Chapter 37 - Let the Games Begin II
AN: I want to thank those who are (very politely) pointing out my grammatical and spelling mistakes. I appreciate it. I keep your post and will apply them to the final document, hopefully before publishing. Please keep them coming, it can only make this story more polished.
AN: I have noticed a few Perthites reading this story. A couple have reached out. I would like to hear from you via PM please, and, if amenable, start a 'Perth FFnet coffee club' so we might meet face to face.
"Jane," Elizabeth entered their shared room at the Gardiners.
Concern laced both Lizzy's glance and tone as she noted the unwrapped brown paper package sitting on her sister's lap. It arrived by special courier not a quarter of an hour past. One look at the direction, and Jane had excused herself to this room. The paling of her complexion had both Mrs Gardiner and Elizabeth anxious.
"Look," Jane uncovered the blue silk gown and offered it for perusal.
"Is there a card?" Elizabeth demanded, shocked. Like her sister, Lizzy feared the worse, should this become known.
Handing it to Lizzy, Jane watched her most beloved sister's reaction. Furrowing her brow, Elizabeth's mouth dropped open. Her eyes lost any hint of humour. Should anyone find out about this, Jane's reputation would be in tatters. Glancing at the card once again, she re-read it.
Please wear this today when we are to meet Lady Cowper. Your entry to the highest circles is dependent on today's interview. I will call for you and Miss Elizabeth at exactly two in the crested coach. We have much to discuss on the way. Lady S.
"At least," Lizzy tried to keep the anger from her tone, "it is not from the Viscount, but his mother. Still, it sends the same message. More so, for his family are in agreement even though you do not have an understanding with him. Oh, Jane!"
"He is a proper gentleman," Jane rebuked lightly, unable to account for her sister's attitude towards the Fitzwilliam's, "although I do not like this manipulation from his mother. I had thought…"
"What," Elizabeth prompted when a few moments passed without a word.
"Henry has been perfectly amiable when we have been in company this last week," Jane turned towards her sister and explained, slightly confused by this event. "He has accepted my constraints and agreed to give me time to establish my heart. I do not understand the purpose of this gift."
"Do you not see, Jane," Lizzy paced the small room with a scowl, "Lady Susan must have visited the modestie that is making my gowns, for it is that same seamstress who made up your pink silk with the English Lace. It is the only explanation! In this, she is no better than Mama, trying to marry off her son."
"Henry cannot know," Jane stated resolutely. "He would not attempt to influence me in this way."
"Believe that if you wish," Lizzy responded, angered on behalf of her most beloved sibling. "I know this gown will be perfect for you in every way. Lady Susan is throwing down a gauntlet."
"Lady Susan has made a stunning choice of weapon, it that is the case," Jane stated, fingering the fine silk, delicately embroidered with rosebuds at the cuffs and skirt hem in the same colour thread. Lace and ribbons had been kept to a minimum, as was Miss Bennet's preference. "Should the gown have come from Viscount Henley, I would have been very much compromised. I know his wishes, and those of his family now, Lizzy. He has been very determined in pursuing my good opinion since our last visit to Leighwood House. Do not believe me in any danger, for I have learnt my lesson of love well. If any man desires marriage, then he will have to work to procure my good opinion. For now, this time is about you and your marriage to Mr. Darcy. You have suffered under Mother's tongue for far too long. I wish only your happiness without regard to anyone else."
"Jane," unaccounted tears sprang to Elizabeth's eyes, "I worry for you. Your constitution has always been more delicate and yet your goodness is so endearing. I fear the effect of Mr. Bingley's desertion on your opinions of the marriage state. We both wish to wed for love."
"Truly, Lizzy, you are all that is good and kind to think so well of me," Jane smiled before adding in a teasing tone, "that is when you are not all impertinence and prejudice. You deserve everything your soon-to-be husband can give you. I always wished my dearest sister well in her choice of life partner. I am glad you have fallen for a man of good fortune and principle. I promise to do the same, but will not give a date as to when my heart will recover from this disillusionment. Until that day, I am determined to follow in your footsteps. I shall only make a choice when I am sure, no matter what Mr. Bingley, the Viscount or any other man of my acquaintance may wish."
Torn between feeling elated at her sister's praise and humour at her ability to mock, the tears Elizabeth long held back started to fall. "I am so afraid, Jane," she confessed.
"Why, Lizzy," Jane discarded the gown immediately. Coming to her sister, she guided her to the bed. Sitting side by side, she requested, "what worries you so?"
Trying to contain her wretchedness and happiness and jubilation and a thousand other emotions, Lizzy laid her head on Jane's shoulder. "I am to be the mistress of a number of properties. I am to take over the responsibility of Georgiana's mother. I am to come out into the highest circles with my sometimes-impertinent character. How will they like me, Jane? This woman without fortune or connections who stole away the coveted Mr. Darcy? It will be much talked of no matter what I do, or how carefully Mr. Darcy paves my way into society. Will I do my husband a disservice or worse, taint his reputation? Darcy might be a good man, but he is intolerant of people, preferring a small group of friends to balls and assemblies. He appears proud and disdainful in company. While Darcy has not said it, I am sure my betrothed expects me to make society easier for him to bear. There are times I hardly feel up to the challenge for myself."
Without warning, Jane chuckled. "Oh, Lizzy," she tried to keep the humour from her tone, without success. "You are to be married in a little over a week. Why do you choose to have such doubts now?"
"They have been building so slowly. Jane, I do love Darcy. I just wish," pausing, the energy contained in Elizabeth Bennet needed to be expelled. She rose and began to pace, "we could go to Pemberley and forget all the rest. When it is just the two of us, when we sit and speak to each other, we get along very well. A few months ago, I would not have thought it possible. So much has occurred in such a short time, it weighs heavily on my mind. I have no space to walk or think in London. How I wish to be at Longbourn, with Papa and you to talk too. I want some familiarity so I might know myself."
"Soon, Lizzy," Jane stood to watch her pacing sister, "we will all be at Pemberley for several months. You will be able to walk and think all you like as you come to appreciate your new home. You are suffering from pre-wedding nerves, that is all. In marrying Mr. Darcy, you have become aware of the very great responsibility you have taken on. No one is better fitted for such a burden, that is why Mr. Darcy wants only you, Lizzy, at his side."
"I know," Elizabeth faced her sister. Looking up to the roof with a frustrated expression, she stated, "it is our introduction of society I loathe. Rules and restrictions of little consequence, except in the minds of those whom one needs to cultivate to enter the first circles. There have been times I have to hold my tongue, and it does not come easily."
"You have always been easy in company," Jane stated with a confused expression.
"The society of four and twenty families, whom I have known since childhood," Elizabeth couldn't quite put into words her feelings of inadequacy and loss. "They know my faults as I know theirs, and we all accept them. I begin to understand why Darcy loathes town and continues to hold but a few in such esteem as to call them friend."
"Tomorrow we will find the time to walk," Jane approached, taking hold of Lizzy's shoulders and making the woman truly look at her. "Be calm, for we have much that needs to be achieved. Truly, Lizzy, I believe these feelings are normal for a bride about to start a new life. You are moving on from everything familiar and facing a new home, friends and society. Even you, with your happy nature, must feel the loss greatly. I will remain at your side through it all, as will Mr. Darcy. Now, we will go back down-stairs and spend an hour with the children. Then we shall take tea and await Lady Susan's arrival. All will be well, Lizzy."
"I know, Jane," Elizabeth forced a tired smile. "I never thought myself afraid of change but I find leaving all that I know terrifies me, yet I cannot wait to become Darcy's wife." And all that that entails, her mind added.
"Remember, when doubt assails you, I will be at your side," Jane smiled, suddenly realising the source of her sisters' disquiet, "as will your betrothed, even if Mr. Darcy is not in the same room. He loves you Lizzy, almost as much as the air he breathes, for I believe he cannot live without either."
"You will only be at my side until you marry," Lizzy didn't mean to sound so morose.
"That," Jane actually laughed for the first time in months, "will not happen soon. I promise you, Lizzy, I will be at your disposal until you no longer need me. It is time I gave something back to you for all you have done for me. If the Viscount or Mr. Bingley or any other man wishes to know me, they must wait until my dearest sister is comfortable in her new role as Mrs. Darcy."
"I am so afraid for you," Lizzy whispered, taking Jane into a quick embrace, "and your heart. I do not want you to accept Darcy's cousin or any man out of obligation."
"I have learnt that much from my sister," Jane smiled. "Now, dry your tears. When Mama and the family arrive next week, then you shall have your work cut out for you."
"Please do not remind me!" Lizzy found her expression wavering between great sadness and great amusement. While she loved her family, Lizzy had found the engagement period easy so far. That it coincided with her mother's recovery could not have been a more fortuitous event.
Jane led her sister from the room, determined to keep her busy. The children occupied them until it was time to dress for their outing. Jane looked resplendent in her blue gown. Elizabeth chose a pale sage to ensure she did not clash with her sister.
"Girls," Aunt Madeline called from the bottom of the stairs. Watching the pair descend, they appeared as if of the first circles. Not allowing a sigh to escape, Mrs. Gardiner knew of her husband's outing to White's yesterday, and the other arrangements their family had been forced to make so they might become genteel. Shaking her head as her nieces gathered their outerwear, the soon to be Lady Gardiner wondered what other changes were installed as Jane and Elizabeth continued their entry into the highest society.
"So, it begins," Lizzy whispered, clutching at the garnet cross at her throat. She knew the next hours would make or break her entry into polite society.
"The Countess of Matlock, Lady Susan Fitzwilliam, Ma'am," a livered butler introduced the callers with a bow, "with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth Bennet."
"Oh, I have been expecting you," Lady Cowper sounded excited, that is to say, as excited as a matron of society is allowed to sound. Seated in her ornate drawing room, Anne Cowper had gathered her most important confidence to share this moment. Together they would decide if Darcy's betrothed lived up to her new station. "Susan, I am sure you should not mind Lady Jersey staying to tea, for we are anxious to meet the young woman able to capture the heart of your nephew, Mr Darcy."
A small gesture, practised in the carriage on the way to this particular drawing-room ensured the Miss Bennet's moved forward to be admired and commented upon while offering a low curtsey. Lady Susan schooled Elizabeth and Jane well on the three-mile carriage ride from Gracechurch Street to the most fashionable part of town. She left the girls with little option but to follow her lead, especially after announcing her designs for this call. It started the moment she spied the girls awaiting her.
"Before you say a word, Miss Elizabeth," Lady Susan eyed her sage coloured dress when entering Mrs. Gardiner's establishment, "you shall have to change. Do not look at me with such an attitude. While that colour will display Jane very well in her new gown, it is far from adequate for you. You must shine today and be everything that is expected of a prospective bride soon to take the Darcy name. I think the cream and gold you wore to the theatre last week will do very nicely. You need not change your jewellery, for that garnet cross will match your new gown nicely."
Jane, with her much softer nature, laid a calming hand upon her sister's forearm. She knew how much time and effort Elizabeth placed in choosing her dress. An expression passed between the two before Lizzy picked up her skirts and ascended the stairs in rather a hurry. Lady Susan allowed a slight smile to grace her lips at such an easy victory. If she understood Miss Elizabeth's character, the girl would not take well to her instruction or the constraint of polite society.
"I have seen your sister achieve the same with my nephew," Susan remarked to a still silent Jane. "I am glad you will be with us today, Miss Bennet, for I believe such a gesture shall be required many times this afternoon. Both Lady Cowper and Lady Jersey are used to getting their own way in everything and not averse to telling a young woman so. There are few in society who will cross them as one has the ear of the Prince Regent himself and the other rules over every social occasion."
"I do not understand," Jane looked both confused and a little out of her depth, "your meaning!"
"That," Susan allowed a broad smile to cover her lips, "is the reason for your singular charm, Miss Bennet. You are too good-natured to see the evil behind the words coated in politeness as your sister would. In this, I believe, your sister is not so accommodating. Your serenity will be much needed this afternoon so Miss Elizabeth's natural wit may shine and allow her best qualities to be displayed."
"Lizzy…" Jane started only to be interrupted as her sister returned in her gold gown.
"Elizabeth, please," Lady Susan rebuked. "It must always be Elizabeth in polite society, Miss Bennet."
"Elizabeth," Jane immediately corrected, steeling herself to speak from her heart that which should remain between sisters, "and I spoke of her suffering in silence. My sister has no wish to see Mr. Darcy's family name disgraced as she enters the first circles. If I may speak plainly," waiting for Lady Susan to nod, Jane continued, "your son, Henry, has made his intention open with respect to," blushing, Jane could not look the countess in the eye, "me. I accompany my sister today to further her felicitation with her betrothed."
"Could there be no other reason," Susan pushed, intrigued by the backbone this little mouse suddenly sported. It suited her in a way that would be required of the next Countess of Matlock.
Looking up, directly into the eyes of a Countess, Jane stated with determination, "none."
Frowning at this answer, Lady Susan did not allow her disappointment to show. Before she could formulate an answer, Jane continued, "I must thank you for my gown. However," blushing once again, she found the courage to speak the emotions crowding her heart, "should such a gift become known, I would feel compromised. Then I should retire from all society as my soon to be brother has offered me sanctuary at Pemberley."
Taking in a breath through her nares, Lady Susan once again looked at the young woman before her. It seemed Miss Bennet was made of sterner stock than she had given her credit for. "Then let me by as frank with you, Miss Bennet. My son has given up his mistress and changed his ways in order to take a bride. That bride will be you. It has always been so with Fitzwilliam men. When they meet the woman they are to marry, there is little else to do but accept your fate. Whether you feel any attraction to my son or not, I shall have you as a daughter before the next season had commenced."
Lizzy, not happy with Lady Susan after the delivery of Jane's gown, heard the last of this declaration and became infuriated. Jane's heart must be guarded at all costs. If Mrs. Bennet gained an inkling of this attachment, she would insist that her eldest marry Viscount Henley, no matter the amount or lack of attachment on either side. Elizabeth, would not stand for her sister to be treated so.
"As I have told my betrothed, a gentleman may ask for the hand of a lady," Lizzy stated in a tone she hoped was bland but thought demonstrated her animosity, "however it is up to the lady to accept."
"Elizabeth," Jane once again laid a hand upon her sisters' forearm, "you look very well in that gown."
"Jane," Lizzy started to protest.
"Not now," Jane responded, pleading in her expression.
"Come," Lady Susan wished to smile at the byplay but dare not. "We have much to discuss. What you have experienced so far, Elizabeth shall be nothing to the drawing-room you are about to enter. Lady Cowper and Lady Jersey will have heard everything that occurred at Leighwood House since you began appearing in society. It is important you follow my instructions precisely."
So, the party boarded the coach. Once seated on either side of Lady Susan, Jane and Elizabeth received an abbreviated lesson in etiquette. Lizzy, while changing, decided if her character were enough to attract Darcy's attention, not even these women would be allowed to crush her spirit.
I mean to start as I will continue, Elizabeth Bennet, taking in a deep breath, decided as they alighted the carriage. Darcy loves me as I am. Neither he nor I would wish it any different. I shall not change because of social expectations, I refuse to be anything but myself. Darcy arbores deceit of any kind, and would not wish me to practice it in any form. Besides, the thought amused her, how can either woman be any worse than the Great and Noble Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
This resolve firmly at the front of her mind; Elizabeth Bennet's courage rose. With it, her posture straightened and her eyes, which had been dulled by concerns, began to sparkle with determination. The initial introductions now out of the way, Lady Cowper and Lady Jersey quickly dispensed with polite conversation.
"I am told," Anne Cowper raised her eyes toward Elizabeth and started her interrogation, "your father's estate is in Hertfordshire."
"Not more than a mile from a small market town," Lizzy answered with a smile, understanding the reason behind the pointed question, "called Meryton. Longbourn boarders Netherfield Park, a property my betrothed has recently purchased on one side, and my Uncle Gardiner's estate on the other."
This seemed to be news to everyone in the room, Jane included. It gave Elizabeth the courage to continue as she meant to go on. Aunt Madeline found the time while Jane played with the children to inform her niece of the changes that would soon occur in the Gardiner household.
If these women wish to examine my family fortune and connections, I shall tell them only what I wish them to know. At least Papa rarely troubles himself to remove from his book room, even then, only for the most essential of business. I can be assured no amount of pleading will get Mama and my younger sisters to town, Elizabeth mentally sighed, besides the few days required to attend my wedding.
"And you are the eldest of five daughters, Miss Bennet, all of whom are out," Lady Jersey's expression would have been a sneer on anyone else. It reminded Lizzy of Miss Bingley while attempting a putdown that sounded sincere. Had the comment been aimed at Elizabeth, she would deflect it with humour and wit. Jane, Lady Jersey seemed to understand, was a much more willing object.
"Yes," Jane stated. She'd seen Lizzy answer this question many times in Mr. Darcy's drawing-room. Delicately placing her cup on its saucer, she positioned the fine china on the side table. Lifting her eyes to Lady Jersey, she added. "I think it would be very hard upon younger sisters, that they should not have their share of society and amusement, because the elder may not have the means or inclination to marry early."
"You speak your mind decidedly," Lady Jersey scoffed.
Jane smiled serenely but declined to enter into the conversation further.
The matrons of society glanced at each other. Obviously, these Bennet girls were not what they expected. While displaying all the refinements required of the first circles, they did not simper or flatter, they held their heads high and stated their opinions as if speaking with their peers. The future Mrs Darcy they could do little about. Her soon to be husbands' morals were impeccable, his conduct proud but unblemished. Besides, many were either indebted to or sought his acquaintance. She would have to be accepted, their husbands would not allow less while pursuing Darcy's favour. Miss Jane Bennet, though, seemed more a mystery. Lady Susan Fitzwilliam's sponsorship of Elizabeth was expected. Her support for the more classically beautiful sister could only mean one thing. The Viscount was in some danger, especially when coupled with the rumours of spending many evenings with his cousin Darcy and dismissing his mistress.
"That," Lady Susan frowned when the carriage started rumbling down the road, "did not go well."
"I believe," Jane spoke, a hand on her sister's arm stopping Lizzy's automatic retort, "it went as well as could be expected."
"Lady Cowper allowed Lady Jersey to display her ill breading," Elizabeth's eyes shone with anger. "She is no better than Lady Catherine, or Miss Bingley, even though she has the Prince Regents ear. If this is how your set behaves, then I want as little to do with them as possible. They will have to accept me as the wife of Mr Darcy. I, however, will tempt my future husband to remain at Pemberley for as much of the year as possible."
Lady Susan allowed one eyebrow to show her displeasure. It seemed her plans were in disarray and the Bennet sister's more formidable than malleable. Direct confrontation would not work, but Jane might be more susceptible to gentle coercion. She would need to think on this. After all, they would be together for many months at Pemberley over the summer.
AN: This is the last of my completed chapters. I have Wednesday and Thrusday off and am hopoing to get a chapter or two in advance. Next we visit Mr Bingley and see why he's been out of the picture for so long. Then, maybe, the Bennets come to town. That may last a few chapters, as I have so many plot points to cover. The wedding, is still a few chapters away.