Lots happening
Chapter Seven
April 1814
Longbourn
During tea with the family that afternoon, Mr. Bennet informed Mary he would escort her to the Gardiner's home in London, as he had business with Mr. Gardiner the following morning. Mary was looking forward to leaving Longbourn once she knew Elizabeth settled with Jane. Elizabeth had all her belongings packed awaiting her Father to convey her to Netherfield.
Elizabeth thought back to when she first arrived at Longbourn and the care her sister Mary provided. At first, it was assisting Mrs. Hill along with a few servant girls, with everything from bathing, changing and dispensing medications to help with the pain. Elizabeth could not walk and moving about her room was nearly impossible. Elizabeth required assistance to complete the simplest of tasks. Once settled in back in her bed, Elizabeth found Mary's company more enjoyable than she remembered. Mary had blossomed into a beautiful woman and matured. There was no reading of Fordyce's sermons, Elizabeth was thankful for that improvement in Mary.
Mary skillfully arranged for Elizabeth's gowns to be fitted without having to explain where they had come from. The materials Elizabeth knew were finer than her family could afford, however she never mentioned her concerns about the gowns fearing her Mama's reactions. It was hard not to hear her Mama's constant complaints through the walls of Longbourn. It was for this reason Elizabeth and Jane always took long walks outside to discuss anything of import. Having Lydia nearby was a sure way of hearing giggles and titter tattle until Lydia found something new for her whisper and gossip.
Elizabeth was grateful for all of Mary's efforts of trying to occupy her with reading aloud, discussions of books they had previously read and of course embroidery. Elizabeth decided that whoever thought stitching was relaxing was completely ridiculous. Elizabeth's efforts were always being torn-out and re-stitched. Mary laughed at Elizabeth's attempts of hilarity while imparting words of frustration. This left both girls laughing, which of course unsettled their Mama and her nerves.
Elizabeth recalled how her weight had dropped dramatically once her Mama began her assault her about worries about having Lizzy in residence. The old Elizabeth would have chosen to deal with her mama and her many complaints with exercise and humor. This Elizabeth was not allowed to exercise due to her injuries and was now melancholy, giving her an upset stomach whenever in her Mama's presence. Mary had to have the local seam stress come to redo her gowns for she and Mrs. Hill could not adjust them properly.
Once Elizabeth's injuries healed, the visits to Jane and Mr. Bingley began. Elizabeth enjoyed visiting with Jane, however with her lack of memory Elizabeth felt the loss of having her dear sister's confidences. Elizabeth walked around in a new world unknown to her feeling left out.
It was only after her Papa began to allow her to help with the estate business and accounting that Elizabeth felt she was almost whole. Elizabeth could not remember helping her Papa this much in the past, she knew more about running an estate than ever before. It felt natural for Elizabeth to make decisions that would benefit not only her family but would also benefit the tenants and the surrounding village of Meryton. Elizabeth never questioned where she had gained the knowledge, she just enjoyed doing something that occupied her time and mind.
.
.
.
.
Moving to Netherfield
The carriage ride to Netherfield was quiet. Elizabeth watcher her Papa carefully for he looked as if he was remembering something from the past but was too afraid to question him. Elizabeth felt excited at seeing her beloved sister Jane was also relieved at being away from her Mama. Elizabeth's thoughts towards her Mama though unkind, did not keep her from the feeling excitement at being free from Longbourn.
The trip to Netherfield never took less than one half hour, as they passed through the town of Meryton Elizabeth peeked out behind the curtain of the carriage to see the town's people moving about in their daily lives. Elizabeth sighed wondering what it would be like to have that freedom once again, catching the notice of Mr. Bennet.
"Lizzy close the curtain, please understand I only have your best interest at heart. We will arrive shortly and Jane is excited to have you come stay with her and Mr. Bingley," said Mr. Bennet.
Lizzy sighed and replied, "Yes, Papa." Knowing it would not do to continue to go against Mr. Bennet and his wishes.
As the carriage stopped in the front of Netherfield, Mr. Bingley and Jane were out front to greet them with smiles on their faces as they descended from the carriage to greet them. Elizabeth thoughts on Mr. Bingley were he would never be out of sorts, always smiling, and she believed him to incapable of speaking harshly to anyone, including his awful sister Miss Bingley. As far as Elizabeth was concerned, Mr. Bingley is the perfect husband for her dear sister Jane.
Suddenly the memory Mr. Darcy came to her as she shuttered trying to wipe away the memory of last night's dream when he kissed her while they lay in a bed. Fearing she was losing her mind, Elizabeth decided not to mention her dreams to anyone including Jane. Elizabeth feared her sister would be disappointed in her for having such wanton dreams about a man wholly unconnected to her.
Jane noticed the dark circles under Elizabeth's eyes worried that her sister was not getting enough rest at Longbourn because of their Mama, not aware it was partial because of Elizabeth's dreams of Mr. Darcy. Jane was certain being away from Longbourn would do her sister a wealth of good.
Dinner that night was enjoyable with Mr. Bingley's lively personality and Mr. Bennet's dry wit. Jane was the perfect hostess making everyone at dinner that evening feeling at ease, leaving Elizabeth to enjoy herself without worry she would cause a faux pas.
Mr. Bennett left Netherfield, giving Elizabeth a reassuring hug. "Do not worry about your Mama visiting Netherfield while you are in residence. She will now be allowed to call here." Mr. Bennet did not realize how Elizabeth would take his words, she understood him to mean that her absence at Longbourn would no longer prevent callers from attending her Mama. Elizabeth was now to be hidden away at Netherfield.
.
.
.
That night while before going to sleep, Jane spoke with Mr. Bingley regarding her concerns with having Mr. Darcy arriving so soon. Jane was aware of Mr. Darcy's fits of anger when Wickham's name was mention and feared their connection to Wickham would cause a rift between the two long time friends. "What if Darcy refuses our connection because Wickham is married to Lydia?" Jane asked hesitantly.
Mr. Bingley reasoned that although the connected to Mr. Wickham was known, "If Darcy truly felt the connection was harmful, he would not have agreed to come to Netherfield." Mr. Bingley knew himself to be an unequivocal friend to Darcy. Darcy would not attempt a visit at Netherfield even with his cousin's constant urging.
Jane's concern with the arrival of Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam caused her to place Elizabeth in the family wing not far from the nursery rooms. Jane was unsure how Elizabeth would handle having visitors in the house especially after being secluded at Longbourn for such a long time. Elizabeth familiar with Little Charlie and Miss Emma as Jane and Bingley's children assumed she was staying at Netherfield to help Jane because she was once again with child. Having two small children to care for would drain any new mother; however now that another babe was on the way Jane would require more rest.
.
.
.
Elizabeth's habit of rising early had not changed since the accident, lead her to the nursery each morning to help the nurse ready the children prior to Jane's arrival. Charlie's personality was just like his father' he woke up smiling and enjoyed the attentions of his nurses and Aunt Lizzy. Once he his nappy was changed, he wanted to walk about the room.
Miss Emma was a joyful baby unless she was hungry. Miss Emma only wanted her wet nurse when she woke up in the morning. Elizabeth found that not even Jane would calm her down until her wet nurse fed her. Only after Miss Emma consumed her morning meal, would she allow Jane or Elizabeth to change her nappy and dress her for the day. Jane agreed that Miss Emma was stubborn and wanted to have things her own way. Little Emma reminded Jane of Elizabeth as a child giving a knowing smile at her sister. Miss Emma at six months old could work herself across the floor almost in a crawl to reach the toys Charlie dropped onto the floor.
After the children started their day, their nurses would take them outside in the garden if the weather permitted, otherwise they would be in the yellow drawing room waiting for Jane and Elizabeth after breakfast.
Mr. Bingley waited for Jane and Elizabeth to enter the breakfast room, drinking coffee and reading the morning paper. Upon Mr. Bennet's urging, Mr. Bingley would have dispose of the paper each day, avoiding Elizabeth's discovering any news that may disturb her equanimity.
Mr. Bingley stood once the women approached; holding out a chair for Jane meanwhile the footman assisted Elizabeth. Mr. Bingley plated breakfast for both his wife and sister before plating his own breakfast. Mr. Bingley informed Jane of his plans for the day, while Jane spoke of the children.
Elizabeth watched Jane and Mr. Bingley as they moved in harmony with one another at the breakfast table. This made Elizabeth wonder if she and Mr. Darcy had that same kind of relationship, upon the realization of her thoughts Elizabeth was disturbed by her tendency to refer to Mr. Darcy in the first place. Elizabeth flushed hoping Jane was unaware. Whatever is making me think of that man is going to drive me straight to bedlam Elizabeth thought to herself.
After the morning meal, Mr. Bingley stopped to spend time with the children before riding off to attend to estate business. His latest project was building new homes for the tenants damaged by floods over the years. Most of the tenant homes required substantial repairs, making Mr. Bingley' decision to build new housing on higher ground a priority. Almost all of the new homes relocated were now complete, leaving two more homes finished within the next month. Mr. Bingley hoped that Darcy would be proud of his decision to make his tenant's lives better. Each new house contained the latest innovations, including water closets (not the outhouses currently used) along with multiple bedrooms along with a separate living area away from the kitchen. Mr. Bingley also made sure that each kitchen had a modern working stove, hoping to avoid fires caused by the outdated stoves.
Jane planned her days including Elizabeth's needs as much as possible. Jane worried over Elizabeth's personality. Elizabeth was not the same as she was before the accident; loving, carefree and happy. Any of Darcy's harsh remarks could severely wound Elizabeth as she is now.
.
.
.
With Mr. Darcy's imminent arrival, Jane wanted to provide Elizabeth with a place to retreat outdoors that would provide her freedom to escape if needed. She knew how much her sister loved to walk outdoors and knew Elizabeth's confinement at Longbourn did not allow her this time to enjoy nature.
Taking Elizabeth outdoors, Jane showed Elizabeth the newly renovated garden surrounded by hedges. Jane explained it would provide a safe place where Elizabeth could wander without notice or interference from unwanted visitors.
"Jane, was this not the maze?" asked Elizabeth in curiosity knowing at one time Lady Worthington, bragged about having put in a maze at Netherfield when they were children.
Jane nodded and said, "Yes Lizzy it was until my sister Caroline first arrived at Netherfield. Apparently, she found herself lost inside the maze for over two hours calling out for help. When help finally arrived she was so angry she ordered the changes without Charles' approval." Jane waved her arms around her and said, "This is what you now find before you. I cannot say I am unhappy with the change all that much."
Elizabeth looked around at the various colored Rose and Hydrangea bushes placed around statues and water features. Jane knowing what Elizabeth was thinking said, "Caroline thought by placing various water features throughout, no one would know it had been a maze previously. When Charles found out, he only agreed with her new plan if she included the rose and hydrangea bushes she refused to allow anywhere on the property."
Elizabeth smiled as she sat on one of the carefully placed benches said, "Well, while I would have enjoyed walking the maze, I do agree with Mr. Bingley. The Roses and Hydrangeas do make a beautiful place to look upon and rest. I will enjoy tending to the flowers whilst in residence."
Jane giggled, "I never understood Caroline's objections to roses until Charles told me how his mother had grown various roses of all kinds and colors. Caroline attended her mother while they worked in the rose bushes. Apparently Mrs. Bingley did not give Caroline gloves…and well you know anything that causes Caroline discomfort she despises."
Elizabeth laughed alongside Jane. "Well I am thankful that Mr. Bingley insisted, for while I enjoy tending to flowers, you will enjoy my labors by having beautiful bouquets throughout your home," said Elizabeth smiling.
Jane happy to see her sister smile said, "I did not intend to put you to work dearest Lizzy I know how much you enjoy nature. The surrounding hedge will keep you hidden from society and provide you with a bit of freedom that you have been lacking."
Elizabeth curious as to the real story of her situation wanted to ask Jane for all the details, however, she knew if she asked Jane, it would only put her in the position of defying her Papa. It would not do to place Jane in the middle. Elizabeth knew the only way she would ever learn the truth was to remember.
Prior to dinner that night, Jane and Mr. Bingley spoke about Elizabeth's adjustment to Netherfield. Jane assured her husband that "Lizzy was well."
.
.
Elizabeth was beginning to fall into the routine when Mr. Bingley announced the arrival of some friends to stay at Netherfield at breakfast the following morning.
"Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam will be arriving this afternoon just before tea. I hope you will not be displeased by their arrival Lizzy. We will have business to attend to and will not be making demands on your time," said Mr. Bingley looking hopeful.
Hearing Mr. Darcy's name made Elizabeth blush. Looking down at her plate she responded, "Not at all, I am a guest in your home. I know Mr. Darcy to be a great friend to you. Mr. Darcy has the reputation of being a respectable and well mannered gentleman, therefore I have no objections."
Bingley not aware of Elizabeth's sarcasm smiled at Elizabeth. Jane however gave her sister a disappointed look that had Elizabeth wishing she had not made that comment. Elizabeth excused herself stating, "I'll go check on the children."
Jane still not positive Colonel Fitzwilliam's plan would work said, "Charles, I'm not sure what to do with Lizzy. I know her to be upset with Mr. Darcy thinking he had not apologized for his remarks at the assembly. What are we to do if they do not get along?"
Mr. Bingley who believed this plan would work said, "Jane, sweetheart all will be well. Darcy just needs to get to know your sister once again. I am sure he will find her to be the same lovely woman he fell in love with all those years ago. We just need to give them time to get to know one another. Was not your sister agreeable just then?"
Jane smiled at her husband hiding her fear behind her serene smile, not wanting to correct her husband on Elizabeth's sarcastic remark.
.
.
.
The Darcy carriage arrived at Netherfield on a beautiful sunny spring day. As Darcy watched the landscape as his carriage travelled, he admired the splendor before him. The trees were different shades of green, reminding him of home. The wildflowers were blooming in the lush meadows of grass. When the carriage turned down the drive towards an expansive brick house, Darcy smiled to himself pleased at what he saw. Bingley has done well for himself he thought.
His Cousin, Richard, sat alongside Darcy turned to see Darcy's smile, "Well am I to assume you approve of Bingley's home Darce?"
"How could anyone not approve?" said Darcy as he waited for the carriage to complete stop. Darcy's side of the Carriage allowed him to view the front of Netherfield with its grand entrance. On the top of the stairs awaited Mr. and Mrs. Bingley.
Richard clapped Darcy on the shoulder, "Let's stretch our legs, and greet the beautiful Mrs. Bingley and your good friend."
"Why must you always point out the beauty of women Richard?" said Darcy frustrated with his cousin's ability to be jovial all the time.
Richard waited for Darcy to exit the carriage and said, "Darcy it is the way of the world. You find a beautiful woman and then marry her." Darcy heard Richard's laugh as he scowled.
Darcy exited the carriage, took a step assisted by his walking cane and waited for his cousin to exit. While he waited he heard Charles say to his wife, "Don't worry I am sure his scowl is not in disapproval of us or the house." Darcy immediately felt bad that his host and hostess saw his disapproval of his cousin's remarks.
Richard smiled up at Bingley as he heard Bingley say, "Welcome to Netherfield friends!"
Richard walked alongside Darcy making sure that Darcy felt strong enough on his own two legs before heading towards Mrs. Bingley. Darcy had made remarkable strides concerning his recovery. Long carriage rides made Darcy's legs stiff, thus making it harder to walk for a period of time. Richard knew Darcy liked to keep his injuries quiet, only assisted Darcy if he was in danger of falling.
After greeting their guests, Mrs. Bingley directed the footman to show Richard and Darcy to their rooms allowing them time to refresh themselves before tea. Richard recognized the footman to be from Darcy's staff at Pemberley. As Richard entered his room he was smiling, he said to himself, "All will work out just as I planned."