Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 10 – May 8-18
A/N: I do not require you to Caroline Bingley fawn over me or my writing. However, if you don't like the story to the point you want to be nasty in your review – I urge you to read a different story.
Saturday, May 8
Armstrong performed a walking circuit of the de Bourgh House and areas surrounding it. He advised Colonel Fitzwilliam. "We need eight and ten men to move between here and Rosings Park. The two and ten footmen here have been indolent for too long. They could not protect a maid who shops, let alone a townhome in Mayfair. I haven't seen the footmen at Rosings Park, but I do not hope for better."
Colonel Fitzwilliam smiled. "I rented a private room at the inn closest to Matlock House. We have an appointment at one to interview six and thirty ex-military men to serve as guards at both de Bourgh House and Rosings Park. They will act as guards, footmen, coachmen and grooms."
"If we can…let's hire as many men as possible who fit our needs. I want to give the two and ten footmen at both de Bourgh House and at Rosings Park notice, character and wages. I would like them to be gone by Friday next." Armstrong glanced at the list of men. "Bow Street Runners approved ten of these men. They are investigating the rest."
"I made arrangements at the War Office to accept as many dismissed footmen as possible. Miss Anne offered to pay ensign fees for those who planned to enter the military. Those who did not, would attend a job fair and might be hired by the ton. However, Miss de Bourgh wants them gone. She'll be reducing the numbers of household servants at both properties."
May 12
"Forgive me," Fitzwilliam drew the curricle up at a jeweler in the fashionable part of London, handing the reins to the new footman/groom who accompanied them. The new footman/groom, adept with pistol and knife, protected Miss Anne. He was adept with handling horses and ribbons for all kinds of equipage. "Mr. Edwards has been known to buy bits and bobs from gentry, or from gamesters who accept bits and bobs as payment from gentry. I buy certain things when I am on the continent and sell to him. I buy things from him sometimes. Mr. Edwards sent a message; he has new inventory."
"I should like to see his bits and bobs," Anne accepted Fitzwilliam's hand down and took his arm as he escorted her into the storefront. She wandered around looking while Mr. Edwards showed Fitzwilliam new items he acquired this week.
"Might I help you, miss…" a female clerk approached Anne.
"Miss Anne de Bourgh," Anne introduced herself. "I am Colonel Fitzwilliam's cousin."
"Ah, Colonel Fitzwilliam is one of our favorite clients." The clerk dropped her voice to not be overheard. "I am Miss Celeste Edwards, Mr. Edward's niece. Colonel Fitzwilliam purchases superior quality items for us on the continent. He is careful not to purchase stolen items, buying only from impoverished gentry. Might I show you some things?"
"I should occupy myself while they conduct business," Anne took a seat at a small table located near the front windows. Her groom spotted her and nodded.
Miss Edwards stepped behind the curtain to the storeroom and emerged with a tray of objects. "This is a hallmarked gold vinaigrette from 1800, floral embossed, and round. I believe this is the perfect size for a lady to slip into a reticule." Anne examined the vinaigrette, before setting it aside with a nod. She learned the necessity of a vinaigrette in London.
Miss Edwards opened an eight by eight by eight agate and gold fitted necessaire. "English hallmarked 1800, with a silvered panel inside the top of the box. The necessaire holds four gold-topped glass bottles and a gold cup container which holds implements for dressing." When Anne shook her head no, Miss Edwards reached for two gold scent flasks. "French hallmarks from about 1760. The tops are embossed but the flasks are plain except for an embossed oval on the front of each." Miss Edwards offered them for Anne to examine.
"I think not, but I will take the vinaigrette." Anne assured Miss Edwards.
Miss Edwards picked up the tray with the refused items. "Might I show you some jewelry? Sapphires to accent your eyes," she suggested to Anne.
Anne nodded her ascent. Miss Edwards disappeared behind the storeroom curtain and brought a tray of items with her. "Shall I ring for tea? Some of our ladies prefer to take tea while men conduct business."
"No tea," Anne replied, "unless this is your time to have a rest and refreshments."
"No, I will be fine," Miss Edwards set the tray on the table. "Please look and ask if there is anything which catches your eye."
"I like the looks of that piece," Anne examined a piece.
"Ah, the eye broach…hallmarked 1780, English gold. Six and thirty sapphires set in six-prong collars. There are nine graduated sapphires in the center, with the largest stone in the middle." Miss Edwards named a price for a new broach, and then the price for the one on the tray.
"I will consider it." Anne placed the eye broach on the tray with the vinaigrette. Anne inspected several other pieces of sapphire jewelry. She considered a set of eight sapphire and gold waistcoat buttons and a set of sleeve links. They would go well with Fitzwilliam's eyes, but he rarely wore waistcoats. He wore his regimentals.
"This is one of my favorite pieces," Miss Edwards displayed a gold bandeau. Stunningly simple, the bandeau was created from two thin embossed gold bands which crisscrossed to create oval openings. Where the two embossed bands met, a sapphire chip embellished the bandeau.
"Yes," Anne eagerly examined it. "This will look well at a ball next Season." She thought the bandeau would look well with her birthday bracelet.
"Buying out the store?" Fitzwilliam viewed the tray of jewelry on the table before Anne.
"Just a few pieces," Anne showed him the eye broach and the bandeau.
"I don't care for that broach," Fitzwilliam pointed to the broach. "I feel like Aunt Catherine is keeping an eye on us. However, that bandeau is splendid. I rather like this piece," he held up a sapphire cross on a fine gold chain. "Miss Elizabeth Bennet has one made of garnets, which belonged to her grandmother for whom she is named."
"I hadn't examined the sapphire cross yet," Anne admitted. "Very well," she laid the cross on the tray with the vinaigrette and bandeau. She moved the eye broach to the tray with the other pieces. "I will purchase these," she informed Miss Edwards.
Miss Edwards took her tray to the counter for Mr. Edwards to write up an invoice. She returned with the invoice and collected funds from Anne. She agreed to wrap the items.
"Did you have a good transaction?" Anne quizzed Fitzwilliam.
"Indeed," his eyes twinkled. "I purchased an excellent watch fob and sold a handful of pieces to Edwards." Fitzwilliam exhibited a square watch fob embossed with leaves. Anne approved of the fine etching and good quality.
Mr. Edwards handed Anne a small parcel and a card. "Thank you both, for your business today." He bowed to Fitzwilliam and Anne.
May 14
While Jane worked on her lists, Mrs. Bennet offered ideas and suggestions. Jane's guest lists of eight and forty were modified by Mrs. Bennet to sixty guests. She rearranged the dinner menus. Card parties and musical interludes were changed into dance parties. Mrs. Bennet opined Bingley should learn his society. They should accept congratulations from the community. Neither Bingley nor Jane were happy with Mrs. Bennet's changes.
"Bingley, I'm not adverse to socializing…but this is beyond the pale. Mrs. Bennet acts as if she is due to be feted during this time. Lizzy believes that is why Mrs. Bennet pushes for us to change the wedding date. I am not comfortable lording our good luck at finding the women we love."
"Jane is so unhappy with Mrs. Bennet's changes to our plans," Bingley commiserated. "We need a long walk away from Longbourn so we can make plans."
Away from listening ears, Darcy suggested Saturday lawn parties from one to five, which could offer outdoor activities and a cold repast with cider and lemonade. A lawn party would eliminate Lydia dancing and drinking all night. Bingley and Jane could host one hundred guests and enjoy the day. Children would not attend dinners but could attend lawn parties. Additionally, Jane and Elizabeth would not wear silk dinner gowns and jewels which would trigger envy with the neighbors. Darcy and Bingley helped Jane and Elizabeth finalize the guest lists and the list of activities – pony and horseback rides, archery contents, battledore and shuttlecock games, lawn bowls, rings, and Pall Mall games. Darcy and Bingley agreed to conduct a fencing demonstration. Remembering Anne's garden parties, Lizzy suggested musicians and garden tours.
Mrs. Bennet seemed displeased the couples made plans while walking without consulting her. She argued against the garden parties, but Mr. Bennet sided with the couples. Three Saturday lawn parties allowed his daughters to invite everyone they knew in the community and required less work than six separate dinners which didn't end until after midnight. Jane left a specific menu with Mrs. Nichols. She left the layout for musicians and chairs on the Netherfield Park terrace, with seating to eat or play cards inside the ballroom. Jane left invitations for the tenants of Netherfield with Mrs. Nichols. She left invitations for the tenants of Longbourn with Mrs. Hill. She arranged for delivery of letters of invitation for Vicar and Mrs. Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, Mr. Jones and his family, and Mr. Locke and his family. Lizzy reviewed the invitation lists, menu and décor for the garden parties. Lizzy and Darcy would purchase barrels of cider and plenty of lemons for lemonade, arrange for ice and pay for the musicians who would play concert music, not dance music.
Sunday, May 16
Mrs. Bennet's handkerchief fluttered from the moment the Bingley carriage left the Gardiners' house until arriving at the Matlock House in Mayfair. "So grand…such an excellent prospect," she murmured. The Matlock House sat in an excellent neighborhood of London. While boasting a stately prospect, Matlock House was a home to the Fitzwilliams and not just a showplace. Mrs. Bennet memorized every aspect of the Matlock House to relate to her friends in Meryton.
"I want to do something other than shop while we are in London," Lizzy admitted to Jane. "There must be activities we can enjoy other than visiting warehouses. I do not need to visit every shop on Bond Street."
"We should like to see the royal menagerie and an art exhibit," Kitty and Anne shared with them.
"Lizzy and I would enjoy an evening at the theatre or a concert," Jane opined. Georgiana agreed.
"I would enjoy a picnic at one of the royal parks," Mary offered.
"Save me from breakfast with everyone, shopping for hours, a midday meal to fortify us, more shopping, afternoon tea before a brief rest and dressing for dinner every evening. Discussing shopping, laces, bonnets and materials during dinner with Mama, and cards or dancing until midnight does not suit." Lizzy whispered to Darcy.
"Thank goodness we're finally all together again. There are so many things to settle for the wedding. Mary, Kitty…join us," Mrs. Bennet ordered them away from Miss de Bourgh.
"We simply must coordinate," Lady Augusta Fitzwilliam nodded at Lady Constance Matlock. "There is shopping to conduct, calls to make and we have invitations for dinners and card parties. I am sure your family has a list of engagements. Simply put, we must coordinate Miss Elizabeth's diary with the Gardiner House, Matlock House and de Bourgh House events."
Mrs. Bennet sniffed, and held her mouth in a peculiar, vexed position. "We are split between three homes! Must we arrange separate diaries also?" Her pointed question did not pierce Lady Matlock nor Lady Fitzwilliam.
"We simply cannot open the Darcy House or the Bingley House," Lady Matlock explained. "Good servants are difficult to find during the Season." By agreement, no one would comment on the number of footmen Anne released from her service.
"Lady Matlock, Georgiana and I make calls on Monday and Friday. We accept callers on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday and Saturday, we tour museums or gardens or shop. We normally go to Hyde Park on Wednesday and Saturday during Presentation Hour. We usually attend balls on Thursday evening, and dinners with card parties on Friday evening. Saturday evening, we attend the theatre or concerts." Lady Augusta noted the increased color of Mrs. Bennet's face and decided to pause for a moment.
"You cannot claim Jane and Elizabeth every day except Sunday," Mrs. Bennet insisted. "Their sisters wish to attend events in addition to shopping also. Jane and Elizabeth's sisters, Kitty and Lydia enjoy dances and card parties. Invitations to events of the Season should include her family."
"We have invitations for Miss Bennet and Elizabeth, which cannot be altered," Lady Matlock quietly explained. "There are twenty of us in toto. We cannot impose on ton hostesses to include everyone in our invitations. I believe Mrs. Gardiner cannot include everyone in her plans."
"I understand your concerns," Lady Augusta knew Mrs. Bennet planned to use Elizabeth to put Lydia forward. "I propose Miss Bennet and Elizabeth visit with your family Sunday through Tuesday. Wednesday will be with Miss de Bourgh. Thursday through Saturday, Miss Bennet and Elizabeth attend our family arrangements, invitations, and amusements."
"We are in town to allow Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth to review their London homes and shop for their trousseau. Additionally, Darcy and I have shopping for our upcoming nuptials, the wedding tour and for our homes." Bingley announced to the assembled crowd, attempting to ease the tension created by Mrs. Bennet's disapproval of the suggestion for schedules.
"Jane and I find that plan quite pleasing." Lizzy spoke quickly before Mama could interfere. "We will be available to attend church with the Gardiners while Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley attend with the Fitzwilliams."
"Perhaps Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley can attend Sunday dinner at the Gardiners, so we can plan our days together," Jane smiled indulgently at Mrs. Bennet to soothe her ruffled feathers and prevent excessive handkerchief flapping.
"I was looking forward to seeing and being seen at St. George's Cathedral," Lydia interjected.
"We simply do not have enough space in our private pew boxes at St. George's Cathedral to provide for all of us," Lady Augusta commented.
Lady Matlock offered to host an engagement ball and the wedding breakfast at the Matlock House in London. Bingley and Darcy quickly refused the two offers before Mrs. Bennet could offer an opinion. Bingley and Darcy were hosting a birthday ball at Netherfield Park for their ladies. They explained the wedding breakfast would also be held at Netherfield Park. Bingley assured everyone there would be room for the Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Miss de Bourgh, the Collinses and the Bingleys at Netherfield Park.
~X~
Georgiana shared her fashion magazines with Jane and Lizzy. She had copies of The Lady's Magazine, The Lady's Monthly Museum, La Belle Assemblée, and Ackermann's Repository for the last three months. The reading material kept Mama and Lydia enthralled. They perused fashion plates for morning gowns, day gowns, afternoon gowns, promenade gowns, riding habits, evening gowns, ball gowns and every possible kind of spencer, pelisse, redingote or cloak.
While Jane and Lizzy were not thrilled with the current fashions featuring excessive flounces, ribbons, laces and bows, they liked several of the fashion plates. Lizzy promised Kitty two pairs of silk stockings if she would redraw a two and ten fashion plates they liked without the excess. Jane promised Kitty a new pair of silk gloves if Kitty could redesign three bonnets from the fashion plates sans excess. Kitty offered to help shop for plain bonnets and items to decorate them. She offered to trim them to Jane and Lizzy's expectations. Since she would trim the bonnets at the de Bourgh House, away from the prying eyes of Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, her sisters agreed with the arrangement.
Having purchased new day gowns and one silk dinner gown in March, Jane and Lizzy had careful lists of what to purchase. Mrs. Bennet asserted Meryton's milliner and modiste were nothing compared to Mr. Gardiner's materials and trims, or Mrs. Gardiner's modiste. The must buy list grew as Mrs. Bennet viewed fashion plates. Jane felt they would order enough clothes for all the Bennet ladies for a year as they wrote lists. Lizzy felt Mama hoped some of the gowns Jane and Lizzy ordered could be remade for Lydia and Kitty. Especially when Mama insisted Jane and Lizzy consider different colors than the blue Jane preferred or the yellows and greens which Lizzy preferred.
Mrs. Bennet urged Jane and Lizzy have their trousseau created by one modiste. However, her plan would delay the wedding for two or three months. She whinged on and on about not enough time to visit warehouses, let alone different modistes.
After two hours of comparing fashion plates, debating fabrics or lace or ribbons, Lizzy could not take any more. Decisions needed to be made. Armed with fashion plates and sketches they liked, Jane and Lizzy were determined to engage four modistes to create their trousseau – Meryton's modiste, two modistes which Mrs. Gardiner patronized, and the Fitzwilliam ladies' modiste. Jane explained their plans to Mrs. Gardiner who promised to help them deal with Mrs. Bennet.
~X~
"She's lovely…and I approve of Miss Bennet also. Her mother is unfortunate, but Reggie likes Mr. Bennet." Constance spoke to Augusta and Anne in a quiet corner of the library after everyone departed to attend dinner at the Gardiners.
"My mother is unfortunate," Anne laughed. "Mrs. Bennet goes beyond the pale. Elizabeth is charming, and witty, and she makes Darcy laugh. He needs someone lively to share the burdens of his life."
"I am so glad we support Darcy and Elizabeth," Augusta agreed. "The tea today invigorated me. I am quite ready to take on Mrs. Bennet."
"Yes, but will you be ready to take on Mrs. Bennet when Caroline Bingley is in attendance?" Anne's eyes twinkled.
"Rest easy," Aunt Constance counseled. "I haven't been the Countess of Matlock for several years without putting one or two social climbers in their place."
~X~
"Why haven't we experienced the Bingley sisters' company?" Lizzy inquired. "I'm sure they would have a great deal of conversation about which warehouses to visit."
"Caroline remains in Scarborough with Bingley's Aunt Cordelia. The Hursts are visiting his family," Jane related. "I have not pressed for news of Caroline's banishment. I know Charles plans to invite his family to Netherfield Park on Monday before the wedding. May I say how envious I am of your future sister? Georgiana is a lovely young lady."
"I am most fortunate in my new family," Lizzy sighed. "With the exception of Lady Catherine, I have enjoyed meeting Darcy's family."
"Caroline wants Charles to rent the Bingley House to her," Jane prepared for bed. "She claims renting to her is better than renting to upstarts with no pedigree or title who desire to propel themselves into society from an advantageous prospect. I think I might be offended, as I believe she means our family."
"There are plenty of gentlemen who let homes for the Season. Darcy is deluged with requests to rent Darcy House by several of the Earl of Matlock's friends. He and Georgiana don't rent because the Darcy House is a home not an investment. He says he does not support their politics, doubts their manners, and does not want to harangue members of the peerage for unpaid debts."
"Charles says Caroline's perception of renting the Bingley House is offering penurious rent while expecting Charles to pay for more decor, staff, full pantries and wine cellar, and covering her excessive bills at the shops."
"Miss Bingley thinks Bingley's £5,000 a year should cover her excess spending?" The revelation didn't surprise Lizzy. She suspected Mrs. Bennet's happiness at the upcoming weddings went deeper than marrying off two more daughters. She believed Mama planned to increase her financial and social standing from their marriages.
"While we are inviting his family for the wedding, Charles refuses to allow them to stay at Netherfield Park or at Bingley House while we are on our wedding tour. We will return to Netherfield after your house party, but Charles wants to spend Little Season in London…sans Lydia and Mama."
~X~
"What do you think of Elizabeth," Constance quizzed Reginald when they were alone in their suite.
"She reminds me of my dearest sister Anne – not her looks – but her wit and her easy laughter. She will be good for Darcy. I could not wish for better." Reginald replied.
"Well, Georgiana says Miss Bingley doesn't like Elizabeth. With that glowing recommendation…I am sure I will like Elizabeth exceedingly." Constance laughed. "I enjoy Madeleine Gardener and I like Mary Collins. I'm grateful to her for healing Richard and Anne."
Monday, May 17
Anne requested a meeting with Mr. Collins after breakfast. Anne had a new contract drawn for Mr. Collins' living at Hunsford Rectory. She had a bank note drawn for Collins' living from Rosings Park's operating funds. She had a second bank note drawn for reimbursing him for expenses he and Mary should not have incurred. They met in her study.
"I don't understand," Mr. Collins spoke nervously. "I thought my living was for my life."
"As I was to inherit Rosings Park when I turned one and twenty, I am declaring Mother's contract for the living at Hunsford Rectory invalid. Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam believe your original contract is disadvantageous to you. A living is generally sold for ten times the amount of the yearly salary. The yearly salary is based on the tithes set and collected. Sometimes the vicar who purchases the living agrees to have the funds invested. The purchase price is refunded with half of the interest accrued when the vicar retires. The patron sells the living to a new person, or the patron may gift the living to a family member." Anne let him ponder that statement for a moment before continuing.
Anne laid out four sheets of paper before him. "This is the Kympton living, which Darcy oversees." She pointed out the size of the church, the amount of the tithes, the amount of the living and the size of the glebe. She pointed out how the tithes were spent or distributed. "This is the Delaford living, which Colonel Fitzwilliam's particular friend, Colonel Brandon, oversees." She repeated the salient points. "This is information about Hunsford Rectory, as overseen by my father, Sir Lewis de Bourgh." Again, Anne pointed out the size of the rectory, the amount of the tithes, the amount of the living and the size of the glebe.
"During Father's time, one-tenth of the tithes went to the vicar. Three-tenths went to the rectory for upkeep, which included rectory and parsonage repairs, the sexton's wages, pew upkeep, cemetery and grounds upkeep, and additions or replacements. Those funds provided for church needs, such as firewood and coal, tuning the pianoforte, purchase of new songbooks, candles, wine for communion services, etc. The funds assessed by The Crown for registering baptisms, weddings, etc. are included in the needs category. One-tenth went to charity, which included alms to be distributed twice a year at Easter and Christmas, and burying the indigent of the parish. Five-tenths of the tithes raised went to Rosings as payment for the rectorship."
"I did not know. I've never seen the ledgers. The funds were Lady Catherine's responsibility." Mr. Collins worried the cuffs of his snowy white shirt under his clerical blacks.
"Father, as the rector of Hunsford Rectory, had the right of advowson. The rectory is built on Rosings land, and supposedly supported Rosings, like one of the farms. The rector registered births, deaths, marriages and acted as magistrate for Hunsford. The vicar, with one deacon and one member of the rectory council, maintained the ledger and accounts for Hunsford Rectory with oversight by the rector. Lady Catherine moved the rectory account from Hunsford to London. With Colonel Fitzwilliam's help, I established a rectory account at the Hunsford bank."
Anne slid another piece of paper before Mr. Collins. "This is the information on how Mother ran the rectorship. She paid you £300 per year in funds and gave you baskets of excess goods from Rosings. However, you were required to pay Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker out of your wages. While a vicar pays the curate's salary from his wages, the sexton should be paid by the rectory. We'll discuss those points in a minute." She pointed out those expenditures on the Kympton and Delaford information sheets. "Your £8,000 living purchase earned £320 interest." Anne explained. "Your own four percent paid your salary last year."
Mr. Collins stared at Anne, speechless because his esteemed patroness cheated him.
"A thorough examination of the previous rectory's ledger by Mr. Darcy led to significant discoveries. One, you overpaid for the living. Two, your yearly wage should be set at one-tenth of the tithes, both in coin and in kind, collected by the rectory. Hence, your yearly wage was underpaid. Three, you paid Curate Stevenson's wage, but his wage should be one-tenth of your wage. Consequently, Curate Stevenson was underpaid last year also. Four, you paid for the Christmas celebration from your own funds. The Christmas celebration should have been hosted by Rosings Park, like the Easter celebration. Rosings Park will also host the St. Thomas Tea in the future."
"I understand." Collins followed along better than Anne expected.
"As vicar, you conduct the church service on Sunday, and host Holy Communion at Easter and Christmas." Anne sipped her tea. "The only rectory-sponsored event for the community will be the Harvest Festival, held the first Saturday of November. The rectory, not the parsonage, will provide food, drink and dance for the parish. There will be contests for best harvests, livestock, poultry, breads, jams, garden stuff, etc. The parsonage will not host community celebrations on Easter and Christmas. Rosings Park will resume hosting Christmas and Easter for its tenants and staff. Father gave two bottles of wine to each business in Hunsford on Boxing Day, along with paying his accounts for the last quarter of the year."
"Do you have a plan?" Mr. Collins struggled to find his voice.
"Yes, I will attend rectory council meetings for the remainder of the year to educate the council how the church business should be conducted. Should any council member object to my plan; they will be cordially invited to relinquish their position on the council. Elections from the deacons board will fill any vacancy on the rectory council. More tea?" Anne refreshed their cups.
"In Father's time, the church service lasted three hours. Now, under Mother's guidance, the service is two hours. I prefer the two-hour service and intend to make no changes to it. I cannot bear church services where the vicar or curate pontificates for hours. Despite Mother's preference…I will not tell you what sermon to prepare and preach. However, you will not scold or judge the congregation. Your duty is to lead and educate. I don't care for sermons which some vicars read from specially printed books like Fordyce's Sermons. I prefer you continue to write your sermons. I would like Curate Stevenson to continue to lead Evensong. However, if Curate Stevenson must stand for you on Sunday morning, he may read prepared sermons from books. You should go to bookstores this week and purchase appropriate books…but not Fordyce's Sermons. Submit the invoices to me to be repaid by rectory funds."
Anne passed Collins a written list of his duties.
"Your other Sunday duties include the collection and counting of tithes, with Curate Stevenson and at least one member of the deacons board or rectory council. As vicar, you are required to keep the rectory's accounts, with perusal rights by me and the rectory council. Additionally, here is a new ledger to record receipt and distribution of tithes, and record income and expenses from the rectory's accounts. You will record upkeep at the rectory and parsonage, and record charity. The previous records are a disaster, so we shall begin fresh and keep the new ledger up to date. I wrote how to determine the living, how to determine wages, how to distribute tithes, etc. in the front of the ledger. I wrote your list of tasks, Curate Stevenson's list of tasks, and Sexton Tucker's list of tasks in the ledger also. When I moved the account from London, back to the bank in Hunsford, I entered the account balance in the ledger."
"Your duties will include baptisms, marriages, and funerals. This includes situations like Betsy Hannigan. You do not refuse to offer prayer, succor or burial to anyone. Coffins, grave digging, burials, and headstones for the poor are covered under that one-tenth tithe for charity. You will visit the sick and infirm. You will visit those in moral peril, including anyone assigned to the assizes in Kent, not in London. During Father's rectorship, Rosings staff prepared soups and breads, which the vicar distributed to new families, grieving families, and the sick and infirm. You will notify Mrs. Havens how many families need charity. You may accompany me, or Mr. Knowles, or Mrs. Collins to distribute aid. You will conduct the rectory board meetings and the deacons board meetings. Mrs. Collins will conduct the benefice society meetings."
"I'm sure this is all news to you. These topics should have been discussed when you accepted the position at Hunsford Rectory. Mr. Darcy helped with your position description as he has an advowson in Kympton and oversees the church there." Anne paused, sipping her tea and gathering her strength to continue this discussion. "When Elizabeth and Darcy marry, Elizabeth and by extension, Mary, become my cousins. You will be my cousin also. Therefore, I gift the living of Hunsford Rectory to you, as a member of my family. The living will be payable in funds, and in excess goods. A ten-acre glebe is included in your living. Mr. Knowles, Colonel Fitzwilliam and I will discuss how to enlarge the glebe if possible."
"Why would you do that?" Mr. Collins didn't understand. Anne explained about the size of the glebe at Delaford and Kympton, which were country churches, not rectories. She laid out a plot map and showed Mr. Collins the glebe before the first of the year, and as of March first when she enlarged the glebe to its previous size.
"You will pay Curate Stevenson one-tenth of your wages. Fifty pounds must be paid in cash, and one-tenth of the baskets or goods which you receive from Rosings. I know Mary notes what is given to Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker. She can provide information for you to note in the rectory ledger. This bank note returns your funds for purchasing your living, along with the interest paid on the original funds, which should never have been part of your wages. Included is the balance of the wages which you should have received, and repayment of Sexton Tucker's wages. The amount includes repayment for the funds Mary expended for repairs and upkeep at the parsonage. The amount includes a refund for hosting the community Christmas celebration." Anne showed Mr. Collins a bank note. "New contracts have been drawn for Stevenson and Tucker. You must obtain their signatures on the contracts." She passed them to Collins. "You will pay Curate Stevenson the balance of his wages, and ensure the rectory pays Sexton Tucker the balance of his wages."
"The living is yours, until you move to Longbourn. Then the living reverts to Rosings, which is responsible for meeting new candidates and establishing a new vicar at Hunsford Parsonage. Since I inherited Rosings Park, please update the information for the Rosings rectorship, the rectory council and the deacons board to include my name as the rector of Hunsford Rectory. You should wait to do that until Midsummer to include any changes to members of the rectory council or deacons board."
Mr. Collins remained silent, accepting the list of tasks to do.
"Additionally, I know you have a rather worn one-horse gig. Please sell your one-horse gig to Curate Stevenson. However, you should replace the one-horse gig for when you, Mary or the Mannings have quick errands to run. In the past, you borrowed a horse as needed from Mr. Knowles at Rosings for you to ride or for the gig. However, you should own your own horse, to saddle or harness quicker than waiting for one from Rosings. A matched pair will allow you a riding horse while Mary or the Mannings use the one-horse gig. Both horses will draw the carriage for you."
"Mary and I will discuss this," Mr. Collins assured Miss Anne.
"Let me elucidate, Mr. Collins. When you return to Kent, you will write your sermons yourself. You will choose the scriptures and explain them to the congregation. Your purpose is not to judge the congregation but to educate them about the word of God. You will keep confessions secret and will offer biblical advice to congregants. Additionally, I intend to support Curate Stevenson and Mary as they teach others to read, write and calculate sums. I want everyone to be able to improve their station in life. I want to have a day school established by Harvest Celebration. You can discuss establishing the day school with Curate Stevenson. The rectory should provide his wages for teaching and necessary supplies from the charity portion of the rectory's funds."
Mr. Shepherd entered the study where Miss de Bourgh and Mr. Collins were seated. "Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam," he announced.
"Please show them in, for I have need of them. Please bring a fresh tea tray." Anne stood and greeted her cousins. "I have need of both of you. Mr. Collins is ready to sign the new agreement for the Hunsford living. I believe I explained everything. However, I would appreciate your questions to ensure he knows all the particulars before he signs. Also, I need both of you to sign as witnesses to the new agreement."
'I had no idea I was so ill-used.' Mr. Collinslistened attentively to Fitzwilliam and Darcy, thought a quick prayer, signed the paperwork explaining his duties, wages, etc., with two copies, and accepted the bank note from Miss de Bourgh. "I will pray for Lady Catherine," he assured Miss Anne as he watched the men witness the agreement between Miss de Bourgh and himself.
"If you would, pray for me also. For your living is one of many issues which the Earl of Matlock and I must settle as I acquire ownership of Rosings Park. Thank you for the meeting this morning. Please return a copy of Curate Stevenson's and Sexton Tucker's new contracts. They keep a copy, and a copy is filed with the church papers." Anne handed him a copy of the paperwork for his files. She gave him a copy of the paperwork to add to the church's files. She set aside her copy of the paperwork. She needed to clear Father's safe at Rosings and be prepared to lock important paperwork away.
~X~
Bond Street stores were filled quality merchandise, at ton prices. Mrs. Bennet examined every length of material, every length of trim and lace, every style of slippers, shoes and boots; and every accessory and bonnet.
"Mr. Gardiner purchased stock from a draper who was going out of business. He paid elevated taxes for the French goods; but we have French lawn, French sarsenet, and French silk. We have a new shipment of Chinese silks, Italian cottons, Irish linens, India muslins and Scottish woolens, in addition to fine ribbons, laces, buttons and threads." Mrs. Gardiner displayed the new materials for the ladies. "We have some fine ribbons and laces, but you might visit a lace maker for best quality."
Jane and Lizzy purchased fine white cottons, silks and thin satins with trims for nightrails, wrappers, shifts, chemises, and petticoats. They could sew these after they returned home.
Jane and Lizzy both needed riding habits. They tasked Kitty with combining three riding habit fashion plates into the one riding habit which they wanted to wear. They selected medium weight linen for riding habits. Jane wanted dark blue with pale blue ribbons for her riding habit. Lizzy thought dark green, with dark gold ribbons would do handsomely for her. They choose the Meryton modiste to sew their riding habits and outer wear as they had most of June to attend fittings at an establishment close to home.
"I want a new hooded redingote from the soft, dark blue wool." Jane sighed, fingering the material at Gardener's Emporium.
"I want one from the dark green wool," Lizzy commented. Lizzy knew she needed warmer clothes for winters at Pemberley but felt she could wait until after the house party to concern herself with the arduous task. Mrs. Gardiner sent the wools to be cut, with appropriate trims. She would have the wools delivered to Matlock House.
Mrs. Bennet did not want to spend time shopping for outerwear and riding habit materials. She insisted the girls look over the materials appropriate for dinner gowns, evening gowns and ballgowns. She insisted on examining the ribbons and laces at Gardiner's Emporium again.
Watching Mrs. Bennet and Lydia obsess over ribbons and laces tested Jane's patience. Currently they were enamored with silver beaded white lace and silver-beaded white silk ribbon. Lizzy and Jane hated both. Mrs. Bennet heard some fashionable ladies of London purchased an entire bolt of lace from lace makers to keep other ladies from buying excellent quality lace. Lizzy and Jane refused to commission a bolt of lace from Bond Street lace makers. They felt one bolt of lace would decorate dresses for their Mama, sisters and Aunt Phillips for a year.
"You would think Lydia is the bride the way she must see every piece of silk, lace and ribbon in every warehouse in London," Kitty shook her head. "Let alone every possible accessory. I do not believe elegance and simplicity will ever be used to describe Lydia."
"I believe you are wrong. Lydia's mind will always be simple. Lydia's obsessions will always be simple. I don't need to see every ribbon, lace, trim, button or pin," Lizzy announced. "I am bored to tears by shopping…unless I'm shopping for books and music."
"Ladies," Mrs. Gardiner sighed. "It's time to take our leisure. I must have tea and a midday meal. I cannot continue until I have a bit of a rest. Mr. Gardiner recommended the best warehouses to obtain the best fabrics and trims, while understanding your trousseau budgets. However, we cannot see every warehouse today. I recommend we visit my modiste after we have a midday meal."
~X~
Jane and Lizzy had their measurements taken by Mrs. Gardiner's modiste. Armed with fashion plates sketched by Kitty, and armed with Mr. Gardiner's best materials in silks, satins, and sarsenets, Jane and Lizzy commissioned three evening gowns. Mrs. Gardiner's modiste agreed to have the evening gowns sewn and delivered to Lizzy and Jane at the Matlock House.
After the modiste, two hours were spent purchasing accessories. Mrs. Bennet suggested their accessories match their gowns, like Miss Bingley's accessories and gowns. Jane insisted on white accessories to go with her blue gowns. Lizzy insisted on cream accessories for her yellow and green gowns. They shopped for gloves, slippers, reticules, ribbons, hair ornaments, bonnets, fans, and all the other necessary items Mama deemed they should have. There were so many things to purchase as well as arranging for fittings. Jane and Lizzy sent the items they purchased to the Matlock House. They hoped for a rest.
However they were prevailed upon by Mrs. Bennet and Lydia to take a carriage ride around Hyde Park. "You must borrow a landeau from the Matlocks so we can see and be seen," Mrs. Bennet insisted. "Mrs. Darcy and Mrs. Bingley…ooh, how well that sounds! If the landeau is crested, you will draw more attention. Everyone will want to know who we are. You will be the niece of the Sixth Earl of Matlock. Presentation Hour is best for unexpected meetings with members of the ton. I knew your marriage to Mr. Darcy would put your sisters in the paths of rich men!"
"None of us are dressed for Presentation Hour, Mama," Lizzy argued. "If I go to the Matlock House, I won't change clothes and borrow a landeau. I don't have gowns appropriate for Presentation Hour in Hyde Park. I must have a rest before dinner tonight. I cannot play cards until midnight if I am to spend the entire of tomorrow shopping."
"We will all return to my home for tea and a rest. There is no need to dress for dinner because I invited family and your two young men." Madeleine Gardiner felt gratitude because the carriages were ready to take them to Gracechurch Street.
~X~
"Being practical is no fun!" Lydia stomped her foot. "If you aren't spending the money Papa set aside for your trousseau, then let me spend funds on new dresses. I need to find a suitor among Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy's friends…especially since the militia is leaving Meryton! Papa will not allow me to tour Brighton this summer."
"NO," Both Jane and Lizzy chorused. "We are not shopping anymore today. Tomorrow we are at Gardiner's Emporium again, to choose fabrics. Aunt Gardiner has the name of a modiste who specializes in morning and day gowns. We visit her tomorrow. We have an appointment at Miss Darcy's modiste on Wednesday."
"You're not visiting Miss Bingley's modiste tomorrow?" Mrs. Bennet frowned. "Her dresses are so elegant and such eye-catching colors. Her gowns are of the first stare…you cannot go wrong following her fashion lead."
"I don't care for the cut or colors she likes. Pumpkin, persimmon and aubergine should be eaten, not worn." Lizzy laughed. "Countess Matlock and Miss Darcy's clothes are classic silhouettes, high quality fabrics, and colors which emphasize each woman's individual beauty."
Lydia sniffed. "I should like to buy gowns from Miss Bingley's modiste…such silks and laces! Everything I've seen you buy is boring!"
"Well, since we're so boring, Jane and I are perfectly capable of shopping for the rest of our trousseaus without importuning you." Lizzy accepted the tea Jane gave her.
"I think you're being exceptionally mean to your sister, who is only interested in helping you purchase your trousseau." Mrs. Bennet helped herself to a generous helping of small cakes and tarts from a tray offered by Mrs. Gardiner's maid.
"Papa offered to pay for one set of wedding clothes for Kitty and Lydia, and two for you, Mama. I do not know how Lydia can wear twelve different laces, six different ribbons and four different materials in one gown. Unless you settle tomorrow on materials and trims, you will not have time to have Mrs. Gardiner's modiste make anything for you before you go home." Lizzy warned Lydia.
"You will have to take me to Miss Darcy's modiste then," Lydia shrugged. "I should have access to the same modistes as you."
"I don't know why. You think Miss Darcy's clothes are boring. Perhaps Mama would like to go accessory shopping with you on Wednesday morning." Lizzy commented to thin air as Mrs. Bennet and Lydia were deep in discussion of laces. She and Jane exchanged looks of commiseration with their aunt.
~X~
After Lady Catherine's doctor left, Mary confessed she was enceinte to Anne, but would not reveal her secret to Mr. Collins or her family before the wedding. Anne agreed to keep Mary's secret if Mary promised to rest this week when she had time.
After a quiet break with refreshments at a fashionable tea shop; Anne and Mary shopped for wedding gifts. Anne purchased silver bowls for cut flowers; Mary purchased silver candle sticks. Anne selected a matching silver bud vase for Richard to give to the happy couples. They would take them to Netherfield when they traveled there for the ball and the wedding. Then Anne spirited Mary back to the de Bourgh House, so she could rest before attending dinner at the Gardiners this evening.
~X~
"You don't present yourself as elegantly as you should," Mrs. Bennet nagged at Jane and Lizzy during dinner. She saw the fashion plates redrawn by Kitty, sans excessive flounces, ribbons and lace. "Miss Bingley is always dressed for the first stare. You must learn to dress better. You must ask Mr. Bingley for the name of Miss Bingley's modiste, draper and milliner." Jane and Lizzy ignored her suggestion.
"If dressing like Miss Bingley is how ladies are dressing these days, I would rather be a parson's wife and dress in my simple browns," Mary whispered to Anne.
"Mama is upset because neither Jane nor Lizzy will reveal how much Papa settled on them for their trousseau. Papa won't reveal the amounts of their marriage settlements, or their pin monies. He forbade Mama from taking my sisters to equipage warehouses. She insists they receive new carriages as wedding gifts from Darcy and Bingley. Neither Jane nor Lizzy care about new carriages dedicated to their particular use. He forbade Mama from taking my sisters to furniture and furnishings warehouses." Kitty whispered. "Jane and Lizzy feel shopping for clothes will require the entire fortnight. They do not want to waste time at other warehouses."
Anne smiled at her friends and shook her head. Mrs. Bennet obviously felt slighted this morning since she tried to dominate the conversation. Anne could not remember either Jane or Elizabeth taking Mrs. Bennet's directions on what to purchase.
Tuesday, May 18
"Will you show me all the blue materials suitable for travel clothes?" Anne transported Kitty and Mary to the Gardiners and agreed to shop with the ladies. Mrs. Gardiner rode in Anne's carriage. Two carriages carried eight ladies comfortably.
"I will be glad to do so," Mr. Gardiner agreed. "I can show you the exact color of Jane and Lizzy's gowns for the birthday ball if you wish."
"I'll show her," Mrs. Gardiner offered. "I know you want to talk to Mary."
Mr. Gardiner drew Mary to his office. "We applied for a patent for your coin liners for reticules. Monday, I meet with a manufacturer to see how many reticule coin liners he can make at what price. The liner problem is the different sizes and shapes of reticules, one liner will not fit all."
Mary thanked Mr. Gardiner for all his hard work. "We shall sip champagne at the wedding to celebrate." Mary discussed the clothes for Mr. Collins with Uncle Gardiner. Mr. Collins needed new shirts and pants for his curacy work also, for he lost three stones weight. Mary adjusted Mr. Collins clothes as much as possible, but he needed new ones. Mr. Gardiner agreed to take Mr. Collins to his tailor to have clerical clothes sewn. Mary brought Mr. Collins' gentleman's clothes to be adjusted by the tailor who made them.
Kitty decided to wear her new pink silk dress, made at Hunsford Parsonage, to the wedding. Anne and Mary recommended Kitty spend her wedding clothes funds for a new ballgown. Her three-year-old ballgown had been a hand-me-down from Jane. Mary explained Kitty should not give away her current ballgown. When Kitty had time, she could purchase new material to replace the bodice and create long sleeves. She could use the skirt from the old gown. With a tulle or gauze overlay, she would update the gown, creating a new fall and winter ballgown. Mary promised to copy her pattern for making a new reticule out of an old bodice and sleeves. The reticule would need new trim and ribbons but reused the material.
Mrs. Gardiner recommended silk brocade for the new ballgown in a color which she called Madame Pompadour after the famous painting. She showed Kitty an embroidered white lace gauze which would make a perfect overlay for a ballgown. She recommended matching Madame Pompadour ribbons for the trim, and for making shoe roses and rose-embellished hair pins to dress Kitty's hair for the ball. Kitty thought to wear her rose-colored shawl, but Mrs. Gardiner conferred with Jane and Lizzy. They urged Kitty to commission a long wrap of the embroidered white lace gauze. Mrs. Bennet, mired in her own decisions, thoughts, and discussions with Lydia, paid no attention to Kitty's purchases.
"Have you planned what to wear to the wedding?" Mrs. Gardiner asked Mary.
"I must swear you to secrecy. We are visiting Miss Anne's modiste tomorrow. She will make my gown for the wedding with extra fullness to cover my increase. I do not want Mother to know; for she will come to Hunsford. I have little time for her nerves and vapors while I endeavor to keep Mr. Collins from silly actions." Mary chose a soft peach silk for her gown, with a darker apricot silk gauze overlay. Mrs. Gardiner suggested extra lengths of the apricot silk gauze to make a long wrap. Mary selected white silk ribbons and white silk lace for trimming the gown. Mrs. Gardiner recommended white accessories with white trims and ribbons.
"Gowns for increasing are made with drawstring at the bodice so you can adjust up as you are increasing and adjust down after your confinement. The drawstring hides inside the dress so no one knows you are increasing." Aunt Madeleine explained to Mary.
"I can make gowns for little girls…with drawstring bodices to go up or down in size…with tucks at the hemlines to adjust as a child grows! Adjustable gowns would give a child many seasons of wear." Mary needed drawings of gowns to fit to girls as they grew. She offered Kitty a pound for detailed drawings in small, medium and large sizes for girls. Kitty enjoyed an unusual task. One pound would purchase her favorite perfume, with floral water and soaps to match.
Mary purchased soft white flannel and fine white cotton for sewing a baby layette. Mr. Gardiner sold her the scrap bin and end bolts of four plain muslins. He sold her three end bolts of soft light wool to make baby blankets. He recommended two lengths of sail cloth to place under bed linens to protect the mattress in the cradle and crib. He agreed to send her purchases to the de Bourgh House, so Mrs. Bennet did not see what Mary purchased.
"I am finished with my baby clothes patterns. I will have them delivered to you with the white flannel and white cotton." Aunt Madeleine offered.
"How will you separate them and send them to me without Mother knowing?" Mary fretted.
"They are already gathered together in a small sewing basket. I'm giving you all of them, from birth to just out of leading strings," Aunt Madeleine ensured no one overheard their conversation. "I hope you have a son. I'm sure you will welcome a daughter, but I hope you have a son. I want him to inherit Longbourn. Jane will have Bingley, Netherfield Park, the Bingley House, and £5,000 a year. Lizzy will have Darcy, Pemberley, the Darcy House and £10,000 a year. I know the extent of your work at Longbourn on the gardens and orchard, the main farm, and with the tenants, the stillroom and distillery. If anyone deserves Longbourn, its legacy and its yearly living, it is you."
Mary sighed.
"Some sacrifices transcend family duty. Your mother wanted one of you – Lizzy, you or Kitty – to marry Mr. Collins to keep her from the hedgerows. Do not cannot sacrifice your life or your happiness for hers. Her jointure funds will allow her to live with Sister Phillips. There is no need for her to live at Longbourn, and treat you like a servant." Aunt Gardiner advised.
"What am I to do?" Mary wiped away a tear; noting she seemed prone to tears since she first missed her courses.
"Have a healthy increase, and have a son and heir," Aunt Gardiner brushed a stray lock of hair away from Mary's face. "I'm taking Jane and Lizzy to another modiste I know. If anyone asks, you've worn yourself out working with Lady Catherine's medical staff. Take a rest, put your feet up and drink good green tea."
Anne and Mary called for the de Bourgh carriage. On their way to the de Bourgh House, Anne informed Mary about the £10,000 gift. Anne explained the £10,000 debit in the Rosings Park operating funds. Supposedly the funds were expended to improve her health over the last decade. She insisted Mary accept the same amount for truly making Anne healthy. Mary protested the unnecessary and extravagant thanks.
Anne explained about Mr. Collins new living contract, and the reimbursement of funds to him. Anne explained the wages Mr. Collins would receive were more appropriate to the position he held at Hunsford Rectory. Anne also explained the increase in duties for Mr. Collins also. "While I want you to have a son…my heart will break when you return to Longbourn. If anything happens to Mr. Collins, I want you to stay at Rosings if you have a daughter. I will enjoy having you near. These funds will allow a living for you and a daughter." Before they returned to the de Bourgh House, Anne addressed all of Mary's concerns. She transported Mary to her bank and helped her deposit the funds in her marriage settlement account.
Mary would ponder some figures tonight. She would spend half her pin money, and save half. The saved half would accrue and increase her percents. She planned to spend half her pin money on her and half to improve the living at Hunsford Parsonage. She wanted more beehives, lavender plants, and poultry. She planned to buy another dairy cow and keep her two female sow babies to replace Lady Capulet. As Mary knew nothing about manufacturing, she could not calculate what sum she might earn from her coin rolls or reticule liner.
After conferring with Lady Catherine's caretakers, Anne joined Mary in the library for tea. She looked a little weary.
"You will make the best of this," Mary quietly spoke to Anne.
"The best is to expect nothing at all. If Mother manages to rally, we have a cause to celebrate. If she does not, she is settled as comfortably as possible. I will hire the best help possible for her," Anne sipped her green tea and expressed her appreciation for the custard tarts. There were small comforts in all this chaos.