." Lee stopped short after seeing the look on Liza's face. "Maybe I should just let you figure it out."
"Figure what out? Lee, are you trying to say he's with someone else?" Liza asked, picking a rose from the nearest bush and slowly peeling off each pedal.
"Well... yes." Lee sat down on the bench under the big oak tree. Liza just stood in front of the bench. "I'm sorry, Liza. I know that you-"
"I what? Was friends with him?" Liza said, a bit jumpy. She was afraid Lee had noticed her interest in Mr. Bryant. "He was a very nice gentleman, but why should I care about his affairs with other woman?"
"I- I just assumed that you were interested in him."
"Well," Liza replied, "You assumed incorrectly." She took a seat on the bench next to Lee. He turned to face her.
"I am very excited about the trip." Lee paused. "To London."
"Oh, that. Yes. Me too," Liza replied, tossed the green stem that was left after all the beautiful, scarlet pedals were plucked from it.
Lee looked puzzled, "You don't sound that excited, Liza."
She tried to smile and placed her hand on Lee's shoulder, "I am excited. I was just distracted." Liza stood from the bench and started walking back towards the house. "We better get back. Mother is probably wondering how long I'm going to wander around the grounds." Lee knew it was just an excuse to get away from him. He figured Liza wasn't happy with him for "meddling" in her affairs with Mr. Bryant. Lee knew she was interested in him, even though she denied it. It upset for some reason. He had an unpleasant feeling he had never felt before.
When Lee and Liza made it back to the house, Cassie and Lee left for home. Lizzy pulled Liza aside, "Liza, what's wrong?" She waited for an answer. Then after a moment of silence, "Liza, tell me!" She was looking Liza hard in the eyes.
"Lee says that Mr. Bryant is... seeing someone else. If I had known this was true, I wouldn't have engaged myself with him so much. I feel like such a fool," Liza said, putting her hand on her forehead.
Lizzy took her sisters hand, "Whom is he seeing?"
"Lee says it's Mrs. Brunner. Tyra Brunner."
"Tyra? Why would he stoup that low?" Lizzy said, looked off into the distance thinking.
"Lizzy, you shouldn't say such things. If Mr. Bryant is in love with her, we shouldn't try to meddle. She must be a nice woman to get the interest of such a wealthy man," Liza said, bringing Lizzy back to the here and now.
"Yes, you're right." Lizzy put her arm in Liza's, "Well, if he's too blind to see what a lovely, beautiful woman my sister is, he's not worthy of her." They both smiled and giggled, walking off towards the house with the others.
Welcome!
I have great news! Yesterday we added on new author and got one back! Please welcome Eldarwen and Kathrine! I am so glad to have my "sister" Liza back, and to be meeting someone new.
~Lizzy
~Lizzy
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
The Coming Trip
The night after the Garden Party, and after the girls had gone to bed, Georgianna walked down to the parlor to speak with Elizabeth Darcy. Elizabeth walked up to her sister-in-law and hugged her. "Georgie! I'm so happy for you and Matthew Clock!"
Georgianna sighed happily "I can't believe we're finally getting married." She then took on a serious expression. "But that's what I came down here for. I'm going to London before it gets busy and buy my trousseau. I was wondering if I could take your daughters and Bekah with me."
"Oh Georgie! That's a wonderful idea!"
"You think so?"
"Yes of course! we must tell the girls tomorrow."
Thus it was decided, the Darcys' were going to London.
Georgianna sighed happily "I can't believe we're finally getting married." She then took on a serious expression. "But that's what I came down here for. I'm going to London before it gets busy and buy my trousseau. I was wondering if I could take your daughters and Bekah with me."
"Oh Georgie! That's a wonderful idea!"
"You think so?"
"Yes of course! we must tell the girls tomorrow."
Thus it was decided, the Darcys' were going to London.
The Rose
The day of the Smiths' garden party could hardly have been better. The air was cool and a breeze was blowing. I felt refreshed as I sat at the tables out in the garden having tea and chatting with my cousins and friends. Aunt Georgiana came with us and I was enjoying spending time with her. Soon, Liza and Lizzy moved away from the table. I saw Lizzy go into the house and I saw Liza talking to Leland, then moving away and talking to the man she had met at the ball, although I couldn't recall his name. The Smiths' maids came to clear the table, and my friend Captain James came over to take me on a walk.
"How have you been enjoying the first few weeks of your holiday?" I asked him.
"Oh, they've been splendid. I love being home." he replied.
"You've come home older, that's a fact."
"In age, yes."
"I didn't only mean that, you've gained experience in a trade. It's a good thing." As we talked, we were strolling among the flower gardens that the Smiths' gardeners took such good care of. This particular lane was bordered by rose bushes, alternating pink, red and white. Their fragrance was breathtaking.
"How have you been spending your time?" James asked.
"Oh, the usual." I replied.
"And what is 'the usual'?"
"Reading, needlework, tending to my brothers and sisters, playing the pianoforte."
"That's quite a list!"
"I keep busy, that's a fact."
Just then, I spotted an unusual rose among the bushes. There, sandwiched between a large, blooming blood red rose bush and an equally large pink rose bush, was a tiny little yellow rose bush with only one little bud on it. James spotted it too.
"Here's something unusual to spark up your usual life." he said with a little laugh, plucking the flower and putting it in my hand.
"It is pretty, a little loner in all those other flowers. Thank you." I tucked the flower into my hair, and together we began to walk back to the house. There was something about that flower that made me feel...excited somehow. I'd think about it more later, once we got home.
"How have you been enjoying the first few weeks of your holiday?" I asked him.
"Oh, they've been splendid. I love being home." he replied.
"You've come home older, that's a fact."
"In age, yes."
"I didn't only mean that, you've gained experience in a trade. It's a good thing." As we talked, we were strolling among the flower gardens that the Smiths' gardeners took such good care of. This particular lane was bordered by rose bushes, alternating pink, red and white. Their fragrance was breathtaking.
"How have you been spending your time?" James asked.
"Oh, the usual." I replied.
"And what is 'the usual'?"
"Reading, needlework, tending to my brothers and sisters, playing the pianoforte."
"That's quite a list!"
"I keep busy, that's a fact."
Just then, I spotted an unusual rose among the bushes. There, sandwiched between a large, blooming blood red rose bush and an equally large pink rose bush, was a tiny little yellow rose bush with only one little bud on it. James spotted it too.
"Here's something unusual to spark up your usual life." he said with a little laugh, plucking the flower and putting it in my hand.
"It is pretty, a little loner in all those other flowers. Thank you." I tucked the flower into my hair, and together we began to walk back to the house. There was something about that flower that made me feel...excited somehow. I'd think about it more later, once we got home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
