Memory: Volume 1, Lasting Impressions, A Tale of Pride and Prejudice (Memory: A Tale of Pride and Prejudice) by Linda Wells

your opinion, it would be dishonest to say otherwise.”  Mrs. Gardiner smiled and looped her arm with her niece’s.  “Tell me what troubles you.”
    “It is not one thing alone.  Mama does not like me.  Why?  She seems particularly anxious to see me married and gone.  I cannot for the life of me understand what I ever did wrong?”  She looked up to her aunt who was nodding.
    “I had a friend that I knew from childhood.  He was born when his father was away from home on business.  His father never forgave him for that and treated him harshly all his life until he was old enough to become apprenticed to an attorney.  He gladly left home, and his family never saw him again.”
    “How ridiculous!  It was not the boy’s fault when he was born!”
    “No it was not, and it is not your fault that you were not born a boy as your mother had determined you would be.  And it is not your fault that you are bright and that your father showers what attention he does give upon you instead of his wife and other daughters.  None of it is your fault, but the result is that your mother unreasonably resents you.”
    “So I am not pretty, but I must find a husband with my charms and save the family from starvation when father dies because he is . . .”
    “Yes.”  Mrs. Gardiner squeezed her arm.  “Although I imagine that your mother would be happy with any of you girls marrying.  She is very anxious to push you all out of the door to find husbands and secure her future.”
    “What if our husbands do not care for the way she treats us and do not provide for her.”  Elizabeth said with a hint of bitterness in her voice. 
    “Lizzy, that is unkind.”
    “Oh please Aunt, do not sound like Jane!”  She saw the raised brows and sighed.  “I am sorry.”
    “I understand.”
    “She will have nothing good to say of you when I arrive home since I am not engaged.”  She smiled.
    Mrs. Gardiner laughed.  “Oh, I expect a letter soon describing how I have failed you and at the same time begging me to invite you girls back for a second chance.  She does not realize that we ask you here, not only for the pleasure of your company and to educate you a bit more, but also to relieve you of her pushing.  You are too young to marry.  However, Jane is now at the proper age to begin looking, and we will not discourage any men who might seem interested.  I do not expect her to meet any when she comes for my confinement, though.  We will be busy.”  She winked.
    “Will she be present at the birth?”
    “No, of course not, but she will look after the children and perhaps calm your uncle.”  She smiled.  “It is not proper for an unmarried woman to see such things.”
    Elizabeth nodded and brought up a delicate subject.  “Aunt . . .will you teach me . . .about being a wife?”  She looked up at her and blushed then looked away.  “I have witnessed the animals . . .but . . .” She spoke nervously.  “I have listened to Mama’s friends . . .it sounds terrible and they wish to avoid it . . .”
    “Lizzy, I will gladly be the one to tell you of the duties of a wife, and no it is not terrible or something to fear.  Whatever your mother tells you should be taken with the knowledge that she is unhappy with . . .well, just do not listen with both ears if she speaks of it.”  She patted her arm.  “When you are engaged dear, we will have a good long talk.  Until then, just be assured that it is nothing to worry over and perhaps if you find a good caring man, something you will enjoy with him.” 
    “Thank you.”  She whispered.
    “Now, your uncle tells me that you smiled at a young man yesterday?”  Mrs. Gardiner saw her blush even brighter and bite her lip.  “And did he smile back?”
    “Yes.”
    “Do you think that you will see him again before you leave?” 
    Elizabeth looked up the path and searched the park.  “I dearly hope so.”
    Darcy slowed from his brisk stroll and stood near the