Chapter 33 - Endless Waiting
"I believe," Lizzy teased the man at her elbow as they exited St Georges Church near Hanover Square, "a little mingling is in order, Darcy. Is that not why you brought me today and half the Ton have come to hear the Lord's words?"
Still of an antisocial disposition, unless with those he knew very well, his façade changed but little in public or private. However, the more time spent in Darcy's company, Lizzy became better at understanding the minute differences in his features. Letting her sense of the ridicules take pleasure in her betrotheds continued stoic countenance, Miss Elizabeth understood he would stand at her side and introduce the Miss Bennet's to people he barely knew for the sake of propriety. This was an event to be suffered while dining with his family later in the day could be enjoyed, if one ignored the presence of Lady Catherine. The often hard glares she'd mistaken for seeing only her faults in Hertfordshire were in fact his normal appearance for most occasions. Rarely did the gentleman smile or let out any form of expression. It seemed even her wit failed to remove the dower expression at this moment in time.
"It is," he answered, as always, a man of few words whilst in society.
"Then shall we greet some of your most important acquaintances? Tell me, which calling cards are we to accept? Should we not start with those who will greet me warmly?" she continued to mock, a pleased grin on her lips.
"That," he finally condescended to give her a small smile, just enough to upturn the corners of his lips, "would be a splendid idea, Elizabeth. Come, I see Mr. Slone and his wife. They have lately purchased Sutton Scarsdale Hall (it actually belonged to the Marquis of Ormonde, call it artistic licence) and will be our nearest neighbours to Pemberley."
"Oh," Elizabeth let her delight increase, "I thought your nearest neighbour was the Duke of Devonshire at Hawick Hall?"
"You have spent too much time with Aunt Susan," Darcy glowered. "The current Duke is not a man I wish to foster any acquaintance with. However his son is another matter entirely."
"Oh," Lizzy became interested. She liked the times Darcy opened up and spoke as if she were his equal.
"William Devenish, the second son, is currently reading Law at Cambridge. We have had many discussions on the state of the English workers and the hours they are forced to endure for the profit of factory owners. That formed part of the reason for investing so heavily in your Uncle's businesses. Mr. Gardiner is an honourable man and I am pleased to finally make his acquaintance. Devenish also holds similar views on the custom in," stopping, Darcy looked down to his betrothed to ensure she would not be incensed by his comments, "human trading."
"You mean," Lizzy took up the gauntlet and whispered while gazing only at Darcy, "slavery."
"How," he looked astonished, "are you aware of such a topic, not that it surprised me now I think upon it. It is not a subject many young women are conversant with or knowledgeable of."
"Mrs. Woodward," Lizzy felt her cheeks colour and she hid her face with the brim of her bonnet. That discussion had infuriated her and hardly affected Mrs. Woodward any less. Indeed, it made the two ladies think upon the life of servants in England, in a similar fashion. "After Mr. Bingley and his party left Hertfordshire, I uncovered many truths about myself. I came to understand the sheltered life a gentleman's daughter leads and determined to improve my understanding of the world. I came to realise my situation in life is a delicate balance with few choices beyond marriage or servitude. I am fortunate to have met and befriended Mrs. Woodward."
"I believe you are," Darcy gave her one of those amazing smiles he reserved for the happiest of moments. "I understand your reasoning for accepting my hand, Elizabeth."
"As I understand your struggle to offer it," she stated on a breathless sigh. "Now this subject is forever closed between us, dearest. We shall have felicity and respect always between us, no matter how difficult our beginning."
"Then let me introduce you to those who will be our nearest neighbours," Darcy agreed, leading her to a group standing before the church.
The next weeks passed in a whorl of social engagements and wedding preparations. Fittings for various pieces of apparel took up several hours each week. Georgiana and Jane always at her side, Aunt Gardiner joined the ladies when she had time. It strengthened the bond between the women who would be living in the same household until they married. They were, of course, sworn to secrecy regarding Elizabeth's wedding dress.
Whenever possible, Anne accompanied the ladies as her husband continued to delay their return to Kent. They would now stay until the Darcy wedding. Mrs. Ftizwilliam's wardrobe needed updating and expanding if she were to come to town often. Indeed, she intended to spend some time in London every year. The experience at the theatre brought her to tears as she realised what she'd miss in her previously sheltered life.
"My education and situation in life has overlooked so much," she'd cried into her husband's shoulder the night they returned from her first outing.
"You enjoyed your evening then," Richard smirked as he lay beside her. Since the night his wife sent her maid away, they had not bothered with the formality of closing the door between their rooms. The servants had not commented on the lack of use of the master's chamber. "We are always welcome at Leighwood or Honeymead. In the future, once the estate matters are under good regulation, we might purchase a house in town."
"No," Anne exhaled, "I would much rather imposed on our cousin. I believe I will enjoy watching Elizabeth tame Darcy's pride. The difference in his countenance becomes him more each day."
"It is a better match than I thought possible," Richard agreed. After which the only noises from their bed consisted of pleasure. With his tutoring, Anne had become very accomplished at her wifely duties and more than pleased to endure them.
Mr. Darcy and his cousin, now only Mr. Fitzwilliam as he'd sold his commission, called on various acquaintances that left cards the first week after Anne and Elizabeth's début into society. They arranged two mornings' each week for Miss Bennet and Mrs. Fitzwilliam to be at Leighwood to accept callers. Georgiana, not yet out in society allowed Lady Susan to preside over these social engagements. Darcy and Fitzwilliam stayed in the background but guarded their women judiciously. It would be completely inappropriate for Miss Elizabeth Bennet to act as Mistress before her marriage. However, it sent a message, she would soon take her rightful place beside Darcy, and she was well entrenched in the Matlock clan.
During the fourth week after her betrothal announcement, Mrs. Clayton called with her three daughters outside the 'Ser Society Calling hours' as Darcy declared them. Georgiana managed to communicate the woman to be a gossip and they should be on their very best behaviour for all the town would be entertained with the stories she would retell. Darcy and Fitzwilliam remained in the parlour to supervise the visit. However, Miss Amelia Clayton, newly out, provided the amusement Lizzy needed to raise her flagging courage at the endless list of new acquaintances.
"Did you hear of Miss Bingley engagement," the young woman asked her eyes alive with amusement.
Elizabeth left Jane at Gracechurch Street today. All the social outings proved too much for her more delicate constitution. Besides, Aunt Gardiner wished to take the children on an outing and requested her eldest niece attend her. Madeline did not like the amount of attention Jane received from Viscount Henley at every opportunity. She had enquired, unimpressed by tales of those vices held by men of wealth. It seemed Viscount Henley kept a mistress, enjoyed nights of drinking and could often be found at the gaming tables. Not particularly unusual in such exalted circles, however, Jane's feelings on the matter were in question and this led Madeline to worry.
Anne, much to everyone's surprise returned to her earlier state of illness two weeks prior to the fast approaching wedding. For a seven night she lay abed until midday, looked peaked and ate little. Fitzwilliam became worried while Darcy declared they could stay at Leighwood as long as needed. If the malaise continued, Anne agreed to see a doctor in the near future.
"Amelia," Mrs. Clayton scolded when she noticed the look between Miss Darcy and her future sister.
"Please, Miss Amelia," Elizabeth delicately placed her cup back on its saucer and offered gently, "do not be alarmed at anything you have to say. I know of Miss Bingley but have not had the opportunity to be in company with her for many months. I would welcome any news you have of her engagement."
"She is to marry," Hannah triumphed over her sister, "quickly."
"You should say," Mrs. Clayton frowned, "she is forced to accept the hand of the man through her arts and allurements. I am sure she shall be a very merry widow before the honeymoon, the man is at least twice her age."
"Oh," Georgiana made the quiet sound hoping to further the conversation while giving Lizzy a sidelong glance. While neither liked the woman, they did not wish her unhappy in her marriage. Tied to a man you could not love or respect for a lifetime could prove untenable. Thoughts of Mr. Collins and Mr. Wickham invaded the ladies minds.
"The announcement appeared in this morning's chronical," Mrs. Clayton, now in her element continued. "Sir Archibald Snowden is lately knighted. I am sure he keeps a very good shop but considering her status in the Nouveau riche, Miss Bingley could hardly hope for better."
"I wish her well," Elizabeth frowned a little. After the woman left, she would be discussing why they needed to keep the acquaintance. So far, the woman rivalled her mother for gossip and manners. Flushing at the irreverent thought, Lizzy felt it time to end this rumourmongering as it was well beneath Elizabeth and her new position at Mr. Darcy's side. "While Miss Bingley is not a close acquaintance, Mr. Bingley is a very good friend to Mr. Darcy."
"In deed," Darcy placed his empty cup at Lizzy's elbow. He'd stood behind her chair with a rather menacing air. "Mr. Bingley is currently in Scarborough, seeing to family concerns. He is to come to Pemberley after we are married. I consider the gentleman the closest of acquaintances with my family."
Turning to her betrothed, Lizzy allowed her eyebrow to rise in a questioning manner. He knew they would speak on this later and privately. Darcy had not deliberately kept the fact from Elizabeth. He understood her worry for Miss Bennet, however over the last weeks Jane seemed to glow in the attentions of his cousin. Henry visited White's more regularly, his mistress had been seen in the company of other men, seemingly shopping for a new protector and the nights of gaming ceased. It appeared the man had fallen under the Bennet spell. However, Miss Bennet did not show any particular regard, nor did Darcy expect her too after the Bingley debacle.
"Will Sir Snowden and his wife accompany Mr. Bingley?" Amelia asked, only to withdraw as she earned glares from her mother and older sister.
"If their marriage is to take place very soon," Lizzy did not take pleasure in this information. "I think Miss Bingley will be indisposed with her new duties."
"I agree," Darcy offered.
It seemed to signal an end to Mrs. Clayton's visit. Neither Elizabeth nor Darcy offered to return the call any time in the future. However, the acquaintance could not be ignored. Once the woman and her daughters had removed, Lizzy spoke to the butler and requested no further callers today. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley rose and went into the music room, leaving the double doors open. They considered this enough chaperoning of the couple to be marred in a little over a fortnight.
"Elizabeth," Darcy offered.
He'd come to know that look. His betrothed needed to discuss something she felt important. Darcy learnt to accept her different manner of solving issues between them. Elizabeth would not consider leaving a topic for later discussion unless forced to. He had to admit, in the last weeks it had made for a much smoother relationship between them.
"You must go to Mr. Bingley and uncover the truth of Miss Bingley's engagement," she stated, her lips pursed. "I am not worried about Mrs. Clayton and what she will say. I am intrigued as to why I must retain the acquaintance."
"Mr. Clayton is the second son of a Duke, and is aiming for parliament. He shares Devenish's view and could help found many social changes needed in this country with the rapid rate of industrialization. My friend has been most unfortunate in his choice of wife," Darcy finished.
"To marry in haste," Lizzy quipped.
"Quite," Darcy gave her one of those special half smiles that stated he was amused.
"Bingley," Lizzy requested.
"Is a better match for your sister than my cousin," Darcy frowned. "Miss Bennet is testing her heart with Henry and I do not believe her in any danger."
"I disagree," Elizabeth glared.
"How so," Darcy demanded.
"Jane will not talk to me about her heart or hopes for the future. It is a long way from healed and her ideas on marriage are quite different from her romantic notions before Netherfield was let," Lizzy found her energy sapped after the morning calling session. "We were once so close."
"But," Darcy sat beside her, taking Elizabeth's hand in his own. It always perturbed him to see her distressed, "no longer."
"Jane has learnt to guard her feeling even more than before. I believe she still hopes, deep down for Mr. Bingley's return. Even if he were to make his intentions known, my sister would have to be completely sure of his consistency," Lizzy stated. "He has hurt her most grievously."
"I feel," at this Darcy shot up and began to pace, "this is my fault. Had I not told you of Bingley's history, they could meet at Pemberley without heart ache on both sides."
"Mr. Bingley," Lizzy drew in a deep breath, "is in love with Jane still?"
"I believe so," Darcy once again returned to his former position. "It pains me to see two such people disheartened because of a misunderstanding. I hoped to give them time together in company and surrounded by the beauty of Pemberley in summer to come to an understanding, if one is to be reached."
"I believe," Lizzy smiled, "you should allow your cousin, the Viscount, to accompany his parents when they visit latter in the summer. A little competition is what Jane's heart needs to heal completely."
"And what of Bingley and my cousin's feelings," Darcy glowered.
"I think it should bring out the best in their characters," Lizzy touched his cheek, requesting Darcy lift his eye and truly understand her. "Jane has little choice in her life while these gentlemen have opportunities aplenty. Either she will marry or remain under your roof for the rest of her life. At the moment, she has the devotion of a man of consequence who, I believe, is beginning to see her as an asset. You do not need to tell me of the changes your cousin has made, I can see them each time he enters the sphere of my sister. Jane's countenance is such she could easily become Lady Henley and the Countess of Matlock with time, especially as you are to give her the opportunity for presentation to the highest circles. If it is meant to be, with Mr. Bingley or your cousin, then it will occur without our aid. After all, is that not our story, Dearest."
Nodding, Darcy once again stood, this time taking Elizabeth with him. "I believe," he started towards the music room, "it is time we re-joined my sister." The rest of his words remained unsaid. However, Elizabeth knew he would act inappropriately towards her if they remained alone. Indeed, she had come to welcome his advances. "I hope you will stay to dine with us tonight?" At her nod, he left the women together to make the arrangements.
"It seems," Lizzy smiled delightedly when Darcy returned, "I spend more time at Leighwood than Gracechurch Street."
"How would you like to spend time as the Mistress of Netherfield in the future?" Darcy asked taking the seat beside her in the music room.
"You have taken the lease," Elizabeth gasped.
"It was one of the reasons for traveling to Hertfordshire so many weeks past. I wished to have a home in the area surrounding your family estate so we could spend time with your relations," he stated blandly.
"Without your sacrificing your pride, Darcy," Lizzy teased.
"Also to give comfort to your mother and younger sisters, should you father's entail be necessary," he added. Fitzwilliam did not need to see her pleasure; he felt it through the squeeze of Elizabeth's hand at his elbow. "I adore you, my love, and would do anything to see you happy. Taking on Netherfield alongside my other properties is hardly a chore. Georgiana has been at me to dispose of the Ramsgate house for some time. I have had a very good offer and accepted it this week. I shall let you tell my sister. Besides, I aided Bingley in the appointment of a steward and household staff when he let Netherfield. They will be happy for the continued employment."
"Not to mention," Elizabeth couldn't help her impertinence making a show, "the five thousand a year the farm provides for the family coffers."
"In the future," Darcy looked at her with sad eyes, "only the very largest of estates will survive the industrialisation and mechanisation of labour. I believe it will not be long after Mr. Collins claims his birthright that he will be forced to sell Longbourn, as will others in the area. To that effect, Netherfield is a good prospect and it may well become the seat of a second son, if we are lucky enough to beget more than one heir. Perhaps, if you are willing, I will take you to the English Lace factory so you can see what the future holds and how I wish to see it."
"I welcome the opportunity," Lizzy stated grateful for his sharing this part of his life. Every time she became involved with the running of his businesses, Elizabeth felt so much closer to her betrothed.
"A note has come from Gracechurch Street," Georgiana broke into their private conversation. "McFadden returned with it from Mr. Gardiner. They ask if Miss Bennet may also join us so Elizabeth will not have to return alone."
One look from Darcy followed by a raised eyebrow from Elizabeth answered the question. A note soon became dispatched to Honeymead for Henry Fitzwilliam to join them. A second returned to Mr. Gardiner inviting Jane to return in the Darcy crested carriage.
Let the games begin, Lizzy's mind considered all she had learnt tonight. How I wish I did not have to leave, that Darcy and I were already married.
It seemed her betrothed read her mind. Darcy allowed a questioning gaze to enter his dark eyes. A smile creased the corners of his mouth as he counted the hours until he could call Elizabeth his wife.
"Soon, my love," he whispered. "You family will be here next week and we will marry on the Saturday following."