Chapter 28 - The Courtship Begins
"Morton," Mrs. Gardiner called with an irritated edge to her voice.
Lips pursed after Lizzy's tail of courtship with Mr. Darcy while in Kent, Madeline Gardiner understood the situation only too well. Her niece accepted the gentleman's offer, at least initially, due to her companion and sister's rather unfortunate opinions on marriage. Yet, what little she knew of Mr. Darcy and his family's reputation, Elizabeth might just have met her match. Getting Miss Elizabeth Bennet ready for her debut in such an exulted social circle would take more than Lizzy realised. They had much to do and precious little time in which to achieve it.
Identical twin footmen entered the parlour at the call. They demonstrated their unique sense of humour by grinning at each other before becoming serious and turning their attention to their mistress. "Ma'am," they stated in unison with a deep bow. Unless Mr. or Mrs. Gardiner identified either one of them or their father, Mr. Morton Senior, who served the household as the butler, by their Christian name the nearest would attend.
"James," Madeline turned to the slightly taller man on the left, "please call for the carriage. Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth," at this Mrs. Gardiner glared at her niece, "and I will be gone for the rest of the afternoon. My husband will need to be informed that we are to call at his place of business very soon. Neale, have the children's governess and nursery maid come down so I may speak with them directly. I also require Mrs. Morton to discuss our dinner arrangements."
"Yes, Ma'am," they once again spoke in unison before going about their duties.
"Well, Miss Lizzy, you have placed us in a fine mess," Madeline rebuked softly but not unkindly. "I know you loath shopping, but shopping we shall go. Do not interrupt me, young lady." Glaring, Mrs. Gardiner waited for Elizabeth to look away. "Mr. Darcy is one of the town's most eligible bachelors from the first circles. He is related to the Peerage and the Arch Bishop, if I am not mistaken." Waiting for Elizabeth's nod, Madeline understood her niece knew of her betrothed's relations. "If you are to be seen on his arm at the theatre on Saturday, we must have you dressed for the occasion. We are to your uncle's warehouse. After choosing your materials and taking samples, it will be on to the modiest. Morton," she called again, remembering yet something else she would have to organise before leaving. Going over to the small writing desk she favoured, Madeline quickly penned a note. The butler arrived immediately, "please have this delivered post haste to Madam Chastain in Burlington Arcade. It must be delivered into her hands alone. I wish to have the servant wait for a reply and deliver it to Mr. Gardiner's business."
"Yes Ma'am," the butler paused long enough for the wax to cool and bowed before pivoting on his foot and leaving.
"Aunt," questioned Lizzy, still reeling from the events of today.
"By Saturday night, if your engagement is not announced in one of the papers, I should be very much surprised," Madeline stated. "I gather Mr. Darcy is going to Hertfordshire tomorrow to request you father's permission?"
"Yes," Elizabeth looked a little embarrassed, colour infusing her cheeks.
"If Mr. Darcy is anything like his father," Mrs. Gardiner announced, "he will not wait to have his betrothal officially announced. That family loathes deception and have always been above reproach. I found it hard to accept your version of events completely, especially when Jane spoke so warmly of the Netherfield party."
"I have been very mistaken," Lizzy started, only to be cut off by another glare from her Aunt.
"After appearing in Mr. Darcy's box," Madeline explained, "you will be the talk of the town. I am afraid I have used both Mr. Darcy's name and my husband's association to force an appointment with one of the most sought-after seamstresses in London this very afternoon. When we appear in Madam Chastain's fitting rooms, you will see the difference the name of your betrothed makes. I hope this will demonstrate the new position you will be forced into, Elizabeth."
Spluttering, Lizzy tried to find something to say. The cost alone would be prohibitive to her relations. Shocked, she looked to Jane for help.
"Lizzy," Jane stated in a calm, serene tone, "I have my pink silk with English lace for Saturday night. Uncle Gardiner insisted on a new gown when we attended the theatre in January. I believe the reason our Aunt is so determined may be to help Uncle Gardiner demonstrate some new product. So, you see, a new wardrobe serves two purposes."
"I could not have said it better, Jane," Madeline smiled, playing along with the ruse. In fact, the cost of clothing Lizzy to the station expected of Mr. Darcy's social circle would place a dent in their savings. The door opened to the housekeeper allowing Mrs. Gardiner to dismiss her nieces. "Mrs. Morton, I am glad you have come. Girls, go and get ready, we will leave as soon as the carriage arrives. Now, about dinner this evening," Mrs. Gardiner gave her instructions as Jane pulled a still astonished Elizabeth from the room.
"I cannot believe it, Jane," Lizzy declared. "We must not let Aunt and Uncle Gardiner bear any of the cost. It is not right."
"You must change," her sister insisted, leading her up the stairs. "Did you bring your cream ball gown?" When Elizabeth looked at her with horrified eyes, Jane sighed. "We will not be allowed entry to Madam Chastain's unless you wear your best. It took a fortnight to gain an appointment in January. I believe Aunt Gardiner is hoping at least two or three gowns will be ready for Saturday."
"Why," Lizzy allowed her current muslin dress for fall from her shoulders after her sister unbound the lacings. "I cannot accept them. Papa cannot afford such finery and Mr. Darcy asked for my hand knowing our situation."
"Oh, Lizzy," Jane's reflection looked disappointed. "I know you care nothing for wealth, fashion or connections, but you are to become Mrs. Darcy and enter the highest society. How many young ladies do you think will wish to be in your situation, engaged to one of England's most hansom and influential men? I have learnt through association with Miss Bingley, they will be out with claws to shred you. You cannot allow them to do so, not if you truly love Mr. Darcy."
Nodding in agreement, Elizabeth stepped from her gown and let Jane help her into another. "It appears," she muttered, "all the world is now a stage and I the staring attraction. I am astonished at your perspective, Jane. I think this is the meanest thing I have ever heard you say."
"Then let us hope," she managed a slightly shy, slightly devious smile, "that my new impertinence is a direct exchange for your serene countenance. Lizzy, I believe it is you who will have to learn to hold your tongue and school your expressions. Today will not easy for you."
Arching an eyebrow, Elizabeth remembered these words for the rest of the day. Smiling politely she chose fifteen bolts of the finest materials, mostly silk and satin in various shades of green. By the time it came to lace and ribbons, Lizzy wanted to scream with the number presented to her. Finally, she stood for several hours, thirsty and hungry before Madam Chastain while being poked, prodded, pulled this way and that. As if that was not enough, the seamstress declared she could use only seven of the carefully selected fabrics.
"These," she offered the offending colours, all Lizzy's favourite cream and green, "are not suitable. You need fire and passion, ruby red, sapphire blue, emerald green. Insipid, all and they will not bring out your natural beauty. No we must have depth. But I do like the texture."
"Madam Chastain," Mrs. Gardiner offered with a smile, her eyes warning Elizabeth to remain silent, "my husband will provide you with whatever materials you require. His warehouses are becoming quite famous."
"Monsieur Gardiner, no?" she asked. When Madeline nodded the French woman looked very pleased. "He will have the colours and fabrics I require. Now you are set on these patterns, Miss Elizabeth."
"Yes, thank you," Lizzy bit her tongue. Such occurred at least a dozen times today. The embellishments went against her usual want of simplicity. In this at least, Madam Chastain had agreed to keep her gown as uncluttered as possible. Jane looked at her, impressed at her sister's ability to remain quiet and agree with the seamstress.
At the end of a very long and arduous day, the party returned to Gracechurch Street exhausted. Tomorrow, by twelve o'clock, one of Miss Elizabeth Bennet's day dresses would be delivered. Just in time for the visit to Leighwood house. However, on retiring, Lizzy heard her aunt and uncle speaking of her new wardrobe in the study. The door partially open, she crept up and listened. A few seconds later Eliza pushed into the room and demanded to know of what they spoke. She did not rest until understanding Mr. Darcy had been her uncle's silent business partner for five years. It explained a comment her betrothed made while in Kent. The conversation also made Lizzy appreciate her relations were much better off than she'd ever realised, thanks to her betroths patronage.
"I must write to Mr. Darcy," Lizzy rolled her eyes, both in indignation and to keep them open. "If I do not, he will never gain Papa's permission tomorrow." Returning to the parlour with a single candle, she sat and considered what to say. "I shall start from the end. Dear Papa," Elizabeth found her fingers gliding over the paper easily. Well after two in the morning, Miss Elizabeth Bennet felt happy with the three notes. Sealing them with wax, she climbed the stairs. Her missive sat on a silver mail tray ready for Morton to deliver to Leighwood House at first light.
All morning, Lizzy paced. She heard not a word from the Darcy's. James Morton assured the young woman he placed the letter into the butler's hand personally. As the luncheon hour approached, the first of Lizzy's new gowns arrived. Changing into a sage coloured silk with matching slippers, Miss Elizabeth Bennet felt overdressed and aggrieved at Jane's obvious lack of refined clothing. Arriving at their destination, she noticed Miss Darcy wearing a similar pattern in satin. This fact brought home just how elevated her position would be as Mr. Darcy's bride.
"Mrs. Fox," Georgiana introduced the housekeeper to her guests. Miss Darcy ensured the principle servant met the Miss Bennet's at the door and directed them into the drawing room. "I would like to give Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth a tour of Leighwood. Would you hold tea for an hour while we go over the house?"
"Certainly, Miss Darcy," Mrs. Fox agreed, looking at the two young ladies and wondering which was in the running to become the new Mistress. Mrs. Annesley, sitting quietly by the fire, caught the housekeeper's eye and smiled. They were of the same mind.
"Perhaps we might finish in the music room," Georgiana suggested. The remark was aimed at the servant.
"Very good, Miss," she stated before leaving.
"I hope you and your sister will play," Georgiana said, leading them from the room, "as it will help pass the afternoon."
"Miss Darcy," Lizzy sounded a little cross. Jane quelled her rising temper with a look.
"Georgiana, please," the younger girl requested, "we are soon to be sisters. My brother did not want to betray your trust, Miss Elizabeth. However when Lady Catherine came unannounced, he felt I needed to know. Both Cousin Richard and I knew how my brother felt long before going to Rosings and were only waiting for a happy outcome."
"Colonel Fitzwilliam knew?" Astounded, Lizzy looked to her sister. Mortified, a blush rose on her cheeks. Just how long, she wondered, has Mr. Darcy felt this way? All the time in Hertfordshire I considered him looking for fault. Now I must reconsider out entire acquaintance.
"My brother's letters while in staying with his friend were full of you," Georgiana stated. "I have wished to meet you for some time, Elizabeth."
"I had no idea," Lizzy stuttered.
"That is not all," Georgiana smiled politely. Moving off she signalled for the footman to open the library door. "Fitzwilliam's attitude while we resided in London before Christmas was, difficult, more difficult than I have ever witnesses. One night, by the window in the drawing room where you took tea on your last visit, he corrected Miss Bingley's attentions towards him. She has not been allowed admittance to our homes since. It was then I knew he'd met his future partner in life."
"Miss Darcy, I would very much like you to call me Jane, if you do not think it to forward," Miss Bennet offered in a quiet tone. It reminded Lizzy to add her acceptance of the less formal address even though Miss Darcy had already stated using the informal title.
"I have not a sister," Georgiana smiled, looking and acting all of her sixteen years. In that moment she reminded both Jane and Lizzy of their younger siblings. "I had hoped we would get along as I understand we are all to live under the same roof."
"And so we shall," Lizzy found her sense of humour rekindled. Understanding this young woman had thrown down a gauntlet, Miss Elizabeth took up the challenge. However, she wanted their friendship to be on equal grounds. "I will expect a sister to aid me with my new duties. There is much I have to learn, I fear."
"Yes," Georgiana agreed. "Apart from Pemberley and Leighwood, there are houses in Ramsgate, Bath and Brighton. I have long wished for the Ramsgate home to be sold but Fitzwilliam refuses."
"Perhaps together," Lizzy suggested, offering her arm to the girl, "we can work to change Darcy's mind."
Giggling now, Georgiana shook her head. "My brother will not like you calling him Darcy."
Arching an eyebrow, she questioned with an impertinent tone, "will Darcy like you calling me Lizzy. It is how my closest friends and family address me."
"Lizzy," Jane scolded. "You are not officially engaged! Papa has not given his consent."
"Yet," Elizabeth reminded with a delighted smile, "but he will, Jane. Now, Georgiana, tell me about this room."
Smiling at her sister's words and actions, Jane knew exactly what Elizabeth intended. Miss Darcy's message that she would not give up her brother completely had been receive by both Bennet's and they determined to treat her as one of their own. They spent the next hour visiting only the Library.
"I suggest," Jane commented in her usual soft voice, "that you do not tell her how much the glass cost or how many fire places. Lizzy could not care about the fabric and furnishing."
"I have met you cousin, Mr. Collins," Georgiana waited for the reaction. Lizzy's laugh caught in her chest. At that moment she knew the three of them were destine to be the best of friends. "His talk consisted of flattering my cousin, Anne Fitzwilliam due to her position as Mistress of Rosings."
"I would much rather understand the stories behind the rooms and their inhabitants over the years," Elizabeth's sparkling eyes caught a shelf of very old books. "Please tell me of these?"
"Those," Georgiana watched as she stroked the ancient bindings, "are some of the first volumes ever printed. The shelf above is handwritten."
The ladies had just sat down to tea when the front door opened. The butler could be heard fussing but his voice did not carry beyond the closed doors. It became somewhat of a surprise when they were thrown open and a dusty Mr. Darcy stood on the other side still in his traveling clothes.
"Welcome to Leighwood, Elizabeth, Miss Bennet," he bowed. "I hope you have been enjoying the company of my sister in my absence."
With that one sentence, Lizzy knew her father had given his blessing. Mr. Darcy would never assume to be so informal without cause. Letting out a sigh, Elizabeth caught Jane's eye. Her sister wore a huge smile.
"Thank you, Sir," Jane became the first to recover. "We have learnt much about the previous Masters of this house on our tour of the library."
"Am I to take it," he smiled at Elizabeth, the comment obvious meant for her, "you got no further on this visit?"
"I found the history from your sister fascinating," Lizzy couldn't take her eyes away from her betrothed. "Will you not join us, Darcy?"
"I shall refresh and return immediately," he once again bowed, pivoted on one foot and left.
Darcy, of all the names Elizabeth could have called me, she chooses Darcy. I must ask her why, he mentally mused as he quickly washed and changed.
Ten minutes later he re-joined the ladies. Jane drew Georgiana into conversation about her favourite composers. As the two both wished to give their siblings time together, they moved to the pianoforte to continue their discussion. Darcy took the opportunity and came to sit beside his betrothed.
"Did you encounter any issues with your business in Hertfordshire, Darcy," Lizzy arched a brow at him. The teasing smile easily covering her features.
"I believe," he started with a stern countenance but could not hold back the very slight curving of his lips, "you anticipated any problem. It went as you would have expected. Might I add," with this Darcy requested her hand. Placing a kiss on Elizabeth's knuckles sent a shiver of anticipation through her. Hope bloomed for their future as joy overtook his heart at her reaction. "You look lovely in that gown. I don't believe I have ever seen it on you before. Indeed it looks as if Georgiana's modiest had made it."
"I thank you," Lizzy coloured delightfully. However, her impertinence had been held at bay long enough. "Is it satisfactory for the soon to be bride of Mr. Darcy of Pemberley? I am told by Madam Chastain it is fit for morning calls within the first circles."
"For my soon to be bride," Mr. Darcy sat back in a casual pose, enjoying the banter between them, "to call on the drawing rooms of the social elite, she must be presented at court. Have you discussed what will be needed for such an event?"
Shocked, Lizzy glared at Darcy. "I have not nor do I intend too."
"When I go to request Madam Chastain begin my sister's gown for the occasion, perhaps I should order one for my wife as well," Darcy used a light tone but the serious intent came through. "It would be remiss of me, not to include my future sister in the party, do you not think, Elizabeth."
Unable to say a word, Lizzy turned to peek at Jane. She had heard the entire exchange and coloured accordingly. Being so pretty, Miss Bennet, with the backing of the Darcy name would soon find a very wealthy and possibly titled husband. With her classical beauty, it would be enough to overcome such low connections.
"Oh, Fitzwilliam," Georgiana gushed, "I am so glad you have planned it so. I shall not be half so frightened of the Master when comes to Pemberley this winter if Lizzy and Jane will learn court etiquette with me."
"I have informed your father, Elizabeth," Darcy didn't quite know whether to frown at is sister's informal use of his betrothed name or smile Elizabeth's astounded expression, "that you are to choose our wedding date."
"I must be before we go to Pemberley for the winter," Georgiana pleaded. "Indeed, I would like you to call you my sister by the time your aunt and uncle visit Derbyshire in July."
"Jane," lost, Lizzy appealed to her ever sensible sister.
"It would not take much to complete your Trousseau," Jane commented easily. "Any wedding that Mama is not to plan would make life easier for all concerned. Perhaps you could be married in London so our family will witness your nuptials. Then we could all remove to Pemberley together. I am sure Aunt and Uncle Gardiner would welcome an extended trip."
"We are for Pemberley in a little over five weeks," Georgiana added hopefully. "It is enough time for the banns to be read either at your relatives local Parrish or the church we frequent."
"Uncle will not be able to take so much time away from his businesses," Lizzy protested. She could see time slipping away before her. Time she wanted to come to know Mr. Darcy. Although once their betrothal became public knowledge, breaking it would prove most difficult without damaging their reputations.
"I believe," Darcy found himself smiling genuinely for the first time since watching his Elizabeth play the pianoforte at Rosings all those weeks ago, "I may offer Mr. Gardiner a solution suitable to all."
I will speak with Mr. Gillam tomorrow, Darcy considered the logistics, and then call on Mr. Gardiner at his warehouse if Elizabeth agrees. I am sure both gentlemen will agree to leave Gardiner and Son's in the more than capable hands of Mr. Gillam for a month or two.
Lizzy raised an eyebrow. "And why would that be, Mr. Darcy?"
"If I tell you, Elizabeth," Darcy almost had a teasing quality to his serious attitude, "will you agree to a wedding in the middle of June?"
"Convince me," she allowed her eyebrow to arch further.
The rest of the afternoon became a revelation to the impertinent woman. Listening to Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet used her considerable mind to understand his links to trade. Indeed, all those overheard conversation with her Uncle Phillips and discussions with Mrs. Woodward, combined with what she'd read about the state of the English economy fell into place. Her soon to be husband became even more of a puzzle to her as the rest of his most complicated character surfaced.
By four an invitation to dine had been issued. A note dispatched to Gracechurch Street informing Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner their nieces would be sent home in the Darcy crested carriage. Finally, a wedding date set for six weeks' time and all the details settled.
"It is late enough in the season," Darcy responded, "that we can escape to Pemberley without thought of slighting our acquaintances. However, I will need you to host several teas with our immediate family, Georgiana, so our relations may come to know Elizabeth better."
"It would be my pleasure," she smiled. "I believe you have met most of the Fitzwilliam's Lizzy." Suddenly the girl paled. "Brother?" she choked out the word.
"Leave Aunt Catherine to me," Darcy's countenance turned thunderous.