AN – I had a question about the ages of the children. As the young master of Pemberley goes off to Eton, from the information I could find about 19th century schooling, boys attended this institution at about 13 or 14 for four years. They then attended Cambridge for another three. Thus Darcy will be 22 or 23 by the time he returns to Pemberley to live.
So, this chapter is set in June 1807. Fitzwilliam has just turned 14, Wickham 15, Elizabeth and Jane are about to turn seven. Georgiana is 2 and a half. Alexander is 6 weeks old.
"Elizabeth," Fitzwilliam's tone berated as his brow furrowed, openly displaying his displeasure at the unladylike behaviour of the girl seated beside him.
The carriage ride had been long and tiresome. Leaving Pemberley in the last week of May, that month had ended and July commenced before they reached their final destination. The family travelled as far as Meadowbrook on the first day, only to stay with their Fitzwilliam relatives for almost a week. George Darcy insisted on travelling little more than three hours in the coach each day. Unfortunately, this meant the party covered little more than fifty miles on any one day making the two-hundred-mile journey to London arduous. Finally, reaching Leighwood House, the Darcy's residence in town seemed like heaven to most of the family. They intended to stay a fortnight, much to the relief of all the children. To Elizabeth, who loathed the restrictions town after a day or two, it soon seemed like a prison. She could not wait to be at Rosings Park and the freedom to run in the woods.
Young Master Darcy found this final section of their journey the most harrowing for, as the eldest in the carriage and the future master of Pemberley and its estates, he felt duty-bound to maintain family honour amongst his siblings. Fitzwilliam found himself chastising Elizabeth more and more frequently of late as she openly displayed a want of propriety expected from a seven-year-old of her elevated station. Pulling her face from the window, the girl glared at her brother with a deepening scowl. In the last few months, in fact since Wicked Wickham went away to school, Fitz had become increasingly distant. Although the family knew Master Fitzwilliam Darcy would soon remove to school at Eton, more than two hundred miles from Pemberley, none felt it more than young Elizabeth. Because of this, she did not understand his attitude of late.
"Yes," she huffed, glaring at the young man, daring him say more.
"Do you never think upon your actions," Fitzwilliam accused, his face hardening into stone.
"It is not becoming," Jane offered softly, hoping to dispel the sudden atmosphere in the carriage, "for a young lady to peer out the window. You do not know who might be watching."
"We are not close enough," Elizabeth retorted with a sigh, for she hated to be a odds with her twin, "for Lady Catherine to see. I wish only to take in the prospect of the woods and trees."
"And so you shall, young miss," Mrs. Forrester managed to hide her mirth at the children's antics. "Only you must wait until we arrive and the pleasantries have been concluded. Have patience, Elizabeth, we shall soon come upon the lane leading to Rosings Park."
Unhappy her governess agreed with both Jane and Fitzwilliam, Elizabeth returned her attention to the prospect beyond her window without the need to press her nose to the glass. As they rounded the last corner, the carriage behind them came into view. It contained Fitzwilliam's valet, gifted to the young man on his recent fourteenth birthday as a sign of his entry into adulthood. Papa explained that soon his heir would have to take on more responsibility and to do so, Fitzwilliam must spend many years away learning his duty. As with everything, Yong Master Darcy took his obligations seriously. However, Elizabeth did not like the alteration in his character such a change in circumstance produced. At seven, she acted by drawing his attention, the wrong kind, which only made the gap between them widen.
If Elisabeth could see inside her Fitz's heart, her opinion of the young man would have softened. The countenance hid his dismay at soon being parted from his family for perhaps years. Darcy oft wondered how his sister's and very young brother would grow while he toiled under the strict masters at Eton College. Alexander would be walking, when next Fitzwilliam visited his family home. He feared not knowing his siblings and growing apart from his beloved parents.
Then there was the removal of George Wickham from Pemberley. The events leading up to that boy's banishment weighed heavy on his conscious. The young man deserved to be treated harshly for his misdemeanours. Few would argue he had been given every opportunity and wasted them all. Yet to be the instigator of such a punishment taught Fitzwilliam to consider his words and actions with extreme care. Perhaps even more carefully than he had ever done in the past. Master Darcy learnt his lesson, and learnt it well. One day he would hold such power over every living being at Pemberley and how these people would come to rely on him for their wellbeing. The incident aged and matured the young man beyond his years, a fact his younger siblings were unable to appreciate.
"I have never been to Rosings Park," Jane, in her usual soft, melodic voice, stopped the hasty retort she saw on her twin's face. "Tell us about Miss De Bourgh, William? What is she like?"
"Cousin Anne," Elizabeth declared with a mulish expression. "If she he Fitz's cousin she must be ours too!"
"Lady Catherine is not our aunt," Jane reprimanded in the same serene tone. Her sister hated the fact they carried a different name to their substitute parents. The Lady in question had never let the interloping Bennet sisters forget they were only at Pemberley due to the kindness of her sister. "We are cousins to Papa on our mother's side, not Mama's. We are not related to the De Bough's."
"Elizabeth," Mrs. Forrester reproved before the child could get out her impertinent thoughts, "we have spoken of the behaviour necessary while you remain at Rosings. You well remember when Sir Lewis and Lady Catherine came to stay at Leighwood House last we were in London. We are to be their guests and you must remember your manners. Now come away from the window. You will be able to explore the gardens to your delight after the introductions have been made."
Nodding but remaining tight lipped, the child signed heavily. Fitz sat on the forward-facing seat between the twin girls, a slight smile about his lips. Mrs. Forrester and Elizabeth's nursery maid would have their work cut out for them. Indeed, he believe his sister's rambunctiousness might prove more trying to his Aunt's nerves then Alexanders cries. Aunt Catherine had gone out of her way to belittle Elizabeth from the start of their association when the twins were but two years old. It probably had something to do with a much younger version comparing Lady Catherine to the hippopotamus in her favourite book upon their first meeting. Both characters, it seemed, liked to get their own way and could prove stubborn in the extreme. It was this similarity of countenance and not mass that gave his witty sister the idea. Fitzwilliam, much to his surprise, heard his mother laughing with his father at the comparison after the visit.
The senior nursery maid and Mrs. Forrester, their adult companions for the trip, sat in the seat opposite. Both had been in the employ of the Darcy family for as long as Fitzwilliam could remember. This year's expedition to London saw the family in separate coaches for the first time. Lady Anne lamented the loss but found her hands full managing the younger children. However, the current arrangements could not be helped as there would not have been enough room in the carriage leading the convoy. It allowed Mr. Darcy and Lady Anne to travel with the aid of the wet nurse and a maid. Lady Anne's maid, both valets and two other servants who attended the family followed in yet another coach. Lastly, a wagon lumbered under the weight of baggage required for a family of seven and all their servants.
Determined to keep her nose from the glass, Elizabeth's eyes drank in the woods and fields that flashed past. She could imagine herself and Jane romping about, climbing trees and playing hide and go seek. There were woods enough around Pemberley, however they were well known and not at all mysterious with new varieties of flora and fauna to explore. Rosings Park looked to be as grand as her home and she longed to discover every nook and cranny as soon as may be.
"Cousin Anne is ten," Fitzwilliam recalled now the fuss about Elizabeth died down. "She has lived her entire life at Rosings."
"She has not been to London?" Jane asked with a compassionate expression.
"Aunt Catherine says her health will not allow it," Fitzwilliam replied. "It has been two years since I accompanied Papa into Kent. Anne did not join us for dinner and I did not meet her outside the nursery."
"Are we to be stuck in the nursery," Elizabeth directed her almost whine at Mrs. Forrester.
"I think," the older lady considered her options. Telling Miss Elizabeth an untruth never went down well. "You shall be forced to take your meals in the nursery. However, with Young Master Alexander requiring so much of your Mama's time, you will see Lady Anne every day."
Unsatisfied with the answer, Elizabeth demanded, "I do not believe Miss Anne still keeps to the nursery. Surely that is for babies like Alexander and Georgiana. I shall not want to stay locked up in the house all day."
"Lord help us all," Mrs. Forrester gave the maid seated beside her a horrified glance, "should that occur. I give it three days before Miss Elizabeth tries Her Ladyship's nerves."
Unhappy with the conversation, Elizabeth turned to the window once again, ignoring Fitz and Jane, who continued to speak about Miss Anne in delighted tones. It didn't take long for the driveway to come into view. Beyond, situated on the highest point for all to see, sat a most modern house with many windows. As the distance decreased to the manor house, Elizabeth's excitement and, therefore, energy levels increased in direct proportion. It had Mrs. Forrester rolling her eyes and demanding she sit still as they awaited a footman to open the carriage door.
"Ah, there you are, Fitzwilliam," Lady Catherine cooed. She cast a speculative eye over the boy. His black hair and dark eyes made him a younger, and in the good lady's opinion, handsomer prospect than his father. Yes, Catherine's mind began to work on her daughter's future, you will make a fine husband for my Anne. With the birth of your younger brother, it would not be inconceivable that Pemberley be left to Alexander while you enjoy the bounty that is Rosings Park. I have a month in which to convince my sister and attempt to rid her of those Bennet girls.
"You remember my daughters, Sister," Lady Anne stated in a calm tone she felt far from feeling. Georgiana alighted the first carriage in the arms of a maid and Alexander with the wet nurse. So far Catherine acknowledged only Fitzwilliam. It was an error in judgement Anne wish to correct now. Walking alongside her sister to the second coach, Anne Darcy introduced the children in a slightly arch tone as they descended in order of age. Later, Lady Anne would do in her power to reward and congratulate Mrs. Forrester for keeping Elizabeth in the coach until the footman opened the door.
"Yes, yes," Catherine answered impatiently, continuing to ignore the girls. "Your Governess and nursery maid may take them up. Fulham, show them the way and do not disturb my daughter. Anne is in her room and not to be disturbed."
"When," Elizabeth requested in a polite tone, "are we to meet her, Lady Catherine?"
"Meet her," the lady seemed shocked that the impertinent child dared to speak. "You have not been spoken to, Miss Elizabeth. I would be ashamed to call myself your mother with such manners. What, Anne, is this Governess teaching the child."
Glaring at Elizabeth, Anne noticed Jane's countenance. Lady Catherine had frightened the poor girl from their first meeting. Tears pooled as she tried to hold back her emotions. If the look on Fitzwilliam's face were any indication, he would soon intercede upon his sister's behalf.
"Pray tell, sister," Anne Darcy arched an eyebrow, ignoring the discourteous comment, "is Anne, my namesake, so very ill she cannot leave her bed to greet her aunt?"
"Ill?" for a single moment Catherine seemed confused. Understanding the slight to her sister and the girls she considered wards, the great lady frowned. "She is at her studies."
Alexanders whimpers stopped Anne Darcy commenting, however, this would not be the last conversation the siblings held upon this particular topic. Oh, Lady Anne had not missed the speculative eye cast over her eldest son. It did not take much wit to see where Catherine's mind wondered. Indeed, Anne had been thinking along similar lines and come to her own conclusions on that score.
"I think it best that we all refresh before joining you for tea." With this proclamation, Lady Anne signalled to her staff. Immediately all five of her children were ushered toward their Mama. The wet nurse handed Alexander in her arms. Georgiana, released by her maid, ran and clung to Anne's skirt. Fitzwilliam stood guard over Jane and Elizabeth, an arm offered to each girl before taking a step to stand beside his parents. "My children need time in the sunshine to work off their excitement for such a long journey. I had hoped Anne would be able to join them. After all, exercise is very beneficial to one's health."
"I will have your Governess shown the areas of the garden where these children will be in no one's way," Catherine condescended in a superior tone, her nose turned up as she sniffed. However the look in her eye did not speak well as it arrowed upon Elizabeth.
Keeping her sigh internalised, even pinching Alexander did not elicit the cry Lady Anne Darcy hoped. You, she stated silently at her newest child, are just too good natured, my boy. Aid me by allowing your little lungs to issue forth a scream worthy of your sister in the highest spirits. I would have Elizabeth do it but Lady Catherine dislikes her already. Jane and Georgiana are just too shy for their own good. As to my eldest son, if his face takes on any more of a brooding expression, I shall have to have words with him. He is not yet the Master of this family and takes his responsibility far too seriously for one of his age.
"Thank you," George Darcy stated. Offering his arm, the Master of Pemberley did not wait for his sister-in-law. Instead, he led his family into the house, his patience's with the woman before him fast running out.
"Anne," Catherine stated, lips pursed in displeasure, "once you have refreshed, I shall await you in the Sumer parlour."
With the proclamation, she hurried into the house. Every step radiating her displeasure. Still, she needed the Darcy's goodwill, for her husband, upon his death two years previously, left the estate business to be overseen by her brother-in-law. George Darcy, as in everything he achieved, had increased the worth of Rosings Park and there for her daughter's legacy. It seemed Fitzwilliam would follow in his father's footsteps, which only became yet another reason to secure Anne's future by marriage into that family. Still, Catherine refused to pay court to those Bennet girls.
"The children are settled," Catherine asked her sister as she entered the Summer Parlour. Planning to speak privately with her sibling, it seemed Anne had not forgiven her the slight of those foster children. George Darcy escorted his wife and sat, very deliberately beside her.
"Yes," Anne gave her husband a look. George, after two and twenty years of marriage understood the meaning. Cup in hand he went to the other side of the room on the pretext of admiring a portrait of the deceased Sir Lewis. Far enough away for his excellent hearing to uncover every word and close enough to support his wife if her fears proved correct. "Is there something you wish to speak to me about?"
"I do not understand why you continue to allow that Bennet girl to fawn over young Fitzwilliam. Surely Anne would make a much better match," Catherine frowned with obvious displeasure. "Do you not see the advantage of uniting our great estates through the bonds of marriage? It would leave Pemberley for young Alexander when Fitzwilliam inherits Anne's dowry. Both of your sons would then be master of long held estates, their wealth and connections some of the best in the country."
"Sister, it is far too early to consider such a proposal," Anne tried to sound astonished. In fact, she had been considering something similar and could not help but be amused that they thought alike. Yet, she had come to expect such silliness from her sibling and found the attempt ill-conceived for Fitzwilliam had never shown any partiality for his cousin, whereas the bond to Elizabeth, if it survived the coming years, would go a long way to producing a marriage filled with felicity and respect.
"You are setting the girl far too high with expectations to such a prosperous match," pursed lips demonstrated the woman's intention in achieving her aim, "just like the Wickham fellow."
"It is hardly the same," Anne exclaimed, somewhat taken back. While Charlotte Fitzwilliam had become a confidant, Lady Anne would never accord her sister the same level of intimacy.
"How so?" Lady Catherine challenged, her eyes boring into her guest with unrelenting intensity. "Where they both not orphan's, given to you to improve their standing in society?"
"Jane and Elizabeth are the heirs to their mother's fortune. Lady Elizabeth Montague, as you well know, is the daughter of an Earl and their blood lines can be traced back to royalty in three generations. Indeed, the twins are very well connected," Anne defended her children, "better connected on the side of their Montgomery relations than you and I! If you recall, it was the major reason for my betrothal into the Darcy's. Even without their substantial dowries, my husband shall have many young men wishing to pay the girls court when they are out."
"But who is their father," Catherine demanded. "You cannot think me ignorant of that. You are allowing this girl too much opportunity, especially where your heir is concerned. Mark my words, you will live to regret it should she take your place as Mistress of Pemberley."
"They are seven and four and ten respectively," Anne found humour in the idea, "far too young to consider making a match. Neither has come out yet, nor are they likely to for several years. Beside they are brother and sister in all but name."
"Anne," George Darcy approached the subject with a heavy heart as they readied for bed that night, "I could not help but overhear your conversation with your sister, as was your wish."
"You agree," she asked, watching the serious expression on her husband's face.
"It is a possibility I have been considering for some time," he sighed, seating himself on her bed wearily. "I think sending Fitzwilliam to Eton, far away from Pemberley is a very good idea. He shall be parted from Elizabeth for many years if we make it so. The bond between our son and Elizabeth is very strong. It has been so since she first came to us. I believe it to be the enduring kind that should be at the heart of a most happy marriage."
"I have to confess," Anne took her place beside George, "the idea of Elizabeth as the next Mistress of Pemberley is not as abhorrent as it should be. They are well suited in nature. Yet they have been raised as siblings. What would society think?"
"That is why I am considering sending Jane and Elizabeth to Longbourn for a visit with their Bennet relations at Christmas. They will be gone the exact time that Fitzwilliam will be at Pemberley," George explained. Unable to continue sitting, he rose and paced the room. "There is to be no communication between them after he commences at Eton. All letters will be intercepted and we must be on our guard when we speak of Elizabeth in his hearing. The same must be done for Elizabeth."
"No," Anne cried. "You will break the bond completely."
"In the eyes of society, yes," George frowned. "When they again meet, Elizabeth will be a graduate of finishing school and Fitzwilliam trained to take over the care of Pemberley. They will both be of a marriageable age and out in society. There will be nothing to stop an attachment if they so desire."
"I find your idea cruel in the extreme," Anne started to weep softly. "Yet I understand why. I only hope both Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam understand one day, for they will both disdain us if they find out we have kept them from each other.
Since recommenced writing this story, my muse has hit. I have the next three to four chapters planed in my mind. Now all I have to do is find the time to get them on paper, or the screen as the casse may be.