The Harvest Ball

by Lily Bernard

  ****

  Over the following weeks, Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds reviewed the packing list over and over again and the Darcys were finally prepared for their removal to Darcy House. Shortly before their departure, they all were sad when Mrs. Annesley left for Bath. Darcy repeatedly expressed his thanks for her coming into his sister’s life and helping her get passed the ordeal of Ramsgate. Elizabeth and Georgiana hugged Mrs. Annesley and everyone promised to write. The Darcys stood together on the front steps and watched until the carriage conveying her to Bath was out of sight.

  Their journey to London was longer than usual; they were delayed at times due to the weather and at other times due to the demands of traveling with an infant. Eventually, everyone had arrived safely at Darcy House and was quickly settled in. Mrs. Winters, their housekeeper, was thrilled to have a baby in the house once again. She and all the young maids were taken with young master Bennet, who never had to wait very long for someone to pick him up and cuddle with him.

  Before they left Derbyshire, Georgiana and Elizabeth were in frequent correspondence with Lady Matlock regarding the exciting events of the next few months. After arriving in Town, Darcy sat back and watched Georgiana and Elizabeth’s efforts to accomplish everything that needed to be done without his interference. He observed that by the time they all sat down to dinner, his two favorite women looked so tired that he feared they might fall asleep during their meal. After one such evening, Darcy spoke to his wife as they prepared for bed. “You cannot keep up this pace, my love. You look so tired and I fear for your health as well as my sister’s. I know you want everything to be perfect for her but I also know that you wish to spend more time with Bennet. You and I have not had a real conversation since arriving in Town.”

  “I know,” Elizabeth said while stifling a yawn, “it just seems that there is so much more to be done. I have been trying to wake up early enough to spend time with Ben before starting my day. Every time Georgiana and I get something accomplished, several more things are urgently in need of our attention. Aunt Patricia has been wonderful; thank heaven she will present Georgiana at Court and eliminate any need for my participation. She loves our sister so much and wants everything to be perfect for her debut in three weeks.”

  “I appreciate everything you are doing to make our sister feel special. Now, get into bed, wife!”

  “I am perfectly happy to obey you, my husband.” Elizabeth forced a tired smile and followed William into bed. He extended his arm and she entered his embrace; within a moment he knew she was already asleep. He smiled to himself as he happily thought that, in a few short weeks, this would all be behind them.

  Chapter 13

  London

  Lord and Lady Matlock arrived in Town shortly after their holiday stay at Pemberley. Lady Matlock, Elizabeth and Georgiana were frequent correspondents before they were reunited in London. As the mother of two boys, Patricia Matlock doted on her niece as she would her own daughter. In early February, Richard joined his parents and was eager to participate in the most important event of Georgiana’s first Season.

  Upon her youngest son’s return to Town, Lady Matlock spoke to her husband of her renewed determination to find a wife for Richard. One morning shortly after he arrived in London, Richard and his parents were seated together at the breakfast table. His mother began the same conversation she and her son had often struggled through in the past. “Richard, my dear boy, it is time for you to find a wife. You have been all alone as the master of Rosings for long enough. I know any number of beautiful young women who would be more than happy to marry you and become the mistress of such a beautiful estate. I have set up some small dinner parties and you can see how well you get along with the daughters of some of our friends. You will also be able to meet any number of eligible women during the best events of the Season.”

  “Thank you, Mama, but I believe I am quite capable of finding a wife on my own. And, I do not plan to remain in London for more than a few days after Georgiana’s Ball. There is much for me to do before the spring plantings.”

  “Hugh, tell your son how important it is that he find a wife. When you were in His Majesty’s Army, we could understand your reluctance to marry and subject your poor wife to long periods without her husband by her side. Now, there is no excuse not to wed. Leave it to me, I will take care of everything!”

  “Richard, I must agree with your mother. You are not getting any younger and you certainly have the wealth to support a family. It will not hurt you to attend a few dinner parties and you may be surprised; there may be someone who strikes your fancy.”

  “Please, father, not you too?”

  “We will let you know when your presence is required at dinner. I heard that Lady Howard is in London for the Season. She is quite lovely and is finally finished mourning that awful Lord Howard. I enjoyed being in her company during the festivities at Pemberley, although she seemed very quiet. Perhaps she can be our guest of honor at one of our dinners.”

  “I can see that you will not take ‘no’ for an answer, but I will only attend three events before returning to Kent and Georgiana’s Ball is one of them. As for Lady Howard, I would ask that you not involve her in your scheming. I am going to my club and wish you both a good day,” Richard rose and quickly left the family dining room.

  “Patricia, did you see his reaction when you mentioned Lady Howard? Perhaps there is some interest there despite his words of protest.”

  “Time will tell, my husband. Now, I must start making a list of potential women to invite to dinner,” Lady Matlock rose and kissed her husband’s cheek before walking toward her private study.

  The following morning the trio was once again at the breakfast table. “I visited my club yesterday and all anyone could talk about was how happy they were that the fog has finally lifted. Was it really as bad as all that?”

  “Indeed, it was probably worse than you heard and thankfully, it ended shortly after we arrived in London. According to some of our friends, at its worst, the fog was so thick that people in the street were walking into walls and carriages were crashing into each other. We heard it was like nothing anyone had ever seen before and I pray it never returns.”

  “I am glad that you were not affected by the fog when you arrived. I wish you both a good day,” he rose and bowed to his parents before exiting the house.

  Richard thought about Lady Emily day and night, but he was afraid that if he saw her again and seemed too eager to be near her, she would reject his attention. He learned the Darcys had arrived in Town and when he left Matlock House that morning, he went to speak with the Darcys about his feelings.

  He was quickly admitted by the footman and shown into Darcy’s unoccupied study. A few minutes later he was joined by both his cousins. “Richard, what a wonderful surprise! We are so happy to see you. Georgiana is with her music teacher but she will join us shortly. How are you, cousin?”

  “I am quite well, Lizzy, I hope you were not affected by the fog. My parents told me how terrible it was.”

  “Happily, we arrived in London when the fog was almost gone. What brings you here today, Richard?”

  “I have several reasons for my visit; I wanted to welcome you to London, and I am looking forward to seeing Georgiana. I also came here to talk to you both about a very private matter.” Darcy and Elizabeth exchanged puzzled looks before he said, “you know you can tell us anything and we will never betray your confidence.”

  “I know I can trust you both but there is not much mystery as to what I wish to talk to you about. I am madly in love with Lady Emily Howard and have no idea how to win her affection.”

  “Are you sure that she does not already feel affection for you?”

  “She has always been very polite but, I have seen no signs of affection when we are together.”

  “How can we help you? We will do anything we can to help you win Lady Emily’s heart.”

  “I thank you, Darcy, but I have no idea where to begin.”
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  “William and I fell in love while we were walking and talking about anything that popped into our heads. I am confident that when Lady Emily spends enough time with you, she will be unable to resist your charms.”

  “Elizabeth is correct, you must spend time together and really get to know each other. Your acquaintance has not been of long duration and for most of that time she was still mourning her husband.”

  “Mama is determined to find a wife for me. She is planning some small dinner parties, so I can meet and get to know some of the ton’s finest. She also mentioned that she knew Lady Emily was here for the Season, but I asked her not to throw us together in such an intimate setting.”

  “Would you like us to invite Lady Emily to Georgiana’s Ball? I have heard that she is staying with her parents and it would not be a problem to include all of them.”

  “I thank you, but I want to focus all my attention that night on Georgiana. If I am distracted by Lady Emily’s presence, I fear I may be tempted to pay our beautiful girl less attention than she deserves.”

  They spoke about several other scenarios where Richard and Lady Emily might get to know each other, and Elizabeth summed it all up. “If you really love Lady Emily, you must spend as much time as possible together. When the right moment presents itself, tell her how you feel. It is important to let her understand your feelings and why you wish to marry her. You must make it very clear how very different your marriage would be from the nightmare she experienced with Lord Howard.”

  Richard was quiet while he attempted to formulate a plan to win the heart and hand of Lady Emily. “I thank you both; you have given me much to ponder. I am so grateful to have you as cousins but equally grateful to have you as friends. I believe I will take a long walk and gather my thoughts; I do have some experience with tactics and strategy. I need to determine how to best apply those skills to wooing the woman of my dreams. Tell Georgiana I will return tomorrow to see her.”

  “Richard, we have every confidence that you will be successful in winning her heart. If there is anything we can do, please do not hesitate to ask.” Richard bowed and kissed Elizabeth’s hand before leaving Darcy House.

  When Richard returned home after his talk with the Darcys, Lady Matlock informed her son that she was having a dinner party the following night. She told him that there would be three outstanding young women in attendance and asked him to be on his best behavior. “Madam, I am not a child you must tell how to behave. I am a grown man with a mind of my own.”

  “I am very aware of that fact, but I think you need to be more open to new ideas and new people.”

  “I will try my best to be an obedient son tomorrow night.”

  “I also accepted an invitation on your behalf to attend Lord and Lady Townsend’s Ball which is shortly after Georgiana’s debut. You know that Lady Townsend and I have been friends since we were in school. I believe the Darcys are also planning to attend. My dear son, attending a private ball is not the end of the world and if you so desire, you can always join your cousin and stand against the wall of the ballroom with a scowl on your face. Although, I must say, being married to Elizabeth has helped Darcy become a more sociable person.”

  “I will attend the dinner party tomorrow night and the party at the Townsend’s, but I will not be forced to attend any other events. I love you, Mama, but I am fully capable of finding myself a wife. Good day, my lady.”

  Richard entered the drawing room at Matlock House and noticed that all of the dinner guests had already arrived. These people must be desperate to find husbands for their daughters if they arrive before the appointed time on their invitations. Lady Matlock noticed Richard’s entrance and was quickly by his side. She took his arm and walked him around the room and introduced him to all their guests. Shortly after the introductions were made, a footman entered the room to announce that dinner was served.

  One of the outstanding young women he had just met was quickly at his side. She placed her hand on his arm and he forced a smile as he escorted Lady Amelia Stafford into dinner. Once they entered the dining room, Richard noted where he and Lady Amelia were seated. I see that it was no coincidence that I escorted her; I am also seated next to Lady Amelia. My mother and her matchmaking! She must think Lady Amelia is the top choice of the potential wife candidates tonight!

  As soon as she and Richard were seated, Lady Amelia began the conversation. “Mr. Fitzwilliam, your mother was telling me about your bravery and leadership while you were serving in His Majesty’s Army. Do you miss the army? Do you enjoy being a gentleman farmer? I imagine there is not much your two vocations have in common. I do like a man in uniform; all the ribbons and medals are so colorful. And the gold buttons, my goodness, they take my breath away.” I am utterly delighted Mama seated me next to this woman. She does not seem to come up for air and it leaves me free to enjoy my dinner without having to say a word. The remainder of the evening was much the same, but Richard was true to his promise of listening and smiling politely to the very talkative and inquisitive Lady Amelia.

  When all their guests had left for the night, Lady Matlock took Richard’s arm as they walked back to the drawing room. “You seemed to have enjoyed your time with your dinner companion; I seated her next to you because I thought you two would suit more than the other ladies I invited. Do you think there is any future for you and Amelia?”

  “Mama, Lady Amelia is a magpie; she did not stop talking for the entire meal. She asked me question after question but never stop speaking long enough to allow me to answer. I think her questions were rehearsed and she was so unsure of herself, she just kept asking them. I am sorry to disappoint you, my lady, but I will not be calling on Lady Amelia tomorrow or any other day. I thank you for the effort, but I am quite tired and bid you goodnight.” Richard kissed his mother’s cheek and left the room.

  Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana exchanged reassuring smiles as they waited by the front door for the Matlock carriage to arrive. Georgiana looked beautiful, but her Court dress was the most elaborate, over-enhanced garment any of them had ever seen. Elizabeth knew she would never feel comfortable wearing the feather covered headpiece that Lady Matlock had chosen for her sister. She said a silent prayer of thanks that Aunt Patricia was taking her sister to be presented at Court; sparing her from the additional ordeal of having to wear a dress and headpiece similar to Georgiana’s.

  Elizabeth had been presented at Court several years prior and she was dressed much more simply. The economic status of her family was far below that of the young woman standing anxiously beside her. Georgiana was so nervous before Lady Matlock arrived, that she refused to eat anything in fear she would be sick. When the Matlock carriage finally appeared, Darcy and Elizabeth walked outside with their sister to welcome Lady Matlock. They kissed their sister for luck and Elizabeth discreetly handed Lady Matlock a napkin containing some biscuits for Georgiana to eat on their return.

  When it was time for them to enter the Court, her Aunt Patricia said, “Just remember one thing, never turn your back on royalty. Curtsy once when you enter the room, once when you are standing before their Highnesses and once more as we exit.” Georgiana felt she might faint at any moment, but she frequently looked at her aunt for guidance and got through her presentation without a mistake. Upon entering the Matlock carriage for their return to Darcy House, Georgiana smiled and said, “Aunt Patricia, I cannot thank you enough for today and all you did to prepare me. I am so relieved it is over; now I feel I could eat an entire roast lamb!”

  The two women laughed, and Lady Matlock remembered the napkin Elizabeth handed her when they entered the carriage. “I believe Elizabeth was thoughtful enough to anticipate your hunger and sent these along.”

  She gave her niece the napkin and when Georgiana saw her favorite biscuits, she smiled brightly and said, “Lizzy is the best sister I could ever ask for. She and William are so happy, and it is so easy to see their love. I hope that one day I will meet someone who will make me as happy as W
illiam makes Lizzy.”

  “Elizabeth is a remarkable woman and I am so pleased that theirs is a true love match. I have no doubt that when the right man comes along, you will know it. Getting your brother to agree to granting your suitor a courtship or betrothal is another matter.” Lady Matlock smiled and looked out the carriage window for a moment. When she looked back at her niece, Georgiana was busily devouring the sweet treats that her thoughtful sister had sent along.

  Chapter 14

  Every day after her presentation to the Court, Georgiana and Elizabeth worked with Mrs. Winters, and Lady Matlock making sure that the night of Georgiana’s Ball would be perfect. There were frequent visits to the modiste, shoemakers and many other vendors to complete the list of Georgiana’s needs.

  Several days before the Ball, Elizabeth received two express letters from her sisters Jane and Catherine. Jane told her that she and Charles would not be able to come to London for Georgiana’s debut as planned. Maddie had a cold which had gotten worse and the doctor thought traveling to London would be detrimental to her condition. Elizabeth knew the Bingleys would not think of leaving their sick child for so long. Elizabeth also received a letter from her sister, Catherine, with the happy news was that she had given birth to a healthy baby girl named Jane Elizabeth. She was feeling well and was anticipating the Darcys’ return to Derbyshire, so they could meet their new niece. They sent their regrets and best wishes to the debutante.

  That evening while preparing for bed, Elizabeth told her husband about the news she had received from her family “I do not think we ever expected Catherine and David to accept our invitation so soon after Catherine giving birth. I am disappointed that Jane and Charles will be unable to join us, but I know we would do the same. Bennet has never been sick, but I know we would never think of leaving him if he was not well.”