Monday, February 1, 1813 – Gracechurch Street, London
Darcy had arrived shortly after dinner was completed and was requested by Mr. Gardiner to join him in his study almost immediately. He was confused as to the reason for the interview but could see that Mr. Gardiner did not appear unduly worried or concerned. After accepting a glass of port, he waited for his host to reveal the reason for their meeting. Finally Mr. Gardiner, with obvious reluctance, began,
"Mr. Darcy, you are I am sure wondering why I asked to speak with you tonight. To be very honest, Mrs. Gardiner and I are both aware of your interest in Elizabeth. From what we can determine based on your previous meetings, her interest may also be engaged."
At this Darcy sat upright with a pleased smile and exclaimed, "Really? I had thought so but was not certain."
"Oh yes, and that is why we are concerned. For Elizabeth's sake, her aunt and I must know your intentions. In normal circumstances, I would let matters develop at their own speed. However, the circumstances are far from normal and I suspect that you are not in a position to attach yourself to Elizabeth. You have said nothing of your intentions so far, but now Mrs. Gardiner and I must know … for Elizabeth's protection."
Darcy sighed. He had expected this moment to arise but wished that it had been delayed in the hope that he might find Lydia first. "Mr. Gardiner, you are quite within your rights to demand to know my intentions in this case. I would do exactly the same under such circumstances. Let me assure you that my intentions are honourable. I hope to make Miss Elizabeth, my wife. But I cannot offer for her until my sister is married. My duty to her as her brother and guardian precludes it. The impact on the Darcy reputation of marrying Miss Elizabeth right now is only relevant to me insofar as it damages my sister's ability to make a suitable marriage. The loss of connections that most probably will occur could dissuade some eligible suitors for her hand which is, of course, my primary concern; however, I am not prepared to wait indefinitely for my sister to marry. If she is not married by the end of the season next year, I will be proposing to Miss Elizabeth. I only hope that she has not accepted another offer in the interim. If my sister marries earlier, I will be making my offer sooner. Sir, you can be assured there will be an offer, unless Miss Elizabeth decides against me beforehand. You can appreciate my reluctance to speak of this to Miss Elizabeth. I do not want her to feel obligated to me should she receive another offer."
Mr. Gardiner considered the young man sitting in front of him. He had grown to quite like him and thought him an excellent match for Elizabeth. He made a decision, "I would like to invite Elizabeth to join our discussion. She is a sensible girl and I think would understand your position quite well."
Darcy was not sure that he completely agreed with the idea of inviting Elizabeth to join the discussion but her uncle probably knew her much better than he did. He nodded his head in acquiescence and Mr. Gardiner left to get Elizabeth. Returning only seconds later, he bade her sit beside Darcy and seating himself once again, considered them both.
"Lizzy, I asked to speak to Mr. Darcy this evening to determine his intentions towards you. Your aunt and I became concerned because it was quite obvious to us last Saturday evening that your affections had become engaged. Mr. Darcy has made it clear to me tonight that only his duty, as his sister's brother and guardian, has prevented him from making an offer for you."
Seeing Elizabeth about to burst into tears and leave the room, he quickly circled his desk and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Please child, let me finish."
Returning to his seat and, noting the handkerchief being handed to her by Darcy along with a murmured comment which caused her to glance at him quickly, he smiled and continued,
"Now before I was so rudely interrupted, Mr. Darcy also was quite firm that he would be making an offer following his sister's first season, which will be next year, regardless of whether she is married or not."
At this Elizabeth turned to look at Darcy. Her mouth worked but only a squeak was uttered. Darcy looked at Mr. Gardiner and, smiling, said, "That is odd, I have never seen her bereft of speech before. Does this happen often?"
Not waiting for answer, he continued in a more serious vein. "Miss Elizabeth, I will not ask you for a commitment. It would not be fair to ask you to wait for over a year until I consider myself free to make an offer. But be assured of this. If you are unattached and have not sent me away, I will make that offer next June."
Mr. Gardiner looked at Elizabeth, "Do you want to say anything, Lizzy?" Her shake of the head he accepted and then suggested they join the others in the drawing room. As Elizabeth left the room she stopped and glanced up at Darcy with a somewhat confused expression, "You are very certain of this?" That he was willing to pursue her, despite her circumstances, was difficult to accept. His need to protect his sister, she could well understand; but for him to be prepared to put aside all other considerations and court her, was not something her mind could readily accept right now.
"I am very certain, Miss Elizabeth! Now shall we join the others?"
"I admit I am having a great deal of trouble comprehending."
"Miss Elizabeth, perhaps we should join the others. If we can find a somewhat private spot, I will attempt to explain."
However, when they entered the room their attention was immediately sought by the others and no opportunity was created for them to converse privately for the rest of the evening. When it was time for Darcy to leave, Elizabeth saw him to the door and expressed her regret that they could not talk privately. Darcy simply shook his head and murmured, "We shall have other opportunities to do so. Be assured that you will see me most regularly; my chief fear is that you may grow quite tired of me."
"I think, sir, that I might enjoy trying to get tired of you."
Elizabeth could observe a small grin on his face as he bowed over her hand and took his leave.
Wednesday, February 3, 1813 – Darcy House, London
A discrete rap on his study door captured Darcy's attention. Hodgkins entered bearing the day's post and a very thick letter was handed to Darcy. Breaking the seal, he quickly determined it was from Lord _ and contained the asked particulars of the homes for distressed women. "I did not realize there were so many. Obviously this problem is much greater than most of us realize." It was too late to visit any homes today. He would start tomorrow after noon. He would have to carry out the visits himself to preserve secrecy. Given the number of homes, he thought it could easily take a fortnight to visit them all.
His visit to Mrs. Younge had not proven particularly productive. She had had little contact with Wickham after Ramsgate other than to hold his letters until such time as he retrieved them. Darcy had inquired as to Wickham's favourite brothels. Here Mrs. Younge had been more helpful and one of the places listed, Mrs. James, had been where Wickham left Lydia. Mrs. James asserted that Lydia had left her establishment the same day and she had heard or seen nothing of the girl since then. Darcy had no reason to doubt her words. The offer of £50 would have induced Mrs. James to release Miss Lydia if she were there at all.
Friday, February 5, 1813 – Gracechurch Street, London
Captain Amos Stovall arrived at Gracechurch Street with a purpose in mind. During his trip down to Portsmouth on Monday he had determined to ask Jane to marry him. He was sure of his affections and she had, it seemed to him, to have given him assurances of hers. He had been impatient to return to London and had forced himself to deal with the problems attending the repairs to his ship. Fortunately, work seemed to be proceeding apace and it was with a real eagerness that he had returned to London. Only the self-control and forethought that had enabled him to reach the rank of Captain, made him aware that he was in sad need of a bath and clean clothes.
He had sent a note to Mrs. Gardiner advising of his return and his intention to visit the next afternoon at three. He then headed to Bond Street to visit a jewellers shop to select an appropriate ring. Now, armed with intent and ring, he was ushered into the drawing room where Mrs. Gardiner and Jane and Elizabeth were receiving calls. Unfortunately for Captain Stovall, there were two other callers when he arrived. One, a young gentleman calling on Elizabeth and the other a very genteel looking woman about Mrs. Gardiner's age who, from the conversation, appeared to be a familiar acquaintance.
Captain Stovall forced himself to be patient. It was with some amusement that he considered the young man who was being attentive to Elizabeth. From his conversation he appeared to be a clerk in a local company and thought well of his prospects. Elizabeth was encouraging his conversation with quiet civility, evincing no particular interest in the gentleman such as would encourage his further interest. Stovall had been in her company sufficiently to gauge that she was restraining the exercise of her wit at the gentleman's expense. Finally, his half hour up, he was not encouraged to stay and departed. The lady caller left shortly thereafter.
Stovall turned to Jane and requested a private interview. She consented and quietly Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner left the room, closing the door behind them. He rose and approached Jane who had remained sitting, a very noticeable blush spreading rapidly and her eyes looking at hands in her lap. He found himself extremely nervous, having to restrain his own hands from seeking hers. Finally, he managed a few words through a throat that was suddenly dry and bending to one knee in front of her, spoke clearly but softly,
"Miss Bennet, I know I have known you but a month but in that time I have come to regard you with the greatest affection. Your kindness, your smile, your love for those around you cannot help but inspire in me a love that I had not believed possible. I had not thought to marry until this war had ended and I sought to retire. But it will not do! I cannot take the chance of losing you to another man. You must allow me to tell you how much I admire and love you and to ask that you become my wife."
Jane finally looked at his face. Such a dear face in such a man. Her heart felt overfull, she could barely utter the words, "Yes, I will most gladly marry you."
"Truly?"
She laughed, "Oh yes, most truly. I have never been happier nor has anyone touched my heart as you have done. So, YES! YES!"
Stovall grasped her hands in his and standing up, raised both to his lips. "Jane, you have made me the happiest of men." Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, he took a small box and opening removed a gold ring set with a sapphire and a small diamond on either side. He slid it on her ring finger and then, releasing her hand, he framed her face with his hands and asked softly, "May I?"
"Oh yes, please."
For Jane, her first kiss was nothing like she expected. The soft pressure of his lips on hers was, she thought, rather nice. As the kiss continued, his lips moved gently against hers and she brought her hands up to rest her palms on his chest. She gave a small sigh of displeasure as he seemed to remove his lips from her and grasped his coat as if to prevent his leaving. He reclaimed her lips and deepened the kiss and suddenly she felt something warm and soft and wet brushing against her own lips. Unconsciously she moved her body closer and felt his hands leave her face and move to her back pulling her even closer and then move to her shoulders and felt his body and lips gradually withdrawing.
Sighing, she murmured "how very nice!" and, looking up at him, said, "I never thought a kiss could be so delightful. Why did you stop?"
"My dearest Jane, that is but a small portion of what awaits when we are married. Now, I think we have trespassed on your aunt's courtesy quite enough. We should acquaint her with our news, although I doubt we will surprise her."
When they opened the door and stepped into the small parlour on the opposite side of the hall, the two occupants looked up. The joyful smile that Jane wore told the story and both Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner quickly stood and moved towards them. Elizabeth wrapped Jane in a huge hug saying, "Oh Jane, I am so happy for you." Elizabeth loosened her grip slightly and holding Jane at arm's length and looking at Captain Stovall, quipped, "And you have brought me the fine brother I always wished for."
Mrs. Gardiner hugged Jane and was generous in her congratulations to the couple, saying, "I think you will do very well together. I hope you will stay for dinner, Captain?"
"I would be delighted."
After they returned to the drawing room, Mrs. Gardiner ordered tea and cakes. Turning to Jane and Stovall, who were sitting together on the settee, she asked, "I realize that you have barely got used to the idea of being engaged but here are some practical issues that you both need to think about. You, Captain, will have to return to duty in several months. That does not leave a great deal of time for an extended engagement, a wedding and honeymoon and, I believe, a trip to visit the Captain's family. You both might want to consider a wedding date first."
Stovall was quick to answer, "I would prefer as short an engagement as possible." To which Jane nodded her agreement, saying, "I think three weeks is long enough. I do not want to wait any longer to start our life together. It will be hard enough to have you return to duty and I do not wish to waste any time between now and then."
She thought a bit longer, "Three weeks would allow the banns to be read in Longbourn and provide us with time to prepare my wedding clothes in town. I see no need for us to depart for Longbourn until two or three days before the wedding. I know Mama will want to show Amos and me around to our neighbours; but I am of no mind to g ive consequence to people who shunned me for months. Mama will invite who she likes to the ceremony and to the wedding breakfast." She paused and with a rueful smile, continued, "I know that is uncharitable and unkind of me, but I cannot easily forget their behaviour towards us."
Stovall nodded, "What you have suggested is no burden to me; however, I do believe I must visit your father tomorrow to obtain his blessing. Do you wish to come with me, Jane?"
"No, I cannot claim that I do."
The conversation continued with the newly engaged couple discussing plans for the wedding, travel, the location of their honeymoon and Stovall's plans to visit. Darcy, who had been invited to dinner, arrived and, being apprised of the happy news, quickly extended his best wishes to them both. Listening quietly to their discussion, he was inspired to invite them to stay at Pemberley on their way to York.
"After all, I must travel there in March to talk to my steward about the spring planting. You could easily stay for a fortnight or more should you wish to do so. There are several suites which afford complete privacy and you could come and go as you wish. In fact," looking at Elizabeth, "I could also take Georgiana and yourself. Mrs. Annesley can chaperone you and Georgiana, Miss Elizabeth."
Turning to Stovall, he asked, "Am I correct that you plan to visit your family in York afterwards?"
"Indeed, those were my thoughts. I want to introduce Jane to my mother and sister. I thought to stay a month and return to London to take up my duties again. I thought to look around Yorkshire for a small estate although I don't intend to purchase until the war is over."
Elizabeth was very surprised at Darcy's offer. She could see her surprise mirrored on the faces of Jane and her aunt, although her aunt was much quicker to recover. Elizabeth could not help but exclaim, "That is a most generous offer, Mr. Darcy." And Jane was quick to extend her appreciation also.
Elizabeth could see Darcy's struggle to hide his embarrassment. She suspected that guilt over his interference between Jane and Bingley had prompted the offer. Nevertheless, it was most generous and to have it extended to herself even more so, although there she suspected the gentleman of a more personal motivation such as to have her company for a month.
She observed Darcy begin to say something and then hesitate. He began again cautiously, for reasons which quickly became apparent.
"I had planned to travel to York to visit a good friend of mine and his family. This friend has lately taken up residence in York and invited me over Christmas to come and stay for a fortnight or so. I had planned to do so in June but April would be equally acceptable to me. While there, I could assist you in your search if you would wish for such help. I was hesitant to mention this to you since the gentleman I plan to visit is known to both Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth - Mr. Bingley."
Jane's response was quite calm, "I see no reason why we should not meet Mr. Bingley. He is an acquaintance and, if indeed he has moved to York, we cannot help but meet should we move to Yorkshire. Amos, do you agree?"
"Most heartily and I would gladly accept your help in looking at various estates, Mr. Darcy."
Conversation continued around the proposed trips to Pemberley and Yorkshire with Elizabeth, in particular, most interested in the scenic sites that could be found. Dinner did not stifle the conversation as Mrs. Gardiner and Darcy began to talk of their favourite places in Derbyshire.
After dinner, Stovall sought a private audience with Mr. Gardiner who readily gave his approval to the engagement after satisfying himself as to the Captain's financial position. He had been authorized by Mr. Bennet, upon their departure from Longbourn, to act as a father in all matters pertaining to both Jane and Elizabeth; in this instance, to deal with the marriage settlement. After discussing the Captain's wishes, Mr. Gardiner agreed to have his solicitor draw up the papers for their consideration. Stovall also sought out Darcy for a private conversation to request that Darcy acts as his groomsman. Darcy was pleased to accept, having formed a liking for the Captain.
Elizabeth had been prevailed upon to play several pieces that she had been working on but ceased upon Mr. Gardiner and Stovall entering the room. Darcy took the opportunity to approach and ask, "Miss Elizabeth, did my invitation to Pemberley make you uncomfortable? I admit to a great delight in thought of walking and riding the grounds with you to show the beauties of Pemberley."
"I am not uncomfortable at all, sir. My only concern is the message that might be sent but, if Jane is there, it can be thought that I am attending her. So, I propose to take my fill of such delights as Pemberley has to offer."
Saturday, February 6, 1813 – Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Stovall was very pleased that Mr. Gardiner had lent him his carriage for the trip Longbourn. A hired carriage would have served as well but would have been nowhere as comfortable. The four hour journey was tedious but finally over as the carriage drew up in the courtyard fronting Longbourn which, to his relatively unschooled eye, looked to be of a comfortable size. The grounds were well kept and neat and the overall appearance was pleasing to the eye.
Presenting his card at the door, he was immediately shown to Mr. Bennet's study. The house seemed unnaturally quiet but he thought perhaps most of its residents were out. He had sent an express post to Mr. Bennet yesterday advising him of his intention to call so he was certain that he, at least, was at home. Entering the study, he was welcomed by Mr. Bennet.
"Captain Stovall, I am pleased to finally make your acquaintance."
"Mr. Bennet, while I also regret the delay, I must confess that if Miss Bennet had not moved to London, I would never have had the pleasure of meeting her."
"Well sir, now that you are here perhaps you could reveal the purpose of this meeting." Mr. Bennet knew quite well why Stovall was here in his study, but was not prepared to make his task easier.
Stovall had been advised by Mr. Gardiner as to Mr. Bennet's inclination to tease and make sport of others. He was not of a mind to be the subject of such teasing from a man who had so egregiously failed in his responsibilities to his family. He had considered his words carefully during the journey to Longbourn.
"It is quite simple, Mr. Bennet. Your daughter, Miss Bennet, has accepted my offer of marriage. I have come to ask your blessing on the marriage. I realize that Miss Bennet is of age and your consent is not required but I am sure she would wish for that as well."
Mr. Bennet was rather taken aback. He had not expected such a firm statement from a suitor. "If I appear hesitant, sir, you must understand my position. I know very little about you."
"I was under the impression that Mr. Gardiner had kept you well informed of my attentions to your daughter. I have already discussed the marriage settlements with Mr. Gardiner and they will be completed in the next week. I believe Mr. Gardiner has the authority to sign them on your behalf. What information do you wish me to supply, Mr. Bennet? I am quite willing to comply."
Mr. Bennet was not happy at the rather brusque manner of Jane's betrothed "I wonder, sir, at your even bothering to visit."
"Mr. Bennet, your daughter wishes for your blessing. I am here simply because I wished to meet her father and the rest of her family."
"I see. Well, if you can stay for luncheon, I will be happy to introduce you to Mrs. Bennet and Jane's other sisters. Have you set a date for the wedding?"
"Indeed we have. Three weeks from today at your church. I may as well advise you now as to our plans. Miss Bennet plans to remain in town until the Wednesday prior to the wedding ceremony at which time she and her sister and the Gardiners will travel to Longbourn. I will join them on Thursday when I return from Portsmouth."
Mr. Bennet's surprise was obvious. "So little time before the ceremony! Whatever was Jane thinking?"
"I believe, sir, that she realized her mother would want to display her to all her neighbours. Miss Bennet was not of a mind to give consequence or recognition to people who have spurned her and her family for months. She is desirous of visiting her Aunt Phillips and a Lady Lucas. If anyone else wishes to call at Longbourn, she is willing to meet them. I suspect, from your daughter's comments, that her mother will not be best pleased with these arrangements."
"Captain Stovall, you have just made a classic understatement but I will leave it to Mrs. Bennet to prove it so. I will satisfy myself with arranging for the bans to be read. There is one issue of concern. You are a naval officer I comprehend and will be returning to duty this summer. What provision have you made for Jane once you have left?"
"Jane and I have not discussed this as yet. She may prefer to remain with her aunt and uncle, I could set up a separate establishment for her in London or elsewhere or she could join my mother in York. We will be discussing this over the next few months. Regardless of where she chooses to live, I will ensure her comfort, sir."
The two men then spent a relatively quiet hour together and, after Stovall indicated his desire to eventually acquire a small estate, Mr. Bennet undertook to show Stovall around the property explaining many of the features and purposes of the buildings and farms. The return of Mrs. Bennet and her two daughters from shopping in Meryton coincided shortly thereafter with luncheon being ready. Mr. Bennet introduced the Captain without explaining his purpose in visiting since he, Mr. Bennet, wished to enjoy his lunch before the tumult erupted.
As a consequence, the meal was rather quiet as Mrs. Bennet had grown apathetic to the behaviour of her neighbours and no longer made an effort to engage them publicly. When Mr. Bennet stood at the conclusion of the meal and cleared his throat preparatory to announcing Jane's engagement, he drew little attention from any of the ladies at the table. Clearing his throat once more, "Mrs. Bennet, Mary, Kitty, I have an important announcement. My daughter, Jane, has accepted an offer of marriage from Captain Stovall who has travelled down from London this morning to let us know. They will be married from Longbourn three weeks hence. I am sure you have many other questions for the Captain and I will leave him to answer them." With a smirk at Stovall, Mr. Bennet retired to his study.
Mrs. Bennet was not to be consoled. Only three weeks to the marriage ceremony and no grand procession of calls on the neighbours. It was not to be borne. Captain Stovall now fully appreciated Mr. Bennet's strategic retreat and viewed it with reluctant admiration. By dint of sheer repetition, he was able to finally convince Mrs. Bennet that the arrangements were fixed; however, he was unable to prevent her from planning a dinner party that would encompass most of the leading families and a wedding breakfast. He suspected Jane had anticipated such endeavours on the part of her mother. How many of the neighbours would accept the invitation was an interesting question which he did not raise with Jane's mother. Under the circumstances, he hoped that enough families did attend to restore the Bennet family to some degree of social acceptability. If the price was two meals in the company of strangers, he could well bear it.
Mrs. Bennet's plans to come to London to prepare Jane's wedding clothes was a matter he left to Jane and Mrs. Gardiner. It was with no little relief that he was able to take his leave of them all and return to London. That Yorkshire was well removed from Longbourn was a source of no little comfort to him.
