Wretched Beginnings 1814 – Chapter 3
April 1
"We have refusal letters from Mrs. Stafford, the Hursts and the Bingleys. They all plan to celebrate a quiet Easter. Hurst has been helping with the planting at the Hurst Estate. Bingley has been busy at Lander's End. His letter announced the birth of eight and forty lambs. Mrs. Stafford does not wish to travel alone, for her lady's maid is indisposed." Roberts slid the three opened letters to Caroline.
"So, we're alone for Easter?" Caroline's hopes to escape to London for the Season plummeted.
"Since your family cannot attend us, please accept invitations at Roberts Estate. Anthony and Cecily will host a lawn party on Saturday before Easter for staff and tenants of both estates. They will host an Easter dinner to which they invited a total of four and twenty, including Mother and us."
"Did Louisa or Charles offer an alternative to not seeing us at Easter?" Caroline sipped her wine, schooling her features.
"Due to the cold winter we had, planting has been delayed. Many people still believe all planting must be completed before Easter. Most people are busy with their estates. Bingley mentioned they may see us this summer. Summer is still pleasant in Bath. A summer house party in August will give you time to plan menus, sleeping arrangements, and activities." Roberts cut his meat carefully. Darcy invited them to the June house party at Pemberley. Roberts refused to tell Caroline the news until she had no time to order extra trunks of gowns and accessories. He kept letters from Darcy locked away in his office.
"You do realize it is the mistress's task to extend or accept invitations?" Caroline would teach this servant how to act like a gentleman…or she would die of boredom while trying.
"I do know. However, it is the master's decision to oversee all post entering and leaving my house. I trust you will accept the invitation to the lawn party and the Easter dinner, without orders from me."
'Thy will be done,' Caroline thought, but nodded to Roberts. "I will leave the responses to all open for you to review and post."
~X~
Gardiner chuckled as he read the London Times. For lease: pleasant, unfurnished home in Meryton from May first to Michaelmas. Excellent opportunity for someone eager spend summer away from London. Main floor drawing room, dining room, and master study. Four large, second floor bedrooms. Cellar kitchen, pantries and storage rooms. Six attic servant rooms. Stable with carriage house, kitchen garden, flower garden, and small, pleasant park. Located less than thirty miles from London. Please address inquiries to Patrick Phillips, Solicitor, Meryton.
'Bennet was true to his word. He repaired the Steward's House and is renting it until Franny needs it as a Dower House.' Gardiner heard stories from Madeleine about Bath. Both Franny and Lydia were social-climbing harpies. Franny thought, since she was the highest ranking female in the group, she should direct everything. Madeleine would not stand for her duties to usurped and would not give way to Franny's pretentions. She established a household routine to allow her time to do as she pleased. She would not allow the servants to be abused. She would not allow changes to her menus. She refused to give way to Franny and her vapors…instead she recommended Franny visit the baths to cure her nerves. Madeleine had friends and acquaintances in Bath, which enabled her to spend time away from Franny and Lydia. Additionally, Madeleine appreciated the gardens, museums, lectures and concerts which bored Deborah, Franny and Lydia. They attended card parties, routs, and public assemblies with glee. They shopped almost daily. Madeleine guarded her funds and her reputation.
When Madeleine revealed Franny left Lydia in Bath with a recent acquaintance…Gardiner was not shocked. When Bennet revealed he ordered Lydia's return before Easter…Gardiner was relieved and shared the news with Madeleine.
~X~
Richard and Anne came Friday morning to London. They promised Richard's parents they would attend a private dinner at Matlock House. The dinner would be attended by six members of the House of Lords with their wives along with six Fitzwilliam family members. After dinner everyone would attend the ceremony hosted by the Gas Light and Coke Company. The company would begin installing public gas lights in the streets of Westminster and expand to the remainder of London by Christmas. Richard wondered how gas lights in Seven Dials would interfere with the footpads from the area.
April 2
Mrs. Bennet resented Mr. Bingley not renewing his lease at Netherfield Park. Her letter to Jane inquired about the health of her second favorite daughter and her amiable husband. She censured Mr. Bingley's miserable decision to give up Netherfield Park for the wilds of Nottinghamshire. She complained about her health, and several usual topics. She decried Kitty meeting rich and influential men through her connection to Miss de Bourgh. Mrs. Bennet asserted if anyone deserved ton invitations, her darling, lively Lydia did. She did not mention Lydia's current living situation in Bath. Mrs. Bennet asked Sarah to mail the letter she went into Meryton. Instead, Sarah followed Mr. Bennet's orders, giving him the letter.
After dinner Mr. Bennet set the letter to Jane ablaze in the drawing room fireplace. He warned Mrs. Bennet she would not send any letters until she wrote Lydia and ordered her to come home. Mrs. Bennet burst into tears, wailing and thundering up the stairs. Mr. Bennet set the female servants to keep an eye on Mrs. Bennet. He would not have her sneak out of the house while he was busy. He would not have Mrs. Phillips in the house, supporting Mrs. Bennet's ridiculous attitudes and pronouncements.
~X~
Catherine messaged Mr. Gardiner, requesting six coin pockets for Georgiana, Paulette, Aveline, Blakewell and Malcolm for traveling. She purchased a second coin roll for her. One to button to her petticoats to hold pound coins, and one to wrap in her reticule with farthings, halfpennies and pence. She requested extra buttons to sew on petticoats to hide her coin pocket while they traveled. Mr. Gardiner brought her the coin rolls and buttons when he escorted her to the bank to withdraw funds for the wedding tour.
Catherine collected her first quarter's interest from her funds. She felt uneasy when signing her name as Catherine. However, John preferred the name Catherine over the name Kitty. Catherine had been adjusting to her full name since January.
Catherine used Paulette's list of items she packed when Miss Darcy traveled. When Georgiana explained she did not wear her white gowns when she traveled, Catherine realized how easily her light pink gowns would become dirty while traveling. Catherine needed traveling clothes for the Fitzwilliams' wedding tour. Georgiana wore blue gowns and outer clothes when she traveled. She packed dark blue gloves and dark blue walking boots. Georgiana appreciated her family's well-sprung and weather resistant carriages.
"You should commission darker green, darker grey and burgundy travel clothes, walking boots, and accessories to coordinate with the pink gowns you adore." Aveline told Catherine.
Catherine hurried to Mrs. Gardiner's modiste and commissioned travel gowns in dark pink and burgundy with travel outerwear in burgundy. She purchased burgundy walking boots and accessories. Anne wagered a guinea Lydia would attempt to claim Catherine's new finery. Catherine thought her travel wardrobe would be safe. How would Lydia know she had such things?
Mrs. Gardiner took Catherine and Miss Anne's group to Timsdale's Tea Parlor. She urged the ladies to purchase their tea and coffee from Mr. Timsdale's partner, Ballard's Best. Anne ordered a six-month supply of tea and coffee for the de Bourgh House and Rosings House. Mr. Timsdale appreciated Anne's orders and arranged delivery. He thanked Mrs. Gardiner for her orders of coffee and tea for the Gardiner House and for Gardiner's Emporium.
Anne insisted they tour the Timsdale's Treasures. She found a mahogany music stand, two mahogany trays to hold paperwork on Richard's desk in his study, and two small mahogany dressing mirrors which had bombé bases. She would use them to thank Aveline and Catherine for their hard work organizing the houses and helping her for the wedding and wedding tour. Anne purchased an English mahogany spice chest. The door had a single lock, with gold key. Inside were four and twenty small drawers for storing spices. Anne thought it would be a perfect late birthday gift for Mary. Mr. Timsdale believed it came from the East Indies. Anne enjoyed perusing Timsdale's collection of used books and sheet music. She found a bookstand for her study, with a place where she could put ledgers on top, with a drawer beneath where she could put invoices until she paid them. She knew some people did not pay their invoices until quarter days, however she wanted everything possible paid before the wedding, and before the wedding tour. She would use this bookstand in her study at the de Bourgh House.
Anne thanked the Timsdales for arranging furniture auctions after Twelfth Night and Lady Day. She appreciated selling furniture and furnishings which Mother adored. She could not imagine how many Miss Bingleys purchased the Egyptian style or heavily gilded furniture. She and Richard purchased miscellaneous furniture from second-hand stores and furniture makers for the de Bourgh House and the Rosings House. Anne shopped for simple, classic pieces, smaller furnishings, and décor. Two small pictures at Timsdale's Treasures arrested Anne's attention. She stopped before them…staring. "Where did you get these?"
Timsdale retrieved his ledger. "They were part of a collection of things, brought to us by a Mr. Roberts. He brought items two different times. The first time, he sold a floral painting, and marble griffin bookends."
"What did Roberts sell the second time he visited you?" Anne could not tear her eyes away from the spring and autumn pictures of the formal gardens at Rosings.
"These two pictures, two dressing mirrors, a documents travel box with a travel inkwell and travel silver salver, some toy soldiers, opera glasses…" Timsdale's voice faltered.
"Can you describe Mr. Roberts?" Anne turned to him.
"Tall, dark hair, dark eyes, bit of a swagger for a man in financial straits," Timsdale commented.
"Swagger?" Anne frowned. "Andrew Roberts?"
"Yes, Andrew Roberts. His great uncle died and he was clearing the house. He had business meetings up north and needed travel funds."
"Business meetings," Anne scoffed.
"What's the matter, Anne?" Catherine joined her.
Anne turned to Timsdale. "These pictures were painted by Aunt Anne…Lady Anne Darcy. They hung on the walls of one of the houses I'm redecorating. Miss Bennet, describe Wickham to Mr. Timsdale."
"Could I have a piece of paper and a pencil? I will go next door, to the tea shop. I can sketch a picture of him." Timsdale handed Miss Bennet pencil and paper. Catherine departed to sketch.
"I want those pictures." Anne turned to Timsdale. "While Miss Bennet is sketching, can you tell me if anything from that second group did not sell?"
Timsdale consulted his ledger. "No, everything else sold."
"I want those pictures," Anne insisted.
"I will give them to you. I did not know I purchased stolen goods." Timsdale apologized.
"It is not your fault. There were so many possessions in three houses. You saw how much excess we sold at the auctions. I am not surprised that man found a way into the Dower House." Anne turned back to the pictures one more time. "See those initials – AFD? Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy. Those pictures are of the formal gardens at my home, Rosings Park, in Kent."
"Roberts brought things in an old valise and an old travel trunk, which sold also. They were full of items. We didn't buy the gold circlet or the gold chatelaine. He took them to a jeweler I know, Mr. Arthur Edwards." Timsdale felt alarm. Darcy was one of his silent investors. Each quarter, Darcy ordered a quantity of tea and coffee delivered to the Darcy House, London.
"Edwards?" Anne could not believe her luck. "Perhaps he has not sold them. Perhaps I can retrieve them. I believe they belonged to the first Lady de Bourgh. I have an oil painting of her wearing a circlet of laurel leaves."
Timsdale nodded. "The scissors on the chatelaine did not work. The chatelaine appeared worn on the side which would have been next to her body. Otherwise, it was a nice piece."
Anne purchased the pictures and the other items. Timsdale promised to deliver Anne's purchases to the de Bourgh House. Their business concluded and a clerk left to run the shop, Timsdale walked Anne to the tea shop.
"Not my best work, but I feel it is accurate." Catherine shared the sketch with Anne and Timsdale.
"You're missing the birthmark, just here, by his left ear." Timsdale pointed to where it should be.
Catherine drew the birthmark.
"A picture of my Andrew Roberts," Timsdale confirmed.
"As I thought…George Wickham," Anne passed the picture to Timsdale. "His business meetings up north were a plot to kidnap either Georgiana Darcy, Elizabeth Darcy or me…and ransom us back to Fitzwilliam Darcy."
"Fitzwilliam? As in Anne Fitzwilliam Darcy…the initials on the pictures?" Timsdale inquired.
"Fitzwilliam…as in the Fifth Earl of Matlock…father to Lady Catherine de Bourgh, my mother; Lady Anne Darcy, my aunt; and Lord Reginald Fitzwilliam, my uncle. Lord Reginald Fitzwilliam is the Sixth Earl of Matlock."
"Let's visit Edwards." Timsdale suggested. "I would like to keep this sketch, if he turns up again."
Anne revealed Wickham had been transported in December. There would be no opportunity to charge him with the thefts but she would let her family know.
~X~
"Have I told you how much I enjoy Anne?" Constance confided in Reginald. "If Augusta had the funds which Anne has, she would shop daily."
"Not for books or music either," Reginald chuckled. "Which is why I approve of Elizabeth and Catherine. I am thankful both Richard and Anne will have Mary Collins to depend upon also. Is it wrong of us to treat Jane, Mary and Catherine like nieces?"
"No, I think it is a natural extension of the esteem in which we hold Elizabeth." Constance patted Reginald's hand. "Protecting our social standing means keeping Mrs. Bennet and Miss Lydia at arm's length."
"Arm's length…try two days hence…" Reginald muttered. "I will ask Richard if he knows the Bennets' plans for the Season."
April 3
April third began the reading of the banns for Richard and Anne at St. George's Cathedral, Hanover Square, London.
"I publish the Banns of Marriage between the Honorable Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam of this parish and the Honorable Miss Anne Catherine de Bourgh, of Hunsford Rectory, Hunsford, Kent. If any of you know cause or impediment why these two persons should not be joined together in Holy Matrimony, ye are charged to declare it. This is the first time of asking."
The Matlock House anticipated an increase in callers, especially since the Season opened. Parishioners from the church might call, hoping to impress for an invitation to the wedding, wedding breakfast or wedding ball.
April 4
"The repairs are excellent." Anne observed the circlet of laurel leaves and the gold chatelaine. She planned to display them with the miniatures. Edwards felt embarrassed to purchase stolen goods like Timsdale and eagerly helped Anne retrieve her possessions.
"Please know, I have absolute faith in you and your abilities. The pieces you recreated for me are excellent. I appreciate you selling the other pieces. Mr. Fitzwilliam and I will continue to patronize you. Please don't let this situation ruin a wonderful business connection." Anne observed his face.
Mr. Edwards named a price for the repairs, but not for the pieces. Anne refused. "I will pay the price you paid for the pieces and the price for the repairs you completed. I will not take a discount because we were both taken advantage of by an unscrupulous degenerate."
Edwards laughed. "I will not argue with you, Miss de Bourgh. I am a business man…the customer is always correct."
April 5
Colonel Whitford received the express from Mr. Bennet. He felt unease because his paramour would not accompany him to London. He knew he could not divorce Penelope. He knew he could not establish Lydia as his mistress because she remained under her father's protection. Whitford would gladly spend the funds Lydia needed for clothes, jewels and pocket money for the Season. Unfortunately, he could not reveal Lydia would not visit London with Penelope and himself until they reached Meryton. He hoped Lydia would not reveal she gave him her virtue. He replied to Mr. Bennet's express, assuring Lydia's stern father of her return on Good Friday. While he and Mrs. Whitford would appreciate a reviving tea when they delivered Lydia…they would continue their journey to London rather than stay the night. They would arrive in London late in the evening…utilizing the full moon to ease their travels. He suggested Lydia could visit them in June, before the Season ended. However, he did not feel confident Mr. Bennet would agree.
April 7 – Maundy Thursday
Lizzy worked with Mrs. Reynolds to prepare the Easter baskets for not just the needy, but for the tenants. She missed assembling Boxing Day baskets with Mrs. Reynolds because the Darcys traveled to Kent. Lizzy included two blankets for each staff and tenant family. Lizzy and her staff made beige flannel gowns for every baby still in leading strings. Mr. Spaulding from Pemberley brought a wagon of dried firewood from his farm to share with the church and those in need. Mr. Houghton reminded him they still had a sizeable area of the Pemberley forests to clean.
Merchants from Lambton acquired items Lizzy needed. The Benefice Society of Kympton Church helped Lizzy assemble baskets for the poor of the church. Mrs. Reynolds and staff helped Lizzy assemble baskets for the tenants. Depending on the size of the family, the baskets included either a loin of lamb, or a green goose to roast, with dry goods and garden stuff. Lizzy served tea to her helpers with Simnel Cake and Spring Cherry Tarts.
Jane hosted a tea for her staff and tenants. She had baskets of food and goods for each. They understood she would soon experience her lying in, and they would not see her again until she churched. She helped Vicar and Mrs. Samuels prepare baskets at their local church for the needy. The Bingleys would spend Easter with the Darcys.
The last task Anne and Richard performed before leaving for London was working with the Collinses. Alms were prepared by Collins, Stevenson and Fitzwilliam. Fitzwilliam asked Mary to list the steps for alms bags. Luckily, Mary had a spare alms bag to share with him along with the list. The Rosings staff filled baskets for the tenants and for the needy. Mr. Knowles had thirty fruit tree seedlings which he planned to give to tenants at the Easter celebration. He had thirty fruit tree seedlings to plant at homes for the widows if they desired them. Hunsford and Westerham shopkeepers helped Anne be prepared this year. Mary and Anne took clothes in Mary's one horse gig to the needy, while Fitzwilliam, Knowles and Collins delivered alms and baskets.
"If you will not help prepare baskets for the needy at St. Albans, and baskets for our tenants, I will pay a half crown to Mrs. Hill and to Sarah for completing tasks for the mistress of Longbourn." Mr. Bennet took a warned and chastised Mrs. Bennet to St. Albans early in the morning to help prepare baskets for the needy. Vicar Nelson and his wife, along with the sexton's family, and the Lucas ladies helped along with other devout parishioners. Sarah sent a basket with medicines needed by the infirm or ill. She did not prepare medicinal sherry for the baskets, but built bags of healing herbs for tea, and bottles of headache draught. Lady Lucas had a difficult spring, but still managed to chaperone Charlotte and Maria at the March assembly before Lady Day. She tried to discuss the assembly with her friend, Mrs. Bennet, who was taciturn.
~X~
Mr. Bennet opened four letters from his oldest daughters. All the girls wished a Blessed Easter for their parents and sister. Mr. Bennet was surprised by the return of the quarterly percents from Mrs. Bennet's marriage settlement. Mary and Jane gently refused the funds going forward. Jane recommended spending her funds on wages for a maid of all things who could sew and keep up with the family demands. She also recommended a hall boy who could help Mr. Hill. Mary urged Papa to purchase bees, poultry or livestock for the main farm. Lizzy and Catherine refused their funds going forward…requesting Papa use the funds to enlarge the living at Longbourn. They refused to have their funds spent on books for Papa, entertaining excesses for Mama, and definitely not on silk gowns for Lydia!
April 8 – Good Friday
Caroline purchased two legs of lamb from Roberts Estate and six jars of mint jelly from Cecily….which irritated her more than Roberts or Cecily knew. Caroline donated the lamb and mint jelly to the orphanage. Roberts knew she sold gowns and accessories, as he fell silent while reviewing her ledger. He saw she spent every pence of her remaining trousseau funds and sale funds on better linen gowns, and better quality accessories. She purchased items she needed like postage, and items she wanted like fashion magazines, green tea, and confections. He saw she purchased materials for making blankets for the orphanage and sewing projects for herself. Her ledger noted she donated ten percent of her sale funds to the orphanage.
Caroline did not enter the profit she earned from selling her jewelry. She visited Mrs. Whitford's modiste. She ordered a sennight of silk day gowns and silk evening gowns should she received an invitation to London for the Season. She ordered gowns in creams, blues, and greens because Roberts hated her preferred colors. She selected the newest fashion plates for her gowns. She selected one set of high quality accessories in pale blue and one in pale green for all her new gowns. She put her new, silk things in a travel trunk where Roberts would not see them. Additionally, she had a piece of paper with the sale price, the amount donated to the orphanage and the amount she spent on clothes. When she needed the clothes and accessories, she would enter the information in her ledger.
Roberts read the society pages to Caroline over breakfast. He would not allow a tray for any meal unless she were ill and unable to leave her room. She conjugated French verbs while hearing about engagements of young ladies she met in London with Georgiana Darcy. All of them had made brilliant marriages…if she received a written invitation to any of them, Roberts had not shared them. She mentally cursed Colonel Fitzwilliam for interfering in her attempts to compromise Darcy…especially when Roberts read of the Engagement Ball on Twelfth Night. Recently, she found an excellent way to vent her ire at her situation when Roberts required she help plant the main garden and herb garden at Roberts Farms. She stabbed a stake in the ground, thinking of Fitzwilliam's heart, before putting a plant in the hole. She didn't have the patience to sow seeds, and the gardeners knew it.
~X~
Early afternoon, the Whitford carriage pulled into the lane of Longbourn. The Bennets greeted the Whitfords and welcomed Lydia home. After greetings, Mrs. Bennet invited the Whitfords for tea before resuming their travel. Colonel Whitford agreed to a short visit. Mr. Hill attended the coachman and groom, helping them unload Lydia before they refreshed the horses and themselves.
Because they were in the drawing room, Mr. Bennet did not see the two trunks and the six bandboxes taken upstairs for Lydia. Sarah had orders to unpack Lydia immediately. If Papa asked about the excessive number of gowns, bonnets and accessories Lydia brought home, she would claim they were gifts from her particular friend Penelope Whitford.
Penelope and Lydia related their activities in Bath. Lydia would never tell Mama what she learned about love and life from Colonel Alexander Whitford. She had new pieces of jewelry in her jewelry box: a single strand of pearls with plain pearl earbobs, a set of four and twenty pearl decorated hairpins, and a gold heart-shaped vinaigrette to carry in her reticule. Lydia hugged Penelope tightly when the Whitfords departed, enjoying the goodbye squeeze of her hand by Alex. Lydia promised Alex she would not discuss him or gambling. She promised to write, despite the fact her handwriting was not as elegant as Penelope's. The Whitfords promised to inform Lydia of their plans after visiting Penelope's parents during the Season.
While Lydia felt displeased at not going forward to London with Penelope…she hated missing her chance at attending Colonel Fitzwilliam's wedding, and attending the wedding breakfast at Matlock House. Papa expected Mama and her to behave until they attended the house parties at Landers End and Pemberley. Lydia planned to work on Mama so she could attend Little Season with Penelope in Bath or London.
April 10
Rosings Park hosted an Easter celebration for tenants, staff and staff families in the ballroom at the manor house. The walking paths were clean and the gardens and trees were filled with buds. Mrs. Havens and Mr. Knowles arranged lawn games, pony rides, and hired musicians for the afternoon. Those who wanted to dance, would. The ballroom was set as it had been for the Christmas soiree. There was food and dancing, with baskets for the tenants. Mary drew a page of foods which could be foraged like ramps, dandelions, mushrooms and wild asparagus. She paid to have the page printed to give to the needy and the tenants.
Servants appeared in their new clothes from materials given by Anne when they signed contracts on Lady Day. Everyone discussed the cold weather and the heavy snows which delayed planting gardens and crops. Firepits were used for every orchard at Rosings Park and at Hunsford Parsonage.
~X~
Catherine spent her nine and ten birthday attending St. George's with the Fitzwilliams and Miss Darcy. John Hamilton came to London to spend Easter with Mr. Fitzwilliam and Miss Anne. He had a suite at the Matlock House, but spent time with Catherine at the de Bourgh House.
"I apologize I am not a favorite of Lady Fitzwilliam," Catherine apologized to Miss Anne, Fitzwilliam and Hamilton.
"Tis not your fault," Anne shook her head. "I am at fault because I would not hire an unknown relation of Augusta's friend as a companion. I wanted someone I knew, and someone I could trust. I wanted someone who would not reveal my diary. Lady Fitzwilliam was not happy when I began describing the work done at Rosings and the work to be done. She is very disapproving of the first sale of furniture and furnishings. I think she liked Mother's overwrought style."
"Augusta is more dismayed regarding Rosings Park, the de Bourgh House and Anne's portion. Augusta thought an entail on Rosings Park meant the property would go to Robert and then her son. She didn't realize Anne had thrice removed male de Bourgh cousins in Ireland who stand to inherit through an entail before Robert." Fitzwilliam revealed. "She can't understand how Anne could fire useless, good-looking footmen, and hire sturdy ex-military men to act as footmen, grooms, guards and men-of-all things."
"Augusta is not the only female dismayed by my new men," Anne chuckled. "The de Bourgh house maids don't appreciate the new men either."
Georgiana and Anne arranged for an afternoon tea for Catherine at the de Bourgh House. Packages for Catherine arrived at the de Bourgh House this past week. Jane and Lizzy sent gown lengths of Blossom pink silk ribbon and silk lace. Mary sent the herb and foraging book she had been drawing for Catherine, along with one for Anne. She also included two every day books which listed as many as thirty of her newest or best receipts. Georgiana and Anne arranged for Catherine to receive a rose pink taffeta evening wrap. Papa sent a second level French Primer. Catherine felt quite spoiled when she opened a silver, rose embossed, heart shaped vinaigrette from John. He smiled at her…and Catherine planned to kiss John when she had a private moment with him.
~X~
"Lizzy!" Jane gasped. "I cannot circle the lavender beds one more time. They are lovely and Mary will be impressed…but I cannot…cannot…cannot…walk another track. The lavender isn't blooming enough to offer a calming scent."
"I had Mrs. Reynolds remove the roasted loin of lamb and the mint jelly. The staff will eat it. She has some lobster mayonnaise…" Darcy's voice floated toward them.
"No seafood or fish," Bingley warned. "Jane…"
"NOT ME," Jane snapped. "The baby doesn't like it!"
"We have roasted asparagus…" Darcy attempted to entice Elizabeth.
"No asparagus…" Lizzy moaned. "No broccoli or cabbage either…" She blushed and confided in Jane. "They make me break wind."
Jane shivered. "Being enceinte is such a trial right now. I might send Mary a strongly worded letter. She didn't warn us about these issues. I can't continue to eat only ginger ices and ginger biscuits."
"I had stop drinking so much ginger tea and eating ginger ices; I visited the necessary more times a day than I could bear," Lizzy confided. "I insisted upon finding a small room near my study and the library where I could have a necessary and a washing stand."
"Okay…roast chicken, new peas and potatoes, garden stuff salad, candied carrots, cherry tarts, and vanilla ices?" Darcy offered.
Lizzy's stomach rumbled.
"The rearranged menu meets your approval?" Darcy smirked and offered his arm to Elizabeth. Bingley and Jane followed. "We are eating in the morning room."
The foursome enjoyed their Easter repast, discussing issues of both Pemberley's holdings and Landers End. No topic was forbidden… alms, church, planting, tenants, newborn livestock…except Bingley flushed brilliant red when Jane announced they received an Easter invitation from the Roberts in Bath. He received a cool, but correct letter from Caroline expressing her disappointment because she and Roberts would have no company over Easter. She urged Bingley to consider spending a month in Bath at Easter next year…almost willing him to agree to a fortnight before Easter and a fortnight after.
"You can always claim precedence with us," Lizzy offered. "Georgiana will come out after Easter next year. We should be in London for her presentation. We discussed attending Rosings Park next Easter since we didn't this year."
April 15
Fitzwilliam held a private conversation with Catherine…revealing John Hamilton would offer for Catherine when he came to the wedding. Hamilton discussed his plans with Fitzwilliam at Easter. Catherine knew her answer when John offered for her. Upon their return to London, she began creating her trousseau. Catherine planned to purchase lengths of dark pink, darker green and burgundy in cottons, poplins, and linens to add day gowns to what she had. She planned to purchase lengths of grey, green and wine silks for evening gowns. She planned to purchase lengths of fine lawn and thin silks for nightclothes and undergarments.
"Kit…Catherine…I like this one," Aunt Madeleine showed her a cream muslin with burgundy stripes. Small bouquets of pink bells with green leaves were printed between the stripes. Burgundy lace and matching buttons were available. Catherine purchased lengths of it for a day gown with the necessary thread, buttons and lace.
"What do you think of this fabric?" Catherine showed the bolt to Aunt Madeleine.
"I think it's lovely. Light pink cotton gauze with sprigs of wine flowers and spring green leaves. A gown will need to be fully lined." Aunt Madeleine advised.
"I thought it would make a lovely wrap I could wear spring and summer with solid-color gowns." Catherine stroked the material thoughtfully.
"I like that plan," Aunt Madeleine admitted. "Mr. Gardiner has a tiny pink and white check Italian cotton, perfect for a day gown. I will show it to you next."
Catherine arranged for Aunt Madeleine's modistes to begin sewing her trousseau after they finished Catherine's travel clothes. She arranged for her trousseau to be sent to the de Bourgh House. Aunt Madeleine, Anne and Aveline advised Catherine about her trousseau purchases. She would not mention needing a trousseau to either Mama or Lydia. She didn't want them coming to London and acting like they did when Lizzy and Jane married. Also, with a trousseau planned and purchased, she would not endure wedding shopping with Mama and Lydia.
Aveline agreed to help Catherine pack what she needed for the Pemberley's house party, the wedding, and the wedding tour. Catherine's possessions, which she did not take on the wedding trip, were crated. Anne and Richard helped her ship her possessions at Rosings to the de Bourgh House. Her things would be stored in Catherine's room at the de Bourgh House. When she arrived at the Hamilton House in Oxford after her wedding tour, the Fitzwilliams would ship her possessions to Oxford.
Saturday, April 16
Mrs. Gardiner accompanied Catherine, Miss Anne and her Fitzwilliam relatives to Timsdale's Tea Shop. Mrs. Timsdale appreciated having Mrs. Gardiner's party patronize her family's establishment. Pots of fine green tea were ordered. Excellent sweets and confections were offered to the ladies. The ladies enjoyed their tea, and Anne enjoyed shopping for something other than clothes. When Lady Matlock inquired, Mrs. Gardiner explained Miss Anne, Darcy, Bingley and the Gardiners purchased their tea and coffee quarterly from Timsdale's Tea who acquired their supplies from Ballard's Best.
Anne suggested they visit Timsdale's Treasures next door. Mr. Timsdale welcomed them, and felt Miss de Bourgh bringing ladies to his establishments meant they were past the awkwardness of the Wickham/Roberts situation. Anne spotted a pair of silver candlesticks and flower bowl. The bases were embossed with roses, leaves and vines. Anne pointed them out to Lady Matlock. She secreted them away before Catherine could see them. Timsdale's clerk took them to the back room with Lady Matlock's card. He understood they were to be wrapped and sent to Matlock House with invoice to be collected upon delivery. Anne explained she needed them for a wedding gift for Catherine. She revealed the wonderful Mr. Hamilton would offer for Catherine at the de Bourgh-Fitzwilliam wedding.
"Look," Catherine tugged at Mrs. Gardiner's sleeve. "Rose embroidered, silk pillow covers. They would look well in sleeping quarters or a private sitting room." When Mrs. Gardiner agreed with Catherine's assessment, she gave them to Mr. Timsdale. He showed her two botanical prints which were three different shades of pink roses with white bells. Catherine chose those also. She liked their composition.
Catherine found a set of six carved rose, mother-of-pearl thread holders. She wanted them for her workbox. Catherine found three French novels, which she planned to take on the wedding tour to improve her French. Georgiana found a folio of broadsheets for dance music which she did not own. Augusta found two small pocket books of Shakespearean sonnets. She thought they would be excellent to tuck in a picnic basket, or in a reticule for long carriage rides. Constance found a collection of Mrs. Radcliffe's novels and purchased them for quiet days.
April 20
April 20
de Bourgh House, London
Cher John,
My French master insists I practice my reading and writing. I finally mastered reading and writing the alphabet, a dozen cities and her list of one hundred easily recognized French words: food, drink, wine, water, dress, walk, day, sunshine, rain – nourriture, boisson, vin, eau, robe, promenade, jour, soleil, pluie. I can also read and write my numbers from one to one hundred: un, deux, trois, quatre, cinq…I am using Papa's gift of a second level French primer while continuing my French lessons.
We are currently studying Italy. The tour guide will endeavor to teach us Italian during the wedding tour. I think it is a beautiful language, having heard an Italian opera the last time we were in Bath. Mr. Fitzwilliam tries to describe some of the Italian food he tasted. He spent one day with the Rosings cook, making a delicious chicken dish – which is young chickens stuffed with garlic, mushrooms, onions and rosemary cooked with white wine. I have no confidence in receipts which take hours to prepare. Mayhap…I have no confidence in my ability to prepare a receipt which takes hours.
Lessons are progressing well. I surpassed Miss Anne in science (thank you). She surpassed me in mathematics. We both did well in grammar and reading. Currently we are studying Greek and Roman mythology. Our art master has us sketching the Greek and Roman statues in the formal gardens at RP, dBH, and MH. He claims the statue at the fountain in the formal gardens of MH is Oceanus. We recognized the Diana statue easily at dBH. We spent the last week sketching the statues at RP. Miss Anne's art master and her tutor suggested we learn Greek. Both Miss Anne and I are horrified!
Our tour guide claims to have a series of sketches of the statues at the Trevi Fountain, Rome from 1780. We will study them while on the wedding tour. The art master tasked us with drawing sketches of Greek and Roman mythology statues which we see on the tour. We are to identify them and relate the story behind the statues.
I am practicing twelve pieces by Mozart for the pianoforte. I do not know what we will do for music practice during the wedding tour. Miss Anne suggests bringing sheet music to study, and perhaps hum the tunes. She anticipates pianofortes at some of the places we will stay. Mr. Fitzwilliam claims there is an excellent pianoforte in the music room at the Fitzwilliam House in the Lake District.
We have been very busy. The wedding tour plans are finalized. We are in London until May second when we travel to Brighton where we will tour for a sennight. We will depart early in the morning, and Mr. Fitzwilliam anticipates we will be in Brighton before dinner. Then we travel to Bath (two days) for another sennight tour. Then we travel for four days to the Lake District, where we will stay until we travel to Pemberley for a house party. I have included a page with the schedule, directions, etc. I'm including a small sketch of George sleeping.
Miss Georgiana and I discussed which books to bring. She recommends a great deal of poetry (Burns, Wordsworth, Cowper, Shakespeare and Donne). I prefer Shakespearean plays and sonnets, but I have the French books to pack.
Aveline announced we have callers. I will write again,
I miss you and look forward to seeing you soon,
Catherine
~X~
Richard read about the winning Battle of Toulouse which signaled the end of the Peninsular War. Somehow, when he felt melancholy about leaving His Majesty's army…his knee would ache and remind him of what he experienced and what he gave up…but his heart yearned for Anne, and he would not give up his life with her.
Saturday, a sennight before the wedding, April 23, Matlock House
Mr. Fitzwilliam gifted a trio of matching trunks, a valise, a dressing case with a locking jewel box, and three matching bandboxes as a thank-you gift to Georgiana and to Catherine. He assured the young ladies; they would need these for the wedding tour. He offered a set to Anne, but she planned to use Lady Catherine travel items – luggage, slope, and medical chest. Anne, Aveline, Georgiana, and Paulette agreed to help Catherine pack for the wedding tour. They had a sennight to the wedding.
Catherine didn't want to think about the three large carriages which would be used on the wedding tour. Carriage one would carry Jeremy Blakewell (Mr. Fitzwilliam's valet), Aveline (Miss Anne's maid), Paulette (Georgiana's maid) and Mr. Malcolm (their travel guide). Blakewell had been a batman for another colonel in the peninsular war. Fitzwilliam hired Blakewell because he was equally skilled at shaving a man, dressing him properly, and fielding various weapons.
The second carriage had the seats removed so the ladies' luggage fit inside, keeping it from the dirt of travel. Catherine thought Mary had determined how to pack the carriage with nine travel trunks, nine bandboxes, three valise and three dressing cases. The well-supported top would hold trunks for Mr. Fitzwilliam.
The newlyweds, Georgiana and Catherine would be in the third carriage, with the driver and two footmen. She imagined it would be easier to coordinate and move a battalion of men…a task which Mr. Fitzwilliam probably performed before.
Catherine knew clothes were not the important part of her travel – seeing unfamiliar places and experiencing new events and activities was. She planned a trip to Hatchard's to purchase travel books for Brighton, Bath and the Lake District. Then she wondered if she could find one about Oxford. Perhaps she should find a small atlas. Perhaps she could find a travel book about Italy and an Italian primer book. However, she needed more practice reading and writing French.
In moments of quiet, Catherine reread John's letters, remembering every meeting and conversation. She remembered gowns and ribbons which he complimented. She remembered John wore a lot of green and brown clothes which accented his blonde hair and green eyes. She remembered his first kiss, stolen in a darkened library at Matlock House the morning after the engagement ball. Catherine sighed happily because John was as romantic as she was. Before she retired, she reassembled John's letters and tied the packet with a green ribbon which reminded her of his eyes.
~X~
Hamilton House, Oxford
April 23
Dear Catherine,
Please thank Miss de Bourgh for the invitation to all the wedding activities. I will arrive in London on April 29 and will be able to attend dinner at Matlock House. Please thank the Countess of Matlock for the generous offer of lodging for me, my servants and a place in the stables for my coach and horses. I will attend the wedding and wedding breakfast. Please save the first set for me at the wedding breakfast. Please save the first and the dinner set for me at the wedding ball.
I understand you and Georgiana will cease attending the wedding ball after supper. I hope you enjoy your time in Bath. I recommend you attend at least one circus performance while you are there. Although I have seen it, and the circus in London, I enjoy seeing the wild, exotic animals. I will never travel to the Serengeti, but the circus provides a glimpse of that life.
I will cease the ballroom after the supper hour, also. I must return to Oxford Tuesday after the wedding, but I will be pleased to see you the Friday, Saturday and Sunday before you depart on Monday.
Regarding which books to bring with you on the wedding tour – too much poetry can be overwhelming. (However, I enjoy reading the Keats I purchased in London over Twelfth Night…and use the deep pink ribbon bookmark.) I suggest Miss Georgiana pack some novels as well as poetry. Radcliffe's descriptions of scenery can be sublime. Everyone reads her Mysteries of Udolpho and The Italian, but if you find a copy, read A Journey Made in the Summer of 1794.
I will go now, I am having dinner with my steward. We are discussing spring planting at the farms. We use the Norfolk four crop rotation system. Each of the farms is aware of our cycle and what will be planted this year. I will advise my steward of my travel to London.
Do I presume too much Catherine, to say how much I anticipate seeing you?
John
April 29
How is Mother?" Anne did not anticipate this afternoon's meeting with Mrs. Jenkinson.
"Enduring miss. I told her you are here today, but she didn't respond." Mrs. Jenkinson noted. 'I did not explain the Collinses. a nursery maid and a baby boy joined Miss Anne. I did not explain Miss Bennet was still a companion to Miss Anne. I certainly didn't explain Miss Anne's French maid. Miss Anne needs to explain guests to her Mother. Miss Anne needs to explain why she isn't taking her Mother to the Church to see her wed, and to the wedding breakfast.'
"I will look in on her after tea, before she goes to sleep. I'm dressing here for the wedding tomorrow. The wedding breakfast is at Matlock House. I would like you to come to the wedding and wedding breakfast. You may ride to the church and wedding breakfast with the Collinses and Miss Bennet. The Earl of Matlock is bringing a special carriage for Miss Darcy and myself."
Mrs. Clements traveled from Hunsford with the Collinses and George. Miss Anne arranged rooms for them on the second floor. Mary promised to go forward to Pemberley after the wedding and stay through June for the house party. Monday, after the wedding, Mary, George and Mrs. Clements would travel with Mr. Darcy to Pemberley. Lizzy and Jane's confinements would be over before the end of May. Mr. Collins promised to come to Pemberley the first week of June. He would take a post coach from Hunsford to London, and ride to Pemberley with Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner. Arrangements would be made for the christening of the new Darcy baby and the new Bingley baby.
~X~
"Have I offended you somehow?" Richard would not look at Anne. He kept his eyes on the Bishop of London.
"No, you have not offended me," Anne sipped her sherry. "You may outlive me. I believe we should establish continuity at Hunsford Rectory."
"Richard, you are my godson. If I did not think you would be an excellent rector for the Hunsford Rectory, I would not have agreed with Miss Anne. You will have children?" The Bishop considered Richard and Anne.
"If God provides," Richard replied.
"Then it behooves you to begin a legacy, especially if you have a son," the Bishop suggested. "You will become the rector of Hunsford Rectory. You will ensure the parish is properly maintained and grows in God."
"I still think I offended both of you," Robert sighed. "Otherwise, you would know and understand I cannot abide Mr. Collins. Because Collins' wife is sister to Elizabeth Darcy, and as Fitzwilliam Darcy our cousin…Anne considers Mary a cousin, and therefore gave the living to Collins."
"As long as you understand, once Collins relocates anywhere outside Hunsford, he can no longer hold the living at Hunsford Rectory. I will not allow him to keep it and install a curate to perform the work while Collins profits from the living." The Bishop insisted.
"As the future rector, I give you my word Collins will not remain in the living at Hunsford Rectory once he leaves Hunsford." Richard vowed.
"Send me a letter once you return from your wedding tour," the Bishop directed. "I will come to Hunsford Rectory and install you as the rector. I believe it will be easier to open your Recovery House if you are the rector of Hunsford Rectory." He completed the special license for Richard and Anne to wed, and promised to attend their wedding breakfast.
April 30
Lady Catherine de Bourgh, dressed for the day, sat in an overstuffed wing chair near the window of her room.
"Mother, I know you can hear me. I know you can't talk, but will you at least look at me?" Anne waited for a response, and none came. Sighing, Anne bit back bitter disappointment. She moved to where Mother could see her wedding finery. "Fine. Mrs. Jenkinson left with Mr. and Mrs. Collins and Miss Bennet for the wedding. Georgiana and I are leaving for the church when Uncle Reggie arrives. Today is my wedding day, Mother. I'm marrying the man I love and who loves me." She heard a tiny snort. "We're sorry you feel that way. I offered to see you were transported to the wedding and the wedding breakfast but you shook your head no. I will be sure to tell Darcy not to visit you before he returns to Pemberley, and to Elizabeth who is anticipating their first child."
That comment earned her a surprised look before Lady Catherine turned her face away.
"I will not argue with you, Mother. I like Darcy as a cousin. I respect him, and if we had married, he would have respected me. We would have done our duty to family…but we would have robbed ourselves. I never had romantic dreams about marrying him and moving to Pemberley. Darcy loves Elizabeth. I love Richard. I will marry for love, Mother. I will not endure a marriage based on position, society or funds like you and Father. I have seen how hard life can be when you are not loved." Anne opened the door of the room to a slight knock.
"Where do I put the flowers, miss?" Mrs. Shepherd arrived with a large bouquet of white flowers. "The Countess of Matlock sent these for your mother. The carriage with the Earl of Matlock has arrived."
"On the mantle, please. Center them so they are reflected in the mirror. Do not move them near Lady Catherine. I don't want her to destroy them and make a mess for staff to clean. Tell Mrs. Jenkinson of my orders. Goodbye Mother. The next time I see you, I will be the Honorable Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam. Despite your lack of blessing, I am sure we will be happy together. We do, after all, have the blessing of the Sixth Earl and Countess of Matlock. We also have the blessing of the Bishop of London. He approved the special license for us to marry today. We are on our wedding tour in May. We are attending a house party at Pemberley in June. We will attend the christening of Darcy and Elizabeth's heir." Anne left Mother's quarters. Anne would not shed unhappy tears today. "Mrs. Shepherd, I want you to host a celebratory meal for the staff with wine punch. Give staff time off also. I hope you and Mr. Shepherd attend the wedding and wedding breakfast."
~X~
The Fitzwilliam and Darcy families were present at St. George's in Hanover Square on April thirtieth to witness the marriage of Richard and Anne. While Mrs. Bennet would have filled the interior with bouquets of flowers, the Countess of Matlock understood the solemnity of the church and wedding ceremony. The spring sun, shining through the stained glass windows, provided a beautiful setting for the wedding of the son of an earl and the daughter of a baronet.
Richard and Darcy were resplendent in dark blue topcoats and grey trousers with light blue waistcoats, which accented their eyes. Richard's valet attached the sapphire button covers and dressed Richard in the sapphire sleeve links which Anne gave him. He wore the gold watch, chain and fob worn by Sir Lewis on his wedding day.
Anne's gown fit perfectly under her breath-taking rose-motif lace mantle. Anne wore the mantle instead of a bonnet and veil. Pearl hairpins held her hair in place. She wore the Fitzwilliam pearls, white silk opera length gloves and white kid leather boots to church. Reginald had the hoods put up on the landeau so Anne's white gown and lace mantle did not get mussed. Georgiana wore her summer blue wedding clothes with the velveteen cloak.
The wedding guests released a collective gasp when Anne entered the church on the arm of the Sixth Earl of Matlock. The lace mantle would be reported around the ton for the remainder of the Season. Anne's mantle would be copied for peerage weddings the next two Seasons.
Reginald escorted his niece, Anne, down the aisle. After delivering a kiss to Anne's hand, he placed it in Richard's hand with great reverence and joy. Opening the ceremony, the Rector of St. George's intoned, "Dearlybeloved, we are gathered together here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy matrimony, which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innocence…"
The wedding followed the standard wedding: hymn, prayer, liturgy, and vows. Richard returned Anne's sapphire and diamond engagement ring to her ring finger and kissed it. She did not want a wedding band. She only wanted this ring, which reminded her of Richard's sparkling sapphire blue eyes.
"Forasmuch as Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam and Anne Catherine de Bourgh have consented together in holy wedlock and have witnessed the same before God and this company; and thereto have given and pledged their troth to each other and have declared the same by giving and receiving of a ring, and by joining of hands; I pronounce that they be Man and Wife together, in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Ghost. What God hath joined together, let no man put asunder. Amen."
After a closing prayer and hymn, the couple proudly signed the register with their attendants. Cheers and bells ring out. Everyone in Hanover Square stopped to see who departed the church and entered the white landau with the fine matched white horses. Anne giggled when she noticed the white rosettes and ribbons which graced the horses, and the lowered hoods on the landau. Richard handed Anne into the landau and joined her, standing, not sitting. "May we be blessed by the four winds." Richard took handfuls of three-pence coins from a white satin bag and threw them north, south, east, and west. He sat and kissed Anne's hand to the great cheer of everyone around them. "I plan for us to be a little late for our wedding breakfast," Richard winked.
"Richard," Anne attempted to warn him, but they were off at a steady pace to circle through Hyde Park. The white landau gathered notice before arriving at the Matlock House. Liveried footmen handed family and guests from carriages.
"I want one kiss for every carriage blocking our way." Richard declared.
Anne smiled and shook her head. "Be nice…or I won't let you undo my buttons."
Richard's hearty laugh drew the attention of coachmen before them, and they attempted to pull as far forward on the street as possible, leaving an area open for the groom to hand the bride down from an open landau. Richard spun Anne around in a circle several times. When he placed her back on her feet, his hands cupped her face and he kissed her. She blushed but smiled lovingly at her new, adorable husband.
The Fitzwilliams' French chef created a sumptuous feast of poached salmon, lobster mayonnaise, platters of chilled shrimp and oysters, cold sliced ham, baron of beef, and roast lamb with mint jelly. He planned delicate egg souffles and egg dishes with the best garden stuff and fresh herbs. Staff baked savory muffins, sweet hot rolls, and French brioche served with lemon, orange, or apricot marmalade. His staff prepared a special salad of lettuces, spinach, and endive with diced fresh pears and fresh cherries with champagne saffron vinaigrette. Fresh asparagus with lemon sauce, and bowls of fresh strawberries were offered. Liveried staff served strong coffee or white wine wedding punch. The five-tier wedding cake, cured with brandy, featured sugar confections of roses, and fresh mint leaves. Two smaller wedding cakes, with similar decorations, flanked the main wedding cake.
~X~
"Lady Hildreth," Darcy bowed as she curtsied.
"In London, Mr. Darcy, without your country wife?" Lady Honoria Hildreth simpered, her eyelashes fluttered faster than a fan during a hot summer day.
"Mrs. Darcy remained in Derbyshire. Her eldest sister, Mrs. Bingley, prepares for her lying in." 'Elizabeth is the first woman whose conversation does not make me seek refuge in a card room, while smoking cigars and drinking expensive ports and brandies. She is the most enchanting creature I know…with her beauty, her intelligence and her strength of character.' He would not announce his and Elizabeth's special news. Monday morning he and sister Mary would begin their journey to Pemberley. Mary agreed to travel from sunrise to sunset, reducing travel time as much as possible. They would use the best inns available. George and his nurse would travel with the other servants, stopping in tandem at Darcy's holdings. Darcy had one goal…get home to Elizabeth. "Pardon…I was wool gathering." Darcy apologized. He had not paid attention to Lady Hildreth's comment.
"I invited you to tea whenever you are in London and have an available afternoon." Lady Hildreth drew her fan possessively up his forearm, before laying her hand on his arm.
"Excellent thought, I haven't seen your father or brother in several months. I've been at Pemberley since after Christmas." Darcy intended to thank her for the invitation and say no, but she interrupted him.
"You don't understand. I have established my own household, with several ladies of our circle. For your protection…my suite will provide privacy." Lady Hildreth offered herself to him.
'Protection? A mistress…does she think I'm looking for a mistress?' Darcy's icy thoughts bloomed hot and angry.
"I understand the last dance of the wedding breakfast is a waltz. I love to waltz." Lady Hildreth batted her eyes at him.
"So, do I…but only with my wife…whom I love." Darcy commented. "I vowed fidelity to Elizabeth in a church before God. I abhor deception, Lady Hildreth. I will not tell the ton you requested my protection…but I will not forget it. I suggest you leave my cousins' wedding breakfast and do not speak to me or my family ever again. Otherwise, I will urge my aunt, the Countess of Matlock, to cut direct…with no warning." Darcy almost crushed the hand he peeled off his arm and flung away.
~X~
"Are we truly alone?" Richard removed his boots. "I am decided. The next time someone tells me they are getting married, I'm recommending Gretna Green."
"Yes, the wedding breakfast did seem to go on forever!" Anne's light laughter filled their room. "I could not have wished for a more lovely morning. I am thrilled your mother opened the doors to the ballroom, allowing guests to walk the gardens as they desired."
"Do you think everyone had a good time?" His voice and lips ghosted over her neck as he released the clasp of the pearl necklace and laid it aside. His hands began removing her hairpins.
"Almost everyone," Anne tried not to smile. "I've never seen so many women chase Darcy in his life. He positively glowered during the last hour of the dancing and breakfast. He, Georgiana and Catherine are abandoning us after supper at the ball tonight."
"We need a set of Bow Street Runners to protect him," Richard deftly removed Anne's hairpins. "I think everyone, except Lady Honoria Hildreth, Lady Hannah Bowman and Lady Sarah Caudill, had a wonderful time at the wedding."
"Why didn't they have a wonderful time?" Anne twisted her head to look at Richard, and he shook his head, missing a hairpin because she didn't stand still.
Richard managed to capture the hairpin and replied. "I think their suggestions were more thinly veiled than the tulle overlay of your dress for the ball tonight. Because Elizabeth was not in attendance, the ladies felt they had an open field, and the nags raced for the prize."
"I am not understanding," Anne frowned.
"The ladies flirted with Darcy, hoping he sought a mistress." Richard knelt on his good knee to lift Anne's gown off her. Anne drowned in fabric for several long seconds before she could reply.
"They what?" Anne's voice could have frozen all the delicious ices which were planned for the wedding ball.
"There's a shortage of men since the war. Unless women marry beneath them, or marry an avowed rake, fortune hunter or gamester, the only recourse to having protection is to become a rich man's mistress." Richard paused while undressing Anne to take off his topcoat and waistcoat. "Those three ladies could remain at home, under the protection of their family…except their families are in peril of losing fortunes, lands and social standing."
"I'm glad Elizabeth was not here." Anne untied Richard's cravat. "I'm sure it would not have been good for the future heir of Pemberley if his mother engaged in eye-gouging and hair-pulling."
"Elizabeth would not reduce herself to physical altercations. Her wit would have sliced their pretentions and self-respect to ribbons." Richard captured Anne's hands and helped her unbutton his shirt. She gently removed his sleeve links before he finished removing his shirt.
"Well, I'm not as witty as Elizabeth. I won't be merciful when someone acts inappropriately with you. I don't care if they are a friend of your father or mother, and I care even less if they are an acquaintance of Augusta. There will be a verbal lashing followed by a direct cut. I won't abide women who don't act like ladies around you. I don't have to be civil to bits of muslin." Anne snapped.
"This undressing stuff takes too long," Richard muttered.
"We have several hours before we must dress for the ball," She stood on tiptoes and gently kissed his lips. "Whatever shall we do to pass the time?"
"I would think," Richard wrapped his arms around her, "that since we almost anticipated our vows, not once but twice, you ought to know what will happen when I finally get those silk petticoats and silk stockings off you." Before she could reply, Richard claimed her lips, and effectively silenced her.
~X~
Anne woke to Richard's fingers sliding slowly up and down her spine. His right arm tucked under his head and his left fingers caressed her spine.
"God you're beautiful," she sighed. His blonde hair, blue eyes and muscular torso were made by a generous God.
"No, you're beautiful," he reached down and pulled her up to him to nuzzle her neck. Before she could squeak out a protest, or moan, he pinned her beneath him. Richard kissed her forehead, her eyes and then her mouth. "We have time to engage in marital fun before we bathe and dress for the ball." Anne thought a man who had been a soldier, should not create explosive situations.
Later, once the newlyweds were sated and sleepy, a light knock on the door made Richard pull on his banyan. He opened the door to Blakewell who offered him another hour of rest and a quick hot basin of water, or no more sleep and a full tub of steaming water. Richard opted for the hour of rest followed by trays of wedding breakfast food for them. Cold lobster mayonnaise, asparagus, strawberries, wedding cake and pots of strong hot tea to revive them. He handed off Anne's wedding dress and mantle to Blackwell, asking him to give them to Aveline to prepare them for the evening. He crawled back into bed with Anne, hearing sleepy little protests from her while he settled himself with her in his arms.
~X~
Anne woke to feeling rested and restless. A fire crackled in the hearth of Richard's room, but the drapes were closed. "We have to rise, my darling. We had a lie-in until the last possible minute. Aveline has a basin of hot water waiting in your room." He pulled the bedsheets away from her naked body, eliciting a protest. He handed her his banyan, which hung off her to his delight and amusement. She wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out at him, attempting to haughtily stride away in his overly long garment which trailed behind her. The front split to show off her very shapely legs, reminding him of the luscious silk stockings he peeled off her earlier today. He pulled on his shirt and scooped up her undergarments, stuffing them in her arms before she exited his room to the sitting room and then to her sleeping room. Blackwell entered shortly after Anne left.
Aveline dressed Anne's hair in a chignon, with little tendril curls about her face. Aveline used the pearl bandeau from the collection of Fitzwilliam pearls. Then Anne dressed in her white silk wedding gown with the special gauze overlay with white silk ribbon roses and tiny seed pearls.
Richard dressed in a black and white evening kit. His broad shoulders and military physique filled his tailored evening coat. His cloud white cravat had been tied in a ridiculous number of elaborate knots. His brushed silver button covers and sleeve links accented the silver embroidered threads on his white silk waistcoat. His black dancing pumps were as polished as his manners. He quite literally stole Anne's breath away. She cheered silently because she captured Richard Anthony Fitzwilliam's heart.
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam opened the ball with a waltz…accompanied by sighs from several woman in the room…except for Lady Augusta Fitzwilliam. She shook her head over the three dances the newlyweds enjoyed at the wedding breakfast and wished it would not happen again at the wedding ball. Robert planned to partner her during the supper set because they would sit at the head table. If Robert didn't play cards or speak with influential men, he escorted female dance partners to the floor who had influential fathers, uncles and brothers.
~X~
"A summer wedding will be wonderful," Hamilton thanked Darcy.
"The Pemberley Chapel is yours for the wedding. I have a hunting lodge located in the Pemberley woods. One of my forefathers built it generations ago and it is kept in good repair. The hunting lodge is secluded and has no neighbors for miles. I will have it cleaned and prepared for you and Catherine for your wedding night. After you leave the wedding breakfast, one of my coachmen will take you to the lodge. You can come back to Pemberley for the anniversary ball. The morning after the ball, you can depart for the Lake District. The Fitzwilliams offered their cottage at the Lake District for your wedding tour." Darcy did not feel surprised when Hamilton quickly agreed to the scheme. He hoped the negotiations for Georgiana's marriage would go this smoothly.
Darcy's letter of introduction would help John Hamilton meet with the Bishop of London. A special license was necessary for Mr. John Hamilton and Miss Catherine Bennet to wed at the Pemberley Chapel in June at a house party attended by friends and family. Darcy's letter introduced Mr. Hamilton's position at Oxford and his estate there. The letter explained Miss Catherine Bennet was the sister of Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley. Miss Bennet was currently a guest of the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Miss Bennet would travel with the Fitzwilliam wedding tour, which would end the first of June at Pemberley. While the Archbishop of Canterbury had to approve special licenses, it was helpful to have a Bishop as a godfather.
~X~
Catherine escaped to her room after supper with John. Several of her hairpins came loose and pulled on curls or dug into her scalp. She never requested special favors, but this time, she rang for Aveline to help her undress. She would have tomorrow with John before she departed for Brighton on Monday. Aveline relinquished the guinea she lost when Lady Fitzwilliam complained about the opening waltz at the wedding breakfast and the wedding ball. Catherine gave it back to her, with thanks for all the help she had been while Catherine dressed for wedding events. Aveline helped her to bed, tucked her in, and explained everyone would have a lie-in tomorrow. They would attend Evensong in the Matlock Chapel. She was grateful for the room at Matlock House. She would have fallen asleep in a carriage to the de Bourgh House.
Catherine sighed. Her letter to Lydia would explain the breakfast and wedding balls. People danced, talked and gossiped. Mothers engaged in matchmaking. Gentlemen debated politics. Young ladies discussed fashion, ate a wonderful supper and drank delicious wine punch. Lydia would be furious if she learned Catherine left the ball early. Catherine could not tell Mama or Lydia she danced the first and supper set with Mr. Hamilton. She would ensure she did not mention Mr. Hamilton's invitation and would ask Mary not to mention it either. Perhaps she could prevaricate a little and say her dancing partners were all friends and acquaintances of the Fitzwilliams. Although, if that statement made Mama hope Catherine would meet and marry a peer, she would be disappointed.
Catherine would share Lady Matlock and Lady Fitzwilliam's decree that gift tables at the wedding breakfast and the wedding ball were improper. Anne commented they would enlarge the silver room at Rosings House to hold the plethora of silver candlesticks, flower bowls, and serving trays which had been sent to Matlock House as wedding gifts for the couple. Mary and Elizabeth joined Catherine to purchase a lovely set of silver rimmed crystal vases for Miss Anne and Mr. Fitzwilliam.
Mama and Lydia would ask what everyone wore. Catherine would explain she wore the pink silk dress she wore to Jane and Lizzy's wedding and the pink ballgown from their birthday ball. She would explain Mr. Collins and Mary wore the clothes they wore to Jane and Lizzy's wedding and the Christmas Ball. She could waste excessive pages describing clothes, food, decorations knowing it would not be enough detail to suit Mama.
~X~
"I am glad we left early," Mr. Collins admitted to Mary. "We were invited to breakfast at Matlock House tomorrow, and Evensong at their chapel tomorrow evening."
"I think I would like a lie in," Mary yawned. "I think I would like to sleep until I wake."
"Will you visit Lady Catherine tomorrow?" Mr. Collins inquired.
"I think not. I think I saw Mrs. Jenkinson walking the hall. Perhaps she might like for you to read the Bible to her and to Lady Catherine tomorrow morning between breakfast and midday." Mary truly wanted to sleep. She had worried about the weather, the firepits, the orchards and gardens…and her two new farrows of sow babies. They were small farrows, only five sow babies each. She asked Mr. Manning to keep three to fatten and sell the rest for more poultry, perhaps more bees. She appreciated her staff who managed very well while she was gone. They would attend the celebration for Miss Anne and Mr. Fitzwilliam. She would give them a coin for caring for the parsonage and Mr. Collins in her absence. Mr. Manning knew to send her correspondence to Pemberley until the last week of June. She had her tasks set for when she arrived at Pemberley with Darcy.
~X~
Richard was furious. After years of being ignored as a second son, suddenly he became interesting as a married man. Society believed Anne's health remained fragile and no one anticipated she would endure another year of life. Many men had daughters, granddaughters, nieces, cousins or goddaughters of marriageable age who were accomplished, pretty, and had excellent lineage. They were willing to consider a marriage with a widower who was a landed gentleman and the second son of the Earl of Matlock.
"Deuce take them all," Richard cursed to Darcy. "Accomplished means they can play a pianoforte, dance, draw or embroider well…but not one of them can understand tax schedules, magistrate duties, breeding cycles of livestock, or planting schedules and crop rotation! It vexes me because the same matchmaking mothers who would not take a chance on me if Robert died, are now willing to take a chance on me if Anne dies."
"The best way to thwart them is to love your wife and help her live a long and happy life. Imagine you and Anne, at a great age in the future, teaching your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to select their marriage partner for love and respect rather than social standing and money." Darcy advised. "I find demonstrating great love and respect for my Elizabeth to be the best way to derail future interest in my life. I believe you, Bingley and I should continue to dance first sets, supper sets, and closing sets with our wives. We can change society's expectations of married men not dancing with their wives. Being besotted with your wife keeps light skirts at bay."
"True," Richard admitted. "If I'm on the dance floor with Anne, or other amiable partners, then the ladies who lay in wait for me can go rot. I am like you, Darcy, I vowed before God to be faithful to my wife. I will not disrespect Anne for the temporary excitement of pursuing a mistress."
"Make Augusta aware of your intent. She does not need to introduce you to a hundred debutantes. She can inflict that pleasure on her brothers, Stephen and Silas." Darcy advised. "They've run from the yoke long enough! Let's get them leg-shackled and soon! I don't want either one of them near Georgiana when she comes out!" Darcy scowled.