Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 16
July 1
"Lydia is only the center of attention because she puts herself forward. She's envious because you danced the last set with Colonel Fitzwilliam. She's beside herself because he addressed you as 'Miss Bennet' which noted your elevated status. I would not take your sister on as a companion lest I be shunned by every decent family in the whole of England." Anne stacked the bandboxes Kitty indicated. "You are just as pretty, better educated, and possess manners. You deserve an amiable gentleman with property and inheritance to recommend him. Handsome would not hurt, but educated and with manners carries the day. You can teach him to play cards, dance and dress well like Mary did for Mr. Collins."
"Where is he, by the way?" Kitty checked the contents of her dresser, ensuring she had everything she wanted.
"Watching for Papa and Mama." Mary finished packing Kitty's dirty clothes in the valise. "Personal things – dressing case. Dirty clothes – valise, to make it easier for your maid when you get to Rosings. You need your lockbox and ledger from Papa's library. He put travel funds in it for you along with your pin monies for the remainder of the year."
"Is there anything else to take?" Anne examined the room.
"I just need my lockbox and ledger,. I saved space in the trunk for them with my work basket and art box." Kitty tucked her small jewelry box in a corner of a trunk. "I want my embarrassing sampler and drawing room pillow. They will remind me to try harder."
"I'll get them, Miss Kitty." Mrs. Hill set two bottles of blue hyssop syrup on Kitty's dresser to pack. "Then we can close you up. Are you sure three trunks, four bandboxes, one valise and the dressing case will be enough to take with you?"
"They must be, for I want to be well on the road before Mother and Lydia return." Kitty examined the top of her dressing table to ensure she had everything she wanted.
"Leave the door to your room closed, with your goodbye note on the dressing table. Anything you leave behind will be taken by Miss Lydia," Mrs. Hill warned Kitty.
"She's welcome to my discards." Kitty drew a goodbye note from her desk drawer and propped it up on the dressing table. "However, I want Sarah and Emma to take what they want from my room before Lydia has the opportunity."
"Especially since we will buy better. London this afternoon. Rosings on Monday. I want to tell Mother about William and Elizabeth's wedding. You are in the rooms I assigned you before the wedding at the de Bourgh House. I left a welcome gift in your room." Anne knew Kitty would like the pink jewelry which she arranged to be refurbished in London. The simple, classic jewelry would last Kitty for as long as she wanted to wear it. "Colonel Fitzwilliam offered to accompany us to the London bank to open an account for you and deposit your dowry."
~X~
Darcy opened the door to their sitting room to two footmen. They brought a vase of fresh yellow roses. Efficiently, they set the small table with a tablecloth and serviettes, fine china and silver cutlery from the sideboard before two more footmen arrived with a hot breakfast. Breakfast offered ham, Mary's Spinach Pie, roasted potatoes, fresh pastries, fresh strawberries, and pots of hot tea. William and Lizzy enjoyed having breakfast without footmen, or company. Darcy dressed in his brown travel breeches, waistcoat, topcoat and Hessians. Lizzy wore a dark cream travel dress with a dark green spencer, with brown kid leather walking boots. Her straw bonnet with cream ribbons, cream gloves and reticule were set aside for when she left."Mr. and Mrs. Bingley are eating breakfast," Mr. Behrens notified them. "Your trunks have gone down. Your valets and maids are ready to depart. Mr. Bingley will meet with his solicitor and his bank this morning. He will be ready to depart when he returns."
"Please forward any mail which comes between now and the end of July to Pemberley." Darcy informed Mr. Behrens. "I arranged for a coin for all of you to celebrate our wedding and one for celebrating Mr. and Mrs. Bingley's wedding also. Please have a special dinner for all staff on Saturday evening to celebrate. Half the staff is free on Monday afternoon and the other half of the staff are free Tuesday afternoon."
"Thank you, sir," Behrens bowed and let himself out of the room.
~X~
"Charles must be so happy right now," Louisa commented. "He's consigned Caroline to a loveless marriage with a grasping servant. Well, he's cast us off also. You saw how we were treated at the wedding. Our rooms, although they were reportedly the best Meryton Inn had to offer, were simply abysmal. The food served would feed a day worker. The servants were rude and stupid. I could never get hot water when I needed it." She checked herself before she complained about Hurst visiting the common room, drinking too much and losing at cards while they were there.
"Do you object to Hurst's treatment after he endangered the Bingley family fortunes? Do you object because Charles refused to guarantee Hurst's interests? Do you object to Caroline's treatment by exalted members of the ton, who recognized her social climbing efforts? You and Caroline are now married to second sons of landed gentry. You do not appreciate your rise in society, which makes me weary of your attitudes. Mrs. Charles Bingley is the daughter of a gentleman and conducts herself accordingly. Charles will become a landed gentleman which will improve the family standing." Cordelia Stafford interjected.
"Even you must admit Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lydia are lacking in social graces," Louisa sniffed.
"We all have unfortunate family members." Cordelia Stafford retorted. "I found Jane and Elizabeth to be lovely young ladies. Mary is quite the favorite of the Fitzwilliams since she healed both Colonel Fitzwilliam and Miss Anne de Bourgh. Mrs. Gardiner revealed Miss de Bourgh has offered to take Catherine into society with her and Georgiana Darcy next year."
Louisa snorted. "She always followed in her hoyden sister's footsteps!"
"Pot calling the kettle black!" Cordelia Stafford muttered.
Louisa ignored Aunt Cordelia and continued. "If I had known Miss de Bourgh sought company during the Season, I would have encouraged Caroline to cultivate her friendship."
"Miss Anne de Bourgh, as a member of the Fitzwilliam family, did not care for Caroline's social ambitions. Mr. Bennet's daughters never attempted to compromise a gentleman," Cordelia Stafford fixed her gaze on Louisa. "I'm dropping you at the Hurst House. I will take rooms at Bailey's Hotel, in Berkeley Square. I have several friends who extended dinner and theatre invitations for the next week. I think it best we don't have contact for a while. I'm sadly disappointed in Caroline and you…and I believe your most wonderful parents would be also."
~X~
Someone in the ton saw the crested de Bourgh carriage pause before the de Bourgh House. Once Darcy's engagement announcement became common knowledge…Anne de Bourgh became a topic of conversation. Her broken engagement, her recovered health, her mother's illness, the lack of the knocker at the de Bourgh door, her connections, and the portion which Anne de Bourgh would bring to a marriage were continuous topics at teas and clubs this Season. Darcy must have been compromised by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, who no one knew. Who would give up Rosings Park, a house in London, plus property and a dowry in the five percents? Certainly not second sons and notorious rakes who could not wait for Miss de Bourgh's return to society. Plots to engage her, or compromise her were planned, refined or discarded.
Anne told Mother all about the wedding. She described Elizabeth's gown in detail, describing the lace, the bonnet, the veil, and the cloak which were created by Mme. Charette. Anne explained she loaned the Fitzwilliam pearls to Elizabeth. She returned the entire Fitzwilliam pearl collection to Aunt Constance, who would hold the jewels for future generations of Fitzwilliam brides. She bragged about how Mary Collins played the pianoforte beautifully at the wedding. She described the wedding breakfast in detail. Although Mother ignored her by staring out the window, Mrs. Jenkinson greedily absorbed all the details.
"One final detail, Mother," Anne smoothly rose before speaking. "Mr. Knowles and Mrs. Havens helped me arrange a celebration for the servants and tenants of Rosings Park. They know or have worked with Darcy for the last half decade. They opened the ballroom and served a wedding breakfast. Mrs. Havens gave each servant a coin, Mr. Knowles gave each tenant family a coin. They hired musicians to provide music and dance for those so inclined."
Lady Catherine's face flushed, but she could not express her anger.
"Mother," Anne's stern voice caught Mother's attention. "Marrying Darcy would have made us both unhappy. I should not have remained silent and allowed you this fantasy for years. Rosings suffered, and the situation wasn't healthy for you or me. I don't care if this situation makes us the on dit for a few weeks, a few months or a few Seasons. Once the ton sees how happy Darcy and Elizabeth are, and how much I support their marriage, the gossip should end. Thank you for the lesson about esteeming people for their good character, not their portion, peerage or position. Thank you for the lesson in how to treat my staff. Those lessons will remain with me for the rest of my life.""By the way, I'm going downstairs now, and ringing for Mr. and Mrs. Shepherd. They will distribute coins to the servants and make a bowl of wine punch for them. Most of them know Mr. Darcy. The ones who don't, will. I anticipate having Darcy and Elizabeth to dinner when they are in town. Aunt Constance has offered to sponsor Georgiana and me next Season. Oh, and Elizabeth's sister, Catherine, joins me as a companion and friend." Anne smiled and left the room.
Vexed by Anne's news, Lady Catherine swung her good arm and fist at every medical person who ventured near her. Finally, four footmen held her down while one of the medical staff dosed her with a teaspoon of honey mixed with laudanum. Mrs. Jenkinson, who should have argued against treating her mistress so…kept quiet for once…desiring an afternoon with no confrontations. Mrs. Jenkinson felt badly used because Miss Anne selected a new companion, thereby leaving her at the de Bourgh House with no deferment from the Shepherds and household staff. Only the medical staff held her in regard. She could not call for a tea tray to pass the afternoon while reading…because she was in charge of the medical staff. She could not shop…she could not take a walk. She felt as housebound as her infirm charge, Lady Catherine.
~X~
"Welcome to Pembriar." The servants gathered in a line at the bottom of the stairs.
"Mrs. Darcy, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. They will use the estates when they travel. I have given them leave to contact you when they travel." Darcy introduced them to his Pembriar steward, butler and housekeeper. Servants curtsied or bowed to the couples. "We will take hot water and have a rest. I will meet the three of you in my study at six." He commented to his steward, butler and housekeeper. "Dinner to be served at seven in the morning room."
"I did not know you had estates between Pemberley and London," Bingley could not contain his amazement.
"Forgive my secrecy, I did not want your sisters to apply to each of my estates for refuge. I told them of the best inns between Pemberley and London." Darcy apologized. "Roberts promised he would never reveal the secret. You cannot give the directions to anyone for letters. You also must vow to never reveal my additional estates to your sisters."
~X~
"Father purchased three estates, fifty miles apart, to facilitate travel between Pemberley and Rosings. He and Mother preferred their own rooms and beds to inns, no matter how well kept the inns were. The Matlock, Fitzwilliam, and de Bourgh family stop at the estates when they travel. Each of the estates is about the size of Netherfield Park. Each has its own steward, staff, stables, and tenant farmers beholden to the estate. All of them yield about £5-6,000 a year. All funds raised by the separate estates stay with the separate estates to provide housing, food, staff, taxes, improvements, repairs, etc. Today we will travel to Pembriar Estate, which is 25 miles north of London. The next day we will travel 50 miles north to Pembrook Estate. Saturday we will travel to Pemwood Estate. The Monday after, we are at Pemberley. Tuesday or Wednesday we depart for the Lake District. We are part owners in the inn where we stay on our way to the Fitzwilliam House in the Lake District." Darcy indicated the six pictures on the wall in his study. He named each of the estates.
"Are these the estates which will go to our sons and daughters?"
"Yes. But you are mistress of all. In the past, only the Darcy, Fitzwilliam or de Bourgh families were regular guests at these estates. Now Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley, the Collinses, the Bennets, the Gardiners, and the Phillips will be welcome guests also. Please feel free to walk all the estates. You can change the gardens or décor as you like." Darcy kissed her passionately. "I want time to show my wife around Pembriar before dusk."
"Well then, as my first edict as Mistress of the Pemberley Estates – Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Hurst are never invited or welcome at Pembriar, Pembrook and Pemwood. They have been to Pemberley and the Darcy House before. I don't want either of them malingering for six months at a secondary Pemberley holding." Lizzy demanded.
"When you see these three estates, I hope you will understand why I did not want to take on Rosings. Someday we will travel to Darcy House, Scotland. We only go at the beginning of June and return at the beginning of October once every three years. I have an excellent steward who writes every fortnight to keep me appraised of estate matters. I feel guilty being an absentee landlord, but if we have enough children…"
~X~
"Does Kitty need a tray for dinner," Lydia inquired. "I'll take it up to her."
"Kitty does not need a tray. She departed this morning. Miss Anne asked Kitty to join her for an extended visit. I gave my blessing. Kitty will be educated and be introduced to Miss Anne's society." Mr. Bennet sipped his wine.
"How could you do that!" Mrs. Bennet shrieked. "I planned for Kitty to take Mary's place in the stillroom! If she can be educated about the herb garden, she might entice the Jones or Locke boy. What a wonderful thing to have a surgeon or apothecary in the family."
"How is it the best thing for Kitty to act as a stillroom maid, gardener, and kitchen drudge, instead of friend and companion to a member of the first set of London?" Mr. Bennet waited for this answer.
"Since you are letting Kitty visit Kent, you must arrange for dear Lydia to travel to Brighton to spend the rest of summer with her friends." Mrs. Bennet changed topics quickly. She knew Mr. Bennet laughed about some of her plans. Her mood prevented her from entertaining him.
"I realize I haven't the noble lineage of Mr. Darcy, nor the funds of Mr. Bingley…however, my family has owned Longbourn for over two centuries. Both of you are silly, vain creatures who only think of yourselves and your own amusements. I refuse to allow your current mode of behavior to destroy the Bennet name. Until such time you can exhibit proper manners and good breeding…I shall be strict with your pin money, your household funds, and your socializing with the gossips of Meryton. I will not be embarrassed by your lack of respectability and manners, Mrs. Bennet. Dear Lydia will not travel to Brighton for the summer. Dear Lydia is not as appreciated as you believe. She had a distinct lack of dance partners at the birthday ball and at the wedding breakfast."
"Lydia had a distinct lack of partners at the birthday ball because you insisted we not arrive early at the birthday ball and we left early because you were indisposed. Then at the wedding breakfast while the gentlemen circulated, arranging dance partners, Lydia stood in the receiving line. You are at fault because my lively Lydia has been so slighted by her sisters, families, and the wedding events!"
"Kitty stood in the receiving line at the wedding breakfast and had plenty of dance partners. Lydia is at fault because she's immature, selfish and vain. The gentlemen of Meryton will not approach Lydia as she slighted them for the militia. I will not have her throwing herself at Brighton redcoats who are beneath our notice. Miss Anne chose Kitty instead of your lively Lydia because Lydia is woefully unprepared. She exhibits inappropriate behavior. Her studies lack. She has few accomplishments to endear her to anyone."
"Now you will say I'm silly, like Mama," Lydia argued.
"No…what I will say is worse…you are selfish and exhibit little self-control like your mother." Mr. Bennet snorted. "All Lydia seems to understand is fashion, flirtation, and fun. You have taught her many useless accomplishments, Mrs. Bennet." Mr. Bennet's look quelled any argument from either lady.
'I do not know if I am insulted or intrigued by Father's comment. However, I will visit Kitty's room after dinner and take what I want. Kitty probably took her best things and only left behind clothes and accessories which are suitable for the maids. Lizzy packed crates to send to Pemberley. Jane packed crates to send to Netherfield. I don't need to visit their rooms, they are empty. Why was I born last? Why am I stuck at home with Mama?' Lydia fumed. 'Kitty is getting a rude letter from me…demanding she return home!'
July 2
"How is she?" Anne ceased balancing her ledgers when Mrs. Shepherd brought her a tea tray.
"Enduring, miss," replied Mrs. Shepherd. "Lady Catherine rouses before seven. Adams brings her a breakfast tray. After breakfast, the nurses exercise her arms and legs. She is bathed and dressed for the day. Then, she is moved to her sitting room or the conservatory. We have a bath chair to wheel her from room to room. Mrs. Jenkinson reads the daily newspaper and classic literature to her. Lady Catherine is generally alert until dusk. Then she tires and sleeps until sunrise the next morning. I endeavor to feed her a hearty tea at five as she sleeps through dinner lately."
The Earl and Countess of Matlock returned to London with Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam after the wedding. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley planned their return to Pemberley to prepare for the house party, arriving after the newlyweds departed. Monday after the wedding, they would join the Matlocks whose three carriages carried family and staff forward to Derbyshire. Their party would have an additional six outriders who were ex-military to guard the family.
Colonel Fitzwilliam traveled with Anne. He prepared to report to the War Office July fifth. He had an appointment with military doctors. They would test his recovery to determine when he could return to active duty. Colonel Fitzwilliam did not look forward to summer alone in London. He begged Mrs. Shepherd to let him know when Anne and Kitty were in residence.
~X~
"William, may I borrow your writing slope? I want to send a letter to Mary." Lizzy hated asking favors from William; she was aware of what little she brought to the marriage.
"I think not, my love. I purchased something special for you." Darcy rang for his new valet, Jennings. "Mrs. Darcy needs her new writing slope."
Jennings disappeared, and Solange reappeared in ten minutes with a lovely satinwood, tulipwood and rosewood lady's writing slope. When opened, a deep green soft wool lined the slope. The inkwell and sand shaker were silver topped. New quills, paper and sealing wax filled the bottom drawer of the writing slope. Lizzy's new rosewood handled seal had a floral circlet with ED in script. The top of the writing slope held a handful of yellow and green ribbons for tying up packages of letters.
"Thank you, William!" Lizzy threw herself at her husband while Solange discreetly disappeared and closed the door. "You spoil me so!"
"Thank Anne when you can. She gave Bingley and me excellent suggestions about wedding tour gifts. They are all items you will need." Darcy kissed his wife ardently.
"Gifts?" Lizzy arched an eye.
"Well," he blushed. "Some are more for me than you."
~X~
Each of Darcy's estates was located in rich, agricultural regions. Each estate had modern farming equipment. Each estate boasted its own specialty. Pembriar had large fishing ponds and transported their excess fish, orchard and garden stuff to London to sell at market stalls near Grosvenor Square. Pembrook had large pastures and a well-stocked stable which provided riding and racing horses to the gentry of London. Four times a year, horses not kept to improve breeding lines were transported to London. They were sold at Tattersalls just after quarter days. Pemwood had large fruit orchards. Various kinds of apples and pears made their way to London in the fall. The spring cherries and summer apricots and peaches were in demand also. The nut trees were especially enjoyed after harvest and for the holidays. Pemberley had large pasture lands with herds of dairy cattle. The young women of Lambton and surrounding market towns were grateful for dairy maid positions: milking, churning butter, and making cheese. Pemberley also had a large sheep farm which provided wool to factories in Leeds.
July 5
Caroline Roberts snatched the London paper with the Bennet/Darcy and Bennet/Bingley wedding announcements in it. To her dismay, someone published a Bingley/Roberts announcement. 'Recently married at St. Albans, Hertfordshire: Andrew Roberts of Bath to Miss Caroline Bingley of London.' She marched to the fireplace in the drawing room. She threw the newspaper in the fireplace and set it ablaze. The waiting footman yelled for help and rushed in to open the flue and the windows before smoke damaged his master's furniture or wall paper. Then he reminded Mrs. Roberts there were no fires until Michaelmas, which meant the flues were closed. Caroline threatened to fire him for his attitude.
"I'm penalizing your pin money for shouting at Darwin, the footman. You will not abuse my household staff, tenants or family." Roberts fished in his coin pouch for a coin. "Here, Darwin, with my thanks for your quick thinking which saved my house and furniture. Mrs. Roberts, while I would like to confine you to your room to reflect on your ill-formed actions, I am engaged to look at two farms. You will accompany me. You will dress appropriately, which means no silks or satins, and no ostrich feathers." Andrew Roberts chastised his wife.
"I hoped to go shopping today," Caroline protested.
"We are shopping…for farms to enlarge our holdings." Roberts smirked.
~X~
In a dark and quiet tavern on the edge of Seven Dials in London, George Wickham read the London paper with interest. So Darcy married the pretty and intriguing Elizabeth Bennet and Bingley married the lovely Jane Bennet at St. Albans in the presence of the Earl and Countess of Matlock, Viscount and Viscountess Fitzwilliam, Colonel Fitzwilliam, Miss Anne de Bourgh and the gentle Georgiana Darcy. The paper hinted at a house party at Pemberley in late summer to celebrate the weddings.
Wickham moved every few days, stealing to support himself. He remembered the uninhabited Steward's House and Dower House at Rosings from his last visit to the region. 'A post coach to the travel inn outside Hunsford. Disappear in the dark. Easy access, steal whatever is available. Return to London. Sell the goods. Move north toward Pemberley via Pembriar, Pembrook and Pemwood. Live rough until the end of July and beginning of August. I resemble Darcy in the dark. Chess moves…A, E or G? A for a forced marriage, her dowry and Rosings Park. E for ransom. G for a forced marriage and her dowry. Ruin of any of the three would destroy Darcy.'
Then Wickham reconsidered… 'Why all the fuss and bother with Rosings? The de Bourgh House, the Darcy House and the Bingley House are here in town. Bingley House first…I doubt Charles Bingley has adequate footmen to guard. I will watch the houses.'
~X~
The Bingley House was deserted except for an older man, possibly a house steward or butler, who slept quite soundly on a settee in the main hall. Wickham winced at the décor of the Bingley House. If this décor represented the fashion in London right now, he would have problems selling small things to unsuspecting second-hand stores. He accessed the upper floors by the servants' staircase. He started in the obvious places…bedrooms for small personal items which could be sold. However, they were stripped bare, not even a silver-handled hairbrush or a porcelain candlestick lying about. He went to the study, but no key lingered in drawers for the safe. The library had few books, none were valuable like at the Darcy houses and holdings. Wickham took two pairs of marble bookends. He found the keys to the house and could have cried when he discovered the empty silver pantry.
Small items which could be nicked and sold, like a tantalizer, a writing slope, mantle clock, or valuable porcelains were gone. Wickham removed two small oil paintings from the library. He found a pair of griffin candlesticks in the drawing room. He raided the wine cellar and came away with two bottles of inferior wine. They must belong to the old man upstairs. Wickham spotted a worn mahogany tea caddy in the kitchen and acquired it. He took the two worn but useable silver spoons from the cutlery caddy. He avoided the main hall, so he didn't awaken the old man.
A new shop in town purchased quality items from members of the ton strapped for cash. Wickham would not make a large sum on the items he nicked, but it would provide a living for a week or two. He needed to watch the de Bourgh House and the Darcy House. If neither of them were accessible, he would go to Hunsford.
July 5 – Pemberley – late afternoon
"Love adds a precious seeing to the eye," Darcy quoted Shakespeare when the carriage stopped, and Elizabeth saw the prospect of Pemberley. Elizabeth gasped because a large, handsome, stone building stood on rising ground with a ridge of high woody hills. Before it, a stream of some importance flowed into a lake whose banks were neither formal nor ornately adorned. The natural beauty shone in the summer sun.
"Why so shy?" Darcy frowned at Elizabeth's sudden taciturn nature. "Please put away your misgivings. I have faith in you. You may not have been born with a title, but you are my Lady of Pemberley. Remember, your courage rises at every attempt to intimidate you. If you did not bend to the irrational will of Lady Catherine, you will not bend or break at the expectations of the mistress of Pemberley." He kissed her hand. "Let us complete our journey. This is my favorite view of Pemberley. When I see it, I know I am almost home."
"Lizzy, it is lovely!" Jane squeezed her sister's arm in excitement as their carriage rolled down a tree-lined road.
"When we arrive, I will take you for a walk in the gardens while Darcy introduces your sister to her staff," Bingley promised. "The gardens and park are lovely around Pemberley."
"Houghton, my Pemberley steward, is intelligent, kind, thoughtful and hard working. He's a God-fearing man, great reader, avid horseman and hunter, and loves to fish. He always does his best to promote and protect Pemberley. He will be pleased when I tell him your initial reaction to Pemberley." Darcy dropped a kiss to Elizabeth's hand and led her up the main outside stairs.
Mrs. Reynolds watched as Mr. Darcy appeared pleased and excited to introduce the new Mrs. Darcy to the staff. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley claimed she was pretty, kind, and amiable. Darcy introduced the staff who were lined up on the steps. Elizabeth wasn't surprised he knew the names of every servant in Pemberley. Elizabeth noticed the brown livery for the footmen, and brown and cream clothes for the remainder of the staff. She liked how the servants looked comfortable in their uniforms and clothes. No one fidgeted against a too tight collar or too short gown. "Mrs. Reynolds, our housekeeper, Hardy, our butler, and Houghton, our steward, may I introduce you to Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy, the new mistress of Pemberley?" Greetings were exchanged, bows and curtseys accepted.
Elizabeth gasped again when Darcy swept her up into his arms and carried her into Pemberley. Her eyes were filled with her husband…his beautiful blue eyes…his dark curly hair. When he set her down in the marble foyer with the sweeping staircase…she felt overwhelmed by the sight of her new home, and the sandalwood and lemon scent of her husband. Darcy smiled down at her. "Take a deep, calming breath," he warned her. "Our life begins now."~X~
"This suite has only been seen by Georgiana, me and the household staff. Locked since Father's death, the family rooms are never on the house tour. I had the entire suite cleared, cleaned, painted and reassembled." Darcy explained. "Keep your eyes closed until I say so.
Lizzy's large and airy suite had pale primrose painted walls. Lizzy felt comfortable in the suite. Again, the petite rosewood and satinwood furniture suited her. The layout of the sleeping quarters and dressing room resembled the mistress suite at Darcy House, Pembriar, Pembrook and Pemwood. Lady Anne knew her nature, colors and furniture to create comfortable living spaces. Lizzy was pleased at the simplicity of the décor of her suites.
Lizzy refreshed and dressed in a pale yellow linen day gown with a yellow ribbon woven through her chestnut curls. She appeared at the door of a comfortable sitting room located between her sleeping quarters and William's sleeping quarters. Shades of green and cream decorated their private sitting room. Again, the colors, layout and décor resembled the master and mistress sitting rooms at the other Darcy holdings.
"We will not go in my sleeping quarters yet," Darcy's voice dropped to a quiet level. "I might not let you out of there once you cross its threshold." Lizzy blushed. "Come, let's begin your house tour on the main floor." Darcy held Elizabeth's hand as they walked down the stairs.
"We have two drawing rooms, yellow and blue. The yellow drawing room and yellow dining room are connected. Both seat four and twenty. The blue drawing room is connected to the blue dining room. Both seat eight and forty. Both drawing rooms have access to the east rose gardens. I will show them to you after tea. There are retiring rooms for both ladies and men with cloak rooms at the edge of the main hall." Darcy opened the door to the blue drawing room. A massive fireplace, flanked by a set of doors on either side led to the large dining room. A lovely large gilt mirror above the fireplace mantle reflected light from the windowed doors which led to the gardens. The mantle held a large display of fresh flowers and a set of gold candelabra. "While there are entrances at all three wings, guests enter Pemberley through the West Entrance Hall."
"I like how gardens circle Pemberley. You can see gardens or parkland out any window, off the terrace or a balcony. I like how your mother created formal gardens and informal gardens with a beautiful, paved walkway around the house. I cannot wait to see the rest of Pemberley – the lake, the chapel, and the woods." Lizzy sighed.
"The library is on the first floor, in the north wing. The library is half the size of the ballroom with a private sitting room and study for you on the east. Next to it is a private family parlor. The room beyond it is a morning room. Georgiana and I prefer to use the private parlor and the morning room. My private study and sitting room are on the west. My private study is next to the billiards room." Darcy pointed out the rooms to Lizzy. "The corridor runs the length of the north wing and provides access to all the north wing rooms. All the rooms in the north corridor are painted cream, but you have yellow and gold décor and I have greens. The library has cream walls with brown décor. Although, I think I should install a comfortable chaise in my study for your father, so he has unrestricted access to the library. Mrs. Darcy…welcome to my second favorite room in Pemberley." Darcy opened a set of double doors.
"What's your first favorite room?" Lizzy blushed when Darcy winked.
"This is the renown Pemberley library." Darcy entered the room and crossed to the far wall. He opened a set of dark cream damask drapes. The furnishings of the room were shades of brown, with dark gold accents like pillows and vases. The rugs on the hardwood floor were shades of brown with gold and green accents. The chimney piece was made from dark brown marble with black and gold veins. A four-foot tall, framed mirror graced the chimney piece. Lizzy recognized pieces of furniture which mimicked the furniture at Darcy House.
The floor to ceiling shelves lined the wall, with a mezzanine which provided a private reading nook. Lizzy stood in the middle of the room, inhaling the scent of leather, parchment and Darcy's sandalwood and lemon scent as he passed behind her, closing the double doors and locking them.
"I dreamt of you, in this room, in my arms, while I read Shakespeare's sonnets to you." Darcy's voice breathed hotly on her ear. He kissed her senseless before continuing the tour. He led her to his study and pointed at a map of Pemberley displayed on a library table. "Pemberley has 100 rooms in three wings: north, south, and west," Darcy explained, pointing out the layout map of the manor.
Lizzy loved her study and private sitting room. The cream damask with pale gold stripes upholstered furniture blended with the walnut wainscoting and warm cream walls. Low bookcases lined the wall behind her desk. Her desk held a large gold, floral embossed desk set, complete with two single gold candlesticks. From her desk, she could look out the window and see the lawn down to the lake. The room had chairs before the desk, for speaking with staff. A work table, a standing sewing table with tapestry basket, a standing embroidery hoop, and an art easel were aligned on one wall. Lizzy felt guilty because she would not use the pieces as they should be used. She would offer the hoop, sewing table, and easel to Georgiana for her own home.
Simple slabs of white marble with gold veins formed the fireplace. A conversation area with a settee, two chairs and a low table faced the fireplace. The mantle held a low arrangement of white roses, and two simple, single gold candlesticks. Lizzy wanted to look out at the beautiful Pemberley parkland in the early morning when she conducted her household accounts and correspondence. Two items of interest sat on her desk. Lizzy moved both to the mantle. She perused the catalogue on the desk.
"Good quality Mother of Pearl tea caddy," Lizzy read from the catalogue. "Mother of pearl panel from China, fashioned into a tea caddy in 1780, England. The intricate key is gold. Tea has always been expensive, so the key to the caddy would have been keep with the chatelaine's keys. I don't want to use it, but it's a very striking piece."
"This covered dish is Oriental, white jade with gold infusions," Darcy ran his hands over it. "Mother used it to hold rose petals to scent her study because the lid has slit openings in it. I believe my Grandmother Fitzwilliam bought it from an importer in 1750."
"You don't mind I moved them?" Lizzy asked uncertainly. "They go well with the candlesticks and clock on the white marble mantle."
"Elizabeth, it is your room now. Georgiana and I agreed you must put your own personal stamp on Pemberley. Please redecorate as you desire," Darcy's smile chased all thoughts of paints, drapes, pillows, porcelains and paintings from her head.
"This room is lovely. All of Pemberley is lovely." Lizzy knew her favorite vista would be the spectacular view of the grounds and the trees offered by the library windows. "I don't know if I will ever remember where anything is located."
"Mrs. Reynolds will keep a footman nearby to guide you if you are lost." Darcy assured Lizzy.
~X~
"Your mother created very comfortable and lovely rooms at all the Darcy holdings." Lizzy complimented Lady Anne's style and taste. The furnishings were suitable for a family, less opulent than Rosings Park, and a great deal like all the Darcy holdings. The real elegance reflected how the colors of the rooms drew attention to the natural beauty outside, like a landscape painting drawn by a master's hand. "Please don't expect me to make immediate changes to the décor of Pemberley…because I need all my time for you, and the house party."
"Our home," Darcy corrected her. "The second floor has south, west and north corridors which lead to the bedrooms. The north and south wings have their own staircase to keep guests out of the family wing. Family rooms are in the west wing. Guest bedrooms are in the north and south wings, second floor. We can sleep six and thirty to eight and forty guests."
"So, Caroline Bingley sleeps…?" Lizzy asked.
"On a farm, outside of Bath, with her husband, Roberts." Darcy observed Lizzy's face. "She brought this on herself. No matter how I tried to ignore her, or make subtle hints about my lack of regard for her, she kept pursuing me. She makes appalling decisions."
"As evidenced by the ridiculous number of feathers she wears," Lizzy impertinently replied.
Darcy smothered a smile at Lizzy's flash of jealousy. "Mr. and Mrs. Hurst shared this small suite of rooms. Bingley had this room and Miss Bingley this room." He pointed at the rooms on the house layout.
"The third floor is for children," Darcy winked at Lizzy when he led her to the floor. "West wing is school rooms, with nanny, governess and tutor suites. There are extra rooms for visiting children and their nannies and governesses in the south wing. Nursery and bedrooms for nursery maids, wet nurses, etc. are located in the north wing. The nursery staff common room, playroom and children's library are in the north wing. I'm partial to the nursery playroom myself. Toy soldiers, rocking horses, building blocks, kites, butterfly nets, etc."
Lizzy admired the wooden cases of toy soldiers stacked on shelves. Balls, hoops, blocks and dolls had their own shelves also. "I can't wait to view the children's library," Lizzy murmured.
The pale green schoolroom contained bookcases with primers, slates and reading materials, work tables and chairs, an open atlas and table globe. A teacher's desk with chair, a small pianoforte and harp, a long case clock, and art box and easel occupied a wall in the room. Two samplers and mounted butterfly collections covered the wall by the door. Special rocks and geodes were safe behind a glass front bookcase. Lizzy could not wait until she had a child who would use the schoolroom properly.
"Fourth floor is servant rooms. Family servants are in the west wing, like Hardy and Mrs. Reynolds, my valet Jennings, your maid Solange, Georgiana's maid Paulette, and Mrs. Annesley's maid, Markham. Male servant rooms are in south wing. Female servant rooms are in the north wing. Our main servants have larger rooms. Guest rooms for personal servants of visiting family, like the Fitzwilliams, occupy the fourth floor west wing."
"What's on the lower level?" Lizzy asked.
"The lower level is a very busy place." Darcy explained. "The kitchen areas are in the north wing, with the butler's office between the wine cellar and the silver pantry. The housekeeper's office is between the staff common room and the dish pantry. There is a dry larder and a cold larder, coal room, garden stuff storage, kitchen areas, scullery, and stillroom. The game and fish larder is located in the north wing. Game and fish are butchered before taken to the kitchen to be cooked. The south wing contains the chef's suite, cook's suite, kitchen maid rooms, and scullery maid rooms. Additionally there are storage rooms for ballroom items: tables, chairs, etc."
"The west wing contains the gun room. The gun room is located near the courtyard. The location allows faster loading of horses, wagons, etc. The room is fitted up to hold guns, fishing rods, fishing gear, etc. in proper order. Shelves hold guns and sporting gear of visitors. Not all our guests bring their own equipment, so we have enough for a dozen guests. Various small cleaning rooms (places to brush and press clothes for visitors, boot cleaning, etc.) are next to the seamstress/laundress office. The seamstress/laundress office has a small room for immediate washing needs, like removing wine from a fine silk dress." Darcy concluded the tour of Pemberley. "Do you approve?"
"The manor is wonderful," Lizzy sighed. "Now can we have a tour of the gardens?"
The informal gardens at Pemberley were quite fine. Covered gazebos occupied corners of the informal gardens. One kind of garden grew in each direction to capture the sun as it drew across the sky. Short demi rocked walls separated the informal gardens from the open vistas of the countryside. Slate paths led from the gardens and lawns into the woods. Pemberley held al fresco meals on the terrace, on the pavilion and near the lake. Darcy felt more comfortable in those natural settings than the ornate formal gardens of Matlock House or Rosings Park.
Benches were set in several spots around the lake. Most were tucked under trees and near small garden plantings. Lizzy liked the bench which faced east, so she could watch the sun rise. She liked the bench which faced west, so she could watch the sun set. The lake changed colors with the sky…lots of dark blue and violet in the morning until the sun rose when the lake changed into light blues, greens and silvers until sunset, when hints of orange, red and pinks reflected in the water until dusk settled over Pemberley.
~X~
Bingley and Jane joined Darcy and Elizabeth for dinner in the morning room.
"Georgiana and I use this room as an informal dining room." Darcy explained the pale yellow room to Elizabeth and Jane. "The painting on the wall over the sideboard is sunrise as viewed from our waterfall. Mother had a gazebo built in the primrose filled meadow for picnics and resting when riding the estate. She painted the waterfall from there." Darcy pointed at the glass paned doors. "If you open those doors, there is a private garden which is defined by trellises of climbing yellow or cream petite roses. The table linens and dishes are cream. Mother arranged storage for this room's particular use in the large sideboard."
The cook created favorite family and guest dishes for dinner. Darcy's beef steaks in brown sauce, Bingley's baked salmon with lemon sauce, Georgiana's asparagus in crust, Mrs. Annesley's Potatoes Dauphinoise, Jane's garden stuff salad with tomatoes and cucumbers with a tarragon vinaigrette, and Lizzy's apple pie. The cook created cinnamon ices for dessert.
As it was just the Darcys and Bingleys in the house, the sexes did not separate after dinner. Jane and Elizabeth played the pianoforte in the private family parlor for about an hour before everyone claimed exhaustion and the need to sleep.
July 6
"Rosings is a fine house," Darcy agreed with Lizzy. "But Pemberley is better. Not the size, but the arrangement of the house. Pemberley is also better because I have taken prodigious care of the land and the people. Lady Catherine only followed my recommendations if the actions kept her from losing tenants and losing money." His slightly bitter voice commented. "Mother encouraged conversation, Aunt Catherine's guests observed while she expounded her opinions on every topic."
"Once we return to London next year, when Georgiana comes out, we will be required to attend dinners, parties and balls. With the approval of Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam, your entry to the ton will be easier. There will be petty and shallow women, like Caroline Bingley, but don't worry about them. My aunt and my cousin will keep those women in their place and keep them from bothering you. While you will be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley…a cut will hurt worse when it is delivered by the Countess of Matlock or the Viscountess Fitzwilliam."
"Elizabeth, we haven't hosted many events at Pemberley for several years. Managing the estate occupied much of my time, and Georgiana's youth prevented her from being my hostess. My parents hosted summer festivals before Mother became ill. The family spent Easter at Rosings, Little Season at the Matlock House in London, and Christmas at Pemberley. Georgiana and I held one dinner per visit to the Darcy House if we were there for an extended visit. We insisted on small events, family and friends, and quite informal. We're excited to throw the doors to Pemberley open, and host a house party to celebrate our wedding and introduce you to our neighbors. You don't mind moving to Pemberley?" Darcy inquired.
"I prefer the country to the city. I will not miss Mother's nerves, and headaches…" 'Along with her loud voice, lack of manners and lack of decorum.' However, Lizzy did not voice her complete thought. "I will miss Jane when she returns to Hertfordshire. Kitty is with your cousin Anne, and near Mary, so I can write them, and share plans. I regret leaving Papa alone with Lydia and Mama."
Mr. Bennet turned down the invitation to the August house party at Pemberley, citing repairs at Longbourn. Since he guaranteed Mrs. Bennet would not be in attendance, Mary agreed to attend. Mr. Bennet suggested they not announce the house party to Mrs. Bennet and Lydia.
"Your father will always be welcome at Pemberley; the library doors are open to him. I will be welcoming and an excellent host to your mother and sister. However, there is one issue…you must establish yourself as mistress of the Darcy holdings…for I will not abide anyone attempting to usurp your place." Darcy's severe mien would brook no argument.
"Who said we are inviting Mother or your Miss Bingley," Lizzy remarked archly.
"She's not my Miss Bingley," Darcy started to argue and then caught sight of the mischief in Lizzy's eyes. "Minx," he kissed her impertinent lips. "Surely you know…you must know…you are the only woman I have ever loved and will ever love. We will be happy together, Elizabeth." He kissed her again.
"We will rest here today…and then depart for the Lake District tomorrow. Halfway on our journey to the Lake District is an excellent inn which expects us tomorrow night. We should arrive at the Fitzwilliam House before dusk on Thursday. We will stay at the Fitzwilliam House until the last Thursday of the month. We'll be home and settled before our first guests arrive on the second of August for the house party."
July 6-9 – Wickham
Wickham would have smashed items in the Dower House in frustration but he didn't dare make any noise and be caught. Who were the new faces at the de Bourgh House and at Rosings Park? They were ex-military from the looks of them. The Steward's House at Rosings Park stood empty. Because it had been cleaned, he didn't worry about leaving footprints in dusty rooms. The Dower House silver pantry and wine cellar were empty.
Wickham searched the Dower House, staying away from windows. He returned to the travel inn outside Hunsford before dawn each day. He found an old valise and a travel trunk in the attic, which he acquired to carry away loot. One attic trunk held items which belonged to de Bourgh ladies. He found a well-worn, but intact gold chatelaine. He found a broken, but repairable, gold laurel leaf lady's circlet. The circlet might have been used for a costume ball. He found an old French necessaire, gold with tortoise shell and seed pearls. Wickham found an oak documents box which held a lady's mother-of-pearl card case, and a hallmarked silver travel inkwell with a ridiculously small silver tray for holding correspondence. He found a set of silver-framed opera glasses in a blue velvet case and a silver top to a walking stick. The top appeared intact, despite the missing walking stick. The chatelaine, circlet, opera glasses and walking stick top fit in the documents box.
Finding nothing else in the attic, Wickham took his treasures to an overstuffed guest room. No one would notice a stray valise and traveling trunk in the disarray. Daylight would be on the horizon soon. Wickham slipped away before servants were about…taking the documents box with him.
After dark the next day, Wickham found a partial set of toy soldiers in a nursery guest room. He took two small oil paintings from a guest room. He took two small gilt-framed mirrors. He wrapped the framed items in an old blanket from the linen press to put in the valise. Before dawn, he hurried to take the valise back to his room at the inn.
Friday evening, Wickham took a mahogany toiletry mirror with a base which had drawers to hold small personal items. He found a single tea caddy made of satinwood. The key to the caddy was missing. He found two small mahogany mantle clocks. He found a set of barley twist oak candlesticks. Wickham used the remaining time to carefully wrap the items for transport. Carrying the travel trunk, he slipped away from the Dower House and returned to his lodgings at the travel inn outside Hunsford. Tomorrow he would take the post coach to London.
July 10 – London, Timsdale's Treasures
"You've brought quite a variety of items to us," Timsdale appraised the bounty from Wickham's old valise and travel trunk.
"Everything is for sale," Wickham composed his pleasant features into a well-studied air of boredom.
Timsdale observed everything carefully. "Well, Mr. Roberts, I can take everything at this price. I'm afraid we cannot negotiate on the gold circlet because it needs repaired before it can be sold. We cannot negotiate on the chatelaine either. The gold is worn thin on the main piece. A business acquaintance, Mr. Edwards, is due within the hour to evaluate your gold pieces. He might buy them." Timsdale handed a list of items and valuations to his client. "As you clear your great uncle's home, please consider inviting us to inventory and perhaps purchase small furniture like individual chairs, bookcases, small side tables, etc."
"I will do so," Wickham lied. "Perhaps, as things are cleaned and inventoried, I can invite you to select what you might buy." He felt lucky to find the hallmarked gold and silver items. Wickham needed transport north of London. 'Pembriar, Pembrook, Pemwood, Pemberley,' he plotted.
Friday, July 16 – Bath
Caroline needed Cecily to take her to the modiste to finalize fittings for the cotton day gowns she needed. She needed to visit the cobbler for the walking boots she ordered. She needed a plain brown summer bonnet, shawl, gloves and reticule from Cecily's milliner. She had no intention of spending excess monies on plain clothes. Caroline ordered two linen gowns with moderate lace and trim for attending church. She simply refused to order brown gowns for church; settling for a summer blue and a summer green. She ordered a bonnet, outerwear, accessories and half-boots in creams for the summer with a plain silk parasol. Gone were the days of exhibiting her excellent taste in clothes when attending church. Also no one at the church wore clothes as fine as the ones in Caroline's trunks.
Cecily aggravated her…not just because she was the mistress of Roberts Estates, but she made jams, jellies and relishes to sell at the open market. Cecily might waste her pin money on good quality, pretty sprigged materials, but Caroline would not. She would not waste her funds buying excellent lace for the brown gowns either.
Caroline returned to her room and selected the plainest day gown from her wardrobe for Friday's excursions. She learned quickly…Roberts seemed most agreeable when Caroline dressed like Mary Bennet, schooled her features to resemble Jane Bennet, and read books like Eliza Bennet. 'Will I never be rid of those country chits? I'm so sick of the Domestic Cookery book, I could throw it at Roberts' head.'
July at Rosings
July passed pleasantly for Kitty and Anne…except for the weekly letters from Mrs. Bennet. She demanded Kitty return to Longbourn. She threatened to visit Rosings and drag Kitty back to Longbourn. Anne knew something was amiss…letters were generally thought to be good things. Kitty would observe her letters and set one aside…not reading it until a day or two after she received it.
When Anne noticed Kitty setting an open, but largely unread letter aside, she suggested Kitty practice the pianoforte before they had breakfast. Anne opened the letter and noted the contents and writer. Anne sent an express to Mr. Bennet, notifying him about Mrs. Bennet's demands. She included quotes from Mrs. Bennet's demanding letter.
Anne and Kitty discussed their travel plans during breakfast. After the house party at Pemberley, they planned to travel to Bath where they would stay September through November. They would return to Rosings the first of December to prepare for the St. Thomas Tea, and Christmas. Boxing Day would be a large celebration for the servants and tenants. January would signal the preparations for the Season. Anne needed to return to Rosings by Lady Day for the lease renewals. She wanted to spend Easter at Rosings with her cousins and check on the planting.
Anne's masters returned to Rosings, renewing Anne's and Kitty's interest in their studies. Anne hired a new riding master since Colonel Fitzwilliam returned to the War Office in London. A new education master provided daily lessons. Kitty's and Anne's friendship grew as they vied to be the best in their lessons: history, geography, French, art, music, sewing, and riding. They were both naturally skilled at sums. Kitty helped Mr. Knowles and Anne with the ledgers for Rosings.
Anne insisted the door knocker stay down until a week before Christmas. She met with Mr. Knowles and the tenants as needed. Daily Anne and Kitty rode before breakfast. They practiced their French at mealtimes. They worked between breakfast and midday meal with Anne's education master. Between one and three when Anne should have entertained callers, she avoided community interest in her by sorting and cataloguing Rosings Park manor house. Anne and Kitty rested between three and four with simple but restorative tea trays. They sewed and embroidered from four to six. After dinner they practiced the pianoforte and drawing.
They spent a week sorting through Lady Catherine's dressing room and armoires at Rosings. A crates of castoff clothes was donated to the Benefice Society to be remade into clothing for the poor. Anne packed black silk, satin and bombazine gowns with accessories to sell to the secondhand clothing store. Anne pack serviceable clothing from Mother's Rosings Park suite to take to London for Mother's use. Fridays they traveled to London to see Lady Catherine and the Fitzwilliams. Sundays they attended church at St. George's with Fitzwilliam, followed by family meals at the de Bourgh House. Anne spent time with Fitzwilliam discussing the work being done at Rosings Park. She planned to move into the Dower House by next spring. Mondays Anne and Kitty returned to Rosings.
Anne's French maid, Aveline, proved her worth by her fashion decisions. "It's French silk; a Polonaise gown, from 1780, I believe." Aveline touched a gown they found in a trunk in the attics. "It might have been a court presentation gown. The gown is fully lined in the bodice and skirt, but not the sleeves or the overlay on the skirt. Take it apart, save the trim. The panniers were so wide, the skirt could be used to make two morning gowns for you, Miss Anne. You might need a plain blue bodice and sleeves for a second gown." She eyed the pile of the gowns they found in the attic. "I would not remake any of these into evening gowns as the silk patterns are dated, but morning gowns would be acceptable. The pink gowns, the green gown and the two brown gowns are not suitable colors for you. You can remake the four blue gowns we found into morning gowns, or day gowns."
"Oh my! Do you think this was someone's wedding dress?" Kitty exclaimed over a cream gown Aveline removed from a trunk.
"The bottom of the gown is wider than I am tall!" Anne examined the gown.
"Excellent quality cream cotton, with cream trims," Aveline examined the gown. "This gown would make you day gowns. No, I've changed my mind. Take the gown apart. Use the ruffled and embroidered underskirt to make half a dozen petticoats. Remove the trim on the overskirt. The overskirt will make two day gowns. The bodice and sleeves will yield enough material to make two new bodices and short puffed sleeves for the day gowns. There is so much serpentine trim, you could put three rows of straightened trim at the bottom of the two day gowns. The cords on the corset bodice can be reused for a reticule. The lace on the sleeves can be reused to redecorate a bonnet. The trim on the bodice will decorate another bonnet. Or, make a trimmed bandeau."
"If you take this gown apart, you can make a day gown for you and for Kitty, with three petticoats each. You can work out who gets the lace and who gets the cord for a reticule." Anne laughed at the delight displayed by the two women. "Mary gets the leftover pieces of material and trims. Kitty, would you like the pink gowns? You can take them apart to have morning gowns made. I plan to offer the green and the brown gowns to Mary to make morning gowns. I never saw these gowns in family portraits, but they must have belonged to one of my ancestors." Anne glanced around the attic. So much needed cleaned and sorted. Clearing the attic seemed like a never ending task.
"I will take those pinks. The material is lovely, and they barely look worn. I think I can take the silk flowers and the lace cuffs off this gown for trimming a plain cream silk bonnet. There's so much material in the skirt of the gown, I could fold it in half lengthwise and have a skirt for two new gowns. The trim on the second gown would look well on two day gowns. I will make wrappers from the pale rose silk gown. I'm not comfortable wearing a day gown made of thin silk. However, it would make very pretty wrappers. Are you sure you want to give these away?"
"Absolutely, I plan to clear these attics. I want to clear this house. I plan to move into the Dower House before Easter of next year. I don't know what I will do with Rosings Manor, but I'll think of something. The house is too large for me, for my parents and for my de Bourgh grandparents. Rosings Park manor house has 80 rooms; the Dower House has 40 rooms. I'm tired of being overwhelmed by houses, furniture, clothes…and expectations." Anne and Kitty burst into laughter.
There were daily walks to Hunsford Parsonage. Mary asked Kitty to be the baby's godmother when she revealed Baby Collins would be borne by December. She swore them to secrecy by threatening them with Mrs. Bennet's presence at Hunsford while she was in her confinement. Anne and Kitty helped sew a layette when they visited.
Mr. Collins busily collected tithes, which came more freely once Lady Catherine de Bourgh's reign ended. He called on parishioners. His sermons were shorter and praised God more, and Lady Catherine less. Miss Anne taught him to handle tenant disputes other than praying for God to resolve the issue. He discussed the tenant issues with Mary who guided him in issues which mirrored ones faced at Longbourn and how Papa resolved them.
~X~
"Summer is one of my favorite times," Mary commented. "Fresh bouquets, sending dried bouquets to the stillroom, and making rosewater. Eating the bounty from my garden. Summer music like Handel, Haydn and Shubert."
"My favorite summer thing is reading gothic novels to Aveline during a summer storm. Summer is when most people tour homes, castles and churches. Pemberley opens for tours of the grounds and house in the summer when the family is not home. Rosings Park never opened to tourists. Mother did not want tradesmen touring Rosings Park." Anne pulled a face.
July 28
Caroline escaped to the garden at the Steward's House in Bath. She dropped to a bench and hid her face in her hands. She felt numb. She cursed the indignities of a hasty marriage to someone she did not know. She cursed her desire to have Fitzwilliam Darcy as a husband or a lover. Her education, her expectations, her desires were all destroyed because she could not control herself. 'If it appears to be too good to be true, it probably is. If it appears to be fortuitous, it probably isn't.' Caroline scolded herself.
Caroline had less than a week to reclaim items of clothes she lost to Roberts the first week they were married. She didn't know what to do, other than go to the market on Friday, before the Roberts Farms staff returned home for a midday repast. She would purchase the remaining milk, eggs, cheese and garden stuff. She would ask Cecily to take her in the one-horse gig to the orphanage near Westgate Buildings. She would not allow her person any closer to the low living of Westgate Buildings. If Roberts did not accept her offer of penance…he could go hang himself with her silk gowns.
July 31
Caroline purchased the remaining goods from the Roberts Estate stalls and delivered the goods to the orphanage. She had an invoice from the stall for seven pounds of goods she purchased. She donated five pounds of her money, and took the invoice for the food and funds from the orphanage. She had two invoices to give to Roberts to retrieve her clothes he took.
Caroline needed green tea, fashion magazines, and confections. She needed silk materials and silk threads for sewing new pillows for the drawing room. She would check the upcoming concerts, assemblies, card parties, and theatre announcements at the circulating library. She intended to donate poor quality wines from the Steward's House cellar to Westgate Buildings and lay in a dozen cases of good wines, ports and sherries. Cecily reminded her the housekeeper ordered coal, candles and soaps. They would harden over the summer before they were needed after Michaelmas. Caroline appreciated the household accounts which paid for the wines, soaps, candles and coal.
Caroline visited the stationer who served most of the first and second circles of Bath. She needed to order calling cards. Caroline Bingley Roberts, Roberts Estate, Old North Road, Bath drew criticism from the stationer. No one…except perhaps peerage…listed their maiden surname on their calling card. Despite Caroline's pretentions, the stationer had never heard of her. He had an excellent business relationship with Roberts Estate. His cook had a standing order to shop the Roberts Estate stalls at the open air market. His cook purchased fresh poultry, milk, eggs, orchard and garden stuff, and small crocks of clear, sweet honey, She purchased fresh jams and jellies from Cecily Roberts. She purchased a green goose for Lady Day, strawberries for Midsummer, a haunch of doe venison for Michaelmas, and a large goose for roasting for Christmas.
The stationer suggested if Mrs. Roberts did not want cards printed according to society rules, he would charge her an additional fee. Caroline ordered her cards as Mrs. Andrew Roberts, Steward's House, Roberts Estate, Old North Road, Bath …and cursed the fates and her husband.
~X~
Mr. Bennet brought letters to the dinner table with him. "I have not seen any letters from you to Kitty," Mr. Bennet addressed Mrs. Bennet "Please tell me who is posting letters for you."
Mrs. Bennet did not comment.
Mr. Bennet rang for Mr. and Mrs. Hill. "Mrs. Bennet and Lydia have been sending letters to Kitty, demanding she return to Longbourn. I gave Kitty permission to be a guest of Miss Anne de Bourgh. Kitty will not return to Longbourn unless she wants to visit during the Christmas season. Don't demand Kitty return to provide Lydia with company or provide Lydia with funds, or allow Lydia to steal her best things. Don't demand Kitty return to work in the stillroom, gardens and orchards, or provide free music for card parties. If either of the two Bennet ladies attempt to send letters or receive letters without my knowledge…someone will be dismissed without notice. Someone," he eyed Mrs. Bennet, "will be traveling to Scotland to a retreat or a seminary."
"I've written to the school in Scotland, Lydia. The seminary has an excellent reputation for instilling values, education and accomplishments in young ladies. Board and laundry, with education is four and twenty pounds per annum. Lessons in French, music, dancing, drawing and fine needlework are an additional twelve pounds per annum. In addition to education, you learn to perform household tasks. Extra tasks are assigned for misbehavior – like beating the carpets, hauling water, hauling firewood, laying fires and cleaning rooms. The school opens in late August and operates to the end of May. Pupils have June and July to see family and prepare for the next year. Pupils may return home for a fortnight for Christmas and Twelfth Night."
"Everyone wears navy blue gowns of cotton or linen when the weather is warm, and wool, stuff or kerseymere when the weather is cold. You need one spring bonnet, shawl, spencer, pelisse and gloves. You need one fall bonnet, shawl, redingote and gloves. You need walking and half boots, not dancing slippers. There are no balls or assemblies, so you have no need for pretty silk gowns and accessories. The tuition is quite reasonable, as is the list of needed supplies."
"I believe I shall be less than ten pounds out of pocket because your Mama cannot slip you the odd coin if you are away at seminary. The school recommends sending your pin money to the school, who will pay your post, or hold funds for village days. There is nothing near the school but farms. The closest shops are twenty miles away, which is too far for you to walk." Mr. Bennet enjoyed watching Mrs. Bennet's and Lydia's disquiet. "I believe the two of you should be separated. Misbehave again, our carriage will be headed to Scotland. I will leave your Mama at Thistle Crown Manor to rest her nerves and leave you at seminary to further your education. Her retreat does not allow her to receive mail…so you will be unable to beg your Mama for money…or a rescue." He enjoyed the look on Lydia's face.
Mr. Bennet enjoyed the rest of his dinner in relative quiet. After the weddings, he started approving or disapproving Mrs. Bennet's menus. On nights when just the three family members dined, dinner consisted of soup, one meat, four garden sides and one or two sweets. One bottle of wine served the three of them easily. Friday night company meals were built around the excess from the farms. Each Friday dinner ended with playing cards as Mrs. Bennet would not provide music for Lydia to dance. Mrs. Bennet missed having Mary provide music for the family. She missed Mary's ease in the kitchen; Jane's ease at managing the household; and Lizzy's ease maintaining the household legers. Despite her cough, Kitty was missed for her conversation and keeping Lydia company.