“Nothing like that. The Latin has it: ‘Veritas vos liberabit—the truth shall set you free. Unfortunately, the saying does not mention what happens to others when the truth sets us free. I think a dose of truth is all that is necessary. The rest might sort itself out. Of course, all this presumes my sister Lydia has not already dealt with that problem, and I give that a 50:50 chance.”
Georgiana jumped twice. "That is it, then. It is decided."
Georgiana spun round with dizzying speed. "Your turn, Lizzy."
“My turn?”
“Lean back and relax. It is time to exercise your imagination at my direction instead of your own, since your resilience is not in question.”
Elizabeth looked dubious but complied.
“Now Lizzy, I want you to imagine yourself—no cheating by putting someone you admire in your place.”
Elizabeth smiled but said nothing.
"First, I need to know some adults you esteem. Would your aunt and uncle do?"
“Of course. They are my favourites.”
“Now, I want you to be around 30-40, rounder than you once were—”
“Since it is my imagination, may I be taller too?”
“Oh, hush! Imagine yourself next to the fire with a few little ones running about. You might be giving the girls a lesson in embroidery or calculus. The boys might be reading Shakespeare or chopping holes in the wall with a hatchet.”
Elizabeth giggled but kept her eyes closed.
“Now the door opens. The children all jump up and run towards it, crying,“Papa! Papa! Papa!’”
Elizabeth smiled at the vivid picture.
“Imagine your aunt and uncle are visiting, and by chance, they are nearer the door. You get up gracefully and elegantly, which naturally spills your work on the floor, so the whole happy rabble of your house greets the new arrival before you even cross the parlour.”
“This seems an over-complicated scenario.”
“Quit whingeing. Now, you cross the parlour and come round just as your uncle slaps the new arrival on the shoulder. I always wanted to know someone gregarious enough for that, and your uncle seems like a man up to the task.”
Elizabeth giggled. “Is this my dream or yours?”
“Oh, hush! You reach the threshold just as your uncle gives his greeting.”
Enjoying the game, Elizabeth asked, “What exactly does this paragon of hearty fellowship say, then?”
Elizabeth was slightly startled to find Georgiana’s face only a foot away, bearing a wide smile.
“Naturally he says,‘Good to see you, Milo!’”
The Wildcard
Quite to Elizabeth’s surprise, two days later Jane cornered her and Anne in the parlour for a serious discussion. Georgiana was at Rosings and the world had not come to an end, so Elizabeth was not inclined to worry.
That Jane had something on her mind was no surprise; that she allowed Anne into the discussion was. The two had not warmed to each other at all, but Jane seemed to find Anne’s presence desirable, or at least not something to be avoided.
“Lizzy, I may need your help one more time.”
“Only once?” Elizabeth asked, but Jane did not laugh.
“One last time. After that, I believe I shall depend on my future husband for all awkward conversations or take up the yoke myself.”
