Elizabeth told me of your walks in the grove and how much she enjoyed your company. She mentioned you had risen in her estimation with each meeting, but then she mentioned how determined you were to keep Charles from her sister, and she again started to cry.
What is to be done? If you love her as ardently as you said last week, then you must start over. Since it is nearly a certainty her sister Jane will shortly become engaged, then you will have ample opportunity to see Elizabeth because you are Charles's closest friend. Show her you harbour no hard feelings because of her rejection and proceed from there. But you must court her, Will. You should not assume she will want to marry you just because of your fortune and position. If that was all she wanted, she would have accepted you at the parsonage. Go to Hertfordshire. Show her you regret the method of your proposal but not the making of it. If Elizabeth did not care for you, she would have shown defiance and not tears when I spoke to her in the garden.
Your devoted cousin,
Anne
After reading this letter, I felt sorrier for Anne than I did for Will. She had encouraged her cousin to stand up and fight for Elizabeth, not to concede defeat, and to go on the offensive. Yet, she was unable to stand up to her mother. Because she lived such a sad, lonely life, she was determined that at least Will would experience a love she would never know.
16 August—I have told Jane of Mr. Lacey's proposal, and to my surprise, she was surprised but little. She said his interest in me could not be mistaken, but she did not think he would act because of our different positions in society. She was sorry to hear I had rejected him because of the role he had played in separating Charles from her, saying that, in the end, it was George Bingham's influence that held greater sway. Jane added that it was when Charles saw me in Kent that he made the decision to force the issue with his brother. When George recognized the depth of his brother's feelings, he arranged for the meeting that won his approval for the marriage. Jane asked if I had feelings for Mr. Lacey, and I had to confess that I did. Until the night of his wretched proposal, I did not realize how much I had come to enjoy his company, and thought how terrible a thing it would be if I should never see him again.
Never see him again? Considering Charles and Jane would shortly announce their wedding plans, and that Will Lacey would almost certainly be asked to stand up for his friend, was there any doubt Will and Lizzy would meet again? Not really. Lizzy wasn't worried about not seeing Mr. Lacey again. She was worried about what would happen when she did.
Chapter 22
ON SEPTEMBER 10, 1792, Charles Bingham married Miss Jane Garrison in the Garrison's parish church. Apparently, it was at the wedding breakfast at Helmsley Hall where Lizzy and Will had their first opportunity to talk since that awful day at the parsonage.
11 September—I was very apprehensive about seeing Mr. Lacey again, but as soon as he saw me, he came over and asked after my health, as he always does. He directed my attention to his sister and Miss Desmet. Mr. Lacey said that, upon leaving Kent, he and his sister had gone to Montclair, as that is the place where his thoughts are clearest. What thoughts were those? Was he thinking of me and his failed proposal? I am sure his cousin acquainted him with our conversation in the garden. I wish I knew what he had said to Anne.
Mr. Lacey asked me to introduce him to Aunt and Uncle Sims, and I mentioned my uncle was in trade and resided on Gracechurch Street. Mr. Lacey said he was often in that part of London, as that is where George Bingham's office is. After we were back at Bennets End, Uncle told me that upon learning we were shortly to visit the Peak District, Mr. Lacey insisted we visit Montclair, and he informed me with great excitement that the estate is mentioned in Walton's The Compleat Angler. Apparently, there is no greater compliment. I should have nothing to be anxious about, as we have had that dreaded first meeting, and he was so nice to me.
22 September—I am to go to the Peak District, and Lucy is to go to Brighton as a guest of Col. Fenton and his wife. Papa says nothing can happen to Lucy since she will be under the protection of the colonel. To Papa's amusement, while discussing the militia, Mama told stories of the dances she had attended as a girl when her partners were also handsome officers. With his usual biting wit, Papa said, 'And one of those handsome officers went off to the colonies, where he was promptly dispatched by savages.' To which Mama replied, 'Not killed, dear, but died of dysentery.' I am still uneasy about Lydia, but everyone did have a good laugh.
Lizzy kept up her diary all during her trip. By the time her party had reached Derbyshire, she was thoroughly sick of visiting “great” estates and was looking forward to walking a mountain path. She wrote very little about her upcoming visit to Montclair, and I wondered if it was her way of putting off thinking about her reunion with Will Lacey.
11 October—I will never forget my first view of Montclair. The carriage came over a gentle rise, and there before us was this beautiful mansion all lit up for our arrival. The carriage stopped near a large fountain where we were assisted by servants in livery. I wore the same ivory dress I had worn to the ball at Helmsley Hall. It is the very best dress I own, but it was nothing compared to the finery worn by Georgiana and Anne. For the first time since we met, I heard Anne laugh. She is like a bird set free from her cage. Georgiana played the most beautiful instrument I have ever seen, a recent gift from her brother.
12 October—Georgiana invited us to join her at Montclair while the men went fishing. When they returned, Mr. Lacey suggested we all walk around the lake. Aunt and Uncle declined, and, of course, Anne could not join us. We had gone but five minutes when Georgiana said she thought she should go back to the house to keep Anne company. It was clear she had planned this all along, and I said as much to her brother, who found it amusing. We arrived at a sitting area where you can view the lake and the beautiful countryside. It was there that Mr. Lacey said in a very halting manner: 'When we were in Kent, my proposal, I mean, what I said, was offensive to you, and I wish to apologize.' I asked him if he regretted the proposal or just the manner in which it was delivered. He then laughed and smiled and said, 'I know I am forgiven, Miss Elizabeth, because you tease only your friends.' I told Mr. Lacey he was like a brother to Mr. Bingham, and because of that, we must always be friends. He looked at me very intently and said, 'I would hope we could be more than friends.' We continued our walk in silence, but he extended his arm, and I took it! I went to the inn that night quite pleased with how the day had gone. I will gladly return to this enchanted place. It must be enchanted. Look at the change in Mr. Lacey!
After touring the Peak District, Lizzy returned to Bennets End and almost immediately went to see Jane at Helmsley Hall, where she found her sister quite content in her new role as Mrs. Charles Bingham. When the Lacey party returned from Derbyshire, Jane and Charles hosted their first dinner party.
23 October—Mr. Lacey was most agreeable tonight. He asked about our tour of the Peak and Chatsworth after we left Montclair. As much as I enjoyed the remainder of our holiday, it was nothing to the three days we spent near his estate. Mr. Lacey said it was necessary for Georgiana to go up to London, so she might resume her studies. But more importantly, Lady Sylvia had written to Anne insisting she return to Kent for reasons of her health. What nonsense! Anne has never looked better and told me she spent a good deal of time out of doors on the terrace and frequently walked the gardens while at her cousin's home. I think being free of her mother has actually strengthened her.
Before the Second World War scattered everyone around the country and the globe, young people in my hometown who were dating would see each other, if not every day, at least once a week on Saturday night, so for more than three weeks to pass between Jane's dinner party and the next time Will Lacey was at Helmsley Hall seemed like an eternity to me. On the other hand, once they did get together, Lizzy was able to see Will every day because Jane had asked her sister to stay on at Helmsley Hall because she was feeling unwell.
24 November—Since Mr. Lacey's arrival at HH, we
have experienced very fine weather. As a result, Mr. Lacey and I have walked each morning in the park, and I have learnt so much about him and his family. From his description of his mother, it is hard to believe she was the sister of Lady Sylvia, their temperaments being quite the opposite, but Mr. Lacey defended his aunt, who was several years older than his mother and her brother, Viscount Devereaux. She had assumed the role of parent when their own mother had died. However, he admits that being in her company is very trying. He will get no argument from me on that!
25 November—Mr. Lacey informed me he is to return to London and asked if I would walk with him in the park. When we reached the top of a gentle slope, he placed his hat on the bench that is in a recess in the hedge. He then untied my bonnet and placed it on top of his hat. With no resistance from me, he took me in his arms and kissed me. It was not one kiss but many. I stupidly kept my hands at my side, and he took my arms and put them about his neck and kissed me again and told me he loved me. For one of the very few times in my life, I was speechless. That evening, while playing whist, I was unable to concentrate and played so badly that Jane asked if I was unwell. Before retiring, Mr. Lacey stopped me on my way upstairs and kissed me and held me tightly against him. He said if it were not for pressing business in London with George Bingham, nothing could compel him to leave Hertfordshire. He was gone at first light, and I watched his carriage until it disappeared down the London road.
When I read how Will had removed her bonnet so that he could kiss her, it was as erotic to me as if he had stripped her down to her chemise. At that time, touching an ungloved hand was considered to be sexy, so for Will Lacey to take off her hat so that he might kiss her, well, that got my heart beating.
The next diary entry Beth had copied out was no surprise. The reason Jane was unwell was because she was pregnant. Lizzy noted she had “never seen a man as delighted as Charles was upon hearing that he was to be a father.” But Charles and Jane were not the only ones who were jumping with joy.
4 December—I have received a letter from Mr. Lacey professing his love for me. He tells me how he cherishes that moment in the park when we first kissed. It seems Mr. Lacey and I are of similar minds. Whenever I have a spare moment, all I can think about is how he took me in his arms and kissed me. I had never been kissed before, and it made me quite lightheaded. George Bingham and he are to travel to France on business. I do not understand why it is necessary for them to go at this time when there is such violence in Paris and elsewhere in France. There was a report in the newspapers that the Duchess of Devonshire's carriage was attacked near Montpelier. It is best that I do not know where in France they are to go, as I am excessively worried without knowing the particulars.
Unfortunately for Lizzy, Will's visit to France would not be her only worry. The Garrisons were shortly to learn that Lucy had left Brighton with Waggoner. Lucy's stunt could very well have destroyed any chance Lizzy had of receiving a second offer of marriage from Will Lacey. Although I knew the outcome, I really sympathized with Lizzy because she was about to experience great uncertainty, something I was becoming increasingly familiar with.
16 December—Oh what sad news we have had! An express rider came Monday evening from Col. Fenton telling Papa that Lucy had run away with Mr. Waggoner. His men found them in London two days later at a lodging house under an assumed name. Col. Fenton went to London for the purpose of bringing Waggoner back to Brighton for disciplinary action and to restore Lucy to her family, but Lucy would not leave Waggoner! She does not see the harm in what she has done. Lucy is at present with Uncle Sims, and our father left this morning with Charles, who said he was confident his brother James, who is in London while George Bingham is in France, could be of some help. But for so many people to know of our troubles! All we can do now is to wait for news from London.
23 December—At Uncle's insistence, Papa has returned home, as arrangements have been made for Waggoner and Lucy to marry on Wed. in Uncle Sims's church. Papa believes Charles has laid out a good deal of money on his behalf to settle Waggoner's affairs. Since we do not have ready money, Papa has been forced to accept his son-in-law's generosity. Col. Fenton wrote to Papa to say a commission had been purchased for Waggoner in the regular army by a friend, and he is to report to a regiment in the North. Papa will not receive them here, and Mama, realizing Lucy's behaviour could harm the family if the details of her hurried marriage became known, agrees with him. Mama will meet them at the inn at Watford when they travel north. Celia and will go with her, but Mary refuses.
2 January—We met Lucy and Waggoner at the inn yesterday. Mama has aged ten years since this affair began and said little to Lucy and barely acknowledged Waggoner. I, too, had little to say, but Lucy more than made up for it. I was barely listening when she mentioned that Mr. Lacey had paid for Waggoner's commission. When I asked her why Mr. Lacey should involve himself in her situation, she said he was giving Waggoner his due because he had been denied a living promised to him by Old Mr. Lacey. I made no comment on this slander. I must write to Aunt Sims to find out the reason for Mr. Lacey's involvement in this sordid affair. But there is no one to ask why he did not inform me of his return to England. If Mr. Lacey ever intended to make another offer of marriage, the idea died this week in London.
Elizabeth's aunt's response was on lovely, pale pink, linen stationery, and in her tiny handwriting, Mrs. Sims wrote:
9 January 1793
Dear Elizabeth,
I must rely on your discretion regarding the matter of Lucy and Waggoner because Mr. Lacey did not wish for his role in this affair to become known, especially to your father. Your uncle has given me his permission to acquaint you with the particulars of the events in London. We are convinced it is because of you that Mr. Lacey became involved.
Col. Fenton delivered Lucy to our doorstep himself. He said Lucy was adamant that she would not leave Waggoner, and the colonel decided it was best to turn the matter over to her family. The poor man could not apologize enough for the unfortunate chain of events. He told us it has caused a rift between him and his wife. Apparently, Mrs. Fenton knew Lucy was expecting a proposal of marriage from Waggoner. The colonel would not have allowed it and would have sent your sister home immediately.
Your uncle was successful in convincing your father to return home where he could be of comfort to his family. He was to be pitied: one minute angry and the next in a state of despair. Under such circumstances, he would not have been helpful with negotiations with Mr. Waggoner, who was quite confident of an advantageous resolution. When your uncle arrived at the solicitor's office, Mr. Lacey and Mr. George Bingham were present. Mr. Bingham was attended by a large man, who sat behind him and said not a word. Waggoner presented his demands to Mr. Bingham, who set the paper aside without looking at it.
George Bingham stated that Waggoner's debts would be discharged in Brighton and Bennets End, a commission would be purchased, including uniforms, and Lucy would receive wedding clothes and an annuity from her father. With that, Mr. Bingham stood up and said that Waggoner would receive no additional money, and there would be no further demands made by him now or at any time in the future. He leaned over the table to get as close as possible to Waggoner and said, 'Bad things happen to bad people, Mr. Waggoner. I strongly urge you to reform and take care of your young wife.' Your uncle said when he stood up, the large man also stood up, and after this very threatening statement, they left. Waggoner said no more. The papers were signed and arrangements made for the wedding.
You asked why Mr. Lacey involved himself in our troubles. One of the reasons given was he felt obligated to do so because, if he had made known Waggoner's true character, this could not have happened. But more importantly, I believe he is in love with you. When he dined with us after all the legal issues were settled, he said not a word about what had happened that day but spoke only of our visit to Derbyshire and his visit to Helmsley Hall. I am sure Mr. Lacey will return to Hertfordshire after there has been time for wounds to he
al with one purpose in mind, and that is to see you.
Love,
Aunt Ruth
That was the last of the letters and diary entries, but Beth had also enclosed a note wrapping up the story.
Now for an explanation of how Lady Sylvia came to believe her nephew might make an offer of marriage to Lizzy, which Jane Austen told so dramatically in the novel. Shortly after the problems associated with Lucy's elopement were resolved, Anne traveled with Will Lacey to Helmsley Hall for a visit with Lizzy, Jane, and Charles. Upon her return to Desmet Park, Anne was very complimentary of the hospitality shown to her by the newly married Charles and Jane Bingham. That was when Anne told her mother she might shortly hear news of another marriage—that of her nephew and Elizabeth Garrison.
Lady Sylvia was on the road in a heartbeat. After verbally abusing Lizzy at Bennets End, as Jane Austen wrote about in P&P, she went directly to Helmsley Hall and lashed into her nephew. For once in her life, Lady Sylvia did not get her way. Will rode to Bennets End to apologize for his aunt's behaviour. Instead of breaking up the romance, Will asked Lizzy to marry him right then and there. Shortly thereafter, Elizabeth received a beautiful ruby ring as a symbol of their betrothal. They were married in St. Michael's Church in Crofton on May 20, 1793, and they had their wedding breakfast at Montclair in the company of their friends and family.
Searching for Pemberley Page 17