Page 55 of Twice Chosen

"You are twenty."

"I also know that."

"My brothers cost money. Maria will marry eventually. My parents cannot maintain me forever, and I have no fortune sufficient to permit independence."

Elizabeth's heart hurt. She had been too romantic once, too dismissive of Charlotte's reality. She had believed that because she herself could not marry without affection, Charlotte's acceptance of security was a failure of imagination.

Age had cured her of that particular arrogance.

"I understand," Elizabeth said.

Charlotte looked surprised. "Do you?"

"Better than I did. Security matters. A home matters. Not being dependent forever matters."

Charlotte's eyes narrowed slightly. "That is a considerable change from the Lizzy who once declared she would rather live in a cottage and eat potatoes than marry a fool."

Elizabeth smiled. "I still object to fools. I am merely less certain that everyone must object to the same things I do."

"And yet you are asking about Mr. Collins."

"Because there may be another option."

Charlotte gave her full attention.

Elizabeth had spoken with Darcy. Lady Matlock required a companion for a younger widowed cousin who would spend much of the season in London and then retire to a small estate in Kent. The position was respectable, paid, and suited to a woman who possessed sense, discretion, and no foolish expectation that a household should revolve around her.

Darcy had remarked that Charlotte therefore seemed almost offensively qualified.

Elizabeth had kicked his boot beneath the table.

Now she said, "Would you consider becoming a companion?"

Charlotte's steps slowed. "To whom?"

"A relation of Mr. Darcy's."

Charlotte looked sharply at her. "How convenient."

Elizabeth flushed. "He knows of a position."

"And you discussed my circumstances with him."

"I asked whether he knew respectable households seeking a sensible woman."

"Sensible?"

"Extremely."

Charlotte almost smiled. "I should be offended."

"You may be after you answer."

Charlotte walked several yards without speaking. "A companion. Paid?"

"Yes."

"In London?"