Eliza returned home, having thought and wondered every bit of the ride. She did allow herself many moments simply to love the wilderness. She was in a bright mood, having had a lovely little conversation and time in town in addition to her long and friendly visit with Rachel. But she awaited a letter from Memsie, even on the same day she sent it. She wondered if there was a way to visit Bath at some point. She knew she would be able to in a fortnight, so she made some plans accordingly. Eliza was glad of a book and the opportunity to keep her journal close at hand. There were many thoughts and many feelings to catalog, and she was needing some employment for her mind this season. She wished to visit different places, but there were not funds for such at Kellerfield for the moment. Her father, a merchant by trade, was heavily dependent on markets, and as the time was difficult, the luxuries of luxurious travel were not available. Oh, how Eliza longed to see wonders of the world! But what of it? The time was not now, and Eliza decided that she must wait on God's time, because who can rush things?
The next few days, Eliza spent out of doors near Kellerfield and its land. She did many things - reading and writing were amongst the chief of these. Though without current trivial luxuries, the Northwoods possessed a wonderful piano forte where Eliza often sought refuge. She loved the classic melodies as well as toying with the music. Her mother was from home in town with her father, so Eliza was left to care for the household and do as she pleased. The servants had little to worry about since Eliza was generally pleased with everyone and was seldom called on by visitors. It was on a Thursday, a glorious Thursday, when Eliza received a letter from Memsie - exactly on time from the date that Eliza had mailed her.
Dear Liza,
Sometimes I find the "E" in your name too droll, or not droll enough, and so I decided to leave it out. I think it not at all strange that such a young man should talk to you or take interest in you. I rather find it hard that you should find anyone truly worthy of you in Kingsbury, speck of a town that it is. But, I trust your judgment. This Wickham character seems very interesting. The type to stir up undesirous, obnoxious trouble, as opposed to the delightfully, wonderful trouble that we might be known to be caught pursuing. Though I will, of course, need to know more of him before I decide to dislike him completely. Mr. Wentworth having two domiciles seems sufficient for what I deem appropriate. What does he do, though, Eliza? Certainly you are no fool, and I can't think why you failed to mention his profession - you did not say that he was a gentleman, so I assume he has some useful employment. You well know I could never abide you finding interest with someone below your education, breeding, or usefulness. Certainly the useless men of this country provide excellent entertainment, but you needn't be attached, permananently, to the entertainment. There is no harm in talking or dancing. That being said, if he has a mind like me - and you know, I write men very well, I shouldn't dwell too much on it because it is harmless. Therefore, it might mean little -a simple friendship. Now, truth be told, I have met with two publishers, but neither strike my fancy. I think to make them beg for my work - knowing that it is excellent - and I think one has a mind to beg because he is needing to increase his female readership. Ha, I shall have the upper hand in this pitiful society where women can have no profession and make no income. So brilliant, I love it! I have started writing something new, yes. I'll be sure to send a manuscript of the first five chapters once I have them. Simply to entertain you, of course. I must tell you, though, perhaps your best investment, rather than a husband at present, is a cat. They are tidier than a man, more pleasing, and quite as nonchalant. I'm sure you could procure yourself one off of a tenant or some such. For now, I await your news.
Yours &tc.
Eliza read the letter swiftly, savoring every precious word and wishing there were more. But succinct was Memsie, and Eliza would have it no other way. She well knew that Memsie was also excellent at perceiving the intentions of men, having more acquaintances of the opposite sex than she herself had, and so, must be consulted. Memsie was of a dry mind, and Eliza could not really shrink her emotions to the same effect (nor did she want to). But she was glad of another perspective. She felt it was wise to seek advice from those who knew her best. It was exciting and difficult at the same time. A new novel was definitely something to be excited about! She was determined to schedule a trip to Bath and visit Memsie. And, as she set to writing to tell Memsie of her plan to travel, she told of the day that she sent the letter, relating her chance meeting with Mr. Wentworth at the shop. There was so much to relate, but Eliza did not tell everything. There were the spiritual elements that Eliza withheld. All those details Rachel knew - and truly, Rachel knew all of everything. Yet, still Eliza was a trifle unsettled.
But, there would come a point where the only person with the whole truth would be Eliza, the only solution (or lack thereof) would come from her prayers and study, and the only answer would be simply outside of the women that she knew.
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