by Wells, Linda
“He is from trade, I understand.”
“Yes, it is unfortunate.” Darcy took a sip of his drink. “However he graduates from Cambridge soon, and I will sponsor him at his levee, and that will get him accepted into the higher circles. Your father has graciously offered him invitations to events at Matlock House.”
“Your offer of sponsorship is exceptional, and my father’s offer, well you are correct, it is gracious and very unusual. I wonder what my brother thinks of that.”
“He is not pleased, and your father likely only offered because he saw me in need of a friend.” Darcy shrugged. “You see, it is all your fault. If you had been home…”
“Do not blame your poor choices of companionship on me, Cousin.” Richard laughed. “You were struck by some flash of altruism. I sincerely doubt though that it will be extended to every level of society. Or am I incorrect, will you next invite your valet to the theatre or perhaps offer for a milk maid?”
“Now you are being ridiculous.”
“Ah, but it is time for you to consider marriage, and me as well, I suppose.” He mused and took a sip of his drink. “Well, if you are to charm the ladies when the Season begins, we must lift this dour visage of yours. I propose that we spend the next few weeks kicking up our heels about town. We will take in the theatre, meet a few actresses, visit the clubs, see a fight, all of the activities of men with time and deep pockets …”
“I assume that I am paying.” Darcy said with a small smile.
“Of course!” Fitzwilliam laughed. “Then we will go to Rosings, have a good dose of cold water thrown over our boyish high spirits, and return for the Season and the serious business of choosing our mates. What say you?”
“I will try Richard, but I doubt very much that I will be the companion you desire.”
“As long as you give it a try, Darcy, I will be satisfied.”
“PLEASE PAPA.” Elizabeth sat in her customary chair and leaned forward. “Please let me go.”
Mr. Bennet set down the letter from Mr. Gardiner, inviting Elizabeth once again to visit London, and suggesting that she stay for the entire Season. “Is it really so terrible here that you must appeal to your relatives for relief?”
“Papa, you live here, Mama has not let up from her wailings over Mr. Stewart for four months! I can bear it no longer.”
He studied her before answering. “I apologize for letting her go on so long, Lizzy. I was selfishly sparing myself from hearing her speeches by letting her focus on you.”
“Why could you not simply tell her to stop?” Elizabeth tried to control her tears. “I cannot stand to hear the constant complaints anymore. I can only imagine how much worse it would have been if I had felt anything beyond liking him. I would have been dealing with my heartbreak along with her criticism of him for leaving, and me for being a bad daughter.”
“It seems that I have allowed my desire for peace to supersede my duties as father.” He looked at Elizabeth’s pleading eyes. “Very well, you may go and stay as long as you feel is necessary, or until they grow weary of you.”
“Thank you, Papa!” She cried and jumped up to hug him.
Mr. Bennet embraced her lightly and pushed her away. “I shall miss you, Daughter, you are my one joy in this house.”
Elizabeth took his hands and stared into his eyes. “You have a houseful of daughters; please give them your attention. It is not too late to educate them as you have me. I worry for my younger sisters, what will become of them?”
“They are too silly to teach.” He shook his head. “Mary cares only of sermons.”
“But she reads, Papa! She is thirsting for direction, take away her sermons and thrust a history in her hands!” Elizabeth urged. “Kitty is not a reader, but she loves to draw. It is only Mama’s criticism that prevents her from trying. Ask her to sketch Longbourn for you and hang it in here. Make her feel that you care for her!”
“And Lydia? How shall I parent her?” He asked with a little twitch to his lips.
Elizabeth sighed. “I fear that she is in need of a strong hand. Perhaps less indulgence would help.”
“Less of your mother.” He smiled. “And what of sweet Jane?”
“May she come to London with me?” Elizabeth said hopefully. “Truly Papa, we would both benefit from the experience; and Aunt promises to take me to dances and dinners in their circle. Perhaps if she comes, we might both find husbands there?” She tilted her head and he chuckled. “That argument would work for Mama.”
“It would.” He smiled. “Well, perhaps she might come later in the Season. She has not been invited yet. You may go and we can always send her to town later.”
“Would it not be more economical to send us both now?” Elizabeth suggested.
“You are wearing me down!” Mr. Bennet closed his eyes. “You are determined to remove all sense from this house.”
“Then perhaps you will be inspired to replace it with my other sisters.” Elizabeth looked down at her hands and he opened his eyes to study her. He could not chastise her for insubordination when he was the one who had encouraged it.
“Very well, Lizzy. Go tell Jane that she may travel with you, and I will write to your uncle and inform him of the plans.” She jumped up and smiled happily for seemingly the first time in months, and he saw the difference. “Go on.”
“Thank you, Papa!”
Mr. Bennet watched her go and sadly pulled forward a sheet of paper and sharpened his pen.
14 March 1809
Longbourn
Dear Gardiner,
I hereby entrust you with my daughters. I am not a fool. I realize that it is you and your good wife who truly own the prestige of having made them into the ladies they are. I have just now received a gentle but pointed remonstration from Lizzy as to my poor parenting. I will endeavour to correct my failings with my younger girls, however, I trust you to care for the eldest. As much as I will regret them marrying and leaving home, I can no longer ignore the seriousness of their situation, and I will trust you to act as their guardians. I will accept your decisions should any gentlemen come to call. Yes Gardiner, I know what you are thinking, once again I am abdicating my role of parent. We will send them to you as proposed.
Sincerely,
Bennet
Mr. Gardiner read the letter and walked into the drawing room where his wife was reading to their son. He handed her the letter while the little boy clambered up into his lap and he hugged him tightly. Mrs. Gardiner read and shook her head.
“Abdicate his parenting. Well who did not know that!”
“Are you getting your dander up, Marianne?” Mr. Gardiner chuckled. “Well, it seems that our brother has charged us with finding husbands for our nieces. Are you up for the challenge, my dear?”
“Of course I am!” She tilted her head. “You know this is what we have been hoping for.”
“I do.” He kissed his son and set him down. “I will go and consult my bank balance so that you ladies can go shopping.” He winked. “Before you use your feminine wiles to convince me.”
She shrugged and picked up the book. “Well if you do not want to be convinced …” Her statement was stopped with a sound kiss on her lips. “Edward!” He chuckled and winked and walked out of the door. Mrs. Gardiner smiled at her son. “Did you see that? Your Papa will have to teach you how to do that!”
FITZWILLIAM GROANED. “WE HAVE ARRIVED.”
Darcy smiled grimly. “So we have.” The carriage began the turn onto the drive for Rosings and was just about to roll through the gates when he nudged his cousin with his foot. “Look, the Reverend Mousely is at his post.”
“It seems he has a new companion to bow and scrape at us.” They noticed a small wide-eyed man eagerly bobbing at the reverend’s side. “Who could that be?”
“I understand that he is studying to take Holy Orders with Mousely, the man is practically blind and his hands so gnarled he cannot turn the pages of his bible. This man will assist as curate and get the li
ving when he retires.”
“Retires?”
“Well, Aunt Catherine cannot dismiss him.”
“She might urge him out of the door, though.” Fitzwilliam chuckled and sighed as the carriage pulled to a stop. “Are you prepared for this? Have you your shield and armour at hand?”
“I suppose.”
“Well, just use that damned mask you have been wearing for the past month and you will be fine.”
“Forgive me for not being the most entertaining companion, Richard.” Darcy’s lips lifted a little.
“You had a few moments.” Fitzwilliam winked. “I got you loosened up quite admirably a few times.” Darcy groaned with the memories. “Well, escape this visit unmarried and we will really have some fun this Season!”
They descended onto the drive and Darcy looked back at him. “Should you not be returning to duty or something?”
“In another month or so. I seem to recall some mention of you missing me.” He chortled at Darcy’s closing eyes. “I will enjoy seeing you dance.”
“I will not dance.”
“Not if Mother has anything to say about it.” Fitzwilliam clapped his back and looked up at the steps. “En garde!”
The men were shown directly to the sitting room where Lady Catherine awaited them. “Darcy, Fitzwilliam! Do not stand at the door, come in here!” They exchanged glances and entered, bowing to her. Darcy kissed her proffered hand.
“You look well, Aunt.”
“And you have become a fine-looking man.” She nodded in approval then turned to Fitzwilliam. “And you nephew, a colonel now!”
“Yes, Aunt.” He bent and kissed her hand.
“But Napoleon lives on!”
“If he had been in my sights, I would have gladly taken the shot, Aunt.”
“Still vulgar I see, Fitzwilliam.” She sniffed and waved them to their seats. “I suppose that life with the army brings that out in a man.”
“I suppose it does.” He rolled his eyes. “May I ask where our cousin is? I hope that she is well?”
Lady Catherine’s lips pursed, disliking that it was not Darcy who inquired after her. “She is resting, but will be with us for dinner.” She smiled at Darcy. “Anne wishes to look her best for you.”
“I am certain that she would look well despite the company.” He said without emotion.
Her eyes narrowed. “Where is your sister?”
“Georgiana remained in town at Matlock House. She is studying with a music master and did not wish to interrupt her lessons by leaving.”
“That is admirable, I suppose. One must practice to achieve perfection. If I had ever learnt …”
“Madam,” A footman interrupted. “Pardon me, Miss de Bourgh sends you a message.” He handed her a note and she took it from him with a scowl. Opening it she smiled. “Darcy, Anne saw you arrive through her window and sends her greetings.” She looked at Fitzwilliam. “To you as well.”
The men nodded, and seeing they would say nothing else, she continued. “What are you doing for Georgiana’s education?”
“She has a governess; however I am considering sending her to a girls’ school. I think that the companionship of girls her age would be good for her, and she would form friendships, such as I did at Eton and Cambridge.”
“Yes, I can see where that would be useful.” Lady Catherine considered. “And with her out of the house, you would be free to concentrate on your marriage.”
“I am not married, Aunt.”
“Your courtship, perhaps?” Fitzwilliam offered and Darcy glared at him.
“Precisely.” Lady Catherine looked at him with approval. “Anne will take up all of your time.”
“Aunt, I have made no offer to my cousin.” Darcy said tersely. “I am not in search of a wife; my responsibilities for Pemberley are very consuming. When I feel confident with my duties, I will begin to consider marriage.”
“And Anne will be ready for you then.” Lady Catherine nodded. “You were formed for each other.”
Darcy closed his eyes and clenched his fists. Fitzwilliam stood. “Aunt, will you excuse me, I would like to change from these clothes, and Darcy perhaps you would like to do the same? After the last battle I find that I cannot abide a soiled uniform for long.”
Their aunt was displeased but agreed. “Oh, well yes, proper attire is necessary. We will see you at dinner.” Darcy rose and they bowed, slipping up the stairs as quickly as possible.
“I am sorry about the courtship comment, I could not resist.” Fitzwilliam muttered.
“It did not help the situation.”
“I got you out of the room did I not?” He chuckled and they stopped outside of their traditional rooms. “It is only a week, Cousin.”
“I pray that we survive without spilling blood.” Darcy said under his breath and entered his chamber with his cousin’s laughter ringing in his ears.
31 MARCH 1809
Jane and I arrived in Gracechurch Street yesterday afternoon. Oh it is so good to be back! The children have grown, and it was wonderful to meet my baby cousin Paul. He is the image of his father. Aunt said that after Easter, they have been invited to several small affairs and we will join them. Today we went to the warehouses and purchased a few gowns for the occasions. It is a terrible expense, and I am certain that Uncle is footing the bill, but they would hear nothing of our protests. It is noisy here in the city, but the lack of Mama’s voice makes the din of the carts outside of the window sound like birdsong to me. I will miss my walks but I cannot express enough how grateful I am to be here. Perhaps this will be a chance to find my future.
Elizabeth closed up her journal and gazed out at the busy street, wondering who she might meet in the coming months. Mr. Darcy immediately sprung to mind, but she shook him away. No, stop it now! He is an impossible dream. Perhaps a tradesman like her uncle would like her. She sighed then straightening her shoulders, stood and went down the stairs to join the family.
“Lizzy, I just received an invitation to a dance Monday night with some friends of ours. I will ask her if you and Jane may come, and I am certain that she will be delighted to include you.”
“Who are these friends, Aunt?”
“This is the Hendersons. They are fabric exporters, and work closely with the cotton mills in the North. I know that several of their clients will be guests.”
“So this is not just a friendly dance, but business as well?” Elizabeth asked.
“I am afraid that most dinners or balls have an element of business about them, dear.” She laughed. “A little bit of relaxation makes for a good atmosphere for negotiations. Your uncle has done very well in the studies while we ladies strike deals of another nature in the drawing rooms.”
Jane smiled. “You strike deals, Aunt?”
“Of course! Discussions of marriage are always popular and finding suitable husbands for girls is a favourite subject, however we have also been known to discuss our husband’s business and hear things to whisper in their ears.”
“Aunt, really?”
“There is no more powerful persuader than a woman who knows her business.” She smiled and nodded. Elizabeth laughed with delight and Jane looked on with horror.
“But, it is not the woman’s place …”
“If it has anything to do with caring for her family, it is her place.” Mrs. Gardiner said firmly.
“Oh.” Jane whispered.
“So, I suppose that Jane and I are to be part of these negotiations for husbands now?” Elizabeth asked.
“I will do my best for you, if you wish it.” She smiled. “I want you to be happy with your husband, whoever he may be.”
“DARCY, COME ATTEND YOUR COUSIN!” Lady Catherine barked.
He closed his eyes and stood, then walked over to Anne. “Forgive my tardiness, Cousin.”
She placed her thin hand on his arm. “It is well, Darcy. You will come to me eventually.” Darcy shot her a look. Her implication was clearly about more than escorting her to
dinner. She said nothing more and he moved to sit across from her. He glanced at Fitzwilliam who raised his brow in inquiry. Darcy looked back at Anne who was staring at him.
“Does she not look well, Darcy?”
“Yes, quite well.”
“Anne’s doctors assure me that she is growing healthier by the day. Of course the glow in her eyes is new to this day.” Lady Catherine smiled at her with satisfaction. “It will be good to see her established in her own home, and overseeing her staff as she has been taught.”
“I look forward to the happy day when she finds her home and will be glad to know the fortunate man who will be her husband and, of course, the master of Rosings one day.” Darcy murmured. Anne’s eyes widened and she raised her brow. Lady Catherine’s eyes narrowed as he continued, “The mistresses of Pemberley and Rosings will undoubtedly become good friends.”
“There is no mistress of Pemberley.”
Darcy turned his head and smiled slightly. “No, Aunt, not as yet, but then I have yet to speak to her.”
“We will have this discussion later, Darcy.”
“There is nothing to discuss, Madam.”
“You know your mother’s wishes!”
He looked her straight on. “I do, because my father told them to me. I know his desires, and I will follow them without fail.”
Anne made an odd noise with her throat and Lady Catherine turned to her. “Look, look what you have done, you have upset her!” She waved at a footman. “Help her upstairs, Mrs. Jenkinson, do not just sit there, move!”
The companion who had sat silently by Anne’s side jumped up and led her from the room. Anne paused at the door, looking back at Darcy for a moment and stared at him unblinkingly then disappeared. Darcy glanced at Fitzwilliam who cleared his throat. “Does that happen often, Aunt?”
“What?” She said angrily.
“Anne having such an emotional fit.”
Darcy’s eyes closed and he shook his head, then lifted it to see his angry relative huffing at him. “Aunt, I should have said this last year, but I will say it now. I will not marry Anne. No matter the reasons or circumstances. I will not marry her. Please stop making your pronouncements, please stop encouraging her to think it might happen. If she is truly healthy enough to marry, then by all means, take her to London for the Season and see what comes of it. My father told me that no scheme existed between my mother and you for a marriage and has instructed me on his expectations. I do not wish to address this topic again with you.” He spoke quietly and firmly. “Do I make myself clear?”