“Truly?” Darcy chuckled once more, a knowing expression crossing his countenance. “I remember Bennet telling you on our wedding day that he had come to realize Jane was more like Elizabeth than he had previously known.”
Bingley sat forward. “Then how do you respond when Elizabeth behaves in such a fashion?”
“Normally I kiss her.” Darcy barked out a laugh, and then downed his drink. “Come! You have distracted me from my worries long enough; I must see to my wife. For all I know she has begun loading crates herself in order to rush your move along.”
Bingley laughed at the picture which entered his mind and set his glass aside. “In a minute. Do you know what today is?”
Darcy’s brow furrowed. “Thursday?”
“No, the date. It is the 26th of November. A year ago today I held a ball.”
“And I am most grateful to you for doing so.” A mischievous grin spread across Darcy’s countenance. “Indeed, I believe I feel the urge to dance coming upon me. Shall we find our wives?” he asked as he pushed out of his chair.
“After you,” Bingley said as he stood and bowed to his friend. “Does Miss Darcy know any waltzes, by chance?”
“But of course, she plays for us frequently. Mrs. Darcy and I have become quite adept at the dance.”
“Another benefit of moving to Derbyshire.” Bingley clapped his friend on the back as they made their way to the door. “I believe the hammering has ceased. Perhaps all the crates are sealed and ready to go.”
“Or our wives have decided to rest and sent the workers to their midday meal.”
The gentlemen made their way to the drawing room where they discovered Mr. and Mrs. Bennet had arrived. Mary Lucas nee Bennet was still on her wedding trip, a gift from her eldest sisters, and the youngest sisters had returned to school the next day following the wedding ceremony. The remaining Bennets had taken to visiting Netherfield, either together or separately, on a daily basis.
Though Bingley liked his in-laws, he and Jane had not yet reached their first anniversary and desired more time alone. Mr. Bennet never stayed long, but Mrs. Bennet had to be reminded when it was time to leave. It was clear the woman missed her daughters and needed something to fill her days.
“Ah, Fitzwilliam,” Elizabeth’s eyes shone as they sought out her husband. “I was just telling Mama about the tenants’ school. Do you think Meryton would benefit from something similar?”
Bingley caught the quick exchange between husband and wife and realized the two had discussed this topic previously.
“I believe it would.” Darcy turned toward Mrs. Bennet. “Perhaps when you come to Pemberley for Elizabeth’s confinement I can take you on a tour.”
“Do you think I am capable?” Mrs. Bennet asked, looking toward her husband.
“You raised five girls and saw three of them well settled, did you not? I believe you are quite capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to, my dear.” Mr. Bennet winked knowingly at his second daughter.
“It would be nice to have something to do,” Mrs. Bennet said before falling silent as she contemplated the suggestion.
“Have you heard from Kitty or Lydia?” Elizabeth asked her father.
Lydia Bennet never fully accepted that Wickham did not love her and rebelled under the hand of any governess. When the fourth one resigned in as many months, and it was confirmed the man was on a ship bound for the sub-continent, Mr. Bennet decided she must go to school where she would see her insignificance in the societal rankings. Kitty was given the choice to go or remain at Longbourn, and chose to accompany her sister. Lydia wrote infrequently and then only to request funds, but Kitty was more reliable.
“Kitty tells me they arrived back to school in a timely and uneventful manner. Have you seen her drawings?” Mr. Bennet smiled broadly. “I believe she has quite a talent for it. One might even be used in a novel or such at some time.”
“How would Kitty’s work become part of a novel?” Mrs. Bennet scoffed. “She does have quite the talent, though. I suspect she shows such interest because the painting master is a handsome young man.”
“Oh, Mother.” Jane rolled her eyes. “Kitty has always had a talent for drawing. She has written to me on the subject several times and never mentioned the painting master beyond complaining that he smells of turpentine.”
Bingley glanced toward Darcy before taking a seat beside Jane. “Elizabeth, I believe you are glowing.”
Elizabeth laughed as she ran a hand over her stomach. “I believe I have become accustomed to the cooler temperatures in Derbyshire and feel as though I am melting in the warmth here in Hertfordshire. But I thank you for turning my state of inelegance into a compliment, Charles.”
Bingley’s cheeks warmed. “Is everything packed?” he asked as he turned toward his wife. “It sounded as though you and Elizabeth were quite busy earlier.”
“Lizzy! Please tell me you were not helping Jane pack.” Mrs. Bennet’s hand flew to her chest as her eyes bulged. “You should be reclining with your feet raised. I do not understand why you came to Hertfordshire at all in your condition.”
Bingley fought the urge to roll his eyes as he realized he was putting his foot in it no matter what he said.
“Now, Mrs. Bennet.” Mr. Bennet laid his hand upon his wife’s and patted it gently. “Lizzy has never been a delicate flower. I am certain she will be insisting on walking about the park at Pemberley until Darcy locks her in her room.”
“A thing I have been tempted to do on more than one occasion,” Darcy replied as he took Elizabeth’s hand in his.
The man was angled so that his in-laws could not see his expression, but Bingley read the raw look in Darcy’s eyes. He felt his cheeks warm and he turned toward Jane once more. She also appeared affected by the other couple’s obvious passion for one another.
Mrs. Bennet continued, not noticing the discomfited silence which had descended upon the room. “Well, I hope you do so sooner than later, sir. She must come to understand her role as Mistress of Pemberley. She is no longer a young country girl without a care in the world. She must take care of your needs and those of your growing family.”
Darcy’s cheeks turned scarlet and Elizabeth was unable to suppress a giggle, though she did hide it with a dainty cough.
“You see?” Mrs. Bennet was suddenly overcome by an old set of nerves. “She has been exposed to dust; I am certain of it. She will take ill and be unable to return to Pemberley; and now Jane and Mr. Bingley have given up the lease on Netherfield and the new tenants are ready to take it. You must all come to Longbourn. I will have Hill ready your rooms.”
“Mrs. Bennet.” Mr. Bennet’s voice was soft and he squeezed her hand. “Lizzy is well. I believe you simply wish for your daughters to be under your roof once more.”
His wife sniffed, a small pout appearing. “It is all so difficult. Lydia and Kitty away at school and first Lizzy, now Jane, moving to Derbyshire.”
“But Mary is still here. John Lucas has taken the position with your brother Philips and they will not be leaving the area. We have discussed this before. Most likely he will inherit the business.”
“Oh, Mr. Bennet, I just feel useless.” Tears filled Mrs. Bennet’s eyes and Jane quickly rushed to her mother.
“Oh, Mama, you must not say that. Lizzy’s idea for a tenant school is a good one. I believe you would do very well keeping it in order.” She glanced toward Bingley as if in apology. “And I am certain you will be travelling to Derbyshire frequently as … I am also expecting.”
Mrs. Bennet’s eyes widened and her mouth hung agape. “But … but you are moving away? Why did you not tell me?”
“I wanted to be certain.” Jane looked like a penitent child. “I did not want to raise your hopes for naught.”
“Oh!” Mrs. Bennet embraced her first born. “You are with child! My dear Jane.” She leaned back and laid a hand upon her daughter’s stomach. “How long have you known? Have you felt the quickening?”
Jane laughed. “Not long ago. Charles cannot yet feel it.”
“Mr. Bingley!” His mother-in-law turned stern eyes upon him. “How could you keep this from us and then plan to move my girl so far from me?”
Bingley knew not how to respond, but Mr. Bennet rose to the occasion, quite literally. His father-in-law stood and called for something stronger than tea to toast the momentous happenings.
“Mrs. Bennet, I thought we understood the reasons for the children’s move. Our daughters will be near one another; their children will be raised together.” Mr. Bennet laid his hand upon her shoulder. “Unlike poor Miss Lucas, I mean Mrs. Collins, who is subjected to Lady Catherine’s constant interferences, (forgive me, Darcy); our grandchildren will grow surrounded by love and laughter.”
Darcy nodded his agreeance and showed no offense.
“But you dislike travelling, Mr. Bennet. You know you do!” She sniffled. “I will never see them.”
“Mrs. Bennet, you know perfectly well I disliked travel in a carriage filled with silly women. With three daughters wed and two away at school, I believe I could manage an annual trip to Derbyshire.”
“Truly, Mr. Bennet?” she asked him hopefully.
“And with two daughters in the area, we could stay longer between the two homes.” He gave his sons-in-law a mirth-filled glance.
Darcy and Bingley both chimed in their agreement before looking to their wives for affirmation. Elizabeth and Jane were not quite as enthusiastic, but assured their mother she would be welcome in their homes whenever they travelled to the North Country.
Mrs. Nicholls entered with a maid close behind carrying a tray of glasses and a bottle of champagne. Glasses were poured and passed around until everyone held one aloft and Mr. Bennet stepped into the middle of the room.
“A toast to my beautiful daughters and their husbands. In this past year, they have learned the art and benefit of compromise in a successful marriage. May their children teach them the joys of patience and tolerance.”
A wicked grin flickered across Bennet’s countenance, but Bingley was pleased to have peace once more. “Here, here,” he cried and all drank.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Bronwen Chisholm grew up in Central Pennsylvania, the youngest of four sisters. Though she was not introduced to Jane Austen’s work until later in life, she grew up reading the Bronte sisters, Gone With the Wind, and other classics as well as watching vintage Hollywood movies. Her love of books and literature could have led her to a career as a librarian. Instead, life and love carried her to Virginia where she took a position as a state employee and began raising her family.
As her children grew and became involved in their own interests, Bronwen returned to her love of the written word. No longer content to simply read it, she began writing. Though the first attempts ended up on a shelf, she would not be discouraged. Finally confident enough to take the step to publish, Bronwen was thrilled with the acceptance of her first offering, The Ball At Meryton: A Pride and Prejudice Alternative Novella.
Her love of writing has led her to several writing groups, including The Virginia Writer’s Club, Lake Authors, and James River Writers. She is currently serving as the Vice President of The Riverside Writers and advises the Riverside Young Writers.
Bronwen will be returning to her women’s fiction, but hopes to continue writing Regency romance also. For more information, visit her website at www.bronwenchisholm.com.
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