by Lauren King
Jane feels such embarrassment in front of William for her Mother’s announcements. Jane immediately says, “Mama, those are Lizzy’s engagement jewels; I am not going to wear them. They have a special meaning to them; they are not just jewels. I will wear Aunt’s gold flowers; they are very pretty.”
“Oh Jane, they are nothing compared to the rubies. You must wear the rubies to impress Mr. Morgan’s family.” Mrs. Bennet starts to flutter her handkerchief around with annoyance that Jane does not understand that she needs to impress her potential future in-laws. “Lizzy cannot wear both sets of jewels; she cannot be that selfish not to let you wear them.”
Elizabeth has no words for her Mother. She is simply shocked – again! Her eyes roll upwards as she slowly takes in calming breaths in utter mortification.
Darcy is stunned. Mrs. Bennet did not ask Elizabeth to let Jane wear her jewelry; she demanded that Jane wear Elizabeth’s engagement jewelry – period. Darcy is staggered at the denseness of this woman who is the mother of his intelligent, clever, kind, thoughtful, considerate, beautiful betrothed; what polar opposites she is to Elizabeth. He really hopes that none of their children will ever inherit anything biological from Mrs. Bennet; it would be too cruel. That is it; Darcy will never extend an invitation for Mrs. Bennet to visit any of their homes. If Elizabeth wishes to invite her Mother, then he will express his extraordinary displeasure, but he will not force it upon Elizabeth. As long as Mrs. Bennet has no chance of negatively influencing his children, then he may, DISCONTENTEDLY, allow her to come for a very short visit, just to please Elizabeth. He greatly hopes that Elizabeth will not invite her Mother to visit them.
Mrs. Gardiner can no longer hold her tongue, but she still has to be articulate about it so as not to outwardly offend Mrs. Bennet. She really would like to speak her true mind to her sister-in-law but she better not, for now. She pities Elizabeth. “Sister, I do not think that Lizzy not wearing her rubies is the point. Everyone knows that those rubies are her engagement rubies; Jane cannot try to pass off Lizzy’s engagement jewels as her own.” Mrs. Gardiner states logically then she turns to Jane. “You look lovely with my gold flower jewelry, Jane.”
“Thank you, Aunt. I adore this set of yours.” Jane says appreciatively as she holds her Aunt’s arm.
At this moment, Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner walk into the drawing room to hear Mrs. Bennet insist that Jane wears the rubies.
“No one will know that these are the same rubies as Lizzy’s engagement rubies. I am certain Lizzy has not worn them much. Furthermore, gentlemen do not pay attention to ladies’ jewelry, so Mr. Morgan will not know that these are Lizzy’s jewelry. You need to wear them, Jane so you can stand out more. You need to capture the attention of everyone around you to impress Mr. Morgan and to show his family what a privilege it is for him to court you. You are the beauty of Hertfordshire, and he is lucky to have you. You must display that advantage. There may be other wealthier gentlemen there, and if Mr. Morgan does not feel that he wants to further your courtship very soon, then you should move on to the other gentlemen. Therefore, you will have to make a stunning impression on those other rich gentlemen tonight, too. I am not worried that you will not be courted immediately if Mr. Morgan does not work out.” Mrs. Bennet expresses herself easily. This is common knowledge to attract a husband; Jane has to stand out even more when dealing with rich men.
Jane, Elizabeth, Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Kitty, and Mr. Bennet stand there staring in disbelief at Mrs. Bennet’s shocking, improper statements. Mr. Bennet shakes his head as he closes his eyes in embarrassment for a few seconds as he hears his wife make such coarse, calculating remarks. He has to stop her; good God, what Mr. Darcy must think of her – of him!
Sternly, Mr. Bennets states, “Mrs. Bennet, I will speak with you and Jane, immediately, in Edward’s study.” Mr. Bennet is not merely asking.
Mrs. Bennet and Jane walk ahead of Mr. Bennet to the study. Jane is so embarrassed that she feels flushed. This is how her Mother has been thinking all these years. Jane remembers that her Mother had declared her ‘out’ at the age of five and ten. Every chance she got she paraded Jane around. At first, Jane just thought that her Mother was proud of Jane being pretty with everyone admiring her beauty. However, as the years went by, her Mother became pushier about Jane being seen and admired by others. Now, it seems that her Mother has back up plans (actually, back up gentlemen) in case Mr. Morgan does not forward their courtship. She wants Jane to impress other gentlemen, concurrently, while she impresses Mr. Morgan’s family. Oh goodness gracious; that sounds plainly awful. What would it make her look like if she did as her Mother commands? Oh good Lord, she cannot think of it; she cannot bear it.
In the study, Mr. Bennet gravely says, “Mrs. Bennet, you are embarrassing yourself and your family. Do you not hear yourself? Even your own brother was embarrassed when he heard you tell Jane that she should try to capture other wealthier gentlemen while she tries to impress Mr. Morgan’s family. My God, do you not know what that implies of Jane?” Mr. Bennet states heatedly.
“I am only looking out for Jane to make sure that she gets the best gentleman possible. This Mr. Morgan may not proceed further than this courtship, so I just want her to be prepared. She is sure to have many gentlemen interested in her once they see her; that is not her fault. Jane is beautiful, and she can have her pick. Not many young ladies have that chance. Why should Jane not pick the best gentleman possible?” Mrs. Bennet feels very justified and rational with her reasons.
Jane stands in astonishment of her Mother – not in a good way.
Mr. Bennet rubs his face in frustration and then sighs heavily before saying, “Mrs. Bennet, for Jane to act the way you have suggested would degrade her. People will look upon her as a common, low born flirt! She is a gentlewoman born from a family of generations of gentlemen; she will not behave in that manner.” Mr. Bennet speaks grimly.
Mrs. Bennet stays quiet because she knows that she cannot win with Mr. Bennet once he has his mind made up about something. She will have to guide Jane discreetly when they are at the Morgans’ dinner party. If other wealthy gentlemen approach Mrs. Bennet for Jane, she will surely not turn them down. She will definitely keep an eye out for suitors for Kitty and Mary too. She will also try to find someone at Elizabeth’s wedding for Kitty and Mary if she cannot find anyone for them tonight. There is bound to be rich gentlemen around when it involves Mr. Darcy.
“Jane, I know you are smart enough to understand why and what I have said to your Mother. No one will look well upon a young lady that behaves such as your Mother has described. I know you will act accordingly, just as you always have. You were born a gentlewoman, so I am certain that you know how to conduct yourself.” Mr. Bennet says calmly to his serene, kind eldest daughter.
“Yes, Papa; I understand and I agree with you. People will judge us all at this dinner, so it is imperative that we put forth our best. We are all good people, and that is what should shine through. Our circumstances may be different, but we are respectable, moral people; that is what others should see.” Jane states serenely and sensibly. She hopes that is enough of a hint to her Mother for her to understand how important it is tonight that she does not act as she does normally at home.
“Well said, Jane. I am very proud of you.” Mr. Bennet states joyously. He can see, now, that Jane has finally changed her outlook and thinking since their family has had to endure Lydia’s problem. Jane has always been quiet but sensible enough; Mr. Bennet is glad to see Jane assert herself a little more with her Mother. “Now, Mrs. Bennet, please be aware of your surroundings and with what you say. These people do not know you personally, thus they will not have the luxury of understanding your…less than diplomatic comments. Please, keep in mind that this is an important dinner for Jane.”
“Yes, I know that, Mr. Bennet. That is why I was suggesting that Jane do all she can to impress the Morgans.” Mrs. Bennet huffs. She knows very well that it is of the utmost importance to impress the
Morgans tonight. That was what she was trying to assure for Jane.
“But that does not mean Jane should wear Lizzy’s engagement jewels. That was unfair of you to make that demand. Were you not aware of how shocked Mr. Darcy looked? Those are his family heirlooms that you demanded be given to Jane to wear. You did not even ask Lizzy, did you, Mrs. Bennet?”
“I should not have to ask, Lizzy. Lizzy should not be so selfish; she should have offered it to Jane. This is an important night for Jane; she needs to look her best. That is all I want.” Mrs. Bennet counters with annoyance.
“Mama, you did not even give Lizzy a chance to offer. She is not a selfish person; you do not know what Lizzy was willing to sacrifice to help me in case Lydia’s disgrace was publically known. Lizzy is a wonderful person. I do not understand how you cannot see that.” Jane takes a deep breath before continuing. “In any case, this jewelry situation is insignificant. I am certain that Mr. Morgan and his family will know that such expensive jewelry does not belong to me. What impression will we make if I am putting on a false front? Certainly, I would like to have jewels such as Lizzy’s, but at least wearing Aunt Madeline’s jewelry will look more reasonable for me.” Jane cannot be any more apparent than this.
Mr. Bennet feels that this has been enough explaining to Mrs. Bennet. He is not a nagger; he will have to mind Mrs. Bennet’s interaction tonight. “Alright, I think your Mother understands. We should leave; we do not want to be late. Mrs. Bennet, are you ready?”
“Yes, I have been ready. I only wanted to make sure Jane was at her best tonight.” Mrs. Bennet says with resentment.
“Thank you, Mama – truly.” Jane walks out before her parents.
At the same time in the drawing room, Elizabeth tells William how embarrassed she is, and she apologizes for her Mother’s indiscreet words. “I am sorry, darling. I could not believe my Mother. I seem to be continually confounded by her. If I am to be honest, then I will have to admit to being ashamed of her behavior.” Elizabeth shakes her head in chagrin.
Darcy holds Elizabeth’s soft hands in his. “Dearest, you do not have to apologize to me. I am offended in your stead.” Darcy relays his understanding. “Let us not think on this anymore tonight. We will talk more another time if you wish, but I do not want you to be disturbed by it any further. We already have agreed that your Mother will not be spending time with our family in any of our homes if she continues to behave in this manner, thus put it out of your mind for now, alright?”
Elizabeth nods with warmth and love in her eyes for William. No one could have a better betrothed than her.
“Now, you should put away this jewelry quickly so we will not be late.” Darcy distracts Elizabeth to dispel some of the irritation of this matter.
“Alright, darling; I will be right back.” Elizabeth hurries off to her chambers to secure her jewels.
Darcy escorts both Elizabeth and Jane on either side of him as they walk up to the Morgan’s residence with Mr. and Mrs. Bennet right behind them and the Gardiners behind the Bennets. The house is smaller and less grand and less impressive than Darcy House. Only residences nearby Darcy House and Matlock House are comparable to Darcy House. The Morgan’s residence is still sizable enough to bespeak of the owner’s wealth. Elizabeth can hear her Mother’s contained gasps as they walk towards the opened front entrance. Elizabeth hopes that her Father will restrain her Mother’s effusions. It will not do for her Mother to flutter her handkerchief wildly about in this crowd – not in any crowd, actually.
Mrs. Bennet could not restrain her excitement, so she walks up closer to Jane and quietly says, “How very grand Mr. Morgan’s house is, Jane. You deserve to have a rich gentleman courting you. Does he have a country estate, too?”
“Mrs. Bennet, please remember what we talked about. Please, control your effusions, madam.” Mr. Bennet says firmly but quietly.
“I am just very happy for Jane, Mr. Bennet. This means he will have rich gentlemen friends that could be introduced to Mary and Kitty.” Mrs. Bennet justifies her actions.
Mr. Gardiner leans forward to whisper to his younger sister. “Sister, I think we should not embark on that conversation here. It will not look or sound proper. We would not want any misunderstanding about Jane being a fortune hunter, do we, sister?”
“Oh no; of course not!” Mrs. Bennet excitedly but quietly expresses her agreement. “My sweet, beautiful Jane is not a fortune hunter. Any gentleman would be lucky to have her for a wife, so why should it not be a rich gentleman. Mr. Morgan should be made aware of that. He should know that our Jane is vastly admired everywhere she goes, especially in Hertfordshire.” Mrs. Bennet animatedly responds.
“Mrs. Bennet, I must insist that you cease these types of comments, instantly. Please abstain from bringing up that kind of subject in public, especially here.” Mr. Bennet sounds resolute and unfaltering, at this point. His exasperation is rising and surfacing.
Darcy, Elizabeth, and Jane can hear the conversation behind them and Elizabeth is very glad that her Father stopped her Mother’s outbursts. She does not want William to be embarrassed in any way by her Mother; that will not do. Lord, how vociferous will her Mother be when she sees Darcy House? Elizabeth will have to make certain that there will not be anyone other than family present when her Mother comes to Darcy House for the first time.
Mrs. Bennet stops talking but is unhappy with everybody restraining her excitement for Jane. Jane has captured a wealthy gentleman; that is very exciting and a great feat. A thought comes to her mind, and she has to ask it. “Mr. Darcy is your house as grand as Mr. Morgan’s?”
Elizabeth flinches at her Mother’s forwardness; she is embarrassed, again. Elizabeth squeezes William’s arm for comfort right before he answers her Mother.
“My house is…different, Mrs. Bennet.” Darcy replies reluctantly.
Elizabeth looks up at William with such pride and love for being the best gentleman that she has ever known. He tolerates her Mother because he loves Elizabeth; she could not love him more for it. Elizabeth will not take that for granted. She will do her best not to let her Mother become ridiculous and mortify William.
“Mrs. Bennet, Darcy House is grander than this, but we shall not bring that up here. Please, be careful with what you say.” Mr. Bennet grimly asserts once again.
“Grander? Oh my goodness! Grander than this huge house? Lucky, lucky Lizzy!” Mrs. Bennet exclaims with enthusiasm. Mrs. Bennet becomes quiet as they approach the opened front door.
Standing in the reception line are Mr. and Mrs. Brandon Morgan, Mr. Albert Morgan, and Mr. Alexander Morgan. Darcy amiably greets the elder Morgans first. They know Darcy well due to his friendship with Morgan for the last ten years now; Darcy has visited Morgan’s family estate and this London home many times before. Darcy makes the introductions of his entire group. Without a doubt, Darcy is very proud to introduce Elizabeth as his betrothed. Mr. and Mrs. Brandon congratulate Darcy and Elizabeth on their betrothal. After all the greetings are conveyed, Morgan steps forward to personally greet Jane and everybody notices, especially his parents.
“Albert, why do you not show our guests inside and then come back.” Mrs. Morgan says kindly.
“Yes, I will, Mother. Please, excuse me.” Morgan smiles warmly at his Mother before turning to offer Miss Bennet his arm after which he leads them inside the large drawing room.
When Morgan leaves for the reception line again, Darcy’s group speaks amongst themselves. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet speak with the Gardiners while Elizabeth teases Jane. “Well, Jane, Mr. Morgan seems very attentive this evening.” Elizabeth giggles softly and playfully.
“Oh, Lizzy.” Jane replies shyly with a pretty smile as she looks down at her hands.
“Oh no, Jane.” Elizabeth warns quietly as she holds one of Jane’s arms.
“What is it, Lizzy?” Jane hears Elizabeth’s uneasiness and immediately asks as she looks directly at Elizabeth.
“I do not know why I did not think that Mrs. Crawford would b
e here tonight. Do not turn around, Jane. She is at the opposite end of the room. She is talking to two gentlemen. She is pretty, Jane, but I still do not think she is as pretty as you.” Elizabeth says cheerily.
Jane pats Elizabeth’s arm warmly while smiling demurely.
“Do you not think Mrs. Crawford is pretty, William?” Elizabeth smiles mischievously at William, teasing him.
“I am not blind, Lizzy, but I honestly do not think her beauty is comparable to yours.” Darcy answers arrogantly as he lovingly pats her hand that is hooked through his arm. Afterwards, he smiles attractively at her. “Honestly, Lizzy; you just do not know how beautiful you are. You must be aware that many gentlemen look your way no matter where we go. They are more discreet when they see me escort you, but they still gaze at you when they can. You would have many gentlemen getting introduced to you if you were not attending events with me as your betrothed. I know it.” Darcy gazes dotingly at Elizabeth.
“Are you certain, darling?” Elizabeth is aware that she has gotten some attention from some gentlemen but not as much as William depicts.
“You may not be aware of it but I am. I am very certain, indeed.” Darcy replies openly.
“Well, I do not care that anyone wants introductions to me. All I care about is that you wanted an introduction to me.” Elizabeth gazes up at William with a beaming, affectionate smile. She is simply joyous that they came together, and they stayed together. They will marry in three days and unite forever in love. Her dream will come true, and she will never be alone with no one to love her other than her Father and Jane.
Darcy’s memories are evoked, and he remembers a time when he was not eager to be introduced to Elizabeth, especially when he found out that she was related to the Bennets of Hertfordshire. It still makes him shudder to think that he let the opportunity to meet Elizabeth go by. There was a high chance that he would not have been with Elizabeth today. He did not care to meet Elizabeth when Richard spoke of her because he remembered Mrs. Bennet’s and Mrs. Denny’s horrible comportment which, by the way, he was justified in thinking. They displayed such a ghastly representation of their family that it sufficiently repelled Darcy; it would have repelled any decent gentleman. He could not be more elated that Elizabeth is nothing like her Mother or youngest sister. He is glad that he was not too arrogant to see the difference and the goodness in Elizabeth. However, he has to admit that lucky circumstance put them together. She could have ended up with either Richard or Mr. Lucas Allston. If Richard and Elizabeth had real tender feelings for each other, then Darcy would be in a heap of regret right now. Thank God, Elizabeth and Richard only had friendly feelings for one another; otherwise, Darcy would still be enduring his lonely existence at this moment – probably still trying to look for a young lady from the Ton. Lord, that is an awful thought! He pushes it aside.