My Beginning With Mr. Darcy [Book Two]

by Lauren King

  Luncheon is fun with everyone sharing childhood stories. Everybody is more at ease now that some time has passed from their encounter with Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. No one wants to embark on that subject; accordingly, it is left unsaid for now. Elizabeth wonders how Jane is faring at this moment. This occurrence displayed in front of Mr. Morgan has to be the impetus to push Jane to stand up to their Mother. Elizabeth would be disappointed if it did not. She could tell that Jane was utterly horrified at Mrs. Templeton’s.

  After luncheon, Lady Matlock comes to Darcy House to show Elizabeth the final decisions on the wedding breakfast. Darcy arrives home a few minutes after Lady Matlock arrives. Mary and Kitty are introduced to Lady Matlock. They see how Elizabeth curtsies and behaves with Lady Matlock; therefore, they do the same. Elizabeth senses that her younger sisters are trying to emulate her; it makes her feel proud that they want to learn. She knows that they are capable; they just need some guidance. She figures that if bad influences are removed, then these two sisters can change for the better.

  “Darcy, I have instructed Mrs. Lane and Mr. Brooks on what needs to be done. They will start setting up the ballroom and the grand dining room tomorrow. Everything else will be done in time by Saturday noon. Everyone should be making their way back here from the church by four o’clock. You two will need to be in the receiving line along with Elizabeth’s parents.” Lady Matlock advises.

  “Lady Matlock…” Elizabeth is interrupted by Lady Matlock.

  “We are with family here, Elizabeth; you know I have asked you to call me Aunt Helen.” Lady Matlock pleasantly reminds Elizabeth.

  “Yes, thank you, Aunt Helen.” Elizabeth answers contentedly but shyly then continues her question. “You and Uncle Henry will also be standing in the receiving line with us will you not?” Elizabeth asks warmly.

  “It is customary for the parents of the bride and groom to stand with them. If you would like us to stand with you and Darcy, then we would be honored to do so, my dear.” Lady Matlock responds with a genuine smile.

  “Aunt, you and Uncle are like my parents, so it is your place to stand with us.” Darcy states sincerely with appreciation.

  “Thank you, Darcy; you and Georgiana have always been like my own children, so we will be very happy to stand with you and Elizabeth.” Lady Matlock says touchingly before continuing.

  “Now, the flowers and the arrangement you have picked for the dining tables and the house are very elegant, Elizabeth. I am glad your taste is sophisticated instead of garish. Elegance will always be revered and respected. As a Darcy, you need never be gaudy and loud. Anyone who is of any significance knows of the Darcy’s standing and stellar reputation; there is never a need to demand it. You will see if you have not yet, that the Darcy name carries much weight in high society. You will continue to be scrutinized for being able to catch the illustrious Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley.” Lady Matlock smiles and then continues, “However, I know you will do fine because your intelligence, your good manners, and your sensibilities are apparent. Moreover, your true love for Darcy and his for you will always propel you two through any hardship.”

  “Thank you for your kind words and advice, Aunt Helen. We appreciate you immensely.” Elizabeth says softly; she is a little emotional, but she will hold it together like a proper lady. She is truly touched to be welcomed so openly by Lady Matlock.

  “Aunt Helen, you are as a true aunt should be. Thank you for all your help.” Darcy says genuinely. He is very happy that his Aunt Helen and Elizabeth get along well.

  “You two are quite welcomed. Now, do you need me to help you with anything else? I think everything is covered, actually.” Lady Matlock volunteers.

  “Thank you so very much, Aunt Helen. We will do whatever you feel we need to do. Please, inform us.” Elizabeth answers appreciatively.

  “I will. You go enjoy your day with your sisters and your Aunt; call upon me at Matlock house if you need me.” Then Lady Matlock turns to address Mrs. Gardiner. “Mrs. Gardiner, you should get Mrs. Lane to show you Elizabeth’s sample of the flower arrangement. Elizabeth put it together herself; the wedding flowers for the house and the dining tables will be in that form. You should be very proud of Elizabeth.”

  “Thank you, Lady Matlock. I have always been proud of Elizabeth. She is a treasure. I thank you for guiding her so warmly and assiduously. We are all truly grateful for your guidance and support, ma’am.” Mrs. Gardiner states warmheartedly. She noticed how truly nice Lady Matlock has been with Elizabeth, and she is very glad because it would be too cruel for Elizabeth to have to cope with mean family-in-laws. However, she doubts that Mr. Darcy would allow anyone to treat Elizabeth with anything less than respect.

  “It was my pleasure. As I have said, Darcy is like a son to me. I want their success. Good day to you all.” Lady Matlock says amiably.

  Mrs. Gardiner, along with Mary and Kitty, reply courteously in return as they all curtsy to Lady Matlock. “Good day to you, Lady Matlock.”

  “We will walk you out, Aunt.” Darcy guides Lady Matlock and Elizabeth to the foyer where one of the house maids assists Lady Matlock with her outerwear.

  Mary and Kitty were sweetly surprised to find that Lady Matlock was not what they had imagined in their heads. They were worried to find that Lady Matlock may look down upon them and may be cold to Elizabeth, but she was the exact opposite. Lady Matlock seemed to like Elizabeth very much and was civil to them. They have never met an Earl’s wife before, thus they were apprehensive that their manners and comportment may be insufficient to be in such high company. However, they copied their elder sister’s behavior, and they were not looked down upon. Their nice treatment was unlike what Lydia received in the dress shop. That was truly humiliating when the one matron cut their Mother and Lydia for being from the back country side or dockside with no manners. Afterwards, that matron warned Mr. Morgan to leave the establishment quickly because disreputable women were present; that was the ultimate cut. Mary and Kitty have never experienced a cut before; they hope that they never will.

  On the other side of town in Cheapside, Jane speaks with Mr. Morgan in the Gardiner’s drawing room. She has never been so humiliated before today – finding out that Lydia was with child out of wedlock does not count because that was pure shame beyond any imagining…well alright, that was the all time, absolute, most shameful, humiliating circumstance, ever. Good God, the occurrences are just piling up. She has to stop this before Mr. Morgan or any suitor is too scared to stay. Jane plans to have a serious talk with her Mother after Mr. Morgan’s visit.

  “Mr. Morgan, first, I have to apologize for what happened at the dress shop earlier. I am simply embarrassed beyond comprehension. Kitty explained to me what transpired, and it was Lydia’s fault. I will speak to Lydia later about what she did, and I will make certain that she knows that she was in the wrong for the entire encounter. I am aghast with how she and my Mother behaved. I do not like to speak ill of anyone, especially about my elders, but, in this case, my Mother was also wrong for how she handled things. I am sorry that you had to experience that episode. You are acquainted with those two matrons, Mr. Morgan?”

  “Yes, Mrs. Charleston is the one that rebuked Lydia, openly. She is the wife of Judge Charleston who I work with in the courts.”

  Jane sighs in regret and then says, “I am very sorry, Mr. Morgan. This will make your relationship with them more troublesome.”

  “Well, I do not think Mrs. Charleston knew that I was with Mrs. Bennet or Mrs. Denny.” Morgan is very relieved that Mrs. Charleston was under that misconception.

  With great relief, Jane declares, “Thank goodness for that. I would hate for my family to have been the cause for discord between you, your colleagues, or your superiors. I do not want to make your life more difficult, in any way, sir.”

  “I thank you for being thoughtful and considerate, Miss Bennet. I am glad to see that you are not offended that I did not intervene.” Morgan replies logically.

  “Cer
tainly not, sir. You are a gentleman; gentlemen do not get into the middle of ladies arguing about fabric at a dress shop. Of course, I know you would protect the ladies that you escort if something poses a threat to the ladies’ well being but to get in the middle of a fabric dispute is not what I would expect of you, Mr. Morgan. I am very disappointed at Lydia; she is still rather young, but I realize that her age cannot always be the reason for her immature, unreasonable conduct.” Jane sighs heavily.

  “Miss Bennet, do not be too troubled by this. I can see how frustrated you and Miss Elizabeth are with Mrs. Denny because you two are the epitome of proper young ladies. Perhaps others just have to imitate your comportment more to better themselves; everyone needs some guidance now and then. No one will have one qualm about yours and Miss Elizabeth’s gentility.” Morgan responds with reason and sense.

  “Thank you, sir.” Jane smiles amiably before saying, “I hate to go from one unfortunate situation to the next, but…I have something disturbing that I have to tell you.” Jane says straightforwardly.

  “Yes, what is it, Miss Bennet? Please, tell me. Does this pertain to last night?” Morgan responds understandingly. He wants to be able to help Miss Bennet in any way he can. He wants her to turn to him for support.

  “Unfortunately, yes.” Jane tells Mr. Morgan all of what Mrs. Crawford had said to her yesterday evening. She does not leave anything out. Mr. Morgan is shocked; he is fuming with controlled anger. Jane hopes that he is not embarrassed or angry with her.

  “I am sorry to have invoked such dislike in your childhood friend, Mr. Morgan. If she is correct in her assumption of your desires, in any way, then I think we should end our courtship quickly so there are no more misunderstandings. I assure you, again, that I will not make a fuss about it.” Jane states rationally. She would never make a scene and make it difficult for anyone. Elizabeth always says that if Jane does not speak her mind then people will take advantage of her. She is trying to do this for herself.

  “I am very sorry, Miss Bennet. What Mrs. Crawford did and said was inexcusable. She does not know my mind or what I desire. I only see her as a childhood friend. I do not know why she would dare to presume to tell you these things. They are not my feelings, at all. I am not an indecisive man or a weak man that needs a woman friend to speak for me. I am also not a young lad of six and ten. I know my mind, and I know that I want you in my life. Please, be completely assured that I have no tender regard for Mrs. Crawford, whatsoever. If I may be blunt, Miss Bennet…?” Morgan waits for Miss Bennet’s affirmation and when she nods, he continues. “All my tender regard is for you.” Morgan sees Miss Bennet blush and look down at her hands on her lap. He is pleased that she understands.

  Morgan continues to assure Miss Bennet of his esteem for her. “I will have a straight talk with Mrs. Crawford today after I leave here whether you will still consider staying in our courtship or not. I will not allow Mrs. Crawford, or anyone, to go behind my back and presume to speak for me. Please, I hope that you believe me when I say that I want us to develop into something more. There have been a couple of rough incidences, but we have learned more about each other because of them, thus I think it will make us stronger as a couple. That only bodes well for our future; do you not agree, Miss Bennet?” Morgan is very glad that Miss Bennet does not seem too upset by this incident – he hopes.

  “I agree with you, Mr. Morgan. I am very relieved to hear that Mrs. Crawford was wrong in her audacious presumptions about you. I also wish for us to continue to…something more. I will be forthright with you, if you do not mind, sir?”

  “Please do, Miss Bennet.”

  “I do not think I will be able to tolerate being acquainted with Mrs. Crawford after that. I know you two are childhood friends; she said that you two have known each other for twenty years. That is a long friendship, and I do not want to come in between it. However, if we do progress further with each other, then I do not see how there will not be problems for you being caught in between me and Mrs. Crawford. I cannot trust someone like Mrs. Crawford, and I do not want to live my life always on guard with my hus…with your friends.” Jane blushes for her almost slip-of-the-tongue, but she recovers and continues smoothly through her thoughts. “Therefore, I want you to think about this carefully.”

  “There is nothing for me to think about, Miss Bennet. I do not want Mrs. Crawford’s friendship over our courtship. I do not have to associate with her anymore; I do not plan on associating with her anymore after I speak with her this evening. I am a loyal person, but she has crossed the line of our friendship, especially when she was so spiteful and harsh to you. To me, that is unforgettable and unwarranted. I will not have anyone treating you like that. I say again, Miss Bennet – I care about you, and I want you in my life, not her.” Morgan claims firmly. He has to make sure that Miss Bennet understands and believes this.

  Jane is elated. She has her own ‘William’. Jane smiles contentedly and then softly says, “I care about you too, Mr. Morgan.”

  Morgan is thrilled to hear Miss Bennet’s sentiment. “You do not have to be concerned about Mrs. Crawford anymore. I will assure that she understands my position. You are my priority, not her.” Morgan spontaneously reaches for Miss Bennet’s hand, and he holds it tenderly.

  Jane looks down shyly when she realizes what Mr. Morgan is doing. She has never held hands with any man before other than when she was dancing – even then her hands were gloved. Mr. Morgan’s hand is warm and large, encompassing hers entirely inside of his. She feels such excitement. Should she allow him to hold her hand like this? Elizabeth told her that she also allowed William to hold her hand when they were courting because she already liked him so much by then. However, she was afraid that he might have thought her to be too forward or too wanton to accept such liberties. William had told her that he thought no such thing about her, and he did not like that she would think that about herself. Jane hopes that Mr. Morgan will also not think of her as wanton if she allows him to hold her hand.

  “Miss Bennet, I only wish to show you that I care for you very much. I will never knowingly hurt you. I do not want you to doubt those two important aspects. I know we need to get to know each other even more, but I hope that you feel what I feel. I hope that you are not discouraged by these past difficult events in our courtship.”

  Jane is contented to hear Mr. Morgan’s soothing voice expressing his care for her. “I do feel the same as you, Mr. Morgan.” Jane responds softly and remains shy. She has never been so open in her feelings before. There are so many firsts with Mr. Morgan. She hopes that they will have their firsts and their last together.

  They continue to talk and have tea until they realize that three hours have passed. Mr. Morgan tells Jane that he wants to take care of the situation with Mrs. Crawford immediately to impress upon her the seriousness to this issue. He will not allow her to think that she is able to do something like that and remain blameless for her actions.

  After Mr. Morgan leaves, Jane requests to speak to her Mother. Mrs. Bennet is glad to talk with Jane; she is glad to give her advice. Jane does not want advice from her Mother; she wants to tell her Mother of the embarrassments she had caused today. She just wants to point out that others interpret it much worse. She does not want her Mother’s reputation and that of all of her daughters’ to be demeaned. London society is very gossipy and harsh. Moreover, the incident in the dress shop will also affect Mr. Morgan too if Mrs. Charleston finds out that he is connected with the Bennets.

  Jane starts calmly as she always does. “Mama, please understand that I do not want to bring these subjects up, but I feel that I must, now.”

  “What is it, Jane?” Mrs. Bennet asks with much curiosity.

  “Please, Mama; please, see what you are doing with Lydia. You still allow Lydia to act and talk like before she was married. She remains imprudent and ill-mannered. I am so…saddened and anxious about people interpreting our comportment. What happened at the dress shop did not have to occur that way. Lyd
ia could have just asked nicely for the fabric and expressed her regret that she did not secure it immediately or something like that. She did not have to act so unseemly and grab it from that lady. To be fair, it was Lydia’s fault. She did not secure the fabric that she wanted, thus those matrons had a right to take that bolt of fabric. Lydia did not have to bring you into the fray. Since you were involved, I thought you should have calmed the situation instead of insulting the ladies first. Was the fabric worth someone thinking that you were rude and ill-mannered? I do not think so, Mama.” Jane sighs tiredly. “If Lydia claims that she is such a grownup, then she could have nicely handled the situation without causing herself to be cut in public. Instead, an argument ensued, she was cut in public, and then she acted worse.”

  Mrs. Bennet’s demeanor changes to anger after she realizes that Jane does not want advice; Jane is censuring her. “Do not presume to lecture me, Jane.” Mrs. Bennet says irritably. “Is this how you talk to me, now? Is this what you have learned from, Lizzy? You have a suitor now, so this is how you talk?”

  “That is not true, Mama.” Jane tries to push her exasperation aside. “I did not learn this from Lizzy. I have learned to observe more with opened eyes and to speak up so that our family will not once again be humiliated, shamed, and reproached. Our family was almost ruined yet you still protect and promote Lydia. All the while you still are callous towards Lizzy. I do not understand that, and I can no longer ignore it or hope for it to get better because today’s incident shows me that it will not get better. I only want my family to be the best it can be. However, with how you continue to treat Lizzy and with what happened today, it is a shame. Mama, do you know what people think of us? It is not nice, and I do not want one day to be at the receiving end of the cutting remarks that Lydia received today. You need to educate her more even though she is married already. She still needs guidance.” Jane pleads.