“Mr. Bennet will love it, I am sure. It is yours to keep, Lizzy. When I have need of it, I know where to borrow it.” William smiled as her eyes grew wide. “Can I consider it your early Christmas gift?”
Lizzy nodded excitedly. “You can consider it my Christmas and birthday gift for the rest of my life! You never have to give me anything ever again. I’ll treasure it, Will!”
William laughed, “Of course I will get you another gift, silly girl. I find joy in contributing in your edification of the world and you are truly the brightest girl I know. If only the men at the university would put their efforts into learning like you instead of wasting their time at gambling halls and taverns, we would have a country full of amazing innovations and scientific discoveries.”
“I agree, Will.” Lizzy declared. “I was very impressed to learn about Caroline Herschel and her contributions to finding new nebulas and comets. Can you imagine working for King George III and being a paid scientist as a woman? I know she’s not as famous as her brother William Herschel but it makes me hopeful that more women might become respected scientists, authors, perhaps judges or even prime minister in the future. We might gain the right to vote and make important decisions in the country instead of silently waiting for men to make the choices for us.”
William laughed, “I will be honest with you, Lizzy, I do not know if we will see such an achievement in our lifetime because I honestly do not know very many women who would be capable of such a feat, but I would have refused to believe it vehemently before I met you. You are exceptional and have made me reconsider what the female accomplishments are and I can see a future with more women involved with progress. I know fine ladies are supposed to embroider cushions and paint tables but too many are accredited with being accomplished when I have never heard of the young lady. I know it is the expectation of society but the word is applied too liberally and I know no more than half a dozen truly accomplished ladies from all of my acquaintance. One sits in front of me now and she is not yet thirteen.” He smiled broadly.
Lizzy giggled, “I have heard that a lady must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and modern languages to deserve the word. I’m nowhere near close to knowing those topics, as you are fully aware. I draw awfully and cannot dance without falling over and my best language skill is in Latin, which is a dead language and is not spoken!”
“But you have improved your mind by extensive reading and you are loyal and compassionate.” William responded. “You may be a bluestocking but you are wittier than most men and you will accomplish much in your life.”
Lizzy smiled broadly, “And that is why I will never marry. I can’t imagine drinking tea and speaking of laces and ribbons and whose table design looked better than another. I would rather meet with scientists and speak of politics and try to prevent wars. Can you imagine a husband allowing me to tend to financial discussions instead of planning out the menu and organising balls and dinner parties? I enjoy making tenant visits but if I had to sit still and play cards to gossip and talk of current fashions, I might pretend to faint so I could read in my rooms instead.”
William nodded, “You are certainly unusual but I will support your ventures, young lady. As your blood-brother, I will join you for those discussions and make sure you at least have a good maid and housekeeper to ensure you are being fed on time and the house is kept clean.” He winked at Abby who was giggling. “I will take care of you, Lizzy. You only need to study your books and enjoy your adventures.”
The pair laughed merrily and spoke of their plans for Christmas and what places William was planning to visit on his Grand Tour.
After the three-day ride, Lizzy was glad to finally see her beloved home at a distance from the carriage so that she could share her telescope with her father and tell her sisters of the grandeurs of Pemberley.
~*~
Jane heartily embraced her sister. “Welcome home, Lizzy! I have missed you. You have never been gone so long before but I am glad you wrote often and told us of your adventures. I am pleased to see that you were not injured during this trip.” She smiled and turned to young Mr. Darcy. “Thank you for the safe delivery of my sister, sir.”
“Miss Jane,” William solemnly bowed. “Please call me Darcy or William. We have known each other for years now and Lizzy is my dearest blood-brother.” He winked at Lizzy who was laughing by her sister’s side.
“Thank you, Darcy. I am glad you arrived safely. Come in and rest a bit, please. Papa will be back shortly. He and mama had a quick tenant visit who recently had a baby.” Jane explained while they began to walk indoors. “Here is Mary. The other two girls are with Mrs. Porter at their lessons. They have improved much during the past months, Lizzy.”
Mary curtseyed and excitedly hugged her
