“Thank you; I shall speak to my father and inform you as soon as possible. Please be certain that your kindness is greatly appreciated,” Elizabeth replied. She did not expect such an event, just as she did not expect such delightful conversation from a lady she just met. Briefly, it occurred to her that she might as well call it prejudice. She hastened to presume that a young lady whose grandfather was an earl must be proud and disdainful, so she was astounded to be proven wrong. She had barely learned her lesson since she had misjudged both Mr. Wickham and Mr. Darcy.
She breathed deeply to banish the disturbing thoughts, especially those with blue eyes, and she returned her attention to her companions.
“We hope to see you all soon,” Elinor concluded just before the visit ended.
“As do we,” Mrs. Gardiner answered both for her and her niece to the elder Mrs. Crampton’s complete joy. She immediately demanded from her son and daughter-in-law to be placed at the dinner table near the Gardiners and Miss Bennet and then inquired whether there would be any handsome young gentlemen in attendance with the chance for Miss Bennet to dance.
Elizabeth blushed, slightly embarrassed, and ensured the ladies that she was only desirous of their lovely company and had no plans for dancing. But Mrs. Crampton continued with her idea, completely ignoring her answer, and Elizabeth felt as though she were speaking to her dear mother. She abandoned any debate and listened in silence, wondering whether she had put any gowns in her luggage appropriate for such an event.
***
Elizabeth and her aunt returned to Gracechurch Street, discussing their visit and the upcoming invitation.
“I confess I was surprised by the young Cramptons’ kindness,” Elizabeth confessed.
“Well, my dear, they are kind and unpretentious indeed, but I suspect their invitation to a private dinner was more than that. Most likely, they realized it would not be a good image for them to have no guests from their side of the family, so we were the easiest choice. Either way, I am sure it will be a pleasant evening.”
“I trust your judgement, Aunt. If you say we should attend, I shall be happy to oblige. I am also a little curious to see the rest of Mrs. Elinor Crampton’s family. But if they all without fault, I shall have not a single chance of amusement!”
“Now, Lizzy, there are still flawed people in this world.” Elizabeth was cheered as her aunt went on. “I am not acquainted with the entire family, but I expect they will entertain many guests from the larger circle of relatives, so I believe you will not be disappointed. But we must be sure you have a proper gown for the dinner. We surely do not want to give them any reason for disapproval.”
“I do have the dress I wore at Rosings; if it was acceptable to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, it must be good enough for the Cramptons—would you not agree?”
Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Not necessarily, my dear. I must see it first. I cannot risk your meeting eligible young men improperly attired. Your mother would never forgive me.”
Elizabeth returned the smile. “I do not entertain the hope of raising anyone’s interest; my only desire is not to embarrass you and my uncle. And speaking of Uncle Gardiner, I wonder if he and Papa have returned home. How can I convince my father to tell me what troubles him?”
“He will—when the time is right. Until then, we must plan our outing tomorrow! I know precisely where we should go shopping; they have the most gorgeous dresses,” Mrs. Gardiner masterfully changed the subject one more time.
Chapter Twenty-One
The following morning, right before breakfast, a letter arrived from Longbourn for Elizabeth. She opened it eagerly as she recognized Jane’s handwriting and read the following.
Dearest Lizzy,
We are in good health, missing you and Papa. I pray that you are all well and enjoying your time in London.
There is something I must share with you, and I trust you will convince Papa to take immediate measures by writing to our mother right away. You will surely understand my urgency when you read what I have to tell you.
After you left, Mama once again received Mr. Wickham, who gave his farewell before marching to Brighton. Lydia has been in despair since she heard the news. Lizzy, you cannot imagine what happened next. You are aware that she befriended Mrs. Forster, the colonel’s wife, but what you do not know is that they have been inseparable for days. Yesterday, an invitation was offered for Lydia to accompany Mrs. Forster to Brighton as her personal companion with all the expenses paid. Both Lydia and Mama are beyond themselves with joy, so Lydia is already packing her luggage. Mama has given her consent, and she insists that Papa will not oppose it since it will cost him nothing. But I find it inappropriate for such a young girl to go by herself to a strange town far away from her family with no supervision in a place full of officers, parties, and balls. Kitty, who is much better after having her leg injured, wanted to accompany Lydia as well, but she has had no luck convincing anyone. There are continuous fights in our home, and Lydia is set to leave at the beginning of next week.
Lizzy, I wish you were here; I am sure you would have settled things properly. I am much weaker, and I can only hope that an express from Papa arrives to put an end to all this.
Elizabeth put the letter down, her anguish and preoccupation overwhelming her. No one, besides herself, knew of what Mr. Wickham was capable. Lydia’s infatuation with him was worrisome in Meryton, but it would become a real danger in Brighton. Her unguarded behaviour and lack of decorum were not to be trusted in the peace of their own home, let alone in a seaside resort. And how had Lydia become the best friend of Mrs. Forster in only a few days? If only she had spoken when she had the chance, this would not have happened. But what could have been said without jeopardizing the reputations of innocent people? Nevertheless, she knew she had to do something to impede this nonsense.
She went in search of her father and found him in the library with her uncle.
Briefly, she related to him the entire situation; her agitated state of mind was met with a stern expression on Mr. Bennet’s face.
“And what precisely do you expect from me, Lizzy?”
Surprise left her momentarily speechless. “I…it is just…you should write to Mama right away and forbid Lydia from leaving…”
“And why would I do that?”
“Why? But, Papa…you know that Lydia is young and unwise. She might do something to affect her and our family. Her behaviour has already caused disapproval and—”
“Whose disapproval, Lizzy? Did Lydia scare away some of your suitors?”
Elizabeth blushed and averted her eyes. “No, Papa, I am merely speaking in general. She should not be allowed to—”
“Lizzy, we both know that we would have no peace at Longbourn the entire summer with Lydia’s silly suffering over the regiment. I find it very fortunate that there is a solution that involves no effort on our part. She might make a fool of herself, but that is to be expected. Other than that, I see no danger. She will be in the colonel’s house, and he is a man of sense and education. If she were a rich heiress, I might worry for her, but she is too poor and too silly to tempt anyone. So let her amuse herself this summer.”
“But, Papa—”
“Lizzy, enough of this. I understand your concern, but my decision is made. I expect you to write to Longbourn and tell them I approve the plans. Now, please let me be. I have more difficult problems to worry about that could affect our family than Lydia’s improper behaviour.”
The harshness of his answer distressed Elizabeth. She watched her father pour a glass of brandy and her uncle not interfere in the matter. She remained there for another long moment and tried to inquire further, but both gentlemen rose to leave on their business. Elizabeth returned to her chamber, her heart aching. With trembling hands, she wrote her father’s answer, his angry, disturbing voice and his statement of the difficult problems affecting their family spinning in her mind.
Her disposition was ruined for the rest of the day. Therefore, when Mrs. Gar
diner asked her to prepare herself for shopping, she reluctantly accepted. She shared with her aunt the news of Lydia’s departure and was at least pleased to have her approval. However, Mrs. Gardiner did not accept Elizabeth’s plea the she insist on the matter to her father.
“Lizzy dear, you must learn to accept your father’s decision. He seldom refuses to comply with your wishes. If he did so now, he must have his reasons. Now, before we leave, show me what you want to wear to the dinner party.”
Mrs. Gardiner took a brief look at Elizabeth’s dress and declared it appropriate but insisted she needed some new gloves and offered to loan her a set of ruby jewels.
With no choices left and as little enthusiasm as possible, Elizabeth sealed and sent the letter, then prepared herself to join her aunt. She had no interest in any party or meeting new people. She had problems enough with the old ones.
***
Two hours and many packages later, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner were taking a final stroll around the shops when she heard a familiar voice calling her. She turned absently and saw the handsome figure of Colonel Fitzwilliam hurrying to her with a large smile on his face as he greeted her warmly.
“Miss Bennet! Such a wonderful surprise to see you in Town. I thought it might be you, but I needed to be sure before I approached you. How are you? I imagine you are well because you appear very well indeed.”
She smiled and curtseyed to him while her eyes quickly glanced around to see whether he was alone or there were others of her acquaintance with him.
“I am happy to see you too, Colonel. I am very well indeed—better now that I have the pleasure of seeing you,” Elizabeth replied lightly.
She then performed the introductions, and the colonel asked for permission to keep them company for a little while.
“Miss Elizabeth, how long will you be in London?”
“Only a couple of weeks; I am with my father, visiting my aunt and uncle. And you, sir? I imagined you would avoid London in such warm weather.
“My family is at our estate in the North. But I rather enjoy London in any weather. It is more vibrant and alive than any estate, even when there are so few acquaintances around. I prefer it to any other place.”
“I confess I enjoy London too,” Mrs. Gardiner added.
“I am glad to hear it; it is comforting to know you share my tastes, Mrs. Gardiner. My eldest brother is the same, but I remember Miss Bennet being attached to the countryside,” the colonel said.
“Indeed I am,” Elizabeth replied.
“Just as my parents and my cousin Darcy. It is a nightmare for him to be kept in Town.”
Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat, and despite the hot weather, she shivered at hearing the name that captured her heart and her mind.
She lowered her gaze, afraid to look at Colonel Fitzwilliam for fear he could read her distress. She wished to ask more about Mr. Darcy, but she dared not. The colonel continued to speak to Mrs. Gardiner then suddenly took his farewell.
“Mrs. Gardiner, Miss Bennet, I am afraid I have to leave you now as I am expected at a previous engagement. But I would like to call on you in the next days if it is not inconvenient. It would be my pleasure to also meet Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet.”
“We would be honoured, sir. We live on Gracechurch Street, at number ___”
“It will be a pleasure to have you visit us, sir,” Elizabeth confirmed. Then the colonel took a warm farewell and left, promising to see them again soon. Mrs. Gardiner was left with a most favourable impression. Elizabeth was left with a loudly beating heart and self-reproach for her lack of courage but also with the hope that, perhaps, the colonel might not call on them alone. However, she quickly banished such silly thoughts. Even if Mr. Darcy were still in London, he would surely do anything to avoid her. Under no circumstances would he be interested in seeing her again, let alone visiting a family in trade that lived near Cheapside.
““I met Colonel Fitzwilliam at Rosings Park when I visited my friend Charlotte,” Elizabeth said to her aunt on their way back home.
“Oh, yes, yes—I remember you briefly mentioned him to me. He is Mr. Darcy’s cousin, the second son of Lord Matlock, am I right?”
“Yes.”
“Such a pleasant, amiable gentleman. His manners are quite delightful.”
“True. I found him to be one of the most pleasant men I know,” Elizabeth admitted.
“Well then, it would be lovely to have him call on us. We shall have more time to talk to him then.”
“Dear Aunt, we should not entertain too high hopes of that. As I said, the colonel and I are mere acquaintances. He might very well have said so out of courtesy. I would not be surprised if he has already forgotten our conversation and shall never see us in Gracechurch Street.”
“That would be disappointing, my dear, but I do feel the colonel is a man of his word.”
“I am sure he is, but he did not make any promises; he only expressed his intention of doing so. Other engagements—more interesting, I suspect—may keep him busy. Let us not make plans based on this. I wonder whether my father and uncle have returned home. I hope and pray every day to see Papa his old self again.”
The discussion ended at that time, but its effects continued. The next two days passed in a state of uneasiness for Elizabeth. Her concern was torn between the notion of Lydia leaving for Brighton, her father’s worsening disposition, and self-reproach for not daring to ask the colonel a few words about Darcy. She was eager to know whether he was in Town, whether he was still thinking of their meeting, and most of all his opinion of her. She was also curious about whether Colonel Fitzwilliam had any news of Mr. Bingley. Elizabeth wondered whether the Colonel would keep his promise to call on them. If so, that would be the ideal opportunity to remedy her lack of courage and ask all the questions that troubled her.
The subject of Colonel Fitzwilliam kept Mrs. Gardiner’s interest too. It was also mentioned to Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet, informing them of a possible upcoming visit. Elizabeth was slightly uneasy about her uncle and aunt’s implying a closer connection between her and the colonel, and she struggled to put an end to any speculations from the beginning.
In preparation for dinner with the Cramptons, Elizabeth participated with little enthusiasm and Mr. Bennet not at all. The gentleman refused to attend, pretending he was tired and in no disposition to entertain strangers. As the others were committed to going, he decided to remain home by himself. Elizabeth suggested staying home too, but both her father and her aunt opposed that idea.
The evening of the party, Elizabeth’s spirit was no higher. She had some curiosity about the gathering and the guests, briefly wondering how they would be received and treated by the illustrious members of Mrs. Elinor Crampton’s family. However, the matter held little interest for her. After all, their opinion did not matter to her.
The Gardiners’ carriage stopped in front of a handsome building situated on Grosvenor Street.
Mr. Gardiner appeared to be familiar with the surroundings, and he helped the ladies to the main entrance. Inside, the sound of voices, the beautiful arrangements, the music, and the number of servants walking hurriedly down the hall showed Elizabeth that the notion of a “family dinner” had a different meaning for Elinor Crampton.
They had expected a rather small party, but more than thirty people were in attendance. Their hosts came to greet them, followed by the youngest Mr. and Mrs. Crampton, and a new round of introductions was performed.
The elder Mrs. Crampton approached, expressing her enthusiasm at seeing them. “My dear Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, how happy I am to see you. And Miss Bennet! You look lovely tonight.”
They responded with equal delight as Mrs. Crampton insisted Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner sit next to her on the settee in a corner, while the gentlemen invited Mr. Gardiner to join them for a drink.
The dining room’s doors were open and united its space with the drawing room, turning it into a ballroom large enough to accommodate thirty coupl
es. The flower arrangements added a trace of elegant beauty, matching perfectly the flawless appearance of both young Mrs. Cramptons, who walked in, followed by their husbands.
“My daughters-in-law are so beautiful, are they not?” Mrs. Crampton whispered.
“Indeed they are,” Mrs. Gardiner replied in a low voice.
“And my sons are so handsome! And such good young men! I am sure my husband would be proud,” the lady added, her eyes moistened by love.
“Mr. Crampton was always proud of his sons—and rightfully so,” Mrs. Gardiner agreed. “Marriages of affection and respect were all that was missing to complete their lives,” Mrs. Gardiner added. The conversation then turned towards other guests known to both ladies.
Elizabeth remained silent and roamed the room with her eyes. Indeed, both Mrs. Crampton’s sons appeared to have happy marriages, considering the frequent glances and smiles they exchanged with their wives. If Elizabeth had been uncertain of their reception from anyone whose situation in society was superior to theirs, no worries remained. There was nothing but kindness and friendliness between the Cramptons and her relatives.
With so many people, Elizabeth had not been introduced to anyone outside the family, so she watched everyone with curiosity. She met a few intrigued glances; surely, she was a point of curiosity for many in attendance.
Elizabeth startled and her eyes widened in surprise when, among the other gentlemen, she saw the astounded but joyful face of Colonel Fitzwilliam.
Confusion left her speechless, and she immediately looked back at her aunt—engaged in conversation with Mrs. Crampton—as the colonel walked towards her without hesitation. She smiled; she was genuinely pleased to see a familiar face, so when the colonel bowed to her, she was able to receive him graciously.
“Miss Bennet! This is truly the most extraordinary surprise! I would not have guessed you would be here for my life! How are you?”
“I am very well, sir. It is indeed a surprise,” Elizabeth added as the colonel greeted her companions.
Meant to Be: A Pride and Prejudice Variation Page 25