"Oh! Do come off it Charles, I only said that in the hopes of making the woman see sense. Though I am fully aware there is little hope to be had there." Caroline spoke once all their guests had left and she saw the still dejected look on her brother's face. "I am perfectly determined to have Jane Bennet for a sister, and as you are my only means of achieving said goal, I fully intend to bend you to my will."
"You may as well accept your fate now old man, you know Carrie gets whatever she wants." She smiled at her husband as he slapped her brother on the back.
"Perhaps you should all learn to check doorways before you speak of other people in such a manner." Elizabeth spoke, Jane leaning heavily on her arm. "Don't mind them dearest, we are still trying to teach Mr Bingley the subtleties that come with teasing. I'm afraid he takes us all too literally at times."
"Quite so, though I did mean what I said, I would love nothing more than to have you for a sister, but only if it would make you and my brother happiest." Caroline rushed to them, and helped her situate Jane by the fire. "Now, are you sure you are well enough to be out of bed?" Caroline was once again in her element, showing once again, the kind and caring mistress she was as she ran her husbands household.
"I admit I shall not be able to stay long, but I couldn't wait another moment to apologize for my mother and youngest sister. I know how hard they can be to bear, and I hope they did not cause you too much trouble."
"Nonsense, you are not to blame for the unfortunate behavior of your relatives, and nor would we judge you on them. Why we all have relations we wish we could forget." Mama spoke as she stood and crossed the room to stand before Jane. "You shall be a credit to any family to marry in too, and a treasured friend to all."
"Miss Lucas, I appreciate you coming to see me." Lady Catherine spoke as the young woman was shown into the parlor Caroline had told her she could use for this meeting.
"I confess to being surprised by the invitation." Charlotte said, as she accepted her he tea offered to her. "I am hoping this has something to do with our last conversation."
The poor girl had come to her, asking her if she knew of anyone looking for a companion or governess. She was tired of feeling like a burden to her family, and thought it was high time she accepted her fate as a spinster.
"As a matter a fact, it does. I do have a couple of families in mind who are looking for companions, and I know any of my girls would take you on as a governess in a heartbeat. However, my husband wrote to me, and said our clergyman is looking to take a wife. His wife, god rest her soul, died in childbirth two years ago, and he is finding it difficult keeping up with two small children as well as his duties to his flock."
"He is a sensible man, and is looking for a sensible wife, and while we have many ladies who could be called sensible in Hunsford, none have sparked his interest. I have already spoken with Mr Bingley, and if you are amenable to meeting him, I shall send an express asking him to join our party."
Charlotte could not believe was she was hearing. Not only was Lady Catherine offering her a chance to take the burden of her care off her parents, but also the possibility of having a family and a household of her own. Oh she knew it wasn't a guarantee, for she knew of Lady Catherine's belief of only marrying where there was mutual respect and affection. However, she also knew she wouldn't suggest such a thing if she didn't think the match was possible.
"I would not be opposed to meeting him." She spoke, not wanting to get her hopes up. This was all she had ever hoped for, but she knew she had to be practical, or risk getting hurt.
"I shall write to him then, and we will see if the two of you don't hit it off."
"What do you think of this shawl Beth? Is it not lovely?" Georgiana asked as she wrapped said item around herself as she twirled for her sister to see it fully.
"It is very lovely indeed and the color is most becoming on you." She smiled as her eyes drifted across the other shawls on display. "I believe Kate has a birthday coming up, what do you think of this one for her?" She asked, fingering a light purple shawl, having see that color to be the one her younger sister preferred.
"Oh, it is lovely, and would go well with this fabric I saw in the shop next door." Georgiana smiled, and plans were made to purchase the shawl before going next door for the fabric.
"Oh no, Miss Lizzy, I cannot take yer money! Myself and the other shop keepers are jus' so happy to see yer alive." The woman said as they went to pay for the shawls.
"I'm sorry, I'm not..." She was flustered at being recognized, but the woman would not let up.
"The so called gentry are too high on themselves to see wha' is right in front of their noses, but you will find the rest of us remember yer grace an' kindness. No other woman has had that as well as your wit and liveliness." The woman praised.
"And I dare say no other shall." They turned at the sound of her husband's voice. Her heart fluttering at the adoring look on his face. "However, my wife would prefer to remain unknown to all but a select few of the gentry here, for reasons I'm sure you understand."
"Aye sir, we remember how the little miss was treated, and will gladly keep her secret." The woman was quick to affirm, but refused to accept money for her silence and willingness to spread their wishes to the rest of the shopkeepers.
Again, the woman refused payment for the shawls, but eventually gave in when they explained one was meant as a gift, and therefore must be paid for. In exchange, they agreed to bring Hannah to show off to the woman, weather permitting, finding out many of the shopkeepers were eager to see her.
The fabric Georgiana spoke of was just a couple shades lighter than the shawl, and It was decided that since the dress maker had Kate's measurements already on file that they would order the dress, and just bring the girl for the final fitting.
The woman once again let on that she knew Elizabeth's true identity, but was happy to keep it to herself. After another round of arguing to be able to pay, the three left the store, only to find the Bennet ladies out talking with one of the soldiers, Mr Bingley, a clergyman, and another more familiar gentleman...Mr Wickham.
She could sense her husband and sister wanted to be anywhere but here, but also knew if they left now, after being seen by the group, they would be playing right into Mr Wickham's hands.
Kate saw them first, so was the one to approach them, all but dragging a resistant Georgiana along with her back to the group. "Come, you really must meet Danny and his friend Mr Wickham, is he not handsome, and will be wearing regimentals soon. Oh I know he is too poor to set my cap at, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy looking." She was pleased to see her younger sister showing some sense, and even slowed when she realized how resistant Georgiana was.
"Mr Wickham, how good to see you again." Jane, Mary, and Kate all took notice of the coolness in her tone, and instantly, their guards were up.
"Mrs Darcy, it is a pleasure as always, to see you and lovely Georgiana." The fact that her husband was not acknowledged, was almost as blatant as the use of Georgiana's given name.
"How fortunate it is we have run into you, I know my husband has been most eager to settle matters with you." She saw the way he paled at the mention of settling matters, and knew he picked up on her meaning his debts. "You will have to come by and speak with my husband, though I can not guarantee Miss Darcy or myself will be available to receive visitors. She is rather busy with her schooling, and I with being a new mother. Though I'm sure my mother would be glad to receive you." She almost got a sick pleasure out of seeing him pale further.
"Yes...well...I am sorry to say I shall be most busy settling into my new regiment here in town. I doubt very much I will have much time for visiting." He sputtered.
"Dearest, perhaps we should invite Richard," She spoke to her husband, seeing Georgiana brighten out of the corner of her eye. She turned to see her shoot at appraising look at Kate, and knew she had decided which her cousin would marry.
"You know, my dear, a visit just might be what the old boy needs to pull him from his doldrums." Fitzwilliam relaxed, seeing Wickham pale even further at the mention of Colonel Fitzwilliam. "I'm sure he could give you tips to help you settle into your new profession easier."
"Yes...well...I'd hate for him to go to any trouble." Wickham spoke, decidedly uncomfortable, before making his excuses, and leaving with his fellow soldier.
The group was then introduced to the Bennet's cousin, and Elizabeth couldn't help but wonder if it was the same clergyman her father had written about months back. Seeing how pompous and boastful he was with regards to his new patron the man was, she was sure he was the very same. She could see why her father had chosen the other candidate, knowing he would have no patience for be man before her.
Deciding to escort the Bennets home turned out to be a most trying experience as Mr Collins attached himself to her and her husband, and proceeded to speak of nothing but Lord something or other, his new patron.
AN: Incase it is not clear, Mr Collins got a position with someone else as Louis de Bourgh gave the living to a different person.