Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 18
Friday, August 27
Mr. Collins showed his letter to the Bow Street Runner who guarded the door to his Uncle Martin's house. The runner welcomed them and explained he would be there until dusk when another runner would replace him. He unlocked the house and allowed them to enter. Mr. Collins gave him explicit instructions – no guests welcomed, no interruptions forgiven. The runner would warn them when dusk approached.
The elegantly decorated house contrasted with the ordinary outer shell. Mary and Mrs. Gardiner exchanged looks of surprise.
'It's not Rosings, but it is well appointed.' Mr. Collins admired the decor.
The drawing room was the jewel of the house. The cream wallpaper accented the mahogany wainscoting. The drapes were heavy cream damask with silk tassel ties. The north window looked out onto a well-maintained park area. The fireplace would easily hold a large well-laid fire behind a polished brass fire screen. Two small arches on the left and right framed the fireplace. The small left arch held a stack of firewood. The small right arch held brass-handled fire tools and a polished brass coal scuttle. A classic brass fender outlined the hearth.
"I like the fireplace exceedingly well," Mary admired it. "I'm sorry we can't take it to Hunsford or Longbourn with us."
"But you can take the brass fireplace screen, tools and the coal scuttle. Be sure to take the fender." Mrs. Gardiner observed the room. "I fancy those drapes. They would look exceedingly well in your parlor with the new wallpaper you selected."
"Will they forgive us for taking drapes?" Mary frowned.
"The will said to take everything you would use." Mrs. Gardiner reminded them. "I am not averse to crating the coal reserves in the cellar if there is a good supply. I believe Mr. Martin Collins might have purchased his coal, candles and soaps for the winter, and have them air drying."
"Mr. Collins," Mary pointed at the pianoforte. "We must take the pianoforte, the canterbury for holding music sheets, and the music. I also like the chairs which match the pianoforte. One for the player and one for the person turning pages?"
"Let's look over the rooms first. We'll create lists of things to take before the end of the day." Mrs. Gardiner suggested. They searched the attic first, and decided nothing interested them there. They viewed the cellar next. Mrs. Gardiner opined the twelve cases of wines, ports and sherries, along with four barrels of beer and four of apple cider were the quarterly libation order for the house. Mrs. Gardiner recommended they take the crates and barrels with the storage racks.
They discussed the five chaldrons of coal. Delivered at Midsummer, and hardening, it would heat the house from Michaelmas to Lady Day. They found a year's supply of four and six hour candles, and a year's supply of finely milled soap bars drying in storage. There were bags of dried beans, dried peas, coffee and tea in the dry pantry. Mrs. Gardiner suggested transporting the contents of the cellar to Hunsford Rectory.
Mrs. Gardiner entered the room next to the kitchen. Mary inventoried the stillroom, and Mr. Collins inventoried the silver pantry.
"I think you need to look in the room next to the kitchen. I recommend taking all of the contents and creating a room for you. I believe it resembles a room they saw in Italy." Mrs. Gardiner recommended.
Mr. Collins went first and returned to the hall. His silence intrigued Mary. She flattened her hand over her mouth when she entered the bathing room. A screen partially hid a large copper bathing tub which would hold a very tall, large man easily. A screened commode stood near a wash stand holding a copper basin and pitcher, and colored glass decanters. The small armoire held bathing linens, soaps and candles. Near the fireplace stood a towel warming rack, and a chair for sitting before and after baths. A large copper pitcher stood on the hearth. Once filled, it could be used to rinse hair or the body. Copper sconces, a lovely watercolor of a lake in Italy, and a large beautiful oval mirror in a copper frame finished the décor of the room. The furniture in the room was all burled walnut. Mary returned to the hall. "I think it's lovely…but do we have a room near the kitchen where we can recreate it?"
"Since you viewed it, I think we could recreate that room. Staff can fill and empty the bathing tub easier, rather than moving our hipbath from room to room. Staff can use the room also," Mr. Collins opined.
"The large room across the hall from your stillroom should be split into two rooms. You can make a locking silver closet from one/third and the bathing room in the two/thirds which has the fireplace."
"I'll take the dining room," Mrs. Gardiner offered. "We'll all work until breakfast."
"I will look over Uncle Martin's room, if Mary takes the drawing room." Mr. Collins offered.
~X~
When they met in the kitchen for breakfast, Mr. Collins brought three boxes with him.
"Leather and brass men's travel case with eight silver-topped bottles. The top tray holds silver-handled personal tools, shaving items, clothes brush, quizzing glass, etc. The bottom holds a silver flask, a silver cheroot holder, silver match holder and silver snuff box." Mrs. Gardiner examined it.
"Tell me what is in this box," Mr. Collins passed an oak box to her.
"Man's jewelry box. Two silk watch fobs, one plain gold watch fob with topaz stone. Gold watch with chain. Gold stickpin for a cravat. Gold button covers and sleeve links. They are all nice pieces," Mrs. Gardiner did not recommend he take both boxes. Something bothered him…but she didn't know him well enough to provide counsel.
"Last box," he handed it to Mrs. Gardiner.
"Jewelry casket, rosewood, made for a lady," Mrs. Gardiner opened it to find blue velvet bags. She opened the first one. "Pearl necklace and earbobs, gold clasp." She passed them to Mary and opened the second bag. "Garnet beads and earbobs, gold clasp." She passed them to Mary and opened the third bag. "Coral beads and earbobs, gold clasp." She passed it to Mary and opened a fourth bag. "Bracelets, thin, gold, etched."
Mr. Collins reached for them, holding them in his hand. "These match Mother's bracelet, the one I gave you at Christmas. They match your wedding ring."
Mrs. Gardiner pulled two gold and seed pearl hair combs from bag five. Mr. Collins reached for them also. "Those were Mother's hair combs. They match the broach I gave you."
"I will be pleased to wear them for you." Mary smiled fondly at Mr. Collins. "How did your aunt get your mother's things?"
"When Mother died, her sisters-by-marriage helped Father sort through things in the house. They took her clothes and jewels…except for the ones Father had hidden under his pillow. The pieces, which Father wrapped in one of Mother's silk handkerchiefs, helped him deal with his grief."
Mary patted his hand.
"I felt tempted to accept the legacy and leave the contents of the house to my cousin. However, seeing Mother's jewelry helped me decide. We will take everything from this house which we can use at the parsonage and at Longbourn. We have our future and our child to consider." Mr. Collins announced.
"Well then, let us a rest before we continue. You should put small things in a travel trunk to as you find them, so nothing is left behind. Write lists as you examine rooms." Mrs. Gardiner made tea and served an apple and pear tart before the three returned to work.
~X~
Mrs. Gardiner made tea and set out a cold midday meal. She began with her list. "I recommend taking the wines, ports and sherries in the cellar, including the racks holding them. I recommend taking the apple cider, coal, candles and soaps. I recommend taking the bags of flour, sugar, dried apples, raisins, rice, beans, peas, coffee and tea." She consulted her list.
Mary passed her list of stillroom items to take. "I don't want to take any prepared medicines, but the empty wash basins, bottles, baskets and the two receipt books from the stillroom are safe to take."
"The silver pantry contains a punchbowl and cups, candelabras, flower bowls, candlesticks, and wine cooler. There are two silver curates and a set of nesting trays. Take the silver tea set with serving tray and tea caddy. Take the first and second set of Italian silver cutlery." Mrs. Gardiner read Mr. Collins' list. "I recommend taking all of it and the copper cookware from the kitchen."
"The dining room set and sideboard are too large for both Hunsford and Longbourn. However, you should take the mahogany tea tray and the table. Take the mahogany dumbwaiter and the mahogany cellarette for when you entertain. Take the mahogany knife box. There is a cream ware dining service for four and twenty with serving pieces. I would take the mahogany sideboard and china dresser from the breakfast room for your Hunsford and Longbourn dining room."
"My uncle was the primary correspondent for Italy with his family's warehouse." Mr. Collins explained. "I would not be surprised to see many Italian things in the house. I've decided not to take uncle's clothes as they will fit my cousin better than me. However, I am taking the backless sofa, the silent butler, the shaving stand, the boot jack, and his silver-topped walking stick from his room. I think we should take the bed, nightstands, dresser, wash stand, and the two chairs and round table before his fireplace. I found a large empty men's travel trunk which will easily hold the things we found this morning and more."
The three returned to work when midday meal concluded. Mrs. Gardiner and Mr. Collins took the second-floor rooms, Mary took the library/study.
~X~
At four, they gathered in the kitchen again for tea and a respite. Mrs. Gardiner brought tea to the table, so they could compare their lists again.
"Beds, armoires, wash stands, dressers, writing tables with chairs, some plant stands and a linen press," Mrs. Gardiner reported for the second floor. "Gold gilt mirrors, clocks, pictures, porcelains and candlesticks. We should take the rugs from the two largest sleeping rooms. The rugs would fit in our sleeping quarters. Mary needs to view the room at the top of the stairs. The dressing table, a standing sewing table, a standing embroidery hoop, and other feminine accoutrement are made of tulipwood or rosewood or mahogany."
"I want to take the mahogany bench, console table, mirror and coat rack from the hall. They will fit fine in our hall and the entry hall at Longbourn." Mary consulted her list. "I want to take the furniture and décor from the drawing room for our parlor, your bookroom and my sitting room at Hunsford. I especially want the long case clock and the two bracket clocks I saw."
"I inventoried the library/study," Mary reported. "I recommend the bookcases, writing desk, library table and chairs, the collector's cabinet, gaming table and several of the smaller pieces from the room such as a standing globe, an atlas with stand, mirrors, pictures, tantalizer, writing slope, ink well, etc. There is a reading chair with a book stand and a candle stand. Perhaps someone playing a lap harp or a flute used it. I don't recommend taking all the books. There are six which interest me, as they are horticulture related. Perhaps after tea, and before we leave, you can look at the books."
"I found a lady's travel case in the bathing room with a gold chatelaine. gold scissors and gold thimble. We should put it in the trunk with the other things from this morning." Mrs. Gardiner poured more tea while they took their leisure. She took their lists to create one large list. She would arrange for the movers, crates and dray wagon.
Mr. Collins brought a lady's travel trunk with him at tea time. "I found a trunk with wrapped packages which must have belonged to my Aunt Eleanor. We will take this with us at the end of the day. When you have time, you should look at everything. Some packages are marked, some aren't." He handed wrapped packages to Mary.
Mary found a draped real Kashmir shawl in the package marked 'shawl'. She stroked the soft, luxurious material. The cream color would match anything she owned. "I've never owned such a shawl. The fine quality wool will last a lifetime with proper care."
"Oh, lovely," Mrs. Gardiner sighed when Mary opened another package. "Shot silk parasol, ivory handle. Your aunt may have used it for promenades. The antique cream color is excellent." She watched with interest when Mary opened a third package to another sigh by Mrs. Gardiner. "Long, hooded cape, silk, cocoa color…made for wearing to the theatre or opera. Fully lined, floral embossed gold button, created about 1805."
"We'll open the rest of the packages later," Mary promised. "There is much to do before we leave for the day."
The Gardiner's coachman loaded the trunks filled with small things. When they left, Mr. Collins told the Bow Street Runner they would return before eight Saturday morning with movers and three dray wagons. He gave the Bow Street Runner a guinea to not reveal their actions to anyone.
Monday, August 31
At Martin Collins' solicitor, William Collins affirmed he removed everything from the house which he would use. He put his legacy from Uncle Martin with the legacy from his grandfather, and five thousand from the living purchase which Miss Anne returned. He invested his £25,000 in the five percents. He sent an express to Mr. Manning to hire men necessary to help unload and set three dray wagons of furniture and goods when the Collinses returned today.
The carriage, which Collins took to London when he received the express regarding Uncle Martin, was filled like when Mary moved to Hunsford Parsonage. The dray wagons with six men lumbered out of the yard at Gardiner's Emporium, loaded with items for Hunsford Parsonage.
"When we arrive at the parsonage, I want you to direct where things go. I do not want you lifting and moving things. I know you are a busy and useful sort of woman…but it is important you take care of yourself and the babe." Collins's voice was gruff with emotion. "Please hire a woman or two to help clean and set rooms if needed. I know you need to update our household catalogue. I also know you want to view the gardens, livestock, poultry and bees. I'm sure you gathered new receipts while at Pemberley. I'm not forbidding you to do so. I'm simply asking you to rest and take care."
Like before, Collins and Mary discussed their future and Longbourn. He suggested purchasing more farmland when they moved to Longbourn. More property meant more tenants which meant more funds to bank each year to continue to build the estate. Collins valued the importance of inheritances for his son. Today would be one of the few times the Collinses discussed an eventual move to Longbourn.
September 3, Pemberley
"Madame," Mrs. Reynolds addressed Lizzy in her sitting room where she worked on correspondence. Lizzy loved her sitting room which overlooked the lawn leading to the lake. "Mr. Darcy left instructions begin the household inventory after the guests departed. Bed linens will be checked, and new ones ordered if needed."
"Very well then. I want to update the catalog of the manor as we have time. Will you find Miss Georgiana for me? We're conducting a Mrs. Collins on the place." Then she explained her comment to Mrs. Reynolds, who chuckled heartily at the thought of someone gainsaying Lady Catherine.
The bookcase in Lizzy's private sitting room contained novels and books which had obviously been chosen by Lady Anne Darcy. Several Defoe, Burney, Richardson and Fielding books occupied the shelves. There were two Mrs. Radcliffe novels. Everything was published before 1785, and Lizzy had read them all. She requested Mrs. Reynolds return the books to the library where they could be catalogued and reshelved. She would fill the bookcase with books she wanted to read, or her favorite books which she could read over and over.
Darcy and Houghton entered Lizzy's sitting room and caught the end of Mrs. Reynolds report. "I've decided to have the forest cleaned. We'll begin with the north forest and work our way around the perimeter of Pemberley. We don't want poachers or anyone living rough in our forests. Crowns will be lifted on trees, paths cleared and widened, downed branches and trees cut for firewood. Mr. Houghton will find a dozen or more men to clean the forest. Mrs. Reynolds, can your staff provide breakfast, midday and tea for the forest cleaners?"
Mrs. Reynolds nodded. "We will send a wagon with picnic hampers of food at meal and rest times." She and the mistress prepared menus for the next few days, using excess from the henhouse and gardens. They would use the outdoor kitchens for roasting and baking to keep the indoor kitchens cool. The only hot thing they would serve the forest workers would be coffee at ten and tea at four.
Mr. Houghton joined the discussion. "Daily, the men will assemble by the stables. We will take two wagonloads of men to the forest beginning at seven. Downed trees will be moved intact, or we'll saw the downed trees into moveable pieces. Limbs and tinder will be moved to the wagon. Once full, the wagon will return to Mr. Spaulding's farm to offload the trees and limbs. He and his sons will cut the downed trees and limbs into fire-sized bits. Poacher dens will be destroyed, and a general clearing of the forest will take place. The gardeners want to compost the leaves for the kitchen gardens. I will have them bring a wagon or two with half a dozen men to help with that task also. We will walk and map the entire Pemberley Woods."
"Mary would suggest you mark white birch, fruit or nut trees so they can be harvested in the fall. She would also recommend marking where bergamot, or edible greens, or elderberry bushes can be found. She would recommend gathering seedlings from oak or walnut trees to dry for a year to create arrows for lawn parties or for hunting. Perhaps take one of the gardeners who can identify plants." Lizzy suggested.
"I will send letters to the other holdings to clean their woods. Wickham knew where to hide in them also." Houghton assured the Darcys. "I will inquire if they are missing anything and recommend they check with the money lenders in the area to retrieve anything which Wickham might have stolen and sold."
"Mr. Bannock's eldest son, Joshua, is an accomplished artist. I will pay him for comprehensive maps of Pemberley Woods." Darcy considered the plot map of Pemberley. "Everyone quits at six for the day. I don't want any workers in Pemberley Woods after dark. They work Monday-Saturday."
"The undercook, Betsy and the kitchen maid, Sally, can drive a team. They can leave empty wagons and bring full ones back to Mr. Spaulding after they feed the men." Mrs. Reynolds offered. "I will send staff to the hunting lodge to clean, since we don't know how long Wickham lodged there. We need to clean and inventory the chapel, as we don't know if he helped himself to possessions stored there."
September 4
"Quite a day for correspondence," Mary handed five letters to Mr. Collins at midday. Mary had a letter of sympathy from Papa.
"Yes," Mr. Collins chuckled, which was quite out of character. "I received a letter from Uncle Martin's solicitor. The solicitor received visits from my aunts who were dismayed to learn Martin Collins rewrote his will in May after seeing me during the wedding shopping trip. They were under the impression Uncle Martin left his estate in equal shares to Ambrose, Martin and Owen. The solicitor filed the will in crown court. He suggested I might receive letters of consternation from my aunts."
"Were any of the other letters from your aunts?" Mary hoped to keep the fine pianoforte, chairs and the canterbury. She sent a grateful prayer heavenward each time she sat at her pianoforte.
"Cousin Martin sent a letter, stating his dismay at how we left Uncle Martin's home in such a sorry state. His mother assured him a country vicar would have no use for such fine furnishings. She opined I might take some books from the library. However, to take the coal, candles, soaps and wines in addition to most of the furniture, all the silver, the dishes, the clocks, the drapes, and the rugs…well…he felt my actions were selfish. Cousin Martin urged me to reconsider my hasty actions. He suggested I feel free to return anything I truly do not need or will not use. He opines such generosity on my part would be in keeping with Uncle Martin's generosity at remembering me."
"I'm sure it surprised him." Mary sat quietly. She planned to use the best china, silver and cutlery for dinner parties. Uncle Martin's things were too fine for everyday use.
"I shall write him directly of course," Collins explained. "I will remind Cousin Martin I left all of Father's and Mother's things behind for Cousin Ambrose when I went to university. I will explain how Uncle Martin desired we present ourselves well at my current position at Hunsford Rectory and at our future estate, Longbourn."
Mr. Collins had two letters of condolence from men who attended Oxford with him. He received a condolence letter from Cordelia Stafford, who heard the news of his great-uncle's passing from Bingley. She related a humorous story of her brother Arthur Bingley and Martin Collins. "The letter was very kind of her. She is quite amiable like Brother Bingley." He read the letter aloud to Mary while they took a respite with good green tea from Uncle Martin's house.
~X~
"These pieces are lovely," Anne sighed over jewelry which Mr. Edwards remade for her. She had a dozen sets of jewelry now, perfect for a petite woman. Pieces she wanted to gift to Georgiana, Elizabeth, Aunt Constance and Augusta were examined and cleaned.
"Thank you for allowing me to clean, repair, or sell your sultan's bounty. We sold many pieces after Midsummer. I think it might be men or women who seek a piece of jewelry for a house party this summer. I believe we will sell more during Little Season. We still have one third of your pieces to sell." Mr. Edwards reviewed his ledger of Anne's jewelry with her. He gave her a bank note for her share of the jewels which sold. "I will continue selling your items and will settle with you at Michaelmas and Christmas. May I send you notice when I purchase sapphire jewelry?"
"I would appreciate knowing when there are new pieces appropriate for me. I also wish to see any pink topaz items you might find. I need gifts for the men in my life – cousins and an uncle. Sapphires for them also, in gold or silver mounts. Sleeve links, button covers, watch fobs and chains, or stickpins."
~X~
Anne and Kitty met the other Fitzwilliam ladies. They spent an hour shopping at Timsdale's Treasures. Kitty found a few classical literature and art books…perhaps printed for first year university students. She promised to share them with Anne.
Mr. Timsdale showed Anne an 1810 burl yew sewing box and matching necessaire box. Both had matching gold gilt mounts and feet with inlaid satinwood top panels with matching satinwood inlaid trim. The sewing tools were all gold and the bottles in the necessaire had gold tops and gold tools. Anne liked the looks of both, and they were elegant for traveling. However, the set did not have a writing slope, or art box. She used Mother's set of four matching pieces when she traveled.
"I will pass on those," Anne informed Mr. Timsdale. "However I do want to purchase that shield-shaped, mahogany toiletry mirror with tulipwood banding. I like those ivory drawer pulls and finials. I don't want the stained horn hair combs which were in the drawers. I want to give it to my housekeeper as a gift. Her toilet mirror was cracked and generations old when someone gave it to her. She deserves better."
Mr. Timsdale removed the combs and carried the toiletry mirror to his counter.
"I will take that pocket globe also. I know it is from the 1790s, and has New Holland for Van Deems Land. I like the way it feels, and it will be a welcome addition to the collector's cabinet in my drawing room."
Once Mr. Timsdale wrapped Anne's purchases, he offered to have them delivered to the de Bourgh House if she wanted to visit Timsdale's Tea Shop.
"I believe I will. My cook is making vanilla ices with fresh figs for dinner tonight. I might find some sweets or confections to eat with our ices."
"I prefer parmesan cheese ice with fresh pear at Gunter's Ices. Mrs. Timsdale prefers the cinnamon ice with fresh apple." Mr. Timsdale remarked while writing up Anne's order.
"I must remember those ideas for my cook." Anne wrote notes in the everyday book secured in her reticule.
~X~
Kitty helped Aveline with packing for Bath while Anne visited Lady Catherine. Anne tried not to quarrel with Mother, but it could not be helped.
Mrs. Jenkinson insisted on staying when Anne visited Mother. "I seem to be able to interpret her mutterings and moods," Mrs. Jenkinson persisted. She berated Anne for clearing out Lady Catherine's dressing room, jewels and her desk.
"I will not have staff rob Mother blind. Since I was unaware of the de Bourgh House catalog and Rosings Park catalogue, I'm at a disadvantage to learn of how Mother hid jewels and funds from me," Anne gritted her teeth. She informed Mother of the house party at Pemberley. Lady Catherine was vexatious whenever Anne mentioned Darcy and Elizabeth. She told about seeing the Fitzwilliams, and some of the amusements during the house party. She endured a lecture from Mrs. Jenkinson regarding the distinction of classes and how house parties blurred those lines. Lady Catherine nodded each time Mrs. Jenkinson parroted something previously pronounced by her.
"I know we will never agree about Darcy and Elizabeth…and I tire of discussing it with you. I don't care to hear Mrs. Jenkinson repeat all the lectures you imposed upon me over the years. I will continue to ensure your care, but I'm moving to Bath through November. Richard has not recovered from his injuries. I plan to take him to Bath to take the waters." Anne caught a look of dismay on Mother's face. "For years Richard visited Rosings with family or Darcy. Neither of us ever compromised the other. Quite frankly…I look forward to Bath…I found I like traveling…now that Mary Collins healed me."
Anne departed Mother's room…planning to vent her distemper by reviewing de Bourgh House ledgers, and learning her staffs' needs between now and Christmas. Anne left orders for painting to occur at the de Bourgh House. She viewed the contents of the rooms, leaving orders for items to be sold, rooms to be cleaned, and rooms to be rearranged.
September 8-10, Hunsford
Mr. Dalton and a son labored for a week to split the spare room at the parsonage into a silver closet and a bathing room with locking doors. Mr. Dalton painted the bathing room an antique gold color selected from the picture. Finally, items were placed. Mary locked the new silver away in the new silver closet. The sewing things went to Mary's sitting room. The drawing room, Mary's sitting room, Collins' bookroom, and the bedchambers were completely refurnished with items from Uncle Martin's home. The drapes from Uncle Martin's home were hung. The furniture from Uncle Martin's house looked well in their new rooms.
Mary felt thrilled with the new pianoforte, music and books from Uncle Martin's home. Collins seemed thrilled with the cases of wines, ports and sherries, along with the barrels of cider. As neither he nor Mary drank beer, they left the beer for Cousin Martin. Because they chose a crate of books, funds would not be spent for new reading materials for a while. The coal, candles and soaps would decrease necessary purchases for winter, allowing them to economize more.
Mary took the small empty crocks which probably held honey at one time. She took drying racks, which she had not considered during the review of Uncle Martin's house. She took the household ledgers because one had a catalogue of the furniture and furnishings which they acquired. The other contained a list of the household goods and vendors for coals, wines, coffee and tea, candles, soaps, etc.
Mary's first task, after rearranging the parsonage, was to create a new catalogue of the contents of Hunsford Parsonage. She reminded Mr. Collins of her increase and explained how a gentleman handled staff in a situation like this. Mr. Collins gathered the staff, and announced Mrs. Collins' increase with a coin for all the servants and the afternoon off. Once they were alone, he reminded Mary not to exhaust herself caring for him or the parsonage, or their rectory duties.
Saturday, September 11, Hunsford
"Every lady should have pretty things," Anne stroked the hunter green and gold stripe of Mary's new settee. After seeing how Pemberley was so comfortably decorated, she was determined to redecorate the de Bourgh House and the Dower House. She smiled each time she passed Mother's chair occupying its proper place in an alcove by Father's study. With the matching chair and a hall table, one set of furniture was restored.
"I'm surprised Mr. Collins' uncle left so much to us. However, we can use the furniture here and at Longbourn. Martin Collins has truly given us a better life. Part of me worries about Mother's reaction when she visits Hunsford Parsonage." Mary blushed when she thought about the bathing room.
Anne insisted everything from the Dower House, now residing in the parsonage, belonged to the Collinses, not the rectory nor Rosings Park. She urged Mary to finish the new catalogue for the parsonage. "When the sad time comes that you leave me, I have no intention of inventorying your transport wagons. If the parsonage is cleared and cleaned, a new vicar and family can move in with their household goods. I believe such a plan will keep the parsonage from becoming a furniture warehouse again."
"We are off to Bath Monday," Kitty gave Mary their itinerary. Anne gave Mary the direction for Laura Place in Bath.
"I promise not to worry about you since Colonel Fitzwilliam is joining you," Mary assured them she felt fine and would be fine while they were gone. Mrs. Havens and Mr. Knowles could call on the parsonage as needed.
~X~
Mr. Collins helped Mr. Knowles with furniture Miss Anne insisted be delivered from Rosings. "Miss Anne donated furniture from a guest nursery," he explained. "Where do you want to put it?"
"In the last bedroom on the north side," Mr. Collins suggested. "Nursery furniture to the left, nursery maid furniture to the right. The screen provides privacy if we hire a nursery maid."
"Are you sure?" Mr. Knowles knew Collins named the room across from his sleeping room. He knew now nerve wracking a crying child could be. He gave Mr. Collins a surprised glance but kept his counsel. "Miss Anne recommended adding this furniture to your catalogue of Hunsford Parsonage."
Second Week of September, Pemberley
Lizzy, Georgiana and Mrs. Reynolds surveyed the third floor rooms. Carpets were taken up and hung outside for a good beating and sponging. Lizzy and Georgie had little to rearrange. The colors and furniture were well chosen by Lady Anne. Lizzy and Georgiana began separating decor to go back to nursery floor rooms. There was no need for excess in the rooms. Bed linens would be ordered when needed. Furniture in every room was tucked under Holland cloths for protection. Drapes were drawn on windows.
"We must find a way to speed the process Mrs. Reynolds," Lizzy moaned. "We can't spend more than two weeks on each floor or we will not be prepared for the holidays."
"The third floor hasn't been inventoried or cleaned with the care of the second-floor family rooms and guest rooms. I estimate one week of work for the second floor. I estimate one week for the first floor. I'm saving the work rooms in the lower level and the servants quarters on the fourth floor for last. The silver pantry has been inventoried, cleaned and is locked." Mrs. Reynolds reported, handing the silver ledger to Lizzy.
Lizzy reviewed the updated ledger and handed it back to Mrs. Reynolds. "Hardy needs access to this ledger. Please return it to him. Both of you may access the household catalogue in my office when you need to." Lizzy indicated the bookshelf behind her desk. "Georgiana, please take the sewing table, the embroidery hoop and the art easel of Lady Anne's for yourself. You enjoy sewing, embroidering and drawing, which I do not. I will not use them properly and it is only fitting you should have them. I have a basket for sewing and embroidery in the drawing room for when we entertain."
"Thank you Lizzy. I can have a set here, and a set at the Darcy House." Georgiana appreciated Lizzy's generosity.
"Remember to move any of those articles to your private sitting room when you are at Pembriar, Pembrook, or Pemwood." Lizzy was happy because Georgiana was happy.
September in Bath
"Bath?" Fitzwilliam smiled at Anne and Kitty. "North is Camden Place, Walcot Church and the road to London. East is Laura Place and the Sydney Gardens. South is Beecham Cliff and the old bridge, which is very picturesque. Southwest is the road to Bristol and Green Park. Northwest is The Circus and Royal Crescent. The Upper Rooms and Pump Room are in northcentral Bath. Milsom Street is in the middle of Bath. The Lower Rooms are in southcentral Bath near the Avon River." Anne and Kitty could not wait to tour Bath. "The Roberts Estate probably sells items from the open air market near the Lower Rooms."
"Tomorrow we may visit the Assembly Rooms as a group. After we write our names in the visitors' book…we shall be overwhelmed with first and second set callers." Richard warned. He opined they would receive several first and second set invitations once the paper announced their arrival in Bath.
"I intend to accept callers two days a week. We'll make calls two days a week. We'll rest two days a week. We'll shop one day a week. We can acquire subscriptions to the Assembly Rooms and to the Circulating Library. Then Kitty and I are visiting Milsom Street and Bond Street to visit the modiste…" Anne announced.
"…and milliners…" Kitty added.
"…and glovemakers…" Anne took up the cadence. She had an excellent living from her percents and intended to share generously with Kitty and Richard. No one would be forced to purchase lesser quality materials. She was determined Kitty would never have to turn her gowns again, nor guard her funds to afford a new one.
"…and haberdashers." Richard rolled his eyes at the two.
"…and tea and confections at Mulholland's!" Anne laughed.
~X~
Bath was most congenial. Midmorning landau rides introduced the ladies to all the areas of Bath. They enjoyed a series of Shakespeare lectures at the Assembly Rooms. The ladies enjoyed concerts and the theatre. Fitzwilliam enjoyed meeting other military men and playing cards with them. The shopping on Milsom Street and Bond Street seemed as fine as shopping in London. Painting and art supplies, a music shop, a sweets shop, a fruitier who specialized in pineapples and out of season fruits, and a toy shop were a few shops which the ladies patronized. Kitty and Anne enjoyed the bakery which offered the lightest, finest gingerbread they ever tasted. They patronized two milliners and two modistes.
At the circulating library Kitty purchased the two newest editions of fashion magazines and recreated her own sketches. She modeled her sketches from the bodice of one gown, sleeves from another, skirt from a third, with lace and trims from a fourth.
"Do you like this one?" Anne showed Kitty a fashion plate with a blue satin gown with an over drape of white gossamer net. The hair updo sported a bandeau in blue and white.
"I like the way the asymmetrical over drape has a side split rather than a center split. The under gown does not detract from the over drape. The bandeau is interesting. I would find a plate with more interesting sleeves. Perhaps undersleeves of the same material as the under gown, with over sleeves made from the same material as the over drape."
"Do you like this one?" Anne showed Kitty another fashion plate.
"Since you are trying to choose a new evening gown for you…why don't you tell me what you like about this fashion plate?" Kitty posed a hard question.
Anne's observation of the fashion plate didn't reveal anything. "I like the long, fitted sleeves made from the same ribbon striped material as the over drape. The material adds interest to the gown."
"Very good observation of the materials," Kitty praised her friend. "Now you need to find a fashion plate for a gown you like."
Anne searched through three issues of La Belle Assemblée. She finally settled on one. "What do you think of this one? Round décolletage, tucked bodice, no bodice trim, ribbon banded puff sleeves to go over those ribbon striped undersleeves? I like the lace detail on the sash."
"I think you selected well. I will redraw the parts you like from plates into one sketch for you to take to the modiste." Kitty reached for paper and pencil. Anne was very taken with Kitty's redesigns and commissioned two new dresses for both she and Kitty from the designs. They searched for materials they liked. Anne settled on midnight blue with silver, and dark blue with gold. Kitty selected dark green with gold, and deep pink with wine. The modiste in Bath offered a discount on their purchase if they would leave the sketches with her to show to future clients.
~X~
"There is a large card party tomorrow evening at the Assembly Rooms." Fitzwilliam purchased three tickets for the charity event. He gladly paid the fee for admittance and refreshments. The card party will raise money to help injured soldiers find employment. Half the funds will help recovering soldiers, and the other half will enable permanently disabled soldiers to take up a new occupation.
~X~
"I like that blue," Kitty complimented once of Anne's choices. "I think it would suit you very well. I like it better than the ice blue silk. The darker blue brings out your eyes."
"The ice blue silk isn't flattering, is it?" Anne ignored the protests from the draper who wanted a sale to first circle women. "I'm glad to not shop with Augusta. She would recommend I buy it. When I was prepared to commission a gown…she would convince me it was a poor choice for me and should gift it to her."
"Sounds like Lydia and wine colors when I want pink." Kitty refrained from snorting. "You know I don't wear blue…so don't think you would gift it to me. I prefer the rose-patterned cotton, the rose satin, and the grey wool for a hooded winter redingote."
"I approve," Anne commented…noting Kitty did not choose the dark pink linen which would make an excellent traveling gown. She intended to buy a dress length and a spencer length, with enough material for Kitty to make a soft crowned bonnet and reticule.
~X~
Kitty wrote Papa about her life with Miss Anne. She explained about her lessons. Her pianoforte skills improved; she had mastered Mozart, Chopin and Beethoven. She enjoyed playing duets with Miss Anne. She and Miss Anne were busy with lessons from the masters Miss Anne hired. She and Miss Anne attended three assemblies for charity, but they were not the pinnacle of her social life. She understood her dance partners only wanted information about Miss Anne…rather than her company. She and Miss Anne enjoyed the informative Shakespeare lectures offered at the Upper Rooms. The ladies enjoyed walks to the Sydney Gardens.
Kitty's sewing improved; she could do more than trim a bonnet or hem a dress. She embroidered her own silk handkerchiefs, gloves and reticules. She embroidered a white silk shawl with pink roses and green leaves, using silk threads, while they entertained callers. She enjoyed her art lessons, drawing more advanced landscapes. She enjoyed afternoons in the gardens, sketching and sharing tea with Miss Anne and Fitzwilliam.
Mme. de la Coeur, the French master, reported Kitty had an ear for the language and complimented her improvement in reading and writing French. She enjoyed teaching Kitty to play and sing French love songs. Kitty practiced her French lessons with Aveline, who she shared with Miss Anne. Aveline helped Kitty develop conversational skills in French. Aveline, along with Fitzwilliam and Mme. de la Coeur spoke only French at breakfast so Miss Anne and Kitty had extended opportunities to practice their French pronunciation and grammar. Aveline helped Miss Anne hire a French seamstress, Clarisse Chevotet, who would help prepare Anne's wardrobe for her first Season.
~X~
Clarisse sewed white linen bathing shifts for Anne and Kitty. She visited the baths on days set aside for ladies. She wanted to observe the bathing gowns and to learn the rules and customs. She explained the shifts to Anne and Kitty, and the customs and rules to Aveline. They would enter the changing room, put on the white linen shifts and enter the waters. Clarisse recommended they take spare coins with them. Not only were there beggars on the streets around the baths, but there were vendors inside. One woman sold scented soaps, not to be used at the baths. One woman sold medicines. A third woman rented towels. Clarisse strongly recommended not to patronize any of the three. However, a small coin to ensure Anne and Kitty were not importuned would not go awry.
Anne and Kitty planned to visit the largest bath, at the time set aside for the ladies. Aveline would go with them, watching their clothes and possessions while Anne and Kitty bathed. Clarisse recommended supplies they needed to take with them.
September at Netherfield
Netherfield was Bingley's first attempt at running an estate. However, Netherfield Park was too close to Mrs. Bennet. Bingley wished Mrs. Bennet would meddle in Meryton society and gossip, leaving his wife, Netherfield Park, and his servants alone. Mrs. Phillips supplied Mrs. Bennet and Lydia with carriage rides. They called twice a week since the Bingleys returned from Pemberley. They arrived at the start of calling hours and tried to stay through the dinner hour. Bingley began calling for the Phillips carriage at three, so the ladies would depart by half past three.
Mrs. Bennet made her disdain for Mr. and Mrs. Nichols known. Bingley knew why…the Nichols would not allow Mrs. Bennet entry to Netherfield Park while he and Jane were on their wedding tour and the house party at Pemberley. Mrs. Bennet didn't like Jane's maid because 'no one should trust a French servant in their home.' Yet, she wanted Jane to hire a French chef. Bingley regretted thinking he could ignore Mrs. Bennet's attitudes and vapors for Jane's benefit when they married. Bingley tried to be the amiable, pleasant son-in-law…but he tired of Mrs. Bennet haranguing Jane to host dinner parties where Mrs. Bennet determined the guests, menu, flowers and seating. Mostly, Bingley wearied of Mrs. Bennet's incessantly haranguing Jane to become enceinte.
Once harvest started after Michaelmas, Bingley informed Jane there would be no entertaining until harvesting finished. He made the announcement while the Bennets and Phillips attended a tea on a Sunday afternoon. He ordered the door knocker removed, only to be used on Sunday. The Bingleys attended dinners and card parties on Friday night at Longbourn. They repaid the invitation by hosting midday meal, tea and cards on Sunday afternoon. Upon the completion of the harvest, Bingley announced they considered spending December and January with his Aunt Cordelia in Scarborough. Darcy offered the Darcy House for their comfort. The Gardiners offered to host the Bingleys also. Bingley and Jane needed time to discuss their situation and make decisions for the felicity of their marriage.
Mr. Bennet depended upon Jane's list of suggested expenditures to clothe Lydia for fall and winter. Jane sent her own list of needed items to Mrs. Gardiner, and asked she stop at Netherfield before continuing to Longbourn. Mrs. Gardiner visited with a carriage of materials and accessories suggested by Jane for Mrs. Bennet and Lydia. She brought materials and accessories requested by Mrs. Phillips. She brought Jane's list of needed materials, accessories and supplies. The modiste and Mrs. Gardiner worked with Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Bennet and Lydia for a week to clothe all of them for fall and winter. Jane and Flora sewed at Netherfield without Mama and Lydia…avoiding their excessive interest in her funds and purchases. Mr. Bennet sent Mrs. Gardiner back to London with a carriage full of smoked hams, cheeses, casks of apple cider, garden and orchard stuff, nuts and honey. He included a case of berry, apple and orange wines.
Michaelmas at Hunsford
Mary purchased all the excess milk she could, and paid the Rosings dairy workers to create cheese from Pemberley's recipes. One large wheel of sage cheese, one of port cheese, and four of cheddar cheese cured in the cold room of Mary's cellar. Mr. Manning butchered the largest goose for feeding the parsonage for Michaelmas. Mary separated the excess from Rosings food baskets in sixths to share with rectory and parsonage staff. She and the benefice society worked to finish warm winter clothes for the needy of Hunsford. Older, warm winter gowns of Lady Catherine yielded material to make two gowns for girls. Old cloaks with excess trim removed were recreated as cloaks, pelisses and redingotes for the needy.
Michaelmas at the Roberts Estate
"Yes, I'm helping Cecily with the refreshments for tenants paying their rents today." Caroline informed Roberts. "I understand I have fifty pounds from my percents this quarter to supply my needs. I will take the one-horse gig to the Bath Foundling Society on the last Wednesday of this month. I begin my work on their board on that day. Yes, I know to take an extra few coins for the beggars and for the boy who watches the horse and gig. I will be prepared to give the Bath Foundling Society five pounds from my funds. I will wear appropriate clothes," Caroline promised. She lost clothes from her trunks this quarter because she couldn't control her tongue. Silently counting from one to one-hundred in French rarely worked any more. Now she silently conjugated French verbs when needed.
"I know you have funds remaining from your trousseau money from Bingley to offset your losses. I have ten pieces of your wardrobe which I have not had time to sell. I'm willing to sell those ten articles back to you for ten pounds which you must donate to the orphanage with the five pounds from your percents. Once you show me a donations invoice for five and ten pounds, the clothes are yours. You can't wear them as I disapprove of the colors and materials." Roberts informed Caroline, noting the look of surprise on her face. He knew she wanted her orange striped bonnet back, but he sold it soon after capturing it. When they reviewed the household ledgers together, she saw what he received for selling the bonnet to a second hand store. She saw he donated the funds to the alms box at church. She wished they would attend a church in Bath patronized by society, but Roberts preferred the smaller country church located near the Roberts Estate.
Caroline purchased the remains from sale days in Bath; taking a food basket or two to the orphanage. While two dressed poultry and a few baskets of garden stuff would not feed every child in the orphanage, it would stretch soups and stews to feed them. When the board asked Caroline to join, they gave her a breakout of their funds. Caroline examined the expenditures carefully, and had no suggestions for how to better economize. Funds donated by men who left their by-blows were banked for when the children achieved majority. In the meantime, the percents continually financed the orphanage. Donations of coals, firewood, candles, soaps, and apple cider were greatly appreciated. A haunch of venison would feed the children for a week.
Cecily worked with the benefice society of their church and could not take on another charity. Cecily suggested the orphanage ask Caroline. She felt glad because Caroline didn't know she was their second choice. Caroline was not stupid. The orphanage didn't want her on their board because of her sparkling personality. She was the wife of a farmer and thus the orphanage hoped for donations of food and funds.
~X~
Caroline was shocked to receive a crate from Louisa. Louisa paid the shipping costs; Caroline paid the wagon master a coin for helping to carry the crate into the house. Louisa finally packed Caroline's things at the Hurst House and shipped them. On the top of the crate was a box containing a plain ecru kid leather reticule, a well stoppered and wax sealed bottle of her favorite scent with two bars of finely milled scented soap. She missed Louisa…well, she actually missed shopping with Louisa.
Louisa's letter related their visit to the Hurst estate during the summer. Hurst and Louisa rented the Hurst House in London from Michaelmas until Lady Day. Father Hurst emptied the wine pantry. They paid the full rent asked since Hurst House was staffed, supplied for laundry soaps and polishes, coals, candles, and firewood. They were responsible for their own paper, ink, toiletries, food and libations.
When Perry finished unpacking the crate, Caroline felt a sense of relief. The crate held winter clothes. Caroline found a fine wool redingote of dark green wool and a winter weight dark green bonnet, with reticule and gloves. Two seasons old, they had barely been worn. She found two pairs of winter boots and woolen house slippers. She found three flannel nightrails and wrappers. She found two winter weight linen dresses in dark green and midnight blue. Once she removed the excess lace, Caroline could not wait to add them to her wardrobe. They would be perfect attire for church and orphanage meetings.
Caroline ordered Perry to pack the remaining four gowns of winter weight silk or velvet, and the winter pelisse with matching accessories in aubergine in a travel trunk. She would take them to the second hand clothing store when she went into Bath. She wanted to buy green tea, confections and fashion magazines.
September 29 – Caroline in Bath
Cecily and Caroline had appointments with Cecily's modiste. Caroline carefully worked and reworked her finances. She didn't know how to be fashionably dressed and elegant on such a strict budget. She needed winter stockings and gloves. She needed flannel for new winter undergarments and mob caps. She needed a winter weight, brown wool redingote for visiting tenants. Having silk undergarments to wear under her linen gowns to church thrilled Caroline. She ordered six kerseymere day dresses in browns and greens with minimal trim and no lace. Since they rarely went anywhere in the evening, she did not purchase winter evening gowns. Since she was reduced to wearing kerseymere gowns, she would torture Roberts with mob caps.
Cecily took Caroline to her favorite accessories store. Caroline purchased two winter ecru shawls and two pairs of ecru woolen mitts. While Cecily purchased a new winter bonnet at the milliners, Caroline visited the second-hand clothing store. The winter silk or velvet gowns cost Charles two pounds each for the best material, excellent lace and petticoats to match. The shopkeeper was happy to buy the dresses, as Caroline was tall and the dresses could be fitted easily. Without the petticoats which matched, the shopkeeper offered a penurious amount. Still, Caroline had funds purchase treats for herself.
Caroline accompanied Cecily to the drapers. Cecily purchased end bolts of flannels and woolens for the benefice society to make into clothes for the needy. The draper had a large bolt of brown wool – not a pretty brown like mace, nutmeg or cinnamon but a color which made Caroline whisper merde to herself. The draper also had a large bolt of green-grey wool which was not pretty either. Caroline asked how long he had the bolts. She was not surprised when he admitted he purchased them three years ago. No one wanted the wool fabric. Caroline offered to purchase the bolts for the price he paid. Cecily hesitantly explained no one wanted to wear those colors. Caroline claimed no one cared about the color of their new, warm blanket. She purchased black threads to blanket stitch the edges of the green-gray wool and the edges of the brown wool.
Caroline smiled to herself. The large bolts would make twenty blankets each. She could make blankets for the orphanage, sewing at night to trade for clothing Roberts might take in the next few quarters. Cecily attended the outdoor market near the Lower Pump Room to sell her jellies and jams. Cecily rode home with the farm workers who sold goods from the Roberts Estate. Using the one-horse gig, Caroline had time for quick shopping at the best tea shop in town, and at the circulating library before her meeting at the orphanage. The wool bolts cut into her funds, but they would be worth the cost.
October at Hunsford Parsonage
Mr. Collins insisted Mary have help with harvesting. Barlow and Rose harvested herb seeds for Mary and helped her set them to dry. Helpers from Rosings transplanted cuttings from herbs into pots for the Collinses for use in cooking during the winter and cuttings for the herb garden in spring. Mary filled the window seat in the front hall with plant pots. Mary wished for a conservatory, but the window seat was useful. She fit as many plants in the space as possible.
Herbs were harvested; Barlow and Rose helped Mary wash them and put them to dry. Mary appreciated the large drying racks Mr. Dalton created for her distillery. She appreciated the additional drying racks from Uncle Martin's stillroom. Mary hung bunches of herbs to dry off the small hanging racks in her stillroom. Dried bunches of lavender and roses hung off the large hanging racks in the distillery.
The kitchen gardens were harvested and the excess vegetation stripped from the garden for the compost pile. The garden was turned and amended with compost added to the soil. Potatoes, carrots, onions and cabbages were stored in crates in the cellar. One acre of the turnips and parsnips grown in the acreage behind the outbuildings was stored in the barn to feed the livestock during the winter. Harvest from the other acres was transported to Rosings.
Glebe fruit trees were harvested. Racks of apples were stored in a cool room in the attic; crates of plums and pears were stored in cool storage in the cellar. Walnut trees were harvested. Once the hulls were dried and removed, the walnuts were stored in crates in the cellar.
Mr. Manning moved the patch of wild asparagus from near the river to a special bed in the glebe. He protected the new bed from the cold and weather by a large layer of leaves covered with an old blanket. He and the maids harvested wild grapes. Mr. Manning took a dozen cuttings from the wild grape vines to transplant at Mary's grape arbors. Mr. Manning and the girls harvested the wild plum tree and the wild persimmon tree near the river. Mr. Manning and Barlow harvested white birch bark from trees lining the creek. They brought back a large basket of the bark to put in the stillroom and dry for a year.
Mr. Knowles arranged for farm workers to clean the acres of riverbank which bordered the glebe. The firewood was set in a shelter to either dry for parsonage use, or use green for firepits. The leaves at the riverbank were raked for Mary's compost pile. Mr. Knowles organized workers to harvest wild onion, curly dock, chickweed and black walnuts found at the riverbank. Mary insisted the workers keep their harvest from the glebe riverbank. She appreciated teaching them to forage. She also appreciated when they used skills she taught them.
Mr. Knowles, on orders from Miss Anne, refused the ten percent of the parsonage harvest duty bound for Rosings. The Collinses donated ten percent of the garden stuff, fruit and nut harvest to the church. The benefice society and the deacons board separated the donation into portions for widows and needy families. Mary split ten percent of the harvest between her staff and the rectory staff. She gave ten percent to the Rosings workers who harvested for her. While the men harvested, they tied muslin strips around tree limbs which bore no fruit. Once the first snow fell, and sap was lowered in the trees, they would return to prune the marked branches. They also cleared the firepits which would be used after spring thaw. Before winter the workers raked the orchard and added the leaves to Mary's compost pile.
Mr. Knowles took forty percent of the parsonage orchard and garden stuff harvest to the open air market in London, along with excess from the Rosings farms. Mr. Knowles took the profits from the parsonage harvest to Ballard's Best. He purchased six months of chocolate, coffee and tea for the parsonage. He made the same arrangements for the de Bourgh House and for Rosings Park.
Mary sold Ajax and Captain to Mr. Knowles for the Rosings farms. They traded Duke for breeding Beatrice and Emilia after Christmas, and for butchering and smoking Lady Capulet for hams, pork chops and bacon, and creating salt pork for the winter. Sow babies would be born after Lady Day and weaned before Midsummer. Beatrice and Emilia would be bred again at Midsummer and would farrow after Michaelmas. The farrow would wean before Christmas, when Beatrice and Emilia could be bred again. Mary searched her Shakespeare plays for names of male and female characters. She wondered if she should name the Midsummer farrows after A Midsummer Night's Dream: Lysander, Helena, Tatiana, Oberon…then Mary considered her increase must make her think silly thoughts.
Daisy gave birth to a boy cow in September. Both Mr. Knowles and Mary hoped for a female calf. A male calf was of no use for enlarging Mary's dairy herd. Mary traded the weaned calf for breeding Daisy again after Christmas and for hay from Rosings Park farms.
Beekeepers from Rosings helped harvest Mary's beehives and prepared them for winter. Mary tithed ten percent of her honey harvest to the rectory. Anne directed the rectory council to distribute the honey harvest to the poor and widows. Mary shared ten percent with the beekeepers, and ten percent for parsonage and rectory staff. She kept enough honey to provide for ten persons for a year. She and Mr. Manning turned the remainder into mead which would cure for a year.
October at Longbourn
Mrs. Bennet had no society while everyone was busy with harvests. When Mrs. Bennet complained to Mr. Bennet, he was not sympathetic. He needed the new horses for harvest. If Mrs. Bennet could not walk to whomever she planned to visit, the visit would wait until after harvest. Lydia was not allowed to walk out alone. Mrs. Bennet was bored to tears about the farms, the tenants, the harvest, and especially plans for work to be completed when the harvesting finished. They could not linger after church to talk with friends because Sunday was the only day the Bingleys hosted them. Jane explained she and Mr. Bingley were busy with tenants and the harvest and were not accepting callers. The Bingleys spent a great deal of time helping tenants harvest and prepare homes for the winter. Jane worked with her stillroom maid and Mrs. Nichols to provide winter tonics, tissanes and medicines for the tenants and staff of Netherfield Park.
Mr. Hill spent days in the garden with Lydia and Sarah moving plants into Longbourn's conservatory for cooking and for planting in the spring. Per Mr. Bennet's orders, Lydia spent time in the stillroom, working under the tutelage of Sarah. He would not let Lydia work in the distillery when wines and libations were decanted. Mrs. Bennet complained funds from not entertaining were spent to repair tenant homes, purchase more livestock, prepare fields for harvest and planting in the spring, and enlarging Longbourn's portion. Mrs. Bennet didn't think much of enlarging Longbourn's portion since she had no guarantee she would remain mistress of Longbourn once Mr. Bennet passed. He insisted on limiting offerings for meals when they did not entertain. He insisted goods from the farm be used or distributed in a responsible manner.
Sarah took Lydia with her to call on tenants. She attempted to teach Lydia the proper way to operate a one horse gig, and the proper way to call on tenants. Lydia gossiped during tenant calls, and was rubbish at handling the gig. Mrs. Bennet argued with Mr. Bennet about allowing Lydia to wear nicer clothes for tenant calls…should she encounter someone worth impressing. Mr. Bennet finally banned Lydia from helping Sarah on tenant calls, and used funds saved from household expenditures to give Sarah an extra coin for the tenant calls, for making medicines for the tenants, and for keeping him appraised regarding tenant concerns. Every tenant expressed dismay at losing Jane, Lizzy, Mary and Kitty.
October in Bath
Richard enjoyed settling into life at Laura Place with Anne and Kitty. Anne helped him choose a wardrobe which flattered his blonde, athletic looks. She preferred dark blue topcoats and blue waistcoats which accented his deep blue eyes. Richard preferred browns and greens because they were more appropriate to country ware, riding and hunting. He enjoyed trousers rather than breeches. He enjoyed his walking and riding boots over the silly pumps he was expected to wear for dining and dancing.
Lady Matlock insisted Richard have a miniature painted in his regimentals before he put them away. Richard felt fatigued when sitting still for long periods of time. Anne and Kitty had lessons with their art master while Richard posed for the miniature with a portraitist. The miniature would be Lady Matlock's Christmas present. Anne discussed the miniatures and the family pictures in the gallery at Rosings. She felt the Fitzwilliam portraits should go to the Matlock House or Matlock Estate for their gallery. The de Bourgh portraits should go to the de Bourgh House in London. Kitty suggested hanging the de Bourgh portraits in the third floor hall where Lady Catherine could see them. The Fitzwilliam and de Bourgh miniatures would go to the refurbished Dower House. Any picture of Pemberley would be returned to the Darcy House. Anne opined Georgiana might want some of the pictures painted by Lady Anne.
Anne enjoyed the comfortable décor at Laura Place. She sketched the rooms, thinking she could recreate them. Anne did not appreciate the current desire for classical influences on home décor. Several of the marble pieces at Rosings Park seemed cold to her. She also didn't like the Egyptian inspired furniture of ancient gods, sphinxes, griffins, and heavy gilt furniture. On the other hand, she enjoyed the blue and white of Chinese porcelains of Laura Place, but not the bamboo or lacquered furniture.
Anne accepted callers on Monday and Friday. Anne and Kitty made calls on Tuesday and Thursday. The ladies visited the baths on Wednesday. Anne felt rested after soaking in the baths. Kitty could breathe easier…and happily noted her cough disappeared. Aveline sewed or embroidered during bath times, and did not engage in gossip like the other maids. She listened for on dits which would be important to Miss Anne…but they were as rare as a bolt of French silk or French lace on Milsom Street.
Richard provided riding lessons on Saturdays. He especially enjoyed the horseback rides where the trio attended picnics and lawn parties with others. Richard enjoyed quiet dinners with Anne and Kitty in Bath. No one held dinner parties here, and he was thankful. The ladies planned simple dinners, which frustrated her cook. Fitzwilliam enjoyed full breakfasts each morning with hot coffee and the morning paper. He spent time in the kitchen, teaching the cook to bake brioche, cook his favorite seafood bisque, and prepare his beef steaks with onions, mushrooms, garlic and French Carmeline sauce.
Richard spent early mornings in the baths to soak his knee and begin his day. Richard went to the baths three times a week, in the early morning when the baths were set aside for wounded and recovering military men. He met many injured and recovering soldiers and sailors. During that time he began developing an idea about how to use Rosings Manor effectively to help others.
Richard enjoyed attending the circulating library with the ladies. He enjoyed taking tea at Mulholland's. He liked their small almond biscuits, but did not care for the marzipan. Anne and Kitty seemed determined to change his mind. He enjoyed the concerts, lectures, theatre, card parties and assemblies in Bath. However, he did not like to take the waters. Kitty doused some of the water liberally with lemons and honey…which barely made it palatable. Richard further disguised the taste with a shot of brandy. He felt thankful to regain his strength and stamina, but he believed soaking in the baths, not drinking the waters, cured him more.
Richard enjoyed meeting other military men in Bath. He took an excessive midday meal with him every day in his saddle bags. He shared stuffed baguettes, fresh fruits and fresh baked biscuits with the men he encountered. He worried about the men surviving winter. When he realized many of them lived together in meagre rooms or lived rough, he spoke to Anne about his concerns. She became a patron of three charities in Bath, and always kept extra coins with her to share with beggars.
October at Pemberley
Pemberley was exceptional in the spring with newly sown fields and bright, sunny days. However, Darcy loved Pemberley in the fall, when the leaves turned colors, and mist swirled around the edges of the lake. He could not wait for his first harvest celebration with Elizabeth. He could dance as many dances as he pleased with his wife, and no one from the ton could disapprove. When there was time, he and Georgiana would plan the harvest celebration with Elizabeth and Mrs. Reynolds.
Lizzy admired the early colors of autumn at her new home. The fine white birch trees with various shades of gold leaves reminded her the gardeners would harvest the birch bark. Mary left directives for drying the bark for a year before boiling it in white wine. Mary let her bark sit overnight in the wine. In the morning she strained the mixture and bottled it. Lizzy talked with the stillroom staff regarding harvesting, drying and preserving herbs for use at Pemberley manor and for tenants. She walked the gardens and woods in fall walking gowns, spencers, bonnet, boots and gloves. She would write Mama about her walks, new walking gowns and walking boots. She would relate the Saturday evening dinners where they entertained no one, Sunday drives to the church in Kympton, and Monday shopping in Lambton. When there was time, Darcy offered to take her to Buxton and Bakewell.