Chapter 21

London

"Girls, I received an express from your mother this morning" Mrs. Gardiner announced at the breakfast table. "It seems that Mary has insisted upon buying her clothing in Meryton, and will not be dissuaded. Your mother greatly laments not being able to tour the London shops, but vows that Mary cannot possibly plan the wedding without her supervision."

"It did seem most peculiar that Mary would have agreed to such a trip, it is very like her to be economical in her clothing selection." observed Jane

"Which is a good thing, for Father hates town! He should have locked himself in his library for a week should mama have petitioned him for it!" Lizzy added with a chuckle

"Well, I see no harm in taking you girls out to be fitted for new ball gowns regardless of your mother coming to visit. I received an invitation to the Fitzwilliam family's ball next month, and you both need something quite fine. Lord Fitzwilliam is a business acquaintance of your uncle's, and the uncle of Georgiana and Mr. Darcy"

"It is very kind of them to send an invitation aunt, but are you sure that the invitation extends to Elizabeth and I?"

"Of course it does Jane! Lady Fitzwilliam and I work at the same charity, and she is well aware that you two have come to town. She is most eager to meet you. I daresay Lizzy, you will find her particularly to your liking."

"Is that so aunt"

"Lady Fitzwilliam is one of the most sensible ladies of the ton. She dearly loves to laugh, but has a gracious spirit that is not often found in a lady of her situation."

"I will look forward to meeting her" Lizzy picked some grapes off of the stem, gathering them in her palm, she examined the fruit closely, ate a few pieces and while she was still staring at the plate asked to no one in particular "I wonder if the Darcys shall be there"

"Surely you do not believe that the Fitzwilliams would be so rude as to not invite their own niece and nephew!"

"But Mr. Darcy hates company, and Georgiana is not out yet"

"Then you shall just have to ask them at dinner tonight, Lizzy. Mr. Darcy strikes me as a very loyal fellow, a definite family man, and as such I sincerely doubt that he would not honor his aunt and uncle with his attendance. As for Georgiana, the event is being held by her own family, so I daresay her attendance shall be left up to the discretion of she and her brother. "

"Do Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam have any children of their own" Jane asked

"They do. Their eldest, Abigail, is married to Lord James Highton whose own good father passed away this past year, leaving Highclare Castle in Newbury to James and Abigail to raise their three children in. Robert is married to the Duke of Coventry's daughter Emma, and they have four children. Robert is to inherit the estate. Their youngest, Richard, is a colonel in His Majesty's army and is not yet married. Since he is the younger son, he will most likely have to marry a lady of some fortune. Unfortunately, finding such a lady proves to be a most difficult task."

"That is quite an imposing legacy aunt" declared Jane

"You would never know it if you were to meet Lady Fitzwilliam outside of her circle Jane. She is extraordinarily gracious, with a keen sense of humor and a fierce love of her husband. Theirs was most definitely a love match"

"How refreshing!" cried Jane

"Indeed my dear. And I dare say that it shows in her children. They are all wonderful people, with no sense of self-importance at all. Your uncle and I have dined with the family on numerous occasions, and they have all been very welcoming of our friendship. Robert and Lord Fitzwilliam very much respect my husband, and often keep him to themselves in the study after our meal to gain his insight into their investments."

"I am very eager to meet them at their ball aunt! Do you think that there might be friendship to be found with Lady Highton?"

"Of course! Abigail is all sweetness and gentility with a keen sense of discernment. Although she is not nearly as witty as her mother, she still possesses a dear love of laughter and merriment. She is seldom in town now that she and her husband have their estate in the country, but you should take advantage of whatever time you can spend with her Jane. She would be a very good friend to you and Elizabeth"

"And Robert's wife Emma? Has she adopted the Fitzwilliam affability upon her union with Robert"

"The reason Robert and Emma were first attracted to each other was that the were the only two people who cared not about their own importance among the ton. It was a blessing to each that they happened to both come out into society the same year, otherwise they would have had a very challenging time finding another member of the ton who shares their views on life and the dignity of all people. Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam, along with the Duke and Duchess of Coventry made it very clear to their children that they were by no means superior to the rest of society regardless of their birth rights of inheritance."

"If I were ever in a situation of wealth an influence, I should hope I could accomplish the same with my children." stated Elizabeth

Mrs. Gardiner allowed a grin to escape before schooling her features. "And if, Miss Elizabeth, you were to be in such a situation you would be in the perfect London circle to seek the advice of Lady Fitzwilliam should you need it"