Dear readers, this is a reposting of this chapter. I posted the original last night, but when I reread it this morning I did not like how I ended it. So I redid it and added quite a bit. I hope you like the changes. Also if anyone knows how to add an illustration, I would appreciate it, as I drew something for this chapter but don't know how to include it.
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Chapter 11
"What of this wimple hat, sister, might it be your choice?" Elizabeth asked touching the edge of a truly hideous creation. Not only was it ugly but was also made of a unpleasant scratchy gauze with a heavy silver lining that would no doubt keep the entire affair unbalanced. So obviously Elizabeth had to point it out with apparent interest for her dear sister, as is the habit of all young ladies when they see a particularly ugly bit of fashion.
Jane giggled but poor Georgiana just looked confused and a little worried. Elizabeth entwined her arm with Miss Darcy's and giggling, quietly assured the girl that it was a joke and they would not actually choose it.
It was obvious to Elizabeth that Miss Darcy's sense of humor had been neglected. Oh, she wasn't lacking in natural talent, only in practice. Elizabeth could well imagine that Miss Darcy's brother, her only family that actually lived in her household, gave her few reasons to laugh.
"I think, Miss Bennet, that you are right to avoid it. It is obviously-" and now Georgiana turned her serious face toward Elizabeth, "-more suited to Miss Elizabeth."
"Bravo Miss Darcy!" Laughed Elizabeth." You are catching the tone now. Indeed, your ability to keep a straight, serious expression is much better than mine! I always find my grave mien slipping with I tease."
The ladies moved on through the bustling millinery, examining this or that hat. Jane and Elizabeth had both chosen the style, fabric and decorations for their new dresses and were now seeking the accessories necessary. Elizabeth enjoyed this part of shopping for new clothes the most. She always felt a little overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices that faced her in designing a new gown, especially a formal one. Kitty was the family fashionista and would usually help Elizabeth but thankfully Mrs. Gardiner had stepped in and gently guided Elizabeth toward both flattering and stylish selections. Now they only needed a hat, gloves and shoes to finish out their new ensembles.
Elizabeth had picked up four different hats to examine before either of the other ladies had chosen any. Elizabeth had a harder time visualizing garments on her own body and thus always tried anything that caught her eye. Jane had a better eye and idea of which fashions were compliment her so often would only pick up one hat or two but would also leave with those same ones for they would suit her perfectly. Elizabeth would try on a dozen before she found one that would work even just acceptably. Standing before a little mirror Elizabeth took off her own hat and tried on a silver net dress cap, it was lined with purple silk, trimmed in silver and fastened with a decorative tassel. The cap was a bit beyond Elizabeth's usual style, but her new dress was formal and thus required a bit more decoration.
"What do you think?" Elizabeth asked Miss Darcy who was still sticking close to her instead of browsing for herself.
"It is very flattering, which dress would you wear it with?"
"The full dress, white satin? It does have purple slashed sleeves and bows of purple ribbon down the front, so it would match."
"True, but perhaps a little too well. You would not want to be only one or two colors in the whole ensemble. Perhaps a contrasting color?
"Like yellow?" Elizabeth asked, laughing as she set the cap aside.
"No, but perhaps green? A dark green?"
"I think I would prefer a complimentary color instead, though not quite as fashionable, I feel like opposing colors make parts of my body look to at odds with others."
"It is to bring attention to individual aspects of your attire." Jane commented as she walked by.
Elizabeth only shrugged, "I still cannot like it. Perhaps a blue? There was a cap near the entrance very like this one but lined with blue."
"It was a flattering cut." Georgiana agreed and they both went in search of the purposed cap.
"Do you not want to pick something for yourself?" Elizabeth asked as the searched.
"I have truly no need for a new hat. My brother keeps me quite spoiled, despite my not even being out."
"Sounds like an excellent brother." Elizabeth said kindly and then, as casually as she could she added. "Is he always so good to you?"
Miss Darcy smiled widely, "I can see what you mean now, you do indeed have a hard time hiding your true sentiments feelings."
"I fail to understand you." Elizabeth said, fighting a blush.
At this Georgiana suddenly stepped closer and with whispered excitement confessed. "Fitzwilliam explained to me where he was going today and why. Oh, Miss Elizabeth I'm so excited for the both of you!"
Elizabeth surprised but quickly realized that she ought not to be, the courtship was hardly going to remain a secret. Despite only Jane and the Gardiners knowing for now, when Mr. Darcy returned to London with her father's permission, it would become public knowledge. Elizabeth willed herself to smile back at the girl.
"Thank you. I confess I am still unused to the idea. But I no longer need to pretend disinterest in Mr. Darcy, do I?"
"No, you need not! And I will be very happy to answer anything you wish regarding my brother, for he is the best of men and any story I can tell you of him will only reflect well on him." Miss Darcy enthused.
Elizabeth was surprised at this assertion, would not a teenage girl resent her stern, taciturn brother? Especially such a brother who was also in charge of her care?
"Not every story I am sure. Be honest, all people have their faults!" Elizabeth laughed to cover her confusion.
"I suppose all people do, and I am sure there have been times that my brother has felt out of sorts. But he has never taken those feelings out on me in any way. He is always so kind and gentle with me."
"Everyone has a temper." Elizabeth insisted. "Not everyone shouts or throws a fit, but Mr. Darcy told me himself that he has a resentful temper."
At this Georgiana only looked thoughtful instead of abashed. "I suppose you could describe it as such. But… his disapprobation is never unwarranted. This I am sure of. My brother is the master of many and cannot allow himself to forgive those who would attack or hurt me, others in his care or himself. While there are those, especially many of society's young men, who need not require perfect morality from their friends or acquaintances, but my brother must by reason of his many responsibilities."
"And your brother is to be the ultimate judge of others' morals?" Elizabeth asked, trying to keep her voice light and free of bitterness.
Miss Darcy looked confused and a little taken aback but answered cautiously. "For himself at least he must. Others have parents, siblings or longtime friends to consult, my brother is rather alone in that sense. He has many friends but few he can truly rely on. As for family, you've met our aunt Catherine, so I need not explain that situation and of my uncle the Earl, he is a good man but much too busy to be often available to Fitzwilliam."
Elizabeth picked up a hat and pretended to examine it so as to give herself a moment to think. She had not never considered Mr. Darcy's attitude in that way. She had always compared his behavior to his peers, the other young gentlemen she had met at parties or balls. Yet, she perhaps should have compared him to the men of her father's age and station, as they had more in common with his actual life. Even amiable Mr. Bingley, for all of his independence, had his elder sisters to rely on, several aunts and uncles and Mr. Darcy himself. If her beau, (how odd to think of him that way) wished to consult with someone, who would he go to? His cousin the Colonel certainly was a good option, for he was a man of sense and education, but being a colonel, he would not have control of his own schedule and must often be away, Elizabeth supposed.
Could I be someone for him to talk to of his troubles? Someone for him to rely on? Elizabeth found she liked the thought. She did consider herself a good judge of character, and perhaps with someone to talk to, Mr. Darcy would relax somewhat. Miss Darcy's ardent confidence in her brother's character encouraged Elizabeth.
Putting away her thoughts about Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth refocused on choosing a hat and spending time with Georgiana Darcy. Through the rest of the day Elizabeth was surprised by how much she continued to like Miss Darcy, she had almost expected for some extreme flaw to reveal itself in Miss Darcy, but none had. She was a gentle soul, a bit like Jane, but without the steadiness Jane possessed so much of. Once comfortable with the person and situation Georgiana had all the enthusiasm of most girls her age and a dry wit that sometimes-reminded Elizabeth of the girl's brother.
That man continued to intrude on Elizabeth's thoughts, despite her determination to be present. She could not help but feel flattered by his interest. And with, she felt, a new understanding of his feelings, she remembered many of their old interactions differently then she had judged them before. His habit of meeting her on her walks at Rosings now made perfect sense. At the time she had been so confused, now she realized he had seen those walks as romantic. They had not seemed that way to her, at least not at the time. She had thought all his silences to be filled with disdainful thoughts and had resented him for his imagined criticism of her. Now Elizabeth had to wonder, had his thoughts at that time been filled with admiration? Interest and attraction? She supposed they must have been! The thought painted her memories in a different, more pleasurable light. She wondered how it had happened. Elizabeth knew that he hadn't liked her at first, so there must have been a point when that had changed. Rosings almost made sense as a place for him to change his opinion, for he had been surrounded by unpleasant relations and thus maybe saw his time with her as more agreeable by comparison. But she could not remember saying much of anything to him unless absolutely necessary. What could she have done to change his opinion of her?
Speculation proved unsatisfactory, and Elizabeth again pushed the man from her mind. The young ladies, rejoined by Mrs. Gardiner, had luncheon at a little tea shop and then explored several little shops that sold a variety of accessories. It was evening before the group split up and Elizabeth was exhausted but happy when she finally returned the Gardiner home.
She was surprised upon her return to find a bouquet of flowers waiting for her. It was a beautiful arrangement of pink, white and purple. Elizabeth knew instantly who they were from and blushed but searched for a note to confirm. Sure enough, a note was soon found, and Elizabeth read it.
Dearest Miss Elizabeth, I have returned from Longborne with your father's permission to court you. It is hard to find the words to express the pleasure and the honor I have receive with your agreement to our courtship. Perhaps these flowers can speak for me, do you know the language of flowers, Miss Elizabeth?
Your Faithfully,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
Elizabeth blushed anew at his sentimental words and quickly reexamined the flowers, trying to remember the meaning of each. The little white and pink buds were almond blossoms, these symbolized hope. The purple columbine she recognized yet could not interpret, the dark pink roses however, she knew to portray thankfulness. The beautiful pink, white and green leaves were familiar, but she could not name. The waxy, white flowers she knew not at all.
Just then a small book was pushed into her hands and she glanced up to see the smiling faces of her aunt and Jane then looked down at the book and saw it was a book on flower arrangement, including the meanings of flowers! Quickly she looked up the colorful leaves and found them pictured under the name caladium, it's stated message was 'great joy and delight'. Next, she rushed to investigate the large, white flower and soon found it to be a camellia.
"Well, Lizzy, what do they all mean?" asked Jane eagerly.
Elizabeth stammered for second, too embarrassed and flattered to respond intelligently. Then, pointing to the individual flowers and she said, "Hope… thankfulness…joy and delight. And with the camellia he calls me perfect, adorable." She ended with a whisper, overcome by the sentiments symbolized by the flowers. Silently she handed the book back to Mrs. Gardiner.
"What about the columbine?" Jane asked. When Elizabeth raised her hands in confusion Mrs. Gardiner quickly flipped though the book.
Finding the entry Mrs. Gardiner looked up and said to Elizabeth. "Resolved to win."
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The next four and twenty hours passed quickly and uneventfully. This was fortunate as Elizabeth was fairly silly with excitement for their visit to Covent Gardens that evening. Going to one of the two official London theaters was a rare treat for Elizabeth and this night was especially exciting as Mr. Darcy had offered the use of his box. Elizabet had never seen a play from a private box, her aunt and uncle simply bought tickets to the gallery, and while she was grateful even for the gallery, it was a loud, smelly place. People came and went as they pleased, anyone with money could get in and they were often drunk, sometimes throwing things at actors if they disliked them, or simply got bored. The rowdy atmosphere often created havoc. In fact, four years ago the theater had been burnt to the ground, the cause never found. It was Elizabeth's private opinion that the beer-soaked gallery, combined with the disorderly crowd had been to blame.
Still, Elizabeth, Jane and Maria had been very excited to go. Thus, they had spoken of their plans to Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy on Sunday; at which point Mr. Darcy had insisted they edit their plans to include him and make use of his private box. In his theater box they would be closer to the stage, in a semi-private area with servants to bring them refreshments and best of all, they would have far more capability to actually see and hear the acts.
It was seven o'clock and Gardiner household had finished their dinner and dressed for an evening out. Elizabeth was wearing a round robe of imperial blue leno with long sleeves of the same, worn over a white satin under-dress. Decorating the front was a bodice of Chinese crape laced and tagged with matching cord and tassels. Her hair was simply swept up and styled into loose curls, decorated only by a few simple hair combs and a single dark pink rose from Mr. Darcy's bouquet. She finished her ensemble with white satin slippers and gloves of white kid.
As the first of the ladies dressed Elizabeth sat in the parlor with her uncle and waited. She struggled not to pace, she was so excited she had a hard time sitting still. Her eyes caught her reflection and Elizabeth gently touched the rose bloom in her hair. 'Thankfulness', it was the only of his sentiments that she could honestly return but she did wish to acknowledge his gesture in some way. And she was grateful, he had brought Bingley back to Jane, he had been kind and respectful of her aunt and uncle, he had spent an entire day traveling just to speak with her father, his bouquet had been sweet and now she would spend an evening in his theater box! When she thought on it, she had many reasons to be pleased with Mr. Darcy.
Just then she heard sounds from the entry way and stood just as a maid announced the Misters Bingley and Darcy. Bingley bowed to her and then approached Mr. Gardiner for conversation. Mr. Darcy hesitated in the doorway, his eyes intense on her. Elizabeth blushed and curtseyed, "Mr. Darcy. Good-evening."
In a few long strides he was before her and taking her hand, he bowed over it. "Miss Elizabeth, you look beautiful." His words sounded more fervent than flirtatious to Elizabeth.
She had worried about this reunion all day and had struggled with how to treat him; a man she had once hated who was now courting her. But now rather than be intimidated by Mr. Darcy's intensity, Elizabeth felt her courage raising.
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, I have done what I could." She said with a saucy smile. "You look very well too."
Elizabeth glanced at Mr. Bingley and her uncle who had both paced to the other side of the room and were speaking too quietly for Elizabeth to hear. She turned back to Mr. Darcy and said brightly. "I'm very excited about tonight. We shall have a marvelous time, shall we not?"
"We shall indeed, Miss Elizabeth. There is a great deal to be excited about in this performance. I believe they plan to do an excerpt from of Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene with the new gaslight visual effects. I have heard it quite brings the magic to life."
"Oh! That sounds wonderful! I have read much about the new emphasis being placed on scenery and effects but have had little ability to observe them myself. Will there be much you think in the main act, The Ruins of Athens?"
"I believe The Ruins of Athens to be more drama and dialogue then action, but I believe they must have some."
Elizabeth grinned at her companion, feeling alight with anticipation. Before they could continue their conversation Jane, Maria and Mrs. Gardiner entered. Elizabeth sneaked a look at Mr. Bingley as Jane stepped into the room and was thrilled to see his expression change to blatant adoration at the sight of her.
Soon all the greetings were made, everyone gathered their outwear and entered the carriages. Mr. Gardiner had accepted the offer of Mr. Darcy's carriage and thus the party was split by gender. The ladies did not mind this small abandonment and laughed and chattered the entire way.
When they arrived, after being helped from the carriage by her uncle, Elizabeth stopped to take in the impressive, tall white building. Light, music and merriment poured out from the windows and doors and Elizabeth was drawn to it like a moth to the flame. Mr. Darcy offered his arm and the whole group started forward. But they had gone only a few steps when Mr. Darcy hesitated, Elizabeth glanced up and saw him looking at her hair.
"Is something amiss?"
"No, I apologize. I was only inspecting the flower in your hair, I hadn't noticed it before." It was a statement, but Elizabeth could hear the question underneath.
"It is from the bouquet you sent me. Which was beautiful, I appreciated it very much, both the beauty and the sentiment."
"It was my pleasure." He said and smiled down at her. Then they were through the door and Elizabeth was again caught up in the atmosphere.
The performance was entrancing for Elizabeth. They entered during a comedic outtake of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing then were entertained with a dramatic poem by Walter Scott called The Vision of Don Roderick. There was a short intermission and Mr. Darcy had wine and desserts brought in. Then the show continued with The Ruins of Athens, for which the music was incredible. Elizabeth was entranced by entire play but found Beethoven's accompanying pieces especially powerful.
She was so caught up in the experience that she often forgot about Mr. Darcy sitting next to her and then would suddenly sense his stare. Elizabeth soon found that whatever excitement for the play that Mr. Darcy had espoused, he watched mostly her. Yet for the first time, his scrutiny was not uncomfortable, because now she knew him to be watching her with admiration and affection. With this understanding Elizabeth was able to enjoy the attention he gave her and would often reciprocate with smiles and comments on the play.
After the play the show went on for another two hours with physical theatre, animals, acrobatics, and melodramatic skits. A couple times Elizabeth got up to move around and always Mr. Darcy would accompany her. With him at her side they garnered the attention of many and Elizabeth was introduced to several people but mostly they seemed more acquaintances with Mr. Darcy then actual friends.
At midnight the show was finished, and crowd dispersed. Elizabeth knew that for a lot of the young and fashionable the night was barely beginning, and many would not retire until dawn. For herself though she was glad to be returning to bed in the Gardiner home. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner exited the box first with Maria then Elizabeth and Darcy fallowed. After a few steps however, Elizabeth stopped and said. "Wait, I pray you, Mr. Darcy. Jane has fallen behind."
"I shall wait here with you if you wish, but I believe she may be a few moments."
Elizabeth was very confused by this statement. "Why, should we check on her?"
"I do not believe Bingley would appreciate the interruption." Mr. Darcy advised with a mischievous grin.
"Mr. Bingley!"
"Yes, I believe he may have spoken to your uncle in the parlor for permission to speak with her privately."
"Oh, that's wonderful!" Elizabeth enthused. Sure enough, a moment or so later the happy couple immerged, holding hands and smiling to each other.
When Jane caught sight of Elizabeth waiting for her she hurried forward and hugged her sister. Too excited to wait for a private setting Jane whispered in Elizabeth's ear, "We are engaged! Oh Lizzy, I'm so happy!"
Elizabeth squeezed her sister back and then looked at her future brother-in-law. "Congratulations, Mr. Bingley, you have won England's finest, most wonderful woman!"
Bingley, with grin that spilt his face from ear to ear answered. "And well I know my luck! I can hardly believe it! But now you must call me Charles, as my other sisters do!"
Laughing, the sisters hugged again and chattering excitedly the group made their way out. Soon they all arrived at the carriages, the Gardiners were waiting for them with expectant grins. Jane confirmed their suspicions and everyone shook-hands, hugged and smiled. Mr. Gardiner invited the men back to their home for a celebratory drink. This plan was agreed to, and everyone entered the carriages in the same arrangement as before.
As soon as the ladies were settled Elizabeth grabbed Jane's hands and exclaimed. "Engaged! Jane dear, when I realized he had you alone in there, I thought perhaps a courtship, but he proposed!"
"Yes." Jane said, laughing. "He did first ask for a courtship. But when I answered expressed…. My pleasure to enter a courtship. He suddenly said, 'why wait?' and then told me that he loves me! He loves me, Lizzy!"
"Ah, that explains it… your future husband is a very impetuous man Jane." Mrs. Gardiner said dryly. "While I am very happy for you, Mr. Bingley only had permission to ask for a courtship. When you announced at the carriages that you were engaged I was shocked!"
"Oh, dear" Jane said, her expression turning from jubilant to worried.
"Not to worry, darling, you parents have already sent their consent for the marriage. Your mother seemed convinced a proposal was imminent. Actually, she sent me a letter the day after you arrived in London urging me to consent to any young man of good position but to give special preference to Mr. Bingley if he should return to you! Unless the man was titled, then he should get preference." Their aunt laughed, and the sisters blushed at their mother's words. Then she added, "This I wouldn't have seen as sufficient permission but last week when you wrote to your mother and mentioned his return she sent me another letter. Again, it urged me to encourage Mr. Bingley and give him any permission he wished for. She even got your father to write a quick post-script giving his permission."
"Then it is settled already!" Jane said optimistically.
"Well, your uncle is probably having a few words with your fiancé right now… but it will probably be settled by the time we arrive."
Sure enough, when the party arrived at the Gardiner home the men exited their carriage with slightly damper spirits, but those attitudes were wiped away at the reunion of Jane and Charles. Their joy and excitement were infectious, and everyone went in to celebrate. Elizabeth played cheerful music and after her uncle brought out champagne, Jane and Bingley danced several jigs together. Watching their happy, adoring faces, Elizabeth could not have been happier. She played and sang, smiling encouragement to Jane until her aunt approached her, "Let me play the next one, Lizzy, your Mr. Darcy has asked me to." She said with a wink.
Elizabeth laughed and finished out the song. She relinquished the instrument to her aunt and walked straight up to Mr. Darcy. "You summoned me, sir?" she said impudently.
"You once refused to dance a jig with me. You proclaimed it a trap. Can you now believe me when I say I wish to dance with you?"
Elizabeth was surprised by the memory, she had thought that he had mocked her with the request. But had he instead been serious, had he even then liked her? No! He had been so stern, so unapproachable! In any case, she was in too good of spirits presently to turn down a dance.
"I can indeed, Mr. Darcy."
He took her hand and together they joined Jane and Bingley spinning around the room. Mr. Darcy was an excellent dancer and Elizabeth enjoyed herself immensely. Before long however she was out of breath and had to stop.
Laughed she collapsed on to a settee and the impromptu dance ended with cheers all around. Another bottle of champagne was opened, and Mr. Darcy brought Elizabeth glass.
"I am pleased to see you so happy, Miss Elizabeth."
"And I am pleased with you Mr. Darcy! This night could not have happened without you. Or rather, I suppose it might have happened earlier had you not interfered originally, but who can say? Perhaps not, and besides, I have quite forgotten about any such unpleasant things. You must take my philosophy Mr. Darcy, and only remember the past as it brings you pleasure."
"I cannot, unfortunately, as I receive much instruction from my less pleasant memories. However, I am delighted that you espouse to this philosophy for I believe it must work in my favor!" He said playfully.
"Mr. Darcy! Are you teasing me? I had not thought it of you! How very ungallant."
He just smiled and bowed. "I am learning from the best."
Elizabeth started to answer and then had to cover her mouth as a yawn interrupted her, the first was quickly followed by another.
"You are tired, I should take my leave." Mr. Darcy said regretfully.
"No, I am having a wonderful time."
He bowed over her hand and kissed it. "As am I, lovely Miss Elizabeth, but I should go nonetheless."
Mr. Darcy then approached his friend and together they regretfully took their leave of the Gardiner household. Each gentleman took the opportunity to kiss the hand of his fair lady. Mr. Darcy promised to call the next morning and Bingley energetically agreed. Then they left, and the wonderful evening came to an end.