Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 20
December 1
"What are you doing?" Mary shrieked at the midwife.
"I've found it's better to bleed first time mothers until they are unconscious. First time mothers tend to scream, and it sets the household staff to quivers." Midwife North set a jar of leeches on the nightstand.
"I can't imagine it's better for me to be bled unconscious. Now, I'll have some chamomile tea with a teaspoon of honey." Mary ordered. "After which; I'm getting out of this bed and walking around until my pains are close together. This room is too warm. Bank that fire and give me some fresh air."
"I don't recommend eating or drinking anything once your pains start," Midwife North replied. "It causes an upset stomach and could make you violently ill. Fresh air is not good for you or the baby."
"Mrs. Manning, please prepare a pot of chamomile tea with honey, or I will make it myself," Mary asserted. "I haven't eaten or drank anything since dinner last evening. I need the tea to relax me. I need the honey to fortify me. I've never given birth before, but I cannot imagine lack of food and drink helps the ordeal."
Midwife North argued Mary should not eat or drink anything and recommended only taking a little broth or wine with laudanum after birthing the baby. Mary argued she needed good broth for a day or two after the birth to feed her blood. Then she needed real meals and exercise to regain her stamina. Lying in bed for two weeks, with nothing to do but sleep, and minimal food would not heal her.
Miss Anne's maid, Aveline, helped her sister birth several babies. She claimed healthy mothers had healthy babies. Aveline claimed lying in bed caused the birth to take longer. She claimed screaming caused the pains to last longer. She advised Mary walk around between pains. She felt new mothers should not be denied sunshine, fresh air, and restorative broths. Since Aveline had given Mary good advice previously, she would test more of Aveline's theories. While Mary wished Aveline were here, she felt determined to give Aveline a nice gift to thank her for her suggestions.
"Barlow, please bring the basin and towels I prepared for this day. We will need two or three buckets of hot water, not boiling. Set them on the hearth to keep them warm. I will need a clean nightgown and wrapper and the set of clothes which are on the baby's dresser. The nursery is arranged." Mary put on her wrapper, and walked up and down the second-floor hall until her pains were much closer together. She smelled lavender to calm her and sipped chamomile tea to relax her. She counted in Latin during the pains.
When it was time, Mrs. Manning helped Mary to the birthing chair. She already sent Rose and Barlow to Rosings Park to help Mrs. Havens prepare for Miss Anne's return. Mr. Manning took Vicar Collins from the home early this morning. She didn't know or care where they were…they were away from the parsonage and not underfoot.
~X~
"What will we name him," Mr. Collins carried his sleeping and swaddled son to the window to look at his face easier. He and Mr. Manning returned for a late tea and were not refused entry at Hunsford Rectory. Mary wore a clean nightrail, and was comfortable in her bed. The baby had rested in the cradle near her until Mr. Collins returned. The birthing chair and all birthing items were removed from the room.
"George after your father. Bennet after my father, since he will inherit Longbourn someday. George Bennet Collins," Mary rested as comfortably as possible.
"You've done us proud, Mary. He is a hearty boy; not sickly like other children we see in the parish." Mr. Collins crowed.
"I had a healthy increase. I think the beef, fresh milk, eggs and garden stuff helped. Not to mention the walks we took in the garden." Mary did not mention she had not been vexed or driven to distraction by Mama's vapors and nerves. "While George is sleeping, we should rest. I surprised Midwife North by birthing George in less than a day. Especially since I ignored all her suggestions and her normal way of doing things. We must send an express to Kitty."
December 3
"Mr. Collins writes they have a boy! George Bennet Collins!" Kitty read from her express.
Richard grabbed Anne and spun her around and around and around. He paused, embarrassed by Kitty's shocked face. "I'm excited for Mrs. Collins!" He announced; setting Anne back down.
Kitty's eyebrow quirked up. "I'd say you are excited about something." She noted they held on to one another. "I'm going to my room to write a letter to Mary."
"Please send it express, telling her we'll be home by Wednesday. We have a great deal to do. Presents for George, invitations from the stationers, lists of supplies for the St. Thomas Tea, for the Christmas Ball and for feeding a house full of guests. Kitty, I need your help writing invitations," Anne noted. "Write your parents; explain they will be invited to my Christmas Eve Ball if they come to Hunsford Parsonage for Christmas. I heard Miss Lydia adores dancing. Tell them I'm inviting Lord and Lady Matlock and Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam. That will make your mother wild to attend. Perhaps tell your father about George but swear him to secrecy."
"I will invite Lizzy and Jane; it will be fun to spring them on Mama. However, I will suggest they tell Mama they have other Christmas plans." Kitty laughed.
"I will arrange rooms for them at Rosings, to keep their presence a secret." Anne agreed.
"I'll help you with the list of guests for the ball while Kitty writes her letters," Richard arranged a chair next to Anne's writing desk. When Kitty left the drawing room, Richard sent Douglas, the footman, to bring tea and refreshments. He stoked the fire and ensured they would not be overheard by the footman loitering in the hall. "We need to talk about this."
"Richard, I have been told what to think, and what I should feel for years. You're accustomed to ordering your men about." Anne sighed. "I won't live under someone's tyrannical rule."
Richard sighed, and silently cursed Aunt Catherine for making this situation so much more difficult than it needed to be.
"Mother, no matter how ill I was, should have prepared me to shoulder the responsibility of Rosings Park. Her plan to stay at Rosings and send me to Pemberley makes me angry. I have so much to learn, and absolutely no time to linger at my studies. Rosings cannot endure an irresponsible or stupid master who will ruin the estate and possibly Hunsford for years to come. I know where my responsibility lies. Mother is ill; I am not a doctor; I cannot cure her. Rosings needs a master who cares about people and can lead people. You, Richard, are a natural born leader. Rosings needs you. I need you." Anne turned to find Richard closing the space between them.
"I always found the best plans of war were collaborations," Richard kissed Anne. 'Timing is everything.'
Monday, December 6
"The Darcy jewels," Darcy opened a small safe in Lizzy's dressing room. "Pieces Mother owned were given to Georgiana. These are family heirlooms. This late medieval ring is the oldest piece, I think. Perhaps the gold and a cabochon sapphire belonged to the first Mrs. d'Arcy. When it was created, there were legends of lapidary properties. Sapphires were said to protect the wearer from illness. This is quite tiny, made for some of your stature."
"The ring could have been made for a girl," Lizzy suggested.
"I think it belonged to a bride from the etching on the gold band," Darcy's eyes twinkled.
"I would like to wear it on special occasions, especially when we're entertaining at Pemberley." Lizzy admired the ring.
"We received two expresses today. Mr. Collins writes they have a son, George Bennet Collins. Both mother and son are doing well. The other express is from Richard. Anne is hosting a Christmas Eve Ball and we are invited. Richard revealed they are announcing their engagement but asked for secrecy. I would like you to wear Mother's sapphire necklace and earbobs to the Christmas Ball. Instead of a primrose gown, which I know you prefer, I thought a blue gown. Georgiana is wearing blue. Aunt Constance and Cousin Augusta are wearing blue, and Anne is wearing blue."
"All the Fitzwilliam ladies in blue?" Lizzy's eyes sparkled. "Are we announcing our news at the Christmas Ball?"
"Bingley and I discussed this. Bingley wants our news kept secret until after they purchase Landers End, sell the Bingley House in London, and quit the lease at Netherfield Park. He would prefer not to entertain your mother until they are well settled at Landers End. Anne proposes we tell Mrs. Bennet we are spending Christmas at Pemberley and will not attend the Christmas Ball. Anne would like to use you and Jane as a surprise to keep your mother from importuning Mary so quickly after George's birth."
"Goodness!" Lizzy laughed. "So many secrets!" Georgiana would take her to Mme. Charette's in London the week before Christmas to have a blue gown made. Jane would need a new one also. While neither were showing yet, they needed new gowns to ensure their increase was not noticeable.
December 10
There was no society in October and November as everyone busied themselves with harvesting, preserving the harvest, and selling the harvest. Lydia was distraught because Papa would not let her attend dinners, dance or card parties because he did not trust her to act appropriately. Maria mentioned amusements were quieter and smaller since the militia departed and other young men returned to their university studies. Mr. Bingley refused to host a holiday ball at Netherfield Park. He and Jane planned to join his aunt in Scarborough for Christmas. Lizzy wrote they were spending their first Christmas at Pemberley with Miss Darcy. Mrs. Phillips announced they would not join the Bennets for Christmas as Mr. Phillips agreed to visit his brother in Plymouth from before Christmas to after Twelfth Night. The Gardiners were spending the holidays with her sister and family in Bournemouth.
"How fortunate everyone has Christmas plans. We can spend Christmas with Mary and will see Kitty." Mr. Bennet kept Mary's secret.
"I want a quiet Christmas at Longbourn. I don't want to travel in this cold weather!" Mrs. Bennet proclaimed, ignoring Lydia's frown.
"I believe Lydia is truly sorry because you do not care to travel, Mrs. Bennet." Mr. Bennet read the Rosings Christmas Eve Ball invitation aloud…hoping to tease his wife.
"OH! We must go to London immediately to visit modistes, milliners and warehouses to purchase new ballgowns!" Mrs. Bennet demanded, with a more cheerful Lydia agreeing with her.
"There will be no London trip to purchase a wardrobe for the holidays. Both you and Lydia spent your fall clothing allowances already. Whatever you have in your closets would do for our holiday in Hunsford. Mary suggested you ladies bring your four best day gowns, with at least two dinner gowns, and a ball gown for Christmas Eve."
Mrs. Bennet and Lydia discussed what to wear, and what to pack and possible holiday events. Mrs. Bennet sent an express to Mary to ask about the exact list of events from their arrival to their departure.
December 13
Mary carefully kept any news of George from her Longbourn family during her increase. She wrote about the holiday events, except for George's christening. She did not announce she made a new christening gown. Mr. Collins' friend, John Hamilton, a professor at Oxford, would be George's godfather. Kitty agreed to be George's godmother. Curate Stevenson agreed to stand as George's second godfather.
Mrs. Bennet tried to get Mr. Bennet to depart earlier for Longbourn. She wanted to attend the St. Thomas Tea at Rosings, but Mary's letter explained only widows were invited…not married women, and certainly not an unmarried girl like Lydia. Mr. Bennet announced they would visit Mary from December twenty-third to December twenty-eighth. He hired Charlotte and John Lucas to coordinate Boxing Day for Longbourn's servants and tenants, and for Netherfield Park's servants and tenants. He sent the carriage to the livery to be inspected and prepared for their journey. Despite her urging to leave earlier for Hunsford, Mr. Bennet knew Mrs. Bennet and Lydia would never take the post coach. She must wait for the carriage to be inspected and returned…which would be a sennight.
~X~
The solicitor took the Bingleys and the Darcys on a tour of the grounds at Landers End. "Landers End, 400 acres, forty-room manor house on ten acres of parkland. Three stories, sublevel kitchens and storage; with attic storage. There is a main wing, with an east wing ballroom and a west wing conservatory. A stone courtyard is centered between the east wing ballroom and the west wing conservatory. Access to the courtyard is available from the three wings. Second and third floor bedrooms overlook the front park to the south or the courtyard and gardens to the north."
"I like it," Bingley glanced over at Jane. She nodded enthusiastically. "Let's retire to London, where one week from today, we will sign the paperwork to acquire Landers End." The couples discussed and planned to travel to London together. Bingley and Darcy were determined to treat Jane and Lizzy to some holiday events of Little Season. They told Lizzy and Jane about plans for dinners, musical evenings, private balls, card parties, or an evening at the theatre. The thought of a fortnight of events left Jane and Elizabeth fatigued. They protested against a nightly schedule of events. Both ladies needed their rest in the early days of their increase. They also cited a need for peace and quiet.
Darcy and Bingley discussed the invitation to Rosings for the Christmas Eve Ball. They were both pleased to spend quiet evenings with their wives. They were both excited to become new fathers and agreed to be godfathers to one another's babies. They came to an easy agreement not to host Bingley or Bennet sisters for the remainder of Little Season, no matter how much Mrs. Bennet or Louisa begged.
December 18
"I understand you want to nurse George. You have done nothing wrong. George needs more nourishment than you can provide. Since you don't want to send George away; your option is engaging a wet nurse to live with you at the parsonage. She has experience as a nursery maid, and as a wet nurse. If you are prepared to provide a home and wages, Mrs. Clements can be here within the hour. Decide what you want. Do you want to read to George, play with him, sing to him, and put him to bed? Mrs. Clements will work with you to ensure George is a happy, healthy little boy." Midwife North consoled Mary.
Mary burst into tears.
"You need a calming draught, and rest." Midwife North advised before ringing for Barlow. "You are pushing yourself. When did you last slept through the night?"
~X~
"I understand," William Collins sighed as Midwife North and Mrs. Clements met with him.
"Mrs. Collins' spirits are low, which happens to some women after they give birth, but a larger society will improve them. She is a fine woman, and will be a good mother to your son. Do not overwhelm her with running the house, or community activities until after she is churched. However, it is not good to let her lie in bed and cry all day." Midwife North advised.
"I would not worry. Mrs. Collins will not ignore George. She will not hover and fret either. Once Mrs. Collins feels better, she will find the balance of her life with her son. When he is older, I expect she will have him in the gardens with her. He will learn about nature, trees, and plants faster than other children. She will sing lullabies to him and he will learn to talk and read faster than most children." Mrs. Manning remarked. "Mrs. Clements is settled. Mrs. Collins is resting. I think you choose wisely when you put Master George in the room across the hall from you." She curtsied to Mr. Collins and showed Midwife North to the door.
~X~
"Mary, dearest, please listen to me. I wrote your father, asking if your mother had any difficulty nursing her children. He said she nursed Jane for a month. After she was churched, Mrs. Bennet sent Jane to a tenant farmer's wife. She needed to run the house, care for the tenants, plus be in society. She nursed Lydia for almost a year." Mr. Collins stroked Mary's hair. "She sent Elizabeth, you and Kitty to tenant farmer's wife almost immediately after you were born. He said she visited while conducting tenant visits, but you and your sisters did not return until you were out of leading straps. Plus, Mrs. Bennet had a nursery maid when you came home. Jane and Elizabeth stayed with the Gardiners when your mother became enceinte with Kitty and Lydia."
"I want to care for my son." Mary sighed.
"There's more to being a mother, Mary, than if you can nourish him. Please don't cry. I don't care what anyone thinks. You are a wonderful mother to George. We need some help with him for a while. Now, you need to rest because the remainder of this month will be quite busy." Collins held and comforted Mary until she fell asleep. He thanked the Lord the situation was resolved. He could not bear more of Mary's tears.
~X~
"What has been your greatest trial as a midwife," Mary asked after Midwife North examined her.
"I wish women would listen when I explain they cannot rely on wild carrot or wild yam to keep them from increasing. The longest I have seen either work is two years, but most become with child before eight and ten months have passed. Too many of them believe I have a tea recipe or draught waiting about to save them from their folly." She eyed Mary. "Have you heard of other herbs to prevent increasing?"
Mary shook her head no. She would not reveal the use of well-dried Queen Anne's Lace seeds until she knew it worked. "I've heard tea made from chamomile, comfrey and mugwort is efficacious. Also lemongrass, lavender and ginger."
"Old wives' tales," Mrs. North scoffed. "First, no marital relations until your son is two months old, or until after you have had your courses twice. If you are trying to prevent an increase, use sponges, like you would use for your cycle. Keep one or two in a crock in your dressing table. Store them in lemon juice or vinegar. Insert one before marital relations. Remove it afterwards, and use a syringe with hot water to rinse yourself inside. You can get the sponges and syringe from a medical supply warehouse. Sponges do not guarantee you won't become enceinte. However, three of my ladies use sponges, One has not become enceinte for over six years. The other two have birthed their spare sons in the past year. While they use sponges…I believe nursing stops them from becoming with child."
~X~
Mary considered wearing her bronze ballgown. She thought it just needed new lace and ribbons to refresh it. However, the gown would not button. She set it aside. Perhaps she could find chocolate brown velvet to make a new bodice with ties to adjust if she should increase again. The skirt had enough material to guarantee ease in dancing. She might use the old bodice for a new reticule.
Barlow helped Mary put on the green ballgown she had made for her sisters' birthday ball. Thanks to the hidden ties in the bodice, it adjusted to fit her. She would wear it to Miss Anne's Christmas Eve ball. She still fit the silk gowns she commissioned for the wedding. She had day gowns made of quality materials which would adjust to her. She didn't need to commission any new gowns until Lady Day. She would be back to her previous figure by then.
December 20, Darcy House, London
"I don't want to make any changes to the nursery wing at Pemberley or the Darcy House until we are sure there will be a little Darcy in our lives." Lizzy kissed Darcy's cheek. "I like the décor of Pemberley and Darcy House. My changes will coordinate with your mother's lovely, warm and comfortable décor. I cannot bear to have Mama come to Pemberley and stay there for the rest of my increase. I don't want her here for months afterwards either."
"I'll talk to your father. Bingley and I will make this as easy for Jane and you as possible. I enjoy this kind of day…the rain…the fire…you, me, the library…good books." Darcy kissed Lizzy's temple. "I'll ring for green tea and ask for ginger biscuits for you and lemon biscuits for me."
December 21, St. Thomas Tea, Rosings
Anne coordinated everything, refusing Mary's offer of help. Kitty acquired supplies from Mr. Gardiner and from shopkeepers in Hunsford and Westerham. Anne gathered food bags sewn by Mary and her staff. Kitty helped Anne coordinate filling the bags with beans, peas, rice, tea, and tea herbs. Mrs. Manning and Barlow helped Rosings staff fill the baskets for the widows.
Anne's music master and Kitty played the pianoforte. Mary played cards with the widows. She enjoyed sitting quietly and letting Anne's liveried staff pour tea and pass wonderful trays of sandwiches, savories, scones and sweets. Forty widows attended this year and appreciated Anne's efforts. Mary felt grateful because Anne hosted the tea, and grateful Lady Catherine and Mrs. Jenkinson would not attend, nor extend opinions about the coordination, excess or hosting of the tea.
Mary appreciated Anne sending four maids over to the parsonage to scrub down and polish up before her parents arrived on the twenty-third. She set menus with Mrs. Manning. Mrs. Tucker agreed to help as a day worker at the parsonage while guests were present. The Hills would accompany her parents and Lydia, acting as personal servants to them. Her parents were due to arrive in the afternoon on December twenty-third. They would attend the ball at Rosings on Christmas Eve. Curate Stevenson would conduct Christmas Eve services and help with communion at Christmas morning services. Mary's family would attend the Christmas morning services. George would be christened afterwards, followed by a midday meal. On Christmas afternoon and evening, they were expected for tea and dinner at Rosings. Boxing Day moved from Sunday, December 26 to Monday, December 27. The Bennet family would visit Rosings while the Collinses worked with Anne and Fitzwilliam to conduct Boxing Day events. The day after, everyone would depart for their homes.
Mary laughed aloud when Papa's letter bragged he had finally convinced Mother and Lydia how far it would be out of their way to stop in London before traveling to Hunsford. He would not deal with the higher rates charged at inns in London during Little Season. He reminded Mrs. Bennet she did not have a London modiste and could not importune Mme. Charette who was in such demand during Little Season. The Gardiners would leave Cheapside and travel to Bournemouth. The Darcy House and Bingley House had no servants as they were closed. He strongly reminded Mrs. Bennet they could not appear at the Matlock House nor the de Bourgh House without an invitation. He opined her mother and sister were learning their inconsequence.
December 23
Mrs. Bennet's eyes did not miss the tidy, well-kept prospect of Hunsford Parsonage. Although it seemed a stone's throw from the grounds at Rosings, a long grove of large trees prevented seeing the pleasing prospect of Rosings Park. "I'm in pieces," Mrs. Bennet moaned when Mr. Bennet handed her down from the carriage.
"Come inside, Mother. You may have a tour of the parsonage later," Mary suggested. "After you refresh yourselves, we will have tea in the drawing room. Mrs. Hill can unpack you and Lydia; Mr. Hill can unpack Father." She led them into the parsonage. Mrs. Bennet frowned at the fine three-chair-back mahogany bench, console table with mirror and coat rack in the hall. On the opposite side of the hall, Mary filled the window seat with pots of cuttings.
Mary led them up the stairs to their rooms. Her sleeping quarters, Mr. Collins' sleeping quarters, along with George's sleeping quarters were locked. She had no intention of leaving her room open for Lydia to go through her clothes, ribbons and jewels.
Mrs. Bennet attempted to put herself forward at tea time and act as hostess; but Barlow would have none of Mrs. Bennet's pretentions. Dressed in her best black with a fine white apron and cap, Barlow set the silver tea tray before Mrs. Collins. She stood near to hand cups of tea to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet before she served tea to Miss Lydia. Barlow carried the curate around for Mrs. Collins' guests to choose sweets, savories or scones.
"I don't remember your letter describing this room. I must say Rosings did a fine job of furnishing it for you." The large stone parsonage seemed fitted up better than Mr. Bennet related and better than Mrs. Bennet expected. She heard from Mr. Bennet about how Lady Catherine fitted up the parsonage before Mary's arrival, and heard of Mary's work to redecorate to her tastes. She heard from Lizzy and Kitty about the changes Mary made to paint and wallpaper. The Collinses lived better than the Bennets lived at Longbourn. Mary's lessons for Mr. Collins would enable him to fit easily into the role of Master of Longbourn…which vexed Mrs. Bennet.
"Our furniture is from my Uncle Martin's home in London. Uncle Martin was the younger brother of my Grandmother Collins. We were given whatever we needed to furnish the parsonage for us. The tea table; the tea set; the china; and the silver cutlery ease Mrs. Collins' ability to entertain." Mr. Collins sipped his tea. "We changed paint and wallpapers after Midsummer. We received Uncle Martin's furnishings in August and finished changing the furniture and rugs before Michaelmas. If Mary forgot to tell you, it is because we were quite busy. Our little guest is ready to meet our company." Mr. Collins nodded at Mrs. Clements who held a clean, dry, fed and wide-awake George Bennet Collins. He took George in his arms; pausing beside Mary to let her kiss her son.
"Hello, my little love," Mary whispered to him before Mr. Collins introduced him to his dismissive Aunt Lydia, and his dismayed Grandmother Bennet. His dashing Grandfather Bennet pronounced him a fine little fellow.
"I think he looks like Mary; she thinks he looks like me." Mr. Collins' beaming grin and gleaming eyes pronounced his pride in his new son.
"He will be tall like you," Mary opined. "He is so long."
"We're hosting the christening on Christmas morning, after the church service." Mr. Collins announced. "Miss Kitty will be George's godmother and my friend from Oxford, John Hamilton, will be George's godfather. Curate Stevenson from Hunsford Rectory will stand as George's second godfather."
"I wish you had told me you were confined," Mrs. Bennet sniffed. "I would have come to Rosings to care for you."
"We live at Hunsford Parsonage, Mother; not Rosings Park." Mary reminded her. "We preferred not to announce George until he was born."
"Why isn't Kitty here for tea," Lydia whined. "I want to ask her about the ball. Will any of Colonel Fitzwilliam's military friends be there?"
"Still not over your fascination and flirtation with red coats?" Mary stifled a laugh.
"He's not Colonel Fitzwilliam any longer," Mr. Collins stood by the window with George. "He mustered out before Michaelmas, with over a decade of distinguished military service. The War Office wanted him to stay in London, but Miss Anne and Miss Kitty took him to Bath. The Honorable Mr. Fitzwilliam has been helping Miss Anne reorganize Rosings Park. Repairs and expansion occurred this year. Miss Anne will purchase six outlying farms by Lady Day for their good soil and ability to grow corn and wheat."
Mr. Bennet stared at Mr. Collins. The entire speech lacked loquacious compliments.
"Are you finished with your tea?" Mr. Collins misinterpreted Mr. Bennet's stare. "I have a lovely game table in my bookroom. Would you care for a game of chess? Mary and I play occasionally. Mr. Fitzwilliam is an indifferent player. Miss Anne and Miss Kitty are taking lessons from him."
"You have to peruse his bookshelves Papa. I think there are several books in his library which you will not have read. His great uncle, Martin Collins, was quite a bibliophile. We did not take his entire library, but did take a crate of books, and the furniture from the library. You saw the bookroom before. You will not believe the changes." Mary encouraged Papa.
Mr. Collins handed George to Mary and rang the bell for Barlow. He and Mr. Bennet departed for the bookroom.
Barlow collected George from Mary. "Shall I refresh the teapot when I return?"
"Please give George to Mrs. Clements. I think we'll move to my sitting room. You may bring tea and refreshments there. Please take a tea tray and refreshments to the bookroom for Mr. Collins and Papa." Mary noticed a look of distaste on Mother's face when Mary kissed George. "Mrs. Clements is our nanny and wet nurse. I need help caring for George right now."
"Why do you have an armoire in your sitting room?" Lydia observed Mary's sitting room from the doorway.
"It holds materials, sewing notions, embroidery items, and my art box. Clothes I'm sewing for the poor are stored in the armoire. I'm almost finished with clothes for Boxing Day. Miss Anne gave the benefice society crates of cast-off clothes which we remade into clothes for the poor. I have six garments to finish hemming. After the first of the year, we will sew clothing to distribute at Easter with the alms baskets."
"This room is well appointed," Mrs. Bennet's eyes did not miss Mary's silk pillow on a chair by a mahogany escritoire. Silk pillows, which matched the green stripe in the settee, adorned its corners. The cream damask drapes were tied back with silk tasseled cords. Mary had an excellent standing sewing table with a tapestry basket to hold materials. She had an excellent standing embroidery hoop which currently held a long piece of white gauze which Mary whiteworked.
"We were able to furnish our drawing room, Mr. Collins' bookroom and my sitting room with furniture from Uncle Martin's drawing room and library. The furniture in our main hall is from his foyer. My work table and embroidery stand belonged to Mr. Collins' great aunt." Mary drew a pile of clothing and her workbox from the armoire.
"I thought you didn't like flounces," Lydia criticized the first gown Mary hemmed.
"This is not really a flounce. If you remove the seam holding it; the gown is lengthened by several inches. Perfect for a growing child." Mary commented.
Barlow brought the tea tray and passed refreshments to the ladies. "I took tea and a plate of honey biscuits to Mr. Collins and Mr. Bennet."
Mary thanked her.
"I think I'll walk to Rosings to see Kitty," Lydia looked to Mama for permission.
"I don't think so," Mary shook her head. "The footmen removed the knocker after the St. Thomas Tea. Kitty is busy with Miss Anne, preparing for the ball. She has no time to entertain today or tomorrow. Miss Anne does not want interruptions before the ball."
"I should review your Christmas luncheon menu. I am the best hostess in Hertfordshire," Mrs. Bennet bragged.
"Hertfordshire, yes. Kent, no. Miss Anne reviewed the menus with me over a week ago. We wanted to ensure good use of the baskets from Rosings and items from our cellar. Mrs. Manning knows what to do." Mary discovered Mother and Lydia could be quite entertaining.
"How can you stand to live such a quiet life?" Lydia sighed, staring out the window. She looked past the two white lilac bushes which framed the outside of the window. The winter landscape and grove of trees bored her.
"I keep busy," Mary informed them. "A vicar's wife has many tasks which require her attention. I cannot always play cards, play pianoforte, shop, or remake bonnets. When the holidays are over, I will resume lessons for my staff. I will lead the Benefice Society. In the spring I will have the gardens and orchard to attend. We will have two farrows of sow babies. We are increasing the poultry run. I'm seeking another dairy cow, and two more butts of bees. Above all those tasks…I am a new mother who is not sending her child away. I do not intend to see my son once a week after church until he is out of his leading strings."
"I thought I recommended you not have a child until after Jane married and had a son." Mrs. Bennet began flapping her handkerchief. "I must be guaranteed I won't be forced out of my home after Mr. Bennet dies. If Jane had a son before Mr. Bennet died; Bingley would have paid you to let me stay at Longbourn."
"However many faults you may believe I have, inattention to duty is not one of them. Jane may be the prettiest; Lizzy the cleverest; Kitty the most amiable, and Lydia the liveliest. I am the dutiful daughter. I know my duty as a daughter of Thomas Bennet, Master of Longbourn. I know my duty to my husband, his profession and his patroness. My duty as a wife was to provide my husband with an heir and a spare. My duty to my children is to love all of them equally and guide them fairly." Mary ignored Mother's handkerchief flapping and continued sewing.
"You knew you were increasing when you attended Jane's wedding!" Mrs. Bennet gasped. "Why didn't you say anything?"
"I may have experienced a disappointment early in our marriage. I desired to be cautious about our news." Mary's stitches were even, although her voice and feelings were not.
Mrs. Bennet changed the topic of conversation and related all the news in Meryton. Mary joined in the conversation and released small bits of information about Mr. Fitzwilliam taking Mr. Collins shooting and horseback riding. Lydia was pleased to hear he came to Hunsford Parsonage to play chess with Mr. Collins.
~X~
"Carrot soup to start. There is no fish to be had, which might be a good thing since the smell of fish bothers me since my increase. We will have roast chicken and roast pork, six kinds of garden stuff and hot rolls. For sweets to end our meal there is gingerbread with custard sauce and apple raisin tart. I know it seems like a simple dinner, but I wanted to make Papa's favorites."
"Mary!" Mr. Bennet exclaimed with delight. "You made my favorite peas and potatoes!"
"I grew peas and new potatoes in the hothouse at Rosings for tonight's meal. What do you think of the butternut squash? It's a new receipt. I peel the skin off, make slices in the squash, but I don't cut through the squash. I mix melted butter with a bit of honey, baste the squash, and bake it until done." Mary felt excessively proud of her table – the linens, the dishes, the cutlery, the glasses. She appreciated the excellent wines they brought from Uncle Martin's cellars.
"Baked butternut squash is one of my favorites. Mary makes extra and then she makes the leftovers into bisque. Thank you for teaching her how to set an excellent table," Mr. Collins thanked Mrs. Bennet. "Mary is always complimented on her menus and asked for her receipts."
"After dinner, you must play for us Mary," Mrs. Bennet ordered. Mrs. Bennet used Mary to run the kitchen at Longbourn. However, as the daughter of a gentleman, Mary should not announce her abilities in the kitchen by excessive sharing of her receipts.
"I would love to show off my lovely new pianoforte and music," Mary commented. "However; we must have an early night. Mr. Fitzwilliam wants Papa and Mr. Collins to shoot with him in the morning."
"How delightful!" Mrs. Bennet cried. "No doubt we will join them for breakfast at Rosings!"
"Sorry, no. As we are busy, only tea trays will be delivered for while you are dressing. Breakfast will be served at ten in our morning room." Mary contradicted Mother. "I understand there is excellent hunting along the riverbank. Usually the men attend breakfast at the parsonage after shooting. Mrs. Manning feeds them well and spoils them. However, tomorrow morning the men from Rosings Park will attend Miss Anne to discuss riding and hunting to amuse her male guests over the holidays. Mr. Collins and Papa will return to join us for breakfast."
December 24 – Hunsford
"I know Collins charmed your mother…but I am bored to tears." Richard informed Anne. "Forgive me, but I must be adamant about this. Life on the battlefield allows you to view situations and alternative solutions. I cannot bear Collins officiating at our wedding. Mother wants us to marry at St. George's Cathedral. The ton invitations and expectations may be overwhelming, but I know we can do this together."
"Richard…if I walk down that aisle and you change your mind about wanting to marry me…I will find your sword and I will…" Anne could not finish her sentence because Richard kissed her.
"Silly goose," he murmured in her hair as he held her.
~X~
"Eight birds, Mrs. Collins!" Mr. Collins warmed his hands at the fireplace in the morning room. "Mr. Fitzwilliam took them to the Bensingers. They have sixteen this year."
"Sixteen…the house must be all in uproar!" Mrs. Bennet cried. "I hope they don't have too many babies. My nerves are on edge from George crying all night."
"My son did not cry all night, as he sleeps most of the time, as newborn babies are wont to do. He is barely three weeks old and has yet to develop a lusty cry. Mrs. Clements is well trained to care for newborn children. The Bensingers," Mr. Collins turned to Mary, "are sixteen this year as Mr. Bensinger's two widowed sisters have come to Rosings with their families to live. Two cottages were prepared for them at the poultry farm. Their cottages are part of the poultry farm expansion. Rosings will expand the poultry runs and coops next spring."
"Oh yes, now I remember. I met Mrs. Randolph and Mrs. Packard at the St. Thomas Tea. They both play the pianoforte very well and will help Mrs. Bensinger with the music for the Christmas service. Mrs. Bensinger, nee Miss Smithem, plays for Sunday services." Mary explained to her family.
"Mr. Bensinger offered to help Mr. Knowles with expanding our poultry flock. Mr. Bensinger guaranteed we will obtain ducklings, goslings, pullets and turkey poults from them in the spring. We are first on the list to purchase setting hens. We plan to improve the poultry runs in the spring." Mr. Collins explained the possible conservatory expansion plans for Hunsford Parsonage.
"Your father purchased a new carriage, second hand of course, and new horses," Mrs. Bennet announced primly. "He insisted on spending the portion allotted to you, Jane and Lizzy on improvements at the main farm. I don't understand why…improving the main farm does nothing for me or Lydia when Mr. Bennet passes. We should be spending your portions to promote Lydia in London and find her a husband."
"Improving one's lot is excellent stewardship, Papa." Mary examined the table to ensure everyone finished their breakfast. "There will be a cold collation laid for midday. After midday I plan to rest until we take tea at five. We will have a larger tea menu because we will not eat supper until midnight at the ball. The ball begins at eight. Mr. Collins will have our carriage warmed and ready to take us at half past seven. Mrs. Hill must prepare you and Lydia for the ball, because Barlow will be busy with my preparations."
"You must let me see the gown you plan to wear," Lydia sipped her hot chocolate. "I have never had a new ball gown. Remember, I wore Jane's old one to the birthday ball in June. I had it refreshed before I came, but I might borrow one of yours."
"You won't fit any of my gowns. You are taller than I am. I don't have time to fit one to you. I need to finish sewing for the parish. Barlow and Mrs. Manning are busy and have no time for sewing either. Kitty and the staff at Rosings don't have time. I warned you to bring your best gowns. I assure you, the silk gown you wore to Jane and Lizzy's wedding will be fine. This is a country ball; not a London fete. The crimson will look well with the decorations." Mary tried to distract Lydia.
"What keeps your staff occupied all day?" Mrs. Bennet asked.
"Mrs. Clements is with George. Barlow and Rose are gathering greens for decorating the parsonage. They will help Mrs. Tucker, the sexton's wife, decorate the rectory before they decorate the parsonage." She explained staff duties before the ball, especially the need for her guests to stagger their baths this afternoon so the staff had time to draw and heat the water. She also explained about the bathing room near the kitchen.
"They don't bring hot water and a hip bath to our rooms?" Mrs. Bennet prepared to lecture Mary.
"Baths at Longbourn occur in the kitchen. Hunsford Parsonage has a bathing room. Water is heated in the kitchen, and taken down the hall to the bathing room. Mrs. Hill can help you, as she does at Longbourn. Just remember to take your wrapper to the bathing room so you may move between the bathing room and the second floor using the servants' staircase."
~X~
Rosings boasted seasonal décor. Evergreen and holly decorated doorways, mantles, and staircases. White silk ribbon bows decorated kissing balls created from mistletoe and greenery. The kissing balls graced various hallways and rooms. Anne sent a personal kissing ball to Richard's room. White six-hour candles in candelabra were reflected in mirrors. Fires were laid with aromatic apple or cedar woods.
The guest rooms at Rosings Park had been cleared as much as possible before the Christmas Eve Ball. Furniture and décor Anne wanted for the Dower House were returned to it. Excessive furniture and décor, which Anne did not want, had been shipped to the warehouse in London. Mr. Timsdale's men guaranteed everything would be ready for auction after Twelfth Night. The chairs were overstuffed in the ladies' rooms and comfortable leather in the men's rooms. Overlarge beds with soft linens, candelabras with four-hour candles, and thick soft rugs were standard in each of the rooms. Most of the rooms had writing desks which were completely outfited with writing sets, fresh ink, quills, and good writing paper.
Lizzy appreciated their guest room. She would thank Anne for understanding she and Darcy wanted to share a room. Done in various shades of blue and cream, arched bookcases stationed on either side of the fireplace were the outstanding feature of the room. Anne filled them with several books. The large bed felt welcoming. The seating area enticed. The attached dressing room held furniture for a gentleman and a lady. The room reminded Lizzy of the Darcy House.
~X~
"Mrs. Collins, Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Bennet, Miss Lydia Bennet may I present the Earl and Countess of Matlock, Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam, the Honorable Richard Fitzwilliam, and the Honorable Miss Anne de Bourgh. You met them at Darcy's wedding in June." Mr. Collins performed the introduction which Mary wrote for him several days ago.
"Miss Bennet," Lydia insisted.
"It is appropriate for you to be Miss Bennet at Longbourn when you are alone. However, here you are Miss Lydia because Miss Bennet is in residence," The Countess of Matlock gently corrected Lydia, ignoring her furious face. Her set down seemed to nettle Lydia a bit. "As the fourth daughter, Miss Bennet enjoys her elevated status since her three older sisters are married."
Bows and curtseys were exchanged. The Fitzwilliams did not address the shallowness of Lydia's curtsey. However, Mary felt Mr. Collins would lecture Lydia when he had a moment.
"You look lovely," Anne greeted Mary. Mary wore her green ballgown she ordered for Jane and Lizzy's wedding. Her long silk gloves and silk gauze wrap matched the forest green lace trim around the V-neck of the bodice. Matching forest green ribbon rosettes adorned the seam where the puff sleeves ended in a banded hem. The gathered skirt flared from the empire waist to the hem. Mary wore a wide, hunter green sash, tied in a pretty bow at the back of her dress. "Your dress looks well with your hair." She glanced over Mary's elegant coif with the seed pearl hair combs which matched her broach. Mrs. Bennet noted how Mary's gown looked well with Mr. Collins' gentleman's clothes.
After the receiving line, the Bennets encountered Kitty standing near the dance card table before the ballroom doors. She handed Mary and Lydia dance cards to tie around their wrists. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia busy examined the fine printed dance card…they never noticed Mary and Kitty's dance cards were completed.
"I can't abandon this task for Miss de Bourgh," Kitty informed Mama. "I'll seek you out when I'm not dancing." She urged them not to delay; the footman at the door of the ballroom announced guests. Mrs. Bennet would have complained about the crush, but she observed every detail of the Rosings Park décor.
Miss de Bourgh and Mr. Fitzwilliam opened the ball with a waltz. Anne's gardeners brought in white trellis sections with five-foot tall, white marble stands to create demi walls separating the dance floor from the chaperone chairs and spectator viewing. Vases of hothouse flowers and ivy sat on the marble stands. Kitty stood with her family behind a demi wall, watching everything.
"Is that a new gown?" Mrs. Bennet frowned when she observed Kitty. 'How does Kitty wear such fine new clothes when Mr. Bennet refused to buy better for Lydia?'
"Yes, I worried it would not be finished in time. I ordered it special from Mme. Charette in London." Kitty wore a deep pink silk gown with a blush pink gauze overlay. Chevrons of rose embroidered dark pink ribbon decorated the bodice. The long sleeves were created with deep pink silk puff sleeves and blush pink gauze long sleeves with deep pink silk cuffs. The trio of pink lace ribbons in her Grecian style hair matched the dark pink of her gown. She wore short blush pink silk gloves and dark pink satin slippers. She wore a set of pink topaz earbobs. "I know I have the ball gown from Jane and Lizzy's wedding, but it's more appropriate for spring and summer. This gown is appropriate for fall and winter."
"No lace," Mr. Bennet warned Mrs. Bennet as she and Lydia admired the sapphire blue silk underdress and the ribbon-striped tulle overlay of Miss de Bourgh's gown. They were especially enthralled with the silver and sapphires hair ornament which Miss de Bourgh wore. It matched her necklace and earbobs recreated from an old sapphire broach. "Are we required to stay here all evening?" Mr. Bennet asked Kitty.
"Just stay a few minutes longer, Papa. Then you may slip away to Miss Anne's library where card tables are set, and excellent port and brandy are available, in addition to almost full bookshelves." Kitty assured him. "There is a table set aside for family and friends in a corner. You can sit there."
"I wish I had dressed at Rosings," Lydia lamented. "Mary was mean about Barlow's time. I thought all you married ladies wore mob caps." She sniped at Mary. Lydia wore her red and white silk gown from Jane and Lizzy's wedding. Her hair was simply dressed with Mama's gold hair combs. She wore Mama's plain gold earbobs and fine gold chain with a gold locket.
"I prefer Mary have her hair dressed for special occasions like this, where she can show off the hair combs I gave her. They are nothing, of course, to the hair ornament which Miss Anne wears. Mr. and Miss Darcy gave it to Miss Anne for her birthday in May. Mary's hair combs belonged to my Mother. Now they belong to Mary, who does me great honor when she wears them, with the pearl necklace and earbobs from my Aunt Elenore." Mr. Collins smiled fondly at Mary, who had her hand tucked in the crook of his arm.
"I doubt you will see a single mob cap in attendance tonight." Mary commented to Lydia, but ever took her eyes off Mr. Collins. "Mother isn't wearing one either."
"Mama hid her hair under that hideous turban she purchased for Jane and Lizzy's wedding," Lydia argued. "I told her not to wear it, but she insisted it would be perfect for the ball."
Mary doubted Lydia would ever borrow the turban, thus her disdain. The burgundy satin with gold trim turban was not as hideous as ones Miss Bingley wore. Two small gold-tipped feathers were held in place with a gold and ruby paste pin. The turban covered Mama's hair completely. The burgundy and gold coordinated well with the dark ivory ballgown and wine accessories Mama purchased for Jane and Lizzy's wedding.
"Watch," Kitty murmured to Mary.
The opening dance ended, and instead of leading Miss Anne off the dance floor, Mr. Fitzwilliam knelt on his good knee. "Miss Anne…I have been a soldier who led a rough life with his enlisted men. Pretty words do not fall easily from my lips. I offer myself as your protector and defender, and a man who will cherish and love you to the end of our days. Please, Miss Anne…will you do me the great honor of joining your life to mine?"
"Yes," Anne vowed, "I will join my life to yours forever and a day…yes."
Fitzwilliam slid a small sapphire and diamond ring on Anne's finger before he stood to kiss her cheek while the crowd cheered. He swept her up and spun around with her several times before setting her down. He whispered about needing a kissing ball in her ear. She blushed furiously before several people surged forward to congratulate the couple.
Anne sighed happily to herself. Like Darcy, she could marry for love. Richard was physically fit, and sat a horse well. He had a wicked sense of humor that either left her gasping for air while laughing or blushing like a schoolgirl. She knew the army wounded a piece of Richard's spirit, but he was her knight in shining armor. Her heart filled with love for this man, and she felt grateful for the freedom to admit her feelings for him. When they traveled to London, she would tell Mother…but she did not entertain that thought right now.
"We're not family or particular friends like Mary and Mr. Collins," Mr. Bennet informed Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, holding both their arms. Mr. Bennet would not allow Mrs. Bennet or Lydia to join the throng of well-wishers. They were dismayed at his edict.
"Besides, Miss Anne arranged a surprise for you." Kitty nodded at someone over Mrs. Bennet's shoulder.
"Jane, Lizzy!" Mrs. Bennet cried when she turned to view the surprise. "My darling girls! And with your excellent husbands." She simpered at Bingley and Darcy, who acknowledged Mr. Bennet and family. "Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" She scolded.
"We planned a quiet Christmas at Pemberley," Darcy explained. "However, Fitzwilliam asked us to be present when he proposed. Elizabeth and I wanted to celebrate with them. Forgive us, we must attend our duties," Darcy and Elizabeth stepped forward to congratulate his cousins. Elizabeth wore a new sapphire blue ballgown sewn by the Fitzwilliams' French modiste. The materials were of the first stare but lacked excessive lace and flounces. Elizabeth wore the Darcy sapphire necklace, earbobs, bracelet and a hair bandeau. She wore the medieval sapphire ring…having learned the lineage of the Darcy sapphires to tell anyone who asked…which would probably be her mother.
"You must stay at the parsonage with us." Mrs. Bennet invited Jane and Bingley.
"I'm afraid there is not enough room at Hunsford Parsonage." Bingley smiled, despite Mrs. Bennet overstepping herself to extend the invitation.
"Nonsense," Mrs. Bennet tutted. "Lydia can stay at Rosings with Kitty and you can take her room at the parsonage."
"Thank you, but it would be rude to amend Miss de Bourgh's excellent arrangements. Music! May I have the pleasure of this set, Mrs. Bingley?" Bingley led Jane to the dance floor. She wore her blue ballgown from the birthday ball with the Bingley sapphires. Bingley wore his outfit from their wedding also. They looked quite well together.
Lydia frowned at the finery of all her sisters. 'I look like a poor cousin next to my sisters who are dressed so well. I will have better, or Papa would have no rest.'
The Darcys, Bingleys and Collinses took their places in the line of dancers. A tall man, with blonde hair and vivid green eyes stepped forward, "Miss Bennet, may I have this dance?"
Lydia smiled widely, intending to accept the offer to dance, when Kitty put her hand on the man's arm. "I would be delighted Mr. Hamilton." She smiled at him, ignoring Lydia and Mrs. Bennet's astonishment. They both watched enviously as Jane, Lizzy, Mary and Kitty moved smoothly through the set with the Fitzwilliams and Miss Anne. Miss Darcy danced with a dashing captain in his regimentals. The dance area held four rows of dancers.
Mrs. Bennet angered easily because lively Lydia, who loved to dance, had no dance partner. She fumed because Mr. Collins seemed to enjoy squiring his wife through the dance moves. With his clean and cut hair, and wearing his gentleman's clothes, Collins was a nice looking young man who only had eyes for his wife. Mary worked hard to make the bumbling cleric into a gentleman worthy of inheriting Longbourn…and it worried Mrs. Bennet excessively. Especially since they had an heir.
When the first set ended, the Rosings group shuffled partners and stayed on the dance floor.
Lydia waited for Kitty to introduce her to some of the men present; but Kitty continued to be engaged on the dance floor. Lydia, impatient to dance, nagged at Mama to facilitate introductions. Mrs. Bennet flapped her handkerchief at Mary; only to be ignored. Lydia anticipated being introduced to the handsome Mr. Hamilton or the dashing young man in his regimentals before the supper dance. However, she was still without a partner when the music began for the supper set. The Rosings crowd returned to their original partners. To Lydia's anger and chagrin, Mr. Hamilton escorted Kitty, and Captain Stokes escorted Miss Darcy for the supper set.
Georgiana's gown for the Rosings Park ball appeared very charming for a young lady who was not out yet. The blue velvet bodice had seed pearls accenting the neckline. A white velvet ribbon sash separated the bodice from the blue silk skirt. The long tulle sleeves were capped with blue velvet puffed sleeves accented with seed pearls. Georgiana wore simple pearl earbobs and a pearl bandeau. She looked very well when escorted by Captain Stokes in his red regimentals.
Lydia, who was an unknown to the gentlemen attending the ball, hovered near the dance floor. However, no man approached her or requested a dance. Mrs. Bennet and Lydia made their way through the crush to the refreshments, in hopes of garnering dance partners for Lydia. The ballroom had sideboards at both ends of the ballroom. Punch bowls of chilled apple cider or mulled wine accompanied gingerbread, almond or spice biscuits, and apple-cinnamon rout cakes.
Lydia did not have a supper dance partner. Eventually, Mrs. Bennet grabbed Kitty's arm as she delivered directives from the Countess of Matlock to a liveried footman. Mrs. Bennet demanded Kitty introduce her sister to single eligible men…such as Mr. Hamilton or Captain Stokes.
"Mr. Collins took Mr. Hamilton to meet Papa. Captain Stokes is an acquaintance of Mr. Fitzwilliam. He will coordinate introductions. We have four ladies from the area who are performing introductions. I don't see them, but Mary knows several young men who are present. Although, it will almost be impossible to introduce anyone in this crush. I cannot stay to talk. Mrs. Havens, the housekeeper, is expecting me. We're conducting tours of Rosings Park while supper tables are set." Kitty apologized. "If you find Papa, you may join my tour group."
The crush upset Mrs. Bennet's fragile nerves. Kitty, Lizzy and Mary disappeared…they were the ones who knew Rosings. Mrs. Bennet could not waylay a footman to direct her to the library. Eventually, Mrs. Bennet, with Lydia in tow, began searching every room on the first floor. After several false starts, she found the library and Mr. Bennet. By the time they reached the tables set for supper, they missed the first two champagne toasts for the newly engaged couple. Miss de Bourgh's extra-long table held her, the five Fitzwilliams, Miss Darcy and Captain Stokes, Mary and Mr. Collins, Kitty and Mr. Hamilton along with Lizzy and Darcy. Eventually the three Bennets found Bingley and Jane sitting near the de Bourgh table and settled themselves for supper. Mrs. Bennet felt pleased to be close to the de Bourgh table and have Mr. Bingley's amiable company.
Lydia complained to Jane about not being introduced to any young men and having to sit out the first sets. She was tired of being slighted at balls…first the birthday ball…then the wedding breakfast…and now this engagement ball. She blamed everyone and everything…except her dismal manners. The footmen with the mulled wine never approached their table. Lydia and Mrs. Bennet were dismayed to only be served apple cider. Jane appreciated Bingley not serving her fish or anything with onions. She also appreciated the cold apple cider.
"My sisters would swoon to attend an engagement ball for the granddaughter of an earl and the son of an earl. We must include all of the details of the ball in our Happy Christmas letters." Bingley commented when he heard Lydia complain. He cheekily winked at Jane who blushed quite becomingly.
Tureens of white soup; platters of baked fish; roasted geese; haunches of beef; game pies, several kinds of garden stuff; rolls and butter; displays of seasonal fruits with platters of cheeses; and mince pies, fruit cakes, and gingerbread filled the buffets at the Christmas Eve Ball. Apple cider and mulled wine were poured for the guests. Both Bingley and Bennet mourned the lack of Mary's new peas and potatoes.
Just before the supper concluded, Anne rose and introduced the four ladies who would make introductions for the evening. They would be stationed near the door of the ballroom to ease introductions. Mrs. Bennet steered Lydia to the best dressed of the four. She introduced herself and Lydia as the mother and sister of Mrs. Darcy. The lady introduced Lydia to Mr. Knowles, Miss de Bourgh's steward, and his six sons. Lydia's next seven dances were arranged before Lydia could escape and seek better partners. During the pause before the last set, Mr. Fitzwilliam approached. Lydia hoped he would introduce her to Captain Stokes. Instead, he introduced her to Mr. Miller, a middle-aged. widowed tenant farmer of Miss Anne. Lydia thanked the men for their marked attention. However, she claimed she felt excessively tired and planned to seek her parents. She flounced away from Mr. Fitzwilliam and Mr. Miller.
"Fitzwilliam, I forgive you for not playing cards this evening," Miller chuckled. "But I still win the bet."
"I heard Miss Lydia loves to dance and isn't terribly particular about who partners her." Fitzwilliam slipped him five guineas. "I mean, she had no partner for the first eight sets."
At the end of the evening, Mrs. Bennet tried to wrangle sleeping rooms at Rosings instead of returning to the parsonage. "Surely Jane can stay in Mr. Bingley's room, and Lizzy in Mr. Darcy's room. That would free two rooms for us, and Lydia may stay with Kitty."
"I'm sorry, but I must deny your request. The Bingleys are sharing a room, as are the Darcys. Miss Darcy is sharing with Miss Bennet." Miss Anne explained to Mrs. Bennet. "Miss Darcy's companion and maid are sharing a room in the servants quarters. All our bedrooms are taken by other guests."
"Our carriage is warmed and waiting, Mama. My staff lit fires in all the sleeping rooms at Hunsford Parsonage. I had Mrs. Clements move George's cradle to the fourth floor, so you will not be disturbed. If necessary, I have a sleeping draught waiting in your room." Mary explained. "We will attend church tomorrow, because George will be christened. We will not extend the evening discussing the ball or taking tea in the drawing room before we retire."
Mr. Bennet offered his arm to Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, intending to depart before the carriage cooled. He knew from Mrs. Bennet's pressed lips…this discussion was not over. He felt grateful for his private room at the parsonage.