1812 How It All Began- Part 2

by Deborah E Pearson

  "I wonder she has found time to write to you and my sister, yet I have not received a letter from her."

  “That I can answer. Anne has not written, because she is trying to get around her mother. She will write when she can give something tolerable. It may well be that she will have to wait for a bit longer."

  Just as Fitzwilliam said that the carriage pulled up to the front door. Darcy jumped out so quickly that the carriage had not quite stopped. He then almost ran inside and found Elizabeth sitting in the saloon, calmly waiting for him. Before he realised what he had done, Darcy greeted Elizabeth with a hug and kiss. He shocked everyone in the room, for Bingley, and Fitzwilliam had followed him inside. Nobody said anything. Darcy gained control of himself quickly and calmly greeted Mr Bennet and Jane. He introduced them to his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam to them.

  “Pleased to meet you, sir," Said the colonel, bowing.

  “I understand you met my daughter, Elizabeth, in Kent," said her Father.

  “Yes, sir, I met your daughter at my aunt’s. I must say that your daughter certainly livened to place up.” The colonel though had not yet been told that Elizabeth shared her sense of humour with her father. He was not prepared her father’s response.

  “Well, if I did not know better, I might think that my daughter had another admirer.”

  “Sir, I do not deny that I was much attracted to your daughter when I met her in Kent.” Fitzwilliam Laughed. He looked pointedly at Darcy who only thought yes I already know about that! Darcy had already been discomposed by finding out about Mr Collins proposal. He gritted his teeth in case he found out now that his cousin had also made one. No such admission was made. Knowing that he was sure of Elizabeth’s affection, Darcy just sat and listened.

  “I am sorry, I haven’t told you very much of Kent, Papa,” Elizabeth said. “Although you would enjoy Lady Catherine’s whims and follies, for she has many of them," she continued.

  “Yes indeed,” said Darcy smiling. “In fact, she is very much like your cousin Mr Collins. Only with all the wealth and status that means everyone else bows to her whims.”

  “Yes, Yes, I believe then that I would enjoy meeting her very much,” said Mr Bennet. “For my cousin is an oddity that amuses me very much."

  “You might not say that though, Papa, if you had read his letter to you before Lydia was found," Jane said quietly.

  “Jane dear, you left that letter in my library with the others and I did read it and was much offended by much of its content. I assure you, I don’t always laugh what he writes, but most of it is humorous, though he does not intend it to be.”

  This last statement reminded Darcy and Elizabeth of Netherfield the previous year. She had said that she couldn’t laugh at his fault in character that he had owned too. They looked at each other and smiled. Dinner was now called, and places at the table were now being claimed. Darcy requested that Elizabeth would take the hostess chair at the bottom of the table. Mr Bingley and Jane sat on one side of the table, and Mr Bennet and Fitzwilliam sat on the other side. For a while, dinner was quiet. Elizabeth and Darcy both appreciating that this was a glimpse into the future. The conversation soon took a male bent. The war with France was becoming worse and the situation affected everything in life. They began speculating how soon more soldiers would be sent to war in France.

  "Napoleon is pushed back at the moment. The current forces in the field seem to be keeping him at bay, and I read he has gone to Russia,” said Bingley.

  “I understand that things have not been going his way, but we do not have enough details yet,” replied Fitzwilliam. "He is an excellent leader and men flock to his banner. We will eventually have to go all out against him. That will mean that every soldier, every officer right up the ranks called into service. At the moment the French are fighting us in the Spanish Peninsula. This war against France and Napoleon has been raging for far too long. The steady draw of men and resources needs to stop. It is not too clear how much longer we can continue to recruit men. The question is how long it will take for us to be called to Spain, not if. I only wish that we knew. It makes it hard to make any life decisions. No soldier wishes to willingly put a woman in the position of worrying if he'll return to her. What if we are killed on battle? What happens to our families then?" Darcy looked at his cousin carefully. This was not the carefree determined bachelor that Darcy knew. He noted that there was more in his manner than his cousin was willing to tell. Something had changed since Rosings. Darcy noted that he would have to talk to his cousin later on.

  "That should please Wickham, for then he will have a chance to prove himself in his new position." remarked Darcy to Mr Bennet. The sarcasm was not lost on anyone.

  "Maybe that would bring Lydia to her senses. Her letters to Kitty, are nothing more than balls and parties and all sorts of frivolous things. I know that she and Wickham exceed their income,” Jane stated quietly.

  “Nothing will bring Lydia to her senses, Jane,” Darcy continued. “When I was talking to her, in London, I was convinced of that. If her disgrace didn't wake her up, then nothing will. However, all I can hope is that time will calm her down."

  “Time will, Mr Darcy, Time will. It did my wife.” Mr Bennet said. “Lydia takes after my wife in more ways than she realises. My wife though still silly has indeed settled down.”

  "Her letters are probably covering he truth of her situation. The life of an officers wife is hard. It's true they have it easier than that of new recruits and followers. Yet army life is hard work for all. We have little time for socialising and balls. Each man woman and child has their part to play in the running of the camp. Cooking, cleaning and other necessities are expected of everyone. Not one of us is allowed to even murmur that something is the work of the lower classes or servants. If we do our work allotment is doubled - often with the worst jobs you can think of. I would be surprised if Mr and Mrs Wickham have even attended one ball yet." Fitzwilliam stated bluntly.

  Darcy swiftly changed the subject “Going back to the absurdities of Mr Collins. I just remembered something that was amusing me at Longbourn last week. You know how he keeps on talking about his ‘noble patroness' and recounting facts about the house? which, by the way, do nothing, but show how vulgar he is?" Darcy shared.

  “How could I forget?” groaned Elizabeth, everyone else said yes.

  “Well, my aunt is not his patroness," Said Darcy.

  “No, indeed, it is our cousin, Anne, that is his patroness. She pays his wages.” Cut Fitzwilliam.

  “Indeed, that is news” Said Mr Bennet, Mr Bingley laughed, as did Elizabeth and Jane.

  “Colonel Fitzwilliam, imagine the scene – Mr Collins, is dining with our family. Maria Lucas, Lady Lucas, Sir William Lucas, and our Aunt Phillips are all dining. Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley are also there. Sitting at my Father’s end of the table are my father, myself, Jane, Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley. My good friend, Charlotte, that's Mrs Collins. is sitting next to Mr Darcy, and then there are my two sisters, between us and my mother’s end of the table. At my Mother’s end of the table is Mr Collins is on one side of my mother, and Sir William Lucas the other side. Lady Lucas and Mrs Phillips on their other sides, and then Maria Lucas. Lady Lucas, my mother and Maria, are all talking about Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy's fortunes. Mr Collins and Sir William want to make themselves feel better. This means Mr Collins starts showing off about Rosings Park, and his ‘noble patroness’. Sir William starts on about St. James. So, there is a constant jostling about showing off about someone else’s wealth and status. Eventually, it is so ridiculous that there’s not one straight face at the ‘sensible’ end of the table. That being my father’s end.” Said Elizabeth trying to keep a straight face long enough to tell the story. All the while Darcy is giving her a look that begs her to laugh, and Jane and Bingley are out and out laughing.

  “I wish I’d been there to see it” Laughed Fitzwilliam. “Could there be any worse mix of officiousness and ill-breeding? It’s so delicious a mix.”

>   “Come back with us when we leave London. I’m sure Mrs Bennet could be easily prevailed on to have another such dinner party.” Said Mr Bennet.

  “I would love to do so.” Fitzwilliam answered. “Bingley, could I beg a bed with you, for say two weeks?”

  "Of course, you may, Colonel Fitzwilliam! You'll enjoy one of Mrs Bennet's dinner parties." Bingley quickly said.

  “Are you on leave at the moment then?” Asked Darcy

  “Yes, I have leave until the beginning of December. I must deal with business during that time, so I can only afford two weeks at Netherfield.”

  "If you're still on leave until then. You must come down for our wedding on the 5th of December," said Darcy, "and if you can prevail on Anne to come."

  “Certainly, I’ll be able to attend your wedding As for Anne, I am not sure that I could prevail on her. She is rather overwhelmed with Rosings and her mother’s mood. I’ll write and see what can be accomplished, though." Again Darcy noticed an odd look on his cousins face. Something was up with Fitzwilliam and Darcy was determined to find out what it was.

  “Thank you.” Replied Darcy.

  The ladies withdrew shortly after that. Over the port, the gentlemen were soon laughing. Mr Bennet quickly improved his acquaintance with the young colonel. All too soon the gentlemen had to join the ladies again. Darcy, left the bulk of the party to entertain each other and called for a card table and a backgammon table. They would have their choice of entertainments. He then asked Elizabeth to accompany him on a tour of the house. "I fear the house has suffered slightly for being the home of a bachelor." Darcy stated as he led her back into the dining parlour.

  "It's nothing that a few new curtains, and adjusting the ornaments in a couple of rooms, can't fix." Elizabeth said. "The latter of which is not an urgent task." Elizabeth though had not anticipated what she was to find in one room that she was shown. That was the next room that Darcy showed her. Of itself, it was a pretty room. Age had touched the walls in a way that it needed new wallpaper, and the items in it needed to be cleaned up. "This room was my school room when I was a small boy. It was Georgiana's until the death of my mother, and then my father sent her to a seminary. So, this room has been closed up for more than twelve years." Darcy explained.

  It felt to Elizabeth almost as if she was viewing a glimpse into the past. She turned to Darcy and said "We need to clean it up and re-decorate the walls. How about moving the school room items to the attic, and putting a small sofa and a writing desk in here? I think this would be a make a very lovely study for me when we are in Town. Oh, and I would like to have a few shelves for some books." To these suggestions, Darcy readily agreed. He begged Elizabeth that when they had any children, it would double as the school room, for them.

  Going through the rest of the house, was a matter of course. When viewing the upstairs, Darcy made a point of giving Elizabeth his mother's rooms. He asked her to re-decorate them as she pleased. Elizabeth looked over the sitting room, dressing room, and finally bedroom with pleasure. She turned to Darcy “I declare I do not want to re-decorate them just yet. They are beautiful as they are." Darcy smiled, for this was the response that her father has warned him to expect. "Elizabeth, please take notice that at least the curtains need replacing."

  "I've already noted that. I’ve noted that all the rooms so far will need new curtains within the year. It may be best if we put new curtains throughout the whole house,” said Elizabeth.

  “It will be done for you, my love, and in the morning I will take you to choose the material for them.” And so saying, Darcy, stepped forward and put his arms around her waist. “See that bandbox on the bed?”

  "Yes, dear."

  “Please look inside, and tell me honestly what you think.” Darcy was anxious to know that the bonnet he had bought for her suited her and that she would like it. Elizabeth slipped out of his arms and sat on the bed and took the lid off the bandbox. Nestled inside was the most beautiful bonnet Elizabeth had ever seen. The bonnet itself was pure white and decorated with seashell pink pearls on a bed of pale blue feathers. Taking it out of the box, she then placed it on her head and walked over to the mirror. It was perfect.

  Darcy was speechless, the bonnet suited Elizabeth perfectly. He glowed with pride that he had chosen so well for his beautiful wife-to-be. Elizabeth then turned and put it back in the box and closed the lid. “Would you please do me the honour of wearing it on our wedding day, as part of your wedding attire?” He asked, quite overcome by the effect that it had on him.

  “Of course, I was thinking of that very same thing.” She answered.

  “Elizabeth, I want you to know that everything in these rooms is yours.” He said as he led her back into his mother’s dressing room. He took his mother’s jewel box and handed it to her, “That includes my mother’s jewels.” He then pulled her down onto the sofa in that room, next to him, and he opened the box. Elizabeth was astounded. He showed her diamonds, pearls, rubies, and other precious stones. Going past all these, Darcy pulled out his mother’s engagement ring and placed it on Elizabeth’s hand. It was exactly the right size, and so Darcy asked her to wear it as her engagement ring. He then put his mother's jewels back on the dresser and then led her to other rooms. His rooms were next to hers. They then moved on to view the guest rooms, and then up round even the servant's quarters. Eventually, there was nothing more to be shown to Elizabeth. They returned down to the saloon, walking hand in hand.

  “So, how much is Elizabeth going to change in your house, Fitzwilliam?” Mr Bennet asked as they returned to the room.

  “Only that which I already knew needed doing.” Darcy smiled.

  “And how does she like her rooms?”

  “Very well, Papa,” replied Elizabeth blushing.

  “I’ll be picking her up early tomorrow to go round the warehouses and choose the materials.” Stated Darcy flatly.

  “Good, good, and how did the other business go today?” Mr Bennet asked.

  "Very well, thank you. Although, it'll take a small amount longer than planned," Smiled Darcy. It was at this point that the housekeeper came and said that the servants were waiting to meet Elizabeth. Darcy led Elizabeth down to the servant's hall where they were all assembled. They were introduced to Elizabeth.

  Darcy had hired a ladies maid for Elizabeth, who would now go with Elizabeth wherever she went. As soon as she had met Elizabeth, the maid gathered her small travel box. she would now wait at the Gardiners to prepare for when Elizabeth returned for the night.

  Elizabeth and Darcy returned to the drawing-room. Fitzwilliam was preparing to take his leave, and also Mr Bennet getting ready to leave.

  “Well, Cousin, I’m sorry I cannot stay later, but I have to get home, and you seem occupied," said Fitzwilliam.

  “I’m sorry, Fitzwilliam,” replied Darcy. “However, apart from going to the warehouses tomorrow, tomorrow night I shall be at leisure.”

  “I believe, I once told you that it was a hopeless case between Fitzwilliam and myself did I not, Colonel?” Elizabeth laughed.

  "Yes, you did, but now I am beginning to think that you were right. Actually I knew you were right even then. You two were made for each other." He laughed. With that Fitzwilliam took his leave and was gone.

  “Fitzwilliam, may I claim my daughter back, and take her to my brother’s for the night?” Mr Bennet teased.

  "Yes, sir, our business is done here tonight." Darcy laughed. Elizabeth and Jane then took their leave of Darcy and Bingley, and they headed back to the Gardiners. As they left, Darcy reflected on all the changes that day had afforded. What he remembered most fondly was the way that bonnet had played around Elizabeth's face.

  Bingley was not very anxious to stay up. He seemed to miss Jane considerably when they separated, and it came to a point where he seemed not to want to leave her. Darcy would tell Bingley off but realised that he felt that way about Elizabeth. It would be one more reason for his friend to call him a hypocrite. He left his friend to h
imself, and agreed rather that an early bed would be better. Reflecting in bed before he slept, he realised Elizabeth would be the crowning jewel of his home. She appeared to be making the transition to its mistress, very easily.

  By three methods we may learn wisdom: First by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.

  Confucious

  The next morning as they breakfasted, Darcy found he hardly had any patience with Bingley. Bingley's and Jane's business had been completed the day before. That meant they had nothing to do that day, but enjoy each other's company. Bingley had just finished breakfast when the carriage Darcy had sent to be fixed, arrived. Darcy instantly went and inspected it. He made sure that the repairs were sound and well done. Once he was satisfied with the job, he then instructed a groom, to take the carriage and horses to Elizabeth. This would be accompanied with a note Darcy wrote to her:

  My Dearest Elizabeth,

  Now you shall know my business here in London.

  My sole purpose here was for your pleasure. Please accept Mother’s restored carriage. Repaired and complete with horses and groom in our employ. Never again will you be dependent upon waiting for horses from the field. Nor will you have to borrow another’s carriage to leave a place where you are visiting. As for walking, please continue for pleasure, for it brightens your eyes.

  So, now this is your carriage, my love - ever at your disposal. Enjoy the independence you will gain,

  Ever Yours,

  Fitzwilliam.

  Once the note was written, Darcy changed his mind. He wished to see her face upon receipt of the equipage. The servants were told to wait for him. Bingley came with him, and soon they were setting out. The journey to the Gardiners was not long. Mayfair to Gracechurch street was a 3 mile journey. The same as Netherfield to Longbourn. Upon their arrival, Jane and Elizabeth rushed out the front door to greet them. As soon as he had exited the carriage, Darcy then handed her his note. He was impatient for her response. She gave him an arch look, and tried to look offended. The smile playing on her lips made that an impossible look to keep up, and instead she laughed. “What, Mr Darcy, did I embarrass you walking three miles to Netherfield to nurse my sister?!”