Wretched Beginnings 1814 – Chapter 2
February at Rosings
"Anne, do you remember the pictures from this room?" Richard stared at the old Dower House catalogue. They reviewed the rooms in the future Rosings House and discussed room changes.
"No, why?" Each room of the proposed Rosings House had its own page in one of Anne's everyday books. Room measurements and room layouts were included. Anne added proposed colors to each room page.
"I think there were two small pictures on this wall. The wallpaper is brighter in those two spaces," Richard pointed them out to Anne. "A picture of the formal gardens in the spring and a picture of the formal gardens in the autumn are not in the ballroom."
"I gave Mary leave to take whatever she wanted from the Dower House when she rearranged the parsonage. Considering how enamored Mr. Collins was of Mother and Rosings Park when Marry arrived, I doubt she took Rosings pictures. They were not returned with several items when she rearranged the parsonage with the things from the uncle."
"I think someone acquired items. The catalogue, created by the Dowager Lady de Bourgh, seems to be missing some small things. I cannot imagine Mary Collins needing a documents box with a travel inkwell and personal silver salver." Richard flipped through the catalogue. "I will hire at least four more ex-military men to serve as guards for us. I don't want things to disappear from the Rosings ballroom."
"Do you think Wickham raided the Dower House to finance his way to Pemberley?" Anne frowned at the wall with the two obviously missing pictures.
"I believe he might have. The art you planned to keep is lovely…but you're lovelier," Richard pulled Anne into his arms and kissed her.
"You only like me because I will let you keep all the horse pictures in your study or the billiards room. What does not fit on the walls in those rooms will go." Anne warned Richard with several kisses.
"Only floral pictures in your study or in your dressing room, or in guest rooms." Richard returned her kisses.
"I'm keeping one floral picture for over my desk in my study. Aunt Anne painted it. The picture has white lilacs, white roses and white bells in a blue and white porcelain vase. I'm not…attached to the remainder. I suppose we could keep one or two for guest rooms."
"Don't doubt yourself," Richard wrapped his arms around Anne. "You are amazing and loyal. I love that you love me. Paint is nothing. If we don't like the way a room is finished, we'll choose different colors, upholstery or pictures. Besides, we're rearranging how some of the rooms will be used. The current layout does not suit."
"I think we should purchase etched copper plates for the houses." Anne commented. "We have settled on the names for each…we need the copper plates to remind everyone of the change of names."
~X~
"This is a pretty little table," Augusta ran her hand over a mahogany table. Robert brought his mother, wife and cousin Georgiana to visit for three days. The auction of furniture and furnishings in London discomposed Augusta. She chaffed because the current Countess of Matlock decorated the Matlock House and Matlock Estate. Augusta could only rearrange the suites used by Robert and her.
"There is a mate somewhere. Mother said they were my Grandmother de Bourgh's Irish tables. They were given as a wedding gift by some de Bourgh relative who owned property in Ireland."
"The feet are rather…odd." Augusta critiqued the pretty little tables.
"Those feet identify the Irish tables," Anne commented. "The edge on the table keeps me from inadvertently knocking things off. I plan to find the mate and use both of them in my study. When we write the catalogue, I plan to draw a picture of the tables and explain their origin."
"I have discovered your mother liked splitting pairs of things, except candelabra." Constance commented. "Will you have time to finish the work on Rosings House before the wedding?"
"We're reassigning and reconfiguring rooms at the Rosings House. Anne and I have been looking at decor. The Steward's House, which we've renamed Rosings Place, will be repainted and furnished. We plan to use Rosings Place as a boarding house for people visiting men at the de Bourgh Recovery House." Richard explained.
Augusta could not hide her dismay when Richard announced they planned to use the manor house for wounded soldiers and sailors. Her daydream of her first son inheriting Rosings Park and its holdings floated away, like the river over rocks at Matlock House. Her daydream of summer lawn parties at Rosings Park floated away also.
"This is a pretty little table," Georgiana admired a mahogany Pembrook table with carved legs. "I am reminded of one which Mrs. Annesley and I use in my private sitting room."
"Richard and I plan to use it in our private sitting room," Anne gave directions to staff to place the table with the other furniture for their private sitting room. "I believe we will place the set of four and ten mahogany shield back chairs in the formal dining room at Rosings House. Two have arms and two and ten do not. I found them in the Dowager Lady de Bourgh's catalogue from 1795. I think she took them from Rosings Park to the Rosings House."
"You don't think they are too formal for your dining room at the Rosings House? I would send them to the formal dining room at the de Bourgh House in London." Augusta commented.
"We purchased new sets of dining tables and chairs for the de Bourgh House." Richard wondered why Augusta suggested the furniture move to London. He felt again, Augusta would not mind at all if Rosings Park and its holdings were entailed. Otherwise, why would she be interested in Anne's furniture and furnishings.
"1750 Welsh dresser – oak – very large from Father's suite." Anne read from an old catalogue. "I thought we might take it to the de Bourgh House in London, as it is noted as a de Bourgh piece from the first Baron. The billiard room has oak furniture."
"I approve of sending it to London. I think it would be an excellent sideboard for the billiards room," Richard agreed.
"Your decision," Anne commented. "Kitty and Aveline agree the billiards room, dining room and your study should be prepared in masculine tastes. The drawing room, music room and my study are prepared for female sensibilities." Anne almost snorted. "I'd prefer your agreement on all the rooms since you will be living with me at the de Bourgh House and Rosings House."
~X~
"Curio cabinet, mahogany," Augusta admired the lovely piece.
"I found it in Mother's sitting room at the de Bourgh House, filled with porcelains. As I had all porcelains removed from her room so she can't throw them at servants, I must find a new room for it. I thought to put the cabinet in the drawing room. Richard suggested putting books in it, rather than filling it with ugly, useless porcelains."
"Not books," Constance commented. "You should place it in your private study or sitting room. I have one in my private study which holds things I like. Sometimes one has items which will not fit in a collector's cabinet. I have my grandmother's porcelain vase, an aunt's porcelain candlesticks, and my grandfather's silver comfit box. I also have an old doll which I was allowed to play with on Sundays. I have a silvered sanding pot…
"The urn shaped glass pot with the pierced top?" Augusta asked.
Constance nodded. "I have an acorn shaped silver nutmeg grater which matches a silver berry spoon. They both belonged to my Great-grandmother Constance Lillian Llewellyn. I have a silver tea caddy with spoon from Great-grandmother Constance's sister Charity. She gave it to my parents when they married. I have a pair of tea cups and saucers which have a matching plate and two smaller plates. They have gold gilt floral garlands. I use them for tea on days I feel melancholy. When I visited my grandmother, we took tea in her conservatory with the set."
"You should put the silver in the silver pantry," Augusta commented.
"I should keep my things in my curio cabinet where they give me pleasure," Constance retorted. "I keep an everyday book which lists each item, Anne. I have a drawing of the item, with who gave it to me or how I inherited it. Each item has a separate page I intend to bequeath the item with the page so the person who inherits understands where it came from."
"Such an excellent idea!" Anne commented. "I may do that with the collector's cabinet at both houses. I should list the drawers by number, the contents, and when someone put it in the cabinet."
"I have such a book with Fitzwilliam family heirlooms also," Constance remarked. "I have noticed it is usually the females of the family who preserve the history. The men may pass on an old family name, but I doubt they know which great grandmother bequeathed what silver or vase."
~X~
Anne agreed it would be impossible to take her phaeton to some of the tenants homes. She could reach tenants faster on horseback. She appreciated the wild meadows and wooded areas of Rosings. She was determined to reduce the formal gardens of Rosings to one…where the statues resided. Otherwise, she wanted to improve the gardens. Blue hyacinth planted with blush roses, and with white bells seemed more pleasing than twelve sections of rose garden which had separate colors. Rather than excessive gardeners to ensure the formality of the gardens, she wanted half the gardeners to enlarge and maintain the kitchen gardens to help feed the staff, tenants and fill charity baskets.
Anne loved slipping away from the never-ending work at Rosings. She enjoyed sitting down to a restorative cup of tea at the parsonage with Mary. They sat in Mary's sitting room, which hosted simple but well-chosen and comfortable furniture. Visiting Mary reminded Anne of the reasons behind the work being done at Rosings. She verified Mary had no pictures of Rosings Park.
Anne loved her life since May. She loved walking the gardens at Rosings. She didn't care for clothes shopping, but she loved bookstores, music stores and tea rooms in London. Well, she liked Timsdale's Tea Shop since very few of the ton were patrons who expected to make her acquaintance. Gunter's Ices was only tolerable if Anne attended early or attended late…or if she sent a footman to purchase ices for her while she sat in her coach. Since May, Anne had been able to converse easier. She knew she had opinions and thoughts which belonged to her and were not dictated by Mother. She did not require constant entertainment…dinners, card parties, theatre, concerts, shopping or Presentation Hour, unlike Augusta. What Anne needed was quiet evenings with Richard. She was thankful for their engagement which allowed them to be left alone and to dance three dances together.
~X~
"I feel fatigued," Anne sighed. Despite the comfort of riding in a plush, well sprung vehicle, she felt no pleasure at being in London. She spent most of the journey writing ideas and decisions so she would not forget them when she returned to Rosings on Monday. One of her ideas was a general inventory of the equipage at Rosings. Anne felt three large carriages, uncrested, would provide enough seating for moving between Rosings and London, and touring England. She would have the crests removed, the equipage cleaned and maintained, and then consider selling the extra equipage to anyone who would pay the coin. She did not care if a tradesman or impoverished gentry purchased her excess…whether it was furniture, porcelains or equipage.
"I will arrange a hot bath for you," Aveline soothed. "I will have Cook make hot milk and honey to drink, and a small plate with a pasty and a sugar biscuit. After your bath, rest. I will set some of your new books, no mysteries, on your nightstand. You can ask Mrs. Jenkinson about your mother tomorrow. Don't worry about the de Bourgh House tonight. You can speak with the Shepherds tomorrow." Aveline understood the importance of a warm fire, books and a tray for Miss Anne. Anne requested a tray for Kitty also. She had been busy drawing changes for gardens at Rosings. She would appreciate a quiet night also.
~X~
Mrs. Havens and six maids cleaned Rosings House while Miss Anne and Miss Kitty were in London. Drapes were taken down, washed and examined for wear. Once carpets were taken up, beaten and sponged clean, they were rolled and moved to Rosings ballroom. Rosings House rooms were scrubbed down and polished up. Anne and Richard spent Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings from breakfast to midday sorting the contents of the Rosings ballroom. They sent two full wagons of furniture and decor to the London warehouse for the auction after Lady Day.
Mr. Dalton and his men reconfigured rooms on the third floor of Rosings House. A large schoolroom, a children's library, a bathing room, and a staff common room were created. Two large rooms were split by a separating demi wall for visiting children in one half the room and a nursery maid in the other half. The remaining rooms became single rooms for tutors, governess, nanny, etc. Richard and Anne might not have children, but they would be prepared for guests who had children.
The lower level contained four separate sections. The kitchen, scullery, cold room, dry storage, and stillroom filled one section. A set of four sleeping rooms for the cook, undercook, and two rooms for four kitchen maids to share occupied a second section. The third section held work rooms for the house steward 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.
Richard and Anne discussed how to decorate their future home. Richard advocated natural colors of greens, blues, yellows, creams and light browns. Anne wanted sunrise colors for east facing guest rooms – pale yellow, pale peach, lavender, and pale blues. Armed with a list of rooms and their measurements; they would tour warehouses in London for paints, rugs and furniture.
February in Bath
"I reread all of Kitty's letters about where to go in Bath," Lydia told Mama. "I have the name of a good modiste, so I can commission a new ball gown. Kitty claimed the circulating library and bookstore on Milsom Street has the calendar of events for the Pump Room, Upper Rooms and Lower Rooms. They also have tickets for balls, card parties, lectures, theatre and concerts."
"We must do as well as Kitty, if not better, during our stay." Mrs. Bennet sighed.
~X~
"Tea trays will be delivered to rooms at half past eight in the morning. Breakfast at ten. Cold collations will be available midday. Tea and refreshments will be served to visitors from one to four. Dinner is at six each evening we have plans and at seven each evening we don't have plans. All meals will be served in the dining room." Madeleine Gardiner paused. "I will set a good table each evening. However, as we will have no dinner companions, there is no need for us to have excessive menus. Each evening we will have soup, meat, four sides, and a sweet, with appropriate wine."
"Franny should look over your menus…she is the best hostess in Hertfordshire." Deborah Phillips commented.
"I am the hostess in Bath and I choose the menus. My teas will be elegant enough for any station of guests which we might have. I am determined to offer one biscuit, one scone, one savory and one sweet at each tea. Tomorrow's tea will include Mary's honey biscuits, Mother Gardiner's cream scones, my sister's spinach and cheese tarts and Lizzy's butter pound cake. Leftover items from tea and from dinner will be offered for breakfast." Madeleine paused. "We will accept visitors on Monday and Friday as I intend to make calls on Tuesday and Thursday. I plan to attend lectures or visit museums on Wednesdays. My shopping day will be Saturday. Possibly I will attend concerts, musicales at the assembly rooms, and card parties at friends' homes on Saturday evening. Church on Sunday."
"What kind of tea will you offer?" Franny inquired.
"Mr. Gardiner provided excellent brown tea and excellent coffee from his favorite beverage warehouse for our stay in Bath. I doubt Mr. Bennet included quantities of green tea in the provisions he provided. If you want green tea…then you must purchase it." Madeleine commented, knowing Franny would not spend her funds on tea. Franny would not spend Madeleine's funds on green tea either. Mr. Gardiner sent an explicit express to the housekeeper in Bath. No one took orders from Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Bennet or Miss Lydia. Mrs. Gardiner's arrangements would not be gainsaid. Mrs. Gardiner took the largest suite on the second floor…and the farthest away from the other three.
~X~
"Mrs. Roberts, the only Season you will have this spring is planting season with your gentleman farmer husband and his tenants. You are a farmer's wife. We live a quite different life than first and second circles in London or Bath. We are country gentry, and keep to country hours, like Mr. Darcy. We do not lie in our beds until noon, dress for an afternoon at the Pump Room, shopping or tea, and then bath and dress for an evening of dancing, cards and gossip. Sunday we attend the local church where my family has been members for generations. Every fortnight the Benefice Society meets on Wednesday afternoons at the church. The last Wednesday of the month you attend orphanage meetings. Fridays you and Cecily call upon the tenants. We accept invitations from Mother, Anthony and Cecily, and others of our rank in Bath. I know you hate my review of invitations which come for us. However, I will not attend vapid card parties where the men do nothing more than exchange the latest gossip heard at men's clubs…or the directions to the nearest, new light skirt…or directions to a new shopkeeper who can be fleeced of their goods and living by the peers who do not pay their invoices promptly." Andrew Roberts chided his wife. "Please write Sister Louisa and thank her for the invitation. However, I see no reason for you to travel to London in this cold weather. Please let me know if you are inviting family to Bath for Easter. Remember…a fortnight before Easter and a fortnight after Easter. I will not have the Hursts staying for the entire summer."
~X~
When they arrived in Bath, Lydia insisted they visit the bookstore Kitty mentioned in her letters. Lydia urged Mama to purchase tickets for them for the weekly card parties and assemblies in the Assembly Rooms. Mama agreed Lydia's liveliness would net her invitations from better society. They would not spend their funds on lecture or concert tickets. If anyone wanted Lydia's company at such activities, Mrs. Bennet reasoned they would provide the ticket. Lydia appreciated one of Bath's rules; no one entertained at dinners. Lydia would not be seated in the middle of the table at dinners where people watched how much she drank. However, she thought Aunt Gardiner acted too much like Mary. She determined the four women would share one bottle of wine at dinner.
"They're here, Mama! My new gowns are here!" Lydia cried with excitement. Mama used both their pin moneys to purchase gowns and accessories for Lydia. The modiste suggested one white and one cream day gown, with several ribbons to change the appearance of her gowns. Two silk evening gowns of white and cream were commissioned. Lydia purchased a new wine satin ball gown with silk petticoats and a long wrap. One set of red accessories and a set of wine accessories would be used for all of Lydia's new gowns.
"I wish we had thought to ask you to bring dress lengths of excellent material with you," Franny confided to Madeleine. "I think the materials Kitty's Bath modiste uses are not as fine as the ones from Gardiner's Emporium."
"We do have excellent materials, but you might have spent more on better materials if you had not purchased two new bonnets for Lydia. We're only here two months. Four new gowns and a ballgown, plus two new bonnets and accessories?" Madeleine knew Franny preferred to spend money on gowns and accessories before considering anything else. She also felt the modiste recognized social climbers and charged more for her services. Edward warned Madeleine to spend her Bath funds on herself. She would not be importuned by Franny or Lydia for funds for ribbons, fashion magazines or confections.
"You have forgotten what it is like to be a young lady and need pretty clothes." Deborah chided. "Lydia needs to present herself well. A larger circle of acquaintances will better her chances at an excellent marriage." Deborah's funds paid the coachman. He kept the carriage at the ready for Franny and Lydia to use. Deborah refused to loan Franny and Lydia the two new bonnets and new accessories she purchased for herself. Mr. Phillips had not been overly generous.
Because Madeleine refused to shop with Franny and Lydia, she hired hackney cabs and chairs to take her wherever she wanted to go.
~X~
Lydia's sisters proclaimed her a reckless flirt and a ridiculous child; asserting she would scandalize the family while seeking a good adventure. Franny felt ecstatic because Lydia became the darling of the officers in Bath. She became particular friends with Mrs. Penelope Whitford, the wife of Colonel Whitford. Penelope Whitford offered Lydia a constant stream of invitations to balls, assemblies, private dances, card parties, and to concerts and theatre presentations. Penelope invited Lydia to accompany her while calling on other military wives. Mama sighed with happiness. Lydia hoped to secure an invitation from Penelope to stay in Bath until summer. Papa would not care…and Mama would be easy to manage.
Since Papa did not monitor Mama's letters since they arrived in Bath; Lydia urged Mama to write her sisters. Mama asked Jane, Lizzy, Mary and Kitty for funds to secure an excellent holiday in Bath for Lydia. Lydia felt she needed two or three better day gowns for calls with Penelope. Mama wrote how Lydia enchanted the modiste, the bookstore owner, and young ladies at Mulholland's where they took tea after shopping.
Kitty sent two one-pound notes and warned Lydia not to spend it all on ribbons the first day she received it. Mary recommended thrift and economy. She sent Aunt Madeleine a one pound note in her letter to pay for any correspondence which Mama might receive. Jane sent ten pounds, and recommended Mama take the waters to abate her headaches and nerves. Decorating and settling Landers End would prevent Jane from traveling to Bath to nurse Mama. Lizzy refused to send money for green tea, gowns or amusements for Lydia. Lizzy recommended Mama economize because visiting the baths and taking the waters would eat away at her funds. Lizzy also sent Aunt Madeleine a one pound note to pay for correspondence. Mama spent Jane's funds on day gowns of the best material in the dark reds Lydia preferred, along with the best accessories money could buy. Lydia used Kitty's donation to purchase confections when she took tea at Mulholland's with friends.
March at Hunsford
Mr. Collins received correspondence from the rector at St. George's Cathedral, London. He requested proof Miss Anne was a member in good standing of Hunsford Rectory and resided at Rosings Park, Kent. Mr. Collins verified the questions of the rector at St. George's Church and set the letter out to mail. He rang for a tea tray and asked Mrs. Manning to close the door to the bookroom while he researched and wrote Sunday's sermon. He felt discomposed because he would not conduct Miss Anne's wedding ceremony. He felt he was being punished for supporting Lady Catherine's assertion that Darcy and Miss Anne were engaged. 'How was I to know? Miss Anne did not tell me. Women exchanged confidences. What could Mary have possibly told Miss Anne? Wait…Cousin Elizabeth and Miss Anne must have exchanged confidences…and then Cousin Elizabeth told Mary.' Mr. Collins stopped fretting and applied himself to Sunday's sermon. Should he discuss the effects of gossip on communities? He could reference the commandment about lying. Lady Day was coming. Contracts for positions and tenants would be signed. The topic was timely. He would not preach on separation of rank ever again.
~X~
Mr. Knowles' men painted the interior of Rosings Place the first sennight of March. All the rooms were painted cream. Then for a sennight they painted rooms at the Rosings House. Servant rooms and the lower level all had cream walls. The nursery rooms were painted pale green. The pale blue master and mistress suite, originally five rooms, became a suite with sleeping quarters, sitting room and two dressing rooms. East guest rooms were painted in the dawn colors Anne desired. The large common rooms on the first floor were painted in cream. The library, billiard room and the master and mistress studies were painted in pale greens. The morning room and the private parlor were painted in pale gold. Once the rooms were painted, Richard and Anne toured Rosings House at different times of the day to determine if they liked the way the walls were painted. The house inspection went well…waiting for rugs and furniture.
Richard and Anne hired more ex-military men to ensure safety and security for all of Rosings Park. Projects to complete Rosings House, Rosings Place and the de Bourgh Recovery House needed to be guarded. Additionally since the possible break in at the Rosings House, Richard wanted men to walk the area around the three residences and the parkland.
Kitty spent several days drawing possible gardens for Rosings House and Rosings Place. She reimagined the conservatory at the Rosings House to the delight of the engaged couple. She helped Anne's art master clean and reframe paintings for all three houses. She helped Mr. Knowles maintain ledgers for expenditures of all three houses. She helped the engaged couple sort the contents of the ballroom and maintain lists of where furniture and decor would go.
During her free time, Kitty read fashion magazines, and sketched a travel wardrobe for the wedding tour. Her favorite sketch was the sleeveless pelisse which she wanted to create from a medium weight linen.
~X~
"I want to move the Muse pavilion to the rose garden of Rosings House," Anne requested. "My father loved that pavilion."
"I know there were three original Muses, and then it grew to nine. Which four are represented by your pavilion?" Richard exhibited his knowledge of classical literature.
"Calliope holds a scroll to represent epic poetry. Euterpe holds a flute to represent music. Terpsichore's robes float around her, representing dance. Urania wears a crown of stars and holds the moon to represent astronomy." Anne pointed at each figured column which graced a corner of the pavilion.
"We will measure the pavilion and hire men to move the stone floor and marble figured column. The wooden cover might be moved in one trip, but it might need to be rebuilt. The stone benches should be moved first, allowing access to the rest of the pavilion." Richard stroked the moon while gazing at the ivy growth on the pavilion cover.
March at Pemberley
"I am exceedingly fond of your good company," Lizzy and Jane were hidden in Lizzy's study while Darcy and Houghton talked to Bingley and his steward about spring planting. Lizzy's seamstress created a layette for the baby, as Lizzy didn't care to sit and sew. She sewed a new blanket for Baby Darcy with embroidery to match the family christening gown. She was grateful for Solange arranging her hair without excessive pins to poke her. Her new day gown of dark primrose and cream stripes would adjust as she increased with Baby Darcy.
"I'm so glad we are at Landers End and only thirty miles from Pemberley. We can meet here or at Landers End for dinners or house parties." Jane sighed agreeably. Her golden hair was caught up in soft ringlets caught by ribbons which matched Jane's new dark blue day gown. Mary suggested only purchasing gowns which would expand while her sisters were increasing. "I can picture us a decade from now, or two decades. Bingley and Darcy will teach our boys to ride…"
"And our girls…" Lizzy interrupted.
"And our girls," Jane conceded. "We will have lawn picnics while Darcy and Bingley teach our children to fish and swim. Bingley enjoys fishing, riding and outdoor sports. He has ridden every inch of Landers End and knows the tenants well. Church has been a joy for us. Vicar Samuels reminds me of Vicar Nelson at St. Albans."
"We will take our children to Rosings for Easter, and the Darcy House for the Season and Little Season." Lizzy daydreamed with her sister. "Midsummer lawn parties…christenings at the Pemberley Chapel…Eton and Cambridge for our sons…governesses for our daughters…"
"House parties and a birthday/anniversary ball…" the sisters laughed and applied themselves to creating pieces for layettes for the newest Bingley and the newest Darcy.
March in London
"I have the text ready for each of the invitations we want printed…" Richard pulled a face while reading the wedding breakfast and wedding ball invitations to Anne. "I thought we would hand write the wedding invitations as we're only inviting fifty persons."
"Since Father is dead, and Mother is incapacitated, I believe Matlock House should issue the invitations. We won't be in London, except on weekends. Augusta and Aunt Constance need to write, mail and keep a list of who will attend the ceremony, breakfast or ball and who cannot. I'm planning a horrid task for Augusta. I want her to open all mail which arrives for you at Matlock House while we are in Hunsford. She can separate into business, invitation or other."
"Why?" Richard felt curious.
"Perhaps when she sees an invoice for paint, or furniture…she will realize I have no intention of entailing Rosings Park again." Anne commented.
"Again?" Richard frowned.
"When the first Baronet de Bourgh was recognized by the Crown, Rosings Park was entailed for three generations – the first, second and third Baronet de Bourgh. Father was the third, and had no intention of continuing the practice. He was not as fond of the ton as Mother was, but I imagine it was because he was a lowly Baronet trapped between upper peerage who deem themselves important due to birth."
"No church decorations…as is the rule of society," Richard read from the list. "What prompted that edict?"
"Mama wanted to bedeck St. Albans for Jane's and Lizzy's wedding. Lady Matlock refused to allow Mama to embarrass my sisters. A low arrangement of roses on the pianoforte and white four-hour candles were the only church decoration. However, Vicar Nelson didn't anticipate Mama sending farm workers to clean the parkland around the church and the cemetery, and trim trees and hedges. She sent maids from Longbourn and Netherfield to the church to scrub it down and polish it up." Kitty laughed.
"Mrs. Bennet offended the sexton and his wife. Darcy paid them handsomely to forgive Mrs. Bennet's effusions." Anne shared the gossip with Richard. "We are in agreement about your father walking me down the aisle and Darcy and Georgiana as our only attendants?"
"Augusta suggested Robert stand for me. However, having our Darcy cousins stand for us means we are not required to invite Augusta's family to the wedding." Richard remarked. "Mother agreed to only fifty people at the wedding ceremony. I don't know what the outside crowd will be like when we leave the church. Oh, I hired a white landau and a set of four white horses to take you to the church, and to take us to the Matlock House afterwards."
"Really?" Anne laughed. "Is there a reason?"
"Augusta has been discomposed since we used Darcy's solicitors to finalize our marriage settlement. They, of course, will not reveal anything to my family. Your mother is not able to review the settlement. Darcy read over our settlement, providing suggestions when he mailed it back to his solicitors." Richard explained. "Father and Darcy signed as our witnesses and agreed to not divulge any pertinent details."
"I have a modiste appointments every Saturday morning in March." Anne kept her feelings to herself. "I imagine I will hear about our marriage settlement until I am heartily sick of Augusta. I finally ended her disappointment about an entail for the estate. I reminded her an entail would have prevented my inheritance. Father had male cousins several times removed who might have inherited, instead of me. I reminded her a new entail meant de Bourgh cousins would inherit. After dealing with Mother for a decade, I find myself unmoved by Augusta's ideas and expectations. I do not believe I will be her favorite sister-by-marriage."
"I will warn Georgiana, Kitty and Mother to temper Augusta's expectations for us," Richard promised. "You will be her only sister-by-marriage until Viscount Elburn becomes leg shackled."
"As long as Viscount Elburn doesn't become leg-shackled to Georgiana. William married for love. We are marrying for love. I would like the same for Georgiana." Anne continued to review the guest lists.
~X~
April 1, 1803
London
The Will of the Honorable Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam
In the name of God, amen. I, Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam, of Matlock House, London and Matlock Estate, Nottinghamshire, being of sound mind and physical form, do ordain and make this my first will and testament. I have no home, no wife, no children. Should I die in the commission of deeds for His Majesty's Army, I will and bequeath all of my property to my brother, Viscount Robert Fitzwilliam. I have £3,000 in the four percents at the royal chartered Bank of England, London. I do constitute and appoint my cousin, Fitzwilliam Darcy, to be my executor, ensuring all my debts are paid, and settling funds with my heir. Therefore, I set my hand and seal. The Honorable Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, His Majesty's Army.
Richard shook his head and began drafting a new will. Darcy's solicitors helped write the marriage articles. He would rely on Darcy's solicitors to help write a new will, leaving his worldly goods to Anne. They were helping Anne draft a will. While Richard sincerely hoped he and Anne would have a child, he understood the importance of setting out the details for many situations as Sir Lewis de Bourgh had done.
March 5, London
Aveline and Kitty agreed with Mme. Charette about Anne's gown – white, silk, and no lace. The pin-tucked bodice with a slightly scooped neckline proclaimed innocence. The short straight sleeves, empire waistline and neckline were trimmed with white satin cording. Ladies generally wore their best dress…but Anne wanted a white gown with overlays like Elizabeth purchased. Anne's white wedding gown had a special white gauze and lace overlay made for the ball. Anne decided to wear the Fitzwilliam pearl bandeau for the wedding ball. Anne selected white silk opera length gloves for both the wedding and the ball. She would wear white kid leather boots to church, and then white satin dancing slippers for the wedding breakfast and the ball.
"I have a worker who has a French lace weaving machine. I would like to hire her to weave lengths of lace to create a special mantle for you." Mme. Charette suggested Anne commission a mantle made from machine-made rose-motif lace. Kitty drew a sketch of how the mantle should look. The seams, edges and hem would be bound with white silk ribbon. The mantle had two white silk, ribbon bound slits for Anne's hands to fit through. Anne would wear the hood up instead of a bonnet and veil. Anne would wear the Fitzwilliam pearls for the wedding, wedding breakfast and wedding ball. She purchased pearl hairpins to wear during the wedding and wedding breakfast.
"I know bridesmaids usually wear white gowns with white accessories…and brides usually wear colored gowns. However, I want a gown like Elizabeth Darcy's wedding gown, and Georgiana does not need another white gown," Anne felt if society wanted to gossip about the colors of their gowns, then society had little to occupy their minds. Mme. Charette suggested Georgiana commission a simple day gown for the wedding and wedding breakfast, and a more ornate gown for the ball. She would need a summer weight, hooded cloak for the wedding. Georgianna selected summer blue for the wedding clothes, light blue for the ball gown, and a dark blue velveteen for the cloak. Anne approved of Georgiana's choices. She offered Georgiana the sapphire bandeau for the day's events. With the bandeau and the hooded cloak, Georgiana did not need a wedding bonnet.
Aunt Constance and Kitty drew sketches of the bridal bouquet, the bridesmaid posy and the decorations for the wedding breakfast and the ball. They settled on white roses, white lilacs, and green myrtle leaves for the wedding flowers with white silk and white silk lace ribbons. Mary suggested drying some of the flowers afterwards, so Aveline could make sachets for Anne with white silk, white silk ribbons and white silk lace.
March 12, London
"The decisions are made," Aunt Constance read from the pages before her. "Wedding at ten o'clock on April thirtieth. I've spoken with the rector of St. George's Cathedral, Hanover Square. He will conduct the ceremony. Richard will purchase a special license, and pay for the rector and parish clerk. William and Georgiana are your attendants. Reginald will escort Anne. Clothes for the wedding and wedding breakfast, along with the wedding ball are settled. Fifty of our closest family and friends will attend the wedding. Augusta created a list of five hundred ton members we should invite. I will invite half to the wedding breakfast and half to the wedding ball."
"My family are invited to…" Augusta questioned the arrangements.
"The wedding ball," Constance commented. "I feel they would enjoy the ball more than the wedding breakfast. The ball is all evening, and the breakfast is only for a few hours."
Augusta nodded her agreement. "We selected the decorations for the ballroom to match the wedding flowers." Augusta commented. "Friday afternoon, specially invited female guests will attend tea and create the wedding flowers."
"I will travel to the de Bourgh House the morning of the thirtieth," Uncle Reginald noted. "I will transport you and Georgiana to the church. Richard will escort his mother to church from Matlock House. Richard and Anne travel by themselves from the church to the Matlock House."
"Orchestra in the mezzanine, but the ballroom doors will be open for guests to circulate in the gardens if the ballroom becomes too warm," Augusta commented. "The gardeners have a list of the work to be done before the wedding. Gardiners agreed to scrub the fountain and ensure it works. They will trim hedges. New plants will be dug in to increase the fullness of the blooms and foliage of the gardens."
"Our wedding tour will be in May at Brighton and Bath, followed by the Lake District. Then we will leave the Lake District for the house party at Pemberley in June. Darcy and Elizabeth are hosting a birthday and anniversary ball on June thirtieth. Anne and I will be at home at Rosings House by the middle of July." Richard announced. "We will open the current manor house as the de Bourgh Recovery House for the Military by Michaelmas. The Steward's House will become Rosings Place for renting rooms to family visiting the men at the Recovery House."
When Anne was alone with Aunt Constance she asked the pressing question. "Who is the special guests invited to the tea to decorate the ballroom?"
Aunt Constance's eyes twinkled. "I invited young women who Georgiana met in Bath. They are fully young, like Georgiana, and cannot attend the ball. They will be escorted mothers or companions. I would rather have their help than ladies of the ton."
March 17, London
"We received a letter expressing joy for both of you from Mrs. Thomas Bennet and one from Mrs. Andrew Roberts." Augusta commented.
"Send a letter back, thanking them for the good wishes," Richard directed. "I would not object if you teased them. Explain we are unable to personally respond to share our happiness. Explain we are renovating Rosings Park during the week and the de Bourgh House on weekends. Explain Anne is creating her trousseau and fittings at the modiste. Do not reveal any details of the wedding, or amusements which we have seen or might attend."
"Understood…do not write anything which hints at an invitation." Augusta laughed. "How is Mrs. Roberts handling her lack of society in Bath?"
Richard revealed Caroline Roberts attempts to see Anne at Laura Place last autumn. He rode to the Roberts Estate and visited Darcy's ex-valet, Andrew Roberts. He had been impressed with the farms which Roberts purchased. Roberts Estate and Roberts Farms furnished most of the meat, milk, eggs, cheese, plus orchard and garden stuff to the residents and visitors at Bath. A cousin had asked Roberts to become a partner in a livery service in Bath. Carriages for rent were in great demand during Season and Little Season.
March 18, London
"Mrs. Shepherd, I will need rooms for four men for tonight. They are driving dray wagons forward from Rosings to the de Bough House. They are delivering the loads to the warehouse Mr. Timsdale arranged for us. Tomorrow, they will pack and transport furniture and décor Mr. Fitzwilliam and I purchased to Rosings." Anne directed.
"The Fitzwilliam ancestral pictures from Rosings and from the de Bourgh House have been delivered to the Matlock House. The Fitzwilliams thanked you for them." Mrs. Shepherd commented. "I put miniatures I found in your private sitting room so you can see them. I understand you plan to take them to Rosings Park."
"The de Bourgh ancestral pictures, arriving today, will be stored in an empty room on the second floor. I will finish the rearrangement of the de Bourgh House after the wedding. Mr. Fitzwilliam and I will decide where to hang them." Anne examined the de Bourgh House ledgers and the ledger for Lady Catherine's care with Mrs. Shepherd. The work conducted by the house staff, and Mother's caregivers eased her mind.
Anne read the announcement of Richard and her engagement announcement from the London Times to Mother. Mrs. Jenkinson asserted she read it to Lady Catherine. Anne explained she wanted to discuss her upcoming wedding and plans with Mother. Mrs. Jenkinson seemed in a temper over Anne's decision and barely left Anne alone with her Mother when Anne asked. Anne requested Mrs. Shepherd clear the hall except for one footman. She did not desire to be overheard. Lady Catherine sat in her bath chair in the conservatory and spent her time ignoring Anne and her announcement or explanations. "I am sorry you are unhappy about William and Elizabeth's marriage. I am sorry you are unhappy about Richard and my decision. We are happy. Please try to be happy for us."
March 18, London
"We turned down invitations for dinners and parties which would fete you and Anne's engagement and wedding," Augusta seemed disturbed by the plethora of invitations for Richard and Anne, which did not include the Viscount and Viscountess.
"Good," Richard observed the lists of invitations by date for Richard and Anne. "Must we inflict a chorale, musicale, opera, theatre or a lecture on ourselves every weekend we are in London? I know London offers such entertainment in addition to museums…but I would rather have a quiet night in the library at the de Bourgh House than endure the ton." Richard sighed.
"We surely have no pressing invitations for this weekend." Anne commented to Augusta. "We have a great deal to organize. Mr. Timsdale coordinated an auction for our goods on March thirtieth. We sent furniture and décor to a warehouse. We need to approve the notice for the paper and the handbills. We need to attend the bank for funds to pay staff Lady Day. We will not be in London next weekend. Are most of our invitations from people who are not on our guest lists?" Anne caught a frown and a shrug from Augusta. She would not be importuned by Augusta's desires to socialize. "Aunt Constance…Richard and I will defer to you on this. If we are required to attend an event every Friday evening, we must come forward Friday morning to have time to rest. We have tasks every weekend…we do not come to London to amuse ourselves."
"Tonight we are attending the theatre with Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley, and Miss Kitty Bennet. Saturday morning, Anne and Georgiana have fittings at the modiste. I agreed to look at the correspondence which came during the week. Saturday afternoon, Anne and I are shopping for Rosings House. Saturday evening we are having a quiet dinner at the de Bourgh House and visiting with Lady Catherine. Sunday we will attend church and spend the day at Matlock House. Monday morning Anne meets with Lady Catherine's doctor and medical staff. Monday afternoon we return to Rosings. We have neither the time nor the inclination for excessive invitations to dinners, balls and St. James." Richard reiterated their diary. He and Anne reviewed the list of invitations and refused every invitation they could.
March 19, London
Richard shook his head. The piles of correspondence and calling cards on his desk at Matlock House demanded attention. Augusta sorted correspondence by date, and calling cards by social circles. Once the engagement announcement had been published… all of the first and second circles left their card at the Matlock House in the past week. 'My kingdom for a fast horse, a sunny day, and the fresh air of Hyde Park.' Richard wished he had a reason to go somewhere while Anne visited the modiste and shopped. Instead he dealt with business letters from the warehouses where he and Anne purchased items for Rosings House. Blakewell needed to empty Richard's room at Matlock House and ship everything to Rosings House before Richard left on his wedding tour.
Two hours later, Richard finished the business letters. He bound and set them aside. He reached for the biggest pile, consisting of invitations. Augusta separated them into piles requiring a yes or a no. He set the yes letters aside. He wrote letters of refusal. Two hours later, he finished the refusal letters. Having used all his sealing wax and half his paper, Richard had a reason to leave. Although the stationer shop did not entice him; Richard could find a shop or two near it to occupy more time. He needed to order new cards at the stationer shop with the directions for the de Bourgh House and Rosings House. He could visit Timsdale's Tea and Timsdale's Treasures. He gave the pile of letters to the Matlock House's butler to be franked and sent. Richard requested a suite for he and Anne for the wedding day and before they left for the wedding tour. The butler assured him Lady Matlock made the arrangements for he and Miss Anne, and for Darcy and other guests also.
Perhaps Anne would be at the de Bourgh House when he returned. Richard would love a walk in the gardens with her before they dressed for dinner. However, visiting Lady Catherine came before amusing themselves.
~X~
Anne prepared character letters, while Richard prepared the ledgers and wages for staff, and for departing staff. They might dismiss more staff when they moved to Rosings House. The servants who were leaving would be taken to London to meet with the registry office to obtain new positions, or sent home to families. The Shepherds were warned to open the de Bourgh House 0to departing Rosings Park staff for one week. Richard recommended they purchase six and thirty coin rolls from Gardiner's Emporium. Richard and Anne would offer the coin rolls to the departing staff with their wages as a leaving gift. Remaining staff would receive materials for a new outfit when they signed contracts on Lady Day. Richard and Anne planned thank you gifts for the servants accompanying them on the wedding tour.
"I sent an express to Mr. Knowles. While it is cool, everyone is to continue to use their fireplaces. We don't want anyone to become ill, or more ill. I asked the Shepherds to continue to light fires at the de Bourgh House until the weather warms. I cannot risk Mother becoming ill." Anne informed Richard.
"I find her silence…overwhelming," Richard admitted. "I feel like a naughty schoolboy who has been caught stealing the biscuits. I know she hears us, but to refuse to look at us, or admit we are present in the room is…unsettling."
"I find Mother's silence as loud as her domination of conversation," Anne admitted before resuming the list of staff at the de Bough house and Rosings Park.
March 25 in Bath
"I need to shop in Bath, Mr. Roberts. I have been out of my favorite scent for a month." Caroline addressed her husband at dinner. When Roberts started a conversation Caroline didn't appreciate, she silently conjugated French verbs so Roberts couldn't penalize her for saying something untoward.
"If you are referring to that citrus and mint scent, I expressly forbid you to purchase it ever again. I feel like I am stuffed in a tea pot when you wear it. A light floral scent will suit." Roberts commented. He knew it plucked some of Caroline's feathers because he physically resembled Darcy. He kept his hair cut like Darcy and wore the same lemon and sandalwood scent preferred by Darcy. Several of his waistcoats and two of his top coats were castoffs from Darcy. When he ordered new clothes, he selected some of the colors and materials he knew Darcy wore. He didn't know and didn't care if Caroline closed her eyes and pretended she bedded Darcy when Roberts visited her bed.
"I will not wear scents like rose or lavender." Caroline argued. Mother Roberts wore a rose scent which reminded Caroline of Jane Bennet. Cecily wore lavender scent which reminded Caroline of Eliza Bennet.
"Miss Darcy wore jasmine, lily of the valley or violets. I can't imagine you disdaining those scents. I would prefer you smell like a lady. Smelling like food gives the impression you have been working in the kitchen." Roberts knew his comment would make Caroline change her scents faster than anything else.
"Do you have objections about my shopping in Bath on Saturday?" Caroline attempted to constrain her eagerness to have an afternoon away from the farms.
"You have all of this quarter's pin money. You still have some of your trousseau funds. I credited the blankets you will take to the orphanage against your penalties for the quarter. Please bring the invoice for goods you take from the market to the orphanage. If you want more clothes and treats than your funds will cover, you might consider opening those trunks of silk and satin dresses. Use what you can and sell the remainder to a clothing shop in Bath. Sell the accessories in colors which I will not let you wear or use." Roberts accepted his wife's stony request to leave the table.
Caroline fled to her room and threw herself on her bed and wept. 'Roberts is right. Since I'm not wearing those gowns, I'd better sell them before they are seasons out of style and no one wants them. I can't hope my family will gift me silk stockings and silk gloves, let alone send funds each time they write.'
Caroline examined her clothes; followed by sorting her trunks and setting aside things to sell. Caroline retrieved two summer silk gowns in spring green and medium blue. She had them specially made when she read of Charles and Darcy's engagements. She commissioned them with the best silk and lace…thinking she would outshine the brides during pre-wedding events. The gowns had undergarments, wraps, slippers and accessories made of the best silk. The remainder of her summer gowns with accessories could be sold.
Caroline retrieved two winter gowns in wine and dark blue. She didn't care for the colors but they were created of the best velvet and lace which money could buy. She purchased them for Christmas at Pemberley. Each gown had silk undergarments. They had matching wraps, slippers and accessories. They would be acceptable to wear for dinners, card parties, assembly rooms, concerts or theatre evenings in the winter. Then Caroline wept again. Because Roberts spent all his time establishing their estate, she had not been to the theatre or concerts since the week after their wedding.
Roberts didn't like her garden stuff colored gowns, accessories and slippers. He didn't like her bonnets, turbans or fans with ostrich feathers. She set them aside to sell. Then she found the jewelry box with the jewelry which accented the gowns Roberts didn't like. She kept the plain gold jewelry and prepared to sell the rest. Perhaps she should save some funds from selling jewels to fund travel to London. Roberts would provide her with decent society or she would flee to the Hurst House in London.
Caroline sat at the writing desk in her room. She worked her list several times. After donating ten percent to the orphanage, she had £45 to clothe herself for spring and summer. Her silk nightclothes were becoming threadbare. She would replace them with good, white cotton articles with no lace and no ribbons. She only needed to purchase materials. Perry and the laundry maid could make night clothes in a sennight for her. She would wear her silk undergarments until threadbare. If she did not create morning gowns, but dressed in day gowns upon rising, she could save some funds. A sennight of cotton gloves, cotton stockings, and fine lawn handkerchiefs could be purchased for less than five pounds. She needed good cotton day gowns for calling on tenants and for running the house. A sennight of cotton day gowns, with no lace and minimal trim, cost five pounds. She needed new walking boots which cost two pounds. She needed new kid leather gloves for handling the ribbons of the one-horse gig which would cost at least a half a guinea. She needed funds to pay for postage for the quarter. She needed a new toothbrush and tooth powder. She needed new scents. She understood needs…but she wanted what she wanted. Caroline wanted green tea for her afternoon repast, a box of marzipan, and a circulating library subscription for a year. She hadn't had new music in over a year. She wanted a bottle of perfume, a bottle of scented water and six bars of scented soap which would cost four pounds at a better scent store. A bottle of Gowland's Lotion would provide face lotion and hand lotion less expensively than face cream and hand lotion sold separately.
Caroline wanted two linen walking gowns with matching spencers – perhaps in a Saxon green and Devonshire brown which accented her hair. They would be appropriate for walking the pump room, touring the Sydney Gardens or for attending church. They would be serviceable for orphanage meetings. If Caroline could not have more expensive materials such as silks, satins, sarsenets and velvets…she would have richer colors. Roberts gifted her quality accessories at Twelfth Night. She could use them for the linen gowns. She would use her extra trousseau funds when she shopped.
Caroline didn't sew her own clothes, but she could embroider. When purchasing the cheapest wool for blankets, she would purchase embroidery items. Perhaps she could embroider a length of quality cream linen with silk threads for a wrap for herself? She should purchase a cream silk bonnet and a cream silk parasol to complete the silk accessories Roberts gave her. She refused to pine for the days when she shopped daily, took tea at Gunter's Ices, and sent her bills to Charles. Caroline remembered buying new clothes of the costliest materials, laces and trims. She chose accessories to match each new gown. Additionally she purchased two and ten pairs of silk stockings each season. She remembered commissioning jewels to match her gowns if she didn't own them already.
Caroline looked at the figures for her needs and her wants…and burst into tears. Selling her silk gowns and accessories would purchase all she needed, and all she wanted. However, what she really wanted was more pin money to dress and live like she did before she married.
~X~
Alexander Whitford was a third son of a working class family. His widowed grandmothers combined their households and saved their pence to educate their grandsons. Alexander's first foray into the society of London taught him to dance and converse with young ladies. As a tall, dark haired, grey-eyed and handsome young man, he parlayed his looks into marrying a nouveau riche daughter of a tradesman. He felt fortunate to meet Penelope Pennington before anyone else. After a whirlwind courtship, her father purchased Whitford a commission as a colonel in the militia before the announcing the engagement, or setting the wedding date. The wedding breakfast included his family, her family, and one hundred tradesmen friends of the Penningtons. He and Penelope toured the Lake District after their wedding.
Alexander Whitford had scruples, which included being affectionate to his wife. As a man's man, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and riding. Thanks to the Penelope's large dowry, he could afford to play cards, drink good brandy and discreetly chase muslin…which did not include the wives of the men who served under him. However, Lydia Bennet spun his life in circles when they met. When Penelope invited Lydia Bennet to be her particular friend and remain in Bath…Alexander Whitford did his best to rein in his desires.
Mrs. Bennet preened when Mrs. Whitford took Lydia to call on friends daily. She bragged because Lydia attended card parties at the Whitfords. Her liveliness distracted her male card players. Whitford taught Lydia how to play cards for money and how to interpret the other players faces and how they played cards. He taught her to watch for cheats, fortune hunters, and men who would take advantage. Whitford financed her card playing for half of her winnings, training Lydia to become a formidable card player. Mrs. Bennet attended those card parties, but she paid more attention to gossiping and discussing fashion with the other ladies, than watching her daughter.
Mrs. Bennet left Lydia in Bath with her friends in Camden Place if Lydia agreed to write home once a week. Mrs. Bennet hoped Colonel Whitford would introduce her daughter to other officers. Once her family departed Bath, Lydia spent her profits from playing cards on a wine silk evening gown with accessories. However, Lydia would not announce her largess in her letters to Longbourn.
Whitford did not want to ruin a gentleman's daughter…but Lydia's voluptuous form, pretty face, and pleasing laugh tempted him to forget his position as an officer, a gentleman, and a married man. When Penelope was indisposed, Lydia and Whitford slipped out to a local inn and spent the afternoon in each other's arms. Lydia Bennet, the foolish girl who wanted adventure, found her match in the husband of her particular friend. Her selfish nature made her believe she deserved to have the handsome and genteel Alexander Whitford besotted with her. Lydia felt the 'guard your virtue' advice of her aunts, Mama and sisters importuned her fun. She knew they must not have experienced a lover like Whitford. He promised he knew ways to enjoy their marital activities without Lydia becoming enceinte. She was worth the French letters he procured.
Saturday, March 26
Caroline visited a second hand clothing store near Cecily's modiste. While Cecily was being fitted, Caroline slipped out of the modiste's establishment. She sold gowns, accessories, bonnets and turbans for a sum which equaled a tenth of what Charles spent. She looked forward to the next meeting at the orphanage. She would visit an excellent money broker on Milsom Street to sell her jewels without Cecily's company or knowledge. After their trip to Cecily's modiste, and shopping for bonnets and accessories, Caroline invited Cecily to Mulholland's. "Let's have tea, my treat." Mulholland's was not Gunter's Ices, but Caroline would manage.
"Miss Lydia!" Caroline Roberts recognized the worst of the Bennet chits. She sat with a friend at a table in the middle of the room.
"Miss Bingley," Surprised, Lydia could not remember Miss Bingley's married name. "Mrs. Alexander Whitford, wife of Colonel Whitford, might I introduce you to Mrs. …" Lydia did not know how to complete the introduction.
"Roberts," Cecily Roberts interjected. "Mrs. Andrew Roberts." She indicated Caroline. "I am Mrs. Anthony Roberts, her sister. We have estates outside Bath." She curtseyed to the ladies.
"Cecily, this is Miss Lydia Bennet. Her sister Jane is married to my brother Charles." Caroline noted the fine day gown Lydia Bennet wore. Obviously Charles or Darcy paid for Lydia's clothes. "Is your family in good health?"
"They are; thank you for asking. Mama and Papa are at Longbourn. Kitty travels between London and Rosings Park with her particular friend, Miss Anne de Bourgh. Penelope and I thought to take tea after shopping." Lydia informed her.
"That is a lovely day dress. Who is your modiste?" Caroline wanted to know.
"Mme. Devereaux on Milsom Street," Lydia named one of the modistes who had first and second circle clients.
"I have been wanting to visit her," Caroline hid her delight at the news. "Might I importune you for an introduction?"
"Of course," Lydia commented. "However, we are finished shopping for the day. You may…" she searched her reticule for a card.
"Here's mine," Mrs. Whitford offered her card to Caroline. "Tell Mme. Devereaux we recommended her to you."
"Do you have an account there?" Caroline wondered if she could open an account. Selling her jewelry would allow her to visit Mme. Devereaux.
"Oh no, Mme. Devereaux does not allow accounts. She has excellent fashion plates and materials. However, she requires half payment when she takes measurements, and final payment before the gowns depart the store." Mrs. Whitford commented. "She has family who own the millinery and the draper shop next to hers. They offer excellent services and do not require appointments."
"I imagine we will see one another again this summer," Lydia commented. "Mama thinks there will be a house party at the Bingleys' new residence, Landers End in Nottinghamshire. They are located about thirty miles from Pemberley."
"So Charles favored the estate in Nottinghamshire." Caroline pretended to have information which she did not. "I know he examined a few estates after Netherfield Park. I didn't know they settled on one."
"Oh yes, they moved before Mama and I came to Bath in February. When my aunts and Mama returned to Meryton and London, I joined the Whitfords. Mrs. Whitford asked me to stay as her particular friend. I saw the Bingleys and Darcys at Rosings Park in Kent when we attended Miss de Bourgh and Colonel Fitzwilliam's Engagement Ball on Christmas Eve. The Earl and Countess of Matlock hosted an Engagement Ball in London at the Matlock House on Twelfth Night. Miss Anne wore the blue gown she had specially made for the Christmas Ball." Lydia would not admit she had not received invitations to the Matlock House in London. She silently thanked Kitty for her letters.
"Do call and take tea one day," Mrs. Whitford invited the Roberts ladies. "Any family of Lydia's is a friend of ours."
"Colonel Whitford's carriage," the doorman announced.
"Sorry, we must go." Mrs. Whitford apologized. She and Lydia curtsied and left. A footman followed, his arms full of packages.
Caroline watched them exit Mulholland's and enter a well-kept, large coach, with two liveried footmen and a liveried coachman. Caroline selected a table for two in a corner where she could watch the society in the room. She ordered a pot of good green tea, as Cecily disliked oolong, which Caroline would have chosen. She ordered the best madeleines, macaróns and mille-feuille. She intended to purchase a box of marzipan before they left.
~X~
"Caroline Bingley Roberts is a privately educated young woman. Her seminary did not teach her very well. She bragged about her dowry and legacy which equaled £30,000. Miss Bingley attempted to compromise Darcy. Instead, she compromised his valet, who insisted she marry him the day before my sisters were wed to Bingley and Darcy. I thought Roberts was just a valet, but his family owns an estate outside of Bath." Lydia informed Penelope.
"Roberts…" Penelope frowned. "I think they are the farms which have stalls at Market Place by High Street. I think they sell meat, milk, eggs, cheese and garden stuff. I would have to ask our housekeeper but I believe the brothers own several farms outside Bath."
"So Miss Bingley, who wanted to marry Darcy, is the wife of a gentleman farmer." Lydia laughed rudely. "We must pay a call, Penelope. I used to think Miss Bingley dressed so elegantly, but she looked rather shabby today."
"She did appear to put on airs and graces, didn't she?" Penelope laughed also. "I think every day is market day at Market Place, but I doubt if Mrs. Roberts would lower herself to act as a tradeswoman. I will have one of Alexander's men investigate and verify Mrs. Roberts' schedule. We will call when she is not at home and leave my card. Then, if she returns the call, we will not be home. I will not be used by a woman who seeks a better modiste…although she really could use one."
Lydia sighed with happiness. The Whitford residence in Bath was lavishly decorated with a fine prospect; unlike the house Uncle Gardiner rented for them in Bath. While it would be fun to exhibit the Whitford residence, it would be more fun to cut Caroline Bingley Roberts.
March 30
"You returned to Longbourn without Lydia?" Mr. Bennet struggled to keep his temper under control. He waited for Madeleine to depart for London before he confronted Franny.
"You let Kitty stay with Miss Anne. I don't understand why it is a problem for Lydia to remain with her particular friend, Mrs. Whitford. Bath provides my lively Lydia with more company and amusements than Meryton. The Whitfords plan to stop here when they return to London for the Season." Mrs. Bennet anticipated they would attend the de Bourgh and Fitzwilliam wedding events. She felt Lizzy would be in London by Monday before the wedding and they would receive an express telling them the Darcy House was open for visitors. She planned to leave Lydia with Lizzy for the Season. She didn't announce her thoughts, knowing Mr. Bennet would laugh at her.
"Leaving Lydia with people I do not know, without discussing it with me…I'm furious with you Mrs. Bennet." Mr. Bennet thundered.
"I will write Lydia and order her to come home when I write Kitty and order her to come home," Mrs. Bennet offered.
"Kitty is not coming home. She will travel with Miss de Bourgh and Mr. Fitzwilliam on their wedding tour. She will return to Hunsford with the Fitzwilliams. Unless you behave, we will not go to Nottinghamshire to see Jane or Derbyshire to see Lizzy. I will see the letters you send and the letters you receive. If I learn you wrote Kitty, demanding she return home…I will take you to the retreat in Scotland. If Lydia misbehaves and is sent home in disgrace from Bath…she will either go to a seminary for young women who misbehave or she will be sent away."
"Sent away?" Mrs. Bennet gasped.
"Sent away…" Mr. Bennet threatened. "Perhaps Bingley has business acquaintances in Manchester or Scarborough who need a scullery maid!"
"I don't appreciate being spoken to in this manner!" Mrs. Bennet's temper blazed.
"I don't appreciate you or Lydia ruining my family's reputation. I am the head of this family, Mrs. Bennet! If you think to ask Mrs. Phillips for help…be warned…I'm sending a message to Phillips, notifying him of the situation. Mrs. Phillips will not help you ignore my edict."
Mrs. Bennet burst into tears, hustling up the stairs to weep and wail in her room.
~X~
Mr. Bennet received and refused invitations to the Gardiners and to the Phillips for Easter dinner. He opened a letter from Lydia explaining the Whitfords would travel to London for the Season. Lydia's particular friend, Penelope Whitford, invited Lydia to spend the Season with her in London. Lydia announced she required funds to purchase appropriate clothes for the Season. She planned to return to Longbourn on Good Friday for a quick visit, asking for a guest room overnight for her friends. She assumed it would not be a hardship for her parents to host her new, particular friends.
Mr. Bennet penned a letter to Colonel Whitford using the directions Lydia provided. He had not granted Lydia permission to remain in Bath. He would not grant Lydia permission to spend the Season in London with her new friends. Mrs. Bennet would not join Lydia. He hoped his refusal would not insult the man and his family. Using strident language, which could not be misinterpreted, Mr. Bennet demanded the Whitfords stop at Longbourn on their way to London. While the staff unloaded Lydia's luggage, the Whitfords were invited to take tea and rest their horses. If Lydia was not returned to Longbourn by Good Friday, he would send Bow Street Runners to collect Lydia and return her to Longbourn. He sent the express to Colonel Whitford.
Mr. Bennet sent a letter to Kitty, warning her of the issue with Lydia. He warned her of the issue with Mrs. Bennet. He apologized the letter was not convivial, but Kitty needed warned. Mr. Bennet assured Kitty she would stay with Miss Anne and attend the wedding tour. If Mrs. Bennet and Lydia behaved, they would see Kitty and her sisters at the Pemberley house party.