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AND SO IT WENT THE afternoon: the three real ladies worked with the ghostly assistance of a fourth. It eased Elizabeth’s own grief to hear the ghost share outrageous stories of her uncle, things he always kept from his dear niece’s ear. The tales also helped reinforce that her uncle was a powerful occultist in his own right, and Mrs. Egerton said he would not have chosen his niece as his successor if he doubted her intelligence. Finally, after what was clearly a tall tale, Aunt Cass had enough. “Mrs. Egerton. Ghostly being or not, I must insist you tell the truth to my niece about her uncle.”
“I have uttered no falsehood, Mrs. Spencer, I can assure you. He was quite a character when he wished to be.”
“He was my own brother, I already knew that,” Aunt Cass said. “My objection is merely that I do not wish my niece to endure an altered perception of her uncle.”
Mrs. Egerton made a dismissive sound, very unladylike. It was the one Elizabeth’s first stepmother would make to her younger siblings when trying to herd them toward the weekly bathes. “Do you mean to tell me that Mr. Leigh never told you that he sassed the king once?”
Elizabeth giggled behind her hand. “I can believe it! I know the king visited the Royal Occult Society on occasion, and I knew he wasn’t completely approving of the occult.”
“Except when it benefited him, of course,” Mrs. Egerton said.
“That’s only to be expected,” Aunt Cass said. “Royalty does as royalty must. Oh, that must be the new shipment. David said he was going to return with magical implements.”
“Oh, excellent. We shall need those,” Mrs. Egerton said. “Now, Miss Knight? Be a dear and read the incantation that is under the one you read to summon me. It will reduce me to my voice form, and that will use less of the stored magic. And, I do not wish to appear before Mr. David Leigh.”
Elizabeth readily agreed and picked up the book. She stared at the line and read it to herself. She gave Mrs. Egerton an exasperated look and said, “Roses faded, and chocolate consumed, the quest is now complete.”
Mrs. Egerton’s form dissolved before Elizabeth’s eyes in a puff of dust and a cloud of water droplets.
“How extraordinary,” Maria said.
“Get to the other drawing room, child,” Mrs. Egerton’s disembodied voice said.
Elizabeth walked behind Maria and her aunt toward the drawing room. It was still set up for the booksellers, but at least it was well organized and tidy. She carried the autograph book, along with several sheets of paper that were the ongoing book inventory list that Aunt Cass had copied.
Mr. David Leigh was still in the foyer, passing his hat to the butler. “Good day, ladies. I bring the final shipment of implements, including the silver bowl Mrs. Cook requested. I trust this has not been too inconvenient, Cousin.”
Elizabeth smiled. “It has been a distraction, I must say.”
“Good, good. Sometimes, the best cure for grief is a distraction. I was happy to have offered a small token of assistance.”
“Will you stay for tea, David?” Aunt Cass asked.
“No, no. I must not. I only wished to drop by for a quarter of an hour to say I have completed the task of emptying the occult section of the library. I also wanted to let you know, in person, that my dear Miss Reeves must cancel her visit next week. She has taken with a terrible sore throat and now has a fever.”
“Oh dear. That is terrible news,” Aunt Cass said in a tone that suggested she didn’t care in the slightest. “Do you know if it is an infectious condition, or was it because she caught cold?”
“The physician believes she overheated herself at the Campbells’ ball the other night, and that it should pass soon enough. However, he is obviously cautious, so recommends she stay at home until the affliction has lifted.”
“Then I wish her a steady recovery,” Aunt Cass said. “Come. Elizabeth’s foot is not yet healed from the break in, and I do not wish her standing for long periods of time.”
Apparently, David Leigh had not heard of the event, and was most desirous of the minute details. By the time it was finished, he exclaimed, “Are you certain you are well?”
“Oh, yes! I am rather embarrassed to say that most of the damage that was done by my own hand!” Elizabeth said. “My foot is well wrapped, and the apothecary used a magnifying glass to ensure even the smallest of shards were pulled from under the skin. I am to soak my foot in warm, salted water every night, on the slightest chance that there would be infection.”
“He also assured us that the warm soak would draw any remaining shards out,” Aunt Cass said. “Though, I confess he was very thorough with cleaning the wound.”
“And, of course, I will follow the instructions exactly. One must not argue with medical advice. But I must say that, even today, my foot is much improved. I believe a comforting soak before bed and a good’s night rest, and I might be able to go without a bandage soon.” Elizabeth smiled. “Honestly, I believe everyone else has been more terrified by this than myself.”
“House-breaking.” Mr. David Leigh shook his head gravely. “And in this part of town. What has become of the world?”
“No one was harmed beyond repair, which is all that I care about,” Elizabeth said. “Now, would you like to hear about the books and what we have decided thus far?”
“Oh! Have you made decisions yet, Cousin Elizabeth? Miss Reeves is beside herself awaiting details!”
Elizabeth was relieved to change the subject away from the terrible event, so began explaining their current system of inventory and sorting. She happily told him of Mr. Osborne’s recent visit and his purchases.
“How extraordinary! My Miss Reeves was hopeful you would earn upwards of one hundred pounds from the books. For myself, I confess I thought you would not make twenty guineas.” He smiled, and it lit up his face. “It appears that my Miss Reeves is far better at business than I. I shall put her in charge of all major household decisions!”
“A sensible woman, David, is a blessing,” Aunt Cass said without hiding her approval of Miss Reeves. “But a woman who understands how to turn a shilling into a pound is worth her weight in gold, for she will never lead her household into debt. I am very happy that you have chosen such a woman.”
“Thank you, Aunt. Indeed, I am the happiest of men. I also confess that this eases so much of my guilt concerning the inheritance of both the estate and the townhouse.” He smiled. “Indeed, this is excellent news.”
Elizabeth struggled to reconcile the changeable nature of her cousin. She longed to point out his behaviour to his servant. However, Aunt Cass said she would handle it, and Elizabeth was determined to honour her word. No, she would keep her thoughts to herself. And she would share some of her newfound wealth with Mrs. Taylor and her niece, Susan.
“Oh! We have one empty crate and one small trunk that is yours, that we can return to you,” Elizabeth said, interrupting the conversation between her aunt and cousin. “I apologize for interrupting, of course. However, if I do not tell you, then I worry I shall forget. They are in the corner behind the entrance door, just there.”
“Oh, excellent! Those are Mr. Wilcox’s. An excellent man. He is single, you know, Cousin Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth forced a smile. “I have no thoughts of marriage at present, Cousin David.”
“Oh, you young ladies always say you have no thoughts of marriage and then are swept off your feet when the first man comes along.”
“I hate to disagree with anyone, especially not a relation, but I fear I must. After all, a young lady rarely marries the first man she falls in love with.”
David Leigh shook his head, laughing. “My dear cousin! We shall never marry you off at this rate! Think of your family.”
Desperate the change the subject again, she exclaimed, “I believe you know my uncle’s lawyer, Mr. Grant? He wrote to Mr. Thorne earlier today that he knows of a bookseller in Manchester who is interested in occult history books. He thinks I might receive four guineas for one of the small collections I’ve arranged! Shall I have him forward you half the proceeds?”
“My dear cousin, I could not possibly take a farthing from you. No, indeed! It was my pleasure to provide you what I feel my uncle would have wished.” Mr. Leigh puffed out his chest. “Indeed, I feel my uncle was trying to balance what was due by the law and what was right in Christian charity to a relation in your particular and unfortunate circumstance.”
Elizabeth held her tongue and managed not to comment upon how she was diseased in her cousin’s eyes.
“And, as I am personally affronted by the occult in my own home, I feel that this was the best way to carry out providing you with additional financial security all the while ensuring my conscience remains clear on two accounts. One, being free of the occult and all its evil influences, and two, being supportive of my dear, unmarried, poor cousin.” He leaned forward. “And, of course, Miss Reeves is very much against the occult. It frightens her to her core. However, she is so forgiving and kind, that she understands you will need any source of income to help ease the burden of your relations, who will have to support you throughout your life. She is, indeed, an excellent woman.”
“Indeed.” Aunt Cass said. “Then, David, would you welcome Miss Knight donating some of the proceeds to help those in need?”
Elizabeth glanced at her aunt; she knew that intense look anywhere. Indeed, her aunt was about to launch an offensive that Lord Wellington himself would envy.
“In your name, of course, cousin,” Elizabeth said, adding as much honey to her voice as possible.
“I would be honoured, my dearest cousin. Honoured, I tell you. You do your father proud. What an excellent young lady he has raised.”
Elizabeth glanced at her aunt, who gave the slightest incline of her head. She was to lead the offensive. “Then, Cousin David, I have decided to seek out my uncle’s servants and assist them in some small way. They were always so good to him, and I believe it is our Christian duty to look after servants well after their years of usefulness ends.”
David Leigh’s smile flickered, but he covered up the reaction quickly enough. “I think that is a splendid idea. Very genteel. Very proper. Now, Aunt Cassandra, I do hope I have not inconvenienced you too much?”
“No, it is the way of life. After all, you had to take possession of the house immediately. There was, no doubt, so much for you to look after that the library could not wait.”
“You’re quite right,” Mr. Leigh said, not even noticing his aunt’s tone of annoyance. “One cannot imagine the state of the papers, and the furniture! I will need to take most of my income this year to upholster all of the chairs, for they are in an abysmal condition. As it is, I had a mind to throw Uncle Edward’s old chair upon the garbage heap myself!”
“If I may be so bold, cousin,” Elizabeth asked. “Might I have it, before it ends up upon the heap in a pique of frustration? I have very fond memories of him reading to me from that chair. If it is possible at all, I would like to have it. I can have Charles arrange the details of transporting it back to Bryden.”
David Leigh laughed again, only it was the nervous laugh that he was caught in an exaggeration. “Alas, my dearest cousin, I was merely being my old self. I have given the chair to an old servant of my uncle’s. She wished assistance furnishing her new apartments and requested if I had any old thing about the house. Therefore, I gave it to her. I thought it was a proper and good chair, and that it could remind her of the fond memories of working in the household. But, alas, I could not keep her in my employ. She insisted upon going to care for her sickly niece. So, the chair went with her.”
“How kind of you,” Elizabeth said in an even tone. She didn’t believe it for a moment that Mrs. Taylor had requested the chair, or that he had provided it. In fact, she expected to hear from Maria’s housekeeper in the next day or two that a furniture delivery would have been made to West Alley Buildings from a Mr. Leigh.
“Speaking of!” David Leigh made a show of looking at his pocket watch. “I apologize, Aunt, perhaps I should have taken you upon the offer of tea! The time, how it gets away from me! But I must tell you this before I forget. Some gentlemen from the Royal Occult Society came by my house yesterday to inquire about the books I gave you. They offered me a sum of twenty pounds if I could fetch a couple of the books from you. I have a list.”
Elizabeth accepted the list from her cousin. It was the autograph books, and a couple of others she did not recognize.
“They were here, as well. However, they only offered me ten pounds,” Elizabeth said.
“Well, it is a large sum of money for a young lady to have all at once,” David Leigh said.
Aunt Cass’ polite façade slipped. “David. Please do not enter negotiations with these people on any topic without first consulting me.”
“I was merely attempting to reduce the stress of this difficult time and—”
“David Abraham Leigh. Do not, under any circumstances, engage with these gentlemen or that organization regarding anything to do with the books that are now located in this house. Have I made myself completely clear?”
“Aunt, as the man of the family, it is my duty—”
Elizabeth flinched. She knew what was coming.
“Your duty, sir, was to care for my brother’s elderly servant, and not to kick her to the streets without a farthing to her name.”
The room went silent. Aunt Cass did not raise her voice. She did not shout. She did not curse. In fact, if one could not see the sharpness of her expression, they might mistake the anger behind her words. It was a gift, Elizabeth supposed.
“I believe you have been misinformed, Aunt.”
Elizabeth did not shake her head at her cousin, no matter how tempted she might have been. How could he continue to pretend they were in ignorance?
“Mrs. Thorne’s housekeeper has been to visit them. My own servants have been bringing food to them, to keep them from starving.” Aunt Cass lifted her chin. “Now, David, you shall do exactly as I say, or I will let all of London know what a black-hearted villain you truly are.”
David’s mouth widened in shock. He then began to speak, but he stumbled over his words.
“Do you take my meaning, nephew? I will not allow this kind of behaviour in my house,” Aunt Cass continued. “And, do not forget that this house, and my considerable fortune—the only living person who truly knows the extent of which is my lawyer, who is paid very well to keep it a secret—are all mine to dispense with as I please upon my death. And, be warned, nephew, I am very happy to change my will.”
Shock hit David, as it finally sunk into his head what his aunt was threatening. A little of the shock hit Elizabeth, too. What did her aunt mean by the comment about the extent of her fortune? Was it not common knowledge that Aunt Cass had an annual income of four thousand a year? Her aunt was very comfortable, but as far as Elizabeth knew, the London property was the only house her aunt owned. It wasn’t as if her aunt could bring in more money. Could she?
There was no time for Elizabeth’s wonderings about her aunt’s financial situation, however, as David Leigh had finally discovered his sense God had given him, and was now making proper use of it.
“Yes, Aunt. Of course. I meant no offense. What do you wish me to do? Anything to please you, of course.”
“Nothing,” Aunt Cass said.
“Aunt?”
“Aunt Cass?” Elizabeth asked at the same time. The cousins shared a confused glance between them, before both turning to their aunt.
“David. I wish you to do nothing at present. We are fixing the situation with your servant, and we are doing it all under your name. We will use the proceeds from the book sales to provide her a proper retirement, befitting her long service to my brother, and in consideration for her current situation. Do you agree, Elizabeth?”
“Yes, Aunt. The books are from Cousin David, and I do believe funds from those books could, no indeed should, be used to assist those of our greater family.”
Elizabeth had a fleeting moment of disappointment that she would not enjoy all the profits of the auctions, but she quickly, and most properly, chastised that from her mind. She was not the kind of young woman to delight in another’s suffering if it profited her. No. Her aunt was very correct: the books had come from Uncle Edward’s house. The books shall help elevate all those touched by Uncle Edward in life and now with his death.
“In fact, now that I consider upon it, perhaps that was Miss Reeves’ expectation all along! Oh, of course, Cousin David! How could I have missed it?”
It was the nephew and aunt’s turn to exchange a confused glance.
“Miss Reeves is, no doubt, a demure, quiet creature, if I understand her reputation correctly from how you have presented her. Most likely, she felt unequal to laying out a plan for assistance with the library book sales. And, she knew that you were so very busy with your relocation to deal with that added worry.” Elizabeth faked a cough, in an attempt to figure out the rest of her fanciful tale of Miss Reeves. “Oh, of course! Miss Reeves is truly frightened by the occult. However, she is also a good Christian woman who would not want you, Cousin David, to have to choose between accommodating her wishes and your own duty as a master. Oh, I would very much like to meet your Miss Reeves.”
Thankfully, David Leigh did not see his aunt roll her eyes. Instead, his face lit up. “I swear upon my honour, Cousin Elizabeth, you truly do think the best of every human being upon this soil, don’t you? Now that you lay it out, it all makes perfect sense. I should have seen it before. Yes, indeed. Of course! Of course. Miss Reeves will be forcing me to be a better man than I have ever right to be.”
He glanced at his aunt and deflated immediately. Elizabeth had bolstered the future Mrs. Leigh’s reputation in her husband’s eyes that, she hoped, would ensure some kindness from both in the future. After all, David Leigh had not managed to disinherit himself today and Elizabeth’s father was not getting any younger; she might need her cousin’s help in the future.
Aunt Cass, however, was not through with her nephew. “Now that we have established Miss Reeves to be a calculating woman of excellent character who will clearly be using her knowledge and insight for the good of humanity, there is still the matter of the Royal Occult Society.”
“Yes, Aunt. Of course, Aunt. What else do you wish of me?”
“You will cease all contact with the Royal Occult Society and will not enter into any form of negotiation with those gentlemen on behave of myself or my niece.”
“Yes, Aunt. I will do exactly as you wish. Shall I direct them to you personally or to Mr. Grant?”
“Follow your good sense on that matter. Or, if you are uncertain, consult your Miss Reeves. But myself and Mr. Grant are your only choices in this matter. Do you understand?”
“Completely, Aunt.” David Leigh cleared his throat. “I am so very sorry to have caused offense, Aunt Cassandra. And to you, Cousin Elizabeth. I had not meant to insult you at all, and I heartily apologize for my actions. I was attempting to be useful.”
“In the future, I recommend you ask how best to be useful, as opposed to making assumptions,” Aunt Cass said. “Now, if I recall, you have an ill lady to visit, and I would hate to keep her waiting. And, please, extend my best wishes on her recovery. I find myself growing more curious of our introduction with each day.”
“I will happily pass along your wishes, Aunt. She will be very pleased to hear you look forward to meeting her. Again, I apologize for the offense. Good day, ladies.”
After the door closed, Mrs. Egerton’s disembodied voice broke the shocked silence. “Oh, well done, Mrs. Spencer! Well done, indeed.”
Elizabeth stared at her aunt. “You threatened his inheritance!”
“My dear niece. What is the point of having money if I cannot use it as a weapon?”
“What if you anger him?”
“Elizabeth, my dear girl. You do know how much I am worth, surely?”
Elizabeth tried not to scold her aunt, but a little hint of it crept into her voice. “Aunt. Four thousand pounds is a lot of money, yes, but you should not use it as a weapon, as you call it.”
An amused look came across Aunt Cass’ face. “Four thousand pounds, you say? Well. I believe I shall raise Mr. Grant’s salary.”
Elizabeth had no idea what her aunt meant. “I did not know Mr. Grant worked for you.”
Her aunt made a dismissive sound as they walked back toward the staircase. They were about to ascend, when Sally gestured that Maria was in the drawing room. They walked in to greet her.
Aunt Cass continued speaking. “Since my husband’s death, I have made it a game to hide my financial affairs from the world. It has been rather liberating.”
“I hate to speak ill of anyone’s relations that are not Henry’s, but I hate that man,” Maria said. “My dear Mrs. Spencer, I have never enjoyed a visit more in my life. The Lord forbid he hold off moving into his horrible, shabby home until we could conveniently get through the library there. And you, Elizabeth! What was that about Miss Reeves?”
Elizabeth accepted a cup of tea from Maria before sitting down near the sideboard and her books. “I do not know Miss Reeves, but I do feel that any woman who asks for time to make a decision concerning marrying Mr. Leigh is a woman of sense. No, do not snicker, Maria. Consider. She would have known that my uncle was ill, and that the townhouse would go to him. And he has already inherited from his father. And when Uncle Spencer died, he even left a little to Cousin David. And, while I pray to God that Aunt Cass will be with us until she is ninety, there is still her property to consider.”
Aunt Cass made a derisive snort. “The Lord better not take that long to call me to my heavenly mansion. What are you attempting to dance around saying, Elizabeth?”
“That Mr. David Leigh will continue to grow in wealth and consequence throughout his life. No one would fault a woman for marrying a man like him and securing her future, for not just herself but also her widowed mother.” Elizabeth eyed them. “She asked him to give her time to consider.”
“I confess that was a risk. Many a man would have taken offense and stormed off,” Maria said.
“It was a shocking gamble,” Mrs. Egerton said. Then, after a contemplative sound, she added, “Though, a touch of the coquette. After all, there are men who enjoy the chase.”
“And property does make a man look better in candlelight,” Aunt Cass said.
“Very true,” Maria said.
“That is only proper for a young lady about to make a decision that will affect her entire life,” Mrs. Egerton interjected. “If a woman is to be shackled with a man for the rest of their days, the least she can do is ensure she will be in some comfort.”
“How long were you married, Mrs. Egerton?” Elizabeth asked.
“The longest sixteen months of my life,” Mrs. Egerton said with her signature sigh.
That brought laughter from the ladies who relaxed into chatter and gossip. Maria wondered aloud if Mr. David Leigh would get a carriage now that he was moving up in society by way of an improved address, and Aunt Cass said she truly hoped this Miss Reeves would talk him out of it.
“A carriage in town is pointless. There is nowhere useful to even keep the horses! We got rid of ours ages ago. The poor creatures suffered with almost no space to themselves. What a pointless expense to show off to one’s neighbours,” Aunt Cass said. “Simply call for a chair. Or hire a carriage for the day if one is desperate.”
Maria attempted to argue for the convenience, though conceded that they were known to send their carriage back and forth to Vane Park, as their horses were often needed in the country. Either by their own farmers or others about the village. And, as Mr. Thorne truly did believe in being a positive and active landlord, he would rather order a chair in town than have his horses sitting in a back alley, in cramped conditions, doing nothing.
“Father considered getting a carriage a couple months ago, but Isabella talked him out of it,” Elizabeth said.
“Does your father even make enough money to afford one?” Aunt Cass asked. “I understood he was only making about seven hundred pounds.”
Elizabeth shrugged. “I believe he said it was closer to nine hundred now. Augusta’s dowry went to her children, of course, but she did have a little of her own money, which she left to my father. Then, Isabella brought a little money to the marriage herself. And the farm is doing very well.”
“A carriage will bankrupt your father,” Aunt Cass said. She waved James down and told him to have Sally bring them refreshment.
“That was Isabella’s opinion,” Elizabeth said. “She said it would make it difficult to assist Charles when he was ready to return to Oxford to finish his studies. She said the money would be better spent hiring a curate until Charles got his ordination, and then hiring Charles as a curate.”
Maria scoffed at that. “I will allow that Charles left Oxford due to his health, but he is healthy as a horse now. He should go back, instead of running about the countryside with his wastrel friends.”
“Oh, forget Charles Knight. I cannot believe you asked for the chair, Eliza!” Aunt Cass said. “What on earth are you going to do with that?”
“Mary took mother’s chair from my bedroom, so I have been without one,” Elizabeth said simply. “I could use one, as a particular statement, and I would like one with fond memories if possible.”
“I’d forgotten Mary took that chair,” Aunt Cass said.
Maria sighed. “Don’t bring up the chair.”
“What is this about a chair?” Mrs. Egerton’s voice echoed out.
“I do not wish to discuss my sister,” Elizabeth said coolly.
However, Maria was already well into explaining to the ghost the entire story.
Elizabeth’s sister, Mary, was now the very fashionable and wealthy Mrs. Fitzharding. She had snagged herself an older gentleman of extensive property and promptly forgot her spinster sister, except to request free childcare whenever Mary wished to travel to London for shopping and dancing. Upon her marriage, Mary had taken everything from the rectory that was their mother’s, leaving Elizabeth with only the smallest tokens. Their father had done nothing to stop Mary, even going so far as to chide Elizabeth for being upset.
But it was last Christmas when someone finally stood up to Mary. In point of fact, it was Isabella who’d said, “Mary. That is enough.”
Mary, for her part, turned on her old friend and newest stepmother and said, “You will address me as Mrs. Fitzharding.”
“Mary,” Isabella said in a stern tone. “Those items belong to your sister. You are stealing from her, and I will not allow it in my home.”
Mary threw the jewelry and small tokens on the floor. A small strand of pearls that had once belonged to the first Mrs. Knight shattered. Isabella said nothing. She simply got upon her hands and knees and began the tedious task of picking up every single pearl that had fallen into all the floorboard cracks. The housemaid escorted a sobbing Elizabeth down to the kitchen for a glass of wine and a slice of spiced cake.
It had not been the same between the sisters, not since Mary stole their mother’s chair upon her marriage, and that was the beginning of the end for their relationship. But then the necklace changed things. Elizabeth had yet to forgive her. She’d only written to Mary out of obligation. She worked to avoid every single visit to Ashbrook, and only went when her father forced her to go. Whenever possible, Elizabeth found some distance relation to visit or an old school fellow who required nursing whenever Mary came to Bryden for a couple of weeks.
There were even times that Elizabeth thought she’d rather marry the butcher’s son who had a sweet smile for her than endure the thumb of her father who could force her to Mary’s at a whim.
The sisters were permanently estranged. Elizabeth could not image any bridge that could withstand past hurts to allow them to find their way back to sisterly friendship.
“It is obvious to me that this Mrs. Fitzharding feels resentful toward Miss Knight and is determined to punish her,” Mrs. Egerton said upon the conclusion of the long history.
“Mary is rich and comfortable. I am a poor spinster, ma’am. She is not resentful of anything,” Elizabeth said.
“Perhaps she resents your freedom,” Mrs. Egerton said. “She married the old, fat country gentlemen. She has laid upon the bed she has made, and bore children for it. She did her duty to her family, whereas you have lived freely and without consequence. Here you are, in London, gayly gossiping and sipping tea. She is locked in her estate, caring for children she did not want and dotting upon a husband she cannot stand.”
Elizabeth stared at the book. For all of the ghost’s experiences, she was completely wrong on that score. Mary was not jealous. And Elizabeth was certainly not free.
“And let us recall that you still have memories of your mother.”
“They are very dim, Mrs. Egerton,” Elizabeth said softly. “Many are nothing more than half-finished paintings.”
“Yet, that is more than she has. No one, not even your sister, can steal those from you. Only time will do that,” Mrs. Egerton said in a calm tone.
Elizabeth made a point of standing to pour herself a cup of tea. It was lukewarm now, but she did not care. She needed to clear her mind from Mary.
“Please, I do not wish to dwell upon Mary anymore.”
“May we, therefore, discuss Mr. David Leigh?” Mrs. Egerton said. “Mr. Edward Leigh never liked him, and always wished he’d had sons so that they could have gotten his estate instead of his useless nephew, as he called him.”
“My brother would have had to marry for that to have happened,” Aunt Cass said.
“My dear Mrs. Spencer, surely you know that isn’t strictly true,” Mrs. Egerton said.
The ladies all gasped and laughed, and Aunt Cass slapped the book’s front cover. “For shame, Mrs. Egerton!”
“Mrs. Egerton!” Elizabeth said, attempting to push the laughter from her voice. “I am the unmarried daughter of a clergyman! I must be protected from such talk.”
“Pish,” Mrs. Egerton said. “I am so relieved that Mr. Leigh turned his attentions elsewhere.”
“Elsewhere from where?’ Elizabeth asked idly.
“From you, dear child, of course.”
The three ladies all shared a look. Aunt Cass was the one to speak. “Am I understanding you correctly? David had wanted to make addresses to Elizabeth?”
“Yes, indeed. He was busy chasing women well outside his class, when he should be going after an older woman longing for protection from her family and could provide him a sensible home and talk him out of stupidity,” Mrs. Egerton said. “I’d once suggested Miss Knight here as a potential marriage partner, but your uncle very clearly stated that he’d rather you be an old maid than married to his useless nephew. That is why he’d previously discouraged your cousin from turning his attentions to you.”
“So, Uncle Edward discouraged him? From attentions to me?” Elizabeth whispered.
“Indeed. He emphasised, repeatedly, that you were too poor to be of good use to a man of Mr. David Leigh’s position, and that you were also interested in the occult, and would no doubt carry on your studies after your marriage.” Mrs. Egerton voice had an airy, almost jovial quality to it. “That turned him off immediately, which shows his poor taste. Miss Knight would make any man an excellent wife.”
“Then why would he give Eliza the library?” Maria asked.
“I suspect he feels guilty for having taken his uncle’s marriage advice. His eyes were first upon Miss Knight, and this Miss Reeves only became interesting when a distant relation died and left her money and no sense.’
Elizabeth sighed the sigh of the prisoner who’d escaped the noose. She, too, would rather the dread of being labeled an old maid than to be shackled as Mrs. David Leigh for the rest of her life.
And how fortunate that he spoke to their uncle first, as opposed to her father. For she would have been cast out of the house, she was certain, if she declined such an offer of marriage.
Three thousand pounds.
Oh, this Miss Reeves turned out to be a blessing on all of their lives.