by Beth Massey
“Dr Parton, Georgiana drew a very beautiful crayon picture of the swans on the lake at her home when she was just a little girl. She gave it to my sister, and it is proudly hanging on the wall in her bedroom. I am so looking forward to visiting Pemberley.” She gave her soon-to-be-relative a playful poke. “This one takes after her mother who was also was an artist. Mr Darcy gave Lizzy a copy of a painting she did of the most beautiful stone cottage with a waterfall in the background—she treasures it and the shawl it was wrapped in more than anything.”
Kitty’s praise brought a smile to the younger woman’s face. “I hope you will come to visit me soon and together we could engage a master to improve our skills. I told Elizabeth I wanted to go back to drawing, but it would be so much more enjoyable to have a partner as I develop my skill.”
Elizabeth had shown Jane Mr Darcy’s bathtub the day before. The two sisters had gone exploring into his rooms and both were awed by the size of his tub. Jane was certain this must be like the one that Mr Bingley was planning to manufacture. The oldest Miss Bennet had listened without speaking during the conversation about drawing. Suddenly she was seized by an idea. “Kitty, would you be willing to draw a picture of Mr Darcy’s bathtub? Having such a rendering of it would allow me to convince Mr Bingley that my idea of showing its picture to potential buyers has merit.”
Kitty smiling at her sister’s confidence in her abilities readily agreed.
Richard told the gathering that his family would be arriving the next day and hoped in the course of the celebration all would meet them. Of course, it was Lady Eleanor that was chief among those he wanted to introduce.
His announcement reminded Darcy he had never explored why Richard had written to his father hinting at his marriage to Elizabeth. His anger at his cousin’s indiscretion resurfaced, and he resolved to talk to him about the matter.
After the ladies had left for yet another shopping trip, Darcy invited his cousin into his office for a conference. It was obvious to Richard that his cousin was annoyed about something, and he suspected he knew the source of the anger.
Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled a chair up across from Darcy’s desk, leaned back and put his feet up on the highly polished walnut top. His cousin glared at him, stood and pushed his feet off with a growl. “Not only are you indiscreet, but you have developed crude habits since you have been in the military. I am sure your mother does not allow you to put your dirty boots on her furniture. The indiscretion, however, must have been an inherited trait. I cannot imagine officers are taught to reveal military plans to the enemy.”
Richard’s suspicions of the source of Darcy’s anger were now confirmed. He chuckled to himself at how wrought up his cousin could become over the most trivial matters. “So are you saying you see my parents as the enemy?”
“Of course not, but I am certain your father will communicate with Aunt Catherine. You do remember how rude she was to Elizabeth at Easter? I think even then she saw her as a rival for Anne.”
“Cousin, any woman with a pulse in your presence would be considered a rival to Aunt Cathy.”
“Yes, but she was particularly impolite in her questioning of Lizzy. Perhaps in another bout of talkativeness you revealed to our aunt that I was attracted to Mrs Collins’ friend.”
Richard chuckled at his cousin’s accusation, “How could I have told her you were attracted? I did not know for certain you were. You did seem to walk out every morning with the intention of meeting up with Miss Elizabeth in her favourite haunts. Then there was the look of delight on your face during your verbal jousting… that was there for everyone to see. However, sometimes it seemed as though the two of you truly had differences, and the tone became less like play jousting and more like actual fighting.”
Darcy shook his head in frustration even though he knew on this point his cousin was correct. Even Elizabeth had been taken unaware that day at Lady Catherine’s Grecian Temple. Still, he refused to let Richard off the hook, “If not for you and your loose lips, I might be married now… instead of worrying that once again the beast of Elizabeth’s misgivings will rear its ugly head, and she will call off the wedding. She recently voiced her apprehension that my family will not approve of her.”
“What did I do to keep you from being married?”
“The day I proposed in Kent…”
Richard looked both amused and stunned at his cousin’s news and interrupted him.
“You proposed in Kent?”
“I did, and she refused.”
A snort of laughter was released by the colonel, “Well that explains your abominable ill humour during our return to London. You are rich. Some say you are handsome. What were her reasons?”
“Chief among her reasons was my role in separating Bingley from her sister.” Darcy knew this was not precisely conclusive, but he did not want to reveal all the epithets that were hurled that day. “I have learned it was from you she had just received that intelligence.”
Richard’s face reflected something other than mirth. “How interesting you did not learn of the other topic we discussed that morning. Had I acted on my feelings, you might not have had even a remote chance of meeting Miss Elizabeth at the altar.”
This conversation was not going as Darcy had hoped, and the look on his cousin’s face appeared to contain a bit of rivalry, “What do you mean?”
Richard still sporting a semi-serious look challenged his cousin as he said, “We talked of marriage that morning. The thought of proposing to her had been on my mind for several days. She was a woman with whom I believe I could have been content… nay, more than content… I am certain I would have found great enjoyment in her company.” Darcy saw a flicker of passion on his cousin’s face that enhanced the jealousy he had begun to feel. But the touch of lust he detected was soon replaced by a boastful look of resolve, “On the other hand, as I explained to her that day, I was poor and it was through marriage that I hoped to be relieved of my state of self-denial and dependence.”
Darcy was struck by the crassness of Richard’s words, and he compared his own fears and anxiety as he had prepared himself to propose to her that morning in Kent. Listening to his cousin caused him to feel sadness for Elizabeth and for all women. Their lot was to wait, and hope an offer would come from a man worth having, “What did she say to this talk?”
“She laughed and questioned whether the younger son of an earl knew much of either self-denial or dependence. In the course of our conversation, she expressed disbelief that I had been prevented by want of money from going wherever I chose or procuring anything I fancied. Obviously, it became my lot to spell out the difficulties in pursuing a marriage of affection. My intentions were never specific with regards her, but I did tell her outright that younger sons cannot marry where they like.” Colonel Fitzwilliam was back to enjoying the humour of his exchange with Miss Elizabeth, “I will always remember her wry response. ‘Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.’ Our discussion had a foot in the camp of both philosophy and nonsense.”
Darcy was able to relax once her jesting words were relayed, “How so?”
“After I stated that few in my position could afford to wed without some attention to money, she blushed seeming to know my intent but quickly recovered. Her talent for delivering barbs laced with sugar was evident immediately. She asked and answered the question as to the price of an earl’s younger son. After qualifying the need based on the health of the elder brother, she determined that if he were robust, it certainly could be as much as fifty thousand pounds.”
Darcy could not help himself. He laughed. His Elizabeth was as the virtuous woman in Proverbs… her price truly was far above rubies. He relaxed when he realized his cousin, despite his glib charm, had never had a chance to win her. For a few seconds, he smiled dreamily off into space; but soon he came back to the problem at hand. The conversation had strayed from his original purpose, “Richard, I need to prepare for what I fear will be a confrontation with
your father. I am certain his trip to London includes the need to question me about my attachment. What exactly did you tell him about Elizabeth?”
“I told him you seemed quite taken with her and I expected a betrothal soon. Besides telling me of your admiration when we met upon your return from Derbyshire, the evidence of the depth of your devotion was obvious when I observed your actions with regards her sister. Cousin, you were proclaiming your blame for the dilemma—because you had not checked Wickham’s dealings with the young women of Hertfordshire. However, it was clear to everyone that your regard for Miss Elizabeth was at the heart of your actions. I wanted my mother and father to know that you were poised to achieve the happiness they had wished for you since the death of your parents. They are not the enemy, Darcy. Elizabeth will be able to win them over easily.”
The words of Richard’s response were designed to reassure, but they also betrayed a bit of defensiveness. Darcy felt the need to continue his probe, “Did you mention Lord Colton and Lydia in your letter?”
His cousin shook his head in exasperation when it became clear Darcy was not ready to let the subject drop, “My letter was written shortly after Miss Lydia’s rescue, and you had just begun meeting with her father. It seemed obvious you were requesting permission to court Miss Elizabeth. Lord Colton and Lydia had not yet met.”
The nature of Darcy’s apprehension became clear with his next statement. “I fear the news of Lydia’s elopement and quick betrothal will raise concerns for the earl with regard gossip about our family. Lady Catherine has a history with the Earl of Blessing, and I am worried she will become inflamed for other reasons than just my being removed as a husband for Anne.”
Richard nodded at his cousin’s words. “My father has talked of Lord Blessing over the years. They know each other from the House of Lords, of course, but it sounds as though they were friends at one time during their youth. All the great Derbyshire families seemed to have spent much more time in company during that age. Our generation has not been as close. Although I wish we had. Perhaps, I would have already won the hand of the beautiful Lady Eleanor. I only became friends with her brother at Mrs Teasewell’s.”
Darcy decided to ignore Richard’s attempt to divert the conversation in the direction of his matrimonial pursuit. He needed to determine the nature of the grilling he should expect from his uncle. “Does your father know that Mrs T is Lord Colton’s aunt?”
Richard’s face once again reflected his natural tendency to bleed information. “Yes, it was during a conversation about her establishment that I learned they had known each other years ago. He told me she was the sister of the Earl of Blessing.”
With a smirk, Darcy said, “I see a familial pattern of indiscretion here.”
“Darcy you judge us too harshly. During this particular discussion, he was not gossiping but was detailing the reasons he sent James and me to her place at your father’s suggestion. He was convinced it would protect us from unscrupulous women, and allow us to marry for the right reasons.”
Shaking his head, Darcy’s smirk melted into disdain, “And what would those right reasons be?”
“My father is not as big a proponent of marriage for love as your father was, but he is not without the belief that a successful marriage should be about more than just status and connections.”
This time an audible chuckle was heard from Darcy, “I see you left out money. What prompted such a discussion?”
“We were discussing marriage shortly after I had been promoted to Captain. At the time, I was infatuated with Bella, and he became frightened when I told him I wanted to find someone just like her to marry. My confession prompted his need for frankness. I believe he feared I might act in a rash manner, and enter into a secret marriage with her.” Richard laughed at his youthful infatuation, “I believe the Curzon Street location of the house made him jump to that conclusion. Darce, the other thing we talked about is, I am sure, going to make you angry. In my defence, I told him you also thought very highly of her.”
Darcy looked startled at his cousin’s words, “You said what?” He stood up and began pacing the room. “Richard, have you no sense of what is appropriate to say about others. You had no right to tell your father about my supposed feelings for Bella.”
“Darcy you are over reacting. All I did was tell him how we both thought she looked like Titian’s Venus that we had seen in Florence, and nonsense about our certainty she was the living manifestation of the goddess… and how talented she was in the use of her mouth.”
Darcy stopped pacing and looked at his cousin as though he was daft, “Richard, I was sixteen years old when I said those things.”
Richard knew he was guilty, but the military man in him refused to concede. “Yes, but you have also told me she became your friend over the years.”
This time he received a glare from his cousin, “Richard, how did you jump from friendship to insinuating romantic feelings?”
With a bit of a whine the colonel said, “I just told him you thought highly of her.”
Once again, shaking his head in exasperation at his cousin’s refusal to surrender he said, “Yes, immediately after you told him you wanted to marry someone like her who had such a talented mouth.”
“Darcy, I am sorry. It was many years ago, and I was trying to dig myself out of a hole with my father. I used you in an attempt to persuade my father that neither of us had any true matrimonial plans for Bella. He has always believed you to be more aware of duty and obligations.”
Settling on a pained expression Darcy ended the topic. “I certainly hope you managed to persuade him of your point. This conversation has left me with such a feeling of dread that your indiscretion will lead to my hopes and dreams being delayed once again.”
The Earl of Elderton and his family arrived in London on Friday, two days after the celebratory dinner at Blessing House. Richard was summoned home to dine with his parents and brother and sister-in-law. He was hoping his parents would not be offended if he planned to continue to stay at Blessing House. Where he slept was not his concern, as much as maintaining the right to breakfast each day at Darcy House. He had grown accustomed to spending time with all the lovely young ladies, and of course he was truly inspired by the thought of eating his first meal of the day with Lady Eleanor, the goddess of the hunt.
Colonel Fitzwilliam soon learned that his cousin’s fears were about to be realized. His Aunt Catherine and Cousin Anne were descending upon his father’s London townhouse the very next day. Her letter had been waiting for the earl. It had declared that the reputation of their family was at stake, and Darcy must be stopped.
After dinner, the Earl of Elderton met with both his sons to discuss the rapidly approaching wedding of Fitzwilliam Darcy.
Once the three gentlemen were comfortably seated and had helped themselves to brandy, their father began questioning his youngest. “Why would your aunt see this marriage as disastrous to our family’s name? Who is this girl?”
Richard’s loyalties in this matter were with his cousin. He put on a serious military face and looked his father in the eye. “Her name is Elizabeth Bennet. She is a gentlemen’s daughter. Her father’s family has had a modest estate in Hertfordshire for more than a century. I met her last year at Easter when she was visiting Hunsford. She is cousin to Mr Collins, Lady Catherine’s parson, and is best friends with his wife.”
The earl’s gaze was calm as he evaluated his son’s words and face for any sign of trouble. “I must admit Darcy’s need to get married so quickly does make it appear that something is amiss. I received your letter and initially had thoughts of joy for my nephew; but his speed to wed… my sister’s concerns make me wary that there is more than meets the eye with this affair. Luckily we were planning to spend a few months in London.”
The Earl of Elderton and the Viscount Lillebridge watched as Richard’s face shifted out of his serious bearing into an expression of hope. “This woman is perfect for Darcy. You will know as soon as
you meet her. She has brought out the spirit of fun in him I remember from when we were boys. For the last ten days or so, I have been spending time with both her family and Lord Colton’s. The honour of being allowed to be part of their ranks as they prepare for the weddings has been all mine. You will not believe how changed Georgiana is from spending time with Miss Elizabeth and her sisters.”
His lordship had a momentary look of alarm on his face at his son’s last statement. “Changed, in what way?”
Richard chuckled inwardly at his father’s fearful expression. What did he think this gaggle of young women staying at Darcy House could have done to his beloved baby sister’s daughter? “She is significantly less shy and withdrawn. Darcy and I were quite worried about her after the debacle at Ramsgate. Relating to Miss Elizabeth and her sisters has given her a much-needed woman’s perspective on her troubles. They are all protective of her, and she has become the sixth sister. She smiles, she participates in conversations, she acts the hostess and she laughs. In fact, laughter seems to be the order of the day when I am around these families.”
Richard’s brother James, the Viscount Lillebridge, spoke for the first time. “I have seen the notices in the paper. This Miss Elizabeth Bennet’s sister is marrying Lord Colton at the same time. How did both of these weddings come about so quickly?”
Richard pondered whether he should tell his father and brother about Lydia’s elopement with Wickham. His conversation with Darcy had made him hesitant, after being labelled indiscreet. However, Darcy had said that Mr Collins had been sent by their aunt to chastise Mr Bennet for the licentious behaviour of his daughter. In the course of delivering his message, Mrs Bennet had told him of the double wedding and its participants. Mr Collins would keep nothing from Lady Catherine. When she arrived the next day his father would most certainly and most vehemently hear her side of the story. After much internal debate, he decided to tell the truth of what happened between Lydia and Wickham and her subsequent betrothal to Lord Colton. He studied his father and brother’s faces as he told his tale. Since he was being asked about both weddings he decided to start at the beginning with what he knew of Darcy’s meeting Miss Elizabeth in Hertfordshire.