Pemberley

by Kirsten Bij't Vuur

  'Mr Bennet, such a pleasure to meet you! I'm an avid admirer of your daughter, and had never dared dream to meet her favourite parent already, such a fortunate turn of events!'

  What? Everyone knew Prince George liked his women highly educated and especially, well-ripened! Lizzy was not his type at all, he should prefer Mrs Manners. Especially since Manners didn't actually love his new wife, whereas Darcy worshipped Lizzy and had always struck Mr Bennet as rather possessive. And not just towards poor George Wickham. As Lizzy's father he had already concluded from his daughter's way of talking that she did not admire the prince at all, but Darcy's jealousy could destroy their happy marriage in weeks, dear Lizzy had no idea how powerful the green-eyed monster could be.

  A quick look at the most dignified of his plentiful sons-in-law showed a totally different picture than Mr Bennet had expected. Not carefully contained anger or even pain, Darcy had not given his heart easily after all, but most surprisingly something very much like pride enhanced his already handsome face. Darcy didn't mind Prince George flattering his wife? He could rise above jealousy? That was not possible, Darcy was the type to let it devour him.

  'I'm honoured to meet you, Lord Chester, and glad to hear my daughter still loves me a little.'

  Do not let anyone think Mr Bennet could not control his expressions as perfectly as a gentleman from St James'.

  'Why, Mr Bennet, have you been naughty? Never you mind, aren't we all doomed to give in to human nature in the end? Aren't those moments of sin the ones most worth living for? Consider, your dear daughter hasn't had nearly as much time to discover the world as we have.'

  Well, that was certainly true, but Mr Bennet had discovered the joys of giving in to temptation only recently, and Darcy never would, his shining example undoubtedly keeping Lizzy on the right track. Or maybe that was selling her short, jealousy was also a sin and Darcy would have to trust Lizzy implicitly to not let it devour him under these circumstances. But one thing was clear, Prince George was indeed devilishly clever to pick up a father's subtle excuse to his daughter.

  Lizzy, meanwhile, laughed and said as playfully as ever, 'Lord Chester, though I may not have the least interest in exploring this world you mention, I assure you there are other sins. Smaller ones, possibly, but real nonetheless.

  Since tasting Mrs Brewer's work I sometimes crave her concoctions of sugar, cream and essence of elderflower. Or your confectioners' chocolate. And I freely admit to idolising a fallible human being.'

  Most likely she was indeed with child, Lizzy had never craved sweet things.

  Nor had she ever idolised anyone, she'd always been aware of her father's faults at least. But it was more than obvious that Prince George loved her impertinence, and Darcy's reaction as she delivered her last statement straight at him was priceless. He was not ashamed at all to be guilty of the same sin, inadvertently proving Prince George's outrageous statement.

  'Mrs Darcy, Mr Bennet, since I let the cat out of the bag myself I propose we leave Lord Chester to his boring life and welcome George back to the party.

  For I'm certainly planning to enjoy my last day with all of you.'

  A severe look from Lizzy practically ordered Mr Bennet not to take the prince's offer, as if he even could. All this newfangled nonsense with people being familiar with each other, his generation had done well enough being polite at all times. He hadn't even known Mrs Annesley's first name was Grace, and even now he wasn't tempted to use it. Though it was an elegant name and thus very fitting, and he was glad to know it.

  'Thank you, Your Highness, I must admit that not having to juggle names and

  titles will make things a lot easier. I'm also looking forward very much to being in this company for a few days.'

  The prince merely nodded in acknowledgement, he was indeed not nearly as familiar as he professed to be. Where had Lizzy learned such discernment, how had she known the man said the one and expected the other? Looking around him, he immediately knew. Manners, or course. Rumour said he knew the king, he'd know how to address royalty.

  With this formidable introduction over, Mr Bennet quickly acknowledged his daughter's friends and relatives, Mr Fielding looking as handsome and as happy as he had since falling in love and marrying his other half, Mr Bennet hoped his music wouldn't suffer. Usually, creative artists performed better in adversity. Mrs Fielding winked at her sister's father, they had a certain connection dating from the time when Miss Darcy had still been very shy and hiding Fielding's affection from her brother.

  Mr Bennet couldn't see Miss Anne, now Mrs Manners, without remembering that fateful night in some theatre where that dratted lieutenant had tried to chain her with his adulation and potential grief. Fortunately a very bold servant had braved exposure and infamy showing her his true feelings in public, convincing her someone was going to be hurt whichever man she chose and thus enabling her to pick she one she actually loved. She was free now, and obviously happy.

  Manners nodded at Mr Bennet, he knew Mrs Darcy's father knew, but then he'd undoubtedly known what Mr Bennet had been up to in the Darcy's London house. Or had he? Had the valet and that Fowler fellow kept their quiet even to him? It didn't matter in the least, they were all as guilty as him.

  And his secret was out anyway. Better face Darcy right now and have it over with.

  'Mr Bennet, do you mind if I introduce you to my aunt? I want her to acknowledge Elizabeth and that includes her family. But if you find that demeaning I'll refrain.'

  So Darcy had beaten him to it. And there was to be another introduction before they got to business. Well, so be it.

  'I cannot wait to meet her, Darcy. You look good. Of course you should, as the owner of a house large enough to get lost in. And your grounds are just incredible, the hunting must be without compare.'

  'I've a really canny fox still waiting to meet his destiny, Mr Bennet, maybe we can try the hounds one more time before I have him dug out.'

  'Did I ever say George Wickham was my favourite son-in-law? I lied, you are. A fox hunt, I'd love that, if I can borrow a horse that won't kill an old man.'

  'Not that old, apparently, Mr Bennet,' Darcy said, laughing, stunning his father-in-law with a mixture of feelings. Guilt, of course, but relief as well, for had that been humour in his son-in-law's sedate voice?

  'I'm certain we'll find one you can handle. Now be prepared, aunt Catherine won't like this and she may take it out on you, but we all have to make a sacrifice every so often. If she is insulting you may redress.'

  There really was no anger in Darcy, how could that be? He could not be controlling a rage, it would show in his posture and be audible in his voice.

  He truly was totally relaxed, even amused.

  'You may have four sons-in-law, Mr Bennet, I have only one father-in-law.

  And no father. I need at least one sensible man in my life.'

  Again, Mr Bennet was certain he was being made a fool of, Darcy had his own uncle, who'd shown himself a very sophisticated character on Miss Darcy's birthday and wedding, and of course Lizzy and Darcy had a special bond to Mr Bennet's brother- and sister-in-law, the Gardiners. The latter two at least undoubtedly had their wits together a lot firmer than Mr Bennet himself at this moment, goodness knew that Lizzy and Jane had always turned to Mrs Gardiner when in need of advice of a motherly kind. And Darcy hadn't been able to offer Lizzy a mother-in-law since his mother had died when he was still in his teens. He however did have a woman of a certain age in his family, who reputedly liked to offer important advice to young ladies and anyone else, and Mr Bennet was about to meet her in person.

  'Aunt Catherine, it is my pleasure to introduce you to Elizabeth's father, Mr Bennet. Mr Bennet, my aunt Lady Catherine de Bourgh.'

  Starting out with utter politeness, Mr Bennet bowed creditably and let the good lady initiate any conversation. He knew he looked good despite lacking the services of his valet, maybe a bit too fashionable for the arrogant lady before him but certainly up to the current London
standard. And he certainly didn't make a fool of himself dressing younger than he was, he was decidedly slimmer than most men his age and had enough of his own hair left to do justice to a more sedate version of the shaking dog his younger relatives sported. Some might call him vain seeing him like this, but the people he valued knew it was merely his way to handle the attention the Darcy's

  relations had attracted since Mr Fielding's rise to fame. He was not going to be spotted by a reporter looking like an elderly impoverished gentleman from the country, as he had to admit he had usually done when his world had still been limited to the immediate surroundings of Longbourn. Not because he couldn't afford fashionable attire, but because old hunting gear was so much more comfortable to wear. Still, the respect his new looks gained him largely offset the discomfort of starched collars, elegant shoes and tight coats, and he had taken to wearing them at home as well.

  'So this is your wife's adored father.'

  Lady Catherine was less impressive than he had expected, quite a few years his senior and showing it in the lines in her face, the sagging skin of her jowls and neck and her stooped posture. Either she had suffered some illness or setback, or people in general were just too easily impressed with a mere big name, expensive attire and ostentatious jewellery.

  'At least you seem to have some proper manners, Mr Bennet. I find your daughter severely lacking in the proper respect due her superiors in age and standing, and I supposed the apple to fall close to the tree. But I hope I may have been mistaken. Despite the lack of conventional style in your attire it is not unbecoming to someone of your figure, and looking about me I gather it is what gentlemen are supposed to wear these days. Breeches and stockings were good enough for my dear Sir Lewis de Bourgh, and he would not have forgone on his wig to look like he had just left his bed without the attention of his man or at the very least a passing glance at a mirror. But I suppose that is the fashion these days, my own maid practically forced me into this particular dress and hat, saying Mrs Darcy was an icon of fashion and did I want to look underdressed compared to her. I suppose I'm glad now I let her convince me, I'm very pleased to meet you.'

  And she offered him her hand to kiss it. Was that what he thought it was? Not a rather arrogant gesture meant to demean him, as kissing someone's hand was seen these days, but a reminder of the popular manners of their youth, an offer for him to be gallant? Was she flirting with him?

  In a split second he decided to take her up on her offer with a flourish, he could take that hand in a handshake but that would be an insult to any woman and that was not how he had been raised. But he'd make a thing of it to prove these were just two old people reminiscing, not a lowly ranked gentleman offering obeisance.

  'The pleasure is all mine, my dear lady. Your dress is truly magnificent, and

  you do it enough justice to be in the papers yourself. Though I have to admit you will probably come to see some strong resemblances between my dear Lizzy and myself soon enough.'

  He took the extended hand with the exaggerated bow of their youth, and kissed it very fleetingly, then carefully released it back to her side.

  'That takes me back to my best days, Mr Bennet, when I was the dream of every young man and the envy of all the young ladies. Such a shame those days are long past...'

  'Oh, come, my dear Lady de Bourgh, would you really want to be young again? To be delivered to the follies of youth once more, a victim of those relentless urges to be someone and mean something? No, I have to admit I greatly prefer the wisdom and calm of age. My life has been very pleasant so far and I expect to enjoy whatever is left of it as much or more so. Starting with Darcy's library, I've heard such rumours as to be all anticipation even now.'

  The lady's face fell, of course it did, she'd just been received gallantly, then rudely gainsaid and shoved aside for a mere collection of books. Better not give her any illusions, from what Lizzy had told him she'd recently lost the services of a particular 'friend', he could not have someone keeping an eye on him, it would interfere with his plans to spend some time with Mrs Annesley.

  And as for insulting Darcy's aunt, his son-in-law did say he might redress insults, and he'd merely been himself, nothing worse.

  The lady recovered quickly and observed, 'You were right, your daughter does take after you. Still I hope you will spend some time with her guests as well as with her husband's books, since we seem to be much of an age compared to the rest of the company.'

  'It will be my pleasure, Lady de Bourgh.'

  Well, that wasn't as bad as it could have been. Hopefully she'd regain a little of her famous ill-mannered temperament, so far Mr Bennet was not impressed. Frankly, he expected more entertainment from Prince George and Mr Collins, though the latter was surprisingly quiet and mostly occupied listening to the music. But now it was time to speak to Darcy about Mrs Annesley, to claim responsibility so she did not have to await her employer's verdict in fear.

  Chapter 27

  'Darcy, do you have a few moments?'

  His son-in-law did look rather impressive considering his age, but of course he was very tall and though his demeanour had softened considerably since his marriage, he was still not a man to trifle with. But as he'd said, he only had one father-in-law, maybe that was worth something.

  'Of course. Let us sit in the corner over there, with the piano playing no-one will hear us.'

  Good, that meant he wasn't livid or at the very least didn't intend to yell, though Darcy wasn't the kind of man for fury, his anger was cold.

  As soon as they sat Mr Bennet started.

  'Darcy, I suppose you've heard of Mrs Annesley and myself travelling together. Please do not reproach her with anything, I convinced her to let me have the carriage, and I pleaded with her to come with me. I wanted her to have some change of scenery before she faced the coming months. Though I admit I also wanted to have her to myself for a few days. I'm afraid I misjudged, she was very upset that Lizzy instantly realised what we had been up to. But it was all my fault.'

  'It's true then, that Mr Annesley has little more than weeks left? You've seen him?'

  That was not what Mr Bennet expected Darcy to focus on, though he might have known.

  'I have seen him, yes, he cannot last much longer. He is deathly pale and emaciated, and he needs constant attendance. A widowed friend of Mrs Annesley's is caring for him, has for years. Until he passes they need little company, but after that sad event Mrs Floyd will need her friend. She has lost a loved one before, you see.'

  Understanding was dawning on Darcy's face, there was no way Mrs Annesley was ever going to tell her employer what was really going on in her private life, but he and Lizzy needed to know, and not only to justify Mr Bennet's own position.

  'Difficult situations make for complicated solutions, Darcy, they made it work for years but now things are going to change, for the children, too. But you see Mrs Annesley wasn't that much in the wrong, and she is really going to need her position as housekeeper, she still has quite a few souls depending on her income. Contrary to her agonizing situation I have no excuse at all, I was merely lonely and well, in love. She is an admirable woman.'

  'I know, Mr Bennet, I know. I wasn't going to dismiss her anyway, you know,

  I'd already decided to blame you.'

  Darcy let that sink in, then continued on a more serious note, 'Besides, my staff have a right to decide for themselves how to live their life, I'm merely their employer. But I'm glad you explained. Of course I don't approve of what you are doing, and I'm certain Elizabeth is quite upset so you'll need to talk to her. But I can imagine what living at Longbourn is like these days, who is to say what I would have done in your situation?'

  'You would never have put yourself in my situation, Darcy, you have been much wiser from the first. But I couldn't punish myself for that ancient mistake for another decade or more, I needed this. I don't feel that old, you know, and I'm planning to do some living in the coming years. Getting pulled into society through my co
nnection to your brother-in-law has made me realise books and birds aren't all there is. I plan to spend quite some time on exploring high culture coming winter, and I'm as certain Mrs Bennet won't be particularly keen to join me in those pursuits. I'll find her something to amuse her on her own level, Brighton is just the beginning.'

  'Talk to Elizabeth, please. We have both had to adjust our views on love and marriage quite a bit the last few months, but she adored you so much and now you've fallen lower than she imagined possible.'

  'And you, Darcy? Do you despise me for being weaker than you?'

  'Do you want to know my first feeling when I heard? It will prove my own weakness better than I like to admit.'

  'Mr Darcy has a weakness? I cannot wait to hear, what was your reaction?'

  'Relief. Relief that you didn't bring Mrs Bennet. Her presence here, with aunt Catherine and Prince George as visitors, would mortify Elizabeth, and yes, I'd feel more than a little uncomfortable as well. I suppose I truly am a vain man, ashamed of my beloved's mother being a little silly.'

  Well, that was a relief to Mr Bennet as well, for though he had learned to hide it and even laugh about it, he would not have liked the prince and Lady Catherine to meet the woman he had once thought he loved. Until he finally discovered what love actually was when he met Mrs Annesley, way past his prime and with half a century of life already behind him.

  'In my defence I want you to know I was a rather shy young man who lived a retired life, and she was truly very beautiful. Silly, of course, but I thought all girls were either silly or mean, and I preferred a harmless wife like my mother had been. Only when Mrs Bennet's brother married Mrs Gardiner did I realise there were actually kind, sensible women around, but by then my

  fate was sealed and we already had two lovely daughters, with a third on the way. Do you suppose our combined sense ran out after the first two?'

  Now Darcy looked positively severe and observed, 'No, Mr Bennet, I do not.