Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 11
Wednesday, May 19 – Anne's day to entertain
Jane and Lizzy perused Gardiner's Emporium for fabrics, in addition to fashion plates at Mrs. Gardiner's modiste. They ordered new gowns to be completed before attending the new play at Vauxhall Gardens. However, Elizabeth agreed to have some of her gowns created at Georgiana's favorite modiste. Without a recommendation…none of the ladies would be admitted to Mme. Charette's shop. Anne introduced the Bennet ladies to the modiste she shared with the Fitzwilliam ladies and Georgiana.
"If a store lists its prices in guineas first – it might be one favored by the ton. Therefore the price you pay is to be seen, and have your purchases reported to other members of the ton," Georgiana warned the ladies.
Jane sighed as the Fitzwilliam ladies' modiste, Mme. Charette, wanted to measure them for every possible gown they would need. She had a concise list of trousseau needs which she provided to ton brides. Anne took the list. She would not remember ever owning a fortnight of day gowns and afternoon gowns, nor a fortnight of undergarments, nor night clothes. She could not remember owning a sennight of evening gowns, walking gowns, Presentation gowns, or riding habits. Mme. Charette also had a list of the presentation needs for a debutante. Georgiana took a copy of that list. Lizzy and Jane explained Mme. Charette would create their ballgowns, bridal gowns and cloaks. Ballgowns were chosen in dark ivory silk for Lizzy and summer blue silk for Jane.
Mrs. Bennet sighed with rapture over two bridal gowns which were on display at the modiste. "A bride must appear to be a bride," Mrs. Bennet argued when neither Jane nor Lizzy approved of the gowns.
"I shall go mad from this chaos." Anne whispered to Mary.
"I shall go mad from the tedium of shopping," Mary whispered back. 'I wish I were at home…I miss the serenity of my gardens.'
"Mrs. Bennet," Augusta agreed with Mme. Charette. "True elegance cannot be expressed in excessive lace and flounces, nor can it be expressed by excessive beads and pearls. The nouveau riche express their pretentions to higher society through such frivolous and unfashionable enticements. You want the first stare to be admiration for the quality of the materials in the gowns…not shock and dismay over the excessive trim."
"I don't care if a ton bride or a nouveau riche bride commissioned this gown," Lizzy critiqued the first gown. "I cannot bear the thought of one hundred small ribbon bows fixed with a seed pearl onto the skirt of the gown. I don't care for a veil bordered with small ribbon bows and seed pearls. Where could one wear this gown…other than a presentation ball after meeting the Queen?"
"What about the other gown? I think it is lovely," Mrs. Bennet sighed.
"I don't care for the long gauze sleeves with the double row of lace from shoulder to cuff," Jane critiqued the gown. "The pin-tucked bodice is lovely, but the deep V-shape does not suit for wearing in a church. The bodice might be appropriate for a marriage by special license in a private home, with a wedding breakfast and ball afterwards. The gown is appropriate to wear again as an evening gown."
"You don't have time to commission a replica," Mme. Charette shook her head. "This dress is ordered in February for an October first wedding. I hired a woman to whitework the eight and ten inch bottom border for three months. We're waiting for the bride to determine if she wants the bodice and cuffs whiteworked."
"We are marrying on June thirtieth, Mama," Jane gently reminded her.
Lizzy and Jane choose simple, elegantly cut wedding gowns to be made from the best white silk which Mme. Charette offered. Lizzy and Jane selected white silk lace and tiny white silk ribbon roses for the sleeves of their gown. They selected very wide, white rose embroidered silk ribbon with lace borders for the empire waist of the gowns. They selected silk lace for trimming the necklines of the gowns. Both bodices were ruched; Jane's had an overlapping V-neck; Lizzy's had a squared neckline. Mrs. Bennet fretted over the lack of flounces on the gowns and tried unsuccessfully to convince the girls to be lavish. Mme. Charette agreed to cut the skirts of the gowns fuller so the brides could dance at their wedding breakfast.
The modiste recommended a milliner where they could have wedding bonnets trimmed to match the ribbons and laces of their gowns. She recommended a cobbler where the girls could buy white kid leather half boots and white satin slippers for the wedding. They both selected summer blue silk brocade, hooded cloaks to wear over their gowns. The cloaks were simple also, and Mrs. Bennet voiced her disapproval of unembellished wedding clothes for the simple ceremony. She endeavored to enlist Lady Matlock in her argument to move the wedding to September. Mrs. Bennet opined the girls would select less simple wedding clothes if there were more time for modistes to create more fashionable gowns.
Lydia selected a fashion plate for a gown to wear to the double wedding. She planned on a low décolletage and deep red silk for the dress, but Jane and Lizzy refused to allow her to commission an evening gown to wear to the church. With help from Mme. Charette and Mrs. Gardiner, Lydia settled on a fashion plate for a day gown with a white silk under gown, a red rose-embroidered crimson silk gauze overlay, with a crimson silk ribbon-bound, scalloped hem. The tucked bodice had a shallow V-neck. Her bonnet would be white satin, with crimson fabric roses and crimson satin ribbons. Mrs. Gardiner recommended additional lengths of the crimson silk gauze be made into a wrap. She recommended white silk gloves with red rose embroidery, but Lydia had her heart set on crimson red long silk gloves, crimson satin dancing slippers and a crimson reticule.
Mrs. Bennet commissioned a new ballgown for the birthday ball and a new day gown for the wedding. She eventually settled on dark ivory silk for both gowns with wine-colored ribbons and laces. Mrs. Bennet purchased a dark ivory turban to be embellished with wine-colored trims. She could wear it to the church and to the wedding breakfast. Mrs. Gardiner suggested a wrap, reticule, fan and slippers in the wine color.
Kitty bet Lizzy a six-pence Lydia would borrow the accessories before Lizzy celebrated her first anniversary with Darcy. Lizzy felt she should give Kitty the six-pence now rather than wait for Lydia to prove the bet.
Mary's quiet discussion with the modiste ensured her birthday ballgown and her wedding clothes would be full enough to hide her increasing figure. Anne commissioned a new sapphire blue satin ballgown and a summer blue silk gown for wedding. She commissioned a summer wardrobe and a travel wardrobe to be finished and delivered to the de Bourgh House before the middle of June.
After four hours at Mme. Charette's salon, Georgiana begged for a fashionable respite at her favorite tea shop before continuing. Georgiana paid for a private room so they would not be importuned by other ladies. After tea they patronized the accessories store favored by the Fitzwilliam ladies. Mrs. Bennet was so busy admiring all the fine offerings, she did not remember to counsel Jane and Lizzy on their purchases. They both bought new silk shawls in their colors – light and dark blue for Jane, yellow and green for Lizzy. They both bought a few sets of decorated hairpins. They found embroidered reticules to match their gowns for the birthday ball.
While the Bennets shopped for wedding accessories, Anne's group wandered the store. "I believe I will buy those white lace parasols for Lizzy and Jane for their birthdays," Mary pointed them out to Mrs. Gardiner. Anne bought white satin and mother-of-pearl handled fans for Lizzy and Jane for their birthdays. Kitty purchased white silk handkerchiefs for her sisters.
"Excellent choices, I recommend delivery to the de Bourgh House. Mrs. Bennet dislikes Lizzy and Jane organizing deliveries to the Matlock House. Mrs. Bennet reviewed everything delivered to our home, and discusses the purchases with Lydia." Mrs. Gardiner recommended Anne and Mary purchase white accessories for the ball and the wedding.
The Fitzwilliam ladies introduced Jane and Lizzy to their preferred stationer who would make calling cards for Lizzy and Jane. Jane and Lizzy purchased blank invitations for the birthday ball. While they were still in London, they promised to discuss the birthday ball plans with Georgiana and the Fitzwilliam ladies. They purchased good paper, inks, quills, and sealing wax for writing summer lawn party, wedding and wedding breakfast invitations. Anne ordered new calling cards with her Rosings Park and de Bourgh House the addresses on the card.
The ladies stopped at a perfumer next. The shopkeeper appreciated the eight women customers. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia had to smell everything…and then demanded Mary recreate the scents they desired. Mary explained she didn't have time to experiment and didn't grow some of the necessary flowers. She fought the urge to cast up her accounts at some of the extremely floral fragrances.
Jane and Lizzy purchased perfumes and soaps. Anne purchased perfumes and soaps for both the de Bourgh House and Rosings. Lydia suggested Kitty purchase a multi-floral scent, offering to share the expense with her the next time she received her pin money. Kitty didn't fall for the ploy. "I am buying rose scent today, because I like it. When you get your pin money, send the fee to the shopkeeper. He'll ship your multi-floral scent to you for a price." The shopkeeper wrote the purchase price with shipping charges on the back of a card. Lydia approached Mama for the funds. While Lydia and Mama were distracted, Kitty purchased rose scented items using her pin money she saved. She handed off her purchases to a de Bourgh House groom to put in the de Bourgh carriage…out of sight of Mama and Lydia.
Jane and Lizzy visited the cobbler on Bond Street. Jane and Lizzy ordered walking boots for their wedding tour. Lizzy also ordered two pairs of kid leather boots for walking in her day gowns. She preferred the freedom of walking to being trapped in a drawing room gossiping about people and events.
~X~
Mr. Gardiner took Mr. Collins to see Mr. Byington, tailor to Darcy and Bingley. He ordered an evening kit for attending dinners, theatre and concerts. Collins paid extra for Mrs. Byington to make him two shirts for outdoor sports, and two for evening events. Everything would be ready before the wedding. They arranged for Mr. Collins' clothes to be delivered to the Gardiner home. They would bring his clothes to Longbourn before the ball and wedding. They visited a St James Street apothecary for shaving supplies, soaps and scents.
They visited Mr. Collins' bank, so he could retrieve his father's gold watch, fob and chain. Miss Collins' family purchased the items from a good jeweler on Bond Street for their wedding day. Mr. Gardiner approved of their quality. Mr. Collins deposited the bank note given him by Miss Anne. He added £5,000 to increase his account to £20,000 for when he and Mary relocated to Longbourn. He put the remaining £3,000 from the living and the reimbursement from Miss Anne in the account which he used for general living expenses. They visited Mr. Gardiner's barber next, so Mr. Collins could receive a haircut.
At Mr. Gardiner's tailor, Mr. Collins ordered two sets of clerical clothes to replace those which had outgrown him. Mr. Gardiner's tailor agreed to refit Mr. Collins' gentleman's clothes. At the Collinses warehouses, Mr. Collins purchased a new summer weight clerical hat along with black saddlebags and black riding gloves if he needed to ride out to visit a parishioner. He purchased gloves and hat for the evening kit. He talked briefly with family members he had not seen for a few years.
Mr. Gardiner escorted him to the livery manufacturer. He purchased a well-sprung one-horse gig which had space to hold travel trunks or a groom on the back. Collins requested it be delivered to the mews at the de Bourgh House before the first of July. Mr. Gardiner took Collins to his favorite cobbler where Collins ordered a pair of riding boots, and a new pair of walking boots. Mr. Gardiner reminded him to purchase a new pair of dancing pumps. Collins commented becoming a gentleman was hard work, and Mr. Gardiner laughed.
Mr. Gardiner recommended Collins not discuss the purchase of the gig around Mrs. Bennet. He reminded Collins about Mary's silence on the carriage given them by Miss de Bourgh. Mrs. Bennet badgered Jane and Lizzy to request new equipage as their wedding gifts. She dropped hints to Bingley and Darcy. Mr. Gardiner opined Mrs. Bennet wanted Jane to have a new carriage…which would transport them to visit the neighbors in Hertfordshire.
~X~
"Papa," Lizzy spoke quietly to him. "I have not had the privilege of spending £100 at once on myself. You must not let Mama know about the £500 our grooms settled for Jane and my trousseaus, travel clothes and clothes for Little Season. You must not let Mama badger you into discussing our marriage settlements, nor the largess of our pin money. I cannot bear her exultations about pin money, jewels, gowns and carriages. Especially since she doesn't really care for Darcy."
"I shall close my coin pouch to her and Lydia, while consuming excessive amounts of good green tea with confections prepared by a French chef." Mr. Bennet felt he approached his wit's end. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia talked incessantly about the day's shopping. They related every color, style, weight and décor of bonnets. They conversed on the fineness of silk lace to adorn a gown. They chatted about the gold braided trim they saw on spencers and pelisses while shopping. He did not know how they could discuss nothing for hours! He could not bear to hear about lace, yet he needed to keep them from making plans and problems for Jane and Lizzy.
~X~
"This brown soup is delicious," Mrs. Bennet smiled complacently as she observed the large, dining room. The de Bourgh House felt less opulent than the Matlock House. Yet, she catalogued every detail to relate to Sister Phillips, Lady Lucas, and Mrs. Long. The dark green velvet drapes on the tall windows were not overshadowed by the highly polished mahogany chairs, sideboard and corner tables of the room. The brilliant white table linens and serviettes, the gleaming silver plate, and shining crystal goblets held their own against the large gold gilt framed mirrors and pictures in the dining room. The excellent floral displays on the mantle and centerpiece of the table added a delicate floral air to the formal dining room. 'If I had a house like this in London, I would entertain as often as I could. I cannot wait to see the Bingley House and the Darcy House. It vexes me because neither Bingley nor Darcy would open the houses so we could reside together. My excellent hostessing skills would not have embarrassed them…especially in such showplaces. My dinners would be copied for months by Lizzy's new family. With excessive entertainments and a few afternoon vapors…surely I can stretch our shopping trip for a fortnight or more."
"I'm glad you enjoy it," Anne responded. "We tasted this new receipt of Mrs. Collins at Hunsford Parsonage in the spring. She shared the receipt with my cook."
"I'm sure your French chef enhanced the recipe. Mary never created anything like this when she was at Longbourn," Mrs. Bennet commented.
"My French chef has been at the Matlock House since January. The Matlocks are hiring him. Mother is unable to eat the rich foods he cooks. My cook appreciates the new receipts from Mrs. Collins." Anne commented.
Having praised the soup, Mrs. Bennet felt required to finish eating it. Mary learned her hostess skills from Mrs. Bennet, who claimed to be the best hostess in Hertfordshire. However, Mary did not acknowledge her mother's teachings in home arts. Mrs. Bennet glowered at the procession and seating for dinner. Miss Anne gave precedence to the Countess of Matlock, who arranged how everyone walked in, and where everyone sat.
Mrs. Bennet didn't mind sitting between Mr. Bennet and Mr. Gardiner at the center of the table. However, Colonel Fitzwilliam sat between his female cousins, near his father, and across the table from Lizzy and Darcy, with Mary and Mr. Collins seated next to them. Jane sat next to the Countess of Matlock with Bingley by her side. Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam sat across from them. Mrs. Bennet hoped Lydia would be able to converse with Colonel Fitzwilliam before dinner and have him escort her to the table. However, he escorted his female cousins on his mother's orders.
Lydia sat next to Mrs. Annesley who governed the behavior of Lydia and Kitty. They sat across from their parents.
"Mary, is this sole in orange sauce one of your receipts?" Bingley asked.
"No, it's from Colonel Fitzwilliam. Luckily, I have the receipt from Mrs. Havens if Colonel Fitzwilliam doesn't share it."
"I'll share the story; you can share the Orange Herb Sauce receipt," Colonel Fitzwilliam explained. "My batman learned it from a Spanish countessa. Our battalion slept the night in the woods around a large manor house. Officers slept in the courtyard. We emptied the nearby river of fish, then our men gathered buckets of water which were boiled and barreled for our continued travels. The countessa had a few dozen oranges in the attics. She grew garden stuff and fresh herbs on the roof of the manor house. She shared baked potatoes, baked fish, garden stuff and a few cases of wine she had hidden. At departure time the next morning, she and two servants packed the few precious items which had not been plundered. They traveled to the shore to catch a boat to New Orleans. I bought the case of French wines we enjoyed on Twelfth Night from her."
"I wager you did not eat so well all the time," Mr. Bennet commented.
"My family kept my company from starving during my last campaign. Every time I come to London for orders, I returned to the front with a fresh horse and a pack horse loaded down with food and bags of coffee and tea. If I had an injured man returning to England, I gave him a letter to give to Mother. He would go to the Matlock House and deliver the letter. Mother ensured the man rested and recovered. Father would transport the man to the War Office to be released on half pay and returned to his family."
Mrs. Bennet sipped her wine and waved off the footman who offered the sole in orange sauce. She enjoyed the lobster in white wine sauce, and the oyster pate with sardines and anchovies. She nibbled at the salad until she heard a conversation about it.
"This salad is delicious!" Lady Augusta praised Anne.
"Mary…can you explain this receipt?" Anne asked.
"It is my variation of Onion and Parsley Salad," Mary explained. "Make the Onion and Parsley Salad as usual and toss with diced cucumbers and diced, drained fresh tomatoes. Chill well before serving. I serve it with cold roasted chicken. I will send the receipts you want in the morning. I know some people dislike tomatoes, but I find them quite versatile in cooking."
Liveried servants quickly cleared and reset the table for the second course, amid the lively discussion of all the guests except Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. Footmen removed Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley, Lydia and Kitty's wine glasses after the first course and replaced them with glasses of apple cider. Lydia, subdued because Papa observed her and Mama, didn't protest the removal of her wine glass. Kitty chatted with Mrs. Annesley regarding Georgiana's masters. Mr. Bennet joined the conversation with Lizzy and Darcy. Mr. Gardiner joined the conversation with Mrs. Gardiner, Mary and Miss Anne. The Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam shared conversation with Jane and Bingley, along with Lady Matlock.
Mrs. Bennet drained her wine glass and waited for a footman to refill her glass. One set of footmen placed dishes of beef steaks with mushroom sauce, pork cutlets in mustard sherry sauce, lamb cutlets with mint jelly, and chicken in fennel. The next set of footmen placed parsley roasted potatoes, broccoli, whole green beans, and fresh asparagus with lemon sauce.
"I'm thrilled to see my favorite new peas and new potatoes in cream sauce," Mr. Bennet thanked Anne. Mrs. Bennet avoided the creamed peas and new potatoes; and stuffed artichoke crowns because she knew they were Mary's receipts also. She enjoyed the hot rolls served on their own small plates, with special butter knives. Miss Anne's kitchen staff molded the butter into individual shapes, about the size of confections. The individual butter bits were offered on their own tray with a set of tongs to move them to butter plates.
"The receipt is a favorite of Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr. Darcy since they visited Rosings in the spring," Anne smiled at her friend. "I believe Mr. Collins and Mr. Gardiner are partial to new peas and potatoes also."
"I hope your cook made plenty," Bingley requested, "for it looks like I might have to duel Viscount Fitzwilliam for seconds." A liveried footman immediately placed a fresh dish of peas and potatoes near Bingley and another at the other end of the table.
"Mary, is this your mustard sauce?" At Mary's nod, Mrs. Gardiner urged Mr. Gardiner to taste it. "I have the receipt from Mary but have not made it for us yet."
"I prefer it to the French Mustard Sauce our chef makes," Lady Matlock praised the sauce. "This sauce is a bit sweet, and the French Mustard Sauce is tart."
Mrs. Bennet hid her vexation when all the men praised the sauce and begged Mary to share the receipt with their cooks. She ceased eating her pork cutlet. She concentrated on the silver epergne. Mary could not be praised for the fresh fruit, nor the cheese. Surreptitiously Mrs. Bennet felt the fine damask serviette and tablecloth. 'How much does fine white damask cost at the Gardiner's Emporium? I would enjoy making fine white damask table linens for Longbourn! I should make one for Jane and Lizzy also. Such fuss and bother when they can afford to buy the best. Mary ought to buy new table linens for me because I taught her how to set a good table.'
A delicious dessert wine accompanied the sweet course featuring citrus ices, candied pineapple, lemon tarts, lemon shortbreads, and roly poly with orange marmalade. Mrs. Annesley allowed wine glasses filled halfway for the three younger ladies. Lady Matlock endured teasing from the Fitzwilliam men and Darcy for serving their favorite lemon sweets.
After sweet course, the ladies withdrew to the drawing room for coffee and sherry. The men lingered in the dining room for port and cigars. Mrs. Bennet observed the décor of the de Bourgh House and sighed. She keenly felt Mr. Bennet's edict not to discuss furnishings with Lizzy and Jane. She worried a half dozen handkerchiefs into tatters because of Mr. Bennet's decree. Mr. Bennet threatened to penalize Lydia's pin money if she failed to behave as a daughter of a gentleman should. He announced he would not be embarrassed while in the company of Darcy's titled family members.
"Did you bring your maid with you from Hunsford?" Lydia asked Mary.
"No, Kitty and I helped each other prepare for dinner. Mr. Collins prefers for me to have my hair dressed when we are guests or host guests," Mary explained. "Of course, you would not have seen the dress before, I purchased two silk gowns to wear to Rosings when Mr. Collins and I married in November."
Mrs. Bennet frowned. Mary's caramel silk gown appeared more fashionable than any of her sisters' evening gowns. She wore plain gold earbobs and a scrolled gold cross on a fine gold chain. She wore brown satin slippers. Mary wore gold combs in her becomingly dressed hair. 'Why did she bother to present herself well since she is married? If Mr. Bennet would let me spend her portion…her sisters would have better!'
"This is excellent coffee," Lady Augusta complimented Anne.
"Don't tell me," Mrs. Bennet drily commented, "Mary's receipt?"
"Not at all," Mary laughed. "Mr. Gardiner recommended a new coffee warehouse to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Colonel Fitzwilliam taught us to make coffee when he visited Rosings. He learned how from some cook while he was on the continent. I traded treatments and lotions for Colonel Fitzwilliam's bad knee for his Elderberry Wine receipt. I received elderberry plant cuttings from Rosings in March. I don't think they will produce until next June."
"I wish you had visited Longbourn at Christmas," Mrs. Bennet informed Mary. "We needed help to make orange wine. Sarah required help from all of your sisters. I don't know how you convinced staff to help you when you made mead and wines at Longbourn. I believe they've forgotten how to cook and do things since you are not there to oversee the kitchen staff."
"I could not travel to Longbourn at that time," Mary felt Mother's cut but would not acknowledge it. "I left written receipts, sent copies of receipts home with Papa, and mailed extra written copies to you, Mrs. Hill, Sarah and my sisters. Miss Anne's staff always invites my housekeeper to help with tasks like making mincemeat, meads, wines, etc. We made orange wine and orange marmalade at Rosings in January. I plan to let the orange wine age until Christmas. Miss Anne's stillroom and distillery maids share receipts and ingredients with me. Recently Barlow and Rose spent a day with them, learning how to make ink. I taught my younger maids how to made ink for the parsonage, once we gathered enough rain water."
The ladies talked quietly among one another, waiting for the men to join them.
"What?" Mrs. Bennet caught part of a conversation between Mary and Jane.
"Lizzy and I asked Mary to play the pianoforte for the wedding." Jane repeated the request.
"NO!" Mrs. Bennet's handkerchief began flapping faster than a mainsail on a British battleship.
"If Mary can play for weddings at Hunsford Rectory; she can play for Jane and Lizzy at St. Albans," Kitty protested.
"If Mary is doing something for your wedding, then Kitty and Lydia should stand up for you. Lydia for Jane and Kitty for Lizzy." Mrs. Bennet announced. "We can visit Mme. Charette and order gowns for Lydia and Kitty…perhaps a pale blue…"
"Mama…I am weary of this continuous discussion. Bingley is standing up for Darcy; Darcy is standing up for Bingley. I am standing up for Jane. She is standing up for me. We are having a double wedding on June thirtieth. No more than fifty people at the wedding; no more than 200 at the wedding breakfast. Bingley and Darcy are companions for one another on the wedding tour. Jane and I are companions for one another on the wedding tour. Mary will play the pianoforte for our wedding." Lizzy announced to Mama.
"Well fine…if you want dirges played at your wedding!" Mrs. Bennet snapped. "You ought to insist she perform dance music when we are gathered together these two weeks. Take every opportunity to practice your dance steps. You don't want a misstep on the dance floor the day of your wedding breakfast."
Before the discussion could continue; the men entered the drawing room to share the remainder of the evening with the ladies.
"Sorry, no practicing dance steps tonight. We're playing cards." Anne defused the situation. She had five card tables set and directed everyone where to sit. One couple sat at each table, with the remaining couples moving from table to table. The Earl and Countess, Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam, Colonel Fitzwilliam and herself, Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley, and the Collinses were stationed at the tables. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, Jane and Bingley, Darcy and Lizzy, and Kitty and Lydia comprised the groups who moved between tables. Each table played card games which didn't involve betting.
Mr. Bennet requested Mrs. Bennet pay attention to her cards instead of gossiping. They had been outplayed at whist by Jane and Bingley because of her inattention.
At midnight, a light midnight repast of sweets and tea were offered, followed by warmed carriages. Miss Anne, Kitty and the Collinses followed the guests to the carriages and bade everyone goodnight. Meanwhile…upstairs…Mrs. Jenkinson informed Lady Catherine about Miss Anne's oversight of the de Bourgh House. She viewed the position as head caregiver to Lady Catherine as a dreadful mistake. Miss Anne should ensure her mother recovered. Instead Miss Anne shopped her cousins and the vicar's lowly cousins. She fired staff who didn't suit her…and hired medical staff and a doctor which Lady Catherine did not know! Most vexing of all…none of Lady Catherine's family inquired about her health or visited the invalid while attending dinner at the de Bourgh House tonight.
~X~
"Are you teasing me?" Madeleine studied Edward's face in the mirror. "If I did not know you better, Edward…I would believe you and Mr. Collins were in your cups when the conversation occurred."
Edward Gardiner took the brush from Madeleine's hand, gently brushing her hair one hundred strokes. "I am in earnest, and I was as speechless as you are. Collins acted with great cordiality and excellent manners with his Collins relatives. His cousins did not recognize him at first, but his Uncle Martin did. They expressed great affection between them. The uncle no longer travels the continent, buying for the warehouses. Martin Collins invited Collins, who he called Will, to bring Mary to dinner the next time they visited London. His introduction of me caused Martin Collins to recognize my name and compliment me on Gardiner's Emporium."
"How did Mr. Collins greet other family members?" Madeleine barely hid her curiosity.
"Very well; Mary's lessons have been quite effective. The cousins inquired about Collins since his father's death. He explained about Oxford and having the living at Hunsford Rectory in Kent. They asked if he was still heir apparent to that little estate in Hertfordshire. He explained he and his wife, Mary Bennet Collins, fervently hoped Mr. Thomas Bennet would live to an old and distinguished age. Collins claimed they were quite happy with their situation in Kent."
"What are you keeping from me?" Madeleine eyed her husband suspiciously.
"The uncle inquired why Collins visited town. Collins said the family prepared for the double wedding of Mrs. Collins' sisters. The uncle asked if the ladies were marrying someone he knew…"
"Don't tell me…he could not wait to announce his connection to Darcy, the Earl of Matlock or the de Bourgh family." Madeleine pulled a face.
"Don't frown so," Edward chided her. "And, don't try to guess the ending of the story like little Edmund." He smiled and planted a kiss on the top of her head. "No, Collins explained one of his sisters-by-marriage, Miss Jane Bennet, would marry Charles Bingley. The uncle, having done business with Bingley's father and grandfather, asked to be remembered to Bingley. Collins agreed to do so. He did not mention Darcy or his family. Collins and his uncle exchanged calling cards and agreed to correspond with one another. Martin Collins made Collins promise to call, with Mary, the next time they were in town. When Collins settled the invoice, the uncle calculated it with the family discount. Collins objected, but the uncle said it guaranteed Will would be back to see them. Then they shook hands, slapped one another on the back, and parted amicably."
"Tell me the rest of the story," Madeleine scolded. "For I know there must be an entertaining ending…which you have not revealed except through that grin on your face."
"As we strolled to the door, the cousin introduced as Owen Collins, asked Collins to remember him to Miss Caroline Bingley. Collins swore he would." Edward chuckled. "As we returned home, Collins explained his cousin, Owen, pursued Miss Bingley during her first two Seasons. Owen Martin offered for Miss Bingley, but she refused, citing her plans to marry gentry, not trade. Owen Martin married a young woman the family knew, who had twice the dowry of Miss Bingley. He works for the Crowell shipping line whose dray company delivers to all points of England. Their ships ferry goods. Owen Martin said the Crowell shipping line has a contract with the War Office to move men and supplies to and from the continent."
"Miss Bingley?" Madeleine's shocked face caused Edward to laugh.
"Miss Bingley was forgotten in the excitement of marrying Miss Harriet Crowell, with her dowry and her family's shipping connections." Edward's eyes twinkled.
"Oh my!" Madeleine fanned herself with her hand. "Is it wrong of me to hope Mr. Collins repeats the story when we are all gathered together?"
"I will remind him when we see Miss Bingley for the wedding, of course." Edward handed her the brush and plaited her hair. He winked at her in the mirror when he accepted the ribbon. He wound it tightly around the bottom of the braid twice, and then wove the two ends around the braid to the nape of her neck. He finished it with a flourish and a bow.
Thursday, Breakfast at Matlock House
"It is a note from Lydia," Jane handed a message to Lizzy. "Mama has a headache and Lydia requires our company to sit with Mama."
"I do not see how we can manage," Lizzy shook her head as she glanced over the badly scrawled message. "We have modiste appointments and shopping this morning. We have callers this afternoon. Darcy invited us to Gunter's Ices at half past four. Then we are browsing his and Georgiana's favorite bookstores. We are here for dinner tonight followed by the theater. The rest of the week is equally busy."
"Perhaps I will send a note to Mary, asking if she can sit with Mama," Jane suggested.
"I wish you wouldn't. Mary has always given way to Mama so the rest of us could sew, read, walk, etc. She made and served refreshments for the assemblies, while the rest of us danced. I'm glad she is spending time with Miss Anne. She deserves to enjoy the theatre, concerts, bookstores and shopping as much as the rest of us." Lizzy looked over their schedule of things to do today.
"Lizzy…I feel," Jane paused; she almost said something mean. Jane Francis Bennet did not exhibit a mean thought or action. "It is hard for Mama to know Mary will replace her as mistress of Longbourn. Mama watched Mary garner attention for her receipts. Mama has always been lauded as the best hostess in Hertfordshire. Mary managed the staff, the kitchens, the gardens and caring for the tenants better than the rest of us. She created new receipts or reworked old receipts. I know Mary felt the cut Mama made about managing the kitchens. I saw it on Mary's face."
"I feel it is difficult for Mama because Mary is particular friends with an earl's son and niece. Mary is quite busy with Anne and Kitty today. She left a bottle of medicinal sherry with Papa on Sunday. I know Mary left a detailed list to care for one of Mama's nervous headaches. I will write Lydia a note. We have much to do before we return to Meryton, Jane." Lizzy sighed. "We cannot waste a day on Mama's vapors."
Jane smiled. "Bless Mary and her medicinal sherry."
Both were surprised when Augusta joined them for breakfast. "I don't mean to rush you, Elizabeth and Jane. However, I thought I would ask both of you to help me arrange flowers for the drawing room before we leave for shopping and modiste appointments." She indicated a full basket of blooms. "Mama Matlock will guide Georgiana while serving tea and conversing with callers this afternoon. I always take my embroidery to the drawing room to occupy me. Elizabeth, I am not sure how many of our callers will be here to observe you. I suggest you sit near Georgiana and Mama Matlock; and do take your embroidery with you."
"Thank you, Augusta. Jane is teaching me to embroider silk handkerchiefs with silk threads as gifts for our sisters."
"What are you embroidering, Jane?" Augusta asked.
"I'm embroidering a silk shawl with white roses and green leaves. I hope to complete it before a fortnight passes." Jane admitted. "After I complete it, I have hopes of embroidering a silk shawl with yellow roses and green leaves as a birthday gift for Lizzy. Our sister Mary drew the botanical prints I'm using for a pattern."
"They both sound lovely. I'm embroidering silk handkerchiefs myself. I wanted to remind you of the Friday evening dinner and card party at my parents' home, Lord and Lady Elburn. I understand Darcy and Bingley will ride in Hyde Park Saturday morning while Fitzwilliam gives riding lessons to Anne, Georgiana and Kitty. Saturday afternoon is the tour of the Bingley House and the Darcy House followed by Gunter's Ices and Presentation Hour in Hyde Park. Saturday evening, we are at Vauxhall Gardens, for it is the opening of a new comedy. Papa and Mama Matlock secured a supper box which seats ten. They invited Robert and me, my parents, and my two brothers to sit with them. Darcy obtained the supper box next to them. I believe Anne and her three guests are joining Georgiana, Richard, both of you, and Bingley." Augusta reminded Jane and Lizzy of their diary for the remainder of the week. "Have you visited London often?"
"We visited London yearly, staying with our aunt and uncle. I prefer theatre, bookshops and walks to balls and assemblies. While Mama is enraptured with descriptions of the Season from Lady Lucas, I prefer to be in London when there are less people." Lizzy sighed.
"Darcy feels the same way," Augusta confided. "He'd rather leave society than lead society. However, the Season is so busy; it is over before you know it. Summer is for house parties. Then, before you long for society, Little Season is upon us."
~X~
"Thank you for seeing me before breakfast," Mrs. Shepherd closed the door to Anne's study. "Because we had house guests, I could not walk the halls until late. I heard a noise in Lady Catherine's dressing room. When I opened the door, a night caretaker claimed to be putting away clean laundry for your mother. I think things have been gone through in your mother's dressing room."
"I know Jenkinson…and probably Adams…believe I am a horrible, insensitive child for moving Mother from her suite on the second floor to the smaller suite on the third floor." Anne sighed. "I know the staff was appalled when I toured Mother's suite at Rosings. I had planned to move her to the Dower House or de Bourgh House before she became ill. I wondered how much she needed from her Rosings suite. The only thing I removed from her suite at Rosings was documents. The suite at Rosings must be emptied and cleaned."
"I understand, even if they do not. Lady Catherine needs to be near nurses and caretakers. I believe someone else would make staff run up and down stairs. You placed Lady Catherine near the main staircase on the third floor with a companion on one side and a maid on the other. Staff can attend Lady Catherine easier when they are on the same floor. To add to your woes…everything from Lady Catherine's suite at Matlock House has been crated and moved to her second floor suite here. We need time to unpack and determine where to put things." Mrs. Shepherd advised.
"Allow me to make a list?" Anne chastised herself for not thinking ahead to remove the bulk of the clothes Mother would never wear again. Lady Catherine's new suite, near the caretakers, removed her presence on the same floor as Anne's guests.
"Lady Catherine will not wear silk and satin evening gowns any longer. She needs cotton or linen day gowns. She needs sensible cotton undergarments and petticoats. She needs sensible cotton or flannel nightrails and wrappers. We do not need a second laundress for fine fabrics unless you have things cleaned while you are here on weekends. The modiste has Lady Catherine's measurements. Gardiner's Emporium has quality fabrics. I can help you sort some things to keep until a new wardrobe arrives for her."
"We need to check the attics and the crates in her old suite. Crate any clothing, accessories, etc." Anne added the task to her everyday book.
~X~
"My nerves can't take this!" Mrs. Bennet moaned to Mr. Bennet. "This is all Lizzy's fault! If I were at the Matlock House, I would rest easier. Edward's children are too noisy for my nerves!"
"Your nerves are not as important as our daughters' happiness." Mr. Bennet snapped. "Jane and Lizzy are occupied with the Fitzwilliams through Saturday. Mary and Kitty are occupied with Miss de Bourgh and the Fitzwilliams. I want you to remember how thrilled you were when Mary married Mr. Collins and saved you from the hedgerows. You were thrilled when Mr. Bingley asked Jane to marry him. I want you to remember all your moans about Lizzy walking, reading, and having pert opinions because they are why Mr. Darcy offered for her."
"If I cannot rest easy at the Matlock House; then I should be at the de Bourgh House! Mary is the best in a sickroom! Lydia doesn't have the nerves for nursing. She is so lively! She should spend her time attending the theatre and parties with Jane and Lizzy or shopping with Miss Anne or Miss Georgiana! Mary needs to teach Kitty how to make the medicinal sherry, teas and broths to ease my headaches!" Mrs. Bennet moaned.
"If you attempt to delay the wedding by succumbing to weeks of vapors and nerves; I will arrange for your removal to a retreat at Thistle Crown Manor in Scotland. They take ladies who are overwhelmed by nerves and vapors. Located in the wilds of Scotland, the retreat offers daily walks on the moors or the gardens, cold baths, and no calming draughts. Since it is after Lady Day, there is no fire in your room until Michaelmas. You must share sleeping quarters with someone of your social standing. There are no extra candles at night, nor new fashion plates. There is no gossiping while consuming boxes of confections. Six months at Thistle Crown Manor from Midsummer to Christmas will cost your pin money for a year. However, as you won't be entertaining, I believe we can afford it. Ladies, who are sent there, are not allowed letters or visits from home because the retreat concentrates on healing your nerves." Mr. Bennet removed an ad for the retreat from his pocket, handing it to Mrs. Bennet.
Her mutterings and handkerchief flapping ceased immediately as her eyes read the ad. When she finished reading it, she stared at him. "You would not dare," she hissed.
"Oh, I do dare, Mrs. Bennet. Gardiner supports the scheme. Madeleine will help the girls prepare for the birthday ball and wedding. So…you choose whether you will cease having nerves and headaches when things are not to your liking…or find yourself packed off to Scotland before the wedding takes place. You are the mistress of Longbourn…not the sole arbitrator of the lives of family and friends surrounding us. If I must send you away to have peace in my life, and provide peace for our daughters…I will. I believe there is a seminary for Lydia not one hundred miles from Thistle Crown Manor. I will scarce be out £10 in pocket money in exchange for Lydia becoming a lady." Mr. Bennet left a speechless wife wallowing in her imaginary vapors.
~X~
After breakfast on Thursday, Anne ordered the male staff at de Bourgh House to move Lady Catherine to the conservatory with Adams and Jenkinson to keep her company. Mary and Mrs. Shepherd helped Anne clear the excessive wardrobe from Lady Catherine's quarters. Anne saved the simplest clothes and accessories from Mother's extensive wardrobe. She saved three sets of fine black silk clothing and accessories for Mrs. Shepherd, Mrs. Jenkinson, and Adams.
Staff crated the opulent silk and satin gowns, shoes, shawls, fans, gloves, etc. from Lady Catherine's wardrobe. Mary suggested visiting Mrs. Gardiner's second modiste. She owned a used clothing business next to her modiste shop. Anne sent a letter of inquiry to the modiste immediately. The proprietress would be thrilled to receive the clothes and accessories from Anne and sell them. She would ledger the sales and send payment forward on Midsummer, Michaelmas and Christmas. Anything which had not sold by Twelfth Night became the property of the modiste. Lady Catherine's clothes could be refitted to almost anyone who came to the shop.
Anne ordered a sennight of day gowns made from darker muslins, cottons or linens from Mother's favorite modiste. She paid for an extra seamstress to finish the new wardrobe within a sennight. Lady Catherine needed sensible clothes which the de Bourgh House laundress could keep clean. Anne kept darker colored warm shawls and a warm cloak, sensible undergarments, nightclothes, stockings, wool house slippers and a few pairs of shoes for Mother. She commissioned a sennight of mob caps in darker cottons and muslins for Mother, instead of the ridiculous black gauze and lace headdresses which Lady Catherine favored. Anne did not feel the headdresses would sell. She set them aside for the widows of Hunsford. They could make two or more mob caps from one headdress.
Anne left Lady Catherine a pair of plain gold earbobs and cross, a gold and pearl broach, and her wedding ring. Anne locked the remainder of Mother's jewelry in the safe. Mother's reticules were emptied. Anne left a large, black reticule, holding a black lace fan, a vinaigrette, and a black handkerchief. She did not imagine Mother would leave the house again…but one needed to be prepared. The other reticules with their contents would be sent to the modiste for sale. Funds from the reticules were given to Mrs. Shepherd to add to the household accounts.
Anne requested the remainder of Lady Catherine's clothes be crated and shipped to Rosings. Out of style clothing; woolen gowns, pelisses and spencers; cloaks and redingotes; etc., would be remade by the Hunsford Rectory benefice society into clothing for the poor. Removing most of the items from Lady Catherine's third floor dressing room eased the workload of the caretakers, nurses and maids.
Anne emptied the desk in Mother's sitting area of everything except a slate, chalk and cleaning rag for Mother to attempt to write messages for Adams and for Mrs. Jenkinson. She did not believe Mother would ever write another letter. Anne informed Mrs. Shepherd no letters written for Lady Catherine by staff were to be franked, mailed or delivered without Anne seeing them. She would inform Mrs. Jenkinson and Adams about not writing letters for Lady Catherine. She removed the lovely silver writing set Mother owned, locking it in the silver pantry. She removed Mother's calling cards so they could not be sent around…especially to Uncle Reginald or Darcy demanding they call on her.
~X~
Lady Matlock introduced Lizzy to a plethora of society ladies. Lizzy felt the introductions were examinations. None of the ladies could inquire about Lizzy's rank, connections or portion. They sat gracefully on silk upholstered settees and chairs in the Matlock House drawing room, displaying their best ton manners while partaking of excellent refreshments. None of them actually stared at Lizzy, although she could feel their eyes upon her, watching her, waiting for her to exhibit ignorant country manners and deportment.
"Is it always this busy during calling hours?" Lizzy whispered to Georgiana. Lizzy wore a soft, cloud white, striped muslin day gown, accented with primrose ribbons. Made in March, the gown followed one of the London fashion plates the Hunsford modiste acquired when making Miss Anne's gowns to wear at Rosings. Lizzy's hair had been dressed by Georgiana's French maid, Paulette. Lizzy never worried about her clothes before…and felt unsure she wanted a life where her clothes, hair, and accessories were examined, along with her choice of tea, entertainments and preferences.
"Not hardly," Georgiana muttered. "Cousin Anne, William and you are the newest gossip of the ton. You have to be separated from Aunt Constance or Cousin Augusta before the ladies of the ton can press for details. Do not accept shopping invitations or introductions to their modistes. Don't answer any inquiries about how you are redecorating Darcy House. Avoid invitations to large tea parties. Avoid invitations to promenade. Since you are only in London for two weeks, you will not receive dinner invitations."
"I'm sick of shopping," Lizzy confided to Georgiana as the conversation in the room ventured to the excellent shopping during the Season.
"I know you've been measured for every possible gown, outerwear or shoes…" Georgiana sighed. "I understand how never ending it seems. Thank goodness you can purchase most accessories without having to be measured and have fittings. I shall endure the same when I come out next Season…only I have to be fitted for a presentation gown in addition to lessons for walking, curtseying, and entering and exiting carriages."
Elizabeth sipped her tea and groaned as another wave of ladies entered the Matlock House drawing room. She, Jane and Georgiana stood at the same time as Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam and curtsied toward the ladies announced by one of Lady Matlock's footmen.
"Don't stress Lizzy…it's not like this at Pemberley. We have little need for silk day gowns or silk evening gowns. Sturdy walking boots, and good cotton, muslin or linen walking gowns, and riding habits are essential." Georgiana winked at her new sister.
Friday
"Anne, Bingley and I need help," Darcy confided in his cousin. "Elizabeth and Jane have been very conservative with their trousseau funds. I believe they do not wish to overspend while Mrs. Bennet accompanies them. Can you arrange with your modiste to create a summer wardrobe for our ladies?"
"I would love to help. Ordering or purchasing anything other than wedding clothes and silk gowns has been difficult for my new cousins. Mrs. Bennet is not the least interested in shopping for morning, day or walking gowns, and certainly not travel clothes or outerwear." Anne's eyes twinkled. "I will order the same wardrobe for them which I ordered for me to move between Rosings and the ton. The wardrobe will take them between Pemberley and London, and Hertfordshire and London." She planned to help Mary order gowns to hide her increase. Mary did not want her mother or the Hunsford modiste to know of her increase. Mary's gowns could be delivered to the de Bourgh House for Anne to take to Rosings each week after she visited London.
"Order what you think they need. Have it delivered to the Gardiner House before the Gardiners leave London for the birthday ball, please," Bingley pleaded.
"Trust me," Anne assured them. "I know the ladies preferences for colors and materials." After examining what her new cousins purchased, Anne would develops lists of what to order. Jane would need day gowns of blue cottons, linens and muslins with no flounces and minimum lace. Medium and dark primrose and spring/summer greens for walking gowns and day gowns for Lizzy. The skirts needed to be fuller than normal day gowns so Lizzy could walk comfortably. She would order day gowns from Mrs. Gardiner's first modiste. She would order spencers and pelisses for travel from Mrs. Gardiner's second modiste. Kitty could help Anne purchase summer accessories for her sisters.
Mary and Kitty enjoyed helping Anne order a wardrobe for their sisters. Both understood the difficulty of shopping with Mama. Anne took Mary and Kitty shopping for shoes and accessories. Anne purchased a paisley shawl with shades of blue, cream, green and lavender. The paisley shawl would coordinate with every gown which Anne ordered this Season. Kitty found a predominately pink paisley shawl which would accessorize most of her pink gowns. Mary purchased a long wrap in paisley also, with creams, browns, greens, and dark primrose.
~X~
"Why do I feel like an exhibit at a museum?" Georgiana murmured to Anne.
"Augusta's family is greatly enamored of the ton and are more formal than the Fitzwilliams." Anne glanced about the room and spoke quietly to Georgiana, Jane and Lizzy who played cards with her. "Viscount Elburn seeks an heiress. He gambles, visits the dark walk at Vauxhall, and is fond of Turkish baths in Covent Garden."
The three ladies at the table with her were wide eyed and speechless.
Anne dealt the cards smoothly, and kept the conversation quite low to avoid being overheard. "I can give you the name of every rake, gambler, muslin chaser and heiress seeker which Mother encountered during her stay at Matlock House. Never be alone without a companion, maid or footman if Elburn or his particular friend, Gramercy, are in proximity to you. They and their set would compromise Georgiana or me for our dowries. They would dump us at a country estate and carry on their dissolute ways. Beware."
"I understand," Georgiana admitted. "If we can't meet with one another and discuss these men, then we must write one another. I have no intention of being compromised. I want a love match like William and Lizzy."
"As do we all," Anne agreed. "Lizzy…you especially must guard against unseemly behaviors from gentlemen. I'm sure you can deal with any woman who approaches Darcy for protection. However, after your marriage, and after you bear Darcy an heir and a spare…there are unscrupulous men who would bed you to get revenge on Darcy, or to blackmail him into a scheme. No man likes being cuckolded."
The ladies gasped.
"What's going on over there?" Augusta called out.
"Anne plays cards better than we thought," Georgiana prevaricated.
May 22, Saturday afternoon, Bingley House
The brick Bingley House had large windows which looked out on the ton. Jane and Lizzy admired the wainscot walls, high ceilings, and highly polished wooden floors. The décor colors jarred the senses rather than soothed. No one appreciated the celery drawing room, the plum dining room, or the apricot, lemon yellow, emerald green or coral guest suites.
Despite its newness, Bingley hated furniture which Caroline ordered after viewing it in someone's home. He did not care if the Bingley House drawing room resembled the drawing room of the Honorable Miss Second Social Circle, London. He intended to lease the house with furniture he didn't like. Bingley and Jane determined which furniture and décor to ship to Netherfield. They agreed several hideous pieces at Netherfield would be shipped to Bingley House upon their return to Meryton.
Jane appreciated Charles' refusal to lease to Caroline. His solicitor wrote lease papers and would prepare the catalogue. The tradesman would take possession of the Bingley House after Michaelmas. The tradesman had three daughters who would come out during Little Season. Bingley approved of the man and hoped he would purchase the Bingley House in January. The staff at the Bingley House understood Miss Bingley would not return, and zealously repeated the gossip to one another.
Bingley's mail was forwarded to Netherfield. Caroline's was forwarded to Scarborough. The Hursts mail was forwarded to the Hurst House. Bingley's staff had not been importuned by callers since Little Season last year.
Saturday Afternoon, Darcy House
Darcy approved of the light green and pale primrose sprigged muslin dress Elizabeth wore to view the Darcy House. Her lovely pale primrose bodice ribbon matched the ribbons on her bonnet. She wore pale primrose cotton gloves and cream walking boots. She reminded him of a sparkling spring morning. He proudly introduced her to the staff, along with her sister, Miss Jane Bennet, and his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Bingley and Miss Bennet, along with Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam were to tour the Darcy House. Anne, with Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Jane with Bingley, viewed the Darcy House with interest. Bingley had been there before, but he expressed hope he and Jane could redecorate at Netherfield. Caroline's ton décor in Netherfield Park did not suit.
The Darcy House reflected other excellent prospects to be seen in Grosvenor Square. The spacious and well-lit entry hall of Darcy House welcomed guests. Cream walls lightened the space on the first floor and followed the staircase to the second floor. Paintings, along with gilt-framed mirrors, reflected light down the hall. Drapes on the windows would be closed and wall sconces lit at dusk. The candlelight would soften the walls and cast a glow on the polished wainscoting. Lizzy could hardly believe Darcy's claims that Pemberley outshone the Darcy House.
"Let's start at the top of the house," Darcy led his guests up the stairs. "Top floor is staff quarters. Women in the east side; men on the west. My butler and housekeeper have a large suite. Across the hall from them are suites for the personal servants of the master and mistress. We have extra rooms for staff who attend visitors. The lower level has a staff hall which serves as a common room and a dining room for staff. The lower level holds kitchens, storage, wine cellar, coal storage, silver pantry, laundry room, boot room, still room and offices for the butler and housekeeper. There are additional quarters for the cook, undercook, and kitchen maids."
"The third floor is guest suites." Most guest rooms were large, airy and beautifully decorated. They reflected colors from nature which could be seen out the windows. The housekeeping staff kept the rooms neat and orderly, so notice from Mr. Darcy to open the house did not incur panic. Everything could be readied in a short amount of time.
"Second floor is family rooms and suites." Darcy showed Lizzy the master and mistress suite. He showed her the suite Georgiana shared with Mrs. Annesley, and Colonel Fitzwilliam's suite. He showed Bingley and Miss Bennet a suite for their use. Currently Bingley used a guest suite on the third floor. Once he and Jane were wed, they would be housed on the family floor. Darcy explained Lady Catherine had not stayed at the Darcy House once Lady Anne died. Uncle Reginald kept a suite for Lady Catherine at the Matlock House, until Anne moved Lady Catherine to the de Bourgh House.
Lizzy studied the spacious mistress sleeping quarters. The rosewood furniture was suitably sized for a petite woman. Lady Anne's excellent taste reflected the sunny day in the mistress suite. Lizzy enjoyed the sky blue and white striped wallpaper. Lady Anne's choice of sunny yellow bed linens and drapes boldly enrobed a large, canopied bed. Sky blue upholstered furniture and white accessories of the suite were quite pleasing to the eye. The large night tables easily held a candelabra and a stack of books. Narrow mirrors were hung above the night tables. A console table with two chairs and an over mirror graced the wall inside the door. A small settee, with a large oval table behind it, sat before the fireplace. A painted fire screen with a nature scene reflected the colors of the room. White marble columns upheld a marble mantle which held a clock, candlesticks and interesting floral porcelains. A large mirror hung on the chimney piece. A large landscape hung over a writing desk which sat between the windows.
A dressing room (the size of Lizzy's Longbourn bedroom) was attached to the sleeping room. The dressing room held all the furniture a lady would need. One wall held three armoires. One to hold daily clothes, one for evening clothes and one for riding and promenade clothes. Space atop the armoires would hold bandboxes. The back wall held a washing stand, a towel rack, and dressing screen hiding a commode. A large washing stand held a piece of sailcloth to sit under a hip bath, along with extra candles, soaps and bath linens. The wall opposite the armoires held a dressing table with chair, dressing mirror, and a chest with four drawers. The dressing table held a silver tray for perfume and scent flasks and a silver tray for brushes, combs and hairpins. A chaise lounge sat on one side of the fireplace. Next to it sat a two-tier sewing table with lifting top for the lady's maid to sew or mend clothes. The door occupied the other wall next to the fireplace. Lizzy could not believe the luxury of just one room.
Darcy led Lizzy back through her sleeping quarters and though a door into a pretty little sitting room. Lady Anne decorated the private sitting room with pale green walls, forest green drapes, gold upholstery and green accessories. The furniture was thoughtfully arranged. The mantle was not overstuffed with décor items. The large on the fireplace front reflected light into the room. The fireplace screen, painted by Lady Anne, was a lovely landscape of the woods at Pemberley. The Juliet balcony overlooked the gardens at the Darcy House. A door next to the fireplace let Lizzy know Darcy's room accessed the sitting room also.
Darcy's room held massive mahogany furniture, appropriate for a tall man, upholstered in dark browns. The tall windows bore heavy, lined cream damask drapes. Two wing back chairs with a table sat before a fireplace. Two bookcases flanked the fireplace. They held books with horse bookends. Wooden candlesticks held four-hour candles. Over the writing table and chair was a massive oil painting of pastures and grazing horses. Darcy explained his dressing room held the usual dressing room furniture plus items a man needed like a gentleman's shaving stand and a boot jack. He also had three armoires.
"First floor has the drawing room, family parlor, billiards room, library, a study for you and one for me, dining room, morning room and music room. The music room becomes a ballroom for one hundred persons." Darcy led them to the elegant music room with painted antique gold walls and cream woodwork. The music room overlooked side flower gardens at the Darcy House. The cream silk upholstered furniture, with thin gold and chocolate brown stripes, looked well with the chocolate brown velveteen drapes. The rich wood floor was highly polished with plush chocolate rugs. Marble busts stood on two marble columns near the windows. The room felt elegant…but not ostentatious. A pianoforte and a harp commandeered separate corners of the room. Mahogany music stands were clustered near the pianoforte and harp if guests brought flutes, lutes, guitars or violins. One could imagine the musical evenings conducted in the room. Alcoves would hold chaperone chairs in one, and a sideboard with refreshments and libations in another.
"The formal drawing room and formal dining room will hold four and twenty," Darcy explained. Lizzy admired the cinnamon and beige striped wallpaper over mahogany wainscoting. Lady Anne arranged beige upholstered mahogany furniture in conversation groups. A tall case clock occupied one wall between windows. Cinnamon velvet drapes were held back with beige silk tassel ties. A small sideboard stood between two more windows with decanters and a tray of glasses. Over it was a picture of Pemberley's woods in the fall with cinnamon, bronze, copper and gold leaves. The scene from the picture was reflected in the fire screen. Pillows, vases, and other small décor were cinnamon, brown or gold.
The formal dining room colors and furniture mirrored the formal drawing room. Darcy explained he and Georgiana used the small morning room for their informal meals. They preferred it to using the formal dining room. Stationed next to the formal dining room, it held the usual dining room furniture, except on a smaller scale.
"We use the family parlor when we gather together instead of the formal drawing room. Georgiana plays pianoforte while Richard loses at chess with me. The pictures are all landscapes of Darcy House, Scotland." Darcy laughed. "The men's billiard room is the next room, and after that is my study." There were private studies with sitting areas for Darcy and Elizabeth on either side of the library. "This was Mother's private study and sitting room where she wrote her correspondence, planned menus, handled her diary, and balanced household ledgers. Georgiana claimed the easel, art box and the standing embroidery hoop when she turned three and ten. She offered them to you, if you want them. They are in her suite upstairs."
"I feel Georgiana should keep and use Lady Anne's things." Lizzy loved the pale primrose room with cream and dark primrose accents. Several small décor pieces were gold gilt. The desk had two chairs before it, for speaking with guests and staff. The room held a settee with a low, oval table, side tables and two chairs in a conversation group. A tall, narrow bookcase flanked one side of the fireplace with a butler's tray on a table flanking the other. One corner of the room held a small Pembroke table with two chairs. A diminutive sideboard stood near, holding a decanter of sherry and a small tray with cordial glasses. It had two large square drawers and one short drawer. The opposite corner held a workbasket with tapestry bag, and overstuffed chair for ease when sewing.
Darcy's study was painted and decorated in shades of brown with green accents. The mahogany desk and chair were built for a large man. The low bookcases behind it held the ledgers for the Darcy holdings. Above the low bookcases were six framed pictures of the Darcy Holdings. No one, except the Darcy family and relatives, knew they were six different properties. Visitors to Darcy's study assumed the cluster included pictures of the Darcy House, London; Darcy House, Scotland; and Pemberley. Leather chairs stood before his desk. His study held a long case clock; a large settee with large side tables; a small dining area with table, chairs, butler's tray and sideboard; and a well-stocked small escritoire in case a guest needed to compose an express, letter or list. The sideboard held a tantalizer and tray of glasses, along with a cigar humidor. Lizzy compared his spacious and well organized study to Papa's. She noted the clean desk and the lack of stuffed bookshelves.
Darcy showed Lizzy the library as the last room of the house. He knew she would like to stay there, but they had things to do. Open, floor-to-ceiling bookcases were filled. Lizzy observed the pair of spiral mahogany library ladders with side railings and steps leading to the top platform. A tall man like Darcy could reach the top shelves easily. Lizzy was thrilled the ladders were on casters. She imagined she would use them frequently. Library tables, wing chairs, and a collector's cabinet were interspersed through the room. A long console table with side chairs and an over mirror occupied the room inside the door. A globe, an atlas, a copper candlestick and a mantle clock filled the table. The library windows provided a lovely view of the gardens behind the home. Lizzy knew her enjoyment of the filled floor to ceiling bookcases would be interrupted by the fine view of the back flower gardens.
"This is what I want Rosings Park to reflect," Anne commented. "Aunt Anne selected the colors in each room to reflect nature seen outside its windows. This light green and ecru room reflects the lovely trees and grounds outside."
"My mother liked to read, and her tastes were diverse: Shakespeare, poetry, ancient mythology and original editions of French works. You are welcome to borrow anything you would like." Darcy smiled when Lizzy proclaimed she would search the library after the wedding and before their wedding tour.
"Mother created this garden," Darcy led Lizzy out the library doors to an established foursquare path. The gravel-lined paths and carefully designed semi-formal flower beds were surrounded by trees and nature. "What do you think?" Darcy walked behind Elizabeth and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Lizzy admired the pretty gardens and the ornamental fountain. The wide, walkable paths called to her.
"The fountain is supposed to have fish in it. However, neither Father nor Mother liked the idea." Darcy apologized. "The outside square is the perimeter of the garden. Each side has a dissecting path through the middle of the garden. There is a place to sit at every corner of the garden. Espaliered fruit trees line the garden wall which separates the house from the road and the mews behind."
"I will never want to take tea in the drawing room again when we are alone. We must spend our free time in the library, William, for it is a wealth of books and nature. I would be happy to walk the paths of your gardens here and never set foot in another ton drawing room as long as I live. I am quite pleased with the Darcy House. I would replace the worn leather of the chairs in the library…otherwise, the house is decorated handsomely." Lizzy sighed to Darcy. "Although I prefer the county to the town; although I love nature, and walks, and picnics…I enjoyed you sharing your special places in town with me."
"On that note…let us hie to Gunter's Ices, Hatchard Books and Promenade Hour in Hyde Park."
~X~
"The name was originally d'Arcy," Georgiana told Lizzy. "Our ancestors are from the Arcy village in France. The Normans brought the name to England when William the Conqueror invaded England in 1066. The family has ancient tenth century silk tapestries from France. Pemberley was established in the sixteenth century with continual renovations and additions from each generation. William teases that is why it is so easy for us to learn to speak French."
"What is the history of the Fitzwilliams?" Lizzy inquired.
"The Fitzwilliams have also been around since William the Conqueror. Aunt Catherine is exceptionally proud of our fine lineage." Georgiana commented. She guided Lizzy on a tour of the ancestral Fitzwilliam family portraits in the gallery outside the ballroom at the Matlock House.
Late Saturday afternoon, de Bourgh House
"I have some things for you," Anne showed Kitty a plain rose-pink silk fan, and a pale pink silk parasol.
"They're lovely," Kitty exclaimed. "Are you sure you want to give them to me?"
"Pink looks lovely on you. Staff and I found these things when sorting through the attics. I don't know their age, but they are in excellent condition. I want you to have them." Anne recommended accessories in green, grey or wine to cut the overabundance of pink which Kitty wore.
Kitty explained red and wine were 'Lydia's colors.' Unless she wanted Lydia to claim any new wine clothes or accessories; Kitty would not wear it until she left home.
Anne paused, and then blurted out her plans to Kitty. After the wedding, she wanted Kitty to come to Rosings Park to live with her…not as a companion but as a friend. They would hire masters and arrange travel. She swore Kitty to secrecy…as she did not have Mr. Bennet's permission, yet…and she did not want Lydia to join them.
~X~
Anne discussed the household staff with Mrs. Shepherd. "I want staff to wear brown and cream clothing. I would appreciate the ease of moving staff back and forth between Hunsford and London. I don't care if they wear striped, checked or plain browns, but no sprigged patterns for the female staff. I want the new guards/footmen to wear dark brown livery with cream frogs and cream shirts. I recommend dark blue gowns with white aprons and caps for the nurses and caretakers. While it will take an outlay of funds and perhaps a fortnight of sewing, my plan would simplify clothing the staff. You, Adams and Mrs. Jenkinson would continue to wear black gowns and caps with no aprons. Mr. Shepherd would continue to wear black suits with white shirts."
Mrs. Shepherd recommended cottons and muslins for the upcoming summer months, when London felt hot and dusty. She recommended kerseymere gowns for the fall/winter months. If de Bourgh House provided staff uniforms, she felt they would hire more easily. Anne recommended both of Mrs. Gardiner's modistes for sewing and Gardiner's Emporium for materials. The ladies needed light spencers or capelets for spring/summer and redingotes for fall/winter. She prepared letters of introduction for Mrs. Shepherd for all three businesses. She ordered Mrs. Shepherd to pay half the invoice in advance and the remainder upon delivery of completed gowns. She requested Mr. Shepherd take the men to the livery warehouse and obtain two sets of livery for each man. She recommended keeping additional livery if they needed a footman or groom when someone was indisposed. She wanted male staff at Rosings to have brown and cream clothes. Mr. Shepherd could arrange wardrobes at his tailor. She recommended keeping brown and cream materials and navy and white materials on hand to clothe new staff quicker. Anne asked Mrs. Shepherd to hire three seamstresses who were day workers. New bed linens were needed for staff first, family second, and guests last. New kitchen and bath linens were needed also.
Anne discussed what it would take to educate the staff. Like Mary Collins, she wanted staff to be educated and able to provide better for themselves and their families. Anne asked Mrs. Shepherd to hire servants who could read and write when replacing staff. She acknowledged it would cost more for educated staff; but she didn't want Lady Catherine to receive the wrong medicine because the nurses or caregivers could not read. Mrs. Shepherd agreed, but she also requested one or two of the maids receive education and be trained to work as a lady's maid if needed. Colonel Fitzwilliam only hired ex-military men who could read, write and calculate sums as footmen/coachmen/grooms and valets as needed.
Saturday night
Vauxhall Gardens was loud, merry, brightly lit and a crush of people. The boat ride to the docks at Vauxhall was interesting. The Bennet girls were thankful Papa taught them to swim, especially as the flotilla of longboats was unnerving. Both Lady Matlock and Miss Anne brought footmen to serve an alfresco dinner. Chilled champagne flowed easily. Guests moved back and forth between Darcy's and Lord Matlock's supper boxes. Lizzy and Jane watched the promenade of people from Darcy's supper box. Kitty brought her sketchbook to capture interesting fashions which strolled by their box. Georgiana sat next to her, pointing out gowns or accessories. Footmen stood at the ready if Viscount Elburn or any of his particular set of friends made unwelcome advances to any lady in either group.