Saturday April 25, 1813 – London

It was with no little relief that Elizabeth sought the comfort of her bed, thankful that Darcy had been unable to stay after dinner due to pressing business matters early the next morning. The past week had been such as to limit her opportunities to contemplate and understand all that had happened and, when not under the press of one engagement or another, Darcy had consumed her attention when they were together and thoughts when they were apart. She did not think she was besotted with the man but admitted to herself that others might well believe her so. In less than four weeks, he would be her husband. She held that thought close to her heart for comfort and with no little anticipation.

She was coming to understand the man although she suspected that he was complicated enough to forever be providing her with new insights. After so signally failing to illustrate his character over the first few months of their acquaintance, she had devoted a considerable effort to decipher his expressions once they renewed their relationship. She knew that her sketch was incomplete but her ability to sense his moods was improving. He would always be reticent. That was his basic nature but, in familiar company, he was more outgoing. He would never be as easy as his friend, Mr. Bingley, nor would he ever overtly break the proprieties in public. She knew this of herself as well. With no dowry and no connections that the world valued, her character and reputation were her most precious assets. Lydia's actions only made it more important that the latter not be tarnished. In this she knew she could trust William. However, she had hopes that, when they were able to enjoy true privacy, he could and would be even more open and thus allow herself to be so as well. She contemplated such privacy with both trepidation and anticipation. She was a country girl. One could not raise farm animals and be ignorant of the mating process. While she was not totally ignorant of the marital intimacies, she could not relate that knowledge to the marriage bed. She could feel herself flushing and thoughts skittering away from contemplating those intimacies. "I had better think less pleasant thoughts!….shopping."

Elizabeth knew she really did not enjoy shopping. She liked new gowns as much as the next young lady but the effort and time seemed to be such a waste when there were more interesting things to do. Unfortunately, her aunt and her Darcy and Fitzwilliam soon-to-be relations were of a different persuasion and had left her little choice but to surrender to their demands. Thus she knew she would find herself, over the course of the next weeks, being dragged from one shop to another, visiting modistes, milliners, glovers and boot-makers to name but a few. It had all begun with the shopping trip planned by the Countess.

Elizabeth and her Aunt Gardiner had arrived at Darcy House to find Georgiana, the Countess and Lady Frances waiting for them. The Countess wasted no time in bundling them all into her carriage to visit her modiste, Madame Estelle. Apprised that Elizabeth and Darcy were planning to attend a ball before leaving for Pemberley, a suitable ball-gown was placed near the top of the list. When they arrived at Madame Estelle's, an assistant, recognizing the Countess, immediately attended her. The Countess, in a carrying voice, said, "I have an appointment at two with Madame"

The assistant quickly sought and returned with Madame Estelle who welcomed the Countess.

"Madame, I am pleased to introduce Miss Elizabeth Bennet who is to marry my nephew, Fitzwilliam Darcy, in a month's time. We are here to augment Miss Bennet's wardrobe and to select a ball-gown."

The heads of several other shoppers in the room snapped up and Elizabeth was quickly aware of the attention being focused on her. Two ladies, known to the Countess and her daughter, walked over to be introduced and chatted amiably with the party while Madame Estelle arranged for a private showing room. The questions directed Elizabeth's way were not unexpected as the ladies sought to find out more about this young women who had captured the affections of one of London's most eligible bachelors. The Countess listened with no little appreciation as Elizabeth answered most questions cheerfully while deflecting those that bordered on impertinent, and occasionally interjecting a comment of her own to indicate the support of the Fitzwilliam family for the marriage. When Madame eventually returned to lead them to the showing room, The Countess patted Elizabeth's hand saying, "You handled that very well, Miss Bennet."

"Thank you, Lady Matlock. But please, can you not call me Elizabeth?"

The Countess looked at her for several seconds. She could not detect, in Elizabeth's manner, any desire for undue familiarity, and nodded her head, "I think I would like that. You shall call me Aunt Eleanor." Behind her back Lady Frances was unsuccessful in hiding a smile as she watched her mother warm to the young woman who would soon be her niece. She reached over to lay a hand on Elizabeth's arm, smiled and said, "And you must call me Frances or Fran, whichever you choose."

Elizabeth returned her smile, "Please, call me Elizabeth or Lizzy, as my family does."

Madame returned with books of designs and swatches of fabric and arranged for refreshments as they began their deliberations. It was quickly determined that while a wedding gown was of importance, the immediate priority was for several day gowns and one or two evening gowns to be readied within days. Elizabeth demurred at first but the Countess looked at her severely and stated clearly, "You will suffer a great deal of public scrutiny in the next few weeks. I know from experience, how important it will be for you to feel comfortable in how you look. It will give you confidence to deal with whatever or whomever you may face. As well, you can be assured that most of those who will be assessing you will look first at the quality and style of your clothes. We will give them nothing to disparage. … Besides, I am sure that my nephew will be delighted to show how beautiful you are." The last was said with a small smile and Elizabeth could see her aunt nodding in agreement. She realized that further argument was futile and simply nodded her acceptance. The Countess patted her hand, "I believe I will gift you the ball gown. It has been a long time since I dressed a daughter for a ball." Her sly look at Lady Frances only elicited a grin from that lady, who whispered audibly to Elizabeth, "My mother and I could never reach agreement on what suited me best. I am afraid she quickly gave up on me." The Countess simply shook her head feigning some dismay.

Elizabeth laughed openly, "That sounds all too familiar. My mother and I could never agree on the appropriate amount of lace on a dress. Any was too much for me most times."

For the next four hours, Elizabeth felt herself befuddled by designs, fabrics and a vast array of colours and patterns. Several morning and day gowns were ordered as well as two evening gowns for delivery within days in addition to another twenty gowns that were ordered for delivery several weeks hence. Arrangements were made for a fitting in two days with the gowns being completed a day later.

That day set the pattern for subsequent visits to other shops. The Countess would enter a shop, ask to see the proprietor and introduce Elizabeth in much the same manner as was done at Madame Estelle's. As Elizabeth's Aunt Gardiner explained to her after the first day of shopping, the Countess was publicly and clearly stating the Fitzwilliam approval of Darcy's betrothed. When, upon returning in the carriage, Elizabeth subsequently expressed her appreciation, the Countess was quick to disclaim any particular credit. "It is" she stressed, "a matter of importance to my family that my nephew's bride be accorded the respect due her position. However," and her face took on a sterner cast, "it will be up to you to maintain and enhance that respect. Nothing I have seen of you so far would suggest that you cannot do so." Lady France , who had been silently observing this exchange, leaned forward and to offer her support, "Elizabeth, whatever help I can provide, it is yours."

Elizabeth was pensive for a few seconds, "Thank you, Frances." Turning to the Countess, she continued, "You have introduced me to a number of ladies over the last few days. I will admit that I cannot remember all of them. I trust there are a few that are most important to remember."

The Countess nodded, "Lady _ and Countess _ are very important, however, I believe you will meet both again before you leave London. I would expect them to call on you if you receive visitors before departing for Pemberley."

Elizabeth leaned back against the carriage seat and sighed, "I think I need a long, long walk. Perhaps I can convince William to take me to Hyde Park. An hour or so of walking would restore me. I do miss being able to walk with him in the mornings. We had such lovely rambles at Pemberley. I long to return." The remainder of the carriage ride was completed in relative silence. Elizabeth was not the only lady feeling the strain of their activities. Fortunately, there was a respite of two days before the final fitting for the ball-gown.

Friday May 1, 1813 – London

Elizabeth was enjoying the courtship elements of her engagement period. The announcement of her engagement to Darcy had been published and she had already been called upon by several of her acquaintances. The Johnsons were among the first to visit and express their pleasure. Mrs. Johnson had divulged that her suspicions had been raised at a dinner where she had observed them both. When informed that both Darcy and Elizabeth hoped they could attend the wedding, their assurances not slow in being given. Other welcome visitors were Mrs. Thornton and her daughter who were come to town for the season.

As it happened, Mr. and Mrs. Thornton along with their daughter and eldest son and his wife had been their guests for dinner several evenings previous along with Darcy. Conversation at the table had been pleasant and, if the talk had focussed more on the political events that were transpiring and their implications for their business and professional interests than was perhaps usual, none of the participants took offence. In fact, Elizabeth had appreciated the intelligence and discernment of their guests and enjoyed the discussion and found that the time had passed most expeditiously. The subject of her upcoming marriage was, of course, a topic of singular interest and Elizabeth was pressed to divulge all of the plans that her mother was pursuing. As the ladies rose to withdraw to let the gentleman enjoy their wine in private, she did notice Mrs. Thornton stoop to whisper something to her husband. His response and her emphatic assent seemed to settle something of importance between them.

Once the ladies had settled in the drawing room discussion had quickly turned to the particulars of the London Season. As Miss Thornton explained, it was her third season and she really did not expect that it would prove more productive or interesting than those previous. Her opinion of most of the supposedly eligible men she had met was not high and she was inclined to set a less strenuous schedule for herself to which lack of effort her mother was opposed. Mrs. Thornton was not unsympathetic to her daughter's disenchantment but was concerned that withdrawing from the social activities would entail withdrawing from the search for a suitable husband for her daughter. And, while she was not inclined to pressure her daughter, she admitted she could not perceive alternative means of putting her daughter in the way of worthy suitors.

In the course of their conversation Miss Thornton and Elizabeth realized that they were both of a mind to further their acquaintance and, to that end, agreed to visit regularly while both were in town. Elizabeth indicated that she and Darcy planned to spend the first two weeks of their married life in London and anticipated visitors in the second week and gave Miss Thornton reason to believe a visit would be welcomed.

Mrs. Thornton started to say something but appeared to be hesitant until Mrs. Gardiner, noticing her reluctance, prompted her. "Mrs. Thornton? Was there something troubling you?"

"No indeed. I was just a little uncertain how to approach this subject." Turning to look at Elizabeth, Mrs. Thornton continued, "The problem is that you will be at Longbourn for only a few days. I …Mr. Thornton and I would very much like to host a dinner, to celebrate your engagement, with our neighbours in Hertfordshire. Unfortunately, you will be there for two nights only. Would you…would your family be agreeable to us hosting at Netherfield a dinner on the evening before your wedding – the18th?"

Elizabeth did not conceal her surprise at the proposal and looked to her aunt for guidance. Not seeing any particular direction from that source, she responded, caution evident in her words, "For my part I would have no objections at all to such a dinner. In fact it sounds quite delightful; however, my mother may be making other arrangements and she must be consulted on this."

Mrs. Gardiner nodded her agreement, "My sister is most likely planning a dinner but may not as yet have issued any invitations. I would suggest you contact her her directly and as soon as possible."

Mrs. Thornton promised to do so on the morrow and then proceeded as follows, "I believe that you, Miss Bennet, that your family including your sister and her husband and Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner and their children will be staying at Longbourn for several days prior to the wedding. Is this correct?" She smiled at the puzzled expressions of assent that followed and continued, "My husband is currently inviting Mr. Darcy and any of his party to stay at Netherfield. I understand his sister and best friend, Mr. Bingley, are likely to join him. And possibly some of his other relatives. We have more than sufficient rooms and would be delighted to accommodate them all."

Elizabeth was speechless at the offer. "I can only express my appreciation Mrs. Thornton. Your offer is most kindly done and will, I hope, be gratefully accepted by Mr. Darcy. I believe he was planning to rent rooms at the Inn in Meryton."

Mrs. Gardiner took the opportunity to quietly ask if the Thorntons would object to hosting Mr. and Mrs. Johnson as they hoped to attend the wedding. Mrs Thornton was quick to agree and offered to extend the invitation. Mrs. Gardiner was not unaware of the unstated object of the Thornton's invitation. They were, in essence, attempting to cement and deepen an acquaintance to a higher level of society. It would be interesting, in her opinion, to see if any of the Darcy connections availed themselves of the offer.

When the gentlemen rejoined the ladies, Darcy quickly informed them all of the Thornton's generous offer which he had accepted on behalf of himself, Georgiana and Mr. Bingley. He declared his intentions of extending the offer to his Fitzwilliam relatives and was hopeful that some would accept. As he mentioned privately to Elizabeth later that evening, he did not anticipate that his Uncle Matlock would accept the invitation since it would mean staying in the home of someone directly connected to trade. Nevertheless he thought his cousin, Lady Francis, and her husband would accept.

The following night Darcy and Elizabeth attended a performance of 'Love's Labour Lost' at Covent Gardens in company with the Gardiners and Lady Frances and her husband. As they had expected, their entrance to the theatre had drawn considerable attention and a steady stream of well-wishers had slowed their progress to the Darcy box. While a few of those seeking an introduction to Elizabeth were friends of Darcy, most were mere acquaintances and curious to see and meet the woman who was to become Mrs. Darcy. Elizabeth smiled, nodded acknowledgements as Darcy maintained their movement to their box, stopping to talk only with those with whom he was well acquainted. Darcy's discomfiture had been increasingly obvious as they entered the theatre and Elizabeth could feel his tension through her grasp of his elbow. She squeezed hard to capture his attention and murmured "William…William!" Once he glanced at her, she continued, "I am with you and we can get through this together." Recalled to their situation, he realized that she was as stressed by the attention as himself and he gave her a small smile to ease her concern, laid his other hand atop hers and intertwined his fingers with hers. He was able to greet those who presented themselves with tolerable humour but it was only when they finally reached their box, that she could feel him begin to relax. As expected they remained an object of attention by many in the theatre. She was very conscious of the eyes turned their way but, since they were there to enjoy the play, it was no hardship to ignore the gazes focused on them and devote themselves to enjoying the performance on the stage. The intermissions saw several visitors, among which were Darcy's Aunt and Uncle Matlock. Their visit and the civility displayed to Elizabeth signalled quite publicly the approval of the Fitzwilliam family and was duly recognized as such by those members of society present that evening. When the Earl bowed over her hand, she thought she heard an audible murmur in the audience. The small smile that graced the Earl's visage seemed to suggest that he heard it as well. When the Countess embraced her and whispered, "I suspect the best performance of the evening is taking place in this box." Elizabeth could do naught but chuckle her agreement and express her thanks to both the Earl and his wife.

This very day the Darcy carriage had delivered her to Darcy House early in the afternoon. Anticipating an afternoon in quiet conversation with Darcy and his sister and possibly a walk in Hyde Park, she was slightly surprised to be shown into the drawing room where Georgiana was seated at the piano. Darcy greeted her and introduced her to a much older gentleman standing by the pianoforte. "Elizabeth, may I introduce Georgiana's Dance Master, Mr. Ambrose Peddle. Mr. Peddle, This is my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet." Darcy paused and then gave her a slight grin. "We are going to learn a new dance this afternoon…the waltz!"

Elizabeth's gasp was quite audible. "But…but…Is it proper? We are not married after all?"

Darcy reached over and grasped her hands, drawing her towards himself. "It is not improper at all and has been introduced at several private balls over the last year. We do not have to dance should it be played but I thought that if circumstances permit, we might wish to do so. It can do no harm to learn at least."

Elizabeth's uncertainty was obvious and only overshadowed by a reluctant desire to try something the reputation of which polite society viewed as scandalous. Her agreement was won but with an underlying trepidation. With Georgiana providing the music and under the tutelage of their Dance Master, she was introduced to the various postures that embodied the waltz. The dance did incorporate sufficient similarities in terms of steps and movements to those dances with which she was familiar that it was possible to quickly become comfortable with that aspect of the dance. It was the unfamiliarity of being solely partnered by Darcy and the continuous and close contact that prevailed which most seriously discomposed her. Nonetheless, after two hours of such contact she was sure that even her reservoir of blushes and flushes was exhausted. It was with no little relief that she greeted Darcy's departure on urgent business following the arrival of his steward from Pemberley. Apologizing for being unable to walk with her in Hyde Park and promising that he would attend her before she returned to Gracechurch Street, he joined his steward in his study. Left to their own devices, Elizabeth looked at Georgiana and laughed, "Whatever shall we do for the next hour. Truthfully, I am no longer in need of the exercise provided by a walk."

Georgiana looked thoughtful, "Actually, there are a number of questions that I wished to talk with you about but have simply not had the opportunity to do so. Perhaps we could move to my sitting room?"

Elizabeth's surprise was obvious and was tinged by a slight concern. Nonetheless she readily agreed to the suggestion and they chatted on inconsequential topics as until they arrived. Once the door was closed ensuring their privacy, Elizabeth made herself comfortable on the settee and calmly awaited Georgiana's conversation. She was required to wait several minutes as the younger woman was obviously struggling on how best to introduce the topic which concerned her. Seeing her struggles, Elizabeth began to worry that something of a most serious nature was at issue although she could think of nothing that would cause such obvious anxiety in Georgiana. She forced herself to remain calm and let her initiate the conversation. Georgiana had walked slowly around the room before coming to a stop in front of a window out of which her gaze was focused.

At last Georgiana turned to face Elizabeth and broke the silence, "I am sorry. You must be thinking me quite the fool."

"Not at all. I am simply worried that something has distressed you so. Will you not speak to me of it? I can assure you that I can imagine very few topics of which we may not speak."

"Elizabeth, can I ask that our talk remain in confidence between us?"

Elizabeth considered this request for several moments, "I can agree to that only in so far as doing so will not cause harm to you or someone else."

"It will not, I assure you!"

"Very well, You must know that you have piqued my interest and concern. Of what do you wish to speak that requires such privacy?"

Georgiana's blush surprised Elizabeth but not as much as the words that followed, "I wish to…I want to know…Oh!…" finally she blurted, "your sister Jane and Mr. Bingley. What is their history because I am sure that must be such?"

Elizabeth did not try to hide her surprise from Georgiana. "I am all amazement. From your demeanour I was anticipating something truly worrisome." She thought for a few moments and continued, "their history?...well…you know Mr. Bingley leased an estate – Netherfield - near Longbourn almost two years ago, do you not?"

At Georgiana's nod she continued, "He took possession around Michaelmas and within two months his attentions to my sister were such as to lead to an expectation on us all that he would be making her an offer of marriage very shortly. However, after a ball at Netherfield towards the end of that November, in which he danced at least four times with Jane and his attentions were such as to discourage others from seeking her to dance, he departed Netherfield and Hertfordshire never to return. My sister was…devastated to be truthful. She had come to esteem Mr. Bingley a great deal and, as well as losing his affections, she was mortified by the manner in which he cut the acquaintance. She was hurt for quite a long time although her hurt gradually turned to anger over his treatment of her. Eventually that anger dissipated and she thought little of him. We – neither of us – had seen him since the Netherfield ball until we met in York. I think it is fair to say that my sister feels no more for him now than for any other man of her acquaintance." Elizabeth grinned, "I dare say that Jane would now think her previous attachment to Mr. Bingley a pale shadow compared to that she now holds for her husband."

Elizabeth paused, "Does that answer your question?"

Georgiana's countenance became paled, "Elizabeth, when…when my brother explained what happened when you refused his proposal in Kent, he indicated that one of the reasons was that he had separated your sister from a young man who was very interested in her. Was that Mr. Bingley" Was that why Mr. Bingley did not return to Netherfield?"

"Yes, although in fairness to your brother he did not believe my sister to have an affection equal to Mr. Bingley. From what your brother has related, Mr. Bingley himself came to believe that he was not ready for marriage at the time else he could not have been worked upon." Elizabeth was not prepared to divulge the particulars of Darcy's involvement in separating Bingley from her sister. "I suggest that if you need to know more that you apply to your brother since I believe Mr. Bingley spoke to him of his intentions."

Georgiana was clearly unsatisfied with this answer but Elizabeth also thought her to be reluctant to approach her brother on the subject. "Georgie, do you mind telling me to what these questions tend?"

After a few silent minutes, Georgiana responded, "Mr. Bingley visited us at Pemberley last winter. He seemed much changed. Quieter, amiable but not as…as lively, perhaps, as in the past. He seemed much different – older I guess. When we met again in York, he appeared to have become even more like William – serious and much involved in his business activities."

Elizabeth nodded in acquiesce. "I agree, Mr. Bingley has grown quite markedly."

"Elizabeth, Mr. Bingley did not, I think, pay me any particular attentions but looking back on our conversations I see that they were much different than in the past."

"Different? In what way, Georgie?"

"While we talked of my activities, we also spoke about his businesses, social activities in York, what life was like there." As Elizabeth listened to Georgiana she smiled to herself, "Well done, Mr. Bingley!"

"Georgiana, do you feel Mr. Bingley paid you any particular attentions?"

"Not really. He seemed to spend an equal amount of time with other young ladies."

"Let me ask an important question. How do you feel about him?"

Georgiana mien became pensive, "I hardly know. I…I think I would like to know him better."

Elizabeth considered the young girl in front of her for a few moments. Georgiana grew a little restive under her gaze and opened her mouth to speak when Elizabeth interrupted, "First of all, You are not out yet so questions of his attentions are moot. Your brother would not allow Mr. Bingley to pay his addresses until you are out and I am sure Mr. Bingley is quite aware of that fact." She paused for a second and continued, "Second, you are not yet seventeen and your experience or knowledge of men is quite limited." She grimaced, "You certainly met one of the worst already. Most men are not like Mr. Wickham but you have not been in company with many of them even considering those that are family. I believe you should experience a full season before even considering any possible attachments. I have not spoken to your brother on this and do not know his opinions. I am sure he is in no hurry to see you married and will afford you all the time necessary. You need to meet and become better acquainted with a wider variety of men before accepting one as a husband. Be assured that your brother and I will always be available for help and guidance."

"Georgie, I seem to remember that we held a rather similar conversation some weeks ago. Nothing has really changed. You will come out - probably this fall, you will meet and get to know a wide variety of men and women and your brother and I will be there to support you. If Mr. Bingley or any other man has intentions towards you, there will be more than sufficient time for you to get to know him and decide your wishes."

The two young women continued their conversation until interrupted by a knock on the door and William's voice requesting permission to enter. Informing them that it was time to travel to Gracechurch Street for dinner, he shepherded them down to the carriage which awaited them. His attempts to find out what they had talked about were frustrated by Elizabeth's quip that "Young women need some secrets even from brothers!"