Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 15
Tuesday, June 29
"Charles," Caroline objected to the direction of the conversation. "He gets £30,000 from me and I get £5,000 from him? The marriage settlement is penurious. He has no jewels or family heirlooms to gift me. My pin money would be £200 a year. I have £1,500 a year now! I'd rather stay single and retain control of my money. A lady can refuse to accept a marriage proposal!"
"Roberts did not propose. You did, thinking he was Darcy. I feel it is a good thing you are not allowed to negotiate your marriage settlement. No man would take you for nothing, yet allow you to keep your portion. I cannot allow you to remain single and continue to throw yourself at Darcy. You made this situation Caroline. I'm glad Roberts is strong enough to manage you, although I don't envy him the task. You best ensure your room is empty and your trunks are packed. You have places to go today and things to do." Charles quit her room.
~X~
Roberts and Bingley discussed Caroline's £30,000 dowry, and the marriage settlement with Mr. Phillips. Mrs. Nichols brought a tray with coffee and pastries to Bingley's study, followed by Mrs. Stafford. Bingley requested Mrs. Stafford's presence as quickly as the lady was dressed for the day. She coordinated Louisa's marriage settlement with Hurst. Also, she knew Caroline and would not allow her to press for more advantages than were needed.
"I have noticed some men who acquire property and estates are better masters than the men who inherited such riches. Men who work hard to acquire an estate know their luck and fortune. Some men who inherit are profligates and waste their resources on wine, women and wagering." Cordelia Stafford approved of Andrew Roberts.
"I will not dismiss this second attempt at compromise. I will marry her. We will become landed gentry in Bath. Our estate would be nothing to Pemberley. However, I will not allow her to continue as she has been…I will take her in hand. I will not physically hurt her…but I will make her punishments hurt by limiting her activities, society and funds." Roberts promised Bingley.
"When Caroline is out of pin money, make her give you one of those hideous gowns, turbans or accessories she wears. Give her a month to do a good deed to earn her item back. If she fails to earn it back, sell the item and donate the funds to church alms for the poor." Mrs. Stafford recommended. "Don't make it easy for Caroline by suggesting what her good deed should be. Don't let her donate a few coins to the alms box as her good deed. Caroline needs to determine what to do, do it, and then tell you the outcome."
Roberts flashed her a questioning look.
"Offering to read to an elderly lady of the first circles in Bath is not a punishment. Cooking and delivering soup to the poor of Westgate Buildings in Bath is a punishment. Joining a charity where she helps determine assemblies and balls to raise funds is not a punishment. Purchasing a bolt of wool and sewing blankets for the poor is. I think you understand my meaning. Anything which brings her into the notice or distinction of the first and second circles of Bath is not a good deed. Something which will provide an easier life for the poor qualifies as a good deed." Mrs. Stafford sedately sipped her coffee and nibbled a pastry.
"You are such a wise lady," Roberts leaned in to kiss her cheek. "I will ensure you receive regular correspondence from Caroline…which will not include begging for funds or visits. I am sure Caroline will forget, but please give the staff a coin today, with funds to have a celebratory dinner and wine punch to celebrate our wedding. They can celebrate once Netherfield Park is empty of guests." He passed a small leather pouch of coins to Mrs. Stafford.
Cordelia Stafford offered Roberts a narrow, embossed gold ring for Caroline's wedding band. Bingley gave him £100. Darcy joined the group in Bingley's study. He provided a character reference, Roberts' wages for the year, and six books to start his own personal library.
"Jennings set aside the green topcoat, with the buff waistcoat and trousers which look well with it. I cannot view them without thinking of Miss Bingley. I hope you will wear them for your wedding," Darcy smiled at Roberts. "With your back turned to her in the church…she might believe she is marrying me."
Both men shared what would be their last good laugh together for a while.
~X~
"Let us walk to Netherfield's orchards. I cannot bear another turn in the gardens at Longbourn or Netherfield. I need to find some comfort in nature." Lizzy commented to Mary. "I had to be out of Netherfield before Caroline Bingley is carried away. I will be sorely tempted to hurt her if she attempts one more dirty deed."
Mary walked with Lizzy in the orchards at Netherfield before breakfast. Lizzy complimented the fawn, cinnamon and chocolate striped cotton walking dress which Mary wore. Mary wore a cream colored mob cap, shawl and walking boots. Mary complimented Lizzy's summer light primrose checked walking dress, dark primrose shawl and brown walking boots. Niceties over, they walked arm-in-arm…quiet and not expecting intense, intellectual conversation from one another.
Mary broke the silence. "Lizzy…as much as you and Jane want the wedding to be about your future husbands and your love for one another…I don't think your expectations are realistic. Mother is no different from any society matron. She wants to show off…impress the neighbors…celebrate her good luck at having two daughters well married. Mother spent the last two decades with the entail looming over her head. My marriage will keep our family from losing Longbourn. However, I believe Mother will expect you and Jane to support her or any unmarried sisters."
"I know," Lizzy sighed. "I wish we had eloped to Gretna Green. Mother was desperate to marry one of her five daughters to Mr. Collins and one of us to any man with means. My concern is she is torn between hating Darcy and being enamored of his £10,000 per year.'
"You know Darcy is an honorable man. I do not believe he will ever break his vows to you. If he wanted Caroline Bingley, it would have happened long ago. If he didn't want you to know about the situation, he would not ask Mr. Phillips to bring you here this morning." Mary commented.
"Perhaps Caroline Bingley hoped he would pay me off, and marry her instead." Lizzy's self-doubts surfaced.
"You are lucky Darcy is so amiable, and Bingley is so well connected." Mary teased Lizzy. "Don't worry, Darcy will be shooting with the men while Miss Bingley appears at St. Albans to marry Mr. Roberts."
~X~
Richard gave Anne a riding lesson in the direction of the forested area where the men were shooting. She planned a secret meeting and conversation with Mr. Bennet when the men rode back to the house. Anne enjoyed her time in London…but she also liked the quiet times when she sat, talking with Richard, working on her embroidery. While he rested, he engaged her in conversation, or he read quietly to her. She wished he would resign his commission. She wished he wanted a life with her. She wished…oh how she wished. However, she would never consider or attempt a compromise like Miss Bingley.
"Thank you for meeting with me," Anne de Bourgh addressed Mr. Bennet. "I would like to engage Kitty as a friend and companion. I am willing to settle £10,000 on her. She can have the four percents as a living. When she marries, the £10,000 may serve as her dowry. Kitty will be my companion until she marries or attends a seminary for young women to continue her education."
"I can see you considered this request carefully." Mr. Bennet did not tease, or use his wit to defuse the tense conversation.
"I believe Kitty is much improved from her time with Mary and Elizabeth. I have enjoyed being in her company. Because of my previous frailty, I must hire masters. Kitty will benefit from lessons along with me. I think we will be good for one another. I need someone lively like Kitty to teach me how to enjoy life. She needs someone like me, who will teach her about society, manners and the responsibilities of life. We will not stay at Rosings all the time. There will be travel to Bath, to London, perhaps even to Derbyshire to visit Pemberley and Matlock."
"Will Kitty desire to be a companion to you?" Mr. Bennet asked.
"I believe she will, once you give your blessing," Anne confidently answered. "Once you explain about the dowry and her ability to access the interest as her pin money. I would not tell Mrs. Bennet or Lydia about the amount of money I plan to settle on Kitty. I worry they will insist she share her funds with them. Kitty will need her four percents if we come out next spring."
"I don't suppose…" Mr. Bennet ventured.
"Thank you for the inquiry, but I do not believe it is in Kitty's best interest to allow Lydia to accompany us. Lydia just turned six and ten before the birthday ball, Mr. Bennet. Kitty is eight and ten. I recommend you take the next two years to check Lydia's character before she is unleased upon an unsuspecting world. Unless you desire your good name to be sullied…"
Mr. Bennet sighed. "Mrs. Bennet will not like this."
"Mrs. Bennet needs her character checked also. Pretty is as pretty does, they say. She may be an excellent hostess, but I don't think much of her actions or attitude toward Mary and Elizabeth. Mrs. Stafford, the Countess of Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam will invite all of you to one last breakfast party the morning after the wedding. Kitty will not attend, claiming she has a headache. I will depart with the Collinses shortly before breakfast begins, claiming I must return to Rosings Park. We will stop at Longbourn and take Kitty with us. The Fitzwilliams will keep you entertained until the Hursts and Mrs. Stafford depart. You will depart Netherfield when the Fitzwilliams depart with Miss Georgiana." Anne laid out their plans.
"Let me meet with Kitty when I return to Longbourn." Mr. Bennet postponed providing an answer. "She will have a decision for you when she comes to tea at Netherfield this afternoon. I will urge her to pack quietly, to not raise questions."
"Speaking of questions," Anne inclined her head in the direction of the Bingley carriage which hastened down the road toward St. Albans. "I hope Bingley announces her marriage in the London papers before he departs on his wedding tour." Anne headed for Meryton on horseback with Richard to lead her. She purchased dress lengths of pale pink and dove gray velvet ribbons, rose pink and silver gray silk ribbons and deep pink and dark grey satin ribbons. She knew the six ribbons would not be enough to tempt Kitty to come with her to Rosings, but she wanted to express the depth of her request.
~X~
"I am furious with you," Cordelia Stafford confronted Caroline. "Every branch of the Bingley family has deep roots in trade. They were honorable people, kind people, decent people. I'm confused how my wonderful brother and his beautiful wife ever birthed a viper such as yourself. How could you embarrass us at your brother's house party?" She took Hurst's arm to enter the church.
"Help me," Caroline whispered to Louisa.
"I cannot, Hurst declares he will divorce me if I help you now or in the future. I told you not to try anything. Surely you suspected Roberts would set you up so he can protect Darcy for Eliza Bennet." Louisa offered Caroline a small bouquet of flowers from the Netherfield hothouse. 'I cannot help Caroline. She wanted an advantageous match and refused to believe it would never be Fitzwilliam Darcy. My younger sister will learn to be friends with her husband or suffer. Since Charles cut me off, I must live within my means, which are so much better than Caroline's now! Jane and Eliza Bennet will live better than both of us.' Louisa managed to calm her thoughts as she stood by her sister during the wedding ceremony. Her face was passive…neither encouraging nor discouraging anyone or anything.
Caroline's heart stopped for a moment when she saw the tall, athletic man standing at the altar…and realized it was not Darcy. 'Maybe I won't say my vows…however, Charles is Darcy's particular friend…I am better served to encourage Roberts' favor. He knows Darcy…he knows the Darcy House…he knows Pemberley…and I know Roberts is interested in me. I will take advantage of his interest and his knowledge. There is no reason Darcy and I cannot be lovers, despite our marriages. I will have Darcy's funds, and access to his society if he has access to my bed.' Caroline spoke her vows in a firm voice, surprising those in the church.
"Thank you for everything," Andrew Roberts shook Charles Bingley's hand at the end of the short wedding ceremony. "Thank you for the wedding gift…and I don't mean your sister."
"Thank you for the wedding gift, and I do mean my sister." Bingley jested. "Please be kind to her, but don't let her…"
"I hope I won't be an old man when she realizes our marriage is a good thing," Roberts opined. "We will go straight from here to Bath. I won't allow her to make your wedding day a misery. I will watch her letters to ensure she does not cause problems for you or Miss Bennet. Please give my best to Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth."
"When Mrs. Bingley and I arrive in London, I will contact my man of business to have Caroline's dowry transferred to your bank in Bath. I would like a letter from the Bath bank verifying Caroline's marriage settlement has been deposited in her name in your bank in Bath." Bingley requested. "The bank can send the letter to me at Pemberley. Aunt, Louisa…it is time for the newlyweds to depart. They have a long journey ahead of them before dusk settles."
The sisters clung to one another in a somber hug. Caroline merely nodded to Aunt Stafford before taking Roberts' hand and stepping into the hired carriage. Roberts shook Hurst's hand, bowed to Louisa and Mrs. Stafford, and clapped Bingley on the shoulder. "Do move over Mrs. Roberts," he chided Caroline. "We are married now and will share the forward seat with one another."
Caroline huffed, moved against the side of the carriage, and clasped her hands in her lap. Roberts bid his new family goodbye and entered the carriage. "Mrs. Roberts, I do not like the current mode of your manners." Roberts appraised his wife once their carriage began the journey to Bath.
"I'm appalled at my brother's lack of manners. I should have returned in March to be his hostess. I was not included in the wedding planning. I was not invited to the birthday ball. I was housed in the smallest guest room at Netherfield. I should have been asked to accompany Jane on their wedding tour. She needs my help to be a proper hostess," Caroline argued.
"I don't believe a gentleman's daughter, whose mother is the best hostess in Hertfordshire, needs your advice. Bingley does not care for your company right now. You made thinly veiled insults about the Bennets. You offended the Countess of Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam by your attitude. You believe you are better than Miss Bennet because you had a large dowry and she does not. You were not invited to the birthday ball because you refuse to dance with anyone but Darcy at assemblies or balls…thus leading everyone to believe you two had an understanding."
"I have a dowry," Caroline snapped.
"You had a dowry. Now you have a marriage settlement signed by your brother and your husband, and witnessed by Mrs. Stafford and Colonel Fitzwilliam. You currently have £100 on your person, which Bingley settled on you for your trousseau. You will need simple cotton and linen day gowns, sturdy walking boots, a plain, sensible bonnet, shawl, and summer gloves. The silk dresses, satin slippers, ostrich-feathered turbans and silk gloves you own are not appropriate for living on a country estate." Roberts viewed her traveling attire which was too fine for their travel to Bath. He hated her orange striped bonnet with orange trim and orange ostrich feathers. The ugly bonnet would be the first article of her clothes he took. "Be prepared to put them away when we reach Bath."
"I would like to know how you intend to compensate me for the difference between the £1,500 living I had from my funds, and your penurious marriage settlement which offers £200 pin money." Caroline glared at her new husband.
"Bingley, Darcy and I discussed this. You will have a roof over your head, with food and drink on your table. We will have sufficient staff to ensure our needs are met. I'm paying wages for your lady's maid so you cannot dismiss her when you feel vexed. We will have a carriage, a one-horse gig and four horses." Roberts commented. "I am sure once you learn to care for someone other than yourself, you will make an excellent wife, community member and Christian matron."
Caroline's unvoiced feelings were evident in her stiff neck and raised chin.
"I discussed this with your brother and your aunt. I expect you to conduct yourself like the lady you profess to be. Every time you behave in a less than ladylike manner, I will penalize you by taking one of your silk gowns, a pair of satin slippers, one of those ridiculous feathered turbans, or an accessory which is too fine for the life you will live. You have the option of earning your item back by doing a good deed for the poor of Bath. Once I have all your excessive finery, I shall penalize your pin money by five pounds. You will be quite busy establishing our household, leading your servants, caring for our tenants and aiding the community. You will not have time to travel into Bath every day, walk the Upper or Lower Assembly Rooms with friends, attend concerts nor shop for fashion magazines and boxes of confectionaries."
Caroline snorted.
"I am weary of this conversation. Your snort means I own that ridiculous bonnet until you earn it back. You have thirty days to do a good deed for the poor. If you do not complete an acceptable good deed within thirty days, I will sell the bonnet and donate the funds to the alms box at church. I plan to read until we stop to rest the horses. Please find something to occupy your time – sewing, reading, sleeping. No weeping or sighing, please." Roberts pulled a book from his valise and ignored his new wife.
"What are you reading?" Caroline inquired.
"One of six books which Mr. Darcy gifted me. A History of the Early Part of the Reign of James II. The other five books are crop rotation, crop yields and soil enrichment, livestock diseases, livestock management, agricultural surveys, and agricultural commerce." Roberts replied evenly. "Would you like one to read?"
Caroline Bingley Roberts rolled her eyes and stared out the dull, pitted windows of the rented carriage. She would forever curse Colonel Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam for thwarting her plans not once…but twice.
~X~
"Your frown is quite severe," Anne laughed at Kitty who stood silently before the windows of the drawing room. Soon they would move to the ballroom to begin arranging flowers for the wedding breakfast.
"I never realized I was so deficient," Kitty interlocked her fingers to soothe her restlessness. "How are Jane and Lizzy so easy in company, but I feel tongue-tied and awkward?"
"We shall be tongue-tied and awkward together," Anne promised. "I am convinced our mothers did not encourage our opinions and conversation. We will practice until we can command a room full of suitors who are as desirous of our conversation as they are of our smiles."
"I considered your offer and I accept," Kitty straightened her shoulders and stiffened her spine, mentally girding her loins for battle. "I'm thrilled you want a friend who can help you and whom you can help. I wouldn't be good at fetching shawls or reading aloud when you have a headache. I will help you with your studies as you help me. I will start packing tonight but will keep my trunks hidden in my room until we depart the day after the wedding. Since Jane and Lizzy purchased new trunks for their wedding tour. I will have three trunks, a valise and a dressing case to fill with my best things, in addition to four bandboxes. Do you have room for my things?"
"We'll make room if necessary. I have two carriages with me." Anne nodded, encouragingly. "She has such a February face, so full of frost, of storm and cloudiness," Anne observed Louisa Hurst who endured a lecture from Mrs. Stafford. "Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing."
Kitty laughed. "The quote is so…"
"Cruel…cold…judgmental?" Anne continued to observe Louisa Hurst and Cordelia Stafford.
"Appropriate in description of her face and appropriate in how the name of the play describes the Bingley sisters." Kitty laughed. "Come, let's have some sweets and improve our dispositions."
The Fitzwilliams' French chef came with them to Netherfield. The countess tasked him with creating memorable tea menus, enticing dinner menus and refining the wedding breakfast menu.
Jane and Lizzy enjoyed the afternoon tea with the ladies at Netherfield. Footmen served curates of petite sandwiches, tea cakes, biscuits and confections. The ladies exhibited great merriment while creating garlands, wreaths and bouquets for the wedding breakfast in the ballroom. Footmen brought baskets of damask roses, peonies, white clover, heliotrope, honeysuckle, lily of the valley, mint and myrtle. Before the flowers, herbs and ivy were used to create the decorations, Mary taught the ladies to dip the cut ends in honey water. She explained it would prolong the life of the floral arrangements. She also explained most of the creations, except the garlands, would go to the cool cellars until the final decorating took place in the morning. Lady Matlock with Mrs. Stafford and Mrs. Bennet divided the work into groups.
Mrs. Stafford, Louisa and Lydia created garlands of ivy, with honeysuckle for the windows and the mantle over the stone fireplace in the ballroom. Extra garlands were created to decorate the mezzanine where the musicians would perform. Mrs. Nichols would direct the footmen in the placing of the garlands tomorrow morning. Louisa did not appreciate being tasked with Lydia's help. Sitting still, unless it involved redecorating a bonnet, did not suit Lydia's lively disposition. She chatted incessantly about dance music, dances, and hoping for a sunny day for the wedding.
Jane and Lizzy, with Constance and Augusta, created wreaths of damask roses with mint or wreaths of peonies with myrtle for the front doors of Netherfield and the doors in and out of the ballroom. Jane and Lizzy set aside bits of white lace and white silk ribbons for binding the wedding bouquets. Constance provided Lizzy and Jane with special sketches of wedding bouquets. She assured the wedding bouquets, dipped in honey water and stored in the cool cellars, would be delivered to Longbourn before the ceremony in the morning. Her sketches included white roses, white jasmine with yarrow leaves and myrtle tucked in the bouquets.
Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Gardiner created large bouquets for the buffet and gift tables. Augusta felt the gift tables, placed on either side of the stone fireplace, were excessive. They would require two footmen to guard the tables from clumsy guests who drank too much wine punch…which would probably include Lydia Bennet. Augusta would slip all the footmen a coin to only refill Lydia's punch cups and glasses with watered down, iced cups of the wine punch. Augusta was not above locking the chit in the cellars to keep the wedding party from being embarrassed.
Mary, Kitty, Anne and Georgiana finished the wedding arch of ivy, roses and silk ribbons. Charlotte and Maria Lucas would carry it to escort the couples from the church steps to their carriage, from Netherfield's terrace to the ballroom, and from the ballroom to the Darcy carriage when the newlyweds departed for their wedding tour.
Mrs. Bennet wanted to create little posies for each table in the ballroom. Everyone helped create table posies from the leftover floral cuttings, fragranced with springs of fresh mint, and decorated with bits of ribbons and lace. Mary brushed honey water over the cut edges of the posies to lengthen their life. Mary fed drops of honey into the vases which contained the large table bouquets.
The wedding breakfast plans were discussed. Mrs. Bennet, upon viewing all the table linens at Netherfield in early June, deigned them too shoddy to be used for the wedding breakfast. She insisted Jane purchase a bolt of fine white damask. The ladies of Longbourn, Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Gardiner sewed tablecloths and serviettes every spare moment in the weeks before the ball and wedding breakfast.
Jane and Lizzy sighed. The new white damask tablecloths and serviettes were sewn, washed, and ironed. Mrs. Bennet insisted they be used for the birthday ball. Now she inspected them to ensure they hadn't come to harm.
Lady Matlock believed the effort was excessive but kept her counsel. Louisa complained the table linens were quite serviceable for the November ball. Her dismissive comment was overheard by everyone, especially Mrs. Nichols who appeared in the ballroom.
"My lady hasn't been frivolous, despite your accusations," Mrs. Nichols frostily informed Louisa Hurst. "The November table linens are safely ensconced in the linen press on the staff level. Our worst table linens have become cleaning cloths. Netherfield was in dire need of updated bed, bath and table linens. We appreciate Miss Bennet's belief in the staff's ability to serve the illustrious guests invited to the birthday ball and the wedding festivities. Under my lady's guidance, we hosted the biggest birthday ball Netherfield has seen in twenty years. Miss Bennet?" Mrs. Nichols indicated she needed a private conversation with Miss Bennet. Once they stepped away from the gathered ladies, Mrs. Nichols explained Miss Bingley's room and Mr. Roberts' room were clean. However, the desk in Miss Bingley's room needed to be refinished. Mrs. Nichols did not know what Miss Bingley dragged across the desk, but the top of the desk had an excessive number of scratches. Jane ordered the master woodworker in Meryton to fix the desk while she and Bingley were gone on their wedding tour. Mrs. Nichols would pay the fee out of the household funds. Jane and Mrs. Nichols agreed to not say anything to Mr. Bingley. Because Miss Bingley was out of Netherfield Park, and would not return without an invitation, both women just wanted the situation resolved.
Jane thanked her housekeeper before returning to the ballroom. "Mama, I don't think our guests know how well you have planned the wedding breakfast menu. I've been remiss in thanking you for your assistance with Lizzy and my wedding." Mrs. Bennet preened under Jane's praise and began describing the wedding breakfast. A variety of breads, hot rolls, scones and muffins would be served with pots of orange, lemon and apricot marmalade. Fresh butter was pressed into special molds with flowers imprinted on the top of the butter wheels. Mrs. Bennet planned hams, thick-sliced bacon, and pan-fried pork chops. The French chef suggested baked salmon stuffed with lobster and prawns. Garden stuff included pans of roasted small potatoes garnished with parsley and scallion bits, salad with walnuts and sweet cherries dressed with champagne vinaigrette, and several dishes of asparagus in crust. Egg dishes included Mary's Spinach Pie with mushrooms and leeks, Florentine Eggs, Baked Eggs in Spanish Sauce, Baked Eggs with Bacon Bits and Cheese, and hard boiled eggs. Bingley requested bowls of fresh strawberries, bowls of fresh green grapes, and bowls of cubed melon from the orangery. The French chef recommended trays of sliced cheeses. Darcy purchased excellent wine for the wine punch, and bottles of excellent brandy to gift to the families of the brides and grooms. Coffee and bowls of punch were planned.
One large wedding cake was planned for the brides and grooms and their families, with two and ten smaller iced cakes to feed the wedding breakfast guests. The family cake had spun sugar flowers, designed specifically to impress the wedding breakfast guests. Constance felt there would be enough cake to send slices around to everyone in Hertfordshire who was unable to attend the wedding or wedding breakfast…along with generous celebratory servings for the servants at Netherfield, Longbourn and Meryton Inn.
Mrs. Bennet celebrated because the wedding breakfast would be held at Netherfield. Traditionally, the wedding breakfast was held at the bride's home. However, with the Earl and Countess of Matlock and the Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam in attendance…Mrs. Bennet felt they must host a wedding breakfast which would compete with ones the earl's family had attended in London. Her darling Jane deserved the best!
The Countess of Matlock did not hold her counsel when Mrs. Bennet fretted about the liveried footmen. Mrs. Bennet felt two and ten footmen were not enough to greet guests at the door, or escort them to the ballroom. She felt more footmen were needed to circulate through the wedding breakfast, ensuring the highest service possible. The Countess of Matlock explained she hosted a wedding breakfast for almost three hundred guests, and only required two and ten footmen. She recommended the four footmen assigned to the gift tables should be reduced to two, allowing two more footmen to serve guests. Her pronouncements silenced Mrs. Bennet's profusive proclamations. They were replaced by dismissive glares and white pressed lips.
The Countess of Matlock consulted with Jane and Bingley. Instead of greeting everyone at the front door and escorting them through the manor, the Countess recommended the carriages pull up at the wide sidewalk to the terrace and let guests disembark. They consulted with the gardeners to create topiaries to mark the four corners of the terrace.
Mary created a calming draught for Mama in the Netherfield stillroom. Lizzy and Jane would get no sleep tonight before the wedding if Mrs. Bennet continued to fret over the food, the decorations, the tablecloths, the weather, etc. Vicar Nelson agreed to let six maids from Netherfield scrub down and polish up the church. He agreed to let six farm workers ensure the grass was cut, the leaves were raked, the flower beds cleaned, and the paths swept.
Finally, Jane approached Aunt Stafford and Mrs. Gardiner, asking them to create a seating plan for the church because she could not bear to hear any more worries about guests, adequate seating, food, drink, and footmen. They would consult with Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam. Jane gave them a list of the sixty guests for the wedding. Anyone who was not on the guest list would not be admitted. Jane expressed worry about the guest list for the wedding and wedding breakfast. She worried Mrs. Bennet invited more than 224 persons to the wedding breakfast. She did not know what to do. The Countess of Matlock explained food was prepared for 300 …and if necessary…they would put al fresco tables and chairs on the terrace. She also believed Mrs. Bennet would invite too many people.
Jane thanked the ladies. 'I wonder if Mama would have preferred Charles and I, and Lizzy and Darcy act besotted without any other care in the world. She could have arranged everything to her heart's content without interference from us.'
~X~
"I believe I like my mother better than yours," Anne observed quietly to Mary once the floral arrangements were finished, once the last dinner was served, and once the Bennets departed Netherfield. Mrs. Bennet wanted to make a late night of it, playing cards and dancing but Mrs. Stafford announced it would be a quiet evening. The brides and grooms needed their sleep because tomorrow was an important day. Flora and Solange moved to Longbourn to help Jane and Lizzy prepare for tomorrow.
"Indeed, I believe your partiality stems from your mother's current inability to berate you." Mary retorted to Anne's shriek of laughter.
"You are developing a very wicked sense of humor," Anne whispered to Mary who hid a smile.
~X~
"I do not blame Charles for Louisa and Caroline's attitudes. Society and their young ladies' seminary taught them expectations of improving the family funds and social status. However, as the new mistress of Netherfield Park and the Bingley House…I will not give Charles approval for his sisters to live with us. They can visit for a fortnight or two at the most, and only once a year." Jane and Lizzy discussed the day's events while preparing for bed. The sisters agreed to sleep together tonight, as it was one of the last times they would share secrets before their wedding. Solange and Flora were housed for the night in Lizzy's room. Both of them agreed they were at Longbourn to dress their mistresses for the wedding and wedding breakfast. They were not tasked to fix Mrs. Bennet's or Miss Lydia's hair.
"You know I do not like Bingley's sisters, especially Miss…Mrs. Roberts. She is vain, haughty, and contemptuous of anyone she considers inferior to her. She was determined to have William for his money and social connections. She doesn't care about his heart, nor Bingley's and definitely not ours." Lizzy argued. "I will not invite them to our house party after we return from the wedding tour. If they dare visit Pemberley on their way to or from Scarborough, I will send them to the Lambton Inn."
~X~
Mrs. Andrew Roberts, nee Caroline Bingley, was furious. The private parlor at the inn was taken by a large group traveling to Bath. Mr. Roberts gave her the option of eating dinner in the common room, or have trays delivered to their room.
"Our room?" Caroline's shocked voice caused him to laugh.
"This is the best inn in this area, and therefore, quite busy," Roberts explained. "We were lucky to get one room for us. The coachman and groomsman are staying in shared quarters in the stables. Do not distress, I do not intend to exert my husbandly rights this evening. You'll take the bed, I'll take the settee…which I plan to place in front of the door so you cannot run away."
Caroline huffed and turned away.
"Mrs. Roberts…I would greatly appreciate seeing your thin silk nightrail and dressing gown again." Roberts laughed as Caroline stiffened her stance while climbing the stairs.
June 30
"I don't understand why I could not have a tray in my room this morning!" Caroline's lack of sleep and her early morning wore on her less than pleasant attitudes.
"Our carriage departs in twenty minutes. You had best eat your breakfast. We will not stop again for two hours. Did you give the maid a coin for helping you dress and pack? Did you give a coin to the girl who helped you at Netherfield Park?" Roberts inquired.
Caroline's coffee cup paused in midair. "No to both…I am fatigued and cannot think without a tea tray before I rise in the morning. I'm also not used to rising before the sun!" She primly sipped her hot beverage. The quality was not the best she ever drank, but it was hot. She could not wait to purchase good tea, good coffee and decent wine in Bath. She dreamed about shopping in Milsom Street and making friends at the Pump Room. Once she learned the address of the Steward's House, she needed to order calling cards. She did not leave any possessions in Scarborough. However, Louisa needed to crate and ship her possessions from Hurst House.
Last night's dinner was disappointing. Granted there was a large party in the private parlor which took the best the inn had to offer, but Caroline could not stomach another night of mutton stew and tavern bread with mediocre red wine. Early breakfast was coffee and apple cake…and not the quality she expected of either. Perhaps she could sleep until the carriage stopped again. Perhaps they could get a better repast at the next inn.
Roberts sighed. "You should have thanked both girls for their help and given a coin. Your lack of deportment and manners will cost you."
"WHAT?" Caroline sputtered her coffee.
"Moderate your tone and attitude Mrs. Roberts. We've haven't been married a day. I will take the awful orange turban with ostrich feathers and the matching ostrich feather fan. You can earn them back when you do two good deeds in the next thirty days."
Caroline counted to one hundred in French and attempted to project the insipid serene countenance which Jane Bennet wore.
~X~
"Sisters, I asked Papa for a few moments with you before you depart for the church." Mary helped Jane adjust her bonnet and veil.
"I've been meaning to tell you how pretty you look. The peach color is lovely on you." Lizzy fastened the Fitzwilliam pearls about her neck, smiling at them and the simple pearl earbobs. She was honored Anne shared them with her.
"Thank you, I rather like it also. I want to give you a personal gift. Do not listen to what Mother or Aunt Phillips claim about the marriage bed. Welcoming the man you love to your bed is not a hardship." Mary advised.
"But Mother says the marriage bed is to be endured," Jane didn't want to consider the marriage bed or this evening.
"Endured by those who do not love their husbands. Those who do…it will be an activity both you and your husband enjoy," Mary outlined what to do to prepare for their wedding night: a glass of medicinal sherry or wedding wine, hair brushing, a towel under your derriere when the marriage bed activities begin and a fresh pitcher of water and basin in the dressing area, so you and your husband can clean up afterwards. She did not admit she was one of the wives who did not love her husband, but performed her marital duties. While William was not a steady visitor to Mary's bed…she would not discuss that topic with her sisters.
"Oh, Mary," Lizzy hugged her. "You must come to Pemberley for Christmas. We will be so merry!"
"I cannot," Mary blushed. "I felt the quickening this morning. Mr. Collins and I will have a child before the year is finished."
"Mary!" Both sisters cried with delight and hugged her.
"I am pleased, because for the rest of my life, I will have someone to love me without hesitation or reservation." Mary sank down onto an available chair in Jane's room. "You must swear not to tell anyone, especially Mother."
"We will not reveal your secret." They promised.
Mary explained there were things Mother should have revealed about being a married woman…and the wedding night should not have been the beginning or end of marital lessons. Mary explained they would miss their courses before they realized they were increasing. Until they felt the quickening, they could not be certain they were increasing. They might feel fatigued and need to sleep later or have an afternoon nap. She explained certain smells and foods would make them cast up their accounts. Their bosom might increase and be tender. Eventually their appetite might increase and their body become fuller, especially in their waist.
Mary observed them fondly. "Mother never approved of me. I wasn't pretty, I wasn't lively. I was too plain and too serious. She was thrilled I married Mr. Collins, for she thought it saved her from starving in the hedgerows. Now, with her plans for Jane, she believes she will rule Longbourn after Papa's passing."
"She will be sad to learn Charles and I have our own plans," Jane sighed.
"I think we will all be surprised to learn God has plans also." Mary smiled. "Let us get you to the church. I'm sure Bingley and Darcy are anxiously awaiting your arrival. After your wedding tour, we will talk about Christmas. Perhaps you will come to me because we will have a child to christen."
~X~
Mr. and Mrs. Hurst arrived on time at the church the day of the wedding. They sat respectfully with Mrs. Stafford. They were not pleased to be housed at the Meryton Inn instead of Netherfield Park. No wedding breakfast or celebration after Caroline's wedding indicated how pleased Charles was to be rid of her. Louisa felt irritated about how hasty Caroline's wedding was conducted.
Mary noticed Lady Matlock pared down the excessive floral arrangements Mother wanted for the church. A low bouquet of white roses and greens decorated the pianoforte. The four-hour candles were lit. Mr. Collins sat near Mary and waited for her.
Mr. Bennet walked Lizzy up the aisle first, shaking hands with Darcy before he kissed Lizzy's cheek and placed her hand in Darcy's. They moved to the side and allowed Bingley to step up to receive his bride. Mr. Bennet repeated the same steps with Jane…walk up the aisle, hand shake, kiss, hand placement. Then he took his seat of honor next to Mrs. Bennet. The simple, yet emotional, service began. Vicar Nelson's tenor voice led the readings. Darcy's baritone voice led the hymns reverently, filling the church to its ceiling. Vows were spoken, rings were bestowed, and then Vicar Nelson announced Darcy and Elizabeth were man and wife. Then he announced Bingley and Jane were man and wife. Chaste kisses followed…to the cheers of the attendees.
Aside from Lizzy's appalling taste in grooms, and Jane's lack of lace and flounces on her dress, Lydia reckoned the ceremony was good enough for her sisters, but too plain for her. When she married, the church would be packed with family, friends, and the horrid girls of Meryton who ignored her friendship. She would watch their jealous faces as she married a handsome man in his regimentals. Lydia could barely contain herself. Next was the wedding breakfast. There would be dancing and wine punch! She didn't dance at the birthday ball, and Papa left early. She intended to dance every dance possible at the wedding breakfast.
Once the ceremony concluded, Mary played I Leave My Heart With Thee by James Hook as the couples signed the registry. Then Mr. Darcy led Mrs. Darcy outside, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. They entered a large-sized landau to the cheers of everyone outside.
"My treat," Darcy commented to Bingley. The coachman handed him a bag of threepence coins. Darcy knelt in the forward facing seat as the landau rolled forward. He tossed the coins high in the air to the assembled well-wishers gathered outside the church. "I sent orders to Pemberley and all its holdings for the servants to have a celebratory dinner, a bowl of punch and evening off on us."
"I shall have the opportunity when we leave Netherfield this afternoon," Bingley told Jane. "Days ago, Darcy and I agreed on the number and size of the coins. We received a special shipment from the bank." He grinned. "Roberts left coins for all the servants and to have a bowl of punch to celebrate his and Caroline's marriage. I will give Mr. Nichols funds to add to Roberts so the staff, inside and out, can have a celebratory dinner, a bowl of punch and an evening off."
Vicar Nelson gave a nod to Sexton Marlowe. The church bells at St. Albans pealed loudly to announce the marriages of Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, and Jane Bennet and Charles Bingley. He chuckled to himself…for ringing the bells was a wedding topic which escaped Mrs. Bennet's overview. He heard cheers from the gathered congregants and followers to the wedding breakfast. He exited St. Albans to be eagerly met by Mrs. Nelson in their curricle. "What makes you giddy, Mrs. Nelson?"
"I know the grooms paid you to conduct the services, but when Mr. Darcy threw out coin to celebrate, I was in the perfect place at the perfect time. I simply held out the skirt of my gown and let the coins fall as they may." Mrs. Nelson held up four threepence coins. "I am determined to purchase a good bottle of brandy for our Christmas fruitcakes and Christmas puddings. I will use the excess to purchase additional coffee and tea for our particular use."
"Exceedingly lucky for you my dear. Mr. Bingley plans to throw more coins when the couples leave the wedding breakfast. Perhaps you will again be in the right place at the right time." Vicar Nelson urged their horse forward, joining the throng of well-wishers headed to Netherfield Park. "I've been paid for three weddings in two days. We've been quite lucky. I will use my fees to purchase additional coal to stretch our supplies if winter is cold."
~X~
The happy couples stood on the terrace of Netherfield and accepted best wishes as their guests arrived and entered the ballroom. The Matlocks/Fitzwilliams and Anne de Bourgh began the receiving line, followed by William, Elizabeth and Georgiana. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, Mr. and Mrs. Collins, Kitty and Lydia were the middle of the line. Charles, Jane, Aunt Stafford and the Hursts were the end of the line. Lady Matlock determined the placement and lineup to keep the Hursts from monopolizing Darcy's time and attention. The Hursts displayed excellent manners, for the benefit of Aunt Cordelia, who adored Charles.
Colonel Fitzwilliam offered the first toast which was accompanied by a hearty cheer from all assembled. The sumptuous wedding breakfast would be copied and repeated at many weddings for the rest of the year. The Darcy and Bingley weddings would not be eclipsed in Meryton for decades. Mr. Bennet swore to penalize Mrs. Bennet and Lydia's pin monies and entertainments if they were not model examples of constraint and refinement. He ordered the footmen serving their table to only serve iced wine punch to Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. He did not know Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam each slipped every footmen a coin to only pour iced wine punch for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, no matter if they were seated or approached the punch bowl.
~X~
Lady Matlock set the head table with the three Darcys, the three Bingleys, the Hursts, and the four Bennets. She ordered a separate table for the five Fitzwilliams and Anne with the Collinses. The next table held the Phillips, Gardiners and six Lucases. Everyone in the room followed those three tables for acquiring food and drink, and lining up to dance.
Mrs. Bennet preened at all the compliments about the food and arrangements of the wedding breakfast. She gloried in the wonderful flowers and greenery created yesterday afternoon. Now Mrs. Bennet wished she listened to Lady Fitzwilliam about how the gift tables were excessive. However, she really wanted to show off how well her daughters had married. No one in Meryton could boast of such finery in their homes. The couples had been given identical gifts by everyone except their closest families. Mrs. Stafford brought the set of silver trays for Bingley and Jane to Netherfield. While Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley's names were included on the card, Mrs. Bennet doubted the Bingley sisters would have purchased such elegant silver trays. However, the family silver gifts for Darcy and Elizabeth outshone the Bingley table. Their family gifts were four matching silver claret pitchers with undertrays to catch condensation or drips. They would be excellent for serving a dinner for eight and forty people.
However, another worry bothered Mrs. Bennet more than the gift tables. Mr. Collins was attentive to Mary, bringing her cold lemonade and a plate of food. Mr. Collins' gentleman's clothes were as nice as most of the other men. His shirt and cravat were made of fine white cotton. His green and gold striped silk waistcoat perfectly matched his dark green topcoat made of quality summer wool. He wore buff trousers and highly polished black dancing pumps. He wore a gold watch with watch fob which appeared as nice as Bingley's or Bennet's. Mrs. Bennet surmised he must have used Weston's Tailor Shop on Bond Street for his clothes had been expertly cut and tailored.
Mr. Collins danced with his sisters by marriage, with Miss Anne, Miss Georgiana, Mrs. Hurst and Charlotte Lucas. He chatted easily with the men. He didn't fill his conversation with descriptions of Rosings Park or Lady Catherine. He was slipping into the role of gentleman much too easily.
Mrs. Bennet fretted about the entail, because Mr. Collins and Mary could easily banish her from Longbourn to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips when Mr. Bennet was gone. Her social standing would slip from community leader to impoverished widow who would only have what her daughter Mary, the new mistress of Longbourn, would allow her.
~X~
Mr. Darcy accepted a cup of wedding punch and strolled along the dance floor. He enjoyed watching Elizabeth dance with Uncle Reginald. He led her from the floor back to Jane and Mr. Bingley.
Suddenly, Mrs. Hurst was hanging on his arm. "I see you still do not care to dance." She smiled and batted her eyes. "I have not had the pleasure of your arm or conversation for several months now, let alone a dance."
"Alas, all my dances are saved for family or my charming wife. Dancing with Elizabeth is the most diverting activity I have ever known. Now I can dance with her three times during an event without much censure from the ton. Please forgive me, my cousin Anne released me from dancing this set." Darcy set his cup on a passing tray. He peeled Louisa Hurst off his arm. "Polite is not something I excel at when I am vexed. Reform your manner of speaking to Elizabeth and Jane…for I will cut you in polite society when we meet again in London."
Lizzy spoke quietly to Jane after leaving the dance floor. "I confess I feel ill-used. I have no Miss Bingley to entertain my love of the absurd." She looked over at Mrs. Hurst, and then her eyes narrowed. "If your new sister doesn't remove her hand from my husband's arm, I will break it."
"Lizzy!" Jane gasped. She did not have to counsel Louisa to behave, for it looked like Mr. Darcy crushed Louisa's hand before he flung it away from his arm.
Darcy abandoned Louisa, leaving her standing alone, near the dance floor. She was grateful her brief conversation with Darcy was not observed by Hurst or Aunt Stafford.
~X~
Mrs. Bennet watched Colonel Fitzwilliam dance with his mother, his sister Lady Fitzwilliam, his cousins, Charlotte Lucas, Jane, Lizzy, and then Mary. He claimed his knee ached and would not dance with any other female at the wedding. Lydia had been patiently waiting her turn to dance with the Colonel, but he cried off. Miss Darcy introduced Kitty to what few Fitzwilliam and Darcy family friends attended the wedding breakfast. Kitty flitted from table to table chatting with friends and neighbors she knew from Hertfordshire. Kitty danced every dance, and had partners waiting to dance with her.
Lydia, however, did not have choice partners like her sisters. Two and ten single young men in attendance. Six and ten single young women in attendance. The available men completed the dance cards of the ladies present while Lydia stood in the receiving line with her parents. Her dance card was empty again! Lydia's four dance partners were sent to her by Mary, who suggested Lydia when Mary would not dance. St. Albans sexton's son, Mr. Phillips' clerk, Timothy Locke's visiting cousin, and Samuel Jones' visiting university roommate were Lydia's partners. She had one dance with Bingley and one with Collins. For someone lively, who loved to dance, Lydia felt like a wall sitter.
'Why aren't Jane and Lizzy introducing their sister to better men? First circle men? RICH men?' Mrs. Bennet fumed.
Colonel Fitzwilliam approached the Bennets just before the last set. "Miss Bennet," he bowed. "May I be your partner for this set?" Kitty stepped forward and placed her hand on his arm.
"Thank you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. I don't know how long it will take me to become accustomed to being called Miss Bennet." Kitty giggled and walked away on his arm…much to Lydia and Mrs. Bennet's dismay.
Jane and Bingley, Lizzy and Darcy, Mary and Collins, and Kitty and Colonel Fitzwilliam shared the dance floor with both sets of Fitzwilliams, Sir and Lady Lucas, the three Goulding sons with Charlotte and Maria Lucas and one of Mrs. Long's nieces. Mrs. Bennet looked to John Lucas, but he led Grace Goulding to the dance floor. Mr. Bennet offered to partner Lydia at the last possible moment. She refused to dance with her father, claiming she should help Mama circulate and speak to all the guests.
~X~
Jane and Lizzy disappeared upstairs to Jane's new suite to change into their travel clothes. Two footmen presented the floral arch for Charlotte and Maria to carry. The Lucas sisters stepped out to the terrace at the top of the stairs, awaiting the brides and grooms. Everyone followed the Darcys and Bingleys out to the terrace. Bingley threw coins high in the air to the cheer of the crowd. When he entered the coach, everyone waved goodbye until the coach was out of sight. The married couples left too soon for Mrs. Bennet's taste. Prolonging the wedding breakfast an extra hour would have suited her. Mrs. Stafford and Lady Matlock began the arduous task of calling for carriages and saying goodbye to guests the moment the Darcy carriage with the Darcys and Bingleys rolled out of sight. They were proceeded by the Bingley carriage with valets and maids, and a third large carriage, with benches removed, carrying luggage for everyone.
~X~
"Charles, do not worry so. We had a lovely day for the ceremony and wedding breakfast. Netherfield Park did us proud. Our guests enjoyed themselves at our lawn parties, the birthday ball and the wedding breakfast." Jane kissed Charles' cheek and squeezed his hand.
"Almost all our guests," Charles' morose countenance bothered Jane.
"True. Poor Caroline and Louisa. I'm sorry your bride does not meet their social expectations," Jane moved to her dressing table and began removing the pins from her hair.
"I will be merciful to them in the future – when they have learned to behave. I cannot and will not abide with anyone acting incivility towards you. I've been civil enough to my sisters for years. They need to learn what a stern man I can be."
~X~
"Pemberley is rolling hills, dense forests, lush fields of crops, livestock and wildflowers, a sparkling lake and fully stocked fishing streams. My parents followed the wishes of previous ancestors to keep Pemberley natural and untouched. Pemberley is wild and beautiful and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful estates in all of England. I challenge Prinny himself to produce a comparable situation. Pemberley is in my blood…and I hope it will be in yours also. My situation pleases me…nature, air, sunshine, home, family, and love. If Pemberley were a man…it would resemble me."
"Strong, handsome, and exceedingly loved," Lizzy whispered.
"Careful, Elizabeth, such flattery will turn my head," Darcy whispered back to her. "How I wish we were already at Pemberley…and alone!"
June 30, Bath
The Roberts Estate was several miles outside of Bath. The Steward's House did not meet Caroline's expectations. She felt the house was plain, without a pleasing prospect. The rooms were not large enough, nor airy enough. The central staircase should be larger. The drawing room needed French doors to open out to a formal garden. There was no private sitting room between the master and mistress suite. Her room needed to be redecorated to her exemplary tastes…which included a lock on her side of the adjoining door.
Shortly after arriving at the Steward's House, Roberts visited Caroline's room. "Once I warned you…when you failed to pay vails to those who helped you…there have been two and ten instances of complaints, rude remarks or unacceptable behavior exhibited by you. Will you give me sixty pounds…" he noted she shook her head. "Very well, I'm acquiring two and ten items." He removed six silk gowns with six accessories. "Two and ten items…you have thirty days to complete two and ten good deeds or you will not retrieve your items. I will sell them and donate the funds to the alms for the poor at church." He took her things to his quarters and locked them away in a travel trunk.
Caroline ceased complaining…aloud. She kept a running monologue in her head, critiquing the house, the prospect, everything in the house, the food, the wine, and the staff. She didn't know who determined the dinner menu…it was plain and plebian. 'It is so lacking when compared to the Darcy House or Pemberley…which should have been mine!'
"I understand the lady of the house determines the dinner conversation. However, I don't like spending my evenings listening to the currant gossip of Bath or whatever you deem socially important. How about a game of chess after dinner?" Roberts suggested.
"Only if we wager on it," Caroline countered. "If I win, I get my orange ensemble – gown, bonnet, gloves, slippers, and reticule which you hate."
"If I win, you will read Mrs. Rundell's book of domesticity in a fortnight." Roberts countered. "You will read the portion on the duties of the mistress of the house first, followed by the general remarks on dinners. I expect you to apply her directions on handling staff, setting menus, and running a household."
"I already know those things." Caroline dismissed learning anything from a book.
"Not effectively, you don't." Roberts retorted. "When we are not entertaining, there will not be five and twenty dishes prepared for our dinner table. One meat, four to six sides, a sweet or two and a bottle of wine will suffice."
Two hours of concentrated effort later, Caroline surrendered. Roberts handed her a wrapped package. "I expect you to read at night when I am reading. I will ask you about what you read at breakfast the next morning."
"Answer me this…how did you become such an excellent chess player?" Caroline snarled.
"Many quiet evenings with Darcy. He has an excellent travel chess board. We played chess while we traveled."
Caroline scoffed.
"Your brother may not have been able to school you about manners, life and responsibilities, Mrs. Roberts. However, I will not endure a headstrong wife who exhibits little consideration for other's feelings. You will learn to be polite and kind to those who are socially inferior to you, or you will languish in this house without entertainment or society. The way you treat your situation leads me to think you might be living in a dozen day gowns. I sent my man to purchase a new ledger which I will use to monitor your transgressions and note when you lose items, and when you must earn items back."
Caroline sighed at the book. 'It will be a long marriage if Mr. Roberts only gives me books as gifts and not jewels. I lost my chance at the magnificent jewels on display in the portraits in the Darcy gallery. I truly could scratch Eliza Bennet's fine eyes out.'
"Your failure to understand your current domestic situation is painfully aware to me. Every Friday morning we will review the household ledgers. We will also discuss our social diary for the following week, and your proposed menus. You will set menus to use the goods provided by the farms. What we don't use for us or for the servants will be donated to charity. I prefer to donate our excess to the poor who live at Westgate Buildings."
"I am a lady and do not go to that part of Bath!" Caroline snapped.
"You are a gentleman farmer's wife, who promised to obey. Must I penalize your pin money to make you behave in a more ladylike manner?" Roberts sipped his small glass of brandy.
"We will have no wedding tour?" Caroline asked softly, fighting back tears of frustration.
"Our wedding tour will be in Bath. I know you need calling cards, in addition to appropriate attire for a farmer's wife. Tomorrow, Cecily and I will take you into Bath where you may acquire the appropriate clothes for the farm. Tomorrow I will show you the study set aside for your particular use. You may write your aunt and sister, telling them your new address: Mrs. Andrew Roberts, Steward's House, Roberts Estate, Old North Road, Bath. We are not expected to entertain as we live in the Steward's House, and not the manor house. Review your diary and determine what month you would like to invite your family to Bath. I recommend Easter. Bath is particularly pleasant in the spring. Your sister and her indolent husband will not live with us, so don't ask and don't expect. They may arrive a fortnight before Easter and will leave a fortnight after Easter."
Caroline bade her new husband good night and started to leave the drawing room.
"I will visit your bed tonight, Mrs. Roberts. I give you thirty minutes to prepare for my arrival." Roberts informed his embarrassed and blushing bride. "I am quite diverted by the thought of your thin, silk nightrails and wrappers."