The Diary: A Pride and Prejudice Variation

by Kate Speck

  Lady Matlock greeted Elizabeth and her family warmly and introduced them to Lord Matlock who wore a jovial expression, and Elizabeth could imagine Mr. Bingley to be such a man in thirty years. The earl nodded at Elizabeth’s uncle with a smile, “Mr. Gardiner, a pleasure! My son has told me how invaluable your services have been to him.”

  Mr. Gardiner coloured but bowed respectfully, “Thank you, my lord. The colonel is too kind.” Mrs. Gardiner curtsied and they continued down the line.

  The earl smiled broadly as Elizabeth approached behind her relatives and he eagerly kissed Elizabeth’s hand. “It is good to finally meet you in person, Miss Elizabeth. I have heard much about you and I hope you will enjoy your time here.”

  Elizabeth curtsied in response and was perplexed as to her uncle’s connections to the nobles but after greeting the viscount and viscountess, she next met a grinning man in an officer’s uniform who looked oddly familiar.

  “Miss Elizabeth!” The officer smiled broadly, “We have met before but were not introduced. I believe we have met twice, although I did not appear my best when you saw me last.”

  Elizabeth was uncertain of his reference but her eyes opened widely in seconds as she recognised the gentleman’s wiggling eyebrows, “Oh! I remember you now, sir. You were at Netherfield! I saw you speaking with...” She did not continue.

  “I am Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Darcy’s favourite cousin who is second-born on his mother’s side, between the ages of twenty and thirty.” The cheery man chuckled to hear his older brother laugh at his jest, “I have heard much about you and if I might ask, would you be able to save me the supper set?”

  Elizabeth nodded, “Thank you, Colonel. I would be happy to accept.” The colonel smiled brightly and kissed her hand, then turned to Bingley and wordlessly shook his hand, and bowed gallantly to Jane and then turned to Mr. Gardiner. The officer’s brows lifted very slightly and Elizabeth caught the colonel shake his head quickly at her uncle, which was missed by everyone else but she had seen it.

  “Uncle, how do you know the Colonel?” Elizabeth discreetly enquired after stepping away from the greeting line. “You seem to know several people here and I did not know that you had also been invited to the ball. Were you always planning to attend? Aunt Madeline had not mentioned it until I showed her my invitation.”

  Mr. Gardiner tenderly smiled at his niece, “The colonel and I know each other from one business or another, Lizzy, but we do owe the invitations to your acquaintance with Mr. Darcy. Lady Matlock sent us one the same day you received yours. This is my first time meeting the earl and countess.” He did not elaborate further.

  Elizabeth knew no one else in attendance, but after Lord Matlock asked her to dance and the Viscount followed suit, her card was full, as there were many gentlemen who were interested in the newcomer. Word had spread quickly that the Bennet sisters were close friends of the Darcys, and as the unattached sister between the two, Elizabeth was the more popular dance partner for the first time in her life and she knew not what to make of dancing with so many nobles and sons of peers.

  Colonel Fitzwilliam bantered easily with her during their supper set, “I would bet that Bingley is thanking the stars that he proposed to Miss Bennet already so that she would not be tempted by these guests here. She could have easily captured any of the rich fellows here with her beauty and grace, but she is safely betrothed and Bingley is happier for it.”

  “But she loves him, Colonel,” Elizabeth laughed. “Do you not agree that when there is true affection, no amount of wealth or good looks can tear apart a couple, but he will have to constantly earn her regard so that she will not repine her decision in the future?”

  “I absolutely agree, Miss Elizabeth. And is there anyone who tempts you here, Miss Elizabeth?” Colonel Fitzwilliam teased, “Perhaps a second son of an earl who looks dashing in his army attire?”

  Elizabeth covered her mouth to hide her amusement, “I decline to answer that, sir, since I will offend you no matter how I answer.”

  He retorted jovially, “I am rarely offended but I will give you a pass this time. You are very pretty, especially when you smile,” he laughed to see her blush, “but I should not compliment you too much since Darcy will kill me.”

  Elizabeth’s head snapped at hearing the gentleman’s name. “Have you seen him recently? I was told he was recovering. Is he well? Where is he?”

  “He is much improved now,” the colonel quietly whispered at the next pass, “and he appreciated your note and the gift. You had been of great service with your note and he should be back on his feet soon for you to see him again by summertime. Georgiana told me of your invitation to Pemberley in July.”

  “Back... on his feet?” Elizabeth gasped, “Was he so very ill? Oh, I pray he will be well. I am... I am distressed on behalf of Georgiana, of course, who has not written to me about her brother in her letters but I know she must be devastated that he is so unwell.”

  Colonel Fitzwilliam leaned closer and spoke in her ear, “They are reunited already and both are very happy, Miss Elizabeth. She was not allowed to write anything of it and they are only waiting for a full recovery and will return to town as soon as able. They are in Berkshire, Miss Elizabeth, but that is all I can say at this time.”

  Elizabeth nodded in understanding and breathed a sigh of relief that Mr. Darcy was not on the continent. Berkshire was only a three-hours’ ride from town and it gave her comfort that he was not so distant from where she was. After completing the set, they took their seats to partake supper and she found it easier to converse with the many guests who showed their respect after being made aware of her acquaintance with the Fitzwilliams and the Darcys.

  After the party ended, Elizabeth looked out the window of the carriage to wave to Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had been waiting for her departure. She smiled at the respectable officer, finding him amiable and friendly, but could not contemplate the second son of an earl as her future partner, now finally being able to admit to herself that she was in love with Mr. Darcy. She had heard many complimentary opinions about Mr. Darcy from his friends and many matrons had bemoaned that their daughters could not tempt the absent bachelor to marry after such a long chase, but Elizabeth was impressed, first and foremost, that there were no rumours of scandals or dishonour regarding the gentleman and that he was highly respected, the only criticism being that he was too difficult to please. She prayed for a full recovery and with the hopes of seeing him in a month or two, she wrote in her diary before going to sleep, dreaming of dancing the supper set with Mr. Darcy in her new beautiful dress, and this time, he leaned down and fully met her lips.

  ~*~

  Their time in London was soon over and the Bennet sisters returned to Hertfordshire with additional trunks on the Bingley carriage. Mr. Bingley had been generous to add onto Jane’s trousseau and gifted her a dozen new dresses, while Elizabeth had been amazed when a trunkful of a half-dozen dresses and accoutrements arrived from Madame Dubois, which had been completely unexpected. She had little care for shopping and fancy dresses, as her mother’s tastes did not match her own, and had always attired herself what was simple and comfortable, even if her clothes were dated and well-worn from being out of doors, but she now proudly exhibited her new pelisse, as this one was made of the softest materials and in dark green, her favourite colour, and there were two additional coats in the trunk in burgundy and grey, her other choice of colours. She knew Lady Matlock had been beyond generous, but the gracious lady explained that she was well-aware of the many debts that her nephew had owed Elizabeth and that it was only a small token of appreciation for her friendship with Georgiana.

  Elizabeth knew not how she would explain the new items to her mother, but Jane told her sister that they could not refuse the countess’ generosity and that it would have been incredibly disrespectful to turn down the gifts. They soon arrived in Hertfordshire, with Mr. Bingley and Jane publicly announcing their engagement for everyone to see, and there was chaos in the Be
nnet household to prepare for the wedding, which was planned for late April.

  ~*~

  “Are you certain you will be well while I am gone to Kent, Jane?” Elizabeth asked anxiously, “Mama has been relentless with your wedding planning and has changed the breakfast menu once again, and there are over twenty items that she wishes to have prepared. If I am not here to curb her outrageous ideas, there will be no room to sit within the church, as the pews will be completely filled with flowers and barely enough space for you to say your vows before the reverend!”

  Jane smiled brightly, “All will be well. Louisa and Caroline have become more accommodating and it was very kind of them to allow the wedding breakfast at Netherfield, and mama was determined to invite all four and twenty families in our village to show off the connection, but we have curtailed her to half of her demands and I am determined to not acquiesce to her demands. Papa only laughs and agrees to her wishes so he could have his peace but you know it is all due to her excitement to finally have a wedding after all this time. Oh, Lizzy, if only you could be marrying beside me; we had always dreamed of sharing our wedding date and standing up together. Perhaps there is someone perfect out there for you like Charles is for me.”

  Elizabeth shook her head with merriment, “If you were to give me forty such men, I still would never be as happy as you, Janey.” She softly sighed, “It was unfathomable at one point that I would meet any gentlemen of interest outside of Hertfordshire, but after having several callers whilst in London, I am now learning myself to be too fastidious and fear I will never find happiness. Charles is perfect for you but I have been too headstrong and too proud of my independence that I am undeserving of an admirable man to take me as a wife.” She laughed, “Perhaps Mr. Collins has a cousin and I might be matched with such a man.”

  “Oh, Lizzy,” Jane joined her merriment, “you had a half-dozen gentlemen call on you but you purposely frightened them away with your wit. I thought perhaps Colonel Fitzwilliam might be interested since Lady Matlock certainly treated you like a daughter and I had hoped for you to accept his courtship.”

  “He is very dashing and pleasant, but I only found him to be a friendly gentleman and I am doomed to be a spinster. I dare not overreach station in life and will be clinging to you and your dozen children to be a doting aunt.” Elizabeth countered, having kept her heart from Jane regarding Mr. Darcy. “Colonel Fitzwilliam is what I envision a perfect brother to be; protective and happy, yet fearsome to frighten suitors whom I found irritating and to intimidate them away from me. I certainly appreciated his service in shooing off some of my callers and I could see the resemblance to his cousin, the dour Mr. Darcy.” Her chest twisted in anguish as she spoke his name out loud.

  Jane kissed her sister’s cheek, not seeing the pain in her eyes which disappeared in a second, “I shall miss you dearly and you will be gone for less than a month. When you return, the wedding plans will be nearly complete and you will need to plan your own future. I know papa will miss you but I want you to come and live with me, and Charles readily agreed and apologises that Caroline will likely be at Netherfield also. But I shall be mistress there and I will take care of you, Lizzy.”

  Elizabeth wrapped her arms around her sister, “I will decide soon, Jane. It would be good to have some separation from mama but I do not know if I could survive Miss Bingley’s claws. She seems to believe I have stolen something of hers but I never asked for nor do I want anything from her. I only wish to be near you so I could be at your service.”

  The girls began to head down the stairs for Elizabeth to board the Lucas carriage in order to travel to Kent with Sir William and Maria Lucas. Jane asked, “Have you heard further about Mr. Darcy from Georgiana? At least you know they are in Berkshire and not too distant. I do pray her brother will recover soon. She, an orphan, all alone in the world; my heart would break if she should lose her brother, too.”

  Elizabeth quickly wiped her eyes at the thought and took a deep breath. “I have not heard from her lately but have hope for dear Georgiana, and I must trust that there is a greater power that works in ways that we do not yet see. I have learned a little of blind faith the past months and pray for Mr. Darcy’s recovery.”

  She saw her family and hugged each of them before departing for Charlotte’s new home in Kent. It was not a long journey, only fifty miles of good road from Hertfordshire, and Sir William provided sufficient amusement on the way while Elizabeth was able to find peace away from her mother who had been absolutely intolerable with her insane wedding plans.

  ~*~

  Mr. Collins waved from a distance as the Lucas carriage approached the small cottage in Hunsford. It was a very pleasant house and Elizabeth could not be more pleased for her friend, who at seven and twenty, had despaired for years about being a spinster to become a burden to her family and had longed for only comfort and safety for her future. It was most fortunate that as idiotic as her cousin Mr. Collins had been, Charlotte had a unique influence over her husband, who was two years her junior, in order to quell the man’s lengthy speeches and to improve his mannerisms during the past three months.

  Charlotte’s natural gifts were in patience and discernment, having had three younger siblings to care for them without a governess while growing up, and she was able to determine Mr. Collins’ weaknesses quickly to rein him in. Charlotte had established a method in which if her husband showed progress in his behaviours during the day, when he was not so deferential to his patroness but showed respect to his own wife as he should, he was rewarded for his efforts with kind words and a hearty dinner. Like a mother would train a child, Charlotte had begun to teach small lessons to develop Mr. Collins’ approach and he showed great improvements over the course of the past three months.

  “Welcome to Hunsford, sir, sister, cousin,” Mr. Collins bowed low, “You are our first guests of our marriage and we are very pleased to receive you in the parsonage. Come and rest and Charlotte will ensure you are comfortable.” He walked with Sir William and gave a tour of his home. “I hope you will enjoy this room, Cousin Elizabeth,” he spoke directly to her as he showed Elizabeth the bedchamber in which she was to stay after Sir William and Maria were shown their rooms. “My dearest wife thought you would enjoy the view from the window here, as it faces west and you can see the meadow in the far distance, between the trees right there.” He pointed to a large field through the small window. “It must disappoint you that you are not mistress of a home such as this but not all ladies can achieve her success through a good match like mysel... OUCH!” He jumped as Charlotte pinched his arm. He looked bashfully at his wife and returned to Elizabeth, “I apologise, cousin. I do not mean to say that your past refusal of my offer will result in your future misery, as I know that Cousin Jane will be marrying Mr. Bingley next month and that you will likely reside in that grand estate in Hertfordshire. Of course, it is nothing to Rosings Park but Netherfield is a beautiful house and I am certain you will find your own contentment. I have no need to regret our past, as my dear Charlotte understands perfectly well that I have never been happier than with my most excellent wife by my side.”

  Elizabeth noted Charlotte giving a quick nod and the man scurried out to see to his own tasks. She smiled at her older friend and spoke quietly, “Charlotte, he is in essentials, the same man that you married three months ago, but I must admit that he is more improved than I had ever expected. Whatever you are doing with him, continue the wonderful work!” She saw Charlotte grin broadly and opened the closet door to help her unpack.

  “Lady Catherine had heard from somewhere that shelves inside closets were most practical and convenient, and strongly suggested that we fit shelves in every one of ours, but with my husband’s newfound strength to allow me a voice within my own household, I was able to decline her recommendation and to defer her idea for future consideration. I told her that we would eagerly await her example first of shelves in her closets to measure her satisfaction before we followed suit!” Charlotte laug
hed heartily as Elizabeth’s eyes broadened with amusement. “She also advised me of the size of joints that I should be purchasing this week, when she heard that I was ordering from the butcher to prepare for yours and my family’s arrival, and condescended to tell me that I was ordering too much for such a small party, when I know for certain that her cook orders thrice the amount for Rosings and there are only three people there, all of them ladies and one of those being her frail daughter.” She nudged her friend’s shoulder, “I thought of what impertinent comments you would make and although I could not say those words, I was able to speak some of my thoughts and Mr. Collins, even if wishing he could apologise to her ladyship about it, pled ignorance and stayed away from bringing up our household affairs to Lady Catherine. I could not have borne it for long if he had continued to obey her words as if she were a deity, and might have resorted to spending all of my days in the back parlour alone to not see him for full days at a time, but Mr. Collins has become more tolerable and I am content with my choice of husband.”

  Elizabeth embraced her friend, “I am very happy for you, Charlotte. It has been lonely without you but I am most pleased to be here and look forward to your hospitality. It is truly a beautiful and comfortable home.”

  Charlotte beamed, “Thank you, Eliza. I have missed you and we shall have many hours to share together and you did promise me to help with the sewing for the orphanage after my father leaves next week. I am glad you and Maria will stay longer, and we do dine at Rosings Park weekly. Her ladyship is very attentive but I have been able to curtail her distinction and only reporting to her of the work needed within the parsonage. Apparently, she had used Mr. Collins as the source of many gossips and I nipped that in the bud quickly. A congregant should never worry about his private affairs spoken with a reverend being exposed to the estate owner; your mother taught me that.” She beamed.