Saturday, January 1, 1814 – Pemberley
The road leading to the entrance of Pemberley was lined with lights which reflected off fresh fallen snow to cast an even greater brightness to the evening's darkness. The stream of carriages had begun shortly after eight and showed but few signs of slowing. Fortunately most of those attending the ball were guests at Pemberley but still the surrounding estates had been delighted to accept the invitation and had made the trip despite the winter weather. The rooms at Pemberley were filled with guests and Mrs. Reynolds could scarce remember when the house had been as full of life and laughter. That problems would arise was a foregone conclusion but those that had were dealt with at little discomfort to anyone.
It had proven fortunate that Richard Fitzwilliam had taken residence at his small estate, which was reasonably close to Pemberley, since he was able to accommodate not only his Fitzwilliam relatives but also some for whom Pemberley had been unable to find space. The earl and countess had arrived several days previous to the ball and had been in company with the Darcys almost every evening since then. The coolness between Darcy and his uncle had almost completely dissipated, assisted undoubtedly by the news that Lord Albert had become engaged to the daughter of the Earl of _. That the lady had a handsome dowry and face and was unattached after three full seasons may have ensured her ready acceptance of Lord Albert's offer. If her other attributes were somewhat deficient, they apparently were not of concern to her betrothed. The Earl of Matlock may have regretted the loss of such a connection but the speed with which Lord Albert sought and found another lady to grace his home consoled him that the Duke of _'s displeasure might be of short duration.
The Matlock party were among the first to arrive and greet Elizabeth and Darcy. Lady Eleanor was quick to praise the arrangements for the ball and noted to Elizabeth that it was unfortunate that her confinement would prevent Elizabeth from participating in the season since she, the Countess, would take great delight in Elizabeth to perform a similar task in London. As the lady observed, "Elizabeth, it is past time that Mrs. Darcy take her place in society and I am looking forward to your doing so!"
"Aunt Eleanor, I may be forced to disappoint you. I look forward to spending my days here at Pemberley and raising my children."
The countess shook her head, although a small smile touched her lips, "I am afraid that will not do, Elizabeth. You, your husband and your children will have a position in society. You must give some time to filling that position." Her smile broadened, "Of course that does not prevent you escaping to the wilds of Derbyshire…which event I am sure will happen with great frequency."
"You know me too well indeed, aunt."
Their conversation was cut short by the press of other guests and Elizabeth found herself rather bemused by the stream of faces that she scarcely recognized and secretly gave thanks to the presence of her husband who seemed to know them one and all and made such introductions as were necessary. When it appeared that the last of the guests had arrived, Elizabeth gave the signal for dancing to begin and the musicians signalled their readiness. Elizabeth as hostess was moving to begin the task of circulating and ensuring that ladies found partners when she was prevented from doing so by Darcy taking her hand and leading her to the dance floor. Her surprise was evident as she cried quietly, "William, what are you doing? We cannot dance. I am the hostess!"
"I intend to ignore society's dictates tonight and dance the first with my wife. I will not be dissuaded on this! Do not try Lizzy!" His smile belied his words and, truthfully, she knew she was not inclined to deny him or herself, the pleasure of this dance.
That Mr. and Mrs. Darcy took up the first position in the set caused as much whispering as her obvious enceinte condition. Their equally obvious pleasure with each other and the affectionate glances they exchanged and made little effort to hide were a surprise only to those who had not previously been much in their company and such murmurings of disapprobation as did arise were quickly suppressed by the general approval of the lady and her husband. The conclusion of the dance saw the Darcys separate, each to perform their own tasks for the evening; Elizabeth to circulate and ensuring the enjoyment of her guests and Darcy to partner such ladies as might be in need of one for a dance. It would have taken an acute observer to notice that his attention, even when dancing, was focussed very much on his wife and her movements around the floor were tracked closely. However most of the guests could not be unaware that Mr. Darcy was quick to return to his wife's side following every dance set and that attempting to deflect him from such a purpose was futile. Several gentlemen had indeed tried, only to have to be satisfied with a brief apology to the effect that he was required to attend his wife.
Richard Fitzwilliam was one of those who had carefully observed his cousin's behaviour with some amusement and had remarked to his partner at the time, Miss Thompson, "I never really expected my cousin to find a wife who would so capture his affections."
"I think they are both delightful and extremely fortunate; but why should it surprise you?"
"You did not know my cousin before he met Elizabeth. He was quite different. A man of pride and position who I would never have expected to attach himself to someone from Elizabeth's station in life."
"He is much changed then?"
"Oh yes, indeed he is. But enough talking of my boring cousin. Are you engaged for the next set?"
"I am not but it would be quite improper for us to dance it. We have danced the first and you have requested the supper dance."
Richard smiled broadly, "I have no intention of asking you to dance, delightful though it would be. Come, I would have a private talk with you…if I may?" And after her nod of acquiescence he placed her hand on his arm and led her out of the ballroom.
Their escape had not gone unnoticed. In fact, Elizabeth had been quietly watching them both all evening and, having come to know a little of her friend's heart, was hoping that Richard would offer for it tonight. As her husband approached she took his arm and motioned in the direction where Richard and Miss Thompson were walking through the doorway of the ballroom, "Do you have any notions of your cousin's intentions?"
Darcy's grin reassured her, "I believe I will have an opportunity to tease him for a change. You can be assured that I shall not deprive myself of that pleasure."
Elizabeth shook her head, "Men!" and was about to dispatch him to find another dance partner when he demurred and stated his desire to remain in her company for this set. His company was agreeable to her and they were quickly joined by the earl and Countess who had come to impart such news as they had gleaned that evening. They had conversed for some quarter hour when Elizabeth nudged her husband and nodded to the doorway where a beaming Richard and Janet Thompson had entered and, from their behaviour, obviously searching for someone. Janet was the first to see Elizabeth and after pointing her out to Richard, it was a matter of seconds before they had spotted his father and mother and the Darcys. Richard's happiness was palatable and he wasted no time in informing them all that Miss Janet Thompson had given him her hand in marriage. Elizabeth and the countess were no less eager to welcome her into their family with warm hugs and Richard received the congratulations from his father and cousin with pleasure along with some requisite teasing as Darcy observed, "I can easily understand you wishing to win Miss Thompson's favour but whatever can she see in you, cousin?"
Elizabeth's laughing admonishment to her husband was followed by a kiss to Richard's cheek and a warm, "Congratulations Richard. I think that you both shall be very happy together."
After accepting their congratulations, Richard turned to his father, "I applied to Mr. Thompson for consent before I left London so the engagement is official. Would you announce it during supper?"
"Of course, I would be proud to do so." He looked at Miss Thompson, "How long are you planning to stay here at Pemberley Miss Thompson?"
"My plans are not fixed but I had thought to return home in two days."
"Yes well, perhaps you might stay a little longer. It might be a good for us to get better acquainted with the lady who will soon be a new daughter and I am sure that Richard would wish you to visit Holsten. From what he has told us, there are some changes required there."
The Countess could no longer be repressed, "Have you considered a wedding date? And where the wedding will take place?"
Richard laughed, "Not yet, mother. Although I am not in favour of a long engagement. Janet and I have not had time to consider these issues. Let us enjoy tonight before you force the practicalities on us."
They conversed for several more minutes before Richard and his betrothed moved to join his sister and her husband to share their news. This seemed to be a signal for the others to disperse until only the countess remained in company with Elizabeth who thought to take the opportunity to query Lady Eleanor.
"Are you satisfied with your son's choice?"
The countess did not answer immediately and her gaze was thoughtful as she scanned the crowd around her. Satisfied as to their privacy, her gaze returned to Elizabeth.
"I suspect that if Fitzwilliam had not married you, I might be quite unhappy. The connection to trade would have been a difficult fence to jump. But…I have met and grown to like you very much, I have met Miss Thompson, who is everything that is genteel, and her family are quite presentable as well. I could wish that he wished to marry someone of our station but he has had many years to do so and has not. I am satisfied and quite willing to accept Miss Thompson into our family. She will do well I think. She is much like you and Frances, you know." Her pause was almost too brief to notice, "And there is the fact that he has resigned from the army and will be safe. That cannot but make me happy."
Elizabeth smiled and laid a hand on the countess's arm, "I am glad. I am glad for Janet and Richard as well. I know Janet was beginning to despair of meeting a man she could esteem. Too many thought only of her possible dowry, convinced that her father's wealth would ensure that it was large. She did not reveal her heart to me but I could see Richard had gained her affections. I think they will do well together and I admit to a selfish pleasure that my friend and the man William considers a brother, will live so conveniently close to us. Very selfish of me, I concede." Her grin was quite unrepentant and drew a soft chuckle from the countess; but that lady's attention remained fixed on her son for a short time only. The supper dance was beginning and Bingley's participation with Georgiana caused a slight frown to appear, which Elizabeth, once she had determined the direction of the countess's gaze, could easily interpret.
"I am not certain of my sister's affections; she has not confided in me to that extent – perhaps because she does not know them herself. I am convinced that she holds Mr. Bingley in considerable regard; it is not the work of a few meetings – indeed she had known him as William's closest friend for several years." She paused, unsure how much to relate and decided that certain matters – Bingley's intentions in particular – would be best left to William to reveal.
"I have no particular disinclination to Mr. Bingley, Elizabeth. He is quite an amiable and genteel gentleman..."
Elizabeth knew the earl would be less favourably inclined – Bingley's personal involvement in trade would be upsetting and his acquisition of an estate would not ameliorate such a disinclination. Her response was temporizing, "Well, let us deal with problems if they arise. I cannot say that William favours Mr. Bingley but he will not discourage him – of that I am convinced." After a moment's thought – she would be imparting information that the countess would shortly learn anyway – she mentioned, "Mr. Bingley will be staying with us for several more days before returning to York. I believe he has business with William but he will be seeing Georgiana as well."
The countess' pursed lips suggested that this did not meet with her complete approval, but she let the matter drop and tactfully began to discuss some of their guests. Elizabeth was inclined to reveal that Georgiana had also assigned the last dance of the ball to Mr. Bingley but thought better of it – perhaps Lady Eleanor would not observe this obvious sign of Georgiana's preference though such was not likely. More likely she would observe but refrain from commenting when nothing further happened – she could hope anyway. Shortly thereafter the two ladies separated; to mingle with crowd in the case of the countess, and Elizabeth to visit the dining area where her guests would shortly congregate.
