Chapter 11 - Correspondence and a Carriage
Spring brought the men of fortune to the neighborhood. Summer brought the courtship of Jane. The autumn brought a life changed. This chilly season saw Elizabeth often at her small writing desk.
September 12, 18--
Dear Georgiana,
The most terribly exciting tragedy occurred today. While I was innocently walking through the peaceful woods between Longbourn and Netherfield I was accosted by the most terrible buccaneer - the Dread Pirate Benjamin. I was merely walking near the bench where we first met when suddenly I was pounced upon by a bundle of muddy fabric and improvised eye patch. Tragically, the young sprite had a wooden sword. While normally able to hold my own if I also had such a weapon, I was taken by surprised, unarmed.
Yes, it was only through careful negotiation and tearful pleas that I was allowed to escape with my life. Of course, being the accomplished Pirate Queen Lizzy, once the Dread Pirate let his guard down, I in turn pounced. Having the advantage of height and longer arms, I was able to bundle him up and cart him into Netherfield.
Yet again he had escaped his nurse, my new brother, and my sister. They were hunting for him when we made our rather noisy and slightly muddy entrance. Why is it that I always seem to enter that house covered in mud?
Thankfully Jane and our maid were able to help me clean and straighten myself so my dear mother would not scold me upon returning to Longbourn. Benjamin was swiftly taken to the nursery where I am sure he violently protested the bath he required.
Other than the occasional unsuccessful rouge attempting to kidnap me, life in Hertfordshire is quite peaceful. While I will admit, only because you are too kind to take offense, that I still prefer my rambles to practicing the pianoforte, I have enjoyed the music you sent me. It was so kind of you to think of me as you passed through London. Mary was a bit shocked the first time I asked if I could interrupt her so I could play.
I do hope you are enjoying Pemberley. Do tell me more of the park. It sounds perfectly charming. I know you do not care as much for London so you must be pleased to spend so much time at your estate with your brother.
As always, etc.
Pirate Queen Lizzy
September 22, 18--
Honorable Pirate Queen,
Your deigning to correspond with me, the lowly Miss Darcy is truly all that is gracious.
Oh, my dear Lizzy, your last letter was so charming and amusing I found myself laughing out loud. This in turn startled my brother. We were both reading in the library. He was perusing his business papers from the steward. I was enjoying personal correspondence. I valiantly tried to stifle my laughter, but there was nothing for it when I read of you falling prey, unarmed. This shocked my brother. He looked at me so strangely.
Initially, I was concerned that I had done something terribly inappropriate. However, he then shocked me by saying, "I have not heard you laugh such as that in far too long. I have missed your laughter." I was at first nearly in tears over how sweet he was. You would be proud of me for what came next.
"Perhaps if you were to dress as a pirate and accost simple country girls, I would be laughing more!"
Lizzy! You would have laughed yourself to see my brother's face. Suddenly, a sight I have not seen in quite some time appeared, his own wide smile. His reply was just as teasing! He asked whether I thought an eye patch or a wooden leg would be more amusing! Our exchanged continued thus for several more minutes until we were summoned to our meal. Lizzy, it was so wonderful. I do not know whether it is due to the fact that I am growing older or something else, but I finally am beginning to feel that Fitzwilliam is my brother and not merely my guardian.
As we were walking to the dining room, he commented that he presumed the letter that set me to laughter was from you. I assured him he was correct in his presumption. I also quietly commented that his presumption reminded me of Lady Catherine. He heard and threatened to take me to Rosings next Easter so I could more carefully draw that comparison. It was my turn to gap like the carp in our pond.
Other than these few forays into teasing my brother, things here at Pemberley are just as quiet as at Longbourn. We did hear from my cousin, the Colonel. He is well, though unlikely to be able to write much in the coming weeks. We are daily praying for his safety.
Do keep practicing your music. I found some old sheet music in a cabinet in our music room. The hidden package contained several duets of simple country songs. They really are quite charming. Next time we are to meet I will bring them so we may play together.
Yours, etc.
Georgiana
October 30, 18--
Dear Georgiana,
From your last few letters it seems you are having a wonderful time with your brother. The mixture of teasing and serious conversation appears to suit you.
I, too, have seen developments in my relationships with a few of my sisters develop in unusual ways. Once I began commanding use of our pianoforte more often, Mary was driven to our father's study. Both my father and Mary were surprised by that development. My father, missing my wit, sought Mary's comments on something he would read in the newspaper or the book in his hand. Once Mary overcame her surprise, she offered shy comments. Finally though slow conversations over the past weeks, she has developed some unique opinions. When I finish my music, I find the two deep in conversation. The three of us then will often spend our evenings after dinner deep in a debate over some issue of the day or the latest novel. My father is, in his own way, pleased with the development.
My latest endeavor, now that I am becoming so studious of music, is to curb my mother's daily visits to see Jane. Jane is far too kindhearted to say anything directly to my mother, so I have secretly made it my mission to see that the newly weds receive some mornings to themselves. I believe your cousin would be quite proud of my tactics. Even my father has entered into my plans. Some mornings I propose a trip to the village shops for which my father offers the carriage and some pin money for ribbons or lace. There are also the required visits to Lady Lucas, my Aunt Phillips, and the other Meryton matrons. After all, of what use is it to have a daughter well married unless one may parade the fact to one's neighbors?
With such strenuous work, my greatest consolation is your correspondence. I look forward to your next letter. For now, I must go to see what my father and Mary are so animatedly discussing.
Yours, etc,
Lizzy
December 15, 18--
Dear Lizzy,
Your latest letters are so serious. You are quite studious. To hear that Miss Catherine is spending so much time with you now is quite amusing. Shall you become as enamored of lace and bonnets?
With your suggestion that we read MacBeth, I am almost fearful you are melancholy. Such a dark selection for you to choose. I would sooner have thought that you would wish to spend more time with Benedict and Beatrice. Nonetheless, I have taken down our copy and begun to read it, just this morning upon receipt of your letter. I will share my comments on the first few scenes in my next letter.
I decided to imitate Mary. I would think you never thought you would hear those words from Miss Darcy of Pemberley. However, I thought that your words describing the relationship growing between your sister and father was a wonderful picture. In turn, I thought I would see if my brother would wish to read and discuss a text with me. I believe his first fear was that I would wish to discuss a lady's novel with him. I assured him that was what our correspondence was for and he would have no worries there. After convincing him I was serious, he suggested a recent volume of poetry. After he concludes his business matters tomorrow morning, we are to begin. I am quite eager.
There is not much more to say. The wind is quite strong here so I fear I will be in doors all day. This will provide me ample time to read. I look forward to your next letter.
Yours, etc.
Georgie
"Lizzy, reading another letter from Miss Darcy are you?" asked Mr. Bennet.
"Yes, Papa. She was telling me of the second volume of poetry she just finished reading with her brother. The insights they discussed were very interesting. I shall recommend to her the book we just read with Mary. I think that Georgiana would appreciate it," Lizzy surmised.
"I am impressed with the volume and frequency of your letters. There must be a veritable ditch place of the post road between Derbyshire and Longbourn. Dear me, I do fear for the taxes," Mr. Bennet concluded with a bemused smile as he returned to his study. Lizzy returned to the parlor to write her reply to Georgiana.
February 20. 18--
Dear Georgie,
Several letters ago you feared me melancholy. While thus far I proved able to ward off such feelings, a bout of bad weather has kept me shut up at home and dreadfully bored. Without the visits to see Jane or any of my acquaintance it is too confined. With the added displeasure of foregoing my walks I am quite at a loss to keep my spirits about me.
Too much time in doors leads to too much introspection. While pretty philosophies last through balls with too few gentlemen, they have not lasted me thus far. I am feeling the loss of Jane particularly. It is strange what the distance of three miles can mean. I do not mean to flaunt my relationship with my sister to you, but she was always my closest confidant and dearest soul to me. Now she belongs to another and another belongs to her. She already has a child to care for - we both know how much trouble Benjamin can bring. Even now, when I do see her, there is a difference between us. Our perspectives have changed.
I am truly thankful for your friendship, Georgie. You are a blessing for me. There, I am done. I assure you by my next letter I shall be full of mirth and mischief. Failing all else, I shall have to let the Dread Pirate kidnap me until I no longer am quite so serious!
Yours, & etc.
Lizzy
Georgiana let out a soft sigh.
"What is the matter?" asked her brother. He was seated across from her in the library reading his own correspondence. As his letter was from Mr. Bingley, the distraction was a chance to give his eyes a rest from the blotted and spotted note.
"Oh, nothing brother. I am simply reading the latest letter from Elizabeth. Though it has been many months, she is feeling the loss of her sister. She is blaming it on the weather. It will take her time. Perhaps also it would take her own marriage to fill that void," Georgiana drifted into her own thoughts with her last statement.
'He would need to be an intrepid soul to attempt to woo Elizabeth Bennet,' Fitzwilliam Darcy thought to himself.
Rousing herself from her thoughts, Georgiana went to her writing desk to pen her response.
April 9, 18--
Dearest Lizzy,
I am pleased that with the more pleasant weather and opportunities to see Jane and Benjamin your spirits have lifted. I also propose that now we have completed MacBeth we move on to something a bit brighter. I leave the choice to you - the Sonnets or As You Like It. I leave the choice to you.
While the wilds here in the north are generally quiet, lately it seems out house is overrun with callers. Perhaps it is my worries over my impending entrance into society. More often I am required to play the roll of hostess over teas. Many of our neighbors are quite kind. Particularly Mrs. Ravensdale. She is of an age to play well the adoptive older aunt. She and her husband are younger than my aunt and uncle, Lord and Lady Matlock. When she comes in the mornings I always find myself comfortable. You would very much like her I believe. She spent her childhood in the same area as my Aunt Matlock.
Soon my Uncle and Aunt Matlock will be visiting. I look forward to their coming. They are peculiar characters, not at all what one would expect from their titles. Most definitely not similar to my Aunt Catherine.
I find myself a bit tired this afternoon, I believe I shall leave this letter short so I may rest before this evening. My brother is locked away in his study. Something is amiss with business matters.
I look forward to your letter.
Yours, etc.
Georgie
May 23, 18--
Dearest Georgie,
Do not fear society. You are an intelligent, talented, and charming young woman. No one who meets you could ever disapprove. You may not believe it, but even I am intimidated on occasion by society. When I am daunted by a situation, I usually hide behind my wit. Though I am loathe to admit it, at times that has led me to say things I later regret. I believe your brother has been on the receiving end of some of those comments.
The impending visit of your uncle and aunt, Lord and Lady Matlock, sounds wonderful. I do hope you are able to enjoy yourself. I will look forward to hearing more of their visit. I had hoped to have news of my own uncle and aunt's visit, but their plans have changed. My Uncle Gardiner will be kept in London by business. It seems that the men are always in need of seeing to business matters. We women in turn need to occupy ourselves with the smaller matters.
That reminds me, dear, how are the visits to the poor fairing? I know you were nervous regarding those. Did any of the stories or bits of advice help you? I truly do try to find something beautiful or something of charm in each of the parish homes. While it may be covered in dirt or straw, there is always something of value in each of those we need to care for on our estates. I cannot imagine how you are able to maintain relationships with all the households on Pemberley.
I do hope you are taking care of yourself. Please write to assure me you are well and I am only taking after my mother's nerves.
Yours, etc.
Lizzy
"Lizzy, if you pace any more in front of the door we will have to replace the floorboards. Whatever is the matter?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"I have not heard from Georgiana yet. In all our months of correspondence we send our letters within a day of receiving a letter from the other. I sent my letter nearly a fortnight ago. There has been no response," Lizzy said.
"Perhaps the letter went astray. Why do you not write again? Perhaps she is wondering why you have not written," Mr. Bennet rationally suggested.
Lizzy did not even respond. She quickly marched up the stairs to her room to compose a letter to send out in that day's post.
June 13, 18--
Dear Georgiana,
In an effort to not appear missish in front of my father, I am writing to you. I fear my latest letter may have gone astray as I have not received any reply from you. Unless you are purposefully ignoring me due to our differing opinions on Rosalind and Orlando. Please do write to assure me all is well. I look forward to continuing our debate on the play.
Yours, etc.
Lizzy
"Still no letter from the north, Lizzy?" asked Mr. Bennet a seven night later.
"No, father. I am becoming concerned. I cannot imagine her dropping our correspondence without notice. Her relatives were coming to visit her, so I do not believe she is traveling. Indeed, I am at a loss to explain it," Elizabeth contemplated.
Just as Mr. Bennet returned to the book in his hand and Lizzy turned to the book she was idly staring at, a commotion was heard from the hall.
"Mr. Bennet! Mr. Bennet! You must come at once!"
The slightest sigh escaped Mr. Bennet as he placed a marker in his book and opened the door.
"Whatever is the matter Mrs. Bennet? Why such commotion?"
"Why the most impressive carriage has just turned on our drive! Look! It is now at our door!" the mistress of Longbourn nearly fainted at the excitement. Thankfully Hill kept some salts in her apron pocket.
Deciding his wife was in no form to face whatever business the carriage had with Longbourn, Mr. Bennet wisely suggested, "Mrs. Bennet, should you not prepare yourself for visitors? Why do you not return to the parlor in case our guests are in need of refreshment?"
"Oh, yes, my dear Mr. Bennet!"
From the study, Elizabeth smiled.
The door was then opened to reveal none other than an impressively dressed footman with a letter. It was passed to the Longbourn servant who in turn handed it to Mr. Bennet. Without opening the letter, he walked into the study and offered the letter to his daughter.
"Father?" she asked.
"It is addressed to you, Lizzy. I will hardly begin to open your correspondence at this stage of your life," he said.
Lizzy broke the seal. She did not recognize the imprint, but the coat of arms indicated someone of significance.
Dear Miss Bennet,
Forgive me the impropriety and presumption of sending not only this letter, but the request it contains. My name is Lady Fitzwilliam. I am well aware of your relationship with my niece, Georgiana. It is for her that I write. Though time is short, some explanation is required.
My niece wrote often of you and in the first days of my time here at Pemberley, spoke warmly of your friendship. Soon after our arrival she fell ill. In fact, it was the afternoon after my nephew and husband left for an unplanned trip to the Continent. Thus, I have been caring for my sick niece alone. Having raised several children who had their own bouts of illness, I was unconcerned. However, she has not improved. Indeed, she has worsened. The doctor is beginning to fear for her.
Here we come to my extraordinary request. Georgiana often spoke of your wonderful nursing of your sister, Mrs. Bingley. She also once said how she wished should she ever become ill to have such a loving sister to care for her. I am presumptuous beyond even my own belief, but I beseech you to come to Pemberley. I understand how unorthodox a request this is. I have sent my own carriage with my abigail and another maid. The footmen will protect you as will the weight the crest on the carriage door carries at inns. My abigail will take good care of you. I will vouch for all expenses if only you can leave on receipt of this letter.
Please, for dear Georgiana's sake, I beg of you to come. I fear having to face her brother should anything happen to our sweet girl. She looks to you as an elder sister. I only hope that you see her as a sister and will fly to her aid.
Humbly,
Lady Fitzwilliam
For a full minute, Elizabeth sat dumbfounded by this most peculiar letter. Finally, the fact that her very dear friend was terribly ill was realized.
"I must leave," Elizabeth said standing and beginning a determined walk to the door.
"Elizabeth, would you care to explain?" her father asked.
"Georgiana is sick. Her brother is gone. Her aunt is alone with her and begs me to come to stay to help. I cannot ignore this request. The carriage is for me to use. To carry me to Pemberley. Here, read this. I must pack." Elizabeth handed her father the note as she ran up the stairs to pack her trunk.
A bewildered Mr. Bennet followed his daughter up the stairs a few moments later.
"Are you certain you wish to do this? It is truly a long journey to make by oneself. I fear for your safety. Certainly a request from someone as Lady Fitzwilliam may not easily be dismissed, but if you have any reservations I will brave all her displeasure," Mr. Bennet prevaricated.
"Father, if this were Jane, do you think any of those argument would keep me here? Did they keep me here? I will not leave Georgiana to battle this illness herself. I will send word when I arrive safely."
Elizabeth managed to pack a small trunk in under a quarter hour. Her mother would inevitably begrudge the wardrobe she chose, but Elizabeth was not concerned with dinner parties or impressing any Peers. She thought only of her friend.
As Elizabeth rushed down the stairs, her father thought how he wished he were traveling with her. Not only for her safety, but he dreaded telling Mrs. Bennet of this.
Thus, Elizabeth was on her way to Derbyshire within three-quarters of an hour after it arrived. The horses were tired to be sure, but even they seemed to sense the urgency. Elizabeth was to Pemberley.