Monday May 10, 1813 – Darcy House, London

It had been rather a tedious afternoon. Mrs. Hodgkins had arranged for them to interview applicants for the position of her ladies maid and so far they had spent two hours interviewing four applicants all of whom would probably have done a satisfactory job although none had impressed either of them as being appreciably better than the others. Mrs. Hodgkins looked up from the letter she was reading, "I believe I have saved the best for the last. It was not totally accidental. Shall I call in the last young lady?""

"Please do. I hope that she can make this decision easier."

Mrs. Hodgkins passed the letter she had been reading to Elizabeth and then left the room only to return within a minute or two with a young woman of about five and twenty years, attractive and composed although Elizabeth thought she detected a faint nervousness in her mien.

Mrs. Hodgkins introduced the young woman, "Miss Bennet, This is Julia Derwin who is currently ladies maid to Lady Bettin. Miss Derwin, this is Miss Bennet who is to marry Mr. Darcy and is looking to hire a ladies maid."

Elizabeth and Mrs. Hodgkins talked with the young woman for almost an half hour discussing the duties involved, her service with Lady Bettin and previous employment. Elizabeth had been quite impressed with her responses and her background was very much superior to the other candidates but there was something that was puzzling her. Finally realizing what it was she became aware that conversation had ceased and the both of the other women were looking at her. "I must apologize. I was lost in some thoughts." She paused briefly, "Miss Derwin, would you mind waiting in the hall outside for a minute or two while I consult with Mrs. Hodgkins?"

"Certainly, Ma'am"

After Miss Derwin had left, Elizabeth turned to Mrs. Hodgkins. "Is there something that you have not told me about Miss Derwin?"

Mrs. Hodgkins smiled, "You have caught me out. Lady Bettin wrote me shortly after your engagement was announced to see if you were in need of a maid."

Elizabeth was taken quite aback, "Why? Did she give any reason? Her references are excellent. I can think of no reason why she would wish to lose such a proficient maid."

"She gave no reason but she spoke highly and kindly of Miss Derwin."

"I suppose I will have to ask her, Miss Derwin I mean. I plan to offer her the position if the answer is satisfactory. Do you concur?"

"Indeed I do. I will fetch her now." With which Mrs. Hodgkins bustled out of the room to return very shortly with Miss Derwin.

Elizabeth smiled at the young woman, "Your record is quite satisfactory but I would wish you to answer one question for me if you would."

"Ma'am?"

"Yes, well you see, I am wondering why you would wish to leave a situation where you are maid to someone of higher status than myself. It would seem that being maid to Lady Bettin would be preferred. It puzzles me greatly."

The young woman's discomfiture was obvious, "Is there some concern with my references, Ma'am?"

"Indeed no. They are excellent. Were you aware that Lady Bettin had written Mrs. Hodgkins prior to our looking for a personal maid?"

"Yes, Ma'am. I was aware she had….in fact, I asked it of her."

"And she obviously agreed despite the reluctance to lose you and her affection both of which are clearly expressed in her letter of recommendation…Why?"

Miss Derwin looked down at her hands, her nervousness more readily apparent. Both Elizabeth and Mrs. Hodgkins remained silent giving her the chance to regain her composure. Finally, after some moments, she looked up and looked at Elizabeth although her eyes were focused on the picture hanging behind Elizabeth, "Lady Bettin is very kind…I asked to leave…she thought it best that…her son was beginning to pay too much attention to me. We did not talk of it but she could see I was becoming more and more uncomfortable and I must believe she knew why."

Elizabeth could not hide her dismay. "I am…I find this disgusting that a man should behave so." She looked at the young woman, "You need not fear such attentions here. We will have to check the references, of course, but the position is yours if you want it."

"Thank you." Miss Derwin's relief and gratitude was apparent.

"Excellent! I am sure we shall fit very well. Miss… no, Julia ….when can you start?"

"Lady Bettin has given me leave to start immediately. I could begin tomorrow if you wish."

Elizabeth considered for only a few seconds before responding. "Excellent, I shall check with Lady Bettin today. Mrs. Hodgkins will arrange for your quarters here to be ready for you when we move to Darcy House. You will be staying with me at my Aunt's home until I am married. Mrs. Hodgkins will arrange for a carriage to transport you there when you arrive here tomorrow."

Shortly thereafter, Julia Derwin was shown out and the two ladies proceeded to those tasks which awaited them. Mrs. Hodgkins to prepare a room as required and Elizabeth to write a note to Lady Bettin to confirm her recommendation. The note was delivered by a footman instructed to await an answer. He returned an hour later with a short note for Elizabeth.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet,

I am extremely gratified by your decision to employ Julia. I have no doubt that you will find her as diligent and competent as I have done for the last three years. As I said in my reference, I am sorry to lose her but cannot disoblige her desire to improve her situation.

Sincerely,

Lady Bettin

After sending a note to Mrs. Hodgkins that Lady Bettin had responded favourably, Elizabeth called for a carriage to return her to Gracechurch Street. Arrangements would be necessary there also to accommodate her new maid.

Thursday May 13, 1813 – London

Julia emplaced the final pin in her hair and stepped back to scan her work. Her smile of satisfaction was echoed by Elizabeth's as she did likewise in the mirror in front of her, "Thank you Julia. This looks beautiful." The warmth of her approbation was easily discernible from her voice.

"It's a pleasure to work for you, Miss Elizabeth. Your hair is delightful."

Elizabeth stood and shook out her skirts as a knock sounded on the door. Her Aunt Gardiner stuck her head in saying "Come Lizzy, the carriage is waiting." As her niece turned to face her, she could not help but exclaim, "You look radiant. Mr. Darcy will be speechless I am sure." She laughed, "I can hardly wait to hear what the gossip sheets will be writing tomorrow."

Elizabeth shook her head gently so as not to disarrange Julia's work, "Nothing too good I warrant." Walking out of the room she began the task of mentally preparing herself for the ordeal she faced. This would be her second and final public event in London prior to her wedding and, for Darcy's sake, she was eager for it to go well. She had selected her gown with care and had accepted from Darcy a simple necklace with a gold chain and an emerald pendant which had belonged to his mother. She felt distinctly uncomfortable when festooned with jewelry. As with lace, less was more to her liking and this necklace suited her very well.

As she descended the stairs, she heard an audible gasp and looking up realized that Darcy had moved to the foot of the stairs to await her. From the rather stunned look on his face, she rather thought she had achieved her objective. "Well sir, am I tolerable enough do you think?"

Darcy seemed to be having some problems in speaking but finally managed to utter a succinct but heartfelt phrase, "You are so beautiful!" which brought a delighted blush to Elizabeth's countenance, "Your flattery is most welcome, sir. It is always wonderful to have one's efforts appreciated."

"My dearest Elizabeth, I will be the proudest man alive tonight with you on my arm. Every man will be envying me."

Elizabeth turned to her aunt, "Does he not say the sweetest things? I am in great danger of becoming quite vain if he continues. I shall become quite puffed up in my vanity and become insufferably proud"

Darcy shook his head in denial and, draping her shawl around her shoulders, placed her hand on his arm and led her and the Gardiners to his carriage. As they were being driven to the theatre, Elizabeth turned to her uncle and asked, "I know you have made the arrangements for tonight but in all the preparations I never thought to ask which play we would be attending."

"Ah Lizzy you have a rare treat tonight. The incomparable Edmund Kean is performing as Shylock in the Merchant of Venice at the Theatre Royale in Drury Lane. I know you prefer Shakespeare's histories and comedies so we are doubly fortunate in that a comedy is being performed and that Shylock is also one of Kean's finest roles."

"A rare treat indeed Uncle. I have heard much of Mr. Kean but have never seen him perform. I expect to enjoy myself greatly."

Conversation continued in a desultory fashion until they arrived at the queue of carriages waiting to disembark their passengers at the theatre. Progress was slow but they eventually arrived at the entrance. Darcy and Mr. Gardiner were the first out and turned to assist Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner to alight from the carriage. Elizabeth and Darcy looked at each other and she murmured, "I realize that we are attending this performance mainly to satisfy your family's desire for us to make a few public appearances but I fully intend to enjoy the play itself. I shall let nothing distract me from that!"

"That is a challenge indeed, Elizabeth. May I not hope to distract you just a little tonight?"

Elizabeth's smile was heartfelt, "You, sir, are distracting enough as it is. Please do not try to discompose me entirely." Saying which she began leading them both up the stairs to the entranceway of the theatre. Darcy was content to let her have the last word and, as they walked into the main lobby of the theatre, could feel Elizabeth's tension as her grip on his arm tightened. So concerned with her comfort that he forgot his own discomfort, he looked down and placed his free hand atop hers and whispered, "I said it earlier but it is worth repeating – I will be the envy of every man here tonight."

With those words they began to wend their way through the crowded lobby trailed by the Gardiners. It was not long before they were approached by a very finely dressed couple of mature years who greeted Darcy, "Darcy, It has been a very long time since we met. Would you introduce me to this lovely young lady?"

"Certainly your Lordship. Elizabeth, this is his Lordship, the Earl of _ and his wife Countess _. Your Lordship, Milady may I present my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet and," indicating the Gardiners who had paused slightly behind them, "her aunt and uncle, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Gardiner." Turning back to Elizabeth, he continued, "The Earl and his wife are neighbours of mine in Derbyshire and our families have been fairly close for several generations."

The Earl smiled and nodded as Elizabeth curtsied saying, "We are pleased to meet you Miss Bennet. You are to be married shortly, I believe. We wish you joy." Elizabeth politely acknowledged the Earl's comment and, after he and his wife moved on, whispered to Darcy, "I do not think the Countess was as pleased at the acquaintance as his Lordship."

"I doubt she was. They have a daughter of marriageable age and may have had some hopes of an attachment. We will probably not see much of them since their estate is some forty miles distant from Pemberley."

As they continued to walk through the lobby towards their box, Elizabeth was interested to observe the varied reactions of those people they encountered. Darcy nodded quite frequently to those they passed. A few were obviously not welcoming, returning only the barest nod and a disdainful look to Darcy's nod. Most were, if not welcoming, at least civil and in one or two instances politely congratulation them and inquiring as the wedding. A few people were more amiable and approached them with obvious pleasure in making the acquaintance. One couple in particular elicited a warm welcome from Darcy. "Colbert, I had not thought to see you here tonight!"

"Darcy, it has been quite some time since we met – our family ball I believe."

"Indeed. Colbert, may I introduce my betrothed?"

"I would be delighted to meet her."

Once all of the introductions were complete and Lord Colbert had introduced the young lady he was escorting, Darcy smiled at Colbert, "In some respects, I owe you a great debt." At Colbert's inquiring look, he continued, "I met a gentleman and his wife at that ball who, several months later, re-introduced me to Elizabeth. So I must thank you for that service."

"Re-introduced, Darcy?"

"It is too long a story to discuss here. I shall save it for a more propitious occasion."

As they chatted, they heard the signal bell indicating that the performance would soon start. After expressing their intentions to meet in the future, Darcy, Elizabeth and the Gardiners walked more briskly to their box, not allowing themselves to be slowed by others. As she settled in her seat, Elizabeth was once again quite conscious of the number and intensity of the looks directed at them. If the attention was disconcerting, she allowed no trace of such to appear and made it her focus to converse as naturally as possible with the Gardiners and Darcy. Once the lights dimmed, it was possible to concentrate on the performance on the stage below and before long she was enwrapped in it, murmuring many of the speeches along with the actors on stage. For Darcy, it was difficult not to try and claim her attention. His hand lay on hers on the arm of their adjoining seats but, in deference to her obvious enchantment, he was careful to do nothing to distract her. The short intermission following the first Act was sufficient to allow Mr. Gardiner to exit and return with refreshments. Following the second Act, Elizabeth expressed a desire to walk around. Mrs Gardiner, not feeling up to such an endeavour, chose to remain in the box accompanied by her husband while Darcy and Elizabeth strolled through the lobby.

One very well dressed couple passed them and greeted Darcy briefly in passing. Their deliberate shunning of Elizabeth brought a scowl to Darcy's face which Elizabeth became aware of when she felt a sudden tightening of his arm muscles. Recognizing at once the cause, she looked up at him and laughed. "It does not bother me William. Do not let it upset you."

"Elizabeth, I can more easily forgive an insult to myself than one to you. That was the Earl of _. Fortunately he is not someone that I have had many dealings with in the past. I suspect I will have even fewer in the future."

They had little time to consider the Earl's actions before they were approached by an elderly couple. The gentleman was tall, rather portly and balding. His wife was also fairly tall with a matronly figure and wearing a significant amount of jewelry. Both were finely dressed and radiated the self-assurance of the wealthy and entitled.

"Darcy, I assume this is your betrothed. Would you introduce her to us, please?"

"Certainly, your Grace. Elizabeth, may I introduce you to the Duke and Duchess of _. Your Graces, my Betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire."

"We are pleased to make your acquaintance Miss Bennet."

Elizabeth curtsied saying, "And I am most pleased to make yours, your Graces." Elizabeth could feel herself being thoroughly scrutinized by two sets of eyes. It was not totally uncomfortable since neither the Duke or Duchess seemed censorious and she strove to maintain an calm expression. The scrutiny did not last overlong – probably not more than a second or two – before the Duchess asked Elizabeth, "When do you marry?"

"In less than a week, Your Grace."

"Will you be in town afterwards?"

Elizabeth looked at Darcy before responding, "I believe we will be in town until June 4" when we depart for Pemberley.

"Excellent! Excellent! We would hope to see you at our ball on the June 1."

Darcy glanced quickly at Elizabeth and, seeing her slight nod, was quick to accept the invitation. The ducal couple had observed the interaction, filing it away for future reference. Apparently the new Mrs. Darcy would possess the respect of her husband. The Duke gave a small smile saying, "I am glad to see you marrying Darcy. Pemberley has been without a Mistress for too many years." Nodding once more they moved on leaving Darcy and Elizabeth to consider the implications of this meeting as they strolled back to their box. Darcy turned to Elizabeth, "Are you sure you wish to attend this ball?"

Elizabeth thought for a few moments before answering, "I think so. We planned to attend one and I think it would be most impolitic not to attend this one given the personal invitation we received. I feel we will be received fairly by them at least and their approval will do much to moderate the reactions of others, would you not say?"

Darcy nodded his agreement and Elizabeth continued, "I wish to discuss this with your aunt and cousin. I am sure they can provide some useful guidance and perhaps some information on whom else will be likely to attend."

Entering the box they quickly apprised the Gardiners of the meeting with the Duke and Duchess but the resumption of the performance prevented any further discussion of that topic. It did not take long for Elizabeth to lose herself once more in the play. The remainder of the evening passed quietly. They did receive a few visitors during the intermissions that occurred but all were close friends of Darcy or the Gardiners and delighted to make Elizabeth's acquaintance.

The next morning when she had returned from her morning walk and begun to break her fast with her Aunt Gardiner and the children, she noticed her aunt scrutinizing the newspaper more closely than was her usual wont. Puzzled, she was about to inquire of her aunt as to what was of such interest when the paper was placed on the table and her attention directed to a brief paragraph in the Society section. With no little amazement she read,

The very public-shy Mr. FD from Derbyshire was seen proudly escorting a Miss EB from Hertfordshire, to whom he has recently become betrothed, at a performance of the Merchant of Venice at the Theatre Royale. Miss EB was handsomely and elegantly garbed in a gown of a shimmering light green silk and wearing a simple but elegant emerald pendant necklace. Reports of her beauty which first surfaced when she attended a performance of Love's Labour Lost at Covent Gardens can now be confirmed. Miss EB and Mr. FD spoke with with a number of those attending the play during the intermissions notably the Earl and Countess of _ and their Graces the Duke and Duchess of _. It is reported that the engaged couple will marry within a week and are also expected to attend a ball hosted by their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of _ on June 3.

Elizabeth looked at her aunt, "I think this is favourable, is it not? I know my mother will be in raptures if she reads it."

Mrs. Gardiner smiled saying "I think Countess Matlock will be appreciative as well."