The midwife arrived and hurried into the barn while Darcy and Bingley inspected the damage to the cottage.
Seeing the grim face of his friend, Darcy explained a few truths. “The barn burning would have been much worse Bingley. The family are all alive, Seaton’s wife has a good chance to survive the labour and bear a living child. Mr. Bennet and I have taught Sir William to be generous with his tenants in all matters regarding their children so this house will be repaired quickly. I shall donate half of the thatch for the new roof and hold off one more year on the new roof for one of my tenant houses. The Lucas and Bennet families will provide clothing for the entire family – Mrs. Bennet’s daughters are experts with the needle and thread. Someone will donate any needed cookware and someone else will donate a table and chairs. The family may have to sleep on straw pallets this winter but they will be dry.”
Miss Lucas came to the barn door and called Mr. Seaton inside; his wife was delivered of a healthy daughter and the entire family would sleep safe in the barn for the next week while the house was repaired.
**++**
It was that evening at the table that Miss Bingley spoke to Miss Darcy for the first time since her arrival. Darcy escorted his sister into the dining room, followed by Mrs. Annesley where Bingley and his sister waited for them. Their conversation was stilted at first, no one certain of the appropriate subjects to address with the sudden visitor. Finally, the party settled on addressing the day-to-day events of life in the country.
“And you spent the whole of the morning at a burnt tenant cottage?” asked Caroline. “I do not understand Mr. Darcy. Why could not your steward or secretary handle your tenants?”
“The farm is on neighbour’s estate and several other members of the gentry came to offer aid. The neighbourhood cooperates in many matters.”
“But why? I do not understand the time and effort required. Would not you have preferred to go shooting or racing your horses?”
Georgiana found she had to answer. “Miss Bingley, it is our responsibility to look after the tenant families. Their labour provides much of the gold in our pockets. My brother owns the land but the tenant farmer sows the grain and harvests the corn.”
“Well said Miss Darcy,” Mr. Bingley agreed. “It is not done on every estate Caroline but the landlords hereabout appear to have found a happy balance between master and tenant.”
Fearing she had lost her mind for a moment, Miss Bingley attempted to steer the conversation in a different direction. “Miss Darcy that is a lovely gown you are wearing.”
“Thank you, Miss Bingley. My friends from Longbourn and I sew each week and this dress is one we made. Each of us wears gowns we made working together.”
“You wear home-made gowns?” Caroline could not keep the disdain from her voice and everyone at the table heard it.
Georgiana looked up with surprise on her face when she asked, “Do you not sew Miss Bingley? My brother believes that every accomplished lady should be able to sew and cloth her children, her tenants and her servants upon occasion.”
“Well, yes… but does sewing prevent your study of music, painting and dancing; the refined accomplishments expected of a lady of our position in society?”
With surprise still evident on her face, Georgiana asked, “Miss Bingley, you mistake me. I sew often but also dance, play and sing, and study many books. Mrs. Annesley and I keep a very busy schedule of studies with Mary, Kitty and Lydia. Mr. Bennet guides our reading though I fear even my brother is lost with the number of books that we order from the booksellers in London.”
Mr. Darcy smiled at his sister as she continued, “Just last week we completed Macbeth and while my brother enjoys the play, I do not care for it at all.”
“Ah yes, Macbeth, a fine English author,” Miss Bingley agreed.
There was silence at the table for a moment before Georgiana explained, “I referred to the play by Shakespeare, Miss Bingley. Perhaps you remember it as the ‘Scottish Play’?”
The confusion on Caroline Bingley’s face was evident for all to see. ‘Were they discussing a play or an author? Shakespeare was English – why would he write a play about Scotland?’
Undeterred, Caroline attempted another subject. “And have you made much alteration to the decor of Netherfield, Miss Darcy? I know you and your brother have been here only a few years but it is important to display the most current fashions in your home when entertaining.”
Mrs. Annesley spoke up at this moment, “Miss Darcy has studied at the hand of Mrs. Bennet and with the Countess of Liverpool. Her Ladyship was most complimentary of this dining room when she visited in the late summer.”
“The Prime Minister’s wife visited Meryton?” gasped Caroline.
Georgiana frowned and her brother came to her rescue as he explained, “Lady Jenkinson sponsored Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth for their introduction at court earlier this summer. She came to Netherfield in August to rest after the presentations and stayed with us for a fortnight. Next year Her Ladyship will sponsor Miss Mary’s introduction and then the following year, she will sponsor Georgiana, Miss Catherine and Miss Lydia.”
Caroline’s estimation of the Bennet family was shooting skyward with the speed and brightness of fireworks; few could obtain sponsorship by the countess for introduction of daughters at court.
“Miss Bingley, what is your memory of your introduction to the queen?” asked Mrs. Annesley innocently.
“I only remember a long walk up many flights of stairs,” Caroline replied. “There were six other young ladies in my set before Her Majesty.”
“Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth took tea with Her Majesty and her ladies in waiting,” Georgiana said. “We hope that next year, Mary will be asked to perform for the queen on the pianoforte. If that goes well...”
“Do not worry Georgiana,” Darcy assured his sister. “All will go well when it is your turn. With the accomplished ladies of Longbourn as your model, your introduction to the queen will be a sparkling event.”
**++**
In her room that evening, Caroline dismissed her maid and then sat before her mirror. Intent upon an examination for winkles around her eyes, she found her eye captured by the gowns hanging in the open door of the wardrobe. She had gowns for morning, afternoon receptions, tea, dinner, dancing and lounging; but among all her finery was nothing touched by anyone she could call friend. Miss Darcy’s words regarding her ‘friends’ at Longbourn were not something Caroline really understood.
She did however see the strength of the bond between the Darcy brother and sister. When she compared it to the withering bonds with her sister and brother, she felt older for a moment and fearful.
“I have damaged my connection to my sister and my brother by my own hand. I must make something, find someone or I shall never recover.”
**++**
Chapter 33
Meryton Assembly
Friday evening arrived quickly at Netherfield. Charles spoke privately with Caroline who insisted that she would attend the local assembly.
“Mr. Darcy will leave promptly at six of the clock Caroline. Do not be late!”
“Charles, Mr. Darcy is the head of the local society I am certain,” she replied. “The ‘dance’ cannot begin until he arrives at six or at seven.”
Shaking his head, Charles left the room and spoke to the coachmen. The Bingley carriage would be harnessed this evening as well and wait after the Darcy carriage left. If Caroline wanted to arrive late, she would arrive alone.
**++**
The carriage at Longbourn waited while Mr. Bennet escorted his wife and three eldest daughters from the house. From the door, Kitty, Lydia and Miss Georgie waved at the party as they climbed into the carriage and departed.
“Now girls,” said Mrs. Brice. “Mrs. Annesley will play for us and we shall have our own party tonight with Master Thomas.”
“In two years, it will be our turn!” Lydia announced. “We shall be the beautiful debutantes at court and at
the Meryton Assembly!”
**++**
Mary Bennet was nervous – this was her debut as a lady with a new gown and stylish hair. Her mother and father had suggested she attend the assembly tonight to help overcome her shyness. Jane and Elizabeth helped her with her hair and dressing; the sisters practiced dancing with all week. Perhaps some gentleman would ask her to dance before the night ended.
**++**
When the Bennet carriage arrived at the assembly hall, they were met by Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley who helped all the ladies from the carriage. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet walked in together and Mr. Bingley escorted Jane.
“Miss Mary, may I have the pleasure of escorting you as well?” Charles asked. Smiling, Mary took the offered arm opposite her sister and followed her parents into the hall.
“I understand your father has the first dance Miss Mary, but may I have the second set with you?”
“Certainly Mr. Bingley,” she replied. “Thank you!”
A gentle squeeze of his other arm by the older sister told Mr. Bingley that Jane was pleased that Charles included Mary in the evening’s activities.
Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth and she took it naturally.
“You are lovely this evening Miss Elizabeth.”
“As are you!” she replied quickly and they both laughed.
“I meant you are very handsome tonight Mr. Darcy,” she corrected her speech.
“And how full is your dance card for the evening?”
“I have nothing promised sir,” she replied.
“Then it is my good fortune to meet your carriage. You must give me the first set, the first after the interval and then the final set.”
“Three sets, Mr. Darcy?” Elizabeth asked. “After the reports in the newspapers after dancing with me at Musgraves I feared you would avoid me.”
“I have spoken with your father, Miss Elizabeth. I should like to dance every set with you but your mother would faint and your father would laugh too much if I were to be that bold.”
“The neighbours will think...”
“They will think correctly then Miss Elizabeth,” Darcy said as they entered the hall.
**++**
At Netherfield, the clock in the entry hall struck seven as Miss Bingley came down the stairs. She inquired of the butler, “Where are Mr. Darcy and my brother? It is time to leave for the assembly.”
“The master and his guest left promptly at six of the clock Miss Bingley.”
Caroline’s eyes grew wide as she asked, “They left without me?”
“Mr. Bingley directed me to remind you that he spoke to you three different times today reminding you of Mr. Darcy’s promptness for such events in Meryton.”
Now Caroline unleashed her tongue. “How dare you speak in such a tone with me! I am a guest in Mr. Darcy’s house!”
“Yes miss,” the butler agreed. “But Mr. Darcy himself instructed me to remind you are a guest without authority to demand anything of the staff.”
“Well... I never...”
“Yes, Miss Bingley,” the butler agreed that she had never understood her servants or her brother but he would say nothing more. “Mr. Bingley’s carriage waits to carry you to the assembly.”
Faced with arriving alone and unescorted, something a lady would never do, Caroline turned to retreat up the stairs to complete her packing.
“I shall not go! Send the carriage to the stables!” she called as she climbed the stairs.
**++**
As the first dance at the Meryton Assembly concluded, Mr. Bennet returned to his wife’s side with Mary on his arm. His third daughter’s first dance had been with her father and he watched Jane return with Mr. Bingley, and Elizabeth on Mr. Darcy’s arm. Mary departed with Bingley for the second dance and Darcy asked Jane for the privilege of the second as well.
Elizabeth stood with her parents, the smile on her face not altering in the least as she watched Mr. Darcy dancing with Jane.
“Has your dance card filled Elizabeth?” asked Mrs. Bennet when no one approached her daughter for the second dance.
“What Mama?”
Mr. and Mrs. Bennet exchanged glances before the mother pressed her daughter, “Elizabeth, has anyone else asked you to dance?”
“Just Mr. Darcy, Mama... He wanted every dance.”
“What? You cannot dance...”
“My dear, it is not unheard of,” Mr. Bennet explained.
“But, everyone...” Mrs. Bennet sputtered as Mr. Bennet smiled.
“Mrs. Bennet, you must remain silent this evening but tomorrow you may visit Mrs. Phillips in the afternoon with your news.”
“You have no compassion for my nerves, Mr. Bennet!”
“Only for one evening Mrs. Bennet. You must suppress them. Be a dutiful mother; speak with your friends about the crops and sewing.”
“Hang the crops and hang the sewing, I wish to speak of a wedding!”
“Later Mrs. Bennet, later...”
**++**
Elizabeth did dance with Mr. Bingley and with John Lucas during the first portion of the assembly. It was when she danced with Mr. Darcy in the first set after the interval that she reminded him that this was her official introduction to society in Hertfordshire.
“And which do you prefer, Miss Elizabeth; London society or Hertfordshire?”
Smiling Elizabeth replied, “On the arm of a good friend, I am perfectly happy anywhere, Mr. Darcy.”
“A good friend?” he asked pretending to be affronted.
She smiled. “How should I describe you sir; ‘a pleasant gentleman’?”
Darcy shook his head slightly. “At one time, I was ‘King Richard’s cousin’.”
“Ah, but he was Maid Marion’s playmate in Sherwood Forest,” Elizabeth answered.
“Are you not the girl who attempted to rob me of my gold that first week I was at Netherfield? I remember the bow and the arrow pointed directly at my heart.”
“That was many years ago,” she replied, pleased that he remembered. “I have grown since then.”
“Indeed, you have grown into a most beautiful woman...”
Darcy hesitated for only a moment before he continued, “Elizabeth, your arrow pierced my heart that day and it belongs only to you. Please say you will marry me. When I was away at Pemberley I missed you and now returning, dancing with you in London and tonight, I declare I love you most ardently. When we are...”
“Yes, William,” she interrupted.
**++**
The young couple approached Mr. and Mrs. Bennet along the wall of the assembly hall – the light in their eyes for all to see as Mr. Bennet leaned over to his wife and said, “Darcy has made a short season of it for Lizzy.”
“And have you noticed how Mr. Bingley is looking at Jane?” Mrs. Bennet replied.
“Mr. Bennet, might I have a moment of your time, sir?” Darcy asked as Mr. Bennet led his friend to the card room. Elizabeth stood with her mother who hugged her.
“How do you feel Lizzy?” she asked her second daughter.
“Mamma, I am light as a feather but could burst into flame I am so very happy!” Elizabeth replied as her father and William returned almost as quickly as they had left.
“Well my dear, it is done. Lizzy shall marry Mr. Darcy,” Mr. Bennet told his wife.
“In Spring...” Mrs. Bennet suggested quickly.
“At Christmas!” Elizabeth and William replied together.
“That is only two months,” Mrs. Bennet replied. “Hardly enough time to have the gowns made or the parties completed.”
But then seeing the look on her husband’s face as well as her daughter and her ‘son’, she relented, “Oh very well, we shall make merry at Christmas with a wedding.”
No one in attendance that evening expressed great surprise to hear that Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy would marry Miss Elizabeth Bennet. There were many expressions of gladness and happiness when the news spread through the hall, and many of the neighbourhood folk exchanged pleasant com
ments – the young couple were very popular among all the residents of Meryton.
When Charles heard the news after dancing with Miss Maria Lucas, he realized his sister had never arrived and was glad of it; she would not take the receive the news with the gladness of the neighbourhood.
The following morning, Charles and Caroline broke their fast alone and then departed Netherfield for London. In a terrible interview with his brother Hurst, Charles learned of Caroline’s harsh words to their sister and he resolved then and there to separate himself from her. In a matter of days, his solicitors drew up the papers that released her dowry to her control and he placed her in a respectable boarding house for unmarried ladies. Her connections dropped her when they learned her family had turned their faces from her and she quickly attained the status of ‘on the shelf’.
**++**
Chapter 34
Beginnings
The Master of Netherfield brought his bride home from the church in Meryton for the wedding breakfast on an overcast December morning. The young couple left for the Darcy home in London shortly after one of the clock and remained in town until after the turn of the year. They returned to Netherfield in January and welcomed family and friends for supper at ‘old Christmas’. Georgiana had spent the time with the Bennet family and the same schedule of lessons and suppers for the ‘family’ remained in place.
In the spring, Mr. Bingley returned for an extended visit to court Jane. By summer, the couple were engaged and the families made merry with celebration. At some point, Mrs. Hurst wrote that Caroline had met and married a clergyman named William Collins who was looking for an appointment. The couple settled on the estate of Darcy’s aunt Lady Catherine and the less said of their lives the better.
Charles and Jane married in the fall. Before Christmas, Mr. Bingley purchased an estate in a neighbouring county where Darcy and Elizabeth spent many weeks in the following years helping the young couple improve the house, tenant families and income.
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