Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 17
August 1 – Bath
When Caroline returned from church with Andrew and his family, she felt surprised to find her possessions on the chaise lounge in her room. Before she could dance with joy, Andrew suggested she sell or pack her tangerine, peach, orange, lemon, celery, persimmon, plum or aubergine clothes. He hated those colors and would not allow his wife to wear them. She had a temper tantrum over his eliminating colors he didn't like from her wardrobe. He selected the orange and white striped bonnet, with orange ribbons and orange tipped ostrich feathers. He placed it in a bandbox. "This hideous confection will not be returned. Anything you have not sold or packed away by Friday, I will take with no intention of returning. I will sell those clothes and donate the money to the alms box at church. May I remind you how easily silk gets dirty on a farm?"
Caroline's lady's maid, Perry, helped her pack everything which might offend her husband. Since Roberts paid Perry's wages, Caroline would never say anything to Perry which she could repeat to Roberts. Caroline would not allow the trunks nor bandboxes to be moved to the attic. She packed her travel trunks as full as possible. She rearranged her dressing room with her trunks and bandboxes in one corner, hidden by a dressing screen. She used that wall for her armoire and chest of drawers. The other wall held her commode, washing stand and dressing table.
Caroline did not know which she should repine more…the loss of Mr. Darcy's society, or the loss of her silks. She felt the Matlocks would report her actions and words to all and assundry. Simply sitting in Gunter's Ices or visiting a modiste…Darcy's family might regale the first set with tales of Caroline's social climbing ways.
August 1 – Meryton
Mrs. Bennet stopped Mrs. Nichols outside the Meryton church. "Have you received notice from the Bingleys regarding when they will return to Netherfield Park?"
"No, Mrs. Bennet," Mrs. Nichols paused while Mr. Nichols collected their one-horse gig. "Mr. Nichols received an express Monday last, requesting information about the progress of Netherfield Park's rearrangement. Mr. Nichols replied to Mr. Bingley at the Darcy House in London. Tomorrow the upstairs maids and I are unpacking Mrs. Bingley's crates."
"I will attend you, tomorrow afternoon. Have tea and refreshments ready for Lydia and myself. I prefer green tea." Mrs. Bennet ordered, nodding in Lydia's direction.
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Bennet, but your visit will not be possible," Mrs. Nichols pulled on her gloves.
"Why not? Why should that be?" Mrs. Bennet sputtered.
"We have strict orders from Mr. Bingley not to allow guests into Netherfield Park while they are absent."
"I'm sure he just meant Miss…Mrs. Roberts and Mrs. Hurst," Mrs. Bennet twittered. "I am sure my Jane would not want me treated so."
"Mr. Bingley, the master of Netherfield, left strict instructions. No one. No family. No friends. No neighbors." Mrs. Nichols did not hesitate to refuse Mrs. Bennet. "When the Bingleys return and put out their knocker, they will send cards around announcing their intent to receive callers."
"I will tell my Jane about this!" Mrs. Bennet stormed to the Bennet carriage with Lydia in tow. "Tomorrow you will walk into Meryton and ask Sister Phillips to visit me with her carriage. We will call at Netherfield Park."
"No, you will not," Mr. Bennet handed his wife and daughter into the carriage. He entered and then rapped on the roof to notify Mr. Hill to take them to Longbourn. He knew, from the invitation to the house party at Pemberley, Bingley and Jane would be delayed returning home for another month. "Mrs. Bennet, I know you are not deaf. I assume you and Lydia have not become sillier than you were previously. You will not call at Netherfield Park until you receive a written invitation from Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. I will be quite busy at the main farm from now until the first of November. I need the horses on the main farm. We will not entertain except at Friday dinners. You may receive calls, but you will not make calls. Lydia will not walk out alone…anywhere! As a matter of fact…she can help on the main farm this week."
The look on Mr. Bennet's face quelled any argument Lydia contemplated.
August 2
"There are outbuildings – washhouse, stable, gardens, etc. The brewery, distillery and dairy are located on the main farm. The smoke house is located on the main farm, near the dairy. The washhouse has three levels. Drying lines and slate floor in the lower level for winter. Washrooms on the first floor, with storage for laundry supplies like soaps, copper washtubs and copper boiling pans. A large fireplace occupies most of one end of the room. Sleeping rooms for the laundress/seamstress and laundry maids are on the second floor. Outdoor lines are located south of the laundry outbuilding. The laundry is surrounded by a stone wall for privacy." Darcy pointed out amenities of Pemberley on a plot map.
"The stable has a tack room, small granary and stable block. There are paddocks to the south of the stable. Above the stable block are rooms for our grooms, coachmen, stable hands, etc. with a staff common room. Attached to the stable block is the coach house, which will hold ten carriages. Georgiana has a phaeton. There is a one-horse gig for house staff use. There is also a two-person sledge and a four-person sledge for winter. We have four carriages. Above the coach house are rooms for visiting coachmen and grooms. There is a covered courtyard at the stables and coach house. We can store more carriages in the courtyard if we have guests. The horses stay on the equine farm until we need them for riding and carriages. The equine farm has pastures, paddocks, a blacksmithy, and a carriage repair shop. We have four and twenty horses right now for riding, carriages and working the main farm."
"The outbuilding for the gardeners is located near the greenhouse and the orangery. Lower level for storing herbs, seeds, harvesting baskets, etc. A large workbench occupies the back wall with shelves of books, pots, tools, baskets, etc. Dried herbs hang on large, suspended racks, which would make sister Mary jealous. First level for holding tools, and outside furniture for spring, summer and autumn. Accommodations for the head gardener, under gardener and gardeners are located on the upper level. They have a common room also."
After breakfast Darcy took Elizabeth for a tour. "Pemberley has one greenhouse for plants and flowers, and the orangery for fruits and vegetables. We have a lovely walking path around the lake, and another by the stream. There are dozens of walking paths around Pemberley, through each of the four main gardens and connecting the gardens to one another. There are several walking and riding paths through the Pemberley woods. I think you will find a new path every day for almost a month. Your walks will never be the same again." Darcy escorted Elizabeth to the orangery and greenhouse.
The orangery was the size of Longbourn. Fruit beds and canes to the left, garden stuff to the right, and small trees bearing fruit filled the middle of the building. The strawberries, cherries and melons had an extended harvest season in the orangery. The asparagus bed still produced.
"I will enjoy walking in the orangery when the weather is inclement," Lizzy proclaimed.
"Mother was fond of walks in the orangery. I remember playing with my toy soldiers on that bench for hours." Darcy pointed it out. "Mother sat on that bench, which gave her a view of our home. She would walk the paths of the orangery for an hour or so when we arrived after breakfast. Several times a week we had a picnic lunch in the orangery. Mother would walk around the orangery after we ate and then return to the house for a nap. I turned five when I realized my Mother was getting fat. I thought she walked to keep her figure. My brother, David Alexander Darcy, died shortly after his birth. The next time Mother became enceinte would be when I turned eleven. Georgiana was born that September."
"When I am in an interesting way…if it is late autumn or winter…I too shall have impromptu picnics and take walks in the orangery." Lizzy stopped to stroke one of the small trees. "Pears?"
Darcy nodded. "Do you have Mary's baked pears recipe?"
"I do, but I like mine spiced with cardamom and served with whipped cream." Lizzy twirled her way down the slate paths of the orangery.
Darcy captured her mid spin and pulled her to his arms. "I thought you would like this place. I want to take you and a picnic to the folly. Mother liked to ride there. She would take a picnic lunch, a groom for our horses, and her drawing materials. Richard and I played in the folly, pretending we were in a castle, boat, dungeon, and every possible scene of a boy's imagination."
"Tell me about the folly." Lizzy encouraged him.
"The first Darcy, who was the fifth generation, created the grey stone folly which resembles a chess rook. The views from the top of the three-story folly are incomparable. However, it has a circular staircase inside where you can look out in all directions. Mother loved it. She had the ground around the folly leveled for picnics and lawn parties." Darcy kissed her hand. "I want to show it to you, at night. The stars seem so close you can reach out and touch them. What are your favorite things so far?"
"My favorite things?" Lizzy shrugged. "You, Pemberley, being outside, the library…and cook's excellent apple pie. What are your favorite things?"
"You, Georgiana, Richard, books, riding, good theatre and blackberry ices." Darcy took her in his arms and kissed her senseless.
The greenhouse was the size of the drawing room and dining room of Rosings combined. Greenery covered every available surface. The greenhouse had been separated into three areas – flowers, flowering shrubs and trees, ferns, and cooking herbs. The walls were painted pale green and with a dark green-grey slate floor.
"Pemberley Park has twenty acres of grass, meadows, lake, trout stream, fish ponds, gardens, etc. The terraces on the east side of the house lead to the paths and access to the gardens. All the gardens have walls. There is another fifty acres of woods surrounding the park. I don't use the hunting lodge in the woods because it is easier to host hunting parties at the house with access to the gun room, game master and stables."
"There is a lovely grey stone chapel with stained glass windows on the grounds, surrounded by a white rose garden. We use it for weddings, blessings, christenings, and Sunday services for house parties. Staff and family use the chapel in the winter because transporting everyone to the country church in Kympton is difficult in winter. The family cemetery is located behind it. Generations of Darcys are buried there."
"Speaking of winter, there is a large ice house located behind the orangery. Pemberley has a quarry for stone cutting for building. The estate farm and orchard feed sixty. We have eight and ten farms. Two farms raise dairy cows. Two farms raise sheep. Two raise pigs. Two raise poultry. One handles the Pemberley orchards. One provides firewood to the estate. The remaining farms run the Norfolk rotation. I will take you around to meet the tenants." He saw the amazement on Elizabeth's face. "I hope this does not make you run back to London or Longbourn. I hope you will learn to love our rural life."
"I love you, and as Ruth from the Bible says, where you go, I go. Where you lodge, I will lodge, and your people shall be my people." Elizabeth kissed him gently. "Please give me time to become accustomed to all of this." She viewed the orangery and greenhouse. "Tell me more of your favorite things about Pemberley."
"The rolling hills, the lake, the waterfall, the folly at viewpoint hill where you can see the Peaks in the distance, the hedge maze, the formal gardens, the walking paths, the riding paths, and the woods."
"Pemberley sounds like your favorite place on earth."
Darcy nodded. "I hope to be here for a long time."
~X~
Late afternoon, a buzz of excitement overtook Pemberley. "Carriages!" The word spread from one footman to another, from one servant to another. The butler hurried to warn Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley joined them at the top of the stairs. Servants lined the stairs – ladies on one side, men on the other. While it had been years since they assembled, the arrival of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy the beginning of July and for their return Friday last had been good practice.Mary came forward with Anne and Kitty. Mr. Collins decided to stay in Kent since Miss Anne would be gone for an extended period of time. At Midsummer, Mary taught Barlow to make a dozen bottles of white lilac water, lilac soaps and white lilac candles for Mrs. Gardiner. She brought the white lilac items to Pemberley to give to her aunt. Madeleine Gardiner urged Mary to stop at the Gardiner House on her return to Kent. She had another basket of dried white lilac blossoms. Mary promised to make more water, soaps and candles after Lady Day next year. She gathered a few clusters of blooms from her four bushes this year, and hoped for more next year. She created a dozen sachets from her blooms for her aunt.
Mary, Kitty and Anne were in the first carriage, followed by a carriage of servants and staff. The de Bourgh carriages were followed by two Gardiner carriages, followed by a crested carriage and a plain Matlock carriage. Kitty struggled to maintain calm when she viewed Pemberley. The tree-lined lane leading to the vista entranced her: the well-kept grounds, hedges, gardens and the forests which covered the hills. Columns and arches delineated a courtyard where the carriage stopped…the grand staircase…the endless rows of windows which gleamed in the late afternoon sun…Pemberley was the most beautiful place Kitty had ever seen.Mrs. Reynolds and Jane helped everyone to their rooms where footmen and maids stood at the ready with hot water, fresh clothes or clothes brushes. The Earl and Countess were housed in their usual suite. The Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam were housed in Lady Catherine's old suite. The Bingleys and the Gardiners had large suites in the north wing. Kitty and Mary were housed near Jane and the Gardiners.
"I think you will like this room," Lizzy opened a door for Anne to a guest room in the west wing. The light blue floral wallpapered room had white trim. The bed linens for the large four-poster bed were the same light blue. Darker blue silk upholstered French furniture decorated the room. Dark blue velveteen drapes hung at the windows.
"I vaguely remember this room. I loved how it looked out at the gardens. I enjoy how the gardens here are interlinked by the walking paths. I remember how Aunt Anne always hosted such elegant garden parties. Kitty and I are sketching your gardens to enact changes to the ones at Rosings Park and the de Bourgh House." Anne quietly asked the question. "Where is Miss Bingley's room?"
"William claims it is on a farm in Bath, with her husband," Lizzy and Anne laughed.
"I brought you a large painting of Pemberley." Anne explained as Aveline unpacked her trunks. "I found it in the attics at Rosings. I thought it should be returned to its original home. I also found four fireplace screens which are of Pemberley. I brought those with also. I brought a large oil painting of Mother, Uncle Reginald and Aunt Anne sitting on their horses. I thought it should go to the ancestral art gallery at Matlock Estate."
"Are you clearing and sorting?" Lizzy inquired.
"I'm tired of over decorated and over stuffed rooms. Kitty and I travel to Bath the first of September. Once the harvesting is over, Mr. Knowles and Mrs. Havens will meet with me to determine the next step. Mr. Timsdale suggested one or two large auctions to help clear the estate. He will help find a warehouse we can rent to hold items until the sales. Auctions are better than selling furniture piecemeal through stores. He knows a few retired warehousemen who would be grateful for a temporary position." Anne set things on her dressing table. "I'm so grateful to have Kitty. When I start to become angry or frustrated, Kitty rings for a tea tray and plays soothing music on the pianoforte to calm us both."
Lizzy popped into Kitty's room, observing her busy sister and a maid unpacking.
"Your properties are all lovely Lizzy. However, Pemberley offers the finest prospect I've ever seen. I can't wait to practice my landscapes and still life skills. Thank you for finding room for Anne's masters. Anne leased a large house in Bath to hold the masters and us." Kitty appreciated her excellent guest room.
Lizzy knocked on Mary's door. Jane insisted Mary rest while she and a maid put Mary's things away. "I'm just a little tired," Mary protested. "I don't plan to rest the entire time we are here. I want to see your gardens, herbs, orchards, the orangery and the greenhouse."
"I'm surprised Mr. Collins let you travel in your…condition."
"I told him I was increasing…and he said, 'That's nice, Mary dear.' Then he fell asleep. Mr. Collins has been very busy with the parishioners and the rectory since Lady Catherine became ill. I didn't tell him again as I wanted to come here and I didn't want him to order me to stay in Kent." Mary looked tired.
"I can ring for a tea tray for you. I am desirous of your company in the gardens. If you rest now, you can join us for dinner. We're dining al fresco on the terrace outside the ballroom. We are informal tonight as everyone needs varying degrees of rest. There are less than eight and ten of us now, but that number will increase and decrease during the house party."
"Which reminds me…a present for your first house party." Mary gave Lizzy a yellow sprigged muslin bag with a gift inside.
"A blank every day book?" Lizzy inquired, turning her gift over in her hands.
"Mrs. Rundell recommends you track your hostessing efforts. Her suggestion is more to ensure you aren't overspending your household funds. This is to write down who, what, when, where, etc. You can keep track of your menus and the daily activities. You can write down room assignments and things you might have done differently." Mary laughed at Lizzy's bland face. "Oh, and you have a new muslin bag for your shopping basket. 'Tis not a pocket…but it will help you."
Lizzy laughed and bade her sister to have a restorative rest.
August 3
The first house party breakfast at Pemberley spoiled the guests with a full sideboard of pork chops and ham, egg pies with cheeses and garden stuff, roasted small potatoes, fresh strawberries and fresh melon, hot rolls, and hot coffee, tea or chocolate. Darcy requested pots of blackberry jam, strawberry jam and raspberry jam. Breakfast was an informal meal held in the yellow dining room. Tall, windowed doors let in the early morning sun, with views of the private garden.
"I enjoy having breakfast with everyone," Georgiana whispered to Kitty. "Miss Bingley always insisted on a breakfast tray in her room. I felt ordering extra lemon marmalade and good green tea worth the expense."
"Well, you will not need to worry about good company ever again," Kitty patted her friend's hand. "Lizzy is rarely ill-tempered…she's always good for a laugh or two."
~X~
Georgiana planned an outing for everyone – fishing for the men, and open air carriage rides for the ladies to various picturesque spots on the Pemberley grounds. Afterwards, Georgiana planned a delicious picnic on the sloped lawns which overlooked the lake. Armed with full hampers of cold chicken, ham, cheese, Richard's baguettes, garden stuff salads, fruit hand pies and cold lemonade, they stretched out on lawn blankets under shade trees. Georgiana and Darcy told their first-time guests about boat races on the lake, sailing paper boats in the stream, pony rides, horseback lessons, and horse races in the parkland. They told about swimming lessons in the lake, and a happy childhood of exploration, adventure and stealing sugar biscuits from Pemberley's kitchens.
Mr. Gardiner caught four fish, Darcy three, and the rest of the men each caught two. Elizabeth appreciated the flexible dinner menu which included fish for the guests and servants. After dinner they would adjourn to the music room. Georgiana looked forward to the duet the Darcy siblings had practiced together. Darcy wanted to surprise Elizabeth and their guests.August 4
Mrs. Reynolds led a tour of Pemberley for Mrs. Darcy's guests. "First floor, south wing is the ballroom which will hold two hundred, with a retiring room for men and one for ladies. There is a musician mezzanine. Lady Anne would open the terrace outside the ballroom for supper tables at her Midsummer Ball. There are wonderful stanchions stored in the attic to hold torches for midnight suppers on the terrace. The south wing also includes the music room which seats as many as eight and forty persons. The ballroom and music room are available through the gallery, which acts as extra sitting areas during balls. Lady Anne set card tables in the music room during a ball."
Georgiana helped with the tour. "This gallery outside the ballroom was one of Father's favorite places. He said he felt close to Mother here. She loved art. Father and Mother often took tea here, to discuss the pictures and sculptures. He claimed Mother decorated the gallery from the landscape by Joseph Wright of Derby. Father called it moonlight over a small village; vexing Mother because he would not remember the correct name. I would need to consult the catalogue for correct name. The carpet is the dark green from the picture, the walls are the medium green from the meadows, and the cream upholstery is from the clouds."
Mary enjoyed the tour of the third floor nursery more than most of the guests. The large nursery, painted in pale tan, held beds for at least six children. Everything appeared clean, warm and snug. The nanny's suite, with its cream walls and pale pink bed linens and drapes, felt larger than Lizzy's room at Longbourn. The seating area had a grey velveteen settee and wingback chairs. The room reminded Mary of a guest room, not a place where a nanny would call home.
The nursery wing had its own bathing room, with a full-sized bath for adults, and two smaller hip baths for bathing children. A large towel warming rack sat near the fireplace, along with a large copper pitcher for rinsing bodies. A child-sized wash stand sat near a large washstand for adults. A small armoire held hardened bars of plain soaps, towels, and more candles.
August 8After morning services at the Pemberley Chapel, the vicar of Kympton blessed the marriage of Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth Darcy before their families, friends and upper level staff. The blessing was followed by a celebratory midday meal in the blue dining room with Anne's masters, the vicar and his wife, Mr. Houghton and his wife, Mr. Hardy, Mrs. Reynolds, and the attendees of the house party. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley planned well. Eventually, before tea time, everyone departed or retired to their rooms to rest. Georgiana promised a cold collation and an evening of cards.
Before dinner, Darcy led everyone on a tour of the gardens. At dusk, Georgiana ordered torches lit so their guests could walk through the well-maintained gardens. The smell of flowers filled the soft breeze, creating the perfect evening at Pemberley. After the dinner, the sexes separated with Lizzy leading the way to the blue drawing room. The men joined them within the hour. After a half hour of socializing, everyone moved to the music room where Anne's master played for them, while card tables were occupied until a late repast of tea and sweets.
August 10
"What do you think of the gardens and grounds of Pemberley?" Lizzy asked Mary for her advice. "The first d'Arcys created Pemberley near the lake. The second d'Arcys determined the placement of the outbuildings. The third d'Arcys created the north wing. The fourth d'Arcys created the south wing and improved the courtyard. The fifth Darcys created the folly, hunting lodge, chapel and the maze. The sixth Darcys expanded the main farm, the kitchen and herb gardens and the orchards. Darcy's great-grandmother planned the formal gardens and walking paths. His grandmother created the rose gardens, especially the one around Pemberley Chapel. His mother encouraged the gardeners and park manager to create the stands of wild flowers and the stone benches near the trees by the lake. Each Mistress of Pemberley is expected to improve the grounds and the parks, in addition to keeping Pemberley in good order."
"My suggestion to you…after seeing the gardens and Pemberley proper is expand the herb garden on the main farm. Your stillroom can handle harvesting and drying the additional herbs for making tissanes, tonics and medicines for retired staff who live on Pemberley's grounds. Additionally, you should expand the lavender bed by another half, and plan a set of wide walking paths to it and around it." Mary smiled at her sister. "You need to increase the number of beehives and beekeepers, not only at Pemberley proper but on the farms also."
August 14
"Richard, we are glad you could join us for the house party." William slapped his cousin on the back.
"I had one last task to complete for the War Office before I could join you," Richard handed a pair of matched travel valises and a set of saddlebags to Jennings. "I delivered important messages to the garrison stationed in Newcastle. Now I am officially a free man. I've had two examinations by military doctors. They would not clear me for active duty on the continent, and I cannot endure sitting at the War Office."
"Are you tired of the saddle, or will you join us for a ride and picnic lunch at the waterfall?" Georgiana could easily accommodate a hungry ex-soldier in today's events.
"My leg is tired. I think I will take a day to rest." Richard hugged Georgiana. "Excellent company, excellent beds, good food, the best French brandy…I feel revived already." He greeted his parents and brother who were pleased to see him. Lady Constance was thrilled to learn Richard sold his commission.
Joining the group in the drawing room, Mary gave Colonel Fitzwilliam a glass of brandy after putting a few drops of medicine in it.
"What did you put in my drink?" He eyed it suspiciously. "I don't take laudanum."
"A drought of willow bark for pain. You winced when you dismounted and you nursed your knee when climbing the outside stairs. You should call for a hot bath and soak your knee." Mary advised. "I will create some peppermint lotion. However, unless the gardeners have dried dandelion leaves, I might not be able to create a tissane for you."
"I have tissane and lotion you gave me at the wedding. I will be fine for a few months."
~X~
Kitty and Anne enjoyed their time in Pemberley and were surprised when Richard joined the house party. He sold his commission and retired from the army after a decade of service to God and King. His knee experienced intermittent bouts of swelling or aches. He felt his knee had not yet recovered from his fall off a horse earlier in the year. He looked forward to resting at Pemberley. He intended to travel to Bath with Anne and Kitty. He hoped soaking in the baths would relieve the occasional ache in his knee.
Mary asked Mrs. Reynolds for leeches and directed Jennings how to examine Colonel Fitzwilliam's knee. She explained if the knee looked swollen, to apply the leeches to draw off any fluid on the knee. Jennings understood what Mary recommended and two days later returned the leeches to Mrs. Reynolds. He reported Colonel Fitzwilliam felt better after two days of careful application of the leeches.
Lizzy and Jane were very gentle with Mary. She shared her knowledge of herb and kitchen gardens with them. Mary viewed the herb and kitchen gardens at Pemberley and talked with the gardeners. They freely shared growing tips with one another. Mary sketched layouts for the gardens to insure full use of the garden spaces. She rotated four crops of vegetables to prevent depleting the soil. She depended on her compost pile to amend the garden plots.
Mary met with the various beekeepers for Pemberley. Many of the older beekeepers called the hives skeps or stalls. Newer beekeepers called the hives butts. They had at least one skep with bees on every farm, in every tenant garden, and in every orchard. The honey from those skeps provided for the families on the tenant farms. Mary convinced them to put a hive in the gardens at the manor house and in meadows.
Pemberley had a rock wall with alcoves which held skeps of bees located near the brewery. The beekeepers at the brewery showed Mary the beekeeping outfits they wore. Mary sketched the outfits to recreate the fine tulle covering for her head. Their headpiece had a circular middle and then a full length of tulle attached to it. Long enough to drape over their shoulders, front and back, it provided visibility and protection. Long lengths of ribbon were used as a drawstring at the bottom to keep bees out.
~X~
"We have several French dishes tonight," Lizzy explained. "French Onion Soup, and Fish Fillets in Lemon Ginger Sauce. Then we will have Chicken in Fennel, Coq au Vin, and Potatoes Dauphinoise with six garden sides. Our French desserts are Vanilla Pound Cake with Sky Blue Sauce and Blueberries, and Spiced Quince Butter Cake. The Sky Blue Sauce is just as good with blackberries instead of blueberries." Lizzy's next letter to Mama would include information about her cook and the various meals she prepared. She would include all the French receipts for the meal which came from the Fitzwilliams' French chef. Lizzy wore one of her favorite dinner gowns – a gown of white striped jonquil silk. Mother didn't like it when Lizzy commissioned it. She wore it with the Darcy topaz jewelry. She would tell Mama she wore the dress with the Darcy topaz jewelry for a dinner. She would explain the dinner like Mama explained entertaining her four and twenty families of Hertfordshire.
"Thank you for the delightful dinner," Fitzwilliam toasted Elizabeth. "Soldiers in time of war don't have time for dining rituals. Armstrong, my batman, acquired eggs, ham and cheese stuffed baguettes for breakfast. I usually had ten minutes after dressing before morning assembly. We usually ate lunch in the saddle, cups of hot soup with stuffed baguettes."
"I've planned a few picnics with those stuffed baguettes," Georgiana squeezed her cousin's hand. "I thought you men might like them for your outdoor activities, like riding and fishing."
After dinner, the men drank port in Darcy's study, and enjoyed a good cigar while discussing tomorrow's plan of riding and fishing. The ladies clustered in the blue drawing room. They discussed tomorrow's plan of visiting the orangery and greenhouse, and sketching while having a picnic. Today had been busy. They were all too tired to do much more than shuffle cards or stare out the windows at the gardens until it appeared full dark…when they could finally claim the fatigue they all felt.
Monday, August 16
"Ladies, I need to go to Lambton to buy some things. Do any of you want to go for a ride in an open carriage and enjoy the day?" Lizzy considered her list of things to purchase. She needed a fine workbox and sewing items for the drawing room. She planned to whitework a few lengths of white silk gauze for a birthday gift for Georgiana. Mary offered to draw a vine with flowers and leaves for Lizzy to whitework.
"Anne and I have riding lessons," Georgiana appeared in her summer blue linen riding habit. The petite black top hat boasted sapphire blue ribbons and a well-dyed blue feather for trim. Anne waited in an equally stunning dusky blue linen riding habit. Her navy blue top hat boasted matching dusky blue ribbons with a petite gold horseshoe pin for trim. "Richard's family returned to Matlock for a few days."
"I'm resting and sewing," Mary smiled, and showed the blanket stitches on the edges of a little baby blanket. She planned to embroider a wreath of ivy and a C in a corner of the blanket. Mary told Anne about her increase when the doctor visited during the wedding shopping trip. Jane and Lizzy knew from their wedding day. Kitty knew from her arrival in Kent. Mary did not know Colonel Fitzwilliam and Aunt Madeleine suspected Mary's condition in March.
"I'll go," both Jane and Kitty offered.
"I'm visiting friends in Lambton, or else I would go," Mrs. Gardiner explained.
During the fun ride to Lambton, Lizzy and Jane told Kitty about places they had seen during their wedding tour. In Lambton, the ladies shopped, and made their way back to Pemberley.
"Did you see that?" Kitty caught a flash of red in the forest, startling her sisters when she turned around in the landau and examined the area they just passed.
"See what?" Jane and Lizzy chorused.
"If you don't have colorful, exotic birds in your forest, Lizzy, then I'm seeing things." Kitty shook her head.
"Let's get you home and out of the sun," Lizzy suggested.
Kitty felt restless. She walked out on the terrace and watched Georgiana and Anne return from their riding lesson with Colonel Fitzwilliam. The smile on her face faded at seeing her friends. She searched for Darcy.
"Come!" Darcy barked when Kitty knocked on the door to his study. She entered to his exasperation. "Kitty, I'm exceptionally busy with my steward, Mr. Houghton. I don't have time for pleasantries…"
"Georgiana and Anne returned from riding with Colonel Fitzwilliam." Kitty informed him.
"Thank you for notifying me, but we have a situation at Pemberley which requires my attention," Darcy waited to finish the conversation with Houghton when Kitty departed.
"Things gone missing?" Kitty observed the contents of Darcy's desk.
"How did you know?" Mr. Houghton startled. "We've been trying to keep it quiet in hopes of catching the perpetrator."
"I heard about it in Lambton," Kitty explained. "One of the shopkeepers found the back door to his establishment ajar this morning. He is missing a large bag of oats. You're missing a horse, a grey one, about fifteen hands high?"
Darcy and Houghton exchanged significant looks. "How do you know?" Darcy inquired.
"Mary said fresh garden stuff is missing from the kitchen gardens. One of the beekeepers thinks someone stole eggs from his henhouse. Mrs. Reynolds has been in and out of rooms, inventorying. Lizzy thinks Mrs. Reynolds is attempting to teach her about Pemberley. I think you are trying to determine what is missing besides the silver candlesticks which Mary gave you as a wedding gift." Kitty nodded at the silver on Darcy's desk. "Silver flower bowl gifted by Miss Anne, matching bud vase gifted by Colonel Fitzwilliam. Mr. Houghton is here because tenants are missing more items than just eggs and garden stuff."
"We're missing wine from the cellars, a box of six-hour candles, two blankets from wash lines and the silver candlesticks," Darcy listed the missing items. "We're missing a travel slope with paper, ink and quills. Additionally, the gardeners report someone has been at the kitchen garden and the henhouse for the manor."
"I believe you will find your thief in Pemberley's forest, near the place where Lizzy said you have a hunting lodge. I saw a flash of red and grey in the forest this morning. I dismissed it because I thought the sun caused me to see things. When I went out to watch Anne, Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam returning from their riding lesson…the sun flashed off his buttons. I realized I saw a soldier leading a grey horse in the forest." Kitty felt proud of her deductive reasoning.
"Kitty, will you gather the ladies and go to Lizzy's sitting room?" Darcy requested. "Several men and I will quietly search that area of the forest."
"I will take the ladies to Lizzy's sitting room, but how do I keep them there? You know Lizzy can only embroider and engage in inconsequential topics for a short period of time." Kitty reminded her brother by marriage.
"Tell them I ordered a special tea tray. Mary didn't eat well this morning. I believe she should rest while either Georgiana, Anne or you read aloud to the ladies." Darcy's shrug signaled Kitty's dismissal.
~X~
"What is this delicious cheese?" Mary inquired.
"Sage cheese, it is a Derby favorite. Mr. Darcy likes soup or stew, with apple slices, cold ham, sliced sage cheese and inn bread in the autumn with cold apple cider. Miss Darcy likes our port cheese. So far, Mrs. Darcy prefers plain cheddar cheese with herbed crackers." Mrs. Reynolds watched as a second footman added another tray of food and drink to the table in the library.
"I really like this mint and lemon balm butter on cucumber sandwiches," Mary complimented the tea tray. "Could I have the receipts for the sage cheese and the butter?" Mrs. Reynolds nodded.
"How do you use mint?" Anne asked Mary. "I need to learn for our herb gardens at Rosings."
"I will draw an herb book for you like I did for Lizzy and Kitty. I'm completing one for Jane. I use mint for sachets, mint jelly for roasted lamb, crushed mint leaves in a summer berry salad, mint with cucumber salad or sandwiches, and Mother adores mint ices. I like to use mint with garlic and lemon for baking fish in the summer." Mary explained. "I like mint tea if my stomach is a bit upset. I use mint water for rinsing out my mouth in the morning, or mint water in a cool bath if I caught too much sun. I like to boil mint water to ease breathing from a winter cold. Mint planted in troughs around the house and the outbuildings will keep the mice away."
"I appreciate the directions for mint water in my herb book," Lizzy praised Mary. "I adore walking the gardens, and Darcy is teaching me the best riding paths around Pemberley. I might need mint water if I catch too much sun."
"The herb book which I gave you has the receipt for mint lotion," Mary reached for her sewing. "The lotion helps soothe hot, cold or windblown skin."
"Will you draw a book for me also?" Kitty asked. "I will help in your stillroom and herb garden if you will teach me."
~X~
Several crashing sounds emanated from the hunting lodge. They were accented with low growls of conversation and howls of pain. Eventually, Fitzwilliam threw Wickham out of the hunting lodge. Landing at Darcy's feet, he was immediately circled by six men.
"Darcy…" Wickham spit out a mouth full of blood. He had a split eyebrow, a busted lip and severe swelling on his left cheekbone. "I believe your standards for hosting guests is slipping."
"You are not a guest!" Fitzwilliam roared…handing Darcy kidnap plans from the hunting lodge.
"Same old George…chasing after easy money. My father gave you every advantage which your station in life would not. He gave you shelter, food, clothes, spending money, and an education. Father provided a future for you, but you were not willing to work for it. Once again, you try to take that which is mine…my wife, my sister or my cousin." Darcy's hands fisted to keep from beating Wickham to a bloody mass."
"So…do you plan to call me out?" Wickham grinned. He would fight dirty if it meant he could escape.
"Darcy is my second. I will not allow him to risk his home, wife, and life to gratify his desire to run you through with a sword as easily as Mrs. Bingley stitches a handkerchief." Fitzwilliam snarled.
"Excellent plan, Fitzwilliam. Wear your regimentals to a house party to set me up. Darcy, you really need to check his luggage for your missing silver candlesticks." Wickham leaned up on one elbow.
"The fact that you know there are missing silver candlesticks means you took them." Darcy snapped.
"I would check the hunting lodge, but he would claim I planted things." Fitzwilliam commented.
"I'll check, with Bingley," Houghton offered. Bingley nodded. This morning's activities taught Bingley a valuable lesson in running an estate.
"Like I would trust the man who stole my father's steward's job from me," Wickham needled.
"From you?" Houghton scoffed. "I wasn't aware you trained to be a steward. Or did you plan to claim the job and then sell it for a few thousand pounds…like you did with the living at Kympton?"
"No…I trained to be an educated gentleman…without the funds to be an educated gentleman."
"I don't know…" Darcy drawled. "You drank, gambled, and chased muslin like a second son."
"Hey…some of us second sons have standards." Fitzwilliam acted offended.
"You're no better than me," Wickham loftily informed Fitzwilliam. "Both of us need to marry an heiress to live the kind of life to which we were accustomed."
"If all I wanted from life was an heiress…I would have married years ago. I spent the last decade serving King and Country. The only king in your life in the last decade is printed on cards." Fitzwilliam scoffed. 'Anne and I must come to an understanding. I will explain Wickham planned to kidnap her for a forced marriage and ownership of Rosings Park.'
"When you're sitting in Friar Gate Gaol, or standing with a hangman's noose around your neck, or sailing to Van Dieman's Land…remember you chose to squander your life." Darcy snarled at his childhood friend.
"The magistrate approaches with the gaol wagon," Houghton announced. "I will ask the magistrate to inspect the hunting lodge with Bingley and me."
"If Wickham attempts to resist the chains…beat him into submission," Fitzwilliam ordered.
"You don't have to tell us twice." One of the men with Houghton and Darcy looked ready to pounce if Wickham moved.
~X~
"Ladies," Darcy and Bingley entered the library. "I thought you were in Lizzy's sitting room."
"We were too crowded in there. Everyone picked a book and read passages aloud, creating a convoluted, yet entertaining story. We've been stuffing ourselves with loaded tea trays." Lizzy eyed him from head to toe. "Why do I think your time missing from the house was neither property issues nor entertainment?"
"We captured the thief, thanks to Kitty's excellent observation skills. She spotted a redcoat in the forest near the hunting lodge this morning. Several of the men and I quietly approached the area. We captured George Wickham. He knows Pemberley. He knows where to purloin without being caught." Darcy reached into a saddlebag and showed Lizzy the candlesticks gifted by Mary. "I will have Mrs. Reynolds lock these in the silver room with the matching bowl and bud vase. She and two footmen are examining the house to determine how Wickham gained entry. He is on his way to gaol, to stand trial. I imagine the heat will prevent him from flight, but he is also chained into the prison wagon."
"Wickham?" Lizzy and Georgiana chorused in disbelief.
"The horse is returned to the stables. I sent word to Lambton with the men who took Wickham into custody. The owner of the bag of oats will send the bill to us. You may have it for when you testify against Wickham." Houghton notified Darcy.
"Will Kitty provide testimony?" Anne clasped her friend's hands.
"No," Fitzwilliam entered the room, limping slightly.
"I leased a house in Bath for September, October and November. We leave here early in the morning on Monday next." Anne informed Fitzwilliam. "Pemwood, Pembrook, Pembriar, London until the Monday after, then two days to Bath."
"I believe I will go with you," Fitzwilliam offered. "After this morning's jaunt through the forest, my knee is fatigued. I intend to soak and heal in the waters at Bath. Wickham claimed I set him up, stealing while wearing my regimentals. Since selling my commission, I need a wardrobe befitting the second son of an Earl."
"Darcy, I brought Mother's personal ledger with me to Pemberley. I have two dozen vowels which Mother settled for Wickham before she bought his commission to the militia." Anne took Richard tea and a plate of treats.
"I will reimburse you for them," Darcy offered.
"No, you will not. I want to help put that degenerate away for life." Anne retorted. "Did Wickham reveal why he is here?"
"Wickham read about the house party in the London paper. He had papers in the hunting lodge…kidnap plans for either you, Georgiana or Elizabeth. Since all three of you are important to me, Wickham felt he could enrich his life by ransoming one of you. He acted all false bravado," Darcy revealed Wickham attempted to get a pistol in the hunting lodge before Fitzwilliam beat him and tossed him out of the lodge.
"Wickham what?" Lizzy paled.
"He asked if I meant to call him out. Fitzwilliam announced I would be his second."
"Wickham didn't expect that response," Fitzwilliam chuckled before sitting down.
Darcy handed Anne a small oil painting of Rosings formal gardens and statue. "When you return to Kent, be sure to inventory your Dower House and Steward's House. I'm notifying staff at Pembriar, Pembrook and Pemwood. I believe the painting came from Pembriar. I think he stole items and sold them to finance his way north to Pemberley. He stole the horse so he could affect a getaway once he kidnapped one of you."
"The Steward's House is empty. I will send an express to Mr. Knowles and Mrs. Havens to empty the Dower House into the Rosings ballroom. Once it is emptied, they can inventory. I'm planning to move there next spring. I will close the manor house because it is too large for just me to use. The Dower House suits me better." Anne showed the painting to Kitty. "Someday you will paint like this. I think Georgiana already does."
"If Wickham had not wasted his inheritance and purchase of the living, he would not have pockets to let," Fitzwilliam pronounced.
"At least he has pockets," Lizzy's envious voice announced one of her favorite arguments. "He doesn't need to carry his necessaries around in a reticule. I swear I will start demanding pockets in my walking gowns, pelisses and redingotes. Why must I carry a reticule just to keep a clean handkerchief about me?"
"Now you know why I wear a worker's smock with large pockets. A reticule is useless in a garden," Mary laughed.
~X~
Lizzy sat at her dressing table, brushing her hair Eventually Darcy sought her company.
"What is taking so long?" Darcy yawned.
"Don't do that again," Lizzy warned him.
"Yawn or…did I miss something?"
"Don't sit me in a corner while the men conduct their very important business. I'm not a fragile ivy vine clinging to the protection of her mighty oak of a husband."
"I didn't miss anything," Darcy leaned against the doorway. "You did."
"What did I miss?"
"While you were so busy being angry at me slighting you…you missed the look of panic on Mary's face. She's with child, Elizabeth. While I know she is as sturdy as you are, she reacted badly to the news Wickham planned to kidnap you, Georgiana or Anne. Her sister, a sister-by-marriage, and a cousin-by-marriage who is her particular friend were in danger. Mary had the measure of Wickham before you or any of your sisters." Darcy informed her. "You and Mary turned the tense situation into a laugh about pockets…but I caught her checking on Georgiana and Anne, offering them sleeping draughts. I brought one for you, if you need it." He reached in his pocket for a small, corked bottle.
Lizzy set her brush aside, shaking her head no.
"I will always keep you safe, Elizabeth." Darcy kissed the top of her head.
Wednesday, August 18
The Darcys introduced Lizzy and her guests to the folly. Loaded wagons with an alfresco lunch were set on the grounds at the folly under a white tent. The tent with cushions, benches and tables provided a place to rest when they were not touring the folly. Uncle Reggie told stories about the first summer house party at Pemberley after Anne and George were married. The Matlock family attended the blessing of George and Anne's marriage at Pemberley Chapel. Several times the men of the party disappeared to the hunting lodge for a day of shooting and a night of cards and drinking to avoid Catherine and her tendencies to usurp Anne's position as mistress of Pemberley.
Robert, Richard and William told stories of being boys and playing at the folly. Their morning began with riding lessons, then a ride to the folly, and playing for hours until they had a picnic. They were bone tired in the saddle when they returned to the house.
Georgiana told a story of her first visit to the folly. She might have been five. She felt tired after the riding lesson and could not climb to the top. William gave her a piggyback ride to the top so she could look around. He sent the groom to bring a one-horse gig to the folly so he could take Georgina home. They repeated the exercise three more times that summer before she could race the stairs to the top after a riding lesson.
August 21
"Express rider for you, Mary," Lizzy handed her a letter.
Mary accepted it, noting Mr. Collins' penmanship. Her face paled when she read the express. "I need to depart Monday morning for London. Mr. Collins' great uncle, Martin Collins, has died. The funeral is Thursday. The solicitor contacted Mr. Collins. The Collinses expect him to attend the funeral and the reading of the will. He wants me to come to London."
"You will need a black dress," Aunt Gardiner began making a list. "You and Mr. Collins can stay at our house. I will send an express to our housekeeper to expect us late Wednesday. I will ask her to find a black dress which we can fit to you. If we can't find one premade, I have one which I wore when my cousin died. I think it will be easy to fit to you. You'll need black slippers, gloves, shawl and bonnet. I will ask her to gather those for you."
"The express rider is waiting for a reply," Lizzy reminded her sister. "I'll send maids to start packing for you."
"We'll go at first light, Monday." Mrs. Gardiner replied. She eyed Mary's figure. "I believe you should remind Mr. Collins about your increase when we see him in London. But you must keep the news from your mama unless you want her to attend your lying in."
"I will have the stable master examine your carriage and ensure there will be no issues when you travel," Darcy offered. "I will send expresses to Pemwood, Pembrook and Pembriar to expect you."
"I had an express from Mama. She demands to know where you are and complains because Mr. and Mrs. Nichols don't know when you will return." Lizzy handed the express to Jane.
"I will send an express to Aunt Cordelia, explaining we will be there in the next few days to visit to the end of the month. We can send an express to your mother from Aunt Cordelia's house. We will take our leisure returning to Netherfield." Bingley gave Jane a wry smile.
August 22
"Kitty," Darcy handed her a prettily wrapped package. "This is a thank you gift for helping us catch George Wickham. Mr. Houghton and I were at a loss. We had no idea what to do next. Your sharp eyes and deductive skills saved us. Wickham will be tried before the end of the year. He could be hung for deserting the militia, but I will ask the court to transport him. I will ask he be barred from leaving Van Deem's Land. We don't want him to relocate to any British colonies and return to England."
Kitty opened the gift and found a pretty pearl bracelet. "It's lovely Darcy. Thank you!" Anne helped her fasten the clasp. "I am so spoiled."
"You deserve it, and champagne to celebrate our last breakfast with one another." Darcy declared. "Wickham does not understand the primary role of a master of an estate. He does not understand landowners are not meant to live a life of indulgence and pleasure…unless they wish to see their fortunes and lands slip away from their grasp. Landowners are charged with tending to the good of their servants and tenants, and to the prosperity of their holdings. Our estates support the local parish and we, our staff and our tenants support the local villages. While many people think landowners inhabit different spheres of society…I assure you, I am just a gentleman farmer at heart. I enjoy being on hand when one of my mares births a new foal. I join my tenants to harvest apples, to fish the streams and to walk the woods. As we are not desperate for the birds which I shoot, it is wonderful to share them with my tenants who are in need."
August 25 – Wednesday evening
Mary felt fatigued from her journey from Derbyshire. Aunt Gardiner arranged a meal tray so she could rest. She sent it to Mary's room with Mr. Collins. Once he gave her a cup of tea and settled in to speak with her regarding his family, Mary took a deep breath, and reminded Mr. Collins of her increase.
"You are increasing?" His voice pitched higher.
"I told you I was, after the weddings, remember?" Mary wanted to be patient with William…but he was so oblivious sometimes.
"I thought you spoke of increasing the poultry flock, or the bees…" He protested. "I did not understand you were increasing."
"I felt the quickening at the wedding, but I did not tell you because I do not want Mother to learn of my increase. I did not remind you before departing for Derbyshire with Anne and Kitty because I wanted to see Pemberley."
William expressed a moderate whoop and gathered Mary in his arms.
"Please don't announce my increase to your Collins' family nor my Bennet family. The Gardiners and my sisters would keep our secret. I believe you will be a father before Christmas."
William kissed her forehead. He insisted she eat and rest. Tomorrow would be an emotional day for them.
August 26 – Thursday dinner with the Gardiners
"Your Collins family is interesting," Mary murmured to Mr. Collins. "He has three cousins about his age who have very talkative wives and mothers." She admitted to Mrs. Gardiner.
"The will upset them." Mr. Collins explained to the Gardiners. "What exactly did they say to you?"
"Your Aunt Margaret…"
"Cousin Martin's mother," Mr. Collins explained. "Uncle Martin is the younger brother of my grandmother. He was our great uncle."
"She recommended you take the £5,000 legacy from Uncle Martin and leave the contents of Uncle Martin's house intact for his namesake, your Cousin Martin." Mary related.
"Any other recommendations?"
"Your Aunt Agnes and your Aunt Olivia did not look pleased because neither your cousin Ambrose nor your cousin Owen were included in the portion of the will concerning the contents of the house." Mary looked down at her hands. She felt uncomfortable relating this to Mr. Collins.
"Mrs. Gardiner, is it possible to borrow you and a carriage? The will allows me to look over Uncle Martin's house beginning at eight tomorrow morning. Anything I choose to take with me must be removed from the home by dusk Saturday evening." Mr. Collins related this news quietly. "I may bring all the help I need."
"Exactly what does the will say?" Mrs. Gardiner inquired.
"Martin Collins left £5,000 to each of the four male nephews – Ambrose, Martin, Owen and me. He knew I left furnishings behind in our home on the Collins Estate when I went to Oxford. Ambrose moved into our furnished family home when I went to Oxford. Ambrose was quite keen to start his married life. Uncle Martin knew the costs for me to attend Oxford. He knew I graduated and became ordained. Uncle Martin wanted me to take anything from his home which will help me start my life. After I take everything I want, the remainder belongs to my Cousin Martin. Uncle Martin lived in a home on the Collins Estate at the edge of the city. They have two new warehouses since I went away to Oxford. They started with an import business. Uncle Martin purchased the Italian goods for the import business. The two new warehouses are furniture and domestic wares, and household linens and rugs."
"How are your interests being protected?" Mr. Gardiner joined the conversation.
"The solicitor hired Bow Street Runners to watch the house. When I arrive at the house, I am to present his letter to the man on duty. We must be out of the house by dusk tomorrow night. We may return Saturday after dawn. When we leave the house by dusk Saturday evening, we will not be allowed to return. We will have no further claim to anything in the house."
"Let us have an early night," Mrs. Gardiner suggested. "We will be there at eight tomorrow morning. I'll bring a food hamper, so we can work through. I need to know how big a dray wagon, how many crates, and how many men to help us move whatever you take.'