Jane finished her commission for Madame Gaillard well within the allotted time. When she returned the finished work to the modiste the following day, she not only received decent pay, she came home with another, less rushed, commission as well.
Lizzy had more time to finish her own work, but it was very fine and detailed embroidery, so she kept at it steadily despite lingering pain from the bruises on her wrists. When Jane returned from the modiste, however, Lizzy took a break. The three young women and their aunt went to look at a small townhouse available to lease a few blocks away from the Gardiner home. The other houses on the street all looked reasonably well kept and the neighborhood was neither highly fashionable nor dangerously poor. Aunt Madeline felt it would be a safe location. So long as they went together, they could walk to and from the Gardiner home without being likely to have any trouble.
The house itself was part of a row of tall narrow houses. It had just enough space for a tiny bedroom for each young woman and places for the staff members Aunt Madeline had suggested. There was a sitting room that could be fitted up into a comfortable working space. Best of all, they could move in as soon as the lease was signed. Aunt Madeline knew where to easily purchase the kind of furniture they would need and could afford.
Although Aunt Madeline felt they were discounting the possibility of a visit from Mr. Darcy or Colonel Fitzwilliam too quickly, the older two insisted they truly wanted to have a space of their own to either wait for their future to find them or make a future for themselves. Given the location, this house was too good for them to pass up.
"You say they will come visit, and they might," Jane told Aunt Madeline, "But one visit does not make a marriage. We would still need a place to live while being courted and preparing for a wedding should one of them ask us. I am certainly open to starting with a short lease, since we have no idea what will happen, but we would not feel comfortable just waiting around in your home for a visit that might never come."
"Very well, I see no problems with the house myself. Once we return home I will send one of the servants to your uncle to let him know he should take the lease for you. I doubt we will find anything else quite so close to my home for such a good price. I like knowing that you will be within easy walking distance and will not have to waste your funds on a hack just to come visit with me."
"That is one of the biggest draws of this particular house," Lizzy said, grinning. "After all, we do not want to lose contact with you. We love and rely on you too much. We just do not want to crowd you and it will be good for all three of us to share the responsibilities of managing our own home. Once you help us find our new cook-housekeeper and the maid of all work, that is." She grinned at her aunt.
Her aunt rolled her eyes and teased, "If it were not so important to get you set up with just the right person, I would leave the three of you to muddle through and hire someone yourselves. However, your very safety can be affected by the quality of person you take on, so I shall do my best for you."
"How is our safety affected, Aunt Madeline?" Kitty asked.
Lizzy knew her sister had never really thought about how servants were hired. They had always just appeared when needed at Longbourn. Of course, most of the servants there were actually chosen by Mrs. Hill, although Mrs. Bennet would approve or deny the selection.
"You will be three young women living alone. Not only could bad servants cheat you or steal from you, they might allow someone into the home who means you harm. That is all the more dangerous in such a small household. Knowing Jane and Lizzy would be stubborn about this scheme, I have already set my contacts working to find someone who comes well-recommended for your housekeeper and cook. Amy will keep an eye on things as well. We know she is trustworthy. Now, since you are in such a hurry to be on your own, shall we go pick out the furniture you will need as soon as I send the note off to Edward?"
"I have never been shopping for furnishings before!" Kitty said, bouncing on her toes. "Can we? Please, Jane! Please, Lizzy!"
"We will not need much to start us out," Jane said. "Beds for us and for the servants. Comfortable chairs for our sitting room so we can do our work. A table to eat at."
"Oh! We will need dishes too, then," Kitty said.
"Yes, you will need dishes as well," Aunt Madeline said. She laughed. "When we get back to the house, we will put together a list. Just enough to start you off properly. I still think it will all be for nothing. You think more poorly of yourselves than I do. I am certain Mr. Darcy and his cousin will be visiting in Gracechurch street any time now. You are both worthy of such fine men and I am hoping to see the matches made."
"That sounds like wishful thinking on your part, Aunt," Lizzy said.
"And you do not wish it also?" Aunt Madeline asked.
"Yes, I do," Lizzy admitted. "I just find it very hard to believe that a man of such importance could lower himself to a connection that would necessarily link him to Mrs. Bennet and to Tony."
"Mr. Darcy is friends with Mr. Bingley, who is Mary's husband by now. Perhaps that will be the connection he looks forward to gaining. You may have your doubts, Lizzy, but do not let your doubts push you into a corner where you cannot accept the affection of a good man if he offers it."
"I will try, Aunt Madeline. Now, I do want Uncle to secure this house for us as soon as may be. Shall we head back?"
"Of course. And then we will make our list and do a bit of shopping. I think I may find this as fun as Kitty will." Aunt Madeline smiled as she took Kitty's arm and led the others out of the house.
~o~
Just two days later, the Bennet sisters were able to move into their new home. Mr. Gardiner had signed a lease for six months at a rent which would not hurt them if they had to leave the house early for any reason. With Aunt Madeline's knowledge of the local stores and her experience to guide them, Lizzy and her sisters had picked out the basic furnishings and household items they would need. Those had been delivered and set up the previous day.
Mrs. Gardiner's contacts had come through and offered up a choice between two women of good reputation who would be qualified as both housekeeper and cook. With their aunt's guidance, the three young women had interviewed both candidates. In the end it came down to the sense all of them had that one of the women would be better suited to their personalities than the other. They had brought Amy to sit in on the interview with them and she concurred with their choice. Mrs. Carroll was available immediately and had moved in along with the furniture.
The maid of all work was found just as easily, through Amy this time. The young woman was a distant cousin of the newly-promoted ladies maid and companion. Ellen was relatively inexperienced, but Amy promised to keep an eye on her and help her learn what she needed to know.
Settling into their own tiny sitting room for the first time that afternoon, Jane and Lizzy took up their projects for Madame Gaillard. They shared the light from an Argand lamp with adjustable mirrored reflectors that sat on a table between their two chairs. Kitty took her place in the chair she had chosen for herself, although it was her sisters who had purchased it for her. Using the light of a second Argand lamp that was placed on a table between her chair and the small sofa they intended to accommodate any guests, she was practicing her hemming skills to turn a length of heavy fabric into curtains for her new bedchamber. She wanted to give the curtains a scalloped edge like the one Lizzy had used for the bottom flounce of Mary's gown and her sister had promised to teach her how to do that particular embroidery stitch when she finished the hem.
All three were fully occupied with their tasks when when Amy showed Aunt Madeline into the room. The older woman quickly took a seat on the side of the sofa closest to the lamp between her and Kitty.
"We are glad to see you, of course, Aunt," Jane said. "But why the visit when we only left your house a few hours ago?"
Aunt Madeline took a folded and sealed letter from her reticule. All three young women could see the black ink edging it.
"A messenger just brought this for you," she said. "The man said he came from Netherfield."
"Papa," Jane and Lizzy said together.
"Most likely," Aunt Madeline said. "Would you like me to read it to you while you continue your work?"
The older two nodded. Kitty adjusted the reflector on her lamp so her aunt would have more light. Aunt Madeline broke the seal and quickly flipped to the end of the letter.
"It is from your sister Mary," she said. She turned back to the beginning of the letter and started to read.
My dear sisters,
I hope this missive finds you well and happy in your new home. While I missed having you with me for my wedding, I was pleased to see you heading off, well-protected, to someplace I know you are loved and safe. If there is any problem having Kitty there with you, I will happily take her into my home now that I have one. If you are all satisfied with your current arrangements, then I am glad she is there with you. After you left, I wrote a note to Charlotte Carlson, and she stood in as a substitute for my sisters at the wedding. Marriage to Mr. Carlson, has been good to her. I have never seen her look so happy before.
Mr. Bingley, or rather Charles, has been most kind towards me and I think we will do well together. He is trying to be a good husband to me. At his suggestion, his sisters and Mr. Hurst left for London directly after the wedding. Before leaving, Miss Bingley made a catty comment about my ability to gain a gown from the famous modiste, Madame Gaillard. I realized then that her own fancy gown must have been embroidered by you, Lizzy. I do not know how I missed the connection before. I tried to think of the kind of set-down you might give her, and I think I succeeded in actually gaining some grudging respect from her for a moment. Then, dear Charles tried to step in and be helpful, proclaiming my dress to be far superior to the one his sister prizes so much because the four of us made it, in addition to it being better suited to me than hers is to her. His intentions were good, but the minute she heard the gown's origin, Miss Bingley regained her scornful sense of superiority. I think Mr. Darcy took Charles to task for stepping on my toes, as it were. I received an abject apology for the incident on the ride back to Netherfield. Of course, I forgave him. My new sister's opinion of me counts for very little in the grand scheme of things, especially since Charles told me she risks losing her allowance and access to his townhouse in London if she spreads negative gossip about me or any of you. I expect she will find that restriction most annoying.
I assume you have already figured out that the black edging is for Papa. Mr. Hill said that Papa died in his sleep late this morning. Of course, being the good and loyal servant he is, he gave no hint of how much of the opium Papa had taken before that happened. I think it best we do not ask. He was a man in great pain, after all. Charles told me he will work with Uncle Phillips and Mr. Hill to arrange for the burial and funeral. Uncle Phillips has notified Papa's cousin, Mr. Collins, but he did so by the regular post and expects it will be a few days before the man arrives to take his inheritance. The Hills will keep the house running properly until then.
Mama and Lydia did not attend my wedding. Lydia wanted to be a bridesmaid and flirt with Colonel Fitzwilliam, but Mama absolutely forbade her to go. When Lydia started to whine, Mama was actually able to stop her with just a glare. I do not know what the two of them have been doing for all those hours they have been away from the house each day, but Lydia has clearly learned it is not in her interest to push Mama too far. When she heard that Kitty had gone with you to London, Mama did not seem terribly surprised or concerned. I am glad Mr. Gardiner can act as your guardian, Kitty. I do not think Mama would have done much to help you now that you are looking to Jane and Lizzy as an example of good behavior.
She and Lydia have not been visiting with Aunt Phillips as we all assumed. Mama has, apparently, been making some kind of arrangements for the two of them which I suspect she has already set in motion since Papa's death this morning. From hints Lydia dropped, although she has generally been uncharacteristically secretive, I think Mama might have arranged for an officer to marry her. I cannot think who among those stationed in Meryton would be that stupid, but I suppose I will learn eventually. As for Mama, well, my best guess is that she has found a way to purchase or rent a cottage in another village and she is probably looking for that third husband she mentioned wanting even now. I am glad she will have the funds to support herself and Lydia, but I am equally glad to no longer be under her control. I think she has washed her hands of all of us, Tony included.
You may consider the edging on this letter being for Tony as well as Papa. As Kitty had overheard, Tony planned to sneak into Netherfield, and he did manage that much before my note alerted Charles to the plot. Charles immediately moved his sisters to a room where they could be guarded from harm and set all the servants to guarding the entrances. As near as we can tell, Tony hid for a time once he discovered he could not achieve his goal, and then tried to make his way back out of the house through one of the windows in the ballroom. He was seen and a few of the groundskeepers tried to stop him. During the scuffle two shots were fired, hitting the window and the stone frame. Tony was badly injured by the flying shards of glass and stone. Mr. Darcy had purchased enough of Tony's debts to send him to debtor's prison for good, but despite the attention of Mr. Jones, the injuries have become infected and he is not likely to survive long enough to be put in prison. He lost the use of both eyes from the glass and stone, so he would not have done well in prison anyway. I have not been able to bring myself to even visit him, but I thought you should know he is no longer a threat.
Neither is Mr. Wickham, as he was also captured. When Mr. Darcy tracked him before the incident in the woods, he had arranged with the innkeeper at the Green Sow to detain Mr. Wickham should he return. I overhead the men talking and learned that Mr. Darcy had broken Mr. Wickham's nose when he fought with him. He was disoriented by that and the black eye he also received, allowing the innkeeper to capture him easily. He will have to recover in debtor's prison. Mr. Darcy had bought up his debts, just as he did Tony's. Mr. Wickham was apparently Mr. Darcy's father's godson but had hidden his true nature from the older Mr. Darcy. Later he did some kind of harm to the family, although I have not heard exactly what. It sounds like he would belong in prison even without his attempt to hurt you, Lizzy, although I know Mr. Darcy is furious about that.
The third plotter, Lieutenant Denny, is a militia officer no more. He was also heavily into debt, most of it gained in a deliberate attempt to enrich himself by cheating others. He may not have harmed any of us directly, but it sounds like he might have been willing to if he had the chance, especially once news of the dowries you now have became public.
Sir William Lucas returned from his fruitless search. I would say Charlotte got her bit of revenge. He and Bill went all the way to Gretna, stopping at every inn and public house on the way in search of her, it seems. I do not know how he will react to the Carlsons in church on Sunday. Sir William must be torn between the genial face he wants the world to see and the anger he must, no doubt, be feeling at losing control of her and of the situation. Maria snuck out of her family's house and called on me this morning. She said both her parents are furious. With Charles' permission, I have offered her sanctuary if her father tries to take out his anger on her. I have plenty of room at Netherfield to accommodate a guest, after all, and Maria has always been a good friend to us.
Speaking of guests, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam are still here, but they may be returning to London soon. I have enjoyed their conversation and they are very undemanding guests. Just the right kind for someone who is new to being a hostess. I understand they had been hoping I would invite my sisters to a house party so they would have the chance to become better acquainted. With Papa's death, that is hardly appropriate now. I assume you are well-settled where you are and would rather not return to Meryton anyway. I hope you do not mind that I have given them the direction to the Gardiner home.
Mr. Darcy thinks Mr. Gardiner may have come from the area of Derbyshire where his estate is. Something, although he has not told me what, led him to believe Lizzy had some knowledge or connection to the village of Lambton which is apparently near Pemberley. I suppose he will ask you about it when he calls. I could tell him nothing. It shames me to say that., Lizzy and Jane. I know next to nothing about the Gardiners except they are people who care about you and treat you well. I know nothing about your mother or about the work you have been doing in London, although now it is clear to me that you have honed your sewing and embroidery skills to sell your work and help increase your income. After watching you work on my gown, I wish I could have learned more from you both. Hopefully, Kitty will take that opportunity.
When you write back, please tell me more about what you are doing with yourselves now and what you have done in the past. I heard from Polly that the Gardiners welcomed Kitty as if she were their own niece and the staff from Longbourn were kindly treated for the night despite the unexpected arrival. I want to know more about these good people and if I would be welcomed as a caller whenever Charles and I come to town.
This letter has grown far longer than I expected. I must close now while the messenger still has time to get it to you today. Take care of yourselves, my sisters.
With love,
Mary Bingley
Aunt Madeline set the letter down on the table. "Well, that was quite a letter. It is hard to know what to react to first, although I will say you should tell your sister that Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are welcome in our home at any time."
"We will do that," Lizzy said. "I was not surprised about Papa. He was in a great deal of pain and had very little to live for, especially once his books were gone. I also expect he was dosing himself very heavily with the opium after we left."
"I wish he had been willing to speak with me that day," Jane said. "Even if he was not an affectionate parent, he was still my father. It feels wrong having left him without saying any kind of farewell."
"I suppose I should feel guilty for not talking with him either," Kitty said, "but I do not think he cared about me at all. He hardly ever noticed me except to complain that Lydia and I were the silliest girls in all of England. Really, the nicest thing he ever did for me was making it possible for me to come here with you."
Jane looked slightly shocked by Kitty's comment, but Aunt Madeline replied, "You do not need to pretend to feel guilty if that is not how you truly feel, Kitty. Each of you had a different experience with your father. You are allowed your own point of view. At least you have found something to be grateful for in his behavior."
Kitty thanked Aunt Madeline before asking another question. "Do we have to wear mourning?"
"I think that is up to each of you as well," Aunt Madeline replied. "No one here will know of your loss unless you tell them."
"I would rather not," Lizzy said. "We can do whatever mourning we feel is necessary without a black gown to announce it to the world."
"I would, at least, like a black shawl," Jane said."I cannot ignore convention entirely."
Aunt Madeline commented, "That sounds like a reasonable compromise."
"Yes," Lizzy agreed. "We can go out tomorrow and purchase three black shawls."
"I will join you on the shopping trip if you have no objection," Aunt Madeline said. "How do you feel about the other news Mary sent?"
"About Tony and his friends?" Lizzy asked. "I feel safer. Much safer. Even though Mr. Darcy drove Mr. Wickham off, there was always the chance he might find me again. Knowing that he will be locked up for good eases my mind. Knowing that sweet punch Mr. Darcy landed on his face broke Mr. Wickham's nose feels good as well. And Tony has been a constant worry to us for years. I would not wish him dead or injured, but I will not pretend to mourn for him either."
"He always liked to hurt people," Kitty said. "It seems fitting he got hurt himself. I am sorry Mama did not even seem to care that I left, but she has never paid me much more attention than Papa did unless I was doing whatever Lydia chose to do. She always preferred Lydia over me or Mary."
"We are very glad to have you with us, Kitty," Jane said.
"And we like you for who you are," Lizzy added.
Aunt Madeline smiled at all three sisters, then turned to Lizzy and Jane with a smirk. "What did I tell you about Mr. Darcy and the Colonel, girls? Mary certainly seems to think they are likely to call sometime soon. I wonder if one of them actually suggested the house party idea as a way to court you without interference from Mrs. Bennet?"
"Even if they were to call tomorrow, our point was still valid," Jane said. "Courtship takes time and we would not wish to marry immediately after Papa's death. Leasing this house is still a good thing for us all."
"Very well. I will stop teasing you about it. It is time I collected my maid and head back home. Do I have your permission to share Mary's news with your uncle?"
"Of course, you do, Aunt," Jane said.
"Then I will see you tomorrow at around eleven with the carriage. I know just the place to find three shawls that will be pretty even if they are black."
