We are most gratified (though not surprised) to hear of Mary’s engagement and look forward to meeting Pastor Atkins and seeing you. One or both of us will accompany your family in their carriage from Longbourn to attend the wedding. I am quite sure that I shall be able to attend, but your uncle is still trying to arrange his affairs in such a way as to assure his attendance. His business is having another very profitable year and your uncle had been quite busy.
I chanced upon Mrs. Hurst last week and she sends her regards. She may have been purposefully dropping a hint or merely quite vexed at her sister, Miss Bingley, at that moment, but there seems to be some discord within the family. Which reminds me, your uncle had a letter from your mother and she is quite ecstatic about the new family connections that are pending. I’m sure you will be hearing from her soon, if you have not already done so. I might worry that she would now try to foist Mr. Gottlieb upon Kitty, but his interests lie in a decidedly different direction and so Kitty is safe on that front. Although your mother is quite incensed that Mr. Gottlieb has also followed his heart and made a match.
Kitty was prevailed upon to stay with us for a fortnight. Your uncle and I thought a change of scene might be of service to her. We had a very nice visit. She brought her sketchbook and has done portraits of all the children. I shall try to remember to bring them to Pemberley for Mary’s wedding. She has an excellent technique and captured their likenesses with no small skill. Your uncle and I shall certainly treasure these portraits. We did some shopping and I took her to a few of the fashionable shops. I daresay your sister prefers town over the country. Any future schemes to see her settled will likely draw you to town, which pleases me greatly.
Yours, etc.,
Aunt Gardiner
∞∞∞
Longbourn, March 11
Dear Lizzy,
Your father has just shared the news! Who would have thought it? Four daughters married! In-laws to a Lord! I cannot wait to meet Lord Sunderley and have already been to the linen draper and the milliner and ordered a new dress and bonnet! I’ve already told Lady Lucas and Mrs. Goulding and showed them the announcement that was in the paper! They are both green with envy, I daresay. Mr. Gottlieb’s is nothing to it – nothing at all! Can you believe that he has proposed to Maria Lucas and she has accepted him? Those greedy Lucases are always out for what they can get! A wedding feast at Pemberley shall be so elegant and very convenient.
Lydia and Wickham are having such troubles in Newcastle. The town is filthy due to the dust from the coal mines and their new lodgings are worse than the last and are not at all to dear Lydia’s taste. Wickham’s commanding officer sounds as though he is a very severe sort of man. When I think back on how they did not even have a proper wedding announcement put in the paper, it brings round all my nervous spasms and the pains in my head! No one comprehends how much I suffer or how little I complain! I implore you to bestow some of your generosity upon them that they might be able to reach the style of living that they deserve.
Yours, etc.,
Mama
Elizabeth put away the letter from her mother with some semblance of good humour. She said a silent prayer of thanks, neither for the first time nor likely the last that Derbyshire was not at all near Hertfordshire. She had no desire to be settled near her ancestral home.
Fitzwilliam invited Pastor Atkins to Pemberley for the discussion pertaining to the marriage articles. Mary was in a high state of agitation.
“Did YOU feel like the prize pig at the fair?” Mary inquired.
Elizabeth and Georgiana attempted to reassure her. Elizabeth reminded Mary that Pastor Atkins had become attached to her without knowing any of her financial particulars. For she and Fitzwilliam had just finalized the settlement of her dowry and had the guardianship provision changed in her father’s will before Mary met Pastor Atkins. The young suitor was no fortune hunter. Georgiana shared that from her many observations, she was sure that the young pastor cared very much for Mary.
“I daresay Pastor Atkins is destined to receive some very good news today!” Elizabeth joked.
The meeting had gone well and Pastor Atkins had calmly listened to the surprising disclosure that Mary’s dowry was larger than he had ever considered or hoped. Fitzwilliam was settling five thousand pounds on Mary; Mr. Bennet was adding five hundred pounds due to his recent improvements and savings at Longbourn. Mary was also assured, by settlement, of her half of the remaining four thousand pounds secured between herself and Kitty following the decease of both their parents, as Jane and Elizabeth had both relinquished their portions. Mr. Bennet had offered to continue allowing Mary one hundred pounds a year for her pin-money, but Pastor Atkins had demurred. He felt that between his income as a pastor, their lack of housing expense, and the income that her dowry and future settlement would generate within the Funds, they would be quite comfortable. Fitzwilliam could understand and respect a new bridegroom’s reluctance to continually admit his father-in-law’s money into his household, following the wedding and marriage settlement. The fact that Wickham had specifically ASKED for that very generosity because he knew he could get it had already decided Fitzwilliam’s opinion against the arrangement. Pastor Atkins clearly did not yet know Mr. Bennet with any great degree of familiarity. Barely willing to exert himself in the management of his own household, Mr. Bennet would never even consider rousing himself to interfere in one of his daughters’. Fitzwilliam’s only caution to the pastor related to the Parsonage. Though the Parsonage was not entailed away, he explained, the pastor’s situation was similar to an entail in that he owned neither the house nor most of the furniture. At the end of his career, he would forfeit the right to reside there, thus making any savings through economy that could be achieved before retirement of vital importance to providing dowries for any daughters, inheritances to any sons, and ensuring their comfort in their dotage. And in the event that Mary was widowed, their savings would ensure her security. Fitzwilliam suggested that the couple endeavor to lay by an annual sum of two hundred pounds, invest it into the Funds each year, and leave it there to remain undisturbed where it could grow. Pastor Atkins thanked him for his wise counsel and assured him the couple would sit down and develop a household budget following their honeymoon.
The Banns had been read at both Lambton and Meryton churches. And Elizabeth made certain the happy couple was given more latitude to spend time together during their engagement. Mrs. Annesley was able to return to her duties superintending Georgiana’s education. There were footmen stationed about, thus allowing the betrothed couple the opportunity to speak with more privacy. Most of their time together was spent sitting in the library holding hands and talking quietly whilst ignoring the books. There was nothing more to be wished for except the arrival of the wedding day!
By the final week of March Elizabeth, Mary, and Georgiana had purchased silver ribbon and collected enough trimmed branches of holly from the gardener to embellish the church and Pemberley’s dining-parlour. Mary wanted to accentuate the lovely church altar as well as the grand dining table and collaborated with her sister and sister-in-law to tie all the pretty bows. It all made for a very pretty effect and stayed true to Mary’s simpler tastes. The ladies had finished packing her things at Pemberley and unpacking them at the Parsonage. Her room at Pemberley was nearly empty except for her grey muslin gown that she would wear at her wedding. The Parsonage, once forlorn and empty from neglect, now looked like an inviting and much loved family home. Elizabeth spoke to Mary about what to expect on her wedding night and answered her questions. She encouraged Mary to speak freely with her husband about such things and not to fall prey to any shyness or mortification.
“He will be nervous, too. That you can reassure and confide in each other will add to your intimacy.”
The Viscount Sunderley had arrived at Pemberley in good time for the wedding and had travelled with his eldest son and heir, The Honourable Samuel Atkins, and their wedding gift. Pastor Atkins took great pleasure in in
troducing them to his betrothed and the Darcys. Mary was overwhelmed to be meeting a lord, but her improved manner and modesty served her well and she made her betrothed proud. Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Georgiana all very cordially welcomed the Atkinses to Pemberley. Upon learning that they were receiving a table piano and its accompanying bench as a gift, Pastor Atkins and Mary knew not what to make of their father and brother’s generosity, but they immediately set out to look at the superlative instrument! Resembling an elegant table, it had a folding panel which hid and exposed the keyboard by turn. The design had a clear neoclassical influence, as well as a composition that related it to pieces of French origin. The materials were of a high quality featuring harewood and mahogany inlay. Each side featured gilded bronzes. The items were promptly delivered to the Parsonage and carried into a small unused bedchamber which would from that moment on be known as the music-room. Mary was highly gratified and immediately sat down to play for her fiancé and her soon to be father-in-law and brother-in-law. Remembering well her lessons from Mr. Hogan, after playing only half of the first movement of a piano concerto, Mary inquired of Louis whether he would like to give the tour of the Parsonage to his father and brother. He agreed with alacrity, proudly taking his family on the customary tour of the Parsonage as well as showing them the grounds. Upon returning inside, Lord Sunderley further surprised his son and future daughter-in-law by asking if he could amend their marriage articles. Having conferred together with his elder son prior to their journey, they had come to an agreement to immediately settle two thousand pounds on the newlyweds to assure their security and comfort. Pastor Atkins and Mary were profoundly touched at this unexpected gesture and thanked both gentlemen profusely. Fitzwilliam was consulted with following their return to Pemberley and said amendment was graciously accepted and added.
The Bennet family and Mrs. Gardiner soon arrived at Pemberley and were invited in for refreshments and introductions. Mr. Gardiner had been unable to organize his schedule to allow him to attend and sent his regrets through his wife. Elizabeth attempted to regulate her mother’s excitement before they entered saloon, but to no avail. Mrs. Bennet who had allowed her anticipation at meeting Lord Sunderley and his heir to swell to such a fevered pitch, that she could hardly contain herself through the proper introductions of The Viscount Sunderley, his elder son The Honourable Samuel Atkins, and his younger son Pastor Atkins to her family. Mr. Bennet was quite brushed aside, much to his own amusement. Mrs. Bennet could scarcely talk fast enough to convey her sentiments on the marriage. Lord Sunderley, having been forewarned by his younger son, remained tolerably composed at her many effusions and exclamations. The remainder of the party looked on with a combination of resignation, humor, embarrassment, and distaste. Her perfunctory acknowledgement of Mary was in marked contrast to the notice which the Atkinses had received, for Mary was the second least dear to her of all her children, following in rank only behind Elizabeth in this distinction. Once Mrs. Bennet had paused to draw breath, the Darcys had proceeded with the remainder of the introductions. Mrs. Gardiner met the Atkins with great propriety and elegance. Kitty met her three future in-laws with great politeness and composure and then had tearfully hugged her sister. After the introductions were thankfully completed, everybody was seated and refreshments were requested. Mr. Bennet, who had already corresponded with his future son-in-law, made haste with acquainting himself with the young pastor. Mr. Bennet, Pastor Atkins, and Mary had a shared love of books which led to a pleasant discussion. Mrs. Gardiner and Kitty, by prior agreement, were drawing Mr. Atkins into an engaging conversation about London. Nearby, Mrs. Bennet was in such a state of agitation that she nearly attacked Lord Sunderley in conversation. Her desire for information concerning the particulars of his situation led to many impolitic questions, which he responded to with tolerable indifference. Although Mrs. Bennet did not ask him his income, she was well on her way to leaving very little else unexamined. While Elizabeth rather looked with wonder at The Viscount’s distant civility and his composed countenance, she attempted to turn her mother’s conversation with little success. This entire scene consoled Elizabeth regarding her deliberations on whether or not to invite Lydia to the wedding. Having herself observed that Lydia’s disgraceful behaviour had almost prevented two marriages within her family, she was on no account willing to take a chance on the point of a third such attempt. And between her mother’s vulgarity and Lydia’s determination to talk and flirt, she did not believe the saloon could suitably contain two such foolish and ill-mannered women. She was relieved to know that of the two; only one would be in attendance. When Fitzwilliam finally found himself beyond his patience, he invited his mother-in-law to accompany him to the portrait-gallery to view her daughter’s new portrait. Once there, he entreated her to attempt more listening and less talking. Mrs. Bennet was quite insulted at this suggestion.
“We shall be his in-laws; of course we must become very well acquainted!” she cried. “How can you think otherwise? And poor Lydia and dear Wickham were not even invited! How can you be so thoughtless? I daresay THEY would have made a very good impression on The Viscount and The Honourable Samuel Atkins! Oh, how well that sounds! I shall enjoy telling Lady Lucas about them.”
“When you host the wedding, you may select the guests.”
“I certainly know how to entertain and ensure the comfort of guests! Everybody says so, for I asked my sister Philips just the other day.”
“We are speaking of your behaviour, madam.”
“Oh, well, it is no matter. I’m sure Lydia and Wickham are too busy to travel all this way. And Lydia is so good-humoured she would probably just distract Pastor Atkins anyway and then Mary would have to try for Mr. Gottlieb again. And I have always said Mary could do better than a law clerk in Meryton, but I was ignored as I always am.”
“If you prefer, I can summon Mr. Bennet and we can jointly judge how this visit is progressing. Or you can simply agree to show some decorum. Good God! the man is a viscount! You are not here to interview him. Let HIM direct the conversation. I’ve seen you be proper and engaging at the same time. Surely Mary’s own wedding is cause enough for SUCH exertion! If you cannot control yourself, you will be removed from this house.”
Mrs. Bennet was finally properly humbled. She tried to shed a few tears and exclaimed about her poor nerves in a bid for sympathy from her son-in-law, but he was unmoved. After soliciting from Mrs. Bennet the desired promise to be on her best behaviour, the two repaired to the saloon without any notice of the new portrait of Mrs. Darcy hanging nearby. Mrs. Bennet forfeited the opportunity to observe how well the copy captured the original. Upon their return, Elizabeth worried her mother should soon be exposing herself again but quickly observed that improved manners were on display and the conversation continued along tolerably well for some time after the tête-à-tête above mentioned.
The suggestion was eventually presented that the Longbourn family and Mrs. Gardiner had not yet seen the Parsonage and might like to see Mary’s future home. This was readily agreed to, although two of the three Atkins family members were firmly resolved to remain at Pemberley. Mrs. Bennet eagerly toured the Parsonage, storing up details which could later be shared with Lady Lucas. She found the Parsonage small, although she conceded it was elegantly fitted up. Missy knew not what to make of her! Mr. Bennet directed the unloading of a trunk which had been packed at Longbourne and contained all of Mary’s things that she had not brought with her for her visit to Pemberley. For the time being the trunk was placed in the music-room. The Parsonage would be her home now and she would only visit Longbourne in the future. Upon seeing the Parsonage and how well it suited Mary and the adoring looks that her fiancé continually showed in her direction, Mr. Bennet embraced his daughter and congratulated her on her happy situation. Whilst there was no talk from Mrs. Bennet of buying any wedding clothes for Mary, she did immediately begin to advise her middle daughter on the hiring of more servants and the purchasing of a carriage. Mrs. Gardiner a
nd Kitty thought the Parsonage and kitchen garden were delightful and offered many compliments to the couple on their elegant and practical tastes. Mrs. Gardiner discretely gave Mary a small wrapped parcel whilst they were viewing the bedchamber, telling her it was a new nightdress and best to be opened later, causing Mary to blush! Kitty presented them with two books she had purchased understanding their partiality for both authors. Mary and her betrothed, now affectionately referred to as Louis by all, were very touched and immediately added the volumes to their book shelves. Kitty also expressed her anticipation of seeing Lambton Church which greatly endeared her to her future brother-in-law. Jane and Charles arrived shortly thereafter having come directly from Barrington and eagerly greeted the entire party. They greatly admired the Parsonage and wished Mary and the Pastor much happiness. Their gift would be arriving the next week as they were unable to bring it with them. Following the company’s return to Pemberley, Elizabeth performed the introductions between the Bingleys and the Atkinses. She could not but be pleased. It was consoling that they should know Mary had more relations for whom there was no need to blush.
The morning of the wedding, Kitty asked the bride and bridegroom if they would sit briefly so she could begin their portrait. They agreed and Kitty quickly took their likenesses. It was the first wedding held at Lambton Church since the arrival of Pastor Atkins and he was unable to officiate much to amusement of everybody! Pastor Jenkins did the honours and the service was enjoyed by all. Immediately following the wedding and the signing of the registry was the wedding feast which was held at Pemberley. Upon their entrance, many invited guests admired the tiered wedding cake which the Darcys’ chef had worked on for days. Mayor and Mrs. Woodforde greeted his friends Lord Sunderley and Mr. Atkins with great eagerness and the four spent some time sharing news and visiting. Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner took turns attending to Mrs. Bennet to ensure she did not monopolize Lord Sunderley or Mr. Atkins. Elizabeth lost count of the number of people her mother exclaimed to about the complete lack of any wedding lace. If only SHE had been consulted earlier, such an oversight would not have occurred! The meal was a large affair to accommodate family members of the bride and bridegroom as well as the many members of the congregation in attendance. In addition to their hosting duties, Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth, and Georgiana took the opportunity to present the Atkinses with their wedding gift. It was a handsome inlaid tea chest with a silver lock and tasseled key. It had been in the Darcy family for many years. The tea chest was veneered in harewood with boxwood edging. It featured sycamore carvings of leaves, engraved with penwork decoration. Each side had a round satinwood medallion, which Fitzwilliam explained, were engraved with symbols related to the Greek mythological Gods, Apollo, Athena, Artemis, and Hermes. The top featured a sterling silver carrying handle. The chest included five sterling silver tea caddies. Pastor and Mrs. Atkins were very enthusiastic in receiving such a thoughtful and personal gift! Mary thought it would look perfect on the sideboard and looked forward to having her sister, brother-in-law, and sister-in-law over for tea and luncheon. Elizabeth had requested beforehand that Mayor and Mrs. Woodforde say a few words on behalf of the town and present the scrapbook to the happy couple. This ensured the mutual delight of four persons! For the Woodfordes loved the status conferred upon them by being so singled out and Pastor and Mrs. Atkins were very moved by the well-established couple’s words of encouragement.
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