Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 19
November 6 at Hunsford Parsonage
"We had a good crop of pumpkins this year," Mr. Collins brought a large one to the kitchen. "Mother made the best pumpkin pudding. She scooped out the seeds, washed it well, and stuffed it with diced apples, walnuts, raisins, cinnamon and honey. She would put the top back and roast it for a few hours. What we didn't eat on day one, she would blend with eggs and milk to make pumpkin pudding. She made orange or cinnamon biscuits to eat with it. Mother saved the seeds for the next year.""The last of the root crops are harvested and stored in the cellar. Our root crops were excellent this year. Mr. Knowles and the men admired the bounty from our Three Sisters' plantings. This afternoon Barlow and Rose will attend the Harvest Celebration with their families." Mary sewed for the benefice society. "I will practice making your roasted pumpkin. I like working in the kitchen, inventing or remaking recipes."
"Is that a new day gown?" Mr. Collins examined Mary. "It's very pretty. You look very well today. You aren't overtiring yourself?"
"I'm quite energetic today. I could not waste this energy lying in bed. The midwife will be scandalized because I'm not slothful. When I tire later, I will lie down. This is one of the gowns I remade from a brown gown which Miss Anne found in her attics. She gave me three gowns, two brown and one green. I made one fall/winter day gown and one spring/summer day gown from each gown she gave me. This one is chocolate silk, with tiny primrose flowers. I think the puff sleeve over the long sleeve is a waste of fabric, but it does look well. Everything, except the chocolate velvet ribbon and the chocolate buttons, is from the original gown. The spring/summer day gown has a new primrose bodice and short, straight sleeves, but the…" Mary's voice faltered. "I have become my mother. I'm talking fashion and laces with my husband. I am sorry."
"I am a lucky man," Mr. Collins declared. "You remade three old gowns into six new ones. I have no complaints about your thrift and economy. I cannot linger over breakfast. I must meet with the rectory council and deacons board over Boxing Day events before we open the Harvest Celebration. What will you do while I am gone?"
"I'm sewing for the St. Thomas Tea and for Boxing Day." Mary indicated the piles of pressed scrap materials on the work table in her sewing room. She raided the scrap bin at Gardiner's Emporium when in London in August. She indicated baskets which held various sizes of muslin bags. Several bolt end pieces of muslin and wool were laid on the table. When Mary was not busy sewing a layette, she sewed clothes for the poor of the parish. When she wasn't sewing clothes for the poor, she sewed muslin bags for alms and muslin bags to hold alms or food for baskets.
Mr. Collins helped Mr. Knowles and the rectory council plan and conduct a wonderful Harvest Celebration. The Hunsford Assembly Hall had been repaired and held quarterly assemblies during the full moon for spring, summer and fall. Mary would not attend the Harvest Celebration, nor would she accept callers, telling Mrs. Manning she needed the rest.
Mr. Manning prepared barrels of apple cider. He prepared casks of plum wine, apple wine, and apple cider vinegar. He provided Mary with an inventory of the bottles of wine, ports and sherries in the wine room. He offered to decant the orange wine they made in January with Rosings Park staff. Mary had bottles of red raspberry and red currant cordial, and elderberry wine which she helped create with the staff of Rosings. She intended to save the wines for Christmas when they would receive guests. She had half a dozen bottles of mead which she purchased from the Rosings distillery. While in London, she purchased several cases of glass bottles with corks. She needed them for decanting wines, and distilled waters. She rescued several cases of empty glass bottles with corks from Uncle Martin's stillroom, but needed more.
Mary spent some of her confinement making a new christening gown for her child. She could not ask Mother for the Bennet christening gown because she would not give away the surprise of her confinement. Mary made a christening gown of the softest, finest cotton, with white silk ribbons. Mary embroidered crosses and lilies on the yoke of the gown. She made a little mob cap with laces and ribbons for a girl. She made a plain little cap for a boy. She made a small white woolen cloak with a hood for keeping the baby warm. The cloak fastened from neck to ankles by small white frogs. Mrs. Manning knitted a blanket and little booties for the baby of soft white yarn.
Mary wrote regularly to Father, Lizzy and Jane, but never discussed her confinement. Anne and Kitty were regular correspondents. Anne revealed her plans to host the St. Thomas Tea. She also planned for a Christmas Eve Ball at Rosings, and she listed the Bennets as guests. They would be invited to visit the Collinses for Christmas at Hunsford Parsonage. Anne agreed to house the Darcys and the Bingleys, for the parsonage lacked space. They would be surprise guests for Mrs. Bennet.
November in Hertfordshire
Mr. Bennet reviewed the ledgers for Longbourn. The weekly totals were sensible since they were not entertaining, and Mrs. Bennet was not overspending. The rents had been collected at Michaelmas and would not be collected again until Christmas. The crops had been harvested and sold or stored. The kitchen garden, herb garden, orchards, and honey were harvested and stored. Dried wood for the house fireplaces and green wood for fire pits were delivered. Coal, candles and soaps were delivered at Midsummer, and stored to harden for the upcoming year. While the grounds rested for the winter, Longbourn Manor would be cleaned and prepared for the holidays when families traveled or visited. Mr. Bennet was pleased by all, including the balance in the ledgers leading into the last quarter of the year.
With the weather turning, Mr. Bennet retreated to his study and immersed himself in the distant worlds of his books. He could not abide the cacophony of Lydia and Mrs. Bennet's incessant chatter of upcoming holiday events and balls. He informed them several times the family budget would not allow for a Little Season for the Bennets. He would not allow Jane to provide Lydia with a Little Season wardrobe, nor provide Mrs. Bennet with appropriate chaperone clothes. Mrs. Bennet would not importune Lizzy to open the Darcy House, redecorate sleeping quarters, nor entertain her Mama and Lydia with weekly dinner and dancing parties.
Mr. Bennet knew Mrs. Bennet bragged to the Meryton matrons about Jane and Lizzy's marriages, again. She hinted about attending Little Season, since her daughters married so well. She boasted of Lydia's liveliness and being put in the paths of other rich men. However her idea of a rich man was a titled, young man with primogeniture rights to an Earldom or Dukedom…and not an impoverished one either. Mrs. Bennet felt Lydia deserved better than Jane or Lizzy. He could not understand how Lydia could deserve what her sisters had…nor deserve better just because Mrs. Bennet pronounced it should be so.
Mr. Bennet reminded the staff to bring all letters leaving or entering the manor to him first. He would not allow Mrs. Bennet to demand Jane or Lizzy host Lydia and Mrs. Bennet for Little Season in London.
Mr. Bennet's presence at two of Mrs. Phillips card parties did not stifle the high spirits of his wife and daughter. Mr. Bennet called Mrs. Bennet to task several times to curb Lydia's liveliness which seemed to grow louder with each cup of punch. Twice they departed early because of Lydia's lack of self-control and Mrs. Bennet's lack of guidance. He insisted they miss four future card parties as penance for Lydia misbehaving. He reminded Franny and Lydia expresses and travel to Scotland would require less than a sennight. Mrs. Bennet spent two days with the vapors in her quarters. Lydia spent the two days, not in her mother's company, but in the study reading, writing, and completing lessons prepared by her Papa.
'We are as disparate as Mary opined. We are separated by our own personalities and likes. My duty, as the head of the family, is to control Mrs. Bennet's mercenary ways. Thank heavens she is not ruthless.' He knew Mrs. Bennet would not compromise Lydia into a marriage with a rich man…but Lydia might compromise herself into marriage with a profligate like George Wickham through her desire for fun and adventure.
~X~
"You are certain?" Bingley had been nuzzling Jane's neck while she sat on his lap.
"I am. The midwife believes our child will be born in May." Jane's serene smile accompanied the revelation of her increase. Then, Jane picked at invisible lint on her morning gown. "I cannot endure my increase when Mama is such an easy distance as London, let alone Netherfield."
"You made my decision easily," Bingley hugged his wife. "We will pack and go to London on Monday. Do not tell the staff about your increase. Do not tell your mama about our child or our move. I will give up the Netherfield Park lease. We will send expresses to Darcy and Elizabeth. I want them to be the godparents."
"Thank you," Jane sighed and adjusted herself on Bingley's lap, kissing him.
Bingley wished he listened when Darcy warned about Mrs. Bennet and her propensity to interfere. Now Bingley owed Darcy a case of good brandy, and he needed Darcy's help to find a new living situation for them.
November in Bath
Richard felt rejuvenated at Bath. He still had an occasional twinge in his left knee, especially when he felt tired. Since his retirement from His Majesty's Army, he decided not to stay at Pemberley or live at the Matlock Estate. He felt the cold weather at Matlock Estate would not be good for his knee. He felt he would grow bored in London being an extra for Mother's dinner parties. His Majesty's Army was glad his bruised ribs healed. However the military doctors did not like how his knee swelled and ached if he spent more than ten hours in the saddle. They did not feel he could return to active duty. They offered him a desk job…which Richard refused with alacrity. He refreshed himself after a visit to the baths and a ride. He entered the drawing room in Laura Place, noting it was full of men, each with a family member. He frowned, pausing near Kitty.
"Suitors, she's not happy." Kitty poured him a cup of tea, lightly sweetening it. She cut a large slice of almond cake for him.
Richard took a seat beside Kitty. Between sips of tea and bites of cake, he commented on each man talking to Anne. "Rake…dandy…idiot…fortune hunter… poet…gamester…dubious parentage…muslin chaser…"
Kitty startled.
"Sorry…I'm tired and forgot I must act like a gentleman in the drawing room. Deuce take us!" Richard groaned about the man who kissed Anne's hand as he bid her goodbye. "Impoverished viscount seeks lady of fortune."
"Is there anyone of quality in this room?" Kitty hid her question behind a raised cup of tea.
"Anne, you and me…when I'm not tired. Douglas and Samuel, the footmen." Richard viewed the callers with an unfriendly eye. "Eyes down…Viscount Ian Hildreth approaches."
"I have a secret to tell about him," Kitty murmured before returning her tea cup to the saucer.
"Miss Bennet, it has been a pleasure. Until we meet again." Hildreth's executed a crisp bow in Kitty's direction and a curt nod at Fitzwilliam. "Mr. Fitzwilliam."
"Pleasure to see you again, Viscount Hildreth." Richard failed to rise; he would not bow to the Viscount. "Forgive me for not rising…my knee aches. Lady Hildreth," He managed a curt nod in exchange.
Hildreth frowned at the slight and strode out of Anne's drawing room, with his sister, Lady Honoria Hildreth following.
"Why did he say Mr. Fitzwilliam like that?" Kitty demanded to know.
"Viscount Hildreth reminds me that I am not a Viscount, that honor belongs to my older brother. He seems to think I will be bothered by his address. He forgets I am the nephew of the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who taught me distinction of rank must be observed. I find I am quite diverted by his slight." Richard continued his litany of the men and accompanying ladies exiting the drawing room. He sighed at the mass exodus of visitors from the drawing room at three. Anne shook her head when Richard started to speak. She observed Douglas take the tea tray from Kitty.
"Shall I bring fresh tea, Miss Anne?" Samuel took the tea tray from before her.
"Please, and please close the door on your way out." Anne let out a tired sigh.
Richard waited for the door to close before he and Kitty moved closer to Anne. "Kitty first…tell me about Hildreth."
"He suggested I charge a new gown to his sister's account at the modiste if I shared Miss Anne's diary with him." Kitty almost snorted.
"A new gown at his sister's modiste?" Anne laughed. "After Aveline helped me dress, she watched out the window to see who arrived. She opined Lady Hildreth's gown and accessories were fashionable two seasons ago. She opined the color reminded her of Caroline Bingley Roberts. I scolded Aveline for such judgements, but she had a comment for every gown, jewel, man, carriage, etc. Not one of them earned her approval."
"Not one of them earned the Honorable Mr. Fitzwilliam's approval either. I did not know your drawing room contained dandies, gamesters, fortune hunters or…" Kitty paused and blushed.
"Muslin chasers and rakes," Fitzwilliam completed her statement. "Don't forget the men of dubious parentage, poets and idiots."
Anne handed the calling cards to Fitzwilliam. "Sort them into piles of idiots, dandies, etc. Did you see how I used my tea cup and cake to keep men from drooling on my hand like an eager puppy?"
'Cacoethes…' Richard had the irresistible urge to do something unadvisable, like storming an enemy battlement. He considered compromising Anne, so these damnable men would quit buzzing like bees around the prettiest flower. Instead, he sorted the calling cards into piles. Not one man in today's visitors was worthy of Anne. Viscount Hildreth was delusional if he thought Anne would marry him. At nine and thirty, his demeanor would crush Anne's spirit. His peerage attitude and swagger defined the man. Richard kept the card separate, hoping Anne would ask. The reigning Earl of Hadringham kept Viscount Hildreth on a strict and penurious allowance. The earl had three wives in five and twenty years. He buried his first countess, who bore him two children before she died in a carriage accident. His two following countesses died in childbirth, leaving him with fortunes he did not have to share with the babes who died with their mothers. Gambling losses caused the Earl of Hadringham to mortgage what he couldn't sell and sell what he should have kept. Viscount Hildreth's formidable, spinster sister, Lady Honoria Hildreth, acted as hostess for her father and brother. Lady Honoria would not easily relinquish her hold on the Hadringham household, and it would be tantamount to Anne living with Lady Catherine again. Richard did not trust Hildreth's motives. The man should be attempting to salvage the family estate…rather than chase an heiress. The notorious spendthrift wasted funds on gaming, horses and entertaining himself with bits of muslin…jus like his sire.
"When did she visit?" Richard frowned at the calling card in his hand.
"She who?" Anne observed his frown.
"Mrs. Andrew Roberts." He passed the card to Anne.
"I haven't a clue." She turned to Kitty.
"She called thirty minutes before the other visitors arrived. We were resting. Sorry, Clifford told me, and I forgot to tell you." Kitty felt embarrassed.
"We will not return the call, and she will never be welcome," Anne set the card aside. "I will talk to Clifford. We will always be out or not accepting visitors when Mrs. Roberts calls."
"We were in the newspaper this week. We attended the presentation on the Elgin Marbles in the Assembly Rooms. Additionally, I met with three of Father's friends before they traveled to London for Little Season. Speaking of Earls…" Richard detailed the Earl of Hadringham, and his previous attempts to woo Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Since the father had failed with Anne's mother, the son attempted to court Anne. Rosings Park would provide an excellent main residence for the impoverished viscount because of its easy distance to London. He could sell the remaining property of Hadringham, and relocate to Rosings.
"I'm glad to have you as my champion," Anne smiled warmly at Richard, which made his heart thump erratically.
~X~
Richard asked Anne's art master to hire a portraitist to paint a miniature of Anne for him. Kitty, who drew landscapes so prettily, worked with her art master to create a picture of Anne for Richard, A Lady in Her Garden. The picture would grace any room where he lived. The miniature would travel with him.
Unbeknown to Richard, Anne approached the portraitist painting the miniature for the Countess of Matlock. Anne asked him to paint one for her, without telling Richard. The portraitist was thrilled to have three commissions when he only expected one. Usually he increased his standard price for miniatures drawn in secret. However Miss Anne housed and fed him better than other commissions. He appreciated her kindness and hospitality.
~X~
Anne sent an express to Mr. Knowles, asking him to send a wagon of garden and orchard stuff to her in Bath via wagon, driven by sturdy men. They took the wagon to Westgate Buildings and distributed the food to the tenants. Anne and Kitty took note of each person or family living in the buildings. Anne asked her three charities to extend additional help and kindness to those living there. They were able to order eight and forty premade blankets from the Collinses Warehouses in London. Richard would not let Anne and Kitty visit Westgate Buildings alone. He insisted on accompanying them, acting as their protector. Neither had a muff pistol or pocket pistol…and neither knew how to use them.
Anne invited Richard to stay at Rosings, asking him to help run Rosings with Mr. Knowles. They worked on plans to enlarge the holdings at Rosings. Enlarging the holdings meant they needed more help. Richard suggested they might find good workers among displaced military men.
"I am decided," Anne looked over her list of things to do, while reviewing the maps of Rosings.
"What are you considering?" Richard had two options for Anne if she asked.
"There is no reason for me to stay in the manor house at Rosings Park. The house is too big, and needs to be used properly. I thought we would move into the Dower House before Lady Day. I'd like to find a purpose for the manor house." Anne reviewed her lists and added more notes of things to do.
"Like a home for disabled soldiers, or a home for war widows and their children?" Fitzwilliam had various ideas for both enterprises.
"I had considered an orphanage, but such a venture requires specialized staff, not just throwing the doors open. Future tenants must be able to climb stairs, or we will need additional staff to carry tenants." Anne started a new list regarding Rosings Manor.
"I hadn't considered that," Richard frowned. He was usually a forward thinker.
"The Dower House," she tapped the floorplans, "is large enough for Kitty, you and me." She pointed out a large drawing room, small parlor, library, master and mistress studies, music room, billiards room, a large dining room which shared a fireplace with the breakfast room, and asouth facing conservatory on the first floor. "The large drawing room and the formal dining room will seat four and twenty comfortably. The parlor and the breakfast room will seat a two and ten comfortably. There is an east terrace which spans the length of the house. Outside, the flower gardens are separated from Rosings Park by a stand of trees."
"The grove where Elizabeth liked to walk?" Richard noted.
One side of the second floor was set aside for the master and mistress. The master/mistress suite held a sitting room between the sleeping rooms with dressing rooms on either end. The other side of the second floor held six sleeping rooms with sitting and dressing areas. The third floor housed sleeping rooms which could be converted to a nursery floor with classroom, and rooms for governess, tutors, nanny and wet nurse. Additionally, it provided rooms which could be used for visiting children and their nannies. The fourth floor was sectioned in two parts by a locking door. One side held a large room for the butler and one for the valet. Those large rooms had sleeping, dressing and sitting areas. The floor had four sleeping rooms which would house eight male servants. The other side of the floor held a large room for the housekeeper and for the lady's maid. Again, those large rooms held sleeping, dressing and sitting areas. Four sleeping rooms would house eight female servants.
The wide tradesman hall and entrance separated the lower level into four sections. The kitchen, scullery, cold room, dry storage, and stillroom were housed in one section. Two sleeping rooms for the cook and undercook, and two shared rooms for four kitchen maids occupied a second section. The third section held work rooms for the butler and for the housekeeper, along with a staff common room. The last section held a coal cellar, wine cellar and a silver closet, along with a boot room, gun room, and laundry/sewing room.
"I must release more staff," Anne noted. "Mother gladly paid to have a two and ten footmen at the de Bourgh House and at Rosings, but I feel the taxes for employing them during war time is not an acceptable expense. Each male servant costs me £8 per year if there are eleven or more in the household who perform non-essential services like butlers, footmen, valets, stable master, grooms, coachmen, gardeners, park-keepers, game-keepers, etc. I pay £10 usage fee per year for every carriage over four, and an additional £1 for the de Bourgh crest. Did you know the tax for six and thirty windows at the de Bourgh House, and for four and sixty windows at Rosings Park increased three times since Father inherited? I've yet to find a tax bill for the windows at the Dower House or the Steward's House. Did you know I pay taxes for riding horses? We are mandated by the crown to register baptisms, marriages, etc. and pay tax for each parish entry! Thankfully Rosings Park won't pay the registration taxes any longer. The rectory will pay those fees."
"Would you purchase commissions for the men you release?" Richard asked. "I think, since the arrest of Wickham, you should hire an additional half dozen ex-military men to guard all of Rosings and act as guards while traveling."
"I hadn't considered that," Anne responded. "I considered pensioning off all staff who should have retired years ago. I wondered if we should provide maid and footmen classes on Sunday afternoons for a month or two. Workers from the farms could come to Rosings and be educated. They could serve when we have large house parties, earn more funds for their families, and have the opportunity to better themselves."
Richard considered the workable plan.
"I know I must consider my options for Rosings, the Dower House and the old Steward's House. I don't want to live in London, but if Mother should leave me in the next few years, I must make a decision about the de Bourgh House also." Anne shook her head and reached for the everyday book where she kept lists of things to do or things to remember.
"Since it has an excellent prospect, you could lease it for Season and Little Season. The monies realized from leasing could finance upkeep and repairs, in addition to paying for the taxes on the glazed windows." Richard suggested. "I know Father and Mother or Darcy would welcome you if the de Bourgh House were leased."
Anne wrote down his suggestion, followed by staff and décor. "There is so much to decide. I want to increase the holdings at Rosings, but…"
"None of us are guaranteed a future..." Richard appreciated Anne giving him her full attention. They finished the tea while discussing the possible usages for the manor house and the Steward's House at Rosings Park.
November 26Richard wore fawn trousers, a green and brown waistcoat and a dark green light wool topcoat. The excellent tailoring allowed a glimpse at the muscular body beneath gentleman's clothes. Anne wore a deep blue silk day gown, with the paisley shawl she found while wedding shopping with Jane and Elizabeth. Kitty wore a deep pink sprigged muslin day gown with a matching wrap.
The drawing room was painted in rich peacock blue. The white and grey upholstered furniture coordinated with the white marble fireplace with silver grey and charcoal grey veins. The candlesticks and candelabra of the room were silver and set with brilliant white six-hour candles. The elegant silver tea service and tea caddy demanded an excessive tea be served when the first and second circles of Bath came to visit. Lemon tarts, lemon shortbreads, and lemon pound cakes filled curates and trays for visitors.
"My kingdom for real conversation and not gossip," Kitty murmured to Richard. "Are you hungry?" Her knife floated over the lemon pound cake, stopping when Richard nodded. She cut a large piece and then added a lemon tart and two lemon biscuits to his plate.
"Soldiers are always hungry," Richard smothered a laugh. "I saw the excessive tea being prepared before I left, so I gave my midday repast away to men living rough. Actually, we played cards in the public room of Wheaton Inn. I gave my food to six men and provided light drink. I even managed to lose a few pence to allow the men to stay warm in the common room tonight."
"I am glad you returned for tea," Kitty commented. "We are deluged with callers as this is our last tea before we return to Rosings Park. A new sea of callers presents itself every thirty minutes."
"Viscount Chandler…heir to the Earl of Downing…three younger brothers…all well-educated and ambitious. One is a barrister, one a vicar and one is a commander in His Majesty's Navy. His mother's portion provides him a per annum living of £800. He needs to marry well and marry soon. He may have to settle for a nouveau riche bride, because the ton knows his portion. He attempted a courtship with Jane and Juliet Seathorne because they each had £50,000. Perhaps when the Earl of Downing is gone, and unable to plunder the family fortunes…some heiress might accept Chandler. Until then, he is a gamble which not many fathers or mothers desire for the family."
"Who is he with?" Kitty hid her question behind her tea cup.
"The Honorable Beatrice Beckwith, a cousin. She hopes for an excellent marriage for him, where she can become a companion of Chandler's wife." Richard dropped his voice even lower. "I heard she has been a great favorite of certain officers who work at the War Office."
"You shouldn't say such things to a lady." Kitty hid her smile behind her tea cup this time.
"You are a lady, Miss Bennet. However, you are a friend and like a cousin to me. I will always be honest with you, Anne and Georgiana…for it is my duty as an officer and a gentleman to insure you are not inopportuned. I'm pleased to see several of these men. I can collect debts of honor before we depart." Richard's eyes narrowed.
"Are you an inveterate gambler?" Kitty helped herself to another lemon biscuit.
"Darcy and I don't like playing cards for money. Uncle George advised against anything which would separate a man from his money…cards, wine, women, betting on horse races, and expensive habits, clothing and entertainments. He warned us against endangering our reputations with ladies who exchange their virtue for protection." Richard admitted. "I rarely gamble, but I don't turn a blind eye to card cheats. I am greatly pleased to pit my skills against their avarice. Remember Wickham? Darcy and I cut our eyeteeth recognizing the worst traits of men because of him. We should not have hidden Wickham's actions and attitudes from Uncle George…but we did."
November 24 – Bath
Caroline left her card at the residence Anne de Bourgh leased in Laura Place. Miss de Bourgh was not accepting callers. All the blankets Caroline had sewn were in the one horse gig. She stopped at the milliner's and ordered two more bolts of wool. The color didn't matter. She bought the cheapest possible. Caroline stopped at the Roberts Estate open air market stall. She had been penurious with her trousseau money from Charles, but she needed to show Roberts she was making an effort. At the open air market, she asked Cecily to bring whatever was left at the end of the day to the orphanage and give Caroline an invoice for it. Before she left Bath at the end of the day, she would purchase green tea, marzipan and at least one fashion magazine. She purchased cream silk gauze to embroider a wrap for herself. She would feel so much better wearing it than a plain shawl.
November 28, Stir-It-Up Sunday
"I baked the pound cakes for the puddings on Friday and made them into crumbs yesterday. I have all the ingredients and the silver charms," Mrs. Manning explained. "I brewed the green tea yesterday and stored it in the cellar. We have plenty of honey for both the puddings and the fruitcakes."
"Will you help Mrs. Tucker with the advent wreath and decorating the church?" Mary requested.
"I will," Mrs. Manning promised. "The girls helped chop fruits last night. We put them in the cellar until we assemble puddings and fruitcakes today."
"We need Christmas puddings for four and twenty people." Mary counted the guests they would have at Christmas.
"I thought four puddings which each serve six," Mrs. Manning suggested. "I have four sets of charms. Mr. Collins gave me four coins yesterday for the puddings. After we make the puddings, the girls and I will make the fruitcakes. The brandy came with the shipment from Mr. Gardiner last week."
Mary laughed. "Perhaps this year, with four puddings, I might get a charm other than the thimble."
"I'm worried the girls will hope for the ring," Mrs. Manning gave Mary a significant look.
"I'm not so worried for Barlow or Maryanne, as they turn eight and ten in a few months, but I would not like Rose getting the ring when she is only three and ten. Kitty will be sorry to miss the festivities." Mary thought of a wish which wasn't self-serving.
"I asked Mrs. Havens about it. She said Miss Anne hasn't had a Stir-It-Up Sunday since Sir Lewis's death. Lady de Bourgh didn't approve of her daughter spending any time in the kitchen. I doubt they are Stirring It Up at Bath, since Miss Anne and Miss Kitty return to Rosings Park next week. After midday meal, we'll make the puddings and fruitcakes." Mrs. Manning promised. "Will you be alright if we go to church and leave you here?"
"I plan to rest, so I can help," Mary reassured her housekeeper.
~X~
Mr. Collins said a short prayer. The kitchen smelled like spices. He thought the kitchen was too humid for Mary in her delicate condition, however, she insisted on helping.
"A wooden spoon to remind us of the manger for the Christ Child." Mrs. Manning handed the wooden spoon to Mr. Collins. "Stir three times, clockwise, make a wish, and then move away from the bowl for the next person."
Mr. Collins wished for good health for Mr. Bennet. He and Mary were happy in Hunsford. Mary wished for good holidays with her family and friends. Barlow wished to find the ring in the pudding. Rose wished for continued lessons. Mr. Manning wished for a mild winter. Mrs. Manning wished for continued health for her elderly mother. Mrs. Manning separated the dough into four portions. She scored each portion in six equal pieces.
"Each of us has four charms," Mary reminded the staff. "Press one charm into each pudding. Make your wish. Mr. Collins places his charm at one o'clock in each pudding, I am three, Barlow five, Rose seven, Mr. Manning nine, and Mrs. Manning eleven."
"For success," Mr. Collins intoned as he pressed a silver coin into each of the puddings.
"For thrift and economy," Mary pressed the thimble into each pudding.
"For marriage," Barlow pressed the ring into each pudding and hoped for a full dance card at the December assembly.
"For travel," Rose pressed a small shoe into each pudding. While she was thankful for her scullery maid position…she hoped for more stillroom lessons. She thought she would like to be a stillroom maid.
"For safe harbor," Mr. Manning pressed the anchor charm into each pudding.
"For luck," Mrs. Manning pressed a horseshoe charm into each. When done, she tied the puddings in material, and set them to steam in the cauldron of boiling water. Everyone cheered and clapped.
"You can take a rest, Mrs. Collins," she nodded at Mr. Collins to help Mrs. Collins upstairs. "Girls, let's stir up and bake the fruitcakes." The puddings and fruitcakes would cure in the cellar until Christmas. A large crock of mincemeat from the end of October cured in the cellar for mincemeat pies at Christmas.
"Since we are finished with Stir-It-Up Sunday, I'll go back to my room." Mary consoled a worried Mr. Collins. As Mary prepared for her lying in, guests and the benefice society would be postponed until Christmas.
"Are you tired?"
"A little," Mary sighed. "I think I'll rest a while before dinner."
"Shall I join you?" Mr. Collins asked.
"If you've no other place to be, nor plans to enact…I would like the company." Mary liked the warmth of him, cuddled against her aching back. She appreciated how he didn't talk a great deal, nor expect to read to her while she rested.
November 29
Lizzy would not admit she had grown morose in the gloomy and rainy weather. She hated being housebound. As Lydia longed for a dance…Lizzy longed for a walk, enjoying the woods in autumn with the foliage brightening her mood. She wanted to smell the fallen pine needles and hear the crunch of leaves. She wanted to watch sunrise over the lake.
Gardeners prepared the large, square knot garden for winter the last Saturday of October. The fountain, with a classical Grecian statute of a woman with a water jar, was drained. A large piece of sailcloth covered the fountain and tied around the base. The boxwood hedges were trimmed. The herbs had been gathered. The lavender had been harvested. The four paths were well-swept. Georgiana warned Lizzy the square knot garden was the first garden to be prepared for the cold and occasionally harsh Derbyshire winters.
Lizzy fondly remembered the house party where guests wandered the knot garden while staff set the tables on the terrace for supper. Energetic dancers partnered in the ballroom whose doors were open for cool air from the terrace. Tall torches lit the garden, casting romantic shadows on stone benches and flora alike. The thought of the cold lobster salad they served made Lizzy retch. 'What is wrong with me?'
Solange appeared with a tray of ginger tea and dry toast. "What you need now is tea and a proper rest."
"What's wrong with me?" Lizzy wept. "I have never felt so miserable and unhappy. You know I am usually active and cheerful."
"I should hope you have never felt like this before," Solange replied tartly. "You are increasing, Mrs. Darcy. You will feel tired and sick until you feel the quickening. Drink liquids right now, and rest as much as possible."
"I can't be increasing," Lizzy frowned. "I'm just tired from Michaelmas, harvesting and cleaning Pemberley. Our workers have made great strides in a portion of the forest, but we need to begin again in spring."
"I have four nephews and two nieces. I have attended two ladies in this condition. I know the signs. You missed your courses. You are increasing. Now, drink your tea, nibble your toast, and then have a lie in." Solange drew the drapes and roused the fire.
~X~
"I plan to give up Netherfield Park," Bingley told his solicitor. What are my options?"
"Mr. Bingley, your £100,000 inheritance is enough to buy 10,000 acres of land with a large manor house. However, we suggest a more economical approach for you. Recently a 100-acre grain farm and estate, with a two story, twenty-room home and six outbuildings recently sold for £3,500 in Nottinghamshire." The solicitor laid out a map. "We recommend purchasing a sheep farm in Nottinghamshire. The demand for wool for the factories is higher than ever. 400 acres will support sheep, with a home, park, orchard, kitchen garden, chickens, half a dozen cows, horses and housing for your sheepherders." He pointed out areas of the map. "Two adjoining pasture areas are available for lease and may become available for purchase in the next year or two. With careful management, you should invest your remaining funds in the five percents to guarantee you a living during any lean years in the future."
"So you recommend investing half or two-thirds of my funds in property, and keeping a fund in the five percents?" Bingley thought purchasing property would take all his funds. As he was still learning to be a good landlord, Bingley needed to know he would provide for his angel even if the property experienced a lean year.
"The property we recommend for you has a three-story, forty-room house, including a small ballroom which will hold one hundred people. There are sublevel kitchens, storage rooms, workrooms, and accommodations for staff, with attic servant rooms and storage." His solicitor showed Bingley a map of the house. "Set on ten acres of parkland, the manor house is separated from the main farm by a well-preserved stand of trees. The estate has ten outbuildings." He showed Bingley a plat map. "There are infields, which are close to barns in the winter, and outfields which are used in spring, summer and fall." His solicitor showed him the ledgers for the estate for the past year, which included annual expenses of housekeeping, servants, repairs, parkland, gardens, stable, farm costs, laborers and taxes.
Bingley calculated the costs for refurbishing the house with paints, wall papers, rugs, furniture, furnishings, etc. There were a few rooms where he wanted to remove walls to enlarge living spaces. Furnishings from the Bingley House and ones they purchased for Netherfield Park would move with them and lessen the initial financial outlay for the estate. Additionally, there would be the cost of new garden plants and trees, statuary and benches, boxwood hedges and graveled walking paths to replace the tired gardens and plantings.
"I don't know anything about being a sheep farmer," Bingley expressed his dismay.
"The current steward is willing to stay on as your steward for a period of five years. You may take possession at Twelfth Night." The solicitor explained. "The owner married this year. They are spending Little Season in London. He wants to move to London after the first of the year. He has several business interests here. Speaking of homes, we have a contract from Mr. Henry Montgomery. He has enjoyed renting the Bingley House for Little Season. He agrees to purchase the Bingley House and will meet your asking price. He will take permanent possession at Lady Day."
"I need to send Darcy an express and ask to store things at Pemberley until we can move after Twelfth Night." Bingley worked with his solicitor on timelines for Netherfield Park, the Bingley House, and the new estate – Landers End. The solicitor explained there had been no payment requests or demands from Mrs. Roberts or Mrs. Hurst. He gave Bingley the bank guarantee letter for the transfer of Mrs. Roberts' dowry. He explained Mr. Roberts purchased six farms in Bath, and provided oversight for four more. He estimated they would select a main farm in the new year and establish a permanent residence there. They could be reached at the Roberts Estate, Bath until they had a permanent residence.
~X~
Darcy House, London
November 29
Dearest Lizzy,
Thank Darcy for sending notice to the Darcy House to allow us to stay there. Charles and my decision will disappoint Mama. We decided not to renew the lease for Netherfield Park. I believe Charles is writing to Darcy about a possible estate thirty miles south of Pemberley.
I know Mama could not wait for me to marry and settle near her…but she visited twice a week. Since she is family…she did not stay the usual visiting times. She would stay the entire afternoon with Lydia and Aunt Phillips. After two times of staying through the afternoon until they received dinner invitations, Charles learned to call for Aunt Phillips' carriage at the end of calling hours to send them on their way.
I know you and Mary laughed about Lady Catherine offering her opinions freely…but at this moment, I am ready to snap the head off anyone who questions my decisions. Mama always offered opinions on how to conduct my household. She gave my staff orders. She planned dinner parties to impress her friends and decided on the menu, guests and seating. None of my preparations were adequate. Your normally serene sister is becoming a harridan, Lizzy!
Oh Lizzy…I am so miserable. Mama hinted I invite Lydia to London for Little Season. Of course, Lydia needs a whole new wardrobe and jewels, a personal maid, and a carriage and four with coachman and footmen…furnished by me. I do not want to argue with Mama. Charles and I are desperate to leave Hertfordshire. I'm desperate for a rest at the Darcy House where no one knows to find us.
Please write, my beloved sister,
Jane
~X~
Little Season was in full swing. The Bingleys attended two dinners at the Matlock House. They attended two teas at the Gardiners. When the weather was fine, Charles took Jane for a ride in Hyde Park. However, they enjoyed the quiet of the Darcy House, especially since Darcy ordered the removal of the knocker. Jane appreciated the opportunity to rest. The amiable Bingley found he did not need invitations and company if he had his angel. They felt exhausted by Little Season, but they were tired of the society Mrs. Bennet pressed upon them in Hertfordshire.