Wretched Beginnings 1816 – Chapter 1

January 2

After the New Year, Georgiana met with Mrs. Annesley behind closed doors. She revealed Henry Haverleigh offered for her. They would marry in April. After the wedding, her possessions at Pemberley, the holdings, and Darcy House needed to be crated and shipped to the Haverleigh House located near the Stanhope Estate. She wanted her companion to attend her marriage blessing at the Pemberley Chapel at Michaelmas. Georgiana planned to give Mrs. Annesley an excellent character, pay for her advertisement for a position or pay her fee at a registrar's office, and provide a bonus for each year she had been with Georgiana.

Henry insisted they purchase new costumes for the Matlocks' Twelfth Night Ball. Georgiana visited Mme. Charette for the final fitting of her new gown. The dress had been created of lavender blue silk with pale blue silk gauze. The squared, ruched bodice exhibited Georgiana's graceful neck and almost bare shoulders. The full, pale blue silk gauze sleeves ended in six-inch-wide lavender blue silk buttoned cuffs. The slight cap on the sleeves held six floating, elbow-length thin, dark lavender blue silk ribbons. A wide, dark lavender blue ribbon delineated the empire bodice. The fuller skirt for dancing, with a silk gauze overlay, appeared to float with every movement. Georgiana had dark blue satin dancing slippers. She took a piece of the lavender blue silk to a glover to have short gloves especially made for the gown.

Georgiana would not wear the easily recognizable Darcy sapphires. She commissioned a new necklace featuring a teardrop shaped sapphire, surrounded by diamonds, and set in silver with a fine chain. Fine, small sapphire and silver earbobs complemented the necklace. Her mask of the lavender blue silk with ruffled gauze edges and darker lavender blue silk ribbon ties emphasized her sapphire blue eyes. When asked her character's name, Georgiana would reply 'Olivia.'

Georgiana shared a sketch of her gown with Henry. He selected dark blue breeches with black Hessian boots. He ordered a lavender blue silk shirt to match the color of her gown. He commissioned a special black leather belt with a knife sheath, a sword in a scabbard and an embossed silver buckle. His dark blue wool cape fastened at his right shoulder…leaving his arm free for sword fighting. For dancing, he could throw the cape over his left shoulder to free both arms. His mask matched his dark blue breeches and cape. His gloves were black. If asked the identity of his character, Henry would reply 'Orsino.'

Henry and Georgiana planned to dance the opening, supper and closing set. Henry felt their three dances would deliver a statement to the ton…they were engaged and a love match. Georgiana's willingness to flaunt that simpering cousin of hers pleased him.

~X~

Georgiana and Catherine spent time in her room. Georgiana asked Catherine to recreate her presentation gown as a wedding gown. The bodice and sleeves remained the same, but Catherine drew a slimmer skirt with a slimmer overlay. The back half of the skirt would be used to make a petticoat. The back half of the overlay would be used to make a gauze wrap. Catherine recommended making two petticoats from the hoop petticoat. She viewed both of the ballgowns and approved. After the Twelfth Night ball, Georgiana would visit Mme. Charette with her presentation gown to be prepared as a wedding gown.

Wednesday, January 3

"I have arranged for tickets for two and ten of us to attend the British Museum today at one." Georgina reminded the guests of Darcy House. "Aunt Constance, Augusta, Anne, Elizabeth, Mrs. Annesley and myself in the Matlock carriage. Jane, Mary, Catherine, Charlotte, Maria, and Mrs. Gardiner in the largest Darcy carriage. I thought we could see the Bassai sculptures, all three and twenty, in the upper level. If we finish viewing them, we could go to the gallery to see the terra cottas; Greek and Roman sculptures; Roman antiquities and Egyptian antiquities."

"Tea and refreshments at Gunter's Ices after?" Lizzy suggested.

"Yes," Georgiana smiled at her sister.

"We shall be a large and merry party," Catherine added. "I am grateful, for everyone has been discussing the Bassai sculptures and the Parthenon at the Matlock salons these past few weeks. If I see something I particularly like, I will return for an afternoon of sketching."

"Please include me if possible," Georgiana requested. "I should love a quiet afternoon of sketching at the British Museum."

Twelfth Night – January 5, 1816

"If music be the food of love…play on." Shakespeare, Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 1

The Countess of Matlock sent invitations to two hundred and fifty of the ton for the Twelfth Night Masquerade Ball at the Matlock House. Masks would be abandoned during the supper set. The Fitzwilliams planned to wear their costumes from the Midsummer's Eve Ball. Several of the men wore black evening kits, including Collins. Mme. Charette created new ballgowns for Jane, Lizzy, Mary, Catherine, and Charlotte.

The Countess of Matlock brought six of her gardeners to London to create decorations for the ballroom. The Earl of Matlock hired six Bow Street Runners to act as grooms for the event, helping guests down from their carriages. The Matlocks' French chef created several Twelfth Night cakes, each with spun sugar decorations.

Georgiana felt guilty telling everyone she would wear her costume from last summer's Midsummer's Eve Ball. However, she admitted her duplicity to William and Elizabeth. She explained the change of costume might help her avoid Viscount Elburn tonight. William guaranteed Viscount Elburn would not be a problem. Richard would talk to him before the event…one brother-by-marriage to another brother-by-marriage. Richard guaranteed if Elburn did not leave Georgiana alone…the next talk would include Darcy and half a dozen Bow Street Runners.

~X~

"I hoped to not part with you until you were five and twenty, but there is no hope for withholding my consent if you are determined to have Viscount Haverleigh." William teased his sister.

"I am," Georgiana blushed. "As Elizabeth says…he is the man who suits me, my tastes, and my feelings."

"Do you love him?" William would not give Georgiana up to someone unworthy of her.

"I love him so very dearly. My heart whispers his name when I am separated from him. My heart pounds when I see him." Georgiana blushed.

"Then it is excellent I gave him my blessing," William laughed. "He threatened to marry at Pemberley Chapel within a fortnight if the Countesses did not rein in their desires to entertain the ton. Aunt Constance and the Countess of Stanhope want a society wedding in the Spring, at the start of the Season. We are planning the wedding blessing at the Pemberley Chapel over Michaelmas."

"Elizabeth said deciding what we want for our wedding is the first most important task. So, we would like you to announce our engagement tonight at the Twelfth Night Ball during the supper. We plan to marry April twentieth, at St. George's Cathedral by special license. Wedding breakfast with dancing for three hundred at Matlock House. The following sennight we travel to Portsmouth. Seven to ten days later we are in Madeira. Our honeymoon will be May and June in Madeira. Henry's family rents a villa there every other year. We will return to summer at Stanhope Estates."

"I will need an afternoon with Henry the week before the wedding. We will need to arrange your marriage settlement and dowry." William reminded his sister.

"Henry and I plan to use my dowry to expand the horse farm at Haverleigh Hall. We are purchasing an available two hundred acres of pasture from nearby neighbors. We need to ensure the pasture land is fenced. We are building a stable for sixty horses and lodging for the stable master, grooms, stable boys, etc. We will build a foaling barn, yearling barn, hayloft and grainery building, a smithy, and a space to store riding equipment. We need an office for the stablemaster. Our plan might require two years, but we plan to breed and sell riding horses."

"Be sure to talk to my stable master and to Richard," Darcy advised. "We have a good horse breeding program at Pembrooke. Men can go there to purchase a horse, but we sell horses mostly at Midsummer and at Michaelmas."

~X~

The Earl and Countess of Matlock hosted a private gathering in the drawing room before the Twelfth Night Ball. The Earl requested a substantial tea be served. He opined he could not dance until midnight without sustenance. The full drawing room – Robert and Augusta, Richard and Anne, William and Elizabeth, the Bennets, the Bingleys, the Collinses, the Gardiners, the Hamiltons, the Lucases, Miss Darcy and Viscount Haverleigh – would be less of a crush than the remainder of the evening. Charlotte noticed Lord and Lady Elburn and Viscount Elburn were not invited to this event.

Darcy announced Georgiana's engagement to Viscount Henry Haverleigh. The couple accepted everyone's congratulations. Their engagement would be announced in the London Times. Henry slipped a sapphire and diamond ring on Georgiana's finger and enjoyed a chaste kiss as an engaged couple. Henry secured her opening, supper and closing set before the tea. Georgiana left the sitting room with additional dances scheduled with William, Richard, Robert, Reggie, Bingley and Hamilton.

Augusta did not complain about Georgiana's choice, although she wanted to slap Stephen for losing this opportunity. Viscount Haverleigh's impeccable lineage, his good looks, excellent manners, and solid education were points considered for three seasons by other debutantes and their families. However, the happy couple were obviously a love match, which everyone wished for Georgiana.

Viscount Fitzwilliam announced Lady Fitzwilliam was enceinte again, and they hoped for a son born in early summer.

Charles Bingley blushingly announced his angel, Jane, was enceinte again. They anticipated a sibling for Charlie in late May.

Charlotte kept her counsel. She missed her courses in December. She had not missed her courses since they began when she turned three and ten. She swore Mary to secrecy before she revealed her suspicions. Mary explained Charlotte would miss courses as the first indicator of increasing. The second indicator would be fatigue. The third could be casting up her accounts early in the morning or aversion to certain dishes. The fourth would be swollen or tender breasts. Mary suggested waiting to tell anyone until Charlotte experienced the quickening. Mary explained the quickening as a fluttering feeling in your lower belly. Charlotte did not trust the fluttering feeling could really be a child…however, she anticipated being enceinte. Mary recommended ginger or mint tea, and ginger biscuits before she rose. Mary also laid out a list of suggestions like egg custards at tea time, riding backwards in a coach to ease nausea, and lots of walks and sunshine.

Mrs. Gardiner kept her counsel also. Lady Matlock, Mrs. Fitzwilliam and Charlotte visited Gardiner's Emporium. The three purchased fine white cotton, fine white flannel and fine white wool for creating baby layettes. While Charlotte claimed she wanted to make layettes for the tenants, and possibly her new sister-by-marriage, Madeleine Gardiner tried not to stress. She wanted George to inherit Longbourn. Thomas and Franny had five daughters; perhaps Charlotte would bear another Bennet daughter.

~X~

Two sennights after the death of her once particular friend, Penelope Pennington Whitford, Juliet received a surprise package at the theatre…a pocket-sized book of sonnets by Shakespeare. She burnt the wrappings, which surprised her dresser. She slipped the sonnets and enclosed message into her reticule. She appeared calm and gave an outstanding performance as Olivia in Twelfth Night. She received bouquets from admirers and accolades of her contemporaries. She went to Lady B.'s home for a light, late supper and played cards until extremely early in the morning.

When the coachman took her home, she thanked him and quietly retired to her room. She summoned a maid to help her prepare for bed. Once alone, she cried bitterly into her pillow. Colonel Whitford could not see her during his six-month bereavement. Not only were the Penningtons watching him…he heard Richard Fitzwilliam hired Bow Street Runners to follow him. Lydia felt despondent without her lover and felt the future months would be the longest period of her life.

~X~

Louisa and Sophia planned to attend a production of Twelfth Night at the Theatre Royal. With six other widows, they secured a box for the evening. Louisa invited their group back to the Stafford House for a late supper. Sophia helped her with the menu. A roasted small goose and mincemeat pies were included. Louisa and Sophia visited a toy store, purchasing a set of pre-made characters for Twelfth Night to create a centerpiece for their Twelfth Night dining table. They were embarrassing honest with one another about avoiding compromise or a marriage where they purchased a Lord Spendthrift.

Sophia asked about the relationship between Louisa and her brother-by-marriage, Roberts. Louisa declared her sister, Caroline, claimed her marriage to Roberts was trying. Louisa privately celebrated because Roberts could not compromise her and force a marriage. Sophia like the idea of marrying a landed gentleman…but she avoided widowers who had children. She wanted children of her own. She did not want her children to be second or third sons with nothing to inherit.

Louisa and Sophia anticipated an evening of entertainment. Sophia's sister called earlier in the day. Whether she wanted to work on Sophia's sensibilities or not went unanswered; Louisa had the knocker taken down. When they rose for a light repast and to dress for their evening out, the butler notified Sophia of the caller. Sophia set the card aside with no comment…other than her brother and family would return to London by Lady Day.

Louisa explained they might have an invitation to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire this summer. She explained about Jane increasing and the possibility of a summer house party. If they received an invitation, Louisa suggested they take a day or two to visit Sophia's family.

Sophia opined she preferred being a visitor and not a servant in her brother's home. She felt nothing would be better than requesting a room for their French maid. Sophia declared she would need a fortnight to improve her wardrobe before they attended a summer house party. Louisa agreed; she wanted clothes of the first stare if visiting Pemberley.

January 6

"Where are you taking my son?" Anne encountered the nursery maid exiting the nursery. Anne and Richard planned to see Freddie for a few minutes before they went to bed. They enjoyed the ball very much…but were not prepared for the de Bourgh House to be in uproar. A tired Richard followed her.

The nursery maid held Freddie. "To Lady Catherine's suite." She half curtsied because of the babe in her arms. "Lady Catherine is alert. One of the medical staff claimed she made a rocking motion with her arms. I believe she wants to see Master Frederick."

"I will tell her Freddie is sleeping. If she is alert in the morning, and docile, I will let her see her grandson." Anne commented. "I think you should return to the nursery, and bolt the door. No one enters except Mr. Fitzwilliam or me."

"I will have two footmen stationed outside the nursery," Richard assured Anne. "Wait for me, I will accompany you to see Lady Catherine."

Lady Catherine was awake when Anne and Richard visited her room. Her eyes were open; however, she did not acknowledge them nor cut them. Anne questioned Adams and Jenkinson, but both had just been awakened by staff. Both Anne and Fitzwilliam questioned medical staff and footmen…only to have no one explain why the nursery maid thought Lady Catherine wanted to see Freddie. Anne sat quietly beside her mother's bed. She related the news about the family. Lady Catherine did not react when Anne revealed Georgiana was engaged to Viscount Haverleigh. The news about William and Elizabeth having another son did not receive a response. The news of Robert and Augusta expecting a child this year did not elicit a response. Anne described the work done at Rosings Park and at the de Bourgh House. While relating news from Hunsford and Westerham, Lady Catherine made a rocking motion with her good arm, and fell asleep.

Richard promised to send for Dr. Acton in the morning. He would also send a message to his parents and Darcy. Medical staff was told about Lady Catherine's waking. They assured Anne they would tell her if Lady Catherine requested anyone. She would not be left alone.

~X~

Dr. Acton spoke with the medical staff before he examined Lady Catherine. She was still asleep when he checked on her. He spent the most time talking to Adams and Jenkinson to determine any changes in Lady Catherine. He spoke with the Fitzwilliams who relayed their concern about Lady Catherine wanting to see Freddie.

"Since Lady Catherine's last apoplectic fit occurred when she heard about Master Frederick, I am a little disconcerted. I spoke with the medical staff, except the two who left this morning for a new position. They will be nurses for a viscountess who is enceinte. A few of the staff felt she wanted to see Master Frederick. Mrs. Jenkinson suggested if Lady Catherine made a rocking a baby motion, that she might have meant you."

Anne told Dr. Acton about their visit to Lady Catherine's room after being awakened by the nursery maid.

"If you feel Master Frederick could be safe, introduce him to his grandmother. Mayhap his presence in her room will wake her." Dr. Acton advised. "I will return tomorrow."

Sunday, January 7

"My profoundest sympathies; Lady Catherine is gone," Dr. Acton announced to the Fitzwilliams. "Almost three years have passed since Lady Catherine's first apoplectic fit. Very few of the stricken last so long. I know she has been failing over the last year. While my news is not a surprise, I feel sure you are still distressed. Her longevity is a testament to the excellent care you provided for her. I took the liberty of instructing your staff to prepare her for burial. I know you have details to attend. I do not wish to importune you longer." Dr. Acton prepared to depart.

"We are not always in town. However, we know you, and trust you. I would like the staff to be able to summon you if necessary." Fitzwilliam requested.

"I would be honored," Dr. Acton departed.

Richard drew Anne to the study. They made lists of who to contact and what to do. Anne rang for the Shepherds. After discussing tasks with them, she requested Blackwell and Aveline arrange a black wardrobe for Richard and herself. Anne's seamstress, Clarice, would sew black armbands for de Bourgh House staff, Rosings House staff, Recovery House residents, tenants and miscellaneous friends and family. Clarice examined the sewing room in the cellar for black material for Anne and for armbands. Anne had no half mourning clothes. Clarice would need to sew for her to move to half mourning a fortnight after Midsummer. She would need full mourning clothes for winter and spring, in addition to half mourning clothes for summer, autumn and winter. Clarice recommended keeping a simple mourning wardrobe for Mrs. Fitzwilliam going forward. Aveline would visit second hand clothing stores for items to repurpose for staff, mourning accessories in black, and classical jet jewelry.

Richard sent expresses to the Matlock House, and to the Darcy House. He sent an express to Lady Catherine's solicitor. He sent expresses to Curate Stevenson, to Rosings House, de Bourgh Recovery House and to Mr. Knowles. He explained having the family present in London would ease the urgency to bury Lady Catherine.

Richard sent an express to the Bishop of London, asking him to conduct the funeral service for Lady Catherine de Bourgh at the Hunsford Rectory. He requested the Bishop call at the de Bourgh House Monday morning to finalize arrangements. Lady Catherine would be buried at Hunsford Rectory next to Sir Lewis de Bourgh. The Bishop was invited to stay at the Rosings House while in Hunsford.

~X~

"My tears are not all for my mother," Anne wept in Richard's arms. "I believe I am increasing."

"I am sorry about your mother, and my father's sorrow at losing another sister. I am unfailingly resolved to protect and love my family." Richard pressed kisses to Anne's forehead. "When?"

"I will not know until I feel the quickening…but I think August is possible." Anne dried her tears. "I will order green tea, egg custards and ginger biscuits. I need to write characters and prepare wages for the medical staff. I will ask Adams and Jenkinson to stay to Lady Day, and help the Shepherds empty the house of staff, Mother's things, etc. I need to send an express to Mrs. Havens to prepare rooms at Rosings House, Rosings Place, and the parsonage. I will ask her to secure rooms at the Hunsford and Westerham Inns once we set the date for Mother's funeral."

~X~

Georgiana and Henry helped the Earl and Countess of Matlock with the announcement of their engagement. Henry wanted his younger brother, Hugh, to stand for him. Georgiana wanted her particular friend and sister-by-marriage, Catherine Hamilton, to stand for her. Henry warned his mother might push for his cousin, Honoria, as her attendant. Honoria came out two Seasons ago. He opined the family would want her to participate in a society wedding where she could gain the attention of a wealthy suitor. Georgiana explained she had four sisters-by-marriage and two female cousins. Since Henry chose a brother to stand for him, she intended to choose a sister to stand for her.

Georgiana and Henry helped with Lady Catherine's death notice. Constance prepared a notice stating the Sunday Salons at Matlock House were postponed until Little Season due to a death in the family.

"Forgive me," Henry whispered to Georgiana. "I know the relief I feel is improper, but your Aunt Catherine gave us the best wedding gift. While you are in mourning, we can refuse all invitations. While you are in half-mourning our diary will be light. You are out of mourning two sennights before the wedding. We will use wedding details to avoid attending too many events."

~X~

All the ladies' maids gathered together to shop for black clothes and accessories. Modistes were notified to begins sewing black day gowns and one black evening gown for each of the ladies affected by Lady Catherine's death.

"Maids should dye several of Georgiana's white gowns and have seamstresses fit them to us. Georgiana's gowns will provide for a few days until gowns can be made."

"The only white gowns I have are my presentation gown and two ball gowns." Georgiana explained. "I will not dye those three gowns."

"You had several white gowns when you stayed at Matlock House," Augusta insisted.

"I did; however Mrs. Annesley and I gave them to Miss Lucas. She is just out and the gowns will clothe a new debutante for several seasons. Between my wardrobe for Season, Little Season and my trousseau, I have plenty of gowns." Georgiana had not purchased or wore mourning clothes before. She did not intend to be caught out like this again.

"Fine…" Augusta's sigh was a conversation by itself. "I could not wear them, as I am increasing and will need black gowns which increase with me. However, I thought Elizabeth and her sisters would appreciate dying gowns. I know Elizabeth hates to shop. Mrs. Bingley may have appropriate clothes as she just mourned Bingley's aunt and sister. Mrs. Collins wears such sober colors anyway. I imagine Mrs. Hamilton, as an academic's wife, would appreciate your cast off gowns."

"Catherine is not just an academic's wife, she is the mistress of an estate. If anything, I would have worn dyed gowns during the day when I only saw family. However, Paulette is ordering a plain black wardrobe for me, which should be ready by the time we leave for Rosings Park." Georgiana would keep Augusta's plan to donate Georgiana's clothes to herself. Elizabeth and Catherine already disliked Augusta. They did not need yet another reason.

January 8

The Earl and Countess of Matlock, Reginald and Constance Fitzwilliam, announce the engagement of their niece, Georgiana Grace Darcy to Viscount Henry James Haverleigh, son of Harrison and Henrietta Haverleigh, the Earl and Countess of Stanhope. The Earl of Matlock announced the engagement at a Twelfth Night Ball for three hundred attendees at the Matlock House. The couple will wed by special license April twentieth at St. George's Cathedral. The wedding breakfast will be held at the Matlock House. A wedding tour of Madeira is planned.

~X~

'Stupid fool,' Elburn crushed the paper announcing Georgiana's engagement to Henry Haverleigh. 'You should have compromised Georgiana Darcy early in Little Season and insisted on a wedding before Christmas! Just where did that minx Grace Lucas go? She would have been worth a tumble!' Father and Mother would expect him to attend presentations at the court to view this year's debutantes. However, he was several sennights away from Lady Day and over a quarter away from Midsummer. He hoped to spend the summer somewhere other than working at the family estate. He needed invites to summer house parties where a suitable match might be found. The prospect of a sizeable dowry and a handsome and amiable bride brightened his thoughts a great deal. Compromises were so much easier at house parties! A compromise lessened the expense of a courtship, and hastened the wedding. He needed the dowry provided by vows.

Elburn read in the paper about the flooding on January fifth and sixth in Irwell. Bridges were washed away; river banks overflowed; animals were swept away. A severe wind blew. He remembered attending a house party two summers ago near Manchester. He wondered if the Irwell flood bothered the Manchester manufacturing concerns. At one time he had stock in two of the manufacturing firms there…but quickly put the stock up as a guarantee at a gambling den in London during Little Season of 1814.

~X~

"Do you still have mourning clothes from when Mrs. Bennet passed?" Mr. Collins inquired.

"I kept the best and passed the remainder to the Benefice Society to remake into clothes for the needy. Why do you ask?" Mary oversaw the packing so they could depart for Hunsford Parsonage before midday.

"Would society disapprove if we wore black for three months to honor my patroness, Lady Catherine?" Mr. Collins watched Mary's industry with interest.

"Your patrons are the Honorable Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fitzwilliam. Lady Catherine was your patroness. I understand you revere her memory and mourn her illness and passing. However, we are not her nephew and niece. I do not understand why you expect me to mourn a woman wholly unconnected to me?" Mary considered Mr. Collins.

"Elizabeth is a niece-by-marriage to Lady Catherine. The Darcys will wear mourning clothes until Easter. Miss Anne considers you a cousin-by-marriage. I wondered if you would honor your connections to Lady Catherine." Mr. Collins frosty tone accompanied his explanation.

"If Lady Catherine were my aunt, I would wear observe mourning for six sennights and half mourning for an additional six sennights. However Lady Catherine was not my aunt. I will ask Lizzy and Mrs. Anne if they would like me to wear mourning clothes until Easter. If not, I will wear black the day of the funeral. I will sew and distribute black armbands to our staff and rectory staff. I will not require the staff to wear black, mourn or limit their society while her proper family mourns." Mary already accepted coins from Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam to give her staff as thanks for their help in this trying time.

"Finish your packing quickly then!" Mr. Collins snapped. "I must return to Hunsford Rectory to prepare for a proper goodbye to such a great lady!" He departed their quarters in a huff.

Barlow overheard the conversation and warned Solange, who warned Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, who in turn warned Mr. and Mrs. Fitzwilliam. They were surprised at Collins' request for Mary to mourn like Lady Catherine was family. Exactly what was Collins preparing in Hunsford? That situation required attention…with help and intervention from the Bishop of London.

Mary's sisters and Mr. Bennet decided not to stay at Hunsford Parsonage. They would stay at Rosings House by invitation of the Fitzwilliams. Anne invited Mary to visit with her sisters and Charlotte at Rosings House while the funeral was conducted. After the funeral they would all walk to the Recovery House to spend time with family, friends and the community. Fitzwilliam spoke with the Bishop of London about problems with Collins disliking the Recovery House. The Bishop agreed to insist Collins attend the repast at the de Bourgh Recovery Home with him.

The Bennets did not return to Meryton with the Lucases the afternoon after the ball. Thomas and Charlotte stayed to help with the myriad of tasks to be completed. Charlotte sewed armbands, Thomas ensured all carriages were cleaned and inspected before they traveled to Hunsford. Several of the coaches had guns stocked under the coachman's seat. All the coachmen knew how to repair a coach, should they break down. All of the coaches had blankets and furs for both the passengers and coachmen since the weather was so cold.

~X~

Grace Goulding Lucas saw the announcement of Georgiana Darcy's engagement to Henry Haverleigh…and waited until she was alone in her room before cursing and abusing pillows. While she never considered herself proficient in her studies…not a pence escaped her notice while balancing her personal ledgers. Her percents from her marriage settlement provoked another round of cursing and abusing pillows.

'Deuce take it!' Grace counted on Elburn's vowel before she and John were shipped home. She would save eighty pounds a year from her pin money and add the amount to her marriage settlement. She calculated years would pass before she saved the £3,000 which slipped away. She was accustomed to having eighty pounds a year for pin money. She should not complain about having two hundred pounds a year for pin money…but she felt ill-used. Charlotte might share her excess pin money with Maria…but she doubted Charlotte would be so generous with her.

Thursday, January 11

Lady Catherine's funeral at Hunsford Rectory had been well attended. The rectory filled with family and friends, male staff, male tenants, men from the community, and men from the Recovery House. The Bishop of London led the service, but he asked Mr. Collins to offer the closing prayer. He took Collins in his carriage to the Recovery House after the funeral.

"Vicar Collins," the Bishop of London addressed the man before him. 'The Fitzwilliams were correct that Mrs. Collins had improved Mr. Collins' person.' "I have known the Fitzwilliam family for years. I am pleased my godson, the Honorable Mr. Fitzwilliam, survived the Napoleonic War and attempts to provide a better life for one hundred men who have served God and Country. Despite Mrs. Fitzwilliam's attempt to better your life and the lives of the people who live at the parsonage…you seems to disdain their efforts at the de Bourgh Recovery Home. I would think a man of God would appreciate and support the Fitzwilliams' efforts to care for their fellow man." The Bishop noted Collins' mulish face and continued to lecture the man long after his carriage arrived at the Recovery House. Collins received a warning to support the parishioners of Hunsford Rectory and to keep his judgements under control. The conversation was as cool as the weather, and chilled him to the bone.

Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker stayed until the churchyard emptied. The Tucker men buried Lady Catherine de Bourgh next to Sir Lewis de Bourgh. Hothouse flowers from Matlock House, Darcy House and Rosings Park created funeral wreaths for her grave, the rectory doors and the doors at Rosings House.

The widows of Hunsford came forward to the kitchens at the parsonage, Rosings House, Rosings Place and the Recovery House to prepare food for three hundred people for a commemorative repast for Lady Catherine. Because of the cold weather, a ploughman's lunch of cheese, sliced meats, boiled eggs, pickles and bread was changed to a hot meal of soup, meat pies, roasted garden stuff, smoked and roasted meats, with breads and sweets. Men from the Recovery House prepared the ballroom at the de Bourgh Recovery House for seating and feeding a crowd. A string quartet from the de Bourgh Recovery House played quiet classical music. Curate Crowdion lit the fire in the ballroom early in the morning, and banked the fire in time for the repast. The Hunsford widows helped the Rosings footmen keep sideboards filled with food and tea, coffee or apple cider.

The family, community, tenants, friends from London and the occupants of the Recovery House attended the commemorative repast held in Lady Catherine's honor. The Fitzwilliams welcomed everyone. The Bishop of London said a prayer to bless everyone they knew and everyone present. Curate Stevenson delivered a hamper of food and drink to the Tucker men with a coin each for their efforts. Curate Crowdion gave tours of the Recovery House to anyone who expressed an interest.

A subdued Collins sat at the table with Mary and her family. He had great conversation with Hamilton, but was polite to everyone. Mary's family sat near the Fitzwilliam and Darcy table, conversing with everyone who approached.

Once the ballroom emptied, the widows and the footmen had the Herculean task of moving remaining refreshments to the kitchen at the de Bourgh Recovery House. The able men from the Recovery House cleaned and set the ballroom for the normal amount of men and staff. Widows helped the scullery maids wash dishes, glasses and cutlery. Tomorrow a few would help in the laundry with the table linens. Fitzwilliam circulated through the Recovery House giving everyone who helped a coin. He appreciated his father's warning to keep plenty of coins about him.

~X~

Richard and Anne hosted a dinner for the Fitzwilliams, Darcys, Bennets, Bingleys, Collinses, Hamiltons, Curate Stevenson, Curate Crowdion and the Bishop of London at the Rosings House. Dinner conversation included the cold weather which was on everyone's mind.

After dinner, Anne gathered everyone requested by the solicitor. Lady Catherine's current will, approved by Sir Lewis, had been drawn by the de Bourgh solicitor in London. The Matlocks, Richard and Anne knew the contents of the will from April of 1813 when Lady Catherine had her first apoplectic fit. Reginald Fitzwilliam was listed as executor. Her will referenced Sir Lewis de Bourgh's will; Rosings Park belonged to Anne. Lady Catherine left her personal items and jewelry to Anne. She left any Fitzwilliam family pictures in her possession to her brother, Reginald Fitzwilliam, the Sixth Earl of Matlock. She left £500 and a pair of plain gold earbobs and a gold cross on a chain to Adams. She left £100 each to the vicar, curate and sexton of Hunsford Rectory. She left a silver pin tray to Constance and a silver bud vase to Georgiana.

Mrs. Jenkinson had been disheartened to not receive a bequest from Lady Catherine. Anne took her aside for a conversation. "Mr. Fitzwilliam and I intend to give you the same which Adams received…five hundred pounds and a pair of gold earbobs and gold cross on a fine chain. We will return to the de Bourgh House within a day or two. We would like both Adams and you to stay until Lady Day with wages and character. Please share Mother's clothing between Mrs. Shepherd, Adams and you. Pack the few personal items in her suite. Mr. Fitzwilliam and I will prepare wages and characters for the medical staff. I need the medical staff to depart the de Bourgh House by February first. Their rooms need cleaned and closed until Mr. Fitzwilliam and I determine what to do with the de Bourgh House. We will pay the fees if Adams or you use the registry office. Mr. Fitzwilliam and I will arrange for a carriage, coachman and groom to take you to your family or your new situation."

Anne tasked the solicitor with delivering bequests to everyone and purchasing the jewelry for Jenkinson.