Continuation 3

The holiday passed without much event, something quite alright with Eliza. She seldom thought of either men, but that their presence was curious. She went about life as usual. And as the Christmas season came and went, life was back to its normal ebb.

The Weathersbys threw yet another party, being that they did have the grandest hall in the neighborhood. Eliza made herself ready, wondering, of course, but her mind fully doubtful. She attended guests and sweet friends that she saw only at these such parties. She was full of life and fancied herself pleased. Contented with much, she thought to sit down for a spell and take in the reunions from a distance. Watching the people gave her much ease. Although she did love her friends, she felt most comforted when away from their company. The deeper struggles of her nature brewed underneath her couth exterior. Something was not right, and this time she was not going to let it go unexamined and unstudied.

For months, Eliza knew of a growing problem in her friendships. An awareness of her deficiency to care for them properly was combined with an awareness of their lack of true care for and connection to her. This had been exposed through much conversation with a genteel lady to whom Eliza had been introduced by the parson. In an effort to learn and better her understanding of the world, Eliza had developed a great friendship with the old parson of the neighborhood. His wife, though a great consolation, was busy many days with the dozen or so grandchildren that they had. For this reason, he introduced Eliza to Mrs. Rachel Worthington, a stately lady on the younger side of life and marriage whose husband was to be away some months for training in the militia. And as she was attending to her sick mother, Mrs. Worthington did not accompany her husband out. For Mrs. Worthington, she was glad to have the company of another young lady.

During the course of their friendship, Eliza had discovered that she really did not maintain a full honesty with any of her friends. Even with Mrs. Worthington, though Mrs. Worthington knew much as any about her, there was still a subtle distance that was between the two women. Eliza was not content to dwell on the difficulty, but she knew it to be a difficulty that must be resolved eventually. So silently, she watched the people dance and enjoy themselves while trying to search out the depths of her mind for a greater understanding of these troubles. But her reverie was to be interrupted.

"Miss Northwood, how do you do this evening?"

"Quite well, Mr. Woodfield. I was merely taking in the sites of this evening."

"Much to be seen, indeed. Now, Miss Northwood, I noticed that you took a keen interest in my business affairs the last time we met. I would like you to see the current pamphlet we have in town regarding the new ideals that I and some of my fellow barristers have for England. It is our desire to increase the awareness of such ideals amongst those who have influence in key neighborhoods around town."

Eliza looked at Mr. Woodfield and Mr. Wentworth who was with him, again, and looked at them with a certain curiosity.

"My good sirs, you cannot suppose that someone such as myself has influence in this region. I know the parson, Mrs. Worthington, and the Weathersbys very well, but I have not any influence."

"My lady, yes you do. I have observed you from afar through this party, and the younger ladies speak with you at length, laughing and attentive. You seem to be a person who has insight, a rarity in the world we live in."

Eliza was flattered, but found Mr. Woodfield to have overestimated her capabilities. In truth, the young ladies probably enjoyed her company because she broke certain social rules for the purpose of mockery and jest. The whole of her goal was to put them at ease with the party spirit. She was also rather alarmed at Mr. Woodfield's study of her. She became more suspicious of his character even as she was becoming more comfortable with it.

"Very well, Mr Woodfield. I'm interested all the same in what you have to share."

Eliza caught a glance and smirk that Mr. Wentworth made in Mr. Woodfield's direction, while Mr. Woodfield was not looking. She smirked herself, looking at him, but she hadn't expected him to turn to look at her and smile properly. Immediately, she was a bit unsettled, though her quick smile back betrayed none of that feeling.

"Miss Northwood, you are good friends with the parson, are you?" Mr. Wentworth began talking.

"Yes, I am. He is a great friend - he has so much wisdom and an excellent sense of humor."

Mr. Wentworth laughed. "How does such a young lady come to be such great friends with an old clergyman?"

"Oh, sir, I am very passionate about true religion and desire to learn more about practical application of principles relevant to it. I enjoy the study of the Bible. I suppose that makes me rather dull."

"No, indeed. I have a strong interest in it myself, though I am a barrister. My favorite uncle is a member of the clergy, a man I greatly admire and respect. I confess that I find it peculiar since many young women with your years are not concerned with such things."

"There you have it, Mr. Wentworth. I defy explanation and label, but is that not what we are called to be, if following God's Will? I suppose by virtue of being different, I'm not quite so dull as I think."

"To both of those notions, you do and you are. I am glad of your passion. May your young counterparts take note, whatever influence you have."

Eliza laughed at this, but noticed Mr. Woodfield getting impatient.

"Mr. Woodfield, please continue with what you delight in showing me."

"Here, Miss Northwood. Read this and tell me what you think come the next party. I believe we have already received an invitation."

"Oh, have you then? I shall see you in fortnight then. I believe the time is coming for me to retire. I bid you both farewell."

"Good evening, Miss Northwood. Pleasure speaking with you as usual." Mr. Woodfield was ready to leave, for sure, having been cut out of some of the conversation. Mr. Wentworth lingered a few moments longer.

"Miss Northwood, please let us know what you think of our pamphlet - well, rather, Mr. Woodfield's pamphlet, since it is predominantly his responsibility to translate the committee's ideas into formal writing through this medium. Your opinion would be greatly appreciated. I have enjoyed talking to you this evening. We should discuss this "practical application" matter further - I find myself pondering similar things as of late. It would be great to scout another opinion on the subject. Good evening - until we meet again."

"Certainly, sir. I shall tell you my opinions, regarding both topics. Enjoy the rest of your evening. Goodbye."

"Goodbye."

Mr. Wentworth then took a short bow and left. Eliza found herself insatiably curious about Mr. Wentworth. Though he was taciturn at the last party, Mr. Wentworth had no problems engaging her this evening. And his patient, attentive nature was pleasant and settling rather than his friend's extreme attentions and observations. Eliza knew herself to be more drawn, but what it signified, she could not decide. She only knew that it must be the inklings of something that could begin to run deeper. It was alarming in both an exciting and frightening way. She wondered what the next meeting would bring.