A/N - a continued thank you to my reviewers Jansfamily you always make me laugh. Sooty85 thoughtful comments. and guest and graciela thank you too! There are a few new characters I have introduced. you will have to waitand see if they are nice or not. :)
Elizabeth found the planning of the dinner party at Darcy house to be daunting. Her mother always set an excellent table and had taught her daughters well, but the reality of all the things that needed attending to were not inconsiderable. In addition to their party there was to be the Earl and Lady Matlock, Viscount Milton and his wife Emma, Colonel Fitwilliam, Lady Eleanor and Lady Victoria. Lady Victoria was being courted by Lord Murray, the eldest son of the Earl of Mansfield, so he was invited too. Miss Bingley and the Hursts, her aunt and uncle Gardiner and Lady grey made the party up to 18. Although there were more women than men she could not think of anyone else she cared to invite and after consulting with Lady Matlock had deemed it not necessary, given that it was a family dinner.
Luckily, apart from the dinner at the Bingleys, their last few days in London were commitment free. Lady Matlock spent one morning at Darcy house going over the plans for the dinner. Secretly she had expected Elizabeth to have needed some help but she surpassed her expectation and seemed to have everything in hand. Barring a major problem, the evening should go smoothly.
Jane and Elizabeth decided to get ready together for the engagement party at the Hursts. They had spent a lot of time together but not as close as they once were, given their new status. So, Elizabeth did something she had never thought she would do. She locked the door from her husband's room in to hers. She had warned him before-hand, of course, but it still felt almost wrong to be doing so. Elizabeth giggled over the odd feeling with Jane before they focused on their apparel. Polly did help with some aspects of dressing but for the most part Elizabeth aided Jane and vica-versa. The sisterly bond between these two was strong and they were both determined to ensure that marriage would only stretch it, not cause a break.
Once they both were dressed they descended together to their waiting husbands. The look of contentment and good humour on both their faces was a testament to how relaxed they were in each other's company. Jane looked radiant in the dress that Elizabeth had gifted her, Darcy of course only had eyes for his wife.
When they arrived at their host's house they were received most cordially. Caroline was enthusiastic in her greeting of Elizabeth and scarcely less so for Mr Darcy. Elizabeth smiled to herself, content that some parts of the old Caroline were still present. The house was full of friends and family of the Bingleys. Elizabeth was happy to see her aunt and uncle, pleased that they were not left off the guest list by Caroline. She spent some time talking to them before dinner was announced.
When she was seated at the table she was surprised to find Mr Pelham on one side of her.
"Sir, I did not know you were to be here today."
"Yes, I believe I was a last-minute invitee after having run in to your Mr Darcy and Mr Bingley at whites a few days ago. Miss Bingley was kind enough to include me in the invitation after a pleasant day spent with her brother."
"Indeed. And what are your summer plans?"
"I am to return to my estate in Norfolk. And you Mrs Darcy?"
She explained her summer plans and they talked pleasantly of the countryside. Once again she was impressed by his manners and how engaging she found him to be. She turned to Mr Darcy and noted his slight frown.
"Sir, are you not enjoying the food?"
His expression cleared and he replied that it was delicious he had only allowed his mind to wander. She raised an eyebrow at him before asking a question about what places they were to visit on their trip northward. The conversation flowed well. Caroline had seated the table with good taste. When she rose to excuse the ladies there were few who truly desired the separation. It was to be endured however.
Once in the drawing room Caroline sought out Elizabeth. She started with small talk but the conversation soon turned to summer plans.
"Mrs Darcy, have you any plans for the summer? I understood from Georgiana that Pemberley of the past used to hold a grand harvest ball at the end of the summer. But I assume that you would not wish to have a house full of guests so soon after taking up the reins? It can take one a while to become accustomed to running a new household. Why when I took up netherfield it was quite the experience."
Elizabeth could hardly get a word in edgewise and was not sure she really wanted to. Caroline soon after asked for performers. Elizabeth happily accepted, after her hostess of course, the piece she had been practicing was well received but she relinquished the instrument with alacrity. She returned to Darcy who had been watching her play with pleasure. Mr Pelham was nearby and congratulated her on a lovely performance.
"Thank you sir, but I am grateful to only have to perform the once."
He made a pretty comment here and offered to fetch her a drink. After he had left Darcy turned to her.
"I agree your performance was captivating."
She smiled warmly at him and was just about to make a witty reply when Mr Pelham rejoined them. Elizabeth had never thought to enjoy a party hosted by Caroline so much. Of course, this one was technically hosted by the Hursts, but it was obvious to most who took precedence out of the sisters.