Chapter 35: Power Behind the Throne
"Henry," Darcy's sharp tone stopped the somewhat heated bantering between brothers as the ladies left the parlour to dress for dinner. "That was badly done. You embarrassed both my future sister and Elizabeth."
"I have openly displayed my intention towards the lady," Henry did not see the issue. Between the three of them, they had always been open and easy in their conversation. "What is it that displeases you to such an extent? Is Miss Bennet's heart involved elsewhere? It must be a secret engagement for I have seen no indication of other gentlemen paying her attention."
"Then let me tell you of Miss Bennet's history," Darcy continued to frown, displeased at exposing Jane and Bingley even to his closest relatives, "perhaps afterwards you will understand."
The Fitzwilliam twin's personalities were quite opposite. Yet, in essentials, they were the same. Henry, far less jovial and open than Richard, shared Darcy's shyness and reluctance to be always in company. In company he outdid his cousin by engaging those he knew well, earning Henry a less severe reputation as conceited and arrogant. The twin boys had been brought up under the determined hand of Lord James Fitzwilliam. Like their cousin, pride in their ancestry and position in society had been instilled at their father's knee. Their father also inspired a sense of propriety to protect those under their dominion. Henry took a mistress and enjoyed the odd drunken night of cards as they were expected of his rank. So far, he had never pursued a partner in life.
"Miss Bennet gave me no indication," Henry stated as Darcy finished the story of Bingley and Netherfield, "that my suit has been unwelcome. Yet, you tell me her countenance is such that I will not easily broach her heart. It has been a month since our introduction. In that time, Darcy, I have noticed a subtle warming towards me. If this Bingley is to be at Pemberley, may the best man win the heart of the fair maiden! I openly declare to you now, I intend to be that man, cousin. I will have Miss Bennet for my wife for she is everything required of such a station. I can see why you have been so cautious with Miss Elizabeth and her entry into society. Such unaffected ladies would draw much attention and not all of it honourable."
"Yes," Darcy sighed. "It is much easier for a rich man to take a poor, unconnected woman for a mistress or worse. I have been at pains to protect the reputation of my betrothed. I am glad your intentions are respectable, it will please Elizabeth."
"Then she looks upon the match with a prudential eye?" Henry asked, rather thrilled at this nugget of information. "What of her family?"
"Miss Elizabeth will not be displeased," Richard commented, watching the byplay. At the mention of family, Darcy only scowled and let all emotion fall from his features. "For my part, Miss Bennet is an ideal woman for the next Countess of Matlock. You could not have set your cap upon a more deserving young lady."
"Managed correctly," Darcy began to pace, "the Miss Bennet's introduction to our circle is easily accomplished, Henry. I have ensured Elizabeth has not been overwhelmed. Miss Bennet has been at her side the entire time. Both have been fitted for court dresses and will be presented next season. Your mother is to take Elizabeth and Miss Bennet to visit Lady Cowper next week. I expect a voucher for Almack's to result although we will go but very rarely."
"We live in a world where society dictates our behaviour and actions," Henry chaffed at the restrictions. "I cannot stand that meat market any more than you Darcy. I will not choose a wife based upon wealth and title for I have both. Like you, I have waited to find a woman who will suit me and bring felicity to my home."
"I am torn," Darcy paled. "Bingley is my friend yet, you are my cousin."
"Surely," Elizabeth came into the room alone, "the choice will belong to my sister."
"You are completely correct," Henry bowed low, taking the rebuke. "I intend to place myself at Miss Bennet's disposal."
"Jane will be pleased," Elizabeth allowed an eyebrow to rise, "if you allow her feelings to unfurl like a rosebud in the spring. When she is sure of her own heart, the gentleman that holds it will understand the beauty and perfect serenity he has won." Glaring at Lord Henley, Lizzy ensured he took her meaning.
Darcy moved to his betrothed's side. Leading her to the love seat before the fire, they sat. Richard and Henry took this as a signal to converse quietly. Too soon, Anne, Georgiana and Jane joined the party and the dinner bell sounded.
"Please," Lizzy whispered in a rush to get to Jane's side, "escort your sister to dinner."
Understanding completely, Darcy let her go. His sister looked in askance. He only shook his head slightly. Anne, still feeling a little under the weather, approached her brother in law.
"Would you do me the very great honour," she requested of Henry, indicating Darcy leading his sister into the dining room.
"Has my brother lost his touch so soon," Henry teased. Richard grunted from behind him. Between the twins, they jested with each other unmercifully.
"I do not remember you being so forthright," Anne commented, "when you came to Rosings as a boy."
"I hope that will change in the future," Henry chuckled. "It is hard to get a word in edgewise when my Aunt is around. I am glad you have come out, Anne. We are all worried about your situation. I am sure when I visit in future," with this he glanced wistfully at Miss Bennet, "I hope to have the felicity you share with my brother."
"Then be sure to be on your best behaviour," she stated, "and I am sure you will be successful in your quest."
Dinner proved to be one of the best meals they shared at Leighwood to date. Lord Henry Fitzwilliam made every attempt to be the perfect gentleman. He desisted from overt displays towards Miss Bennet while engaging her in perfectly appropriate conversation. Richard aided his brother, continuing to tease him about their childhood misdemeanours. Even Darcy seemed relaxed and talkative, remembering many a summer they spent together at Rosings, Pemberley or Matlock. The men did not wish to separate from the ladies after the main meal. Removing to the music room, the party soon found the instrument open. Georgiana and Elizabeth exhibited before calling for tea. Finally, the party ended when Anne could no longer keep her eyes open.
"Darcy," Richard approached his early rising cousin in agitation. He'd left his wife in the company of her maid and a chamber pot. For the last three mornings, she'd woken suddenly with the need to violently expel the contents of her stomach. "I do not know what to make of it. Anne is once again too ill to leave bed. I am worried."
"I will call the doctor," Darcy stated, the happiness of hosting Elizabeth vanishing with the comment.
"She refuses," he spat the word. "I thought, perhaps Miss Elizabeth would consent to sit with my wife."
Calling for a servant, Darcy requested his housekeeper attend him immediately. Mrs. Fox listened to his request and smiled. She could not believe the worry over something she considered completely natural.
"Sir," Mrs. Fox turned to Mr. Darcy for permission, "I wish to speak plainly."
Darcy nodded, finding all his housekeepers' sensible women. Each treated the Darcy siblings with love and devotion. Both Mrs. Fox and Mrs. Reynolds stood in for their late mother on occasion, offering a wise word or sympathetic ear. It gave Richard the courage to agree when his cousin offered her a chair.
"Lady Catherine is quite formidable," she started, gauging their reaction. "I suspect her Ladyship did not educate her daughter as to the marriage state." Leaving much unsaid, Mrs. Fox waited for the penny to drop. Darcy understood after only a few moments. Richard looked upon the woman with disbelief. "What do you know of a woman's ability to become with child?"
"So soon," Richard paled. "We have been married but seven weeks."
"Forgive my directness, Sir," Mrs. Fox became just a little overwhelmed, "but all the above stairs servants report only to me. I understand you prefer to use your chamber for little more than dressing."
"How can you be sure," he demanded, enraged by the statement. Yet, he knew how the servants gossiped. Those at Leighwood proved no different to any others, although they knew not to speak of their master's family beyond the walls of the townhouse. "Why do you assume Anne is with child?"
"That," Mrs. Fox rose and gave him a glacial stare, "is women's business, Sir. I believe your wife may not even suspect as her education in this respect is lacking. With your permission, I will go directly to Mrs. Fitzwilliam and assess her needs."
"Mrs. Fox," Darcy requested, "you are sure?"
"Positive," she pursed her lips, "all the signs have been upon her for a week or more."
Cursing under her breath, the older woman couldn't believe she needed to deal with this aspect of a young lady's education. The Fitzwilliams had been in residence a month and Anne's ladies' maid had not had to wash the rags used to ensure gowns were not spoiled by a woman's courses. Words, reminiscent of a drunken sailor, made Mr. Darcy pale as he caught only the start of Mrs. Fox's muttered triad. Still, he had every faith in Mrs. Fox to do the duty his Aunt Catherine should have. While Darcy felt for both women in this transaction, he could not be happier the responsibility did not fall upon him.
"All will be well, Richard," Darcy tried to console with a sinking heart. Would his Elizabeth come to their marriage bed without proper instruction? He shuddered at the thought of Mrs. Bennet's crude teachings. Perhaps he should seek Mr. Gardiner's advice or better still, wait until his marriage and instruct his wife personally.
"I have just come to realise how much I care for Anne," Richard slumped into a nearby chair. "I cannot lose her to childbirth so soon, Darcy. I had wanted to wait to consummate our marriage but Anne…."
"Is proving to have quite a mind of her own," Darcy couldn't help the smirk. "Your wife has improved beyond any expectation until struck with this malady. Perhaps you doubt her too much. Let us hope Anne lives a long and prosperous life giving you many healthy children. I am sure Rosings could do with the life and laughter of a new generation."
Richard looked to his cousin with a glare while the picture took hold of his mind. He hoped Mrs. Fox and Darcy's words came true. Richard could visualize three or four little Fitzwilliam's gracing the halls of his new home. Only with Anne at his side did the image feel complete.
Above stairs, Mrs. Fox stood before Mrs. Fitzwilliam's sleeping chamber. Reaching out she knocked quietly. At the sound of the lady within retching, she opened the door and entered.
"Mrs. Fitzwilliam," she curtseyed, only to realise Miss Elizabeth held a wet cloth to the indisposed woman's face. Anger laced brown eyes as they glanced towards the housekeeper and Mrs. Fox knew her soon to be mistress suspected. "Shall I take over Miss," she asked gently.
"Stay," Anne begged. "I think I am dying and I cannot face my husband."
"You are not dying," Mrs. Fox sighed and approached the bed. She did not look forward to the discussion that must follow. By that one sentence, Anne Fitzwilliam displayed the complete lack of education required of a married woman. "I do not know what your mothers teach you," the outburst erupted before Mrs. Fox could filter her words.
"Mother's," Elizabeth almost spat her words, "are only following the dictates of propriety, Mrs. Fox. We simple gentlewomen are forever to remain unsullied by the truths of the world and remain ignorant in the servitude of our owner's society labels "husband". I chafe at the restrictions placed upon us in the name of good breeding and can only hope my daughters grow to live in a more enlightened age."
"What," Beatrice Fox watched Miss Elisabeth carefully, "do you know of your duties to your husband?"
"More," Elizabeth guessed, "than my soon-to-be cousin-in-law." Once again wiping the infirm woman's face, Lizzy gentled her tone. "You are not dying, Anne. I suspect you are with child. My aunt's last confinement laid her in bed for the first months with such a vile illness and fatigue, even before her quickening. Jane and I came to London to aid in running the house and looking after the other children. In her weakened state, she did not take care with her words and cursed my uncle for placing her in such a position."
Eyebrow rising, Mrs. Fox understood the attraction between the Master and Miss Elizabeth better. That speech, coupled with her earlier words proved the lady to be keenly intelligent and well suited to Mr. Darcy's needs for a true companion in life. Still a maiden and soon to be married, Beatrice did not see the harm of including her future Mistress in the following discussion.
"Elizabeth," Anne stated in wonder, her hand automatically reaching for her stomach once the lesson had been concluded and Mrs. Fox left them, "I had not thought it would occur so soon. I am all astonishment."
"Shall I fetch your husband," Lizzy smiled at the delighted woman. "I am sure the rest of the family will be dressing for church. With this news, no one can fault you remaining abed and your husband dancing attendance upon you."
For the remainder of the day, Elizabeth found her mind distracted by Mrs. Fox's words. It appeared she had much to learn before her wedding day. Determined to be prepared, she immediately sought her aunt for a private interview on arriving back at Gracechurch Street after services. Madeline did not dissemble. Giving her niece time to consider all they said, she offered to answer any questions.
"Thank you," Lizzy stated. "I believe you have given me more to ponder. I confess, Mr. Darcy has been inappropriate towards me on several occasions. I considered his address delightful but it seems there are more pleasures to come. I find this discussion has made me more eager to conclude my wedding than shy away from it."
"I am glad," Madeline smiled. "You should not be afraid of your husband or the act following the ceremony. When you have been married a few months, I will loan you a book your uncle discovered among an import from India. It is not fit for your eyes now but I am sure, with the love and devotion of your husband, you will appreciate the contents."
"Aunt, I wish your advice," Lizzy sounded a little confused. Madeline allowed a curious expression. "So far I have heard from both you and Mrs. Fox about a wife's more intimate duties. The differences in your accounts leave me puzzled in the extreme. You know I cannot rest until I have settled such a monumental subject in my mind. I, I would like, do you think it appropriate to canvas Mrs. Woodward's opinion."
"Your companion has been open with you in the extreme," Madeline replied. "I do not see that she will be embarrassed by such a request. Indeed, her advice, on subjects that a young lady of your station should not have entered into, has so far proven to be of advantage in your betrothal to Mr. Darcy."
"I believe it has," Elizabeth smiled, thinking of their conversation a month ago. Who else would bring up slavery and his political opinion on the practice to a gentlewoman? "Mr. Darcy, I am finding, is a man among men."
"I shall enjoy seeing you happily settled at Pemberley, Lizzy," Madeline enthused. "You deserve every happiness in the world. Now I wish to canvas your opinion. What do you think of Henry Fitzwilliam's attentions to Jane?"
"Oh," Elizabeth paled, "they are indisputably fixed upon the marriage state. Henry intends to have Jane as his wife. He indicated as much last evening when he joined us for dinner. His attention at church today could not be missed."
"Good Lord," Madeline lost all colour in her face. "If we thought your gowns to be expensive, Jane's will cost twice as much at least."
"Aunt," Elizabeth cautioned, "I fear Jane is not in a position to know her heart. It distresses me to think she will accept him out of duty."
"Leave your sister to me," Madeline stood, aggrieved. With Fanny Bennet descending on Gracechurch Street in a seven-night, she had little time to bolster Jane's fortifications against her mother's vexation. The woman would demand Jane accept such a proposal. "I refuse to allow that girl to marry for less than love."
While Mrs. Gardiner left Elizabeth to write to her companion, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam sat in the yellow parlour listening to the events at Leighwood the night before. The expression on her eldest son's face spoke volumes. Asking questions, she began to formulate a plan.
"Leave it with me," Lady Susan rose, ending the discussion. Watching as her child politely take his leave, she muttered, "so like your cousin and father. When Fitzwilliam men choose a bride, they do so unwillingly for love holds them in its grip. Once you have fallen under the spell of a woman there is little to be done but plan a wedding."
So, at ten Monday morning, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam entered Burlington Arcade with a single undertaking in mind. Demanding to see Madam Chastain immediately, the servant did not wish to make the grand lady wait. Entering the primary parlour, the Countess of Matlock did not hold back her words. Three hours later and several young ladies put out, she took her leave.
"Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter," she allowed a slight inclination of her head. "I shall expect the blue gown delivered by Thursday morning, and the day dresses by the end of the week. The remainder will be delivered to Honeymead. I require the entire ensemble before my nephew's wedding."
"Very good Your Ladyship," Madan Chastain curtseyed. In the back of her mind, she wondered how to achieve so much with so little time. Mr. Darcy's bride required several dresses to be finished before her wedding and removal to Pemberley. "I shall have to work through the night," the proprietor sighed.
Lady Susan's machinations did not stop there. On arriving home, she located her husband in his book room. Approaching him carefully, she knew how to achieve her goals after four and thirty years of marriage.
"You will never guess what I have heard," Susan gaged his mood. He seemed affable so she continued. "Whispers regarding Mr. Gardiner and an invitation to join White's."
"It is true," James Fitzwilliam frowned, "although it will not come to pass, the man may have all the manners of gentlefolk but he does not own land. Acceptance will depend on his ability to throw off the taint of trade. I have even heard the Prince Regent, by his advisors, has profited from some of Mr. Gardiner's schemes. There is a growing consideration for a knighthood for service to the crown. Should that occur, then, Mr Gardiner may be invited to White's."
"Can you not speak with our nephew to put such ideas to Mr. Gardiner," Susan requested.
By chance, the Countess heard the rumour while visiting Lady Jersey on the return from Madam Chastain's. Hinting at her invitation to present the esteemed nieces of Mr. Gardiner at Lady Cowper's drawing-room at three on Thursday, Lady Susan knew the old gossip could not keep away. The Miss Bennets were to be introduced to the women who held every power and influence over entry into polite society. To that end, Miss Jane Bennet had to outshine her most fortuitous sister, for come hell or high water, Lady Susan intended the woman for her daughter in law.
"Darcy and I have arranged to have Mr. Gardiner join us at the club on Wednesday night. We shall dine there in the presence of several gentlemen. This can only increase the chance of a knighthood," James smiled. "I understand my heir has set his cap upon Miss Elizabeth's sister. I see your plan and have had the family thoroughly investigated. Mr. Bennet shuns town which is just as well. The wife is a gentleman's daughter in breeding but not temperament, the younger sisters ridiculous. Once Darcy marries, the name will be forgotten and the ladies removed from the neighbourhood of Hertfordshire, perhaps forever. I believe, living much of the year, with husbands not inclined to visit London for but a few weeks of the season, their wives will be close enough to continue their intimate association. Gardiner and his family may be Nouveau riche but, with the purchase of property and a knighthood, I should like to know the man better."
"I see you take my view of the matter," Lady Susan smiled brightly. "Then you will not mind when the account from Madam Chastain arrives for Miss Bennet's attire. She must be dressed appropriately if she is to be our daughter in the near future."
"Henry has given up his mistress," James returned the grin, "I think that says everything that needs to be said. I am off to see Darcy and move things along."