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“What else can you tell us?”

In her mind Elizabeth reviewed and edited large chunks out of the narrative.

“I think that is where I should stop, I do not think your brother would approve of some of the other aspects of my story.”

“There is nothing else you can talk of? How did you find time to do all this while running your uncle’s house?”

Elizabeth nodded, this was safe enough.

“There are two parts to this. My own which I will discuss in a moment. But without doubt the reason that I was able to have such a busy life was due to the help of the servants. This is a situation where you can learn from my experiences. The staff of my uncle’s business and the servants at the house had been treated very well for years, ever since his marriage to my Aunt Madeline. When I took over responsibility for the house I leaned on their experience and knowledge so much. As I mentioned, everything would have been so much more fraught without the support of the nurse in dealing with the children, the cook in managing the kitchen and preparing the meals, and the housekeeper in ensuring that the house was clean and that everything was running smoothly. Given my uncle’s injury I was responsible for the mews as well as the house. The coachman was patient with me and led me through everything my uncle told me to check. He did not fob me off, he was respectful and diligent.

“When you are mistress of your own house, perhaps houses if there is a country estate, you will rely on your staff. Treat them with respect, thank them when appropriate, empower the senior staff to run their domains, and you will be rewarded with loyalty.”

“May I add something Miss Elizabeth?”

Claire Smith was calm beside her mistress.

“Of course.”

“All of what Miss Elizabeth has said is true, but it extends beyond that. She listens and remembers. When Mrs. Brewer, the housekeeper, would mention something that was affecting a member of staff Miss Elizabeth would mention it the next time she dealt with that staff member. It could be the passing of a member of the family, the birth of a new brother or niece or cousin, someone getting married. It did not matter, but the staff knew that her knowledge of them was beyond superficial.

“I know I am rattling on, but may I continue?”

Elizabeth nodded.

“You have heard of how Miss Elizabeth and I talk after an event, be it a dinner, the theatre or a ball, and she writes notes of who she met, spoke to, and her impressions of the meeting. It was something she learned when visiting her father’s tenants. She would make notes; the state of the farm, the cottage, how were the children, any and all details. She did the same thing whenever she had to deal with any of Sir Edward’s customers. Actually, it was the staff, suppliers, customers, the competition, she made note of them all.

“Miss Elizabeth had been living in London for years but when she discussed Longbourn with her sister Miss Mary she would still reference her tenant notes, and Miss Mary had followed her example. May I ask if you perform tenant visits yet at your brother’s estate?”

“Not yet. My brother and I talked about it briefly at Christmas although no decision was reached. Listening to you both I not only feel I need to start doing them, I am looking forward to them. I think I have hidden behind my shyness for too long.”

“16 is a good age to start such things Georgie, especially on a well-run estate such as Pemberley. Jane, Mary and myself started earlier than most.”

Left unsaid, but understood, was the fact that Longbourn was not well-run.

“You talked about how busy I was, how did I find the time? The truth is I wanted to learn as much as possible. There are such limited opportunities for women and I had this unique chance to be involved, at least at the periphery. So yes, I was very busy, but it was mostly my own doing.”

Elizabeth looked at Georgiana and pursed her lips.

“This next part is something that you should consider very carefully. You are already more accomplished than I am in the skills that are considered important by society. You play beautifully, you can draw, you have an excellent grasp of etiquette, you can embroider, the list goes on. These are accomplishments that gentlemen, and society, prizes in a young lady. Other than speaking several languages I have none of these skills. I have had an unusual and, at times, an interesting life but it has not prepared me for life as a young lady in town. If it was not for Lady Maria I would be sitting back in Gracechurch Street reading all day and assisting my uncle where possible.”

“Yet Lady Maria has taken an interest in you.”

It was a carefully bland statement but Elizabeth saw the underlying question. Why? She smiled at her young friend.

“You are getting better at society speak Georgie, your lessons with your aunt are showing results. In answer to your unasked question, I performed a service for Lady Maria’s family. She has been generous with her time and guidance.”

It was Mrs. Annesley’s turn to hide a smile, that was a perfect society speak answer; factual yet saying nothing.

“Are you sure there is nothing else you can tell me?”

“Georgiana, I am not trying to tease you. The other parts of my tale involve my dealings with so-called gentlemen and I am utterly positive that your brother would not want you exposed to such talk. I am sadly experienced with the duplicity of men, gentle-born or otherwise, and I hope that you never have to experience the same thing.”

Elizabeth had hoped that drawing a firm line in the sand would stop any additional questions. Instead she was mortified to have Georgiana burst into tears and throw herself into Elizabeth’s arms. She in turn, just by instinct, wrapped her arms around the young woman and held her as the floods of tears dampened her day dress. Mrs. Annesley looked on, alone knowing the cause of the tears, but unsure how to help her charge. Eventually Georgiana calmed and handkerchiefs were proffered. Upon seeing the large damp patch on Elizabeth’s dress Georgiana was even more mortified, if that was possible.

“Be calm Georgie. Why do we not take a few moments to compose ourselves? Claire will order fresh tea while you and Mrs. Annesley can accompany me upstairs to a guest room. I will quickly change dresses while you can fix your appearance. In 10 minutes there will be no evidence. Come on.”

It was as Elizabeth said. 10 minutes later the four of them were once again in the parlour, as if nothing had happened.