Elizabeth was awakened by her husband in the most delightful way. Prying one eye open she was surprised to find him fully clothed and seemingly planning to manage some business or another. "I am so sorry, Darling! How late did I sleep?"
Kissing her on the tip of her nose, he pulled her up into his arms to hold her close. "You are not late. I arose early. I decided to go and visit my dear aunt at Rosings Park. Do you have any questions you want me to ask her?"
"Yes, my love, I do. Most important is knowing how long she intends to remain with us. She may also prefer to make a grand entrance, which means that we will have to make certain all others have arrived before she graces us with her presence. I dare say she would prefer it that way! Does she require special accommodations beyond the suite we planned for her? Will she expect my cousin, Mr. Collins, to remain at her estate to watch over it, or will he be able to join us after Christmas morning services?"
"I will attempt to have answers to all your questions when I return. Is there anything else you would like me to investigate?
"Yes, as a matter of fact, there is. It has been brought to my attention that my sister Kitty is getting quite serious about a young clergyman who serves a parsonage not far from Pemberley. Since Lady Catherine boasts that she knows all the latest, perhaps she can give us the details about this relationship, or at least about the parson. I hope Kitty is not being as foolish as Lydia was and that this fellow is worthy of her attention. If it is truly serious, we will have to invite the young man to our festivities."
"If my aunt knows nothing of this, I will endeavor to learn about the character of this clergyman. If he is questionable I may take an extra day or two to meet him and determine for myself if he should be invited."
"As long as you don't step in the way you did with Jane and Charles, I will be eternally grateful. Thank you, dear one." Throwing her arms around him and giving him a kiss that would keep him warm on his journey, they said their good-byes and he departed. The moment he was gone, Jane rushed into her room and jumped into bed to snuggle the way they had as children.
"I am so happy to be here with you. As happy as I am married to Charles, I still so miss these times we shared with no one else!" They remained in bed, reminiscing until Judith, the lady's maid came and asked them if they would prefer their breakfast in bed or downstairs.
"Is Georgiana up?" asked Lizzie.
"She has eaten and gone riding with two of her friends. She said she will be back before supper, and to please ask the kitchen to serve a simple, light meal."
Nodding in approval, Lizzie told her that would be perfect, and that breakfast in her rooms should also be light. The sisters got up to dress and ate a meal of bread, fruit, and soft boiled eggs before going into the sitting room to continue planning the upcoming event.
With few interruptions the two of them made great progress; succeeding in planning events for both the men and the women, plus evening entertainment. Taking their lunch in the garden room at a small table that offered a view of the plants growing in the green house, they reviewed the details.
"During the day the gentlemen may choose from hunting, fishing or shooting. That will also provide additional meat for the dinners. Or they can go horseback riding on the grounds that belong to Pemberley. If they prefer to stay indoors, they can play cards, chess, or billiards. If we keep the ladies busy and away from them, they will be content smoking cigars, sipping alcoholic beverages, and indulging in conversation that is about topics that they believe are not appropriate for the ladies' delicate ears! You know, like politics and business."
"Do you think they will want to have some outdoor activities like picnics, horseshoes, pall mall, or croquet?" questioned Jane.
"What is pall mall?" interrupted Georgiana as she exploded into the room.
"It is similar to croquet. Actually, croquet is really a more modern form of pall mall. A ball has to be hit with a mallet through an iron hoop. Originally the course was set up as a long narrow alley and the first person to hit it all the way to the end and through the hoop was the winner. Croquet is a little fancier with a few more rules, though some of the older gentlemen still prefer the old fashioned game. Are you home to stay now?" asked Jane.
"I am. What can I do to help?"
"Just sit down and listen. We were just reviewing the plans for entertaining our guests. You can read our notes about what you missed," said Elizabeth. However, if the weather is cold we might freeze a skating rink for those who have skates. Any children that visit will love that! Georgiana, does Pemberley have a store of snowshoes in case of a storm? Extra skates?"
"Indeed we do…and several pairs of skis as well. I believe I also saw some sleds when I was in there searching for one of the dogs. Do you think the toddlers are too young to try these sports?"
Shrugging her shoulders, Elizabeth continued. " I doubt that the skates, skis, and snowshoes would fit the feet of a two year old. But they will love sledding! For those neighbors and friends who just drop in we can have casual dinner parties with mostly finger foods or sandwiches that they can serve themselves. If we set out tables in covered area between the greenhouse and the garden room, they can sit down to eat or even play cards to while away the afternoon. The ladies will all love that; they will have a comfortable place to gossip, and share the news, new patterns, and recipes. While the men are smoking and bragging in the parlours, the women can flaunt their accomplishments without fear of interruption."
"And what have you two busy bees planned for the evenings?" asked Georgiana with a grin. "Besides concerts provided by yours truly, that is!"
Tossing a pillow at her, Jane said, "Evenings will be spent in the parlour, music room, or drawing room, with everyone welcome to enjoy parlour games, cards, music, conversation and perhaps even a little dancing. Because Pemberley is somewhat isolated, we might try to get someone in to perform a home theatrical. They are quite the rage now. But we will need to insist on a prudent choice of theatrical material."
Georgiana asked, "May I invite my single friends, both male and female, to stop by for dancing and mingling?"
"Absolutely! As long as you choose no one that will upset your brother or dear Aunt Catherine," Lizzie warned her. "I am in a quandary over the menu planning. How on earth does one plan weeks of casual, formal, and traditional meals for an uncertain number of people?"
"I believe it is time for a break," suggested Jane. They all agreed and went downstairs for tea and crumpets. After arranging to meet with the chefs after supper that evening they went for a lovely carriage ride and spoke only of frivolous things or sang funny songs for the rest of the afternoon.