Chapter 9 - Hunsford Bound
AN:To Guest "I think Mrs W has a certain undeniable sadistic streak. She enjoys breaking people." Please remember this is Regency England, a very different place for women, with a strict behavioural and moral code. In her time, Mrs. W would have been considered a super Nanny. You may not like it, but women had few choices, fewer careers they could pursue independently and, if married, were completely reliant on their husband's good will. Common men didn't have the vote, so what chance did a chattel of a woman have. Thus, the suffrage movement in the late 1800's. The Miss Bennets would not have the freedoms we take for granted today. Thank goodness times have changed.
Now on with the story.
The commotion outside Mr. Bennet's book room became an increasing distraction to the besieged man. Sir William Lucas's carriage rolled up the drive a quarter of an hour ago. Since that moment, Maria's excited giggles joined her father's deep, resonate voice in proclaiming glorious travelling weather. Both becoming louder and more verbose as time moved forward. Now, his Lizzy's dulcet tones added to the up roar, as she directed the servants to load her trunks. All too soon they would be Hunsford bound, and Mr. Bennet suddenly found little enjoyment from his novel. It lay closed on his desk these last five minutes, as Octavius contemplated the loss of his favourite.
Until this very moment, Mr. Bennet managed to ignore all the preparation. While he knew the leaves would fall from the trees to mark the return of Jane and Elizabeth to Longbourn, he considered it an arbitrary concept. Faced with only Mary, Kitty and his wife for company while spring turned to summer and faded into autumn, he regretted sending his serene and witty daughters on their way at the same time. An ill feeling ensued, enveloping his mind, and Octavius Bennet simply knew at least one of his daughters would never return to her childhood home. Hoping it would be Lydia, even Jane, the feeling grew more intense as Elizabeth entered his study.
"Well, Lizzy," he sighed heavily, trying not to notice the young woman outside his book room door, "on pleasure bent again. Never a thought of what your poor parents will suffer in your absence."
"It is a pleasure I could well forego, father," she smiled at his antics, "as I think you know. But I shall be happy to see Charlotte again. I have missed our talks."
"What of your cousin, Mr. Collins?" he enquired, hoping to keep her just a little longer as the feeling of loss became stronger. "What of the famous Lady Catherine de Bourgh? As a connoisseur of human folly, I should have thought you impatient to be savouring these delights?"
"Of some delights," Lizzy chuckled with amusement, "I believe, Sir, a little goes a long way."
"Well, think of me, Lizzy," Octavius said with an intense frown. He hated goodbye's, especially with his two eldest daughters. Once he would have made a comment about not a word of sense spoken but that just didn't ring true with the event of Mrs. Woodward. "You'll be very much missed, my dear."
After going to her father and kissing him on the forehead, he dismissed Elizabeth with a wave of his hand. "Very well, very well, go on now. Get along with you."
Watching Lizzy climb into the carriage, Mr. Bennet shook his head and felt a pang in the region of his heart. A quiet suddenly settled around Longbourn as he watched the carriage retreat through the gates. The buildings, indeed the very estate seemed to sense the loss, adding its solemn goodbyes, as if it knew the world they lived in to be changing irrevocably. Last month, on Mrs. Woodward's advice, Mr. Bennet wrote to his brother-in-law. Edward Gardiner accepted Jane into the party heading north for the summer with much enthusiasm and pleasure. Upon leaving her home after Christmas, Miss Bennet would remain with her Aunt and Uncle until they started their journey north at the beginning of June. After spending two full months with Mr. and Mrs. Collins in Kent, Lizzy intended to enjoy several weeks reuniting with her sister in London. The party would visit for a single night at Longbourn with the intention of depositing the Gardiner children prior to their grand tour. The remainder of the summer, their party intended to find ample sources of delight in the lake's country.
"Oh Lizzy," Maria enthused as the coach met the main road to the capital, "I am so anxious. What shall we do if Lady Catherine de Burgh invites us to dine with her? Charlotte's has been bid to Rosings at least twice a week upon removing to Kent. My sister insists we shall be invited at least as often."
"Indeed, your sister has made a fortunate alliance," Sir William Lucas stated proudly. He could scarce wait to meet his son-in-law's noble patroness in the flesh. One glance at Miss Bennet's countenance had the gentleman dropping his eyes as he realised the hurt he may have caused.
"Indeed, I believe she has," Lizzy smiled, trying to brush over the slip and make everyone more comfortable. They had many miles to travel together and it would not do to feel constrained before they were an hour into their journey. Besides, Elizabeth Bennet had come to see her friend's marriage in a prudential light as her understanding of society, and a woman's limited opportunities in it, improved. "I confess, I am rather anxious to walk in the woods surrounding Hunsford. They must be a riot of colour at this time of year. I am sure Charlotte's letters do not do her new home justice and I am impatient to experience them for myself."
"Rosings Park," Sir William added jovially, "shall have many blooms in the formal garden. Charlotte has promised to give a grand tour as soon as may be."
"With such an inducement," Elizabeth managed to hide her amusement, "I can hardly bare to wait before we are invited to witness such a spectacle. I should be happy to visit Lady Catherine as many times as Mr. Collins can manage."
"Shan't you be frightened?" Maria asked, attempting to return the conversation to the current occupant of Rosings Park. "Just think, Lizzy, we shall be taking tea or dining with Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Charlotte is certain we will go least once a week for the entirety of our stay, but I shan't be half so frightened if you are with me."
"I hope you will not be alarmed," Lizzy smiled confidently, trying to buoy the young girls perceived emotions. Neither Maria nor Sir William understood her sarcasm, as Elizabeth added, tongue in cheek, "in fact I'm eager to meet the great lady and see if she lives up to her reputation. Mr. Collins has told us much about Lady Catherine and her condescension. I almost feel as if I have already been introduced."
"Oh," Sir William's eyes widened with shock, unsure how to answer the brazen statement. "Yes well, what are we to do in London, Miss Eliza? It is very good of your relations to host us for two nights. Your Uncle is a very generous man, inviting us to break our journey in town."
"I believe Jane has arranged our time to best advantage," Elizabeth answered. "We only have a full day tomorrow before continuing on to Hunsford. I confess, I am anxious to see my sister again. It has been above two months since we were last in company."
The arrival in the early afternoon became everything Lizzy expected. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner treated their guests with every courtesy. Not until the next morning could Elizabeth enticed her sister out of the house for a private talk, for they had to share a sleeping chamber with Maria. Not far down the road a small park beckoned, one Jane knew well for she often took the children there to run off their exuberance. They could stroll and talk without interruptions as only a man servant followed a few steps behind in the name of propriety.
"Tell me everything, Jane," Lizzy pleaded, watching her sister's sad countenance. Since their arrival at Gracechurch Street, a pervasive despondency surrounded Miss Bennet.
"You know everything," Jane returned, her face determined to stay neutral.
"I am your sister," Elizabeth frowned, "and I know you are unhappy. You have not spoken a word of the inhabitants of Netherfield since the night you attended the opera with our Aunt and Uncle. I wish you to be my Dearest Jane once again."
"I find myself very pleased with the situation in London," she rebuked. "Aunt Gardiner has introduced me to all of her friends, many of whom have brothers and sons who are eligible prospects. I find these new acquaintances respectful and lively."
"What of your heart, Jane," Lizzy once again implored, reading all she had not voiced. "Have any of these men touched your heart as Mr. Bingley did?"
"I fear," a tear slipped down her face, "it is broken beyond repair. Yet, if Mr. Bingley came to call this very day, I believe I would send him away. Lizzy, if he cannot love me enough with my lack of wealth and connections, then he cannot love me at all. I am determined that he will have to prove himself to gain another chance at securing my affections. I will not go through that again, Lizzy, it would kill me I am sure."
"Oh Jane," Elizabeth placed an arm around her sister's shoulders. Leading her to a quiet, secluded area, she let Miss Bennet expunge all the built-up emotion. "But that I could do something to ease your suffering," she whispered, tears misting Lizzy's eyes, tears she refused to shed.
"That is not possible, Lizzy. I am trying to be content with my situation in life," Jane stated with a melancholy smile.
"Jane," Elizabeth sighed, frustrated for her sister.
"Do you remember," Jane wiped her eyes and turned to her sister, "sitting in my bedroom one night discussing Mama and Papa's marriage. You said nothing but the deepest love would induce you into matrimony, that you would end an old maid and teach my ten children embroidery and play their instrument very ill?"
"Yes," Lizzy's brow furrowed in confusion as she wondered at this sudden change in the direction of their conversation. Jane rarely did so without some point to be made.
"I believe love to be overrated," Jane stated with determination. "I think it much better to marry a man who will share affection and felicity with you. Those are lasting qualities that will never fade or be mistaken. You will always know your place and not be in danger of feeling this retched when your affections are not returned in a similar measure. Then you can invite me to stay with you for Mr. Bingley has ruined me for any other. I will be the one to end an old maid. I fear it is you who will have to raise our fortune, Lizzy, by marrying very well."
"Jane," horrified, Elizabeth used her spare hand to cover her mouth, "do not speak so."
"It is true," she responded with a sad smile. "Mr. Bingley is loyal to his sisters first and his place in society second. He can never be mine and, I believe, my heart shall take a long time to recover. Perhaps it will never accept another. So, you see, it is a hopeless case. I beg you to choose well, Lizzy. Accept only a man who will place you at his side with all the respect he will give to a wife and protect you as a member of his family, for such is better than love."
They walked home slowly, an unusual silence surrounding the siblings. Jane avoided any further discussion on her emotional state, feeling she had imparted all that needed saying. The moment they returned to the house, Elizabeth attempted to speak with her Aunt.
"All will turn out as the good Lord intended," Madeline Gardiner smiled sadly. "I fear Jane may be correct in her assumptions. Your sister feels deeply. Mr. Bingley engaged her emotions completely. It will take some time for Jane to find her equilibrium. If it can be found, your sister is not likely to give her heart away again."
With a heavy heart, Lizzy journeyed the rest of the way to Hunsford in relative silence. She had much to think upon. First Mrs. Woodward, and now Jane, suggested she think logically about any future marriage prospects. Not that, at this point in time, any were forthcoming.
"I am to take my half yearly tour of Rosings in April," Darcy stated in a droll tone to his cousin. Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam managed several weeks leave and joined the Darcy's for New Year at Pemberley after spending Christmas at Stansted Grove, the seat of his esteemed father, the Earl of Matlock. Soon the officer would be force to return to his post. "I wish for you to take leave and accompany me, Fitzwilliam."
Richard Fitzwilliam, second son of the Earl of Matlock, looked at his companion as if mad. With a heavy heart, he sighed. Darcy had been attempting to draw his attention to that great estate and its overbearing inhabitants for many years. So far, he had managed to avoid any obligation by citing a need to continue in his current position and the living it provided.
"I had hoped," the gentleman continued, wishing rather than believing he would convince his relative, "to place some of the responsibility for the administration of our late Uncle's will on you when you retire from active duty."
"It would be my pleasure to join you," Fitzwilliam smiled, with a hint of malice in his tone. "As to the management of that estate, it is a headache you must continue to endure alone. I'm afraid I am not up to the task as only the second son of Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam. Bedside's, I remain married to my commission."
"I doubt Uncle James neglected your training as the spare," the corners of Darcy's lips upturned, ever so slightly. Since leaving Netherfield last November, he'd been even more withdrawn than usual. His cousin and sister formed the only people able to place him in a state of good humour. Even then it did not last for long. "I fear there are few who would willingly accompany me to visit Aunt Catherine as you have continued to do these last five years."
"Fewer still who would absolve you of your duty. Let us not forget the lovely Cousin Anne, your future bride," teased the Colonel well aware neither sought the connection, "whose inheritance, or lack of one, you manage as best you are able with our condescending Aunt."
"One could hardly forget," Darcy returned, his lips moving slightly higher, "as our Aunt reminds me and everyone else in her hearing at every opportunity. Perhaps my thoughts tend in another direction."
"I should like to hear Aunt Catherine's opinion on that," Richard tried very hard to supress his mirth. "Shall I hazard a guess at this mystery lady? A Miss Elizabeth Bennet perhaps?"
"How?" perplexed, Darcy wondered when his cousin discovered the acquaintance with the young woman.
"Georgiana is a wealth of information," grinned the cheerful Colonel, "when attempting to subtly make enquiries about your new acquaintance while in Hertfordshire. I believe she is anxious to meet the woman she perceives you to be in love with. I seem to remember your sister saying something about putting Miss Bingley in her place. Dear Georgiana believes this only occurred after meeting Miss Bennet. As much as you despise Bingley's younger sister, you have never attempted to dissuade her advances in the entire seven years you have known her brother."
Darcy's lips lost every bit of their humour, instead becoming a frown. "The acquaintance is of little consequence. Miss Elizabeth Bennet and I move in very different circles. I doubt I will ever have the opportunity of her company again."
"In that speech," Fitzwilliam turned serious, his eyes assessing the reason behind his cousin's behaviour over the last three months, "you did not deny the accusation of being in love with this woman."
"You know my character too well, Fitzwilliam. Deception, in any form is my abhorrence. I cannot deny such a claim," Darcy stated stoically. Standing he turned his back to collect his thoughts and school his expression. "It has been many months since I considered her the most hansom woman of my acquaintance. I find the longer I go without becoming reacquainted, the stronger my feelings grow. I am attempting to wipe any remembrance from my mind."
"I see," The Colonel formed a plan. "Tell me about this young lady, her family and situation. Maybe I can help you decide what action to take."
"Miss Bennet is most likely married by now," Darcy closed his eyes. He recalled every word and touch as they danced at the Netherfield Ball. "Longbourn, her family estate is entailed on a distant cousin. In fact, the heir is Aunt Catherine'slately married new rector, Mr. Collins. He did not hide his purpose in calling on Longbourn, that of marrying one of the Bennet daughters. Mr. Collins made his intentions towards Miss Elizabeth evident at every opportunity. Mrs. Bennet could hardly miss the opening to make one of her daughters the next mistress and save herself from destitution."
"Perhaps I will have the good fortune to meet this young lady at Rosing's then?" A teasing tone entered Fitzwilliam's words. If this woman captured his cousin's heart, surely, she could not accept the hand of such an odious man. Mr. Collins had been appointed just after their tour so they had not had the pleasure of meeting him. Anne's letters to his sisters did not speak well of the simpering Pastor.
"If you do, all hope is lost, for she will be Mrs. Collins and untouchable," Darcy pivoted to meet his cousins assessing gaze.
"Then let us hope for better things. Tell me about this young lady, for she must have had something special to attract your affections," the Colonel requested, his face set in a military mien. "I have seen many a better woman attempt to capture you. What makes Miss Bennet so desirable?"
Nodding, and in desperate need to speak of the lady, Darcy began his story. Betwixt the gentlemen, they consumed several brandies while the tale emerged. Finally finished, Darcy commented, "I am a fool, Fitzwilliam, telling her of Georgiana's near elopement. She has the power to ruin our family name and reputation."
"You were in love with her, even then," observed the Colonel.
"I believe so," Darcy agreed, his severe, stoic façade in place.
"You trusted her, even then," Fitzwilliam tried to hide his smirk.
"I believe so," Darcy answered, this time with a little more irritation in his voice.
"You hope to meet her at Rosing's, even if she is Mrs. Collins," he came to his point.
"I believe so," Darcy now felt ashamed of his feelings.
"My dear cousin, you have a very grave case of sickness, of which unrequited love is the cause. No, do not say anything until I have finished. Have Georgiana write to Cousin Anne and express an interest in the new mistress of Hunsford. Ask what type of woman would attach herself to such a fool," suggested Colonel Fitzwilliam, watching Darcy's eyes come alive with hope. Finally, he saw the situation through less emotional eyes. "If Miss Bennet is all you say, surely the woman would refuse, even under familiar pressure. With little else to write about, I'm sure you will get the answer you are looking for from Anne, and rather quickly. If Miss Bennet is now Mrs. Collins, if her father insisted she accept, you must forget her. If not, we will plan an attack with military precision so that the lady will be yours before long. I do not want to see you this despondent when the remedy is easily achieved."
"Have you not been listening," Darcy lost his patience. "Miss Bennet has no dowry, no connections, nothing to bring to a marriage, even should I wish it. Her family are ridiculous and her mother's relations, to the best of my knowledge, in trade. She would be despised and ridiculed by our set. Not to mention the impact to Georgiana's prospects."
"Yet," Fitzwilliam allowed a single eyebrow to rise while keeping his tone level, "you are in love with her in spite of all you know of her situation. Your sister is not disinclined to the match, even if it would lower her chances of capturing an Earl. No Darcy, listen for once in your life."
"Do you not have enough money to support a poor wife? I know of your other sources of income as I also, I have invested what I may to increase my standing. Are your connections not some of the best in the country? With the support of the Earl of Matlock, Miss Bennet would begrudgingly be accepted, as you well know. Besides, too many are either indebted to you or make much of their income from your investments to go against your wife, no matter her breeding or lack thereof. Does it matter what a woman brings to this marriage if you care for her and she for you? Surely your happiness must take precedence. You might be marrying into the family, but you are not marrying the mother or her relations. If you choose to, you would be marrying Miss Bennet and steeling her away to Pemberley, far from her family. You have never sought the good opinion of society. In fact, you often shun it as you please. How you get away with it is beyond me! If this woman is as good as you say, Miss Bennet can only be of assistance to Georgiana's future and your own, for Pemberley needs a lively wit to bring it back to life. My young cousin needs a strong sister to help her coming out with such a shy character. Who better than someone already acquainted with her near elopement to aid her?"
"Besides, Cousin," The Colonel tried to hide his bemused expression, "did you not mention one of our nearest relations, Aunt Catherine, who must be one of the silliest women in the country!"
Falling into his chair, Darcy had thought the same every day since leaving Hertfordshire. To hear similar opinions from his cousin both confused him further and gave great hope. Aunt Catherine would not be pleased but then again, she was not pleased with much. As to Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam, Darcy hoped they would be as open to such a socially reprehensible connection as their son if the lady made him happy.
"I will ask Georgiana to write to Cousin Anne," Darcy conceded. For I cannot make a decision until I find out if she is married, he realised.
"That," Fitzwilliam allowed a bright smile to encompass is face, "is the best decision you have made in a long time. I must share this tale with my father, Darcy, when I return to London next week. You know he has a secret enjoyment of all that is ridiculous, especially when it applies to you."
In the end, Richard spoke to Georgiana before breakfast the next morning. She quickly set to writing a letter to her cousin asking for the particulars with little regard for her brother's secrecy on the matter. Indeed, Anne read between the lines very easily and began to make her own plans. January brought much inclement weather in Derbyshire. The communication took the better part of a fortnight to reach Rosings Park. However, the reply, sent express, arrived in a little over three days after quill had been put to paper.
Thus, two days into February Darcy and his sister answered the door to find an exhausted rider offering an envelope. When they learnt of the author of the express, Georgiana eagerly retired to the nearest drawing room to read Anne's news, while Darcy's heart pounded with anxiety as he prayed for good tidings. Unable to wait, Georgiana made her brother stay in the morning room while she read the note through, twice. At first a frown covered her face, then a bright smile encompassed her countenance. Her blue eyes twinkled as she withheld the much-awaited information.
"Miss Bennet will soon come to Hunsford," Georgiana teased her brother. Watching his crest fallen expression, she rushed on, unable to continue to disappoint him, "as the guest of Mrs. Charlotte Collins. She is to stay until the end of April. Cousin Anne begs you bring Cousin Richard with you and stay for a month complete."
"A guest," Darcy fell into a chair beside his sister, ignoring the second part of the commutation. Taking the note, he devoured it quickly. Brow furrowed as he considered this news, Fitzwilliam Darcy finally allowed hope to bloom.
"I would like to come with you to Rosings and take Miss Bennet's likeness," Georgiana sighed and shivered at the same time, "but for Aunt Catherine. I do not know how Cousin Anne copes in that house. Can you not do something for our relation, Brother?"
"I have tried," Darcy sighed, "many times. I fear Anne is holding out for Richard to notice her charms. She looks up to him as more than a cousin. He has not made any declaration in regard to Anne, or any other woman that I know of. I believe he is not resistant to the idea of marrying our cousin and I think it is why he accompanies me into Kent each year."
"It would be an eligible match if Richard would give up the Fitzwilliam name," Georgiana smiled shyly, "and his commission, for I cannot see Aunt Catherine wishing an heir to carry any but the De Bourgh name."
"In deed," Darcy stated, once again looking to the letter in his hand.
"So," Georgiana changed the subject, "I am to stay at Matlock house in London with Aunt Susan while you visit Rosings, Brother. I hope you will be a diligent correspondent and bring me good news when we return to Pemberley for the summer. I should like a sister." Silently, the young woman added, after my discussion with Cousin Richard, I am sure Miss Bennet and I will become fast friends. We both agree this insufferable mood cannot continue when the cure is easy. One way or another, we will have you married to Miss Bennet by Christmas. How could any woman refuse you! Besides, Cousin Richard will be with you in Kent. He will make sure do this the right way.