1812 How It All Began- Part 2

by Deborah E Pearson

"No, indeed! He was just congratulating himself that Elizabeth had refused him.”

  "I'm so glad he didn't know every detail."

  "What do you mean?" Anne asked surprised.

  "Only that, there is more to that story than most of the family realise." And so they talked their two dances away.

  It transpired that again there was a lack of gentlemen. None of the ladies of Darcy's party lacked for partners and so danced the whole night away. Darcy danced most of the dances, Bingley danced every dance. Mr Bennet danced a few dances, as also did Mrs Annesley. The whole party had a very enjoyable evening. Bingley danced most with Jane, and Darcy danced most with Elizabeth. Anne and Georgiana circulated but never danced with the same gentleman twice. The Lambton assembly closed earlier than the Meryton one and the Darcy party were the first to leave.

  The rest of the Pemberley visit was spent in morning visits. Elizabeth had a hard time to choose the material for the curtains needed for her room. Elizabeth's Lambton acquaintances became family friends. Their evenings were spent in wedding plans and quietude. All too soon they were all on the road going back to town. Darcy and Elizabeth looked forward to December when they would return to Pemberley. For two days Elizabeth and Darcy talked of nothing other than domestic arrangements. Jane and Bingley's conversation was about the same things. It was Mr Bennet, who proposed a change to the carriages on the return journey. The two betrothed couples would travel together. Mr Bennet would ride in the other carriage with Georgiana and Mrs Annesley.

  There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed.

  Napoleon Bonaparte

  Returning to Town was bittersweet for all. Letters from Mrs Bennet and Kitty awaited Elizabeth, Jane and Mr Bennet. Mrs Bennet had without any restraint gone overboard. All the letters needed answering and the plans calmed down. Elizabeth and Jane wrote all overlooked invitations that night and sent them to the post. They then all separated for bed, Darcy and Bingley going on to Darcy’s townhouse. Exhausted by the trip, Georgiana stayed with the Gardiners that night. She would go onto her little establishment the next day.

  When the next day dawned the plans they had made so carefully had to rapidly change. Due to business commitments, the Gardiners needed to leave Town on business for a few days. They would not return until a few days before the wedding. This required the young ladies and Mr Bennet to stay at Darcy’s townhouse. Darcy and Bingley would remove to Grosvenor Square for a few days. The ball Darcy had planned was was to be the following night. The cards had been sent to Darcy’s London acquaintance while they were at Pemberley. The supper food was prepared and supper made. They breakfasted together at the townhouse. The day was spent in leisure. The whole party planned to use the gowns and accoutrements they had used for the Lambton ball. They were not expecting anyone beyond their immediate party to attend both balls. Anne had promised to come to the ball the next day but was staying with the Fitzwilliam's at their townhouse.

  The next morning found the Darcy's and Elizabeth in last minute preparations for the ball. Meats and soups, puddings and vegetables occupied a large part of the day. As did the moving of furniture, and other such domestic plights. Bingley and Jane escaped the house and went for a long walk in Hyde Park, with Mrs Annesley as their chaperone. Mr Bennet escaped to the library. Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth managed all the arrangements without interruption. Anne arrived mid-afternoon. They had transformed the dining parlour. When everyone retired to dress for the ball, Anne waited in the saloon. All the sofas and furniture had been moved to the side of the room, in preparation for the ball. The ballroom, had not been open in many years. It was now open and looking beautiful with the tasteful decorations placed around it. Anne wandered around the rooms which were open for visitors' use. Anne noticed that Elizabeth had put her stamp on the decorations, even if only quietly. Most of those invited would not notice.

  Elizabeth, Darcy and Georgiana barely time to change before the first guests arrived. The first to arrive were the Hapsburg's. Sir and Lady Hapsburg had been very good friends with Darcy’s mother Lady Anne Darcy. They had arrived with their two daughters and two sons. The eldest son was two years older than Darcy. He had become engaged six months ago, but for unknown reasons, the wedding was postponed for two years. The youngest son was a handsome man of about two and twenty. He seemed to be very much taken with Georgiana, who looked very becoming that night. The two sisters were handsome girls of three and twenty and six and twenty. Darcy introduced Elizabeth as they moved through the receiving line, into the ballroom. Soon the principal guests had arrived and it seemed that the receiving line moved slower. The last guests to arrive were the Fitzwilliam's. Fitzwilliam had had last minute business which had delayed their party. Unfortunately, they arrived in the middle of the first dance. As the host Darcy had been obliged to open the dance, and did so with Elizabeth. Darcy danced every dance, and so did Elizabeth. There had been a couple of occasions when Jane had been obliged to sit out. Georgiana and Anne danced every dance, and Charles sat out a couple of dances.

  Halfway through the evening, everybody moved through to supper. The change that supper brought was both unwelcome and traumatic.

  Elizabeth in high spirits had leaned over and whispered in Darcy's ear. “How many women here are speculating on your ten thousand a year?”

  “It won’t do any of them any good since it’s already yours” Whispered Darcy back. “There are many of the gentlemen who envy me you.” Darcy then stood up and rapped on his glass to get everyone’s attention.

  “Thank you all for coming this evening. I know that many of you were confused why this young lady next to me was part of the receiving line this evening. It is now my very great pleasure to announce that this young lady, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is my fiancée. We became engaged mid-September and will be married on the 5th of December. It is with the greatest pleasure that I add that we will not be the only couple wed that day. In the same ceremony My best friend, Charles Bingley, will be marrying Miss Jane Bennet. Miss Bennet is Elizabeth's elder sister.” Elizabeth stood up next to Darcy. While Jane and Charles stood up on the other side of the room, to receive the congratulations. Several rounds of congratulations and toasts to the couples followed. Supper itself followed. They had not long sat down after the announcement when Lady Hapsburg came and sat next to Darcy.

  “You know I was your mother’s best friend?” She started,

  “Yes, I remember,” replied Darcy.

  “When your mother was dying she gave me charge over four letters. Two are for destruction and two are for delivery on the occasion of your engagement.” She said.

  “I was not aware of that. Although, it seems in character of what I remember of my mother,” Darcy replied.

  Lady Hapsburg now produced the two letters that were to be given. One was for Darcy, and one was for Elizabeth.

  My Dearest Son,

  As I am dying before you are even old enough to think about choosing a wife, I have to cover every possibility. I wish to inform you that if you are reading this letter, then you have gladdened my heart by your choice. I am sure you have followed your heart rather than your overbearing aunt’s wishes. I never wished for you to marry your cousin, though it was easier for my sister to think that I went along with her wishes. I am sure that the young lady is a delightful young woman. I would dearly love to live and to meet. I hope son that she will liven up your disposition. Already you are showing signs of being far too sober and thoughtful than is good for a young boy. Congratulations, my son. In trust right now there is the sum of twenty thousand pounds as a gift of dowry for your bride. I did this as far too many gentlemen’s daughters are suffering from lack of dowry. This is due to the changing political and financial landscape. My dearest wish is for you to follow your heart, my son. This is to be part of her marriage settlement. In fact, it is to be over and above any settlement that you arrange with her father. This money will be held in trust for her until such a time as you marry the young woman who claims your hea
rt. There will be considerable interest on these twenty thousand pounds. I do not know what the final total will be.

  Congratulations, my son,

  Your Affectionate Mother,

  Lady Anne Darcy

  Elizabeth had read the letter that was handed to her and was so overwhelmed all she could do was hand it to Darcy;

  To the Future Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy,

  I claim all the freedom to write here as a mother to her future daughter-in-law. Since you are reading this letter I can say that I am very happy. My son has made his own choice and decided to follow his heart rather than what he was told to do by my sister. To you it will seem that I am talking from the grave, it grieves me that I will never meet you. My son has a good heart and needs a good woman by his side that will nurture his generous and caring nature. Please look after him for me.

  I have arranged a wedding gift for you at my solicitors; my husband and best friend know the details. My wedding present to you is twenty thousand pounds. I have placed it in trust to add to whatever fortune you have in your own right. Knowing my son’s heart, I expect his choice is disinterested from fiscal advantage. Congratulations on capturing his heart and thank you for making my son happy. You have warmed my heart this day. Though I am writing this letter when he is but fourteen years old, I know that he will choose wisely. My heart is warmed by the thought of his marrying the woman that he loves.

  Please take my daughter under your wing, and be kind to her. A young lady needs a confidante. Since I cannot be around for her, please look after her on my behalf.

  Congratulations,

  Lady Anne Darcy.

  As they laid aside these letters from Lady Anne, Lady Hapsburg handed him the legal paperwork. She had found the paperwork after their conversation in Hyde Park. Upon receipt of the invitation to the Ball she knew the joy these letters would bring. Her husband had told her to wait for the day after the ball, but she would not hear of delaying beyond that night. Afterwards she would be glad she had not waited. This was the last of anything pleasant that would happen that evening. At that moment, a servant came into the room bearing two expresses. One for Mr Bennet, and one for Darcy.

  Dear Fitzwilliam,

  Now, I may call you that, you being my brother-in-law. Think how happy your father would be if he had ever thought that we would become brothers. Your father was after all so fond of us both, that I am sure he wanted us to become brothers. My wife and I cannot get away to attend your wedding, as you attended ours. I would like to be able to attend, yet I am required to stay for training. Also, the prospect of overseas service means that none of us has more than a single day away at the moment. The lively and wonderful Elizabeth will be a wonderful bride for you. I wish things had been different. Had I more fortune you would not have been able to ask Elizabeth, for I would have asked her to marry me.

  This last sentence made Darcy so angry that for a minute he could not attend to the rest of the letter.

  My wife and I are indebted to you for the part which you played in bringing us together. We will always remember it fondly.

  My dear Fitzwilliam, I would appreciate it if we could repair the breach between us. We were once very close confidantes, and it would do our children good to grow up close as we once did.

  Congratulations on your forthcoming nuptials,

  George Wickham.

  Darcy wanted to screw the letter up and destroy it. However, he wanted Elizabeth to read it, and thereby put an end to any regret that she may have. Elizabeth read it and was as angry as Darcy himself. Barely had they read that when Mr Bennet made his way across the room.

  “I’m sorry, Mr Darcy. I’m going have to leave tonight, as soon as possible.” He began.

  “Not bad news, I hope”

  “I’m afraid it is. My daughter, Mary, was attacked. My wife is, as usual, being overly anxious. My daughter, Kitty, has not asked for me to go home, only informed me of the situation. I should be at home, with my wife and daughter.”

  “Of course. Does Kitty say how bad Mary’s injuries are?”

  “No.” Mr Bennet replied. Darcy looked about to leave himself, and gather Elizabeth, Jane and Charles but Mr Bennet went on to say “No, No. Stay and join me later. You are the host here and it will look very peculiar if you were to leave in the middle of your own ball.”

  “True, I’ll arrange that we will join you as soon as may be.” Said Darcy, anxious now for he knew that Elizabeth would be wild to get home as soon as she knew.

  “Mr Darcy, please could you keep the information from the girls until after the ball? I wish them to continue enjoying themselves.” Said Mr Bennet. Who was so anxious to be home that he dismissed himself before he quit the supper room. He left the letter for himself, which enclosed letters for the four young people. Darcy though folded the letters into his pocket and turned his attention to the rest of supper. After supper before the dancing returned a few of the girls sang, and then the dancing resumed. Darcy danced once more with Elizabeth. He hated propriety stating that he could not dance more than three dances with his betrothed. He did his duty and danced with many of his other guests. Immediately following supper, he left the ball for a few minutes. He gave the instructions for their trunks to be packed and the carriages ready to leave as soon as the ball was over. As it was a town ball it carried on until the early hours of the morning. Darcy, was anxious to join his future father-in-law, but had to wait for the visitors to disburse. At length, the visitors started to leave and soon there was nobody left but family. His cousins the Fitzwilliam’s, his cousin Anne, and their own party, remained. Lord and Lady Matlock had already left for the night. They sat down in the saloon, to relax for a few minutes before seeking their beds. Darcy soon began:

  “Jane, Elizabeth, Charles I’m afraid we will have to leave now. We need to go back to Hertfordshire. I’m afraid there’s been some drama at Longbourn and it now needs our attention.” Jane looked horrified, but couldn’t speak, Charles and Elizabeth waited for more news. Darcy then read Kitty’s letter to her father out loud.

  Papa,

  Please do not be too alarmed, but rather please write and advise me. Mary walked into Meryton last week. While she went from the library to the milliners, she was attacked. She managed to get to our Aunt Phillips, where until we can get a carriage she will remain. she is unable to walk very far. Mama is doing too much on the wedding plans, and so I seem to have to arrange everything. I know not how to do this. Please write back and tell me what to do.

  Kitty.

  After reading this out loud Darcy then gave out the rest of the letters. No one attended to them as they all agreed that they should leave that instant. Georgiana insisted on accompanying them. She sent to her little establishment that a trunk should follow her. Anne and the Fitzwilliam’s agreed to arrive at Netherfield the week before the wedding. After that they wearily climbed into the carriages, travelling to Netherfield and Longbourn.

  Georgiana and Darcy wished to be of more use than simple day visitors. As soon as they arrived they begged to be able to stay at Longbourn. Darcy knew that his abilities did not run to nursing the sick. He offered to aid with the estate so Mr Bennet could attend to his daughter. Elizabeth couldn’t sleep. As soon as it was a decent time to call the next morning, she took her own carriage and collected Mary. Georgiana and Kitty organised Mary’s room. This left Mr Bennet to try to soothe his wife, whose nerves were overset. She had once again had sequestered herself in her rooms. Jane took over all the wedding arrangements. On leaving town Darcy had left word with the two legal men that they were to bring the papers to Longbourn.

  Two days later, Darcy, Jane, and Elizabeth rode over to Netherfield. They left Mary with Georgiana. Their mother was with their father and younger sister Kitty. As soon as they entered the saloon though, Miss Bingley started up. “Why, Mr Darcy, you all look so tired!”

  “And so we might, Miss Bingley.” Replied Darcy. The business with Mary and the estate had been such as that none of them had
much more than three hours sleep a night. Mary’s attacker was soon found to be one of the gypsies that had recently been in the neighbourhood. He was tracked down by trying to sell Mary’s watch, which had her name engraved on the back. Mary appeared to be recovering. The full extent of her injuries would only show in the months ahead. For the moment the ladies were taking turns to sit with Mary throughout both the night and the day.

  “Darcy, come and sit down.” Said Mr Bingley who was worried for all of them. As a daily visitor there, knew that none of them was getting very much sleep with all that was happening. It turned out that Miss Bingley had nearly suffered Mary’s fate. The incident had occurred when she visited the Meryton milliners the previous week. It was the Bingley servants who had seen what was going to happen and drove her attacker off. When they sat down, Jane who had the least sleep, leant on Charles' shoulder and fell asleep.

  “I’m glad to see her asleep,” said Charles, “I would hate for her to get sick again.”

  “Charles, there’s no danger of that. We have shared the work and the burden in such a way as none of it falls on any one person’s shoulders. Most of our sleep disturbances are either a change in the person sitting with Mrs Bennet, or with Mary. Mrs Bennet’s hysterics also disturb our sleep.”

  “So why do you not stay here, Mr Darcy?” Miss Bingley wheedled.

  “It’s less of a strain on the family, plus I am of more use not having to interrupt everyone as I come and go. By staying at the house, you can fit in with the family easier.” A sigh escaped Darcy as he thought Plus I can avoid you as much as possible! “Besides, Georgiana is actually helping to nurse Mary. We are both needed there.” Elizabeth smiled at this. As soon as they had entered the house Darcy took charge. He did as much as he could to take the burden off everyone else. Georgiana and Darcy now had become indispensable. Elizabeth knew that Mrs Bennet was beginning to wonder what she would do when they left. This, would not be until after the wedding, so none of them worried about it much.