Wednesday, December 23, 1812 – Longbourn, Hertfordshire

The Gardiners had arrived the previous day, their children bursting out of the carriage to greet their favourite cousins. The enthusiasm, pent up for hours travelling from London, could hardly be repressed. Their cousins were equally glad to see them and delighted in playing with, reading and teasing them. It was a welcome change and spirits at Longbourn seemed to rise with the sound of children's voices and laughter. There was little time for anything other than to enjoy each other's company.

Mrs. Gardiner had spent the morning with Mrs. Bennet, listening to her complaints, attempting to temper her moods and distracting her with talk of London, fashions and such other topics as would interest her sister. No mention was made of Lydia by either woman . The new tenant at Netherfield was of interest to both ladies. Mrs. Bennet's interest, of course, was tempered by the realization that while the gentleman concerned had two sons, both were married.

"The eldest son, Sister, will live at Netherfield with his parents and take on the management of the estate, while the younger son will remain in London and operate his father's business. I convinced Mr. Bennet to make a call on them a fortnight ago but they have yet to call on us. Mr. Bingley did not serve us so! "

"Mr. Thompson is not of our acquaintance. Mr. Gardiner did make some investigations amongst his business friends but was unable to determine much more than Mr. Thompson is a very respectable man with a sizeable fortune. He appears to want to establish his family as gentlemen."

With this Mrs. Bennet was required to be satisfied and, although her brother had gleaned more information, it was of such a nature that neither he nor his wife wished to make it more generally known. The particulars of his business and income were a matter for Mr. Thompson to disclose, should he desire to do so.

Mrs. Gardiner sought out her two favourite nieces and invited them to her room to talk. Addressing Elizabeth, she asked, "Lizzy, you last letter indicated that you and Jane wanted to talk to Mr. Gardiner and myself. My husband is with your father in the library at the moment and will likely stay there until dinner. I think attempting to bring him into the discussion now would attract more attention than you might wish. Is this not so?"

The two girls exchanged glances and both nodded in response. As usual, Elizabeth took the initiative to speak for both, "Aunt, it is difficult for Jane and me to bring this problem to you. It seems disloyal to our parents but we know not what else to do. They appear, to us, to be uninterested or incapable of resolving our problems."

"Lizzy, Jane … you know you are as dear to us as our own children. I have suspected, from your letters, that the situation here has become very wearisome. Knowing your father and mother as we do, Mr. Gardiner and I are not surprised at your concern over the loss of society."

Jane burst out, "It is not just the loss of society, Aunt. Our mother's repetition of the same complaints, every day has worn on even my feelings."

Elizabeth laughed, "I have begun to worry that Jane will take to her bed with flutterings and spasms." She paused and continued, "It has come to the point where I can barely control my own temper when attending her. And, do you know the worst thing?" She shook her head and looked at her aunt, "I have not visited my father's library to read with him in weeks. I cannot bear to join him in his retreat from our lives."

Mrs. Gardiner sighed, "I did not realize it had gotten so bad that two of the most level-headed young women I know are so very distressed."

Elizabeth made a quick glance at Jane and continued, "There is more, Aunt. With Lydia's disgrace, Jane and I are not likely to find men who would be respectable husbands. Truthfully, we both realized that our prospects were poor even before that occurred. We know it would be a great imposition, but would it be possible for Jane and me, or even just one of us, to move to London with you when you return?"

Mrs. Gardiner could feel the pressure of her nieces' gaze. She wondered how long they could hold their breath and waited another moment or two before smiling, "It may amaze you both, but your uncle and I had discussed this very possibility before we left London. We knew that your situation was difficult although we had not believed it to be as bad as you have related." She laughed at their collective sigh of relief, saying "We would be delighted to have you come and live with us. I must caution you that our social life, even during the peak of the 'season' is not extensive. We attend balls only rarely and many of our dinners involve your uncle's business connections."

"Aunt, we would welcome almost any society," said Jane.

"Well, we can do better than that I believe. For instance, there is a New Year's Day ball Mr. Gardiner and I always attend. You will join us for that. It is not, of course, one which society's first circle attends, but it is lively and the people are both pleasant and genteel. You will enjoy it and I doubt that you sit out a single dance."

"It sounds lovely, Aunt. Thank you."

"We plan to return to London in the morning of December 27, so we have some planning to do. You both need to see to your gowns since I doubt there will be time to have new ones made. However, your uncle and I will talk to your father about funds to buy some new morning dresses and evening gowns. If you are going hunting for suitors, your weapons need to be sharpened."

This elicited a laugh from both girls and, with their spirits and hearts much lighter, gave themselves over to planning for their stay in London.

That night the Gardiners met with Mr. Bennet after dinner to discuss their plans and obtain his consent to the move. He was reluctant to approve the loss of both daughters but was not insensible to their problems. He provided sufficient funds – to be supplemented by Mr. Gardiner as necessary - for both Jane and Elizabeth to improve their wardrobe and, most importantly, agreed to postpone informing Mrs. Bennet of the loss of two daughters until after Christmas.

With this prospect ahead of them, and the company of such valued relatives as the Gardiners, both Jane and Elizabeth were able to enjoy the season. If the company was more limited in numbers, there was no diminution in conversation, camaraderie and good spirits.

Chapter 11

Friday January 1, 1813 – Gracechurch Street, London

The maid pinned a final strand of hair in place, stepped back and ran a considering eye over the lady sitting facing the mirror. "There, Miss Jane, I think you are ready."

"Thank you, Sally. You have done a wonderful job with my hair, as usual."

Jane rose from her seat and looked at her sister sitting on the bed, "Time to put on our dresses."

Elizabeth and Sally carefully lifted the ball gown over Jane's head and carefully lowered it so as to avoid disturbing her hair. Elizabeth waited patiently while Sally buttoned the back of the gown and was then similarly assisted by Jane and Sally into her gown. The two young women looked at each other with satisfaction.

"I think we look very good indeed, Jane. And while are gowns are not new, they are new to the people we will meet tonight."

A knock on the door signalled the presence of their Aunt Madeline. "You both look very beautiful. Your Uncle will be bursting with pride when he enters the ball room tonight."

Jane blushed slightly at the compliment, "I think he will be equally proud of you, Aunt. I have never seen you look more lovely!"

"Thank you. I think we should join him downstairs since I believe the carriage is waiting."

Mr. Gardiner was waiting at the bottom of the stairs and looked up as the three ladies began their descent. "I am speechless. I have never seen so much beauty in this house." And taking his wife's and, he whispered "you are even more beautiful tonight than ever." His wife smiled since they shared a small secret - she was carrying their fifth child.

Looking at his nieces, he could only smile and say, "I suspect that neither of you will sit for any dances tonight, unless you choose to do so."

Servants bustled about helping the ladies into their outerwear and a beaming Mr. Gardiner assisted them into his carriage. The drive to the location of the ball took very little time; however, they were required to wait a quarter hour behind a line of other carriages before reaching the entrance to the building.

The Gardiners took great satisfaction at the look of pleasure on the faces of their nieces. Elizabeth smiled at her aunt and exclaimed, "I did not realize till now how much I have missed being with people and making new acquaintances. Even if I dance but one set, I will be happy to enjoy such company."

Mrs. Gardiner laughed, "Then you can expect twice the pleasure, Lizzy. You will be dancing most of the evening and making new acquaintance."

Mr. Gardiner entered the ball room with Mrs. Gardiner on his army and his nieces following. The host for the evening approached. "Mr. Gardiner, I am pleased to to see you and your lovely wife tonight. May I be introduced to the two lovely ladies that accompany you?"

"Greetings, Mr. Hapgood. May I make you known to my nieces, Miss Jane Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Jane, Elizabeth this is Thomas Hapgood, our host for the evening."

"Mrs Gardiner, Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth I am pleased to welcome you here tonight. Mr. Gardiner, I know I will be besieged for introductions to your lovely nieces. It will afford me a great deal of pleasure to do so."

Murmuring their appreciation, the Gardiner party moved further into the room and approached a small group comprised of several couples all of whom were well known to the Gardiners. After introductions were performed, conversation resumed with the Bennet sisters being welcomed into the easy discourse. The manners and talk of their companions were natural and easy but it also became quite apparent to both Jane and Elizabeth that behaviour was much more proper and restrained than at a Hertfordshire assembly. They found this to be rather comforting.

They could hear the musicians beginning to warm up their instruments and that dancing would soon start. Both Jane and Elizabeth were quickly surrounded by gentlemen and found their dance cards filled for the first three sets and were led onto the floor. Their enjoyment in the dance was evident to all, smiles and happy converse with their partners animated their faces and drew the eyes of many of the men. Jane's cool beauty was augmented tonight by the very great pleasure she found in the admiration that was gifted her and her countenance displayed that pleasure clearly.

When the third set ended, Jane was returned by her partner to the Gardiners and then joined by Elizabeth. They barely had time for a refreshing drink when several other gentlemen approached seeking an introduction and a dance. As they waited for the next dance to begin, Jane noticed a gentleman approach. He was introduced as Captain Amos Stovall and he turned to Jane, bowed and asked, "Miss Bennet, may I have the pleasure of the supper set?"

"I have that set free, sir. I will be glad to give it to you." Captain Stovall bowed again and expressed his appreciation. He then asked Elizabeth for a set, a request which that lady was happy to satisfy. He remained to talk with the Gardiners after both Elizabeth and Jane were claimed by their respective partners. A somewhat gentle exchange of information between the Gardiners and captain Stovall then took place. Neither he nor the Gardiners were unaware of the significance of his request for the supper dance with Jane. It would afford him the opportunity to sit and talk with her after the dance was completed.

Mr. Gardiner learned that Captain Stovall was a naval post captain whose ship, the frigate Amberon, was currently laid up in Portsmouth undergoing major repairs and refit. He had, in fact, just returned to England after more than five years at sea; and, had amassed a considerable fortune in prize money. He was not a particularly handsome man, but he was strongly built and not ill-featured in any way. His was rather reserved but plain spoken and Mrs. Gardiner thought she detected a trace of a Yorkshire accent.

Queried on this, the Captain was quick to compliment her. "You have it very right, Madam. I left Yorkshire some twenty years ago as a lad of twelve to take a position as a midshipman. I have been back but rarely since. Twenty years at sea have rubbed away much of my Yorkshire speech."

"Do you have family in Yorkshire, sir?"

"Aye, I do. My mother and sister live in York, although they may move since my sister wed last month and her husband is to have a new living in the area."

Captain Stovall was required to interrupt his conversation to lead Elizabeth to the next dance set which both enjoyed. Elizabeth had observed her partner's discussion with the Gardiners and aware of the significance of his request for the supper set, set out to sketch her partner's character as best she could. It became quite obvious that the Captain was an intelligent man and, if the quantity of books available to him was limited by circumstance, his understanding and appreciation of them was not. She returned to her uncle and aunt quite satisfied to watch the Captain lead Jane in the supper dance. Her attention to them was interrupted when she was requested to also dance. Once on the floor, she could not easily follow her sister's progress and had to abandon her efforts at sketching his character for the time being.

As she danced, memories of her last ball at Netherfield when she danced with Mr. Darcy flooded her thoughts. He had not really intruded to any great extent since last summer. She started to examine her feelings about him but suddenly realized that her partner was speaking to her and she had not the slightest idea of what he had said. "Oh, dear!" She thought, "I better tend to the dance and think of Mr. Darcy later." She smiled at her partner, murmured something unintelligible and moved on in the dance.

Jane and the Captain were quiet for the first few minutes of the dance. Jane thought to initiate some conversation, "We must have some conversation, Sir. You were introduced to me as Captain Stovall, yet I do not see a uniform."

Conversation then proceeded by way of stops and starts as the dance first separated them and then brought them back together time and again.

"Very true, Miss Bennet. I am a captain in His Majesty's navy. I command a frigate"

"Please excuse my ignorance, Sir, but I do not fully comprehend what you mean by 'frigate'. "

"That is a common problem. Simply put, the navy employs a wide range of boats each with different purpose. The smallest, a sloop, is poorly equipped to fight and is used mainly to carry messages and to scout out the enemy. The largest ship may carry over one hundred guns and is rather slow but is capable of dealing out and sustaining tremendous punishment in battle. My ship falls somewhere in the middle. It carries six and thirty guns and is used mainly to destroy or capture enemy shipping. "

"How long have you been at sea, Captain?"

"I don't suppose that I have been ashore for more than a year combined since I was taken on as a midshipman twenty years ago. I expect to be ashore now for about five or six months while my ship is repaired."

"Was it badly damaged in battle, Captain?"

"While it did have some damage from fighting, a lot of the work was simply the result of five years at sea with no chance to refit."

"I understand. On my father's estate, we must keep up with repairs to fences and buildings else they fall into disrepair and need to be rebuilt altogether."

The captain suddenly laughed, "True, Miss Bennet, but at least you did not have to worry about the bottom of your boat falling apart. I was praying every day until we reached the dock, I can assure you. Five years at sea can do monstrous things to a ship's hull."

"Captain, I am sure you have never seen the destruction that a dozen pigs can create if a fence is not maintained. Very ugly, Sir, very ugly."

Conversation continued to be easy and comfortable for the remainder of the dance. Captain Stovall then led Jane to the supper table and, after sitting her, went to get them both a plate of food returning to sit beside her. Elizabeth and Mrs Gardiner seated themselves across the table from Jane while Mr. Gardiner supplied them and himself with food. It was clear to all three that the Captain and Jane were enjoying their conversation. If the Captain was not as animated as Mr. Bingley, his countenance did display a clear pleasure with the encounter. It comforted Elizabeth greatly to see the happiness on her sister's face. She had not seen Jane as happy since the Netherfield ball.

Under some gentle prompting from Mr. Gardiner, the Captain engaged them all with stories of his time at sea, talking about the ports and places he had visited. While much of his recent experience was in the West Indies, he had, as a midshipman, sailed in the Mediterranean and visited places that Jane and Elizabeth had only read about. Jane found that time passed all too quickly, and soon it was necessary to return to the dance floor with a new partner.

Before they separated, the Captain turned to Jane and with, some hesitation, asked,"Miss Bennet, may I call on you tomorrow?"

If Jane was surprised, it did not show on her countenance. Rather she smiled and replied, "That would give me a great deal of pleasure, Sir. I would be pleased to receive you."

"I will call at two in the afternoon, then. Good day, Miss Bennet." The Captain then took his leave of the Gardiners and Elizabeth.

The remainder of the evening passed very enjoyably for all; however, Mr. Gardiner was not disposed to tarry until the last dance, given his wife's condition, and they departed when Mrs. Gardiner started to feel fatigued. Neither Jane nor Elizabeth were unhappy to leave and could view the evening's entertainment with considerable pleasure.

Later, as the sisters readied for bed, they considered the information that the Gardiners were able to impart about Captain Stovall. Elizabeth said, "I quite like him. He seems a sensible man and, if he is not overly talkative, what he does say has much value. He may not be overly attractive but I like his countenance."

Jane looked at her sister, "Lizzy, I thought him quite attractive. I cannot remember when I have enjoyed talking to a gentleman more."

"It is good that he plans to call tomorrow then." laughed Elizabeth.

Jane became a little pensive, "Shall I tell him about Lydia, do you think?"

"No Jane, I would not. At least, not yet. We should talk to our aunt about this, but I see no point in telling about Lydia until you know if his intentions are serious. Although I admit to have rarely seen a clearer interest by a gentleman."

Jane took comfort from these words and both retired to their beds and, while Jane fell quickly asleep, Elizabeth found her thoughts troubled by a vision of Mr. Darcy. "You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you." Much of his proposal had now been forgotten, these words remained. She was no longer insensible of the meaning of the many glances she had received from him – admiration, not disdain, had been their content - nor could she deny his handsomeness of person nor ignore his worth as a brother and manager of his estate. When she considered all the other signs of his regard that she had misunderstood, she could feel the mortification of her truly magnificent misjudgement. She still could not regret her refusal but she did regret the loss of an opportunity to understand him better. She knew she could not anticipate ever meeting him again. Their social circles were too different to allow that possibility; she would not think of him any more, truly she would not.