Wretched Beginnings Chapter 2 – 1784 to September 1812

Fitzwilliam George Darcy, 1784 to 1794

George and Lady Anne Darcy delighted in presenting Fitzwilliam George Darcy to the staff and tenants of Pemberley at the Harvest Festival the year he was born. Contrary to the usual practices of society, Fitzwilliam Darcy saw his parents more than once a day for an hour or so. He was rarely relegated to the nursery with a nanny. He spent much of his day with Lady Anne and a nanny. As soon as he was released from leading strings and breeched, he rode the estate with George Darcy.

George and Lady Anne were loath to leave their son behind as they traveled between Pemberley and Rosings Park. William attended the Spring/Easter family celebration at Rosings Park. He appeared at the Midsummer Festival for tenants of Pemberley. He greeted the residents of Derbyshire at the Harvest Festival held at the Kympton Church. He joined the family Christmas house party and helped his parents on St. Stephen's Day for the staff of Pemberley. In London, William comfortably visited the Matlock House, the de Bourgh House, and the Darcy House.

Despite being large landowners, agricultural troubles (cold or wet weather and poor harvests) caused George Darcy to diversify his holdings by purchasing three more estates. He had stewards on each estate. Rather than merge their funds with Pemberley, he insisted each estate account for their funds separately. Future sons would need their own estates. The estates were equally spaced between Pemberley and Rosings, providing the family with their own beds and stabled horses rather than relying on available space at inns.

However, George Darcy realized the importance of obtaining nonagricultural investments. Investments would support his family during lean agricultural years. He invested as much as possible in the cotton manufacturing industry in Derbyshire. He enlarged the sheep holdings at the estate in Scotland. He invested in woolen mills in West Yorkshire which purchased fleece from his estates. He invested in the steam engines needed to power textile mills.

September 1, 1796

"What do you think, William?" Lady Anne hoped to bring her son out of his current, quiet demeanor.

"She reminds me of the princess from the storybook you used to read to me," William admitted. He gazed at Georgiana's sapphire blue eyes and tiny blond curls. "She looks like you, Mama."

"We will have her christened at Michaelmas in our Pemberley Chapel," Lady Anne informed him. "The week after that, Papa will take you back to Eton."

"Can't I stay here with you and Georgiana until spring session?" William's voice was hopeful. Eton had a fine prospect of the Windsor River which led to the Windsor Castle. He enjoyed his academic lessons. He did not care for the social lessons he learned at Eton.

"I'm sorry, but no, Will. You cannot interrupt Wickham's education so you can stay with Georgiana and me." Lady Anne sighed. She and George discussed funding his godson's education. Lady Anne thought providing an education meant Wickham attending the day school taught by the Kympton vicar. Richard would be at Eton with Will; Lady Anne worried about sending Wickham there also. She did not want Will to be the odd man out.

July 29, 1812

Darcy hated London in the summer, like everyone. He had been at one of his estates, Pembriar, for a meeting with the Pembriar steward. Located five and twenty miles north of London, Pembriar facilitated London travel. He would stop at the family solicitors before staying overnight at the Darcy House. He hired Bow Street Runners to investigate two business schemes recommended by men who wanted his partnership. He received word the business reports would be available at his family solicitors if he desired contracts to be written. He settled in for a review of the reports with a pot of excellent tea and spice biscuits when…

"Mr. Darcy, an express delivery for you!" One of the solicitors offered him a letter. "I will give you privacy to read your letter."

Darcy broke the seal on a letter penned by Georgiana.

July 25, 1812

Davidson Cottage, Ramsgate

Dearest Brother,

Aunt Catherine wrote to say Anne is feeling better from the illness which laid her low in June. I knew you would want to know.

FIRST, let me thank you for the excellent situation at Ramsgate.

Darcy's heart shuddered in his chest…his anxious breathing caused his hands to shake. Georgiana used the code from their younger days when she felt he needed to know the situation at Pemberley but had been ordered not to bother him. The code revealed Pemberley investments, harvest or tenant issues, and his father's failing health without alerting governesses or companions. What was the situation in Ramsgate which Georgiana could not reveal in a letter?

Cottage is a misnomer. Only a silly person would consider twenty rooms a cottage. Mrs. Younge and I enjoy the short walk to the beach. Every day there are new people to meet and new sights to see in Ramsgate.

Timothy, our first footman, tries not to wince when we load his arms during shopping. Only yesterday he carried a total of five packages…music broadsheets, art supplies, embroidery supplies, a pound of green tea, and a box of confections!

Ralston, our house steward, is excellent at loaning Timothy for our shopping excursions. Agnes, our-maid-of-all-things, recommends the best shops for our perusal. Mrs. Younge and I shop between breakfast and midday meal. Sometimes we make calls after midday, but only to other young ladies who I know from my masters. Grace, our other maid-of-all-things, brings excellent tea trays to us. Apple hand pies are one of Mrs. Stanley's specialties. Truly, they are excellent. Entreaties to have her create blackberry hand pies have not worked.

Much love as always,

Georgiana

Darcy read the letter through and then read the first letter of the first word of each sentence. COME TO RAMSGATE. He planned to visit this week, before returning at Michaelmas to collect Georgiana. They planned to celebrate the harvest and the holiday season at Pemberley. Now, he received summons to Ramsgate, and he did not know why.

"I must leave, urgent business. My cousin is ill at Rosings Park and I am needed." Darcy apologized to his solicitors, promising to return as soon as possible. He made lists in his head until he ran up the steps to the Darcy House. Once inside, Behrens, the house steward, rang for Roberts, Darcy's valet, and Jennings, his under valet.

"Roberts – pack my saddlebags with necessities, funds and pistols. Pack two saddlebags with food and drink. Pack a travel trunk for me. Jennings, pack a necessities saddlebag. I will take Obsidian, you will take Stygian. We will use the rifle scabbard saddles, and wear riding boots with the dirk scabbards. Loaded pistols in great coat pockets. Roberts, follow us to Ramsgate in my fastest and lightest coach. Pistols under the seats, rifles under the coachman's bench. Two coachmen, one to handle the reins, one to provide protection. Money pouches for you, Jennings and the coachman. We will rest at the Bell and Bromley and follow our June route to Ramsgate. A situation in Ramsgate requires me be there by midday tomorrow. We ride through the night. Thank goodness for the full moon."

July 30, 1812

"Mr. Darcy!" Ralston, the Ramsgate house steward greeted the master who appeared at the servants' entrance.

"Please don't announce my presence," Darcy implored the house steward. "What is the situation here? I received an express from Miss Darcy."

Ralston led Darcy and Jennings to his office, closing the door behind them. "The fox prepares to raid the poultry run."

"Is the fox in pursuit of the old hen or the young pullet?"

"The old hen leaves the poultry house door open for the fox. She clucks a great deal at the young pullet about the genteel manners and handsomeness of the fox. She leaves the nest a great deal too much, endangering the pullet's reputation. Despite orders from the old hen…the other occupants of the poultry house refuse to allow the pullet free run. We do not abandon the pullet in the drawing room when the fox visits." Ralston stiffened. "The old hen believes the old rooster does not know her habits…but he is not blind. The old hen departs on Wednesday and Saturday evenings, after dark, with a bottle of wine from the cellar. She visits the fox's lair from dark to just before dawn when she slips back into the poultry house."

"Does the fox have a name?"

"I heard him call her Henrietta after she called him George." Ralston admitted.

"Tall, dark straight hair, dark eyes, dresses and talks like a gentleman…" Darcy guessed. Ralston nodded. "Wickham!" Darcy exclaimed.

"I believe he is either on the precipice of a proposal or considering a compromise." Ralston warned.

"Where are Georgiana and Mrs. Younge?"

"Strolling along the beachfront…although Wickham appears wherever Miss Darcy is present. Mrs. Younge invites him to dinner on Sunday evening. Miss Darcy is required to exhibit on the pianoforte until midnight, while Wickham and Mrs. Younge sit next to each other and talk in low voices. She partakes of tea, while he drinks a great deal of port. Half the staff is off on Wednesday afternoon and the other half of the staff is off on Sunday afternoon. I have taken no time off, endeavoring to be here to protect Miss Darcy. I sent the carriage to the livery to be checked for a long journey a sennight ago. Mrs. Younge suggested they were returning to Pemberley, but you have rented the cottage until Michaelmas. I believe they intend to use the carriage to make a hasty trip to Gretna Green. The innkeeper and I are friends. I asked him to take his time inspecting the carriage. Since there are so many visitors coming and going from Ramsgate during the season, he has been able to delay work on the Darcy coach. The coach is to be readied by tomorrow morning, at dawn."

A tap on the door interrupted the conversation. "Miss Darcy and Mrs. Younge have returned." Timothy announced. "I believe Miss Darcy is in the drawing room. Mrs. Younge retired to her room with a headache."

"I will go to my sister," Darcy announced. "I want someone in the hall outside Mrs. Younge's room. They must be quiet and notify us if she tries to slip away."

Ralston sent a footman to ensure Mrs. Younge's presence. Darcy went to the drawing room, with Jennings following.

"William!" Georgiana threw herself at him.

Despite the fact Georgiana was tall for her age, Darcy drew her into his arms and rested his cheek on her head.

"You received my express!" Georgiana delightedly hugged him.

Darcy held her at arm's length. "What could you not tell me in a letter?"

"I am engaged! George wants to elope to Gretna Green, but I could not marry without my brother! I know you and George were best of friends once…I cannot imagine why he thinks you would forbid me from marrying him."

"Were you compromised?" Darcy led Georgiana to the settee and sat, holding her hands in his own.

"No…" Georgiana glared indignantly. "I may be in love, William, but I would not anticipate my wedding vows. I asked Mrs. Younge to travel with us to Gretna Green to preserve propriety. I did allow George a chaste kiss when he proposed. Was I improper?"

"I hoped to never have this conversation with you. When Father died, he left Wickham £1,000. He wished for Wickham to have the living at Kympton when he took orders. Wickham came to me, professing he was not inclined to take orders. Instead he wanted to study the law. He sold his living bequest to me for £3,000. He wanted $10,000 but I showed him the £1,500 in debts I paid from Derbyshire to London. I also showed him settlements for three of his conquests so other men would raise Wickham's by blows. I would not allow them to remain at Pemberley and settled them elsewhere."

Georgiana gasped!

"If you do not believe me, Richard can attest to what I related to you. When the Kympton living became available last summer, Wickham came to me and insisted I give him the living, despite his sale. He spent the entire £4,000 on drinking, gambling and a dissolute lifestyle. I refused to give him the living or give him additional funds. He threatened vengeance, claiming Father would not wish his godson to live penuriously. He claimed I forged Father's will to keep him from inheriting his due. Wickham believes he is entitled to a better living than Kympton. He doesn't wish to work to further himself. The man's sense of entitlement is larger, I believe, than Aunt Catherine's belief in preserving rank."

Georgiana's eyes filled with tears.

"If you eloped, you would relinquish your rank…your portion…your reputation. Wickham does not want you because you are pretty, accomplished, and educated. He wants your £30,000 dowry. Once you wed, he owns all your worldly goods…your dowry, the legacy from Grandmother Darcy which ensures your education, and any jewelry from Mama. There is no marriage settlement. He urged you to elope before Richard and I could protect you and your funds. I have not secured your dowry to prevent fortune seekers. I will sign paperwork to protect your dowry when we return to London. Wickham has no prospects! He would leave you penniless…abandoned on the doorstep of Pemberley or the Darcy House. Wickham is a wastrel…ruining women's virtues, drinking, gambling and lying."

"George cannot be a rake…a fortune hunter!" Georgiana cried!

"He is so much worse. Wickham is in league with his paramour, Henrietta Younge, to cheat you of your dowry…and more. I believe he helped her forge characters so she could get near you."

Georgiana stared at her brother…and before she could respond, the door knocker sounded.

"Wickham," Ralston announced, awaiting approval to open the door from one of the Darcys.

"Georgie…you must break the engagement and send Wickham away. If I send him away, he will believe your heart is still engaged. I will step to the doorway," Darcy indicated an attached room. "I'll stand next to the door and listen. You must break with him before he realizes I am here and support you." Darcy commiserated with his sister. "Once you send him away, we must deal with Mrs. Younge."

September 1, 1812

Pemberley had been in the Darcy family since William the Conqueror ceded the land to the d'Arcy family in the tenth century. Darcy felt duty bound to be the best master and caretaker possible. His familial duty would be fulfilled by marrying and producing an heir. However Caroline Bingley and Lady Catherine de Bourgh would endure the disappointment of Darcy slipping through their parson's trap. Simpering, preening debutantes, who engaged in pursuit of the richest, most socially acceptable man they could acquire, bored Darcy. He managed to avoid entrapments for five years. Lavishly trimmed frocks of expensive materials signaled which young ladies were descended one or two generations from the nouveau riche. Darcy avoided them like the Dark Walk at Vauxhall. He had yet to meet a young woman who he wanted as the mother of his heirs, mistress of Pemberley, and sister to Georgiana.

Darcy observed the line of matrons and chaperones who knew the worth and potential futures of every man who stepped through the door. Most young ladies in attendance had dowries adequate to buy them a husband. He recognized the desperate young ladies who had family name and social standing but lacked sufficient dowry. He stayed well out of their way. He would not be compromised. Compromise was the worst kind of deceit. He could not compromise his desire to marry an intelligent and kind wife. He would not compromise his desire for a wife who would love him more than his name, portion or connections.

Accomplishments affronted. Flattery revolted. Flirtation bored. Sincerity fled. Society angered. Darcy wanted to congé the ton and be done with it.

"How do you find the ball?" Lady Honoria Hildreth batted her eyes at Darcy.

"Tedious," he replied. 'Henry Hildreth, the Sixth Earl of Hadringham, is a drinker, gambler and wastrel. His son, Ian, Viscount Hildreth, follows in his father's footsteps. Lady Honoria was rumored to have £25,000 pounds as a dowry. Title and connections…if the rumor were true, she would have married before now. Another year or two, she will be a shelf sitter.'

Lady Honoria batted his arm with her fan. "Oh Mr. Darcy…how droll of you to affect such a sentiment over this lively entertainment. I daresay dancing would improve your impression of the evening."

"I believe I shall withdraw for the evening." Darcy stiffly bowed to the exuberant young woman. He thanked the stars he escaped her before her overbearing father or grasping brother could descend upon him. Darcy left Almack's after apologizing to each of the four patronesses. His claimed business meetings tomorrow as a reason to leave early. Truthfully, he wanted a warm fire, a good book, and good brandy.

~X~

"Correspondence, sir," Colonel Fitzwilliam's batman, Sgt. Henry Armstrong, indicated four letters. "Will you take a little supper?"

"I am obliged to you for a hot bath, and hot food. Do any of my letters look interesting?" Colonel Fitzwilliam handed his sword, pistol and throwing knife to his batman. He unbuttoned his military coat and extricated a snuff box from the pocket…a pocket resewn by Armstrong to keep the sturdy snuff box over his heart.

"One written with a masculine hand, I believe the letter is from Darcy. Three are addressed quite prettily, by a female hand. I believe they are from Lady Matlock, Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh. Your new orders are here from Wesley's office. You will lead the latest group of injured men to the War Office in London. We will depart Brussels for London on October first and will return with new troops on February first."

"I believe I will read my letters while I eat," Fitzwilliam wanted to savor the hot bath before enjoying hot food and his correspondence. His letters to the three ladies were varied. He always assured Mother of his health, eating well, church attendance, excellent connections and when he would return to London. His letters to Georgiana assured her of his wellbeing, but also described the sights he saw. He told her of the books he found and read. He wrote he missed her and William and would see them when he returned.

Richard's letters to Anne were honest portrayals of his life in the army. His letters spoke of emigrants who fled war-torn countries for a new life in the Netherlands, the Bahamas, and the American Colonies. He wrote of his War Office assignments – which often included taking wounded men and death lists to London and bringing new recruits to the continent. He wrote of recruits who were given a choice of the army or debtor's prison. He wrote of second and third sons, eager to distinguish themselves instead of loitering in poverty or low living. Speaking of low living, he explained how the military expected him to live on five and twenty shillings a day for batman, laundress, food and drink. Anne always sent several single pound notes in her letters, urging him to buy himself and his batman a treat – good brandy, nuts, dried fruits, new books, excellent soaps or new riding gloves. She always expressed hope he continued to be well and she would see him at Easter at Rosings.

Summer 1805 to September 1812

Arthur Bingley, Senior (Charles Bingley's grandfather) operated as a merchant in Scarborough with manufacturing and business interests from Scarborough to London. When his father died, Arthur Charles Bingley, Junior, sold the manufacturing and business interests from Scarborough to London. He maintained his business interests in London to keep himself busy. A nobleman (in need of funds) realized Bingley, Jr. could pay every pence asked for a Mayfair property. While the Bingley House did not qualify as a first circle home, the house had a Mayfair address and a pleasant prospect. Bingley, Jr. invested the family funds in the five percents and lived the life of a gentleman. He sent his children to quality schools for education and introduction to higher society. The Bingley parents were killed in a carriage accident during their return from a summer vacation in Brighton.

When their parent died, Cordelia Bingley Stafford, a barren but wealthy widow and favorite aunt, came to London to ensure Louisa and Caroline had a successful Season the year after their parents' deaths.

Louisa Diana Bingley, the oldest Bingley sibling, was a handsome, petite woman, with auburn hair and brown eyes. She learned to advance herself beyond the nouveau riche title of her family. The London Seminary for Young Ladies taught her how to walk, talk and dress. Louisa learned to flatter her betters, denigrate her rivals, and ignore her lessers. She learned she would be no one without position and portion. She read novels and plied her needle on embroidery projects. She could play pianoforte competently, but did not possess a beautiful singing voice. She didn't draw or paint. She knew enough classical literature to enjoy the theatre and opera. When nervous, she played with her bracelets while silently conjugating verbs in French.

Cordelia encouraged Louisa to accept the suit of Howard Hurst, second son of a Dorset landowner. A stout young man of middling height, Hurst boasted a plain face and form. His faded looks, thinning hair and jowly cheeks did little to engage the affections of women of his circle. No one wanted a second son with few prospects. Hurst's options were marriage to a wealthy young woman, a small estate which required hard work, or one of the four acceptable livings for a gentleman. Hurst demonstrated competency playing cards, shooting billiards, and hunting, fishing or riding. As a second son of landed gentry, he had good manners, an education, and adequate conversation.

However, once Louisa married, her dowry and legacy would be controlled by her husband. Cordelia carefully explained the need for Louisa to remain at the Bingley House to run the home, be a hostess for Charles, and be a chaperone for Caroline. Hurst didn't mind being a fourth for cards because living at the Bingley House provided good wines, ports and brandies along with a well-laid table. Marriage to Louisa meant Hurst lived fashionably, with little effort on his part. Cordelia ensured Louisa's £10,000 legacy became her marriage settlement and jointure funds. The four percents from her marriage settlement became her pin money. Hurst added Louisa's £20,000 dowry to his living from his grandparents. Once Louisa married and could act as hostess for Charles and chaperone for Caroline, Cordelia returned to her social position and home in Scarborough.

Charles Arthur Bingley was a handsome young man. His wavy, strawberry blonde hair emphasized kind hazel eyes housed in a sturdy body. Bingley received a gentleman's education at Cambridge, which is where he met Fitzwilliam Darcy. George Wickham targeted a group of young men with money, but no connections, including Bingley. Darcy intervened before Wickham could avail himself of Bingley's friendship and funds. Cheerful, amiable, sincere and charming Bingley had a fatal flaw. He could be easily manipulated by his sisters who knew he hated disagreements and disputes. He always gave way just to keep the peace.

Since Louisa married, she did not need accomplishments to plan meals which would please her husband. She also did not need accomplishments to manage a household. Louisa performed as hostess for her brother until the fateful day when Charles invited the handsome and rich Fitzwilliam Darcy to Bingley House for dinner. Louisa never resumed the role of hostess once Mr. Darcy entered their social life. Instead she became a companion to Caroline.

Caroline usurped the hostess duties at Bingley House at the age of nine and ten. She planned to show Fitzwilliam Darcy how excellently she would fulfill the role of Mrs. Darcy. Her floral arrangements were envied by female guests with less artistic flair. Her menus were as polished as the silver plate which graced her tables. She spent Charles' funds to hire a French chef who only cooked on nights the Bingleys entertained. She increased the number of footmen, and the quality of wines, ports and brandy. She expensively decorated the Bingley House with the newest trends of paint, furniture and décor.

Caroline Cordelia Bingley, a tall, slender, stylish woman, cursed her dark straight hair with red highlights. She wished for blonde curls which were la mode this Season. She thought her £20,000 dowry and £10,000 legacy, along with her seminary education, would buy her the title of Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy. Her simpering conversation repeated everything society deemed proper. She excessively fawned and praised Fitzwilliam Darcy. She denigrated the accomplishments, dowry, connections and appearance of any woman who dared stand close to Fitzwilliam Darcy. Sly, petty, ambitious Caroline convinced herself that whatever she wanted would come to pass.

Late August 1812

Charles inherited the bulk of the family fortune (over £100,000), and the London house. He understood his grandfather and father desired him to purchase a country estate and become landed gentry. Bingley had £5,000 a year in the percents, which provided a good living for him, his sisters and Hurst at the Bingley House in London. He paid Caroline's and Louisa's excessive modiste bills and kept Hurst in libations and entertainment. He had not purchased a country estate; he felt he should address this task.

Caroline did not appreciate Charles' decision to lease Netherfield Park, despite its proximity to London. She denigrated Hertfordshire as a wilderness, with no refined society. "Louisa! How can Charles lease a rural estate right now to learn how to be a landowner? There isn't anything to do on the estate once harvest is completed; planting doesn't begin until spring! When does Charles plan to return to London? I cannot miss Little Season! We just redecorated Bingley House. I spent weeks at every fashionable warehouse in the city, viewing materials and only purchasing the best! If we go to the country, I will be unable to visit the modiste or order gowns for Little Season!" Caroline wept theatrically into a fine silk and lace handkerchief.

"There, there," Louisa opened a new box of chocolate confections and offered Caroline first choice. She purchased lemon comfits for Charles, and cinnamon comfits for Howard. The confectioner split her purchase and applied half her charge to Charles' bill and half to Howard's bill. "If society becomes unbearable at Netherfield Park, mayhap Mr. Darcy will help convince Charles to return to London?"

Caroline nibbled on her chocolate and plotted. Charles preferred tall, willowy blondes. Georgiana resembled her mother, Lady Anne Darcy. A tall, willowy, blonde with deep blue eyes, Georgiana had a melodic voice, excellent education and accomplishments. Her greatest accomplishments – first circle connections through her mother and a large dowry thanks to her father. A match between Charles and Georgiana Darcy would leave Fitzwilliam Darcy unencumbered and able to wed.

'A late autumn wedding, at St. George's,' Caroline daydreamed. 'Special license, a late afternoon wedding, followed by a wedding dinner and a private ball at the Matlock House in London. Our wedding would be the event of the Little Season. A gold gown with elaborate gold silk thread embroidery and gold silk accessories for me, with a yellow rose bouquet. The Darcy emeralds gracing my neck and gleaming in my ears. No bonnet – a gold gauze veil trimmed with expensive gold lace held in place with the Darcy emerald bandeau. Emerald gowns for Louisa and Georgiana, with gold circlets in their hair instead of bonnets. Dark green topcoats for the men, with gold waistcoats, and buff trousers. Yellow rose centerpieces with gold candelabra on all the serving tables for the wedding dinner. A wedding dinner menu created by a French chef. Excellent champagne and champagne punch served by liveried footmen. An excellent orchestra for dancing at the ball. Of course, Charles will give me funds to buy clothes for the wedding and the wedding tour. Mayhap Lady Matlock, or Lady Fitzwilliam would take me to their French modiste, Mme. Charette. If Georgiana Darcy has a dowry of £30,000, I can expect the same for my wedding settlement. Mayhap Darcy would let me keep my dowry and legacy. Heavens knows he does not require the funds. Such pin money I would have from five percent of £60,000. Every woman in London would emulate my clothes and my parties! We would be invited to the best of the ton activities during the Season and Little Season! Summer house parties at Pemberley! Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy! Oh how elegant that sounds!'

Caroline Bingley plotted to send an invitation to Georgiana Darcy to Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. She would work on Georgiana, hoping to garner a holiday invitation. While Christmas dinner at the Darcy House in London would be elegant…a trip to Pemberley would result in a month-long house party. Either one would remove them from Hertfordshire.

~X~

Darcy promised he would visit Bingley's newly leased estate, Netherfield Park, in Hertfordshire. Bingley planned to learn estate management. Darcy could not refuse sincere requests for help. However, thanks to George Wickham, Darcy knew the difference between real need for help and expectations of an easy handout. Unsurprisingly, the invitation included Georgiana.

"My sister, Georgiana, just turned six and ten. She will be unable to join us at Netherfield. She must be available for the French, art and music masters I engaged for her. She and her companion will join my Fitzwilliam family at the Matlock House." Darcy refused when Bingley extended an invitation for the Darcy siblings to join the Bingley siblings at Netherfield Park. "I cannot accompany you into Hertfordshire, as I have business. I will join you in a few days." Darcy refused to be sequestered for four hours in a carriage with Caroline Bingley. He would use the few days the Bingleys were at Netherfield Park to settle Georgiana at the Matlock House, London.

Darcy vowed to be vigilant around Miss Bingley since he first invited Bingley to visit Pemberley. Miss Bingley and the Hursts assumed the invitation included them. His housekeeper, butler, and steward counseled him to avoid including Miss Bingley in future invitations. She requested rooms in the family wing closer to her friend, Miss Darcy. She attempted to change menus or planned entertainments. She chatted up the servants to discover everything she could about the Darcys and Pemberley. She urged Miss Darcy to give her tours of the gallery. She discussed the family history with Georgiana while fawning over family jewels displayed in portraits. His housekeeper, butler, and steward didn't like the Hursts, who proved they were easier guests than the demanding Miss Bingley.

Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst were indiscreet in their discussions of the Darcys and Pemberley in the presence of staff. Those maids gossiped with Darcy's valet, Roberts. The Bingley sisters planned a marriage between Mr. Bingley and Miss Darcy, and one between Darcy and Miss Bingley. Darcy had the measure of Caroline Bingley and would never willingly offer for her. He would also never be compromised by the woman either. He liked Bingley, but he would not allow Bingley's sisters to use Georgiana in such a cold and calculating fashion.

When Darcy returned to the Darcy House from meeting with Bingley at their club, he spoke with his valet, Roberts. They settled on the clothes to bring, and sporting needs to pack. Darcy chose to ride his prize black stallion, Obsidian, nicknamed Sid, to Hertfordshire. He would enjoy early morning rides while the Bingleys lingered in their beds. He and Roberts discussed possible situations at Netherfield Park. Darcy would take the second best carriage and horses with coachman, groom, footman and Roberts while leaving the first best at Matlock House for Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley's use.

"Remember two summers ago, when the Bingleys visited Pemberley for the first time?" Darcy approved the waistcoats Roberts laid aside to pack.

"I remember. Do you feel you are in danger of being compromised by Miss Bingley during this house party?" Roberts checked the contents of the dressing case and noted the need to pack additional scent and soaps if Mr. Darcy remained at Netherfield Park until Christmas.

"When you are shown to my quarters to unpack for me, please get a lay of the land. Do not allow me to be housed in the family wing. Do not allow me to be housed near Miss Bingley's room. Ensure I have a sitting area in my sleeping quarters and a private dressing room." Darcy discussed his needs.

Roberts reminded his master, "Colonel Fitzwilliam taught both of us to bar the door to sleeping quarters and dressing rooms with heavy furniture."

"How about a bonus to sleep on the settee in my dressing room every evening during the house party?"

"I would be willing. Providing valet services for late evenings or for early morning rides would be easier." Roberts agreed. "However, I expect I will be housed in the staff quarters, with one of the Bingley footmen to keep an eye on me."

"A servant of your rank should have a private room. If you have to share a room, I would prefer you were housed with Jennings, who will act as footman, groom and under valet to me. I will request Bingley house the two of you together." Darcy offered.

"I would prefer your assigned room had a servant's passage. I could slip in and out of your room as stealthily as possible." Roberts suggested. They planned to never leave Darcy alone at Netherfield Park. He would spend time with Bingley in his study, the billiards room, the gun room and the drawing room. Spending time in the library was an option, as none of the Bingleys were great readers. If Roberts or Jennings could not be in proximity to Darcy, Roberts would pay responsible Netherfield Park footmen to ensure Darcy would never be left alone with Miss Bingley at Netherfield Park.

September 7, 1812

Mrs. Bennet barely waited for the carriage to stop. She flew out of the carriage and into the house, like a strong wind, banging the door of Mr. Bennet's study open. "Netherfield Park is let at last! Sister Phillips tells me the lease is held by a young man from the North. A single young man, with five thousand a year! He leased Netherfield Park from Michaelmas to Christmas with the option of renewing for a year."

"How exceptionally odd of him," Mr. Bennet never raised his eyes from his ledgers. "Everyone knows you rent property by Lady Day. He must be leasing for a house party until Christmas."

"What a wonderful thing for our girls!" Mrs. Bennet flung herself into a spare chair, fanning and twittering.

"Really, how is that so?" Mr. Bennet concentrated on his ledgers.

"You must know I'm thinking of him for Jane! Our Jane could not be so beautiful for nothing! If he brings a house party, all of our girls…well, maybe not Mary…could all be brides by Christmas! We must view the girls' wardrobes. Michaelmas approaches and there are gowns, ribbons and accessories to be purchased." She observed Mr. Bennet's concentration on his ledgers. "You must find additional funds for the girls to have new evening gowns."

"I cannot find or provide what Longbourn does not have. A silk dress with two silk petticoats and undergarments could be as much as £4. A silk handkerchief, fan, reticule, wrap, gloves, stockings and slippers could be as much as £4. I estimate you want at least £50 pounds, mid-quarter. I reminded you to economize after you overspent when Kitty and Lydia came out! You need not set an impressive table when we are not entertaining! One meat, four or five sides, and a sweet are enough for family meals. Economize on your household expenses between now and Michaelmas. I will match what you save, in addition to providing quarterly pin moneys." Bennet continued to work on his ledgers. If Mary's harvests in the gardens and orchards continued to exceed expectations, Mrs. Bennet might not strain the family finances over laces and bonnets. Mary's pigs, poultry and bees also increased Longbourn's living. Her work in the stillroom kept the family healthy, so they didn't pay a coin to the apothecary. Her stillroom efforts kept the tenants healthy.

Michaelmas, September 25

"Mrs. Bennet, I have looked over the expenses for the quarter. You managed to save £3. I agreed to match the funds you saved. The girls will have their quarterly £10 plus £2, one pound for fall accessories, and one pound for your economics. You will have your quarterly pin money plus £2." Mr. Bennet consulted his ledgers.

"I plan to spend the extra funds on silk dresses for Jane and Lydia. They have the best chance to…" Mrs. Bennet planned to put her two favorite daughters into Mr. Bingley's path.

"You asked for funds to buy new silk dresses and accessories for the girls. You did not say you wanted more money to spoil Lydia and exhibit Jane. You may consult the girls about their needs. You may contact Brother Gardiner for materials, laces, trims, etc. You may hire the modiste to help. However, I am the keeper of the funds. After you have a sensible plan to provide warm winter clothes and boots, then you may buy silk gowns and accessories." Mr. Bennet watched Mrs. Bennet wring her handkerchief. "Lydia needs to balance her ledger. She will receive no funds until it is correct."

"Maybe Mary will give her extra money to Jane and Lydia…" Mrs. Bennet ignored his warning about Lydia's ledger.

"Why should that be?" Mr. Bennet interrupted his wife's musings. "Why should Mary donate her extra funds?"

"You give her money every month," Mrs. Bennet argued.

"I do not give Mary money every month. Rather than purchase from the grocer or farmers, I purchase eggs, herbs, and honey quarterly from Mary. I buy her extra sow babies twice a year. Mary uses the funds from her eggs, herbs and honey to buy tools, baskets, seeds, casks, materials, bottles, and the case of sherry she uses to make your medicinal sherry. Mary provides garden or orchard stuff, honey, herbs and sherry to Sister Phillips for art and French lessons for herself and her sisters. She is conservative with her pin money and uses her talents to improve our living. Lydia wheedles an extra coin from you for confections or ribbons." Mr. Bennet's steely edged voice vexed Mrs. Bennet's nerves.

"It's not fair for Mary to have more money than the other girls," Mrs. Bennet argued.

"Jane, Lizzy and Mary, who are careful with their pin and pocket money, will always have more funds than Lydia, who is a spendthrift. Do not test my resolve, madam! Should I pay Mary wages of two and ten pounds a year like a maid-of-all-things because she uses her time in the stillroom, distillery, dairy, kitchen, gardens, and as your nurse and entertainer? Should I pay Jane wages of two and ten pounds a year a year as she is the main seamstress of the house? Should I pay Lizzy two and ten pounds a year a year because she acts as a house steward – completing ledgers, answering correspondence, tracking employee contracts? I have no difficulties subtracting six and thirty pounds a year from your pin money as the girls complete work which is the purview of the mistress of the house." Mr. Bennet rose and rang the bell for Mrs. Hill.

"Please send the girls to me," Mr. Bennet continued to ignore his wife's handkerchief flapping and muttering. "Please prepare a headache draught for Mrs. Bennet. Discussion of ledgers and funds always gives her a nervous headache. I don't like discussing laces and bonnets, Mrs. Bennet. Money will be spent wisely, as I will not give you more funds until Christmas. I will not release pin and pocket funds until Lydia balances her ledger."

Mrs. Hill took Mrs. Bennet to her room, and the girls appeared.

"Jane, check your sisters' wardrobes. Provide a list of the clothes you and your sisters need for winter. Walking boots, half boots, or wool house slippers; shawls, woolen mitts, hooded redingotes or hooded cloaks; cotton or wool stockings, flannel petticoats, flannel nightrails and wrappers; and kerseymere, stuff or wool for gowns, etc. Please prepare a wish list for each girl. Winter clothes will be purchased first, wish list items considered second. Once you have those lists, I expect you to discuss materials, laces, trims, etc. with Mrs. Gardiner. Arrange for two weeks of the modiste's time after you are in possession of the lists. As Kitty and Lydia received a new wardrobe in June for coming out, I will not countenance excessive demands for half a dozen silk gowns, silk accessories, and dancing slippers for Lydia." Mr. Bennet addressed the girls.

"Kitty, as tenants arrive to pay their rents, will you show them to my study? Lizzy, will you help me with the ledgers? Mary, will you play music to entertain our tenants? Jane please ensure our tenants are offered tea and refreshments while they wait to see me in the study."

"Mama has a headache, I must attend her," Lydia tried to escape from any task Papa might assign her.

"Lydia, you will not attend your Mama until you balance your ledger. I will not release pin and pocket moneys to you, your sisters or your Mama until your ledger is balanced. As your sisters all have tasks…you will balance your ledger by yourself, in the dining room where Lizzy or I can check on you. You will not visit with tenants. You will not leave the house. After I collect the rents, I will pay the staff. Tomorrow I will go forward to Meryton and settle outstanding invoices with the shopkeepers." He caught a look on Lydia's face. "You will receive the remainder of your pin money after Jane reviews wardrobes and the order for winter clothes is placed with Mrs. Gardiner and the modiste."

September 30

Wednesday. the Bennet girls called on the four tenant farms. Mrs. Hill helped assemble baskets for the tenants. Mary assembled a basket of herbal remedies for Jane and Lizzy to take with them. They gathered empty bottles and baskets from their tenants and brought them back to Mary. The three oldest Bennet girls were experts with the ribbons on the one-horse gig. While Lizzy would not have minded the walk to the various farms, they covered the distance quicker with the one-horse gig.

Papa insisted Jane and Lizzy wear durable and plain clothes when calling on the tenants. Mama felt they should wear silks and lace; they might encounter someone to impress. As Mrs. Bennet could not bear to see her daughters so plainly dressed; she usually stayed in her room on Wednesdays. Papa removed the door knocker, which required Kitty or Lydia to share Mama's company.

Jane wore a lovely navy Italian cotton day gown with a light blue and green floral print. Mama disliked the lack of lace or flounces. Jane liked the four navy buttons down the back, and navy cord piping around the neckline, waistline and sleeves. She wore a summer bonnet with navy flowers and ribbons. Her gloves, walking boots and spencer were the same navy of the floral print.

Lizzy wore a lovely dark cream Italian cotton day gown with amber and green florals. Her green matched the green of Jane's gown and her buttons and trims were green where Jane's were navy. Her summer bonnet had amber flowers and ribbons. Her gloves, walking boots and spencer were the dark cream of the dress.

Mary wore a cream Italian cotton day gown, with tiny chocolate brown, dark green and wine stripes. Her buttons, ribbons and trims were cream. Her summer bonnet had no flowers, but had both chocolate and cream ribbons. Her gloves, walking boots and spencer were chocolate brown. Wednesday was Mary's day for French and art lessons with Aunt Phillips. She would call on Aunt Phillips with a weekly basket of excess garden and orchard stuff, or seasonal items. She planned to stop in Uncle Phillips office and discuss her next Latin lesson.

Mary barely exited from Longbourn when Lydia searched for her. Mama needed company; Lydia wanted to visit Maria Lucas. Lydia stamped her foot. Mary was never around when Lydia needed her, and full of religious quotes when Lydia could care less. She couldn't foist Mama on Kitty who accompanied Mr. Hill to the main farm. Lydia searched for Mrs. Hill before remembering Mrs. Hill took the afternoon off to visit her sister who worked at Haye Park. Lydia couldn't depend on help from Papa; he left to call on Vicar Nelson. She stamped her foot and went back to Mama. Next Wednesday, she would ensure she left the house early with Kitty. The militia were settling into their winter quarters in Meryton. Lydia knew if the men saw her first…they would not have eyes for any other girl in the area. She might not be as pretty as Jane, but she was lively and loved to laugh and loved to dance.