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When are you coming home? Cassandra says I’m supposed to write only news and the condition of the roads to you, and not to demand anything, but this is intolerable!!! First, Thea wore my blue hat – you know the one? With the blue and white ribbons? You helped me make that one just after Mama died. And she took it – without asking! You can surely guess the rest. It is completely and utterly and totally destroyed!!!
I know you are going to tell me to speak to Isabella, which I did, and she said that Thea and I need to stop playing pranks on one another and this was the outcome she had warned us against.
Can you imagine the nerve of her? I have played no pranks lately and this was simply because Thea wanted to wear a hat to impress Mr. Kingsley’s nephew who’s in the village for a while. I don’t remember his name, that’s how boring he is. And now my hat is ruined.
You must come home quickly or Thea might actually burn the place to the ground in one of her fits.
Your sister who loves you and wants you very much to come home before everything she owns is ruined,
G
I am back, as there is a great more that has happened since the above.
ELIZABETH CHUCKLED at the letter. When Aunt Cass gave her a quizzical eye, she handed it over. “It seems that Georgiana does not appreciate the disrespect of her items.”
“What fifteen-year-old girl does?” Aunt Cass asked, chuckling at the letter. “Good heavens! It continues on the back. And...it crosses the previous lines!”
Elizabeth flipped over the page and, sure enough, the second page was not just the linear lines across, but she could turn the page once and several more paragraphs were written across the first paragraphs.
“Goodness, she wrote diagonally across the page, too! Not just cross wise!” Elizabeth said, laughing.
“Two sheets of paper, completely filled.” Aunt Cass shook her head. “How many complaints could a girl of her age possibly have?”
“A great many, by the looks of it. I’ll have to write to Isabella and Cassandra, I suppose. I had already sent letters to all of them, but it appears that there is disharmony preventing some of them from writing.”
Aunt Cass had returned from the shops with several bundles of fabric for Sally’s cousin to sew. She included more black, for a new mourning gown since she despaired that her current one was fraying about the seams. She also bought a smart tan fabric, and also striped satin of dark blues and purples. She also purchased eleven yards of a light brown fabric with a tiny rosebud pattern that she said Elizabeth “absolutely” needed.
In truth, Elizabeth adored the brown fabric and its rosebuds, though was shocked to discover the price.
“Dearest Aunt! Ten shillings a yard? And you bought eleven yards?”
“Well, you will need a dress! And the fabric is perfect for everyday. And then I thought that perhaps Cassandra would like a spencer made out of it, since the fabric is extraordinarily pretty, and would make a lovely summer covering. Then, I added a little extra in case the younger girls wanted a little something, too, or if you wished sleeves on your gown.”
“I always desire sleeves, Aunt.”
“Then there you have it. The extra yardage is already taken into account.”
“It is a very kind gift,” Elizabeth said.
“What is the point to have all this money if I cannot spend it on you?” Aunt Cass said. “It was so much easier when you were little! You never complained about prices back then. Now, what does Mrs. Knight have to say in her letter?”
I believe your youngest sisters have entered a pact to see which can drive me from this house the first. I apologize for having to do this, but I must beg your assistance with Theodosia. She’s a darling child, when she is not attempting to rile up your sister. I do not know what to do with those two!
And, now, after Thea enraged G, Thea accidentally broke Cassandra’s pearl necklace that was left to her by her grandmother. It is the Mary situation all over again here today. Cassandra is devastated. I attempted to restring and repair the necklace, but I do not have the necessary materials for a permanent mending. I have included a list. Would you be so kind to be on the look out for me when you visit the shops next? I am very sorry to ask this, but Cassandra so rarely gets attached to an item, and she has been weeping all morning. Your father attempted to offer helpful words about the sin of worldly possessions, but that only upset her more.
I am stuffing this into G’s impossibly long letter to help save you the postage. Please write soon.
Isabella
“Oh, dear,” Aunt Cass said.
“The girls aren’t taking well to Isabella. It’s been over a year now, but I think they have only grown bolder as Isabella grows stronger in her new role. I should write to them.”
“Tom? Fetch Miss Knight writing materials please.”
March 17, 1810
My dearest G,
Thank you for your letter. I have arrived in safety and am very glad to hear that you are doing well, despite the troubles at home. I promise to write to Thea to once again discuss this destructive feud the two of you have. However, my dearest sister, I would be remiss as the neutral party here that you yourself destroyed your sister’s stockings not a month ago. They were her favourite.
I can hear you now, of course. But Eliza! They weren’t from my mother! No, that is true, but they were from me. I stitched the embroidery into them myself and they were Thea’s favourite. I hope you realize that this back and forth will do no one any use whatsoever and, to be very honest, I fear that it will one day result in the rectory burning to the ground. Surely, that is not what you want: we ladies homeless in the hedgerow foraging for our suppers.
Now, tell me all about this boring nephew. I see you’ve only invested three paragraphs about him and all were dedicated to his dullness. Have you met him at a dinner? Or perhaps in the village? At the Pooles’? Surely you have more to offer me than the knowledge that he is boring. After all, if you say that Thea is interested in this young gentleman, then perhaps he is not so very dull after all.
How are Father and Isabella? Have you begun planting the vegetable garden yet?
Would you like something brought back from London? Something small, G, and not fifty yards of silk if you please.
We are very busy here with my books, so I do not have much time to write. However, I look forward to more letters from you.
Your devoted sister,
E
Her second youngest sister got a very different letter.
Dearest Theodosia,
You must know severity of the contents of this letter, since I address you by your Christian name. I have received a letter from Isabella. I know your temper well and my spies are numerous, so I will know if you do anything to punish your stepmother for this letter.
My dear sister, you are tasked with feeding the poultry in the mornings. That is your job and you must do it. Refusing to feed those creatures who rely solely upon us is a grave torture to God’s creatures. They were placed in our care until they are needed to nourish our bodies, and it is our duty to ensure we meet our obligations to them. One of those obligations is to do our daily chores and feed them.
Punishing Cassandra for reminding you of your chores is unacceptable, and you will apologize immediately for breaking her necklace. Cassandra has so few possessions that are solely hers, and that necklace was very precious to her. Now, because of your tantrum, I have been tasked with purchasing repair materials, when my time would be better spent helping my aunt grieve the loss of her brother. Please, for everyone’s sake including your own, heed your manners. Control your temper. Use your reasoning.
I trust there will be no more issues with the chickens or the turkeys, or the ducks or the geese, and that they will all receive their morning breakfast. And before you receive yours, I might add.
Also, I pray you cease telling Isabella that your mother said you did not have to obey anyone beyond Papa. Even if Augusta said such a thing at the end, it is simply not practical. We all obey. We obey the laws of God and the laws of England. We obey the laws of society and fashion, of culture and expectation. We obey the wishes of our families, of our husbands, fathers, and brothers. We were put on this earth to obey, my dearest sister, and obey we must.
I am no stranger to the objection of the heart and I hope I would never press you into violating a covenant with yourself and God. However, disrespect towards your stepmother is willful obstinance. My dearest sister, I truly understand what you are feeling. Recall that I, too, have been through this and at a much younger age than yourself. I am very sympathetic to your plight, for I know the grief and sorrow you feel.
However, my dearest, sweetest sister, you must control your impulses. Isabella needs our support and just because I am not home does not mean you can run wild. If Isabella tells you to behave, then you must obey. That is simply what is good and right. If you are frustrated by her, pick up a pen and write it in a diary or even write a letter to me. Do not explode your frustrations upon someone who has done nothing to deserve them.
Faithfully,
E
A rap came at the front door. Aunt Cass sighed and complained about how people simply did not respect mourners anymore. Back in her youth, people had the good sense to stay away for a couple of weeks unless in possession of a written invitation.
“Nowadays, people just show up! And to think they believe they are welcomed.” Aunt Cass tutted. She rose and motioned to be followed into the regular drawing room. “James, would you be so kind as to hang a plague sign upon the door?”
James was crossing the main entry to answer the door when Aunt Cass had spoke. He spoke loud enough to be heard. “I fear, ma’am, that will just encourage politicians and officials to show up.”
“Too true,” Aunt Cass said sullenly.
Elizabeth accepted her letters back from her aunt, who’d been reading them, and quickly stuffed them into the back of the autograph book.
The book sighed. “Take care lest you smudge my ink.”
“Did you say something dear?” Aunt Cass asked. She stopped to check her hair and cap in a mirror in the foyer.
“Nothing, aunt.”
Elizabeth removed the letter from the book. Once in the drawing room, she shoved the letters and book underneath the sofa she sat upon.
“Mr. David Leigh!” The butler announced.
“Ugh!” Mrs. Egerton audibly said.
Elizabeth kicked the book further under the sofa with the heel of her shoe, all the while Aunt Cass gave her a disapproving look.
“My apologies, Aunt. The book had caught on the foot of the sofa. It was not against my cousin.”
Mr. Leigh strolled into the drawing room. A trail of servants carrying crates and trunks made their way across Aunt Cass’s clean floors into the dining room. Even from where she stood, Elizabeth could see the muddy footprints. Sally was going to have a fit when she saw that.
“Excellent news, Aunt Cassandra! This is the final delivery.”
“Wipe your feet! This isn’t a barn!” Sally shouted somewhere deeper within the house. “Have you no sense? Take your boots off! All of you! Take them off this instant before Mrs. Cook sees this!”
“Thank you, Mr. Leigh,” Elizabeth said, hoping to distract everyone from Sally’s shouts from the dining room.
“That is good news, David,” Aunt Cass said. “As you can hear, my maids, in particular, are growing annoyed by the trunks.”
“No thanks needed! No thanks needed. I keenly feel how the entailment of your uncle’s estate to me impacts your entire family, Cousin Elizabeth, but perhaps you most of all, as you are likely to remain single and in need of my charity.”
Elizabeth kept her face serene. If David Leigh represented all that was left of the marriage market in England, then she would happily accept spinsterhood with dignity and relief.
“Now. Aunt Cassandra. Cousin Elizabeth. I must confess a grave sin of mine.”
“Goodness, what did you do?” Aunt Cass asked.
“I must explain the full reason for my considerations toward my cousin, I must relate a situation that I find myself in at the moment, and that I must ask your permission and forgiveness.”
Elizabeth found herself equal parts interested in this mortal sin, and also terrified that he was going to mention marriage. Particularly, his to her.
“Please, have a seat, David. What on earth do you think you’ve done that requires both bribing my niece and my own forgiveness?”
David Leigh stammered. “Aunt, well, I wouldn’t call it bribery. Though, now that you say it, I suppose it is a just word.”
Elizabeth sat upon the sofa and listened to her cousin talk in circles for a full minute about his particular fondness of his aunt and of herself, and his respect for his uncle, even if they did not always agree.
Sally appeared out of nowhere and closed the double doors to the drawing room. Then, Mrs. Cook’s voice sounded, berating the Leigh household servants, shouting how she would make them scrub her floors on their hands and knees if they did not wipe their boots outside.
David Leigh cleared his throat. “Should I perchance send a gift to Mrs. Cook?”
“She is partial to Bath Buns,” Aunt Cass said without hesitation.
Davide Leigh chuckled. “Well, aren’t we all, but this is London. Perhaps some smoked kippers?”
Elizabeth allowed a small cough to escape her. In the most delicate manner possible, of course. “Mrs. Thorne informs me that there is a bakery shop just off Bond Street that sells them.”
“That is excellent news, Eliza,” Aunt Cass said. Turning back to her nephew without a trace of modesty nor rancor evident in her voice, she said, “Thank you for considering Mrs. Cook. She is an excellent servant.”
“My mistress just lost her last living brother, you heathens! Wipe. Your. Boots. Pick that up! I saw that!”
David Leigh cleared his throat again in a nervous tick. “Indeed. I will fetch them personally.”
“Now, about this grave sin,” Aunt Cass said.
“Surely it cannot be that bad,” Elizabeth said warmly. “After all, you have always been a good man, both in my eyes and in your reputation.”
“Oh, Cousin Elizabeth. Now I feel even more guilt upon my actions.” He sighed heavily, as if to confess to murder. “As you probably guessed, I have been spending more time than necessary at Miss Reeves’ house, visiting her and her mother.”
“I try not to pry into your private affairs, sir,” Aunt Cass said. “After all, you are of age, and I feel that a young man needs to make his own choices in the world. That is the only way he will learn how to be a great man one day.”
“Thank you, Aunt. It was always a comfort to know that you were there if I ever needed guidance.”
Elizabeth noticed the genuine surprise that flickered across her aunt’s face. She realized something in that moment: David Leigh truly did desire his aunt’s good opinion. He was a silly, almost foolish man, and cared more about climbing society’s ladder. That was true and obvious.
But he was also young, without any living parents. He knew he should be the head of the family name now, as the only living male, but Aunt Cass was the matriarch. No one would dare risk her wrath. Setting aside her own wealth and the desire of others to be in her will, Aunt Cass’ temper was not something any of them wished to incur.
But as hot as her wit and tongue could be, her affection burned hotter. Elizabeth had been Aunt Cass’, Uncle Edward’s and Uncle Spencer’s favourite. Everyone knew. Her own father and Augusta attempted to exploit it whenever possible, for their own financial gain. Most likely, Elizabeth was in Aunt Cass’ will. She’d never allowed her aunt to elaborate on the subject, of course, as she loved her aunt for herself and not her money. However, Aunt Cass was a rich woman. Rich enough that no one knew exactly how rich she was. And Elizabeth Knight was her favourite.
And, in that moment, Elizabeth found herself feeling a pity for Mr. David Leigh, for he struggled his entire life for his aunt’s approval.
“You see, Aunt, the evening of my uncle’s unfortunate death, I had made an offer to Miss Reeves. You must believe me, I did not know of my uncle’s condition that day. Otherwise, I would have been immediately at his side. I had only seen Mr. Grant that morning and he believed Uncle Edward would tarry at least several more weeks.”
Aunt Cass stared at him, her eyes wide. “Oh, David.”
“As she is very diffident, she asked to be allowed a little time. I appreciate modesty and honesty in a woman, and both of those only succeeded in improving her charms to me. But, then, you had sent word that I was needed.”
“That was why you were late,” Aunt Cass whispered.
“Yes, Aunt. I felt hopeful in Miss Reeves’ changing opinion, but I confess I was disappointed. I took to walking to clear my mind. It took the servants some time to find me.”
“Oh.”
“You must believe me, I came as soon as they discovered me. I need you to believe me, good Aunt.”
“David, I believe you most heartily.”
A warmth swelled in Elizabeth’s heart. She did feel a little uncomfortable, for this was a private conversation. She interrupted her cousin, just as he paused to draw breath. “Cousin David. Aunt. Might I fetch Sally for some tea?”
“Indeed, no, cousin. I wish you to hear the rest.”
She had already partially risen, so sat back down upon the sofa. “Then, pray, continue.”
“With my uncle’s death that night, I admit I pushed Miss Reeves out of my mind. There was much to be done, as I was assisting you and his lawyer with the details. And then, of course, the funeral, which I attended on the family’s behalf.”
“And I appreciate it. I attended my husband’s funeral and it was odious. I did not wish to attend this one. I am so grateful that you took that task upon yourself.”
“I am very glad, because I did so out of kindness toward you.” He turned to Miss Knight. “And you, cousin. We wished to spare you the pain, as well. It was a small affair, as was your uncle’s wish. However, Miss Reeves, I believe may have felt forgotten in the mix. Therefore, I decided to pay her visit.”
“As was only right!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “That poor girl must have been so confused.”
“I agree! She must have thought you cross with her for wanting not to rush into marriage,” Aunt Cass said.
“Indeed. I explained to Miss Reeves what had happened, which she had thankfully already heard. She was not upset or feeling slighted in the least. Then, if I might be so bold to say, she hinted quite strongly that she would not be opposed to hearing the offer again. Which I made and was accepted.”
Elizabeth glanced at her aunt, who looked rather shocked. They were all still in mourning! It was very bad form to be becoming engaged while the family still wore black!
Mr. Leigh must have sensed this, because he quickly added, “Rest assured, Aunt, Cousin Elizabeth, we have not made this known about town at all. In fact, only Mrs. Reeves knows at present, as I insisted that I be allowed to speak with you first. We will keep our engagement quiet for as long as you deem necessary, out of respect for you, of course. You have my word upon that.”
Elizabeth’s heart pounded. She was very confused by all of this. This lowered Miss Reeves in her estimation, quite honestly. If Miss Reeves wished to ensnare Mr. Leigh, then they should have sensibly kept the engagement completely secret! That was what people did, was it not? She was more offended that he had decided to come upon them in this manner and tell them this.
Aunt Cass’ mouth twitched a few times before she managed to speak. “David. I appreciate you telling me. Obviously, I wish you joy and all happiness.”
The interruption helped deflate Elizabeth’s rising ire. Naturally, he had made the first offer without knowing Uncle Edward was upon his death bed. And, he’d had the assurance that day of his uncle’s health. She could see David, in his own way, thinking that he could secure a gentlewoman as a wife to give his uncle comfort, knowing who the estate would go to upon his death.
“I am not up for company at present, but I hope that you will bring Miss Reeves, and her mother, to visit in a couple of weeks. Or so.”
“What about two weeks from tomorrow?”
“Of course.”
“But the books!” Elizabeth exclaimed. When both cousin and aunt turned to her, she felt the colour rise in her cheeks at her outburst. “I apologize, Cousin David, but goodness. Won’t Miss Reeves be upset about the books?”
“Not at all! It was her idea! In fact, it was all her own doing. That was why I wished you to stay, to hear the story.”
Elizabeth leaned forward, confused. “Surely I am mistaken. I do not know Miss Reeves, correct?”
“She knows of you, and briefly met you at a ball several years ago.”
“I do not recall, I am sorry.”
“She had no illusions of your remembrance. It is very difficult to recall such things when one is visiting town. However, she holds you in high esteem. She has many acquaintances about town who all speak very highly of you.”
Elizabeth’s cheeks heated again. “I do not know if I deserve such praise. I barely know anyone in town.”
“Ah, but when people like the Thornes and Leighs, and Sir William next door, all know you, it is only natural that your reputation will be much talked about.”
“I fear I shall disappoint your Miss Reeves.”
“Not at all! Now, please! I have become distracted from the story. Miss Reeves had come up with the idea. She felt that donating them to Aunt Cassandra would then remove any uncomfortableness, or dare I say, potential expectation on your family’s part regarding our relationship.”
Elizabeth held her breath so that her face would not twitch in the slightest. She did not like where this conversation was headed.
“And I did wish to assist with your financial difficulties. Being unmarried at your age is going to be an increasing burden upon your relations—myself included—and I desperately wished to help now that I could. I have long been uncomfortable with the occult, as my dear aunt can inform you, but Miss Reeves is very much against it. She said, and I quote her now, ‘I could not sleep in a house knowing those vile things were within, and I do not wish to count the pence and shillings and pounds they are worth for I fear their sin will rub off on my souls.’”
An annoyed sigh filled the silence in between the conversation.
Aunt Cass and Elizabeth both glanced at each other with accusing eyes, but then both realized it wasn’t the other. Elizabeth then said, “I wonder, then, that Miss Reeves would make such a gift to me. Is she not worried about my soul? As the daughter of a clergyman, I can tell you that this is a topic very dear to my heart.”
“Well,” Mr. Leigh said, shifting in his chair. “I know little of the craft myself, but I am confident that a woman’s own feminine mind would be less vulnerable to the corruptive nature of the occult. After all, a woman cannot even produce magic of note, so I suspect her natural charm and beauty protects her soul.”
The sound of a cough echoed through the room. It was others’ turn to look at Elizabeth with inquisitive eyes. Elizabeth gave them nothing.
“And does Miss Reeves share this belief?” Elizabeth asked.
“Very much so. In fact, she felt you were the proper inheritor of the collection. However, she was also very good about not wanting to mislead you in any form, Cousin, and she developed the plan to gift the books to our aunt.”
Elizabeth’s faux smile did not falter. “How kind of her.”
“Yes, very,” Aunt Cass said in the exact same tone, with the exact same smile.
“Well, Miss Reeves knows all too well, I think, the worries of being a burden upon one’s family. She is twenty-four, though that only signifies to me that she has more sense than most. And, you will not know this, Cousin, but her mother is the widow of a clergyman. Nothing was set aside for them, though Miss Reeves did inherit eight thousand pounds six months ago. That was a great relief to her mother, I can assure you.”
David Leigh rambled on for a couple of minutes about his engagement and his delightful dearest. A needle pricked her own heart at a remembrance of her near engagement, when Mr. R confided he had planned to propose in that meeting, but sadly could not. Then, he walked out of her life.
And she felt a little jealousy toward her cousin; he had found someone who changed her mind. Elizabeth did not have a suitor who renewed his attentions. He did not write upon the death of her uncle, hearing of her new good fortune. He was most likely in London. He would have heard. Anyone could have told him Aunt Cass’ address. But he had not written. He had not followed her the way she had followed him.
No one was going to leave her eight thousand pounds anytime soon. Her aunt might, eventually, leave her a goodly sum, but Elizabeth would rather her aunt live another forty years than to take that good woman’s money.
“Cousin, are you well?” David asked.
“I apologize,” Elizabeth said automatically. She searched her brain for a reply. “I thought I saw a mouse off in the corner, but it was only the light.”
David Leigh looked over his shoulder. “Ah, yes. Well it is supposed to rain the next several days. The mice should be running inside like the rest of us.”
“I suppose the poor creatures need to get out of the damp as well as the rest of us,” Elizabeth said with a smile. Back to her cousin she said, “I congratulate you, on your excellent choice. I look forward to meeting her.”
“Oh, Cousin Elizabeth! I am so relieved to hear you say that. I worried...that is...”
Elizabeth stood abruptly. Her cousin struggled to his feet. She held out her hand and said, “Shall we shake hands on your good fortune?”
David Leigh gently took her fingers and gave them a slight squeeze. “Thank you, cousin. You are an extraordinary woman, and if I could find a wife, surely someone of your good sense might yet still find a sensible husband.”
Elizabeth chuckled and took her seat upon the sofa once more. David Leigh sat back upon his chair. “I fear that Miss Reeves has made off with the last sensible man in England.”
David Leigh laughed heartily with that. “You are too kind, cousin! Too kind!”
Desperate to change the subject away from her lack of marriage prospects and the very idea that the likes of David Leigh was the best she could hope for, she asked, “I apologize, cousin, but I must change the subject and inquire. How many books are you giving me? I have not finished the tally yet, and it appears you have delivered me more today!”
“Oh, of course! Eight hundred and thirty-seven by my count.”
“My God,” Aunt Cass whispered. “I will need a new house.”
Elizabeth shook her head in astonishment. “Sir! That is too many. How can I accept such a gift?”
“On the contrary, I do believe I am following the spirit of our uncle’s wishes. Setting aside my own feelings about the occult, I truly do believe Uncle Edward would have willed you the entire contents of the occult library if he thought he could. Not to mention the common silverware and all of his magical bowls. Oh, do you wish to have them? I was thinking about turning one of the silver bowls into a watering dish for my hounds, but I would be very happy to part with the others.”
Aunt Cass made a thoughtful sound. “Did he leave behind the large silver serving bowl? If you are willing to part with that, Cook was saying just the other day that she did not like our current one, but she cannot find a suitable replacement in any of the shops.”
“I will have it delivered tomorrow. Shall I send all of the magical items, too?”
“Why not?” Aunt Cass said. “The more the merrier.”
“Allow me to share some of the proceeds of the auction with you,” Elizabeth said.
“No, indeed. Miss Reeves would not wish for tainted money to come into our future home, I think, and my soul would feel better knowing that you will have the books your uncle wanted to give you. From there, perhaps the sale will help keep you settled for a great many years. All of my feelings aside regarding the occult, Uncle Edward cared for you like his own daughter and I feel keenly the insult of me inheriting over you. This is my way of correcting the balance.”
“Thank you. I truly appreciate this generosity and consideration. It will never be forgotten.” She smiled. “Would it be appropriate for me to purchase an engagement gift for Miss Reeves? Perhaps a new bonnet or pair of gloves? I am unsure of what is appropriate in this circumstance, but I feel compelled to do something.”
“Nothing is needed, dear cousin! Nothing at all! You have done me a good turn, in fact. Miss Reeves and her mother would have never moved into my new abode if those books were present, so this will allow for a much swifter wedding. I am eager to become an old married man.” He inclined his head to his aunt. “With your permission, always, of course. Oh, dear, look at the time. I must be off. I promised Miss Reeves that I would pop by after seeing you and giving you the happy news. Shall I inform Mrs. Reeves that my aunt approves?”
“Yes, of course, David. And I shall see her in a fortnight.”
“Excellent!”
The ladies stood to say their good byes, and when Mr. Leigh left the house, Aunt Cass asked, “Is it unchristian to think so poorly of one’s own nephew?”
Elizabeth collapsed back on the sofa. “That man is exhausting.”
“How can anyone be so unaware of the words that exit his own mouth?” Aunt Cass asked. “I do not begrudge him the proposal. He did not know Edward was dying that night. But, all this dancing about. Lord. And could he have insulted you anymore? I thought I would need to stop him.”
“Do you know this Miss Reeves?” Elizabeth asked.
“Not well,” Aunt Cass said. “From what I’ve seen, she’s pretty enough and she says all the correct words when called upon. She will make David an excellent ornament. But what was this of you wanting to give that girl a gift? You did hear him say she has a dowry of eight thousand, did you not?”
“I heard him say she was the reason he did not turn his affects towards me,” Elizabeth said.
Aunt Cass let out a bark of laughter. “Perhaps I should leave that girl some money in my will!”
Sally entered then with tea and cakes. “I apologize, ma’am, that I did not come with them while Mr. Leigh was here. Cook is in a state.”
“How bad is the mud?” Aunt Cass asked. “Tell me they didn’t get it on the good carpet?”
Sally grimaced. “They also flicked some of the mud upon the furniture. Cook got Tom to run home to see if any of his sisters can be spared to help with the cleaning.”
“I don’t know what we’ll do when Tom’s sisters get full time positions of their own.” Aunt Cass shook her head. She dismissed Sally and said to her niece, “Emily and Ellen are Tom’s sisters and identical twins. Ten years old and you can’t tell them apart just looking at them. They only do odd jobs for a few of us because they won’t be apart, not even for a day. Most houses don’t need to hire two girls. I don’t even have one; I just have Tom and he’s enough. But, I confess it’s awfully good to call on them for these kinds of occasions. It would shock you to see them work, too. They work harder than most adults I’ve hired over the years. They’ll do a good job cleaning the carpets. My neighbour, Sir William, even proposed we each hire one of the girls full time, and then share them between our households so that they are never parted. I’ve honestly been considering it. How is the situation at the rectory?”
They chatted a little about the struggle with servants at Bryden. Most came in from the village and didn’t have any training or experience the way that London servants did. Aunt Cass said that simply made the London servants demanding; Elizabeth said she was certain Isabella wouldn’t mind paying a little extra for a servant who knew their job. Aunt and niece good-naturedly debated the subject of servants over tea and cake when another knock came to the door. Thankfully, the happy sounds of Maria and Henry Thorne filled the air, and both ladies sat exhausted upon their seats until their company came into the room.
Elizabeth stood and embraced her friend. She shook Mr. Thorne’s hand. Aunt Cass remained seated.
“My dear, Mrs. Thorne, Mr. Thorne, I would get up to greet you, but David Leigh just graced us with his presence. I do not have the will to stand.”
“I did wonder at the black cloud outside your door,” Henry Thorne said with a big smile.
That sent the ladies into a fit of laughter. “What brings you here today, Mr. Thorne? Was your trade successful?”
By way of reply, Henry pulled out the folded pages from his pocket, along with his pocket book. “The proceeds from yesterday’s book sale, as well as offers for additional books.”
He produced four, one-pound notes. Then, he dug in his pocket and said, “And three shillings.”
“Goodness! I had only hoped for a pound, at most. Why so much?”
“Mr. Osborne has paid a pound as an advance to hold seven books on the list. A list which I did not lose, Maria.”
His wife made a face before accepting a cup of tea from Aunt Cass and taking her seat.
“Now, Miss Knight, here is the original list. Now, you will notice I have added notes. See here? I have added his name and his offered prices to the titles he is interested in. Don’t give me that look, Maria, my love. I am a capable bookkeeper when it is required. I did have excellent tutors as a boy. Mr. Rushworth of Rushworth Publishing and Books also paid a pound as a down-payment to have a first look at all books about the occult in ancient Greece published before 1775. He knows a private collector in Edinburgh who will want them, and you have at least one on the list already, so Mr. Rushworth is hopeful others will appear.”
“An extraordinary sum,” Elizabeth whispered.
She stared at the money in her hands. It was hers. Not hers given to her by her father. Not hers given to her by Aunt Cassandra. It was hers. She had conducted a business deal and had earned the money from her own property. She had never been allowed to do such a thing in her life. And, for that fleeting moment, it felt wonderful.
Of course, then she considered what her father would say. He did not approve of unmarried ladies engaging in commerce and business, nor did he approve of ladies of a certain position in life earning their own sources of income. He did not even agree with ladies in her rank of society becoming governesses. Hers was a precarious place, not quite wealthy enough to be a proper gentlewoman, but certainly too well educated, situated, and positioned to become a woman of trade or industry.
“The one book you gave me turned out to be a singular edition, whereby the author himself wrote in the margins! How your uncle ever managed to get that I will never know, but a Mr. Simmons was in Mr. Osborne’s shop at that very moment and down slammed a pound note on counter then and there! And, finally, the final four shillings are from Mr. Osborne, for the farming book I took.”
“If this good fortune continues, Eliza might be richer than all of us combined!” Maria said, a wide grin on her face. “Oh, thank you Henry for doing this.”
He gave his wife a sly smile, before saying to Elizabeth, “It was my pleasure to be the only useful man in England. However, Mrs. Spencer, a Sir Brandon Langford, from Ireland, would like to pay a visit tomorrow, to peruse the books. He is looking specifically for occult geography and history.”
“Tomorrow?” Aunt Cass shook her head. “Well, Elizabeth? What say you?”
Henry Thorne interrupted Elizabeth before she could speak. “I informed Sir Brandon that this was a house of mourning, and he does not expect the ladies to wait upon him. He would be very content for me to assist him and conduct the business. He is heading to the north of England later this week, to visit relations, before returning to Ireland. Otherwise, he would have waited.”
“Oh, I do not mind, Aunt, if you do not.”
“What is this man’s reputation, Mr. Thorne?” Aunt Cass asked.
“I inquired about his character to some of my discreet friends, and apparently there is not a better man in all of Ireland. Though, apparently, he does not like tea.”
“I do not trust a man who dislikes tea,” Aunt Cass said.
“That is his only fault. Apparently, he’s quite rich, too.”
“Wealth does not impress me as much as some,” Aunt Cass said. She waved a hand. “As long as Elizabeth does not mind the worry.”
“Not at all, aunt. I have been sorting all morning, and there is already a pile of books ready for sale. I do not mind working the rest of the day to clear out this drawing room and make it useable once more. Oh, and I could set aside the books for the gentlemen you mentioned. If it would be agreeable, Mr. Thorne, would you like to arrange for them to come see the books? Oh, aunt! We could use this drawing room for the purchasing. Any books in here will be sorted, so that we do not need to worry about anyone touching the books we haven’t added to the inventory.”
“That sounds like an excellent idea. Though, I fear we will need an army to help us.”
“I would be honoured to assist, both in the sorting, the lifting, and even the commerce aspects.” Henry Thorne said. “To be very truthful, this is the most fun I have had in London in years.”
“If only I’d known,” Maria said dryly. “You could have opened a book auction business.”
“My father would have died of shock.”
“From you going into trade?” Elizabeth asked.
“From me not being a useless wastrel!” Henry Thorne said with a laugh. “Now, Mrs. Spencer, I have cleared my day and I am yours completely and fully to order about and to assist you ladies with the book sorting. Though, my dear Maria tells me that I am not allowed to get in the way.”
“We could always use the company of a man, Mr. Thorne,” Aunt Cass said. “Right Elizabeth?”
“Very much. However, if no one objects, I would like to sit here a little longer, finish my tea, and hear some of the news,” Elizabeth said. She looked down at the money still in her hand. “Though, I suppose I should do something with this.”
She fetched the autograph book from under the sofa, along with her youngest sister’s letter, and rushed up to her room. She did not know where to put the money; she would need to invest in a locking box and perhaps a small desk soon. For now, she placed it in her reticule.
“Mrs. Egerton,” Elizabeth whispered. “Are you there?”
“You don’t need to whisper, girl. There is no one about. What is it you want?”
“Would you prefer being left here in the trunk, or would you prefer to be brought downstairs to listen to the conversations?”
Mrs. Egerton was silent for a moment before answering. “Company would be amusing. Provided you take care not to injure my binding in any manner. And not to shove me under sofas again.”
“I apologize, Mrs. Egerton. I did not want Mr. Leigh to inquire.”
“Under the circumstances, it was acceptable. Perhaps we can find a useless book to hollow out the middle, so that I could rest within. Then, you would have a secret place for letters, and a little pin money, as you are now wealthy beyond all measure.”
“Four pounds does not make me a rich woman, Mrs. Egerton.”
“It is a start. Now, go. We have much work to do today, and I cannot speak to you around that Thorne fellow.”
“He’s a good man.”
“I will be the judge of that. Now, go. They are waiting for you.”
Elizabeth headed back downstairs, this time with her reticule and the autograph book. She placed both in her sewing basket next to the tea things. She’d brought her charity work with her to town, just in case. “What is the latest news about town?”
Henry’s face stretched into a delighted smile. “The Royal Society is in an uproar the Mr. Edward Leigh donated his entire occult library to Miss Knight. I heard that it was a thousand books!”
“I heard it was nearly two thousand and that Miss Knight plans to move to London permanently with her aunt,” Maria said.
“Elizabeth Knight! If you planned to move in with me, you could have least have told me yourself,” Aunt Cass said with a wicked grin.
“Oh, Aunt Cass. You know I couldn’t leave Isabella to my sisters. I am not that cruel. And, what strange rumor is that. None of it is even true!” Elizabeth exclaimed. “He left me a substantial collection, yes, but it was not him who dumped the entire library upon us.”
“Oh, I realize that, Miss Knight, but that is not what society is saying. Apparently, your cousin has been spreading about the news that your uncle verbally expressed his wish for you to have the entire collection, so Mr. David Leigh wishes to honour that request. However, since it is such an extensive collection, he is moving to you over several days. He has already been approached four times with offers as high as two hundred pounds for the remaining books left in his possession, but Mr. Leigh refused, stating that he could not go against his uncle’s will and wishes. He’s been declared a man of principle by some, and a simpleton by those who had been sniffing about, waiting to get their hands on the collection themselves.”
“Mr. Leigh has never made any sense to me,” Maria said.
“On the contrary,” Henry said, “he does enjoy being the hero. It is far more heroic, is it not, that he honour his dead uncle’s bequeath than for him to ungratefully dump his library upon Miss Knight, with all of the work and inconvenience upon a grieving young lady from reduced circumstances.”
“I would not call my circumstances reduced!” Elizabeth said in mock outrage.
Henry Thorne cocked an eyebrow. “My good neighbour, I know for a fact that you are wearing what used to be your blue dress, with the little rose print upon, and that you have dyed it specifically three months ago to avoid purchasing new mourning clothes.”
Elizabeth shook her head.
“And I know, from a very reliable anonymous source, that you packed your lavender dress in hopes to purchase four shillings of dye and turn that into a black dress.”
“If you are so bothered by my niece’s outfits, feel free to make a donation to her clothing allowance. I’m sure her father would appreciate the financial burden lessened.”
“Aunt...”
“I already gave her the four shillings for the dye.”
“It would be very shocking for a married man to give a clothing allowance to an unrelated neighbour, Henry,” Maria said. “And besides, Eliza will not accept my money, so I have no expectation of her accepting yours.”
“Maria...”
Elizabeth endured a few more minutes of gentle teasing before she finally stood up for herself. “I believe we have significant work to do today, and that cannot happen while you all are busy teasing me.”
Plenty of protests said it was all harmless, but that made Elizabeth stick to her stern demeanor, even if she was smiling.
******
THAT EVENING, ELIZABETH was unable to sleep. They had worked hard sorting and categorizing well into the evening. Maria had made two additional copies of the book inventory list, which was made more annoying by how it continued to grow. However, she was determined not to allow her husband to leave the house with the original, as she did not trust him nearly as much as he trusted himself.
Mr. Thorne, for his part, took the insult with patience and a certain level of amusement, and spent the day writing to various booksellers with the particular titles he thought they would be interested in. He even wrote to the Royal Occult Society, acting as the representative of Miss Knight, offering up several gilded first edition volumes from the Tudor-era. Those, he insisted on the shocking price of six guineas each, arguing that there were rare collectors in America who he was certain would pay triple and was all too happy to send the books there, if necessary, for the best price.
Elizabeth and Aunt Cass managed to clear out several more stacks of books, organizing them into their various piles. For now, they kept the wooden crates, and had Andrews the footman returned emptied trunks to Mr. Leigh’s house. A note was returned thanking his aunt and cousin for the thoughtful return of his neighbours’ property in such a steady fashion.
They successfully filled part of Mr. Osborne’s order and Henry Thorne drove those books to the bookseller’s house himself. Henry returned with four pounds, ten shillings for the books. She was shocked by the handsome sum, though Mr. Thorne was disappointed that he’d not managed to negotiate for a full five pounds.
Elizabeth stared at the money upon her bed. Disappointment over four pounds instead of five! What different lives she and her friend’s husband lived.
Nine pounds and fifteen shillings. That was what was upon her quilt staring back at her. Her earnings and what was left of her pin money. Together, that was nearly half a year’s money for her. And it was all hers.
She was placed in a horrid position now, however. If she told her father how much money she’d made from the sale of her books, one of several unpleasant outcomes would take place. He might demand the money to assist Charles and whatever over-expenditure he’d gotten himself into this time. He might declare her cut off from pin money for the next couple of years. He might even demand she repay back her room and board costs, which he had calculated to the halfpenny. He might offer to place the money into a bank and invest it into the four percents. He might offer to add it to her uncle’s inheritance. Assuming that small amounts could even be added to the funds. For all she knew, it required thousands of pounds for an initial investment.
In any case, she did not trust her father with her money. She was ashamed of that thought; however, there was no denying it to herself, here in the firelight of her bedroom. Her father was most likely to demand most of the money himself, for the betterment of her brother. Or, he might insist she use the money to support her sisters.
She could not lie to him, though. There would be no possible way to hide the truth from him, as it would eventually come out. It always did. Setting aside the sin of the lie, she was not well practiced in the act itself, and she feared she would simply confess the entirety of her earnings to him.
“Why are you still up?”
Elizabeth glanced at the book on her nightstand. “Sorry, Mrs. Egerton. Am I keeping you awake?”
“I am a ghost, my dear. No, you are not keeping me awake. Though, I would appreciate it if you would settle down. You are going to give yourself a headache.”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Egerton. I will try for your sake.”
The book sighed. In a much softer voice than her usual wit, she asked, “What is the matter, my dear?”
Elizabeth looked down at the bank notes and coins in front of her. “I do not know how to tell my father about this money.”
“I do not understand.”
“There will be more money, most likely,” Elizabeth said. “What shall I tell him?”
“Should you not tell him truth?”
Elizabeth sighed. “My conscience says yes, but I know him. He will make me surrender it, one way or another. Most likely to my brother, Charles, who will waste it on yet another one of his schemes to make his fortune instead of simply working hard.”
“Do you believe that of your own father? That he would steal your good fortune.”
“He would call it as spreading the good fortune about the household.”
“And would the good fortune of the son also be spread, in turn, to the daughters?”
Elizabeth was silent.
“Ah. You have that kind of father. Well, my dear, you can always lie.”
“Mrs. Egerton, I cannot lie to my own father.”
“I don’t recommend it as a general rule, but if he is unreasonable, then I do not see any other course.”
“He will know I did something with the books.” Elizabeth began to stuff the money back into her reticule. “It was foolish to even think I could keep this money. Nothing is mine.”
“Did you not get the inheritance? Mr. Leigh told me that he was giving you whatever of his own fortune not tied up in the entail.”
“My father already has plans for that.”
“Miss Knight. It is your inheritance, not his. Your uncle was clear.”
“I suspect he will withdraw financial support from my younger sisters, thereby having them rely upon me for their general upkeep with the interest from what my uncle provided.”
Mrs. Egerton made a disgusted sound. “I am appalled.”
“And he will be very angry if the Royal Society offers him money, and then I pretend I sold it for less.”
“Then, whatever the Royal Society offers him, keep slightly more aside. You can provide that sum to him. Keep the rest as hidden. If necessary, bring Mrs. Thorne into your confidence. She could hide the money at her estate.”
“I do not wish to drag Maria into this.”
“Then, I recommend you hide the money in one or two books there. She will never even think to look. The servants won’t be going through the books.”
“That is deceptive, Mrs. Egerton.”
“Yes, it is. Young ladies such as yourself are so very vulnerable. Your survival will depend upon a kind father, and later, a kind brother. It is better to lie than to be destitute, my dear Miss Knight.”
Elizabeth offered no argument. A heavy pit formed in her stomach. “I know it is the way of the world, Mrs. Egerton, but the reality of not controlling my own life does weigh upon me.”
“I know. Get some sleep. Everything hurts more at night. No doubt, you will be hearing from the Royal Occult Society again tomorrow and you shall need your wits about you.”
Mrs. Egerton was wrong; the Royal Occult Society did not visit. Instead, they sent someone to break into the house.