September 8, 2014 – I trust everyone had a nice weekend. It was pretty quiet around our house which was just fine with me. Of course, the highlight was the opening of the NFL season and watching my Sun Devils win at New Mexico.
Well, I wrote that last night in preparation of posting this morning. Since then we've had a lot of rain. How much? The single most ever recorded in one day, by 7:30 in the morning. While 3 inches might not sound like that much, let me put it into perspective. That's half the average for an entire YEAR in Phoenix. And because it came down so fast, next to nothing seeped into the ground and it all ran off into the drainage system. Understandably, there have been some major flooding as the system was just overwhelmed in many places. Schools all over the place have closed because the teachers can't make it there and its unsafe for the school buses. And more rain is on the way. We're at a 50 year flood right now and pretty likely a 100 year flood by the time it's over. I'm just hoping the watershed upstream got a ton of water too.
Anyway...
Time for more London amusements. I confess my favorite play is The Taming of the Shrew. I got to see it put on by a small troupe in Wales and staged inside Harlech Castle. Fond memories! I just had to include it in this story.
Chapter 10
Part of Anne's education had been an examination of the great English writers. Shakespeare, of course, was one of the authors she had read and she came to love his works. That night they would be seeing one of Anne's favorite plays – The Taming of the Shrew*. Truth be told, Anne had always secretly identified with the character of Katherine, apart from the random fits of violence. Anne was too much a lady to actually stoop to breaking things if she did not get her way. Such behavior was more befitting the daughter of a tradesman than a daughter of a knight. She also thought her mother had more in common with Kate than just a similarly spelled name.
Anne was excited. She and her mother were on the way to the theatre with her Aunt and Uncle Fitzwilliam. Her cousin Martin and his wife would meet them there. Anne could have done without Matilda for the evening, but she knew Martin preferred his wife to attend with him.
The procession into the building was delightful. Ladies murmured behind their fans as one of the most eligible women of the season made her appearance. Men stopped and stared, hoping to catch her eye. Anne loved the attention, even if she was still slightly uncomfortable with the "eligible" part of the situation. Unfortunately, most of the pleasure dissipated when her party entered the earl's box. Expecting to meet two people, she was greeted by three. Standing next to Lord and Lady Newman was Rupert Harris, Lady Newman's brother.
Introductions and excuses were quickly made. Mr. Harris took little time securing a seat between Anne and his sister.
"This is one of my favorite plays," Mr. Harris explained. "My sister knows this and mentioned that they would be attending the performance tonight; I knew I must come. The knowledge of your intended presence only added to my resolve. I am afraid Newman had no choice but to offer me an invitation. I promised to plague him for eternity if he did not."
"Do you always resort to such juvenile measures to get your way?" Anne said sternly, not pleased to be spending the evening in Mr. Harris' company without any warning.
"Only with such a beautiful inducement, I assure you, Miss de Bourgh."
He was flattering her. Anne knew it. She wanted to be severe with him but her vanity rendered her powerless not to respond to his flirtations. However, she would answer him with an equal measure of audaciousness.
"Yes, my mother is a handsome woman. An excellent choice for you, though I must admit I never thought you one for pursuing wealthy, older widows."
Mr. Harris looked like he was about to protest when instead he smiled. "Well met, Miss de Bourgh. How could I respond to such remarks without giving offense? I relent, madam, for now."
They spoke of trivial things until the house lights dimmed.
While Anne and Mr. Harris were speaking, Lady Catherine had cornered Lord Perryton.
"What on earth is he doing here?" Lady Catherine demanded in a hurried whisper.
The earl sighed. "I could not un-invite him after Lady Newman invited him. What was I supposed to do?"
"You could have at least told me he would be here. Better yet, you could have enlisted Andrew or Fitzwilliam to attend as well."
"There was no time, Catherine. And the reason I did not tell you was because I was afraid of your reaction. You would have refused to allow Anne to attend. Do not deny it; we both know it is true."
"Harold, he is the son of a tradesman."
"Whose father provided the dowry for Matilda that Perryton needed to survive! You know how bad our financial situation was when Father died. We nearly lost everything, including your dowry. My marriage to Alice allowed us to escape ruin, and when Martin married, his wife brought in the needed capital and the even more necessary business ties to solidify the estate. I cannot afford to insult the Harris's and I will not put my family's vastly improved circumstances at risk just to keep Anne from having to sit next to a man at a play for three hours. Besides, we are here to see that nothing untoward happens between them, for heaven's sake."
Lady Catherine had no other choice than to accept her brother's words.
~~~/~~~
The intermission arrived and the tricky task of who would escort whom was ready to be played out. The earl knew Catherine would make things very difficult if he did not secure his niece's arm to lead the party out to obtain some refreshments. Before any one moved, he offered his hand to Anne.
"Shall we find something to drink, my dear?"
Anne gave him a relieved smile. He looked at his son, held his eye and then quickly looked at his sister. The viscount understood and offered his arm to his aunt and his mother. Rupert Harris shrugged and escorted his sister. Once out of the security of the private box, the group waded into the mass of people seeking to quench their thirst, just as they were.
Lady Newman chastised her brother. "I told you his Lordship would be displeased, and Lady Catherine and Miss de Bourgh did not like their surprise."
"Hmm, yes, Miss de Bourgh is no simpering female. She has punished me for imposing on you for an invitation." They were strolling some distance behind the rest of the party.
"Oh?"
"She congratulated me on my taste in women but was surprised I had picked Lady Catherine as the companion of my future life."
"That must have put you in your place," the lady laughed.
"I have never had a quicker, or more effective set down. She is really a remarkable woman."
"Too bad for you that her mother will never allow a match. I doubt Miss de Bourgh would stoop so low as to accept you."
"Martin secured you."
"Martin loved me and coveted my fortune. I am not a fool, Rupert."
"I never said you were."
"What my husband was willing to do, his cousin will not. Do not make yourself a target for sport. Anne de Bourgh has requirements for a spouse that you can never meet. Very few men can, and even fewer can abide her sharp tongue."
"You ought to forgive her for whatever she has said to make you so unpleasant to her. Consider the life she has led and what she has been brought up to expect as her right and her duty. You were reared with many of the same expectations. You managed to turn out well, despite our father spoiling you."
"I still say it is a fool's chase for you."
"Let me be a fool, then. Think on all the advantages of such a match. You would gain a landed brother who retained all his assets when he obtained an estate. There are not that many heiresses on the market with Miss de Bourgh's wealth and connections. The Harris family, by our two marriages, would be made."
"At least tell me you like her and not just her money?"
"I like them both equally."
Lady Newman sighed. "I STILL think you have little chance of success. Nevertheless, I will help you as I am able."
"I ask nothing more."
"Oh, you will. And when the time comes, you will also hear me say, with enormous satisfaction, 'I told you so.'"
The conversation ended as Lady Newman and her brother had caught up with the rest. Their party was not alone for more than a minute when several men came up to greet the earl and to be introduced to his niece. Lady Catherine claimed her share of the conversation, evaluating each gentleman who braved the presence of Anne's guardians to pay their respects. Anne may not have been the most beautiful of women, but she was attractive and her inheritance made her even more so.
Anne had just finished a conversation with Lord Bayless, the young Earl of Haversham, when she heard someone clear his throat behind her. She turned and immediately felt nauseated.
"Miss de Bourgh! What a delightful surprise," cried Sir John Whitby, attempting to grab her hand, undoubtedly to bestow a kiss. Anne countered by tucking a phantom stray tendril of hair behind her ear and then grabbed a goblet from a passing servant. Her left arm never left her uncle's grasp.
"Sir John. I did not know you enjoyed the theatre," she replied.
Undaunted by his failure to touch his angel, he gallantly answered, "Oh yes, I enjoy all the refinements of civilized society. You yourself have witnessed how much I enjoy dancing. I must say that my dance with you at Almack's was one of the most pleasurable I can remember."
"Yes," Anne hurried to change the subject. "You know my uncle, Lord Perryton."
"Ah yes, milord." Sir John made a second bow, which was answered the same way as the first, with a nod of the recipient's head.
"It is always a privilege to be in the presence of the family of the most beautiful woman of my acquaintance."
Anne tried not to cringe, but her uncle had hold of her arm and he felt, rather than saw, her response. Fortunately, salvation from the encounter called in the form of the warning bell.
"Yes, we are all very proud of my niece," Lord Perryton said, looking at the subject of conversation. "But you must excuse us, sir. We need to make our way back to our seats."
"Of course! An honor, as always," Sir John effused as the earl led Anne away.
Lord Perryton leaned over to whisper in Anne's ear once they had made their escape. "So that is your Sir John!"
"He will never be MY Sir John. The thought is… in all ways repulsive."
"Never fear, your mother would never allow it. Look at the bright side of this encounter, his breath improved upon further acquaintance."
Anne looked at her escort with a disapproving stare that transformed into a mischievous smile. "It must be the effect of the wine."
"Shhh, my sister will think I have had a bad influence on you."
"I believe she would declare it the other way around."
Her uncle laughed softly and patted her arm as they re-entered the private box. "Enjoy the rest of the play, my dear."
~~~/~~~
Fitzwilliam Darcy had invited his family to his townhouse to dine. Lady Catherine was the first to respond to the invitation. Darcy was not surprised. The entire family of the earl, or at least all who were currently in England, was pleased to accept, including Major Andrew Fitzwilliam, who was back in London after having left to tend to his duties in His Majesty's service. They only wanted for Georgiana, who was away at school, to make the gathering complete.
Andrew was very interested in hearing what plays and balls Anne had attended while he was away. He took great glee in asking about Anne's dancing partners. Surprisingly, Darcy was able to name several.
"I have not seen you at a ball since my debut; how do you know who I danced with?" Anne asked, amused that he had taken the trouble to find out who her dance partners had been.
"A man hears many things at his club."
"Such as?"
"That Miss Anne de Bourgh is the prize of the season."
"We all knew that," Andrew replied.
"But that bit of information does not explain how you heard of my dance partners." Anne was not about to let her cousin off so easily.
"Well, certain gentlemen have taken to discovering whom you have danced with and recording it in a certain book."
"What book do you speak of?" Lady Catherine interjected.
"My guess is that it is the same book that they use to take bets," Alice Fitzwilliam ventured.
Lady Catherine paled. "My Anne is the subject of wagering?"
The earl gave Darcy a withering look before addressing his sister. "It is harmless fun, Catherine. Men take bets on when Brummel will reveal a new knot."
"My Anne is the subject of wagering? What are they wagering?"
"Ahhh, mainly who she will marry," Darcy admitted.
"No doubt you are the favorite, Darcy?" the major asked.
"I would not know." Darcy managed a straight face. Anne blushed. He does not know, my eye! she thought.
"Harold, you must do something!" Lady Catherine kept insisting. The earl sighed, and then tried to placate his sister. It took a long time for her to be swayed to another subject.
A little later Anne was speaking to Darcy, her mother too far away, and too engrossed on lecturing Lady Newman on childrearing, to hear.
"Are you the favorite to marry me?"
"I have no idea."
"Ha! Do not dissemble, I know you know. How else would you know I danced with Lord Metcalfe?"
"First of all, you have not danced with Lord Metcalfe. He is married and has not left his estate in Kent in months. Second, I will not give you the satisfaction of an answer. We both know there is nothing between us at this point and to speculate on the future at this time is fruitless. I will admit that your mother's fondness for extolling on the subject has added to the speculations."
"Really Cousin, your perusal of the book in question can only give credence to the rumors. Why even look? To know your potential rivals?" Anne teased.
"Miss de Bourgh. I do not concern myself with any of your suitors. Until the season is over, you are free to be admired by whomever. If you fall violently in love with another before we meet at Pemberley this summer, I never will be a consideration. I refuse to worry over that which I have no control." Darcy looked very proud of himself. Anne knew how to remove the smug look from his face.
"But you still know with whom I have danced."
Darcy knew he was caught, and tried another tack. "Aunt Catherine has charged me to help see that you are safe from fortune hunters and rakes."
"My mother wants you to keep me safe from anyone who is not you."
"You must admire her tenacity to see the match come about."
"Have you considered how insufferable she will be if it does?"
Darcy leaned a little closer and lowered his voice so only she could hear. "And have you ever considered the great distance between Derbyshire and Kent? It is a good three-day journey between our estates. Think on that, dear Anne."
Darcy drew back to his former position, gave Anne a look that said he knew he had hit the mark, stood up, winked, and walked over to talk to Martin.
Anne remained where she was, thinking over what Darcy had just said and with the realization that her cousin had just winked at her. Again.
Did I actually just flirt with Fitzwilliam? And why does Fitzwilliam sound so much better to me than Cousin Fitzwilliam?
Anne shook her head to clear her thoughts. There would be time to contemplate her handsome cousin and his suggestive comments later. For now, she would enjoy her family and the meal.
~~~/~~~
Another fine English spring day found Anne and Helena Simpson strolling through the park. Anne had become very fond of her new friend and sincerely hoped to one day call her cousin. She could see that her efforts to assure Helena of Arthur's goodness were working. Arthur was much happier the last time she saw him and Helena was quick to relate her pleasure in his company since Anne had championed him.
It was while they were discussing how to improve her parents' opinion of her suitor that an acquaintance of Anne greeted them.
"Miss de Bourgh! It has been an age since we last met at Pemberley."
"Mr. Wickham," Anne would barely nod her head in response to his bow. "I did not know you lived in London now. Oh yes, you were to study the law. Have you found it profitable?" Her tone was anything but friendly.
Mr. Wickham faltered slightly, but quickly recovered his manner. "Most exceedingly! I hope to become established in that profession as soon as I am able."
"A man with the education my uncle so generously provided should prove to be a good student."
"I like to consider myself well prepared for the profession."
He looked at Anne, and then to her friend. Anne was loath to perform the introduction Mr. Wickham clearly wanted. She liked Helena too much to burden her with the acquaintance.
"I wonder then, why you are here now. I would have thought your employer would have need for such a promising pupil."
Anne wished him to be gone, but he did not seem to take the hint.
"Yes, well, you see – normally I would be hard at work, but just yesterday we received word of a large settlement and the owners decided to reward us with a few hours to amuse ourselves in such fine weather."
Neither lady saw another man approach.
"Miss de Bourgh!"
Anne never thought she would be glad to hear the voice of Sir John, but she was then.
"Sir John, we meet again."
When he was next to the ladies, he could see both appeared agitated. He took a closer look at the other man, whom he did not recognize.
"May I be of assistance?" He spoke to the women but he looked at the man.
"Mr. Wickham was just taking his leave. I would feel guilty if he were late for his appointment on my account."
Mr. Wickham knew he was being dismissed and took his leave immediately. As soon as he left, Mrs. Jenkinson and Miss Porter hurried forward to be certain their charges were well. Anne and Helena assure them they were.
"Was he importuning you?" Sir John asked, his voice full of concern.
Anne knew she should be thankful he had come to their aid.
"I have known the gentleman for most of my life, sir. I was merely annoyed that I had to suffer his company."
"Then I am delighted that I could be of service! I would do more for you, Miss de Bourgh, if the situation ever arrived." She knew him to be sincere; she knew she wished she would never be in a position to need his help.
She would have liked to have had an excuse to escape his presence, but flight was no way to repay his kindness. She was resigned to have Sir John in their company until Anne was obliged to return home.
It was with great pleasure, but with an outward show of regret that Anne said goodbye to the man not five minutes later.
"I would love to continue with you, but I too have an appointment to keep," Sir John explained. Anne expressed her regrets and wished him a successful venture.
"I am sorry to put you through that, Helena. First Wickham, and then Sir John."
"I noticed you did not introduce me to the first gentleman."
"He is NOT a gentleman. I do not mean the circumstances of his birth, though he is a steward's son; I meant his character. I do not trust him. He has carelessly thrown away the patronage of my Cousin Darcy's family. He is too smooth, and if I am right, he has wasted the bequest my uncle Darcy left him. No, he is no gentleman and I would not give him the satisfaction of an introduction to you. Arthur would never forgive me. You can still ignore Wickham if he tries to insinuate a connection, for he has only seen you and knows not who you are.
"Thank you, Anne. I sometimes forget that not all men in the world are as honorable as your cousin de Bourgh."
"You mean your Arthur."
Helena responded with a new blush of her own.
*They probably would have seen David Garrick's version titled, Katherine and Petruchio rather than Shakespeare's original play.
At last, Sir John is of real use! He's got a ways to go before Anne can respect him, but he's made the first step. Darcy's also shown a bit more than he would have wished, but at least he got in the last word.