A/N: Some of you have been complaining that a resolution is taking too long. Sorry to disappoint but there will be more shenanigans before D&E have their respective "Hunsford" moments. This post will be somewhat shorter than usual, lots of work to do this week.
Elizabeth fled to her bedchamber in a fury. Why did she let him enrage her so? It would have been far more effective to ignore his comment. He probably would have been the one to leave in a huff if he thought that kiss did not affect her. She had a feeling he relished it when she lost control. Perhaps she needed to take a new tact with Mr. Darcy. Her father had mentioned her lack of subtly in dealing with Miss Darcy and she had heard over and over again from her other family members that she was behaving just as badly as her younger sisters. Yes, she thought, she would change her modus operandi with Mr. Darcy from now on. She would ignore all attempts he made to make her lose her temper and opt for a more passive resistance. She would make sure he would suffer all the same but with far more grace and less criticism to her person. She wished she would have thought of this earlier!
Quite a while later, there was a knock at her door. Her aunt and Jane entered the room and sat themselves in two comfortable chairs. "How was your private tete-a-tete with the Colonel and Mr. Darcy?" her aunt asked.
"Infuriating as usual." Elizabeth replied.
"May I ask what you discussed?" her aunt inquired.
"The Colonel had us play a silly game to try and force us to know one another better." Elizabeth answered.
"And what was your success?" Jane asked.
"It evolved into an argument, which should be of no surprise." Elizabeth scoffed.
"You did not learn anything new or useful?" Jane asked hopefully.
"Not really, we both like to read and walk. We both prefer the country to town and we both dislike Caroline Bingley." Elizabeth replied. "The Colonel then forced us to say complimentary things about one another."
"Well, that is something. You see, you do have a few things in common." said an ever-optimistic Jane.
"The subject matter does not sound very controversial. How can that have led to an argument and leaving your company without a proper goodbye?" Mrs. Gardiner replied.
"Oh, I said goodbye before I left the room albeit not as calmly as I would have wished. That man has the talent to discompose me with the slightest utterance. I have come to believe that you are correct regarding my disposition as of late. I must try to control my temper in his presence. I do not understand why I let him affect me so. Never in my life has one person been able to raise my ire so quickly as Mr. Darcy. It is very unsettling." Elizabeth said.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled knowingly at her but did not comment. Elizabeth was not yet ready to hear her opinion on why Mr. Darcy rattled her so.
"Elizabeth, we have decided on a date for the wedding. It will take place three weeks from Saturday in Longbourn Chapel. Father has sent mother an express so she can plan accordingly. If it pleases you, we will stay in town for another week to shop for our trousseaux and then head to Hertfordshire to assist with the planning." Jane said with obvious trepidation.
Elizabeth felt a bit ashamed that her sister was nervous to speak with her about the wedding. She did not want to take away any of her sister's joy regarding her own nuptials. "Three weeks, well that is better than two weeks." Elizabeth sighed. "Jane please do not feel awkward when talking about the wedding with me. I gave you leave to make any decisions you feel necessary. I trust in your judgment."
Jane breathed out a sigh of relief at that. "Aunt Gardiner and I would like to visit the mantua maker this afternoon to decide upon wedding gowns. We can be fitted and Aunt Gardiner can bring the completed dresses with her when she comes for the wedding. Uncle Gardiner has said we can proceed to his warehouse immediately to pick out fabrics. The rest of our dresses do not need to be rushed can be delivered after the wedding due to the time constraints."
"That is fine. Let us be off then." Elizabeth said trying to hide her dismay at the thought.
"Before we go girls I would like to have a serious conversation with your regarding your wedding night. There may not be time in the future and I am not sure it would be healthy for your mother to have this discussion with you both. With no disrespect intended towards your mother, I believe she may give you a rather frightening description of what to expect." Mrs. Gardiner said kindly.
Elizabeth and Jane both blushed deeply at their aunt's words. "Surely Aunt, there can be no reason for this. Jane and I were raised on a farm. We know the mechanics and there cannot be anything more to it than that. It is a duty that a married woman must suffer." Elizabeth said hoping to forestall this conversation.
"Elizabeth, it is so much more than that. You words are the exact speech that I imagined your mother imparting to you. A satisfying physical relationship with one's husband is one of the joys of marriage. The intimacy it creates can only enhance your married life. I do not wish for you to be ignorant of this. I insist that we have this conversation and both of you please do not hesitate to ask me any questions you may have." Mrs. Gardiner answered.
"I have no questions Aunt. As I said earlier, there is no need for this conversation." Elizabeth said adamantly.
"Aunt I wish to know what you have to say." Jane countered. "I have had feelings I don't understand of late when I have been close to Mr. Bingley. They are not bad feelings but I do not completely understand them. When he holds my hand or sits close to me I have fluttering's in my stomach. I must admit that he kissed me goodbye at one point and I felt warm and flushed. I almost thought I would swoon." Jane said looking at the ground in embarrassment.
"Jane that is perfectly normal." her aunt answered.
"Oh, Jane I know what it is! I am so glad to hear you felt the same way. It is obviously food poisoning. I have felt the same things when near Mr. Darcy twice in the last few weeks. We have both eaten something bad!" Elizabeth exclaimed triumphantly. She was very proud that her original idea regarding her own discomfort was reinforced by her sister's symptoms.
Jane looked a bit confused but did not say anything. Mrs. Gardiner however began to chortle. She laughed quietly at first but then proceeded to lose her countenance and laugh until tears flowed from her eyes. "Oh Elizabeth, Jane does not have food poisoning and neither did you!"
"Then what could it be Aunt? Jane and I have the same symptoms. I have given this much thought and that is the only rational conclusion that I can draw." Elizabeth said stubbornly.
"What both you and your sister have experienced are feelings of passion, Elizabeth. I still feel the same symptoms, as you call them, when I am with your uncle." Mrs. Gardiner said with a grin.
"No Aunt, you are wrong. I feel no passion towards Mr. Darcy, only revulsion." Elizabeth argued.
"Elizabeth, I feel no revulsion what so ever for Mr. Bingley and I am feeling the same things when he is near. I certainly have not eaten anything spoiled. Perhaps our aunt is correct. She, after all has far more experience in this area." Jane said.
"No, absolutely not. I refuse to believe it." Elizabeth said.
"Elizabeth please show some maturity. I would like an honest reply from you. Did you feel these things when Mr. Darcy kissed you?" Mrs. Gardiner asked.
Elizabeth was unwilling to admit to it our loud and too mortified. She briefly nodded and then looked out the window. Her aunt was wrong. It could not be passion. She would not allow herself to feel such a thing for Mr. Darcy.
Mrs. Gardiner proceeded to explain the more intimate details of the marriage bed to her two nieces. The things she said were enlightening to say the least and somewhat intriguing. There was most definitely more to the process then she noticed when the sheep were tupping. Jane and Elizabeth spent the entire time blushing and looking at the floor. A great deal of information was imparted and Elizabeth could not bring herself to ask any questions. Jane asked a question or two regarding begetting children and that made Elizabeth even more agitated. She had not really broached the subject of children with Mr. Darcy in her mind. Of course, it would be inevitable after they married but she was certainly not ready to think of such a thing.
When her aunt concluded Elizabeth finally looked up. "Aunt I do not think I will ever be able to look Uncle Gardiner in the face again." she said honestly. Jane murmured her agreement but did not look as distressed as Elizabeth.
As they made their way to her uncle's warehouse Elizabeth was a basket of nerves. She assumed Mr. Darcy knew of all the things her aunt had told her. He was older than her and a man of the world. She wondered briefly if he had done these things with other women. It made her feel ill to think of it. She wasn't comfortable with her reaction to that thought and began to get angry. Why did she care? She didn't care she decided quickly. She did not care what he did or with whom! The horrible feeling in her gut however did not dissipate.
Elizabeth and Jane looked at some lovely fabrics for their wedding gowns. She decided on a lovely embroidered silk but her gaze kept straying the black bombazine fabric. It matched her mood at the moment. She wished she could have her wedding dress made in black. It would be fitting but she knew she would never get away with a black wedding dress. She could hear her mother's screeching in her mind if she even suggested such a thing. But as for the rest of her trousseau, no one would know if she had everything made in black. She would be in mourning for her situation for the rest of her life so she should dress as such. She could order the black fabric and have it sent to seamstress. They would be in Hertfordshire when the garments were made and no one would be the wiser. Yes, that was what she would do. It allowed her some rebellion against her situation and was subtle, at least subtler than her earlier attempts at defiance.
While Jane was busy with her Aunt, she had her uncle's salesperson wrap several yards of black fabric for her. She chose wools, silks, muslins and bombazine fabrics, all in black. She then added some black ribbons for ornamentation as well. Elizabeth had everything wrapped at the counter before her aunt or sister noticed her selections. Yes, she thought, she would certainly make a statement with her new apparel!
They proceeded to her aunt's dressmaker and spent time looking at fashion plates and being measured. Both girls choose styles for several day dresses, dinner gowns and ball gowns in addition to their wedding gowns. Their father had been most generous in the allowance he provided them. Jane and her aunt were surprised at the small smile that graced her face the entire time. She was known to dislike shopping and was being incredibly patient and pleasant throughout the entire process. Her aunt was suspicious but Jane happily thought she was finally coming to terms with the wedding. They informed the mantua maker that the fabrics would be sent over later in the day and Elizabeth was very satisfied. Her plans would come to fruition and no one would know of her machinations until her garments were delivered many weeks from now.
The next few days were spent in the same fashion. They visited various shops around town and purchased boots, slippers, underthings and had several bonnets made. Elizabeth ordered a black parasol and bonnet to match. When questioned by her aunt regarding her choice of color she prevaricated and said she wanted to be ready for any possibility. Her aunt did not dissuade her from her purchase but looked at her strangely. When she was not under scrutiny she ordered as many black accessories as surreptitiously as possible. She again was quite proud of her success.
Five days had passed and Elizabeth had not heard from Mr. Darcy. Mr. Bingley had called daily and informed her that his friend was busy making wedding arrangements and taking care of his many business concerns. One part of her was relieved that he did not come to Gracechurch Street another part of her was offended. How dare he ignore her so? She vacillated between the two feelings and finally decided that his absence gave her more comfort than his presence.
Darcy had stayed away from the Gardiner's home purposefully. He did indeed have much work to catch up on but more importantly he need to plan a course of action. He decided that he would try to be more sedate. He would be everything pleasant and hopefully she would respond in kind. Considering her past behavior he did not hold much stock in a positive reaction from his betrothed but he would try anyway. He understood, after his cousin explained it to him, that Elizabeth was embarrassed by her reaction to their kiss and that was why she reacted so strongly to his quip at the end of their game. Darcy knew that propriety demanded he say farewell to Elizabeth and her sister so he would have to see her in the near future. He decided to offer his own carriage to the Bennet family for their journey to ensure their comfort. He sent his offer by messenger directly to Mr. Gardiner. Although, he was now permitted to send Elizabeth correspondence he did not have faith that she would read a letter that came from him.
The morning they were to set off on their journey, two Darcy carriages appeared outside the Gardiner's home. Her uncle was not at all surprised by their arrival which was very curious. Why would the Darcy carriages be here? When she learned that it was for their own transport, Elizabeth assumed it was another example of his arrogance. She was positive that Darcy believed the Gardiner's carriage not grand enough to transport his future bride so he sent his own to highlight the difference in their situations. This put her in a foul humor and it reminded her of other things that happened in one of Darcy's carriages. She said as much quietly to her uncle and he looked at her in amazement. He informed her that Mr. Darcy's gesture was one of kindness. She replied that was impossible not realizing that Mr. Darcy and his sister had overhead the whispered exchange. Elizabeth was displeased when the Gardiner's and Mr. Bennet greeted Mr. Darcy very warmly and thanked him for the use of his carriage. The Darcy siblings greeted her politely and Elizabeth made small talk with Georgiana regarding her recent shopping expeditions. Georgiana still unable to understand Elizabeth's attitude toward her brother and was quite perturbed at what she had just heard. She was not at ease with Elizabeth but they both made an effort at civility. Mr. Bingley soon arrived and monopolized Jane's attentions. Elizabeth and Georgiana continued to talk and Mr. Darcy said not a word. He did stare at her continuously and Elizabeth unobtrusively wiped her face fearing there was a crumb on her chin. Finally Mr. Darcy deigned to speak to her.
"Miss Elizabeth, did you complete shopping for your trousseau? Were you able to obtain all that you need? I know you did not have much time to shop." he said politely.
"Yes, sir. I have everything I need and am very pleased with the results." she answered far to sweetly.
"If you require anything else please ask. I am sure Georgiana would be most willing to you assist in making purchases before we travel to Longbourn ourselves. I pledge myself for the expense of course. You will need very warm clothing for the Derbyshire winters." he added.
Elizabeth was immediately offended but held her temper. Did he not think that her father could afford to provide her with the necessities? In a saccharine tone she said, "Mr. Darcy my father has provided me with everything that I need. I would not wish to disrespect him by spending more that he budgeted. Is it not a father's responsibility to provide his daughter's trousseau? Do you wish for me to upset him by allowing you to purchase items that he is obliged to purchase?"
"I was just attempting to be helpful." Darcy replied warily. He could see that she took offence at his suggestion and it was not his intention to offend Mr. Bennet. Nothing was ever easy with this woman.
"No help is necessary, sir. My trousseau is everything I could wish for and more than fitting for my future position in life." she replied with the same disingenuous smile she had used earlier. He decided he would prefer a frown than the smile she was currently wearing. It was quite insincere.
It was soon time to depart. As they were leaving Jane called over to Mr. Darcy. "Sir, I have been remiss. I neglected to thank you for sending Doctor Peterson to see me when I was ill. His care and advice were most appreciated. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for your thoughtfulness." Jane said sincerely.
"Think nothing of it Miss Bennet. I am glad he was able to help. Doctor Peterson is a fine man." Darcy replied graciously.
"Jane, Mr. Darcy did not send Doctor Peterson. Mr. Bingley sent him and paid for his services." Elizabeth said glaring at Darcy. She could not believe he was going to take credit for his friend's act of kindness. There was no end to this man's hubris. Her earlier promise to herself to behave calmly was proving to be most difficult.
"Oh, no, Miss Elizabeth. Doctor Peterson is our family doctor. I know my brother sent for him personally the night he returned from Hunsford." Georgiana added pointedly trying to defend her brother.
"You must be mistaken. That is not possible." Elizabeth said quietly.
"There is no mistake. Darcy told me of sending the doctor himself." Mr. Bingley added.
"I did send the doctor to Miss Bennet although an act of kindness from me must seem to be an impossibility to you." Darcy said very offended by her insinuations about the doctor and the carriage.
"I am all astonishment." Elizabeth replied. "Why did you not mention your largesse earlier Mr. Darcy? I would never have thought Doctor Peterson had any connection with you." Elizabeth
"Of course, you are astonished Miss Bennet. How could I ever think otherwise? I did not tell you because I did not feel it necessary for you to know." Darcy replied dourly. His attempt at ignoring her barbs had lasted all of ten minutes.
"I wish you a safe and pleasant journey Miss Elizabeth, Miss Bennet, Mr. Bennet. We will arrive at Netherfield in a week's time. God speed." Darcy said with no emotion. He did not even attempt to help Elizabeth into the carriage. Mr. Bennet performed the service for his daughter and whispered quietly to Darcy, "Give her time."