1812 How It All Began- Part 2

by Deborah E Pearson

  Mrs. Bennet walked into the room, and very soon they were all called into the dining room for dinner. His place was now firmly established next to Elizabeth, opposite Bingley. Mr. Collins was placed next to Mrs. Bennet. Darcy, Bingley and Mr. Bennet had the vast enjoyment of watching how the conversation went. It seemed that Mr. Bennet, Darcy and Bingley shared a similar sense of humour. and that made their end of the table rather lively, especially on nights when it was only the family. Often, Mrs. Bennet looked jealous as she could not join or understand the conversation. She often turned the conversation into absurdities, when she tried join in. This evening she had Sir William and Mr. Collins either side of her. Mrs. Collins sat on the other side of Darcy. The three gentlemen would quietly watch the absurdity at the other end of the table. The three gentlemen were rewarded handsomely for their quiet patience.

  Mrs. Phillips, Lady Lucas and Maria, were all empty-headed and vulgar. They couldn’t help telling Mrs. Bennet about how fortunate she was to have two daughters marrying. Their fortunes were more than they could have imagined for any of the areas girls. This, of course, threatened to offend Darcy for he hated above all having his wealth talked about. Mr. Collins then started to try and show off about having Lady Catherine as his ‘noble patroness’. I wonder if you showed off so much if you knew it was my cousin Anne and not her titled mother who pays your wages. He would have to share that joke later after the pompous ones had left for the evening, though. Sir William then tried to show off about St James’. The whole scene became one of absolute absurdity, as the two men tried to wrestle for position and notice. The ladies were only interested in talking about Bingley’s five thousand a year, and Darcy’s ten thousand a year. Looking around him, Darcy could see his future father-in-law enjoying the scene. Elizabeth was sharing warm smiles and looks with her sister, Jane. Darcy and Bingley shared many an expressive look also and soon all five of them could not help laughing. Charlotte, too, enjoyed the joke. She observed that she had not enjoyed such an evening since going into Hunsford. Darcy saw that Elizabeth and Jane were aware of how much their mother exposed herself. He also observed that they often tried to keep Mr. Bingley and Darcy to themselves. For this, Darcy more than his friend, was very grateful. He knew that it spoilt the joy of their courtship a little.

  In dwelling, live close to the ground. In thinking, keep to the simple. In conflict, be fair and generous. In governing, don't try to control. In work, do what you enjoy. In family life, be completely present.

  Lao Tzu

  The next day both gentlemen had nothing to do. Bingley had accepted an invitation to dine with some of the neighbours. Darcy had decided to make an impromptu journey to London, He knew his absence would not be missed. The gentlemen had agreed that they would see the ladies the next day. He left early that morning and was in London before breakfast. He breakfasted with his sister at her little establishment. Her surprise was what he wished for. He planned that she would join the party when they went up to Pemberley and then back to Netherfield. The Hursts and Miss Bingley were to arrive at Netherfield that day. Darcy wanted to avoid them for as long as possible.

  “My dear Fitzwilliam, how is it you have time for your sister today?” While she was delighted Darcy had made journey, Georgiana had not expected to see him so soon.

  “Elizabeth and Jane are engaged with wedding preparations, and Bingley has gone visiting. As for me I wanted to see my beautiful sister.” Georgiana blushed, not being used to compliments and still being very shy.

  “So, what are we to do Fitzwilliam?” She asked, but before he could answer Mrs Annesley walked into the breakfast-parlour,

  “I do beg your pardon for being late Miss Darcy.” she began before she realised that Fitzwilliam Darcy was in the room. “Oh, Mr Darcy! I am so glad you’re here. I’m sorry I was late for breakfast.”

  “It is quite alright, Mrs Annesley.” Replied Darcy, smiling. “I hope that soon, she will have another companion for balls, and then you won’t have to stay up so late.”

  “Oh, I don’t mind it so much Mr Darcy, it reminds me of when I was young.”

  Again, Georgiana asked, “So Fitzwilliam, what are we going to do today?” curiosity was getting the better of her manners.

  “I hadn’t thought about it. I need to take you to our milliners and get you fitted for a dress. I ordered it a few weeks ago when I was last in London.”

  “And will you tell me about all my sisters, and also when I am to meet them?”

  “Of course, I will. But not right now.” With that he finished his breakfast in near silence. He waited for his sister and Mrs Annesley to finish theirs. He wanted to maximise the time he had in London today. He wanted his sister settled and sorted. He wanted to go to bed early and be rested before making the pre-dawn journey. He had yet to tell his sister they only had a few short hours together.

  Georgiana, though realised that he wanted to get back quickly. As gently as she could, she drew out from him, the admission that he would only have a few hours to go shopping. He wished to be back on the road that night. The journey length, and a carriage pulled by tired horses made that impossible. He and his horses would rest at Darcy house that night and leave before the dawn in the morning. The season was beginning. It was nearing the fashionable hour to promenade around Hyde park. Darcy escorted his sister and Mrs Annesley to Hyde Park. It was not that he was interested in who was walking the park. Indeed, he was much more interested in the swans and other wildlife than the people. Fortune was to favour Darcy as he met with his mother’s best friend, who he had not seen for many years. Lady Hapsburg was thrilled by the news that Darcy was now engaged to Miss Elizabeth Bennet. The conversation between the two Darcy’s and Lady Hapsburg was not long. She saw the total love and adoration on Darcy’s face as he spoke about his fiancée. It told her that all his mother’s hopes and dreams for his happiness were being fulfilled. She had an important appointment in Bond Street that could not be postponed, so she hurried away. She made Darcy promise that he would invite her to the wedding, and having received his promise, she was gone. Shortly afterwards Darcy and his sister left the park to visit the Bond Street milliners.

  Darcy grinned as he watched the Milliner measuring his sister for her new dress. His sister had grown again. If he had bought the dress on the previous measurements, the dress would have been four inches too short. She was growing at an almost alarming rate at the moment. The material he had picked out suited her complexion perfectly. Once that was finished, Georgiana disappeared with the milliner to try on a few other items. Darcy decided to wait outside for her. Afterwards he escorted the two ladies to a tearoom. They relaxed with hot chocolate and a few sweets. The confectionary was just too tempting so Darcy purchased some sweets for Elizabeth.

  The milliner had taken longer than he had anticipated, so by the time they came out of the tearoom the day was spent. The small group climbed into the carriage with their few packages. They returned to Darcy House. Darcy had said goodbye to his sister that evening.

  There was no guilt when he climbed into his carriage the next morning, before his sister was awake. He had not slept yet, he wanted to be on the road early enough that he could breakfast at Longbourn. He could sleep in the carriage.

  Darcy made very good time and arrived at Longbourn a full hour before breakfast. Elizabeth had been heading out of the house for her morning ramble. When she saw Darcy arrive and how tired he looked she turned around and headed into the house with him. They entered the morning room. Darcy sank gratefully into an armchair and dozed for next hour until Breakfast.

  “So, Elizabeth, how did the preparations go yesterday?” Darcy asked as that sat down to Breakfast.

  “Very well, thank you” she replied, “Everything should be ready. Jane and I were thinking of setting the final date for the 26th of November.” This brought back memories of the Netherfield Ball.

  Darcy shook his head, “No, could we change it to the 5th of December? I do not want to remember the 26th of Novem
ber.”

  Elizabeth thought for a moment. She then realised that was the date of the Netherfield Ball the previous year. She looked at Jane who shrugged and said she thought that Mr Bingley would agree. “Shall I ask him when I get back to Netherfield later?” Darcy had noticed someone was missing at the breakfast table. It was not until that moment that he realised that Bingley had failed to arrive for breakfast.

  “Yes please, Mr Darcy” it was then that Darcy realised that it was only Elizabeth who used his first name,

  “Please, Jane, call me Fitzwilliam. I hope you all will.” Kitty took fright at the thought of it, Mrs Bennet fidgeted, Mary ignored it, and Mr Bennet just smiled.

  “Now, see you’ve frightened my family,” teased Elizabeth. That broke the tension and everyone laughed.

  “If I have, I hope they’ll soon relax into using my first name.” answered Darcy, tired of a family setting that was so formal in the way they spoke to him. The formality made him the feel like he was not a part of the family yet. He and Elizabeth were always informal.

  “Mr Darcy, I am not sure I’ll get used to calling you Fitzwilliam very quickly. However, I shall try. I had a letter back from Mr Gardiner today, agreeing to our little plan. Mrs Bennet you will have to do without your daughters for about two weeks or so. Fitzwilliam, Bingley and myself are planning on taking them to London, for a couple of weeks.” said Mr Bennet.

  “Why don’t I come with you? it’s been a while since I went to town,” said Mrs Bennet not aware that there was a deliberate omission in the plan.

  “Because my dear, we need you to stay here, and keep the plans moving forward for your daughter's weddings. A double wedding, you know, is an awkward business, and we all want to give them a proper send-off.”

  “Well yes, that is true; I suppose going away at the moment would be tough. Hill is planning the menu for the wedding breakfast. What are your plans for after that Jane, Elizabeth, Mr Dar- Fitzwilliam?” Mrs Bennet seemed uncomfortable saying Fitzwilliam. She forced herself to as he had specifically asked for it.

  Elizabeth, Jane and Darcy looked at each other. Horrified, they had barely set the date, and they had not thought beyond that yet.

  “You see Mrs Bennet; you have a need to be here. I don’t think the young people have thought about much more than their wish to be married, yet.”

  “No indeed, not,” said Elizabeth, blushing and the others all blushed with her.

  “Mr Bennet, could you and your daughters be ready to leave in the morning – say seven o’clock? I am anxious to get the London business completed,” inquired Darcy.

  “Of course, Fitzwilliam. My own estate business is fully up to date and should not need any attention for a while. Kitty, would you ring the bell?” When the servant appeared, Mr Bennet instructed him to pack his trunk, and that of Elizabeth and Jane. They would all be journeying to London in the morning.

  “I’m sorry for not telling you earlier, Elizabeth,” said Darcy. “I would have done so, but every chance I had someone came and interrupted me.”

  “It is fine, my father told me, and of course Jane could not keep it from me.” Elizabeth smiled. Darcy smiled as he thought about Elizabeth using his mother’s carriage. He wondered if she would still walk three miles, to see her sister and nurse her if she was ill. Knowing her obstinate love of the countryside he thought that she would do so if the occasion called for it.

  The ladies withdrew from the breakfast table. Mr Bennet then asked him “At what point will you tell my daughter that she is to have your mother’s carriage?”

  “Only once the repairs are complete and it arrives at her door. I looked at it yesterday when I made a trip into town. It seems that it only needs a new spring or two. The livery has become slightly worn, but the restoration will be quick enough. My part of the London business will likely be the work of a day or two at most.”

  “The lawyers will need to see us as soon as possible. We’ll have to return to town on the return trip from Pemberley to sign the documents.”

  “Yes, I had thought of that. That is why I sent an express off yesterday to tell Mr Gardiner to have our lawyers waiting for us tomorrow. He already knows who my man is.” Mr Bennet looked amused. Darcy was definitely a man of action, which was certainly the opposite of his own character. Mr Bennet was a lazy man who often put off dealing with things for as long as he could. He was reluctant to deal with business late. Rarely was it dealt with too early either. This man who he now found was to be his son-in-law was the opposite. Where there was business to be dealt with, Darcy would get up and deal with it. He could then enjoy time with ease and comfort afterwards. Mr Bennet had, at first, wondered how such a proud, austere man had captured the heart of his daughter. The more he got to know this young man the more he liked him and started to understand his daughter’s attachment. Mr Bennet would never entirely understand it. “I have also planned an evening at the theatre tomorrow night if you don’t mind.”

  “Of course not, although I will leave you young people to enjoy it without me.” They then went through to the ladies. Darcy, fatigued from the London trip, and anxious to talk to Bingley excused himself. He promised to return later in the day. Elizabeth had noticed his fatigued and did not press him to stay. It was agreed though that he would send an extra pair of horses to Longbourn that night, for Mr Bennet’s carriage. This enabled the horses to remain in the field while Mr Bennet was gone. Tomorrow Darcy and Bingley would arrive before breakfast. They would break their fast with the Bennets, after which the party would leave for London.

  Remember upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all

  Alexander the Great

  Darcy had forgotten about the arrival of Miss Bingley and the Hurst's. the previous day. That is until striding into the drawing room, and he saw them all sitting there. Miss Bingley looked upset, and Mrs Hurst was silent. Mr Hurst was not sprawled on one of the sofas as usual. Instead he was in earnest conversation with his brother-in-law. Darcy immediately joined them. Darcy felt that he was intruding on their party. He would have immediately excused himself to rest. It was not to be, and Darcy soon realised why it was that Bingley had not arrived at Longbourn for Breakfast. The problem was Miss Bingley.

  “Perhaps, you can help us, Mr Darcy," Mr Hurst said. "How is it you have brought your sister up so well?"

  “Proper discipline and guidance from sensible well-bred women. Women such as her aunts, governesses and companions." was Darcy's reply. He had had little to do with it. The one thing he didn't want them all to know was about her little indiscretion at Ramsgate last year. Something she seemed now to have recovered from. Nobody, but himself, Mrs Younge, Colonel Fitzwilliam and the gentleman concerned knew about. Except Elizabeth, and maybe Jane and Lydia. That indiscreet, Lydia should have the knowledge of his sister's manipulation, concerned Darcy. He would not give that man any more satisfaction of ruining his family or Darcy's happiness. Darcy was thankful his father had died five years ago and didn't live to see what a problem Mr Wickham had become. That knowledge alone would have killed his father.

  “Caroline is too old for a governess, and I doubt she’d consent to a companion,” said Mr Bingley.

  “Bingley, she doesn't have much choice. You are about to be married. Your other sisters are already married. So unless you are going to insist that she seek employment, a companion is her only option. I'm sure you do not wish to be forever squiring her around – especially once you and Jane start your family. That's not to mention that it's not fair to expect that of Jane." Said, Darcy

  “Well, after Scarborough, I'm afraid she cannot come back to Grosvenor Street with us.” replied Mr Hurst. “I only just managed to pay our bills when we left Scarborough. Something I've never had a problem with in the past, though my fortune is so small. When Louisa and Caroline, received the news of your engagements they went on a spending spree. I don't even know what they bought. It cost a fortune in itself. I need to cut down on my expenses when I return to Grosvenor Street aft
er the wedding." Mr Hurst was very upset. Despite his fortune being larger than Mr Bennet's, he still did not have a large one. Hurst had hoped to be able to add to his fortune every year so that his son or sons would have greater wealth than he had.