1812 How It All Began- Part 2

by Deborah E Pearson

  “You might have done if you had been my sister.”

  “Was it the mud, or the fact I walked alone?!”

  Darcy laughed, “Neither. I wondered if your sister was sick enough to warrant such a journey, it's true. My main concern was that you had no other means of transport. As for our opinion on the matter it depends on who you talk to. Your eyes were brightened by the exercise, but I wondered about you walking so far alone. Miss Bingley was harsher about your petticoat being six inches deep in mud. Charles didn’t care about any of it.”

  Elizabeth answered with a laugh and then properly thanked him for the carriage. They then went back into the house. Elizabeth went upstairs to put on her coat and bonnet, for the trip to the fabric warehouses together. When she came down, Darcy was taking leave for them both. Her carriage was waiting for their little outing. The trip to the warehouse was a successful one, and materials were found to suit every room in the townhouse. The material was delivered to the milliners where it would be made into curtains. These curtains would be ready by the time that they would return from Pemberley. Elizabeth would then inspect them before they returned to Hertfordshire. The wallpaper for the old schoolroom was also chosen and the sofa and desk bought for the room. It was a successful days work and they returned to Darcy house.

  The family arrived promptly for dinner. That left them very little time to order the redecoration of the old school room. Elizabeth was conscious that she didn’t have anything to change into for dinner. She did, however, use the rooms that were now hers to freshen up. Bingley and Jane arrived first, then the Gardiners, and Mr Bennet. Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted Georgiana and Mrs Annesley, and their party was complete. Georgiana had arrived while Elizabeth was freshening up. Instead of waiting downstairs, she ran up to what was now Elizabeth’s rooms. Darcy joined them almost immediately.

  “Fitzwilliam, it occurs to me that most of our acquaintance doesn’t know that you are getting married...” Georgiana started.

  “That, we shall remedy.” Darcy turned to Elizabeth. “When we should throw a ball to formally announce our engagement. That way you can meet my London acquaintance, Elizabeth. do you agree?”

  “It’s an excellent idea. Jane and Charles should share our night.”

  “That would make my night.” Darcy said. Darcy asked his housekeeper to find out if there were any other balls for the night they wished to throw the ball. The menus he delegated to Elizabeth.

  Georgiana frowned. “Would it be proper for me to join the party or not? I’m not sure as I haven’t come out yet.”

  “Yes, Georgiana, you can join. It’s my plan that you have your formal come out this coming season.” Darcy said. “Now, my London business is complete, how about eight days at Pemberley?”

  “Really, Fitzwilliam?” said Georgiana “You know I love being at Pemberley it is so quiet.”

  “Yes, I love Pemberley as well,” Darcy said looking at Elizabeth. “As long as Elizabeth’s father is up to leaving on Monday, then we will all go up then.”

  “My father mentioned that possibility to me last night,” Elizabeth replied, smiling.

  The three of them then rose and went down to dinner. Georgiana took her place beside her brother. Elizabeth, once more took the hostess chair. The conversation was lively and easy. Once the ladies withdrew into the drawing room, the gentlemen didn’t want to linger over the port that night. They quickly joined the ladies. Elizabeth, Jane, Bingley and Darcy, started drawing up a guest list. Most of the guests were quickly and easily agreed. Bingley wanted none but his own sisters and a close friend or two. Elizabeth was happy with her family plus Charlotte. Darcy wanted his aunts and uncles, a few close friends, his sister, and a couple of his mother’s acquaintances. Of course, he wanted his cousins as well. However, Jane, who temper was more forgiving than was good for her, wanted to invite Lydia and Wickham.

  “I would prefer it if they did not.” Darcy, was not yet ready to pretend at happy families with that future brother-in-law. In fact he did not think he ever would be able to play happy families with that man.

  “I know, but blood is blood and she is my sister and he is her husband,” said Jane.

  “I know, that is supposed to be the happiest day of our lives. To be reminded of all that man has done would spoil my joy,” replied Darcy, trying not to show how angry he still was with Wickham.

  “Oh dear, I certainly don’t want to make you unhappy,” Jane said. “I only want all my family there.”

  “Jane, my dear, it may be better not to have him there,” Bingley replied, who knew the pain that the mere mention of Wickham occasioned Darcy.

  “I understand. It would be nice to have the whole family in attendance. Her behaviour last time she was at Longbourn was painful for me. So I too would rather not have either of them there,” said Elizabeth.

  “Georgiana, come here a moment, would you please?” Darcy asked, and immediately Georgiana was by his side. “Do you remember how I told you that one of Elizabeth’s sisters was married to Mr Wickham?”

  “Yes, Fitzwilliam.”

  “How would you feel about him being at my wedding?” Darcy inquired.

  “Oh,” Georgiana flushed, then went silent, and then said, “I... don’t... know, I...I... think it would be all right, I wouldn’t have to speak to him.”

  “No, of course not,” Darcy assured her. “Jane would like her sister at the wedding.”

  “Then she should be there, and if he comes with so be it,” Georgiana replied.

  “That’ll make her mother happy at least” growled Darcy. “She’ll see the daughter who is most like her.”

  “Jane, are you sure, you want those two at our wedding?” Elizabeth asked.

  “Whatever she’s done she is still our sister,” said Jane, “So, yes, I would still like her to be there.”

  “Have you forgotten though what her behaviour was last time we saw her? She has no shame, Jane! She claimed your place, spoke to all and sundry about her wedding as if it had taken place in good circumstances. Besides, it’s almost a given that they’ll only start begging for money.”

  “I know, Lizzy, but still she is our sister.” Jane was obstinate in her desire to have Lydia at her wedding. Eventually everyone else gave in and agreed to invite her.

  “Jane, they must stay away from me, there is more than you know of why that man is not welcome at Pemberley.” Darcy stated firmly. “Tell them that if they mention money at the wedding he can wave goodbye to any further help in his commission.”

  “I will tell her that,” said Jane quietly. And with that, the guest list was finalised. Elizabeth and Jane would wrote the invitations. They would send their mother the guest list during the course of the following day. The rest of the evening was spent with Elizabeth and Darcy reading books. Jane, Bingley and Georgiana playing vingt-un. Everyone else just enjoyed talking to each other until the time came for the guests to take their leave.

  The vine bears three kinds of grapes: the first of pleasure, the second of intoxication the third of disgust

  Diogenes.

  Sunday dawned bright and clear. Darcy greeted the day with greater than usual enthusiasm. Darcy had proposed, the previous evening, a trip to Vauxhall Gardens this evening. For years he had heard from his friends about Vauxhall Gardens. Vauxhall Gardens were an anomaly amongst the strictures of town. Many a rising musician had played or sang there before going on to bigger and better things. It was considered one of the top places to visit in London. Yet there was a seedier element to the Vauxhall gardens also. The rules of decorum were often considered to be relaxed while touring the gardens. There were rumours of ladies of ill repute who used the gardens to illicit customers. This was barely a consideration to Darcy. The walks were considered to be very fine, something he knew would please Elizabeth. He had heard that late in the evening the fireworks displays were amongst the finest to be had in the country. Despite the gardens poor reputation, Darcy looked forward to going with Elizabeth.

&nb
sp; Church that morning seemed interminable. Darcy found that he could hardly concentrate on the sermon. He caught the opening verse “Though I speak with the tongues of Men and of Angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass and tinkling cymbals”[1]. Yet he did not know what the subject of the sermon was. He was distracted with the idea that maybe he could find a way to slip away from the group with Elizabeth. His overactive imagination thought of things that he would like to do with Elizabeth. Things that had no place within the walls of a church. Yet, his imagination ran wild.

  After the service, Darcy, Bingley and Georgiana returned to Darcy’s. They waited for the arrival of the rest of the party. They were not disappointed. Within half an hour of them arriving home the Gardiners and the Bennets arrived. They had attended church at St. Clements. They arrived mid-afternoon and whiled away the afternoon. The Gardens would not open until seven o’clock that evening. Darcy finalised the picnic around five o’clock. By six o’clock they were inside the two carriages that would take them to the ferry.

  They arrived at the ferry early. This meant that they had to wait. Darcy looked at Elizabeth who was looking very attractive that evening. Darcy ached for the time when she would be his wife. Tonight though would be a time for relaxation and pleasure. He had heard much of the gardens, and all would be able to walk to their heart's content.

  The conversation was not lacking in either carriage as they waited. In the one carriage, the conversation was focusing on the many changes in the Bennet family in the last year. That included the event that shortened the Bennet/Gardner holiday in August. In the other carriage, the conversation was of the future, hopes and dreams. They made plans for their family party at Pemberley. They even discussed whether Miss Georgiana needed Mrs Annesley any longer. They decided Mrs Annesley was indispensable. Miss Catherine have the benefit of Mrs Annesley at least for a season.

  Talk then turned to Pemberley. Darcy was very taken with the idea of the phaeton and ponies. Many visited Pemberley house, but did not have the physical stamina to tour the gardens. The phaeton and ponies would be an extra revenue source, and open the park for more visitors. He informed Elizabeth that he had already put in the orders for three new phaetons with the Darcy crest. He had also sent word to Pemberley that six or more new drivers should train to drive visitors around the park.

  After half an hour they boarded the ferry and went over the Thames and entering Vauxhall Gardens. Darcy paid the entry fee for all, including the servants. Once the picnic was laid for the group the servants were to also enjoy the gardens. Also, it was Darcy’s gift to his servants on his engagement. Upon entering the Gardens, Georgiana’s attention was caught by the statue of Handel. Her delight was further increased when she saw the paintings that were in the supper booths. Her wonder at each new artistic discovery was rather amusing to the rest of the group. They were interested but by no means held the same respect for the arts.

  Very soon Elizabeth and Darcy wandered away from the rest of the group. Wandering down the grove they caught their first glimpse of the golden statue of Aurora. Their senses were overloaded as they walked around the various walks. More than once in the lower lighted areas did they share a kiss and express joy at their upcoming marriage. They walked the rural downs walk and then the Druids walk. They became engrossed in conversation and nature. They almost forgot to return to the supper booth for nine o’clock. Somehow they did return on time and sat down to their picnic that Darcy had brought. The only things that they ordered were wine and a few slices of the famous thin cut ham. Each of them enjoyed the trip immensely.

  After supper, Fitzwilliam and Mr Bennet stayed with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley in the supper booth. While the three couples wandered off again, Darcy thought he caught a wistful look on his cousin’s face. Fitzwilliam's behaviour made no sense. Darcy hoped that it wasn’t jealousy because Elizabeth had chosen him.

  Entertainment that evening included a ventriloquist, and various musical numbers. Everything delighted Georgiana very much. They stayed late into the night relaxing in each other’s company. They arrived beck at Darcy house, late and tired. Nobody would get much sleep that night, and most would only sleep in the carriages the next day. They agreed to be up early the next morning. Darcy and Bingley would breakfast at Gracechurch Street. Afterwards they would all set out for Pemberley.

  The greatest pleasure of life is love.

  Euripides

  The morning brought Georgiana, Darcy and Bingley to the Gardiners early. Four carriages for the trip to Pemberley were quickly decided to be superfluous. Therefore only two would make the journey to Pemberley. The occupants of the carriages would divide according to sex. On the outward journey, the ladies occupied one carriage. The Gentlemen occupied the other. At every inn, there was no delay as their rooms were ready. Darcy had sent servants and horses ahead so that their journey might be as relaxed as possible. Conversation in the gentlemen's carriage would be sparse. Mr Bennet was not much of a conversationalist. Darcy had suffered too many sleepless nights and so slept most of the way.

  Upon arrival at Pemberley Darcy took great pleasure in introducing Elizabeth. After that, everyone was shown to their rooms in the family wing. Darcy took great pleasure in opening up his mother's rooms. They would now be Elizabeth's, both for the duration of her stay and as her rooms once they were married.

  Elizabeth's joy and love for the rooms was everything that Darcy had imagined it to be. It also surpassed his expectations. The rooms themselves were decorated in a subdued red, which bordered on a dark pink. The furniture was delicate and very feminine, though not of the most recent fashions. Darcy was convinced that these were the best rooms in the house. He had promised himself that should Elizabeth wish to change the rooms they occupied he would do so. The look on Elizabeth's face convinced him that moving rooms would not be a consideration. She was very taken with her rooms as they were.

  Before either of them could say anything more, Mrs Reynolds knocked on the mistress’s door. She had guessed correctly that was where she would find the master and the future mistress. She promptly gained admittance and didn't stand on ceremony with young master.

  "Sir, I have brought the menus for your stay" started Mrs Reynolds. Catching Elizabeth's eye she commented, "Well, ma'am, it seems you know my master more than a little." Only one of such long-standing service, who had become a mother to the young master could make such a comment. She was referring to Elizabeth’s visit to Pemberley back in August.

  "I suppose I do, Mrs Reynolds." laughed Elizabeth.

  "Mrs Reynolds, as you know this young lady is Miss Elizabeth Bennet. I have the very great pleasure of informing you that she has agreed to be my bride." Darcy cut in.

  "Congratulations, sir." Mrs Reynolds said.

  "Thank you, Mrs Reynolds." Darcy replied. "Now, Miss Elizabeth is to be the mistress here in less than two months. I see no reason that you should not go through the menu's with her in about half an hour. We have all just arrived and I'm sure she would like to relax and freshen up before going through the menus, and so would I."

  "Indeed sir, Shall I come to the drawing room?"

  "No, we'll be in the library" Darcy replied. With that, Mrs Reynolds withdrew, and a shocked Elizabeth just looked at Darcy. "Now, now Elizabeth, What's this I have shocked you?" Darcy teased, relishing the chance to tease Elizabeth, who was usually teasing him.

  "Well, Darcy, you know that we are not married yet, I am still your guest." Elizabeth teased back. "And a very special guest you are!" Darcy smiled, wrapping his arms around her. He would have given her a kiss, had not Georgiana walked into the room at that very moment.

  "Oh, I'm sorry. I- I- didn't realise you were going to give Elizabeth Mama's room tonight. I came in for a last look around them.”

  "Don't distress yourself, Georgiana," Elizabeth replied, blushing and breaking free. "Come in and look around.”

  "Georgiana, would you like to choose the gowns of Mama's you would like?" Darcy asked. Then tu
rning to Elizabeth he said, "My father kept all my mother's gowns, and I had intended to give them to Georgiana. They are no longer in fashion, but they are still in good condition and have a lot of wear left. I thought that they would do for morning dresses. Those that Georgiana doesn't want, I would like you to use and get the use of them." With that Darcy opened a trunk that had sat at the bottom of the bed and laid the beautiful gowns on the bed. Each gown was made of either fine muslin or silk. They were not in the present fashion. None could be worn to assemblies or in fashionable society. Some could be reworked in something resembling a fashionable dress for family dinners. Others would only do for morning dresses; all would complement the taste of the wearer. One stood out. It was made of fine lace, over a plain soft seashell pink silk. Darcy asked for Elizabeth's fan. When she handed it to him, they discovered the fans and the dress were of the same colour.

  Georgiana then softly said, "Fitzwilliam, that is a beautiful combination. One that Elizabeth would look beautiful in."

  "Would you like the gown, Georgiana?" asked Darcy

  "No, let Elizabeth have the gown." Georgiana picked out four of the gowns that she remembered her mother wearing. She then disappeared. Darcy unwillingly left Elizabeth to refresh and rest. Upon exiting her room, he requested that she would wear that gown later at dinner. She agreed that she would if the gown fitted, which as it turned out fitted perfectly.