Chapter 39 – It All Works Out in the End
"Miss Bennet," Simms greeted the young woman who was to become his mistress in a little over a week.
Removing her gloves, Elizabeth understood the principal servant had something he wished to discuss in privacy. The way Simms hovered did not extrude an air of disdain as he might upon Elizabeth's exceptionally early arrival. After the interview with Ladies Cowper and Jersey yesterday, Lizzy had need to speak with her betrothed before Lady Matlock had the chance. To that end, she sent a note to Georgiana as soon as she woke, begging to take tea this morning before calling hours. Obviously, the Darcy's wished to know how the visit proceeded for the response came sooner than expected, and in the form of a footman delivering an invitation before the Gardiner's concluded breaking their fast. It seemed the footman arrived with the Darcy carriage to convey Miss Bennet to Leighwood for the day post haste.
"Of what do you wish to speak?" Lizzy kept her voice low and tone jovial while removing her bonnet slowly. She'd come to understand Simms over the weeks of her engagement. A stoic man, he hovered when wishing to disclose some significant message about household matters better brought up with the future Mistress.
The butler comprehended the pretext and appreciated the younger woman's device to allow them a private moment. Hiding a smile, which would do nothing for his carefully constructed disposition, Roger Simms cleared his throat. "It is a delicate matter," he offered carefully.
"I see," Lizzy allowed her wit to show. She could not help but tease the dower man. "You wish a message to reach Mr Darcy's ears, perhaps?"
"There have been many changes since the master became engaged, and many more entertainments than this poor house has seen in many a year," Simms responded.
"What of the household staff?" Elizabeth took the man's meaning immediately with some concern. The young maid who acted as her personal assistant broached a similar topic on her last overnight visit. Anne and Richard brought their personal servants, but Leighwood now hosted four and often many more impromptu visitors that stayed for days. In the lead up to their nuptials, the number of engagements would increase when the remainder of the Bennets arrived in town.
"We have recently taken on a footman, a stable boy and two maids," Simms allowed his pleasure to reach his eyes.
"And what more do you recommend, Simms," the future mistress requested, handing off both her plisse and bonnet.
"I believe Mrs Fox would be more suited to discuss the particulars," he responded. "For the next week, I should like another footman or two."
"You will hardly have time to train them," Lizzy stated with a slight frown, "before Leighwood is closed. Mr Darcy does not expect to return to town before April next year, and then, only for a few weeks of the season. However, I will speak with Mrs Fox about her immediate requirements." Pausing before indicating she would like to enter the drawing-room, she requested, "do you have anyone particular in mind?"
"I do," the butler confessed. "They would not require training and can remove to Pemberley with the family and large party after your nuptials."
"I shall speak with Mr Darcy. No doubt," she cast an eyebrow upwards, "he will wish the details from you."
"Very good, Ma'am," Simms didn't bother to hide his smile.
Shaking her head, Elizabeth took a fortifying breath. It seemed both Simms and Mrs Fox looked to her as the mistress already. If Mrs Reynolds and the butler at Pemberley were as easy, her position would be guaranteed and the transition effortless. It took some of the weight of expectation off Elizabeth Bennet's shoulders. However, it did not take the apprehension from her. The note to Georgiana had been a ruse the young girl obviously grasped, for the return message came in Darcy's hand. Elizabeth had many issues she needed to impart concerning the fears which still plagued her. Squaring her shoulders and refusing to be conquered, Simms opened the doors and announced her.
"Lizzy," Georgiana rushed to greet her soon to be sister. She'd been waiting anxiously since they finished breaking their fast. It seemed her brother took the early morning communication in a poor light. He had been distracted since returning from White's in the early hours of yesterday morning, spending hours in his book room and achieving little. "I am glad you have come."
"Thank you for receiving me so early," Elizabeth responded, her eyes alight with humour. "My habit of rising early must be rubbing off on you, for it is hardly nine o'clock," she teased easily.
"We are for the country," Georgiana frowned, watching the door nervously as she confessed, "and my brother insists on making the change gradually so as not to shock my delicate sensibilities. I should not like to be late for the carriage as we travel to Pemberley. He can become…"
"Abominably rude and unwavering," Lizzy offered with a chuckle, "when made to wait. I am more than aware of Darcy's…."
"Do you not have lessons, Sister," Darcy approached the women quietly. Although his tone appeared stern, the smile mitigated any sting from his words. He'd been watching from his office, waiting for the carriage after the brief note from his beloved. The impression the words left troubled him. Fitzwilliam did not know if a better understanding of the woman soon to be his wife drove the feeling, or he remained ill at ease about her interview with Lady Cowper, especially after uncovering the machination of his aunt towards Miss Jane Bennet. Opening his office door when she stepped into the house and hoping to have a moment alone with Elizabeth, Simms foiled his carefully laid plan. It seemed they had something of great import to discuss from the quiet whispers. Sighing, Darcy retreated to compose himself.
"I have not seen Georgiana for several days," Elizabeth scolded, allowing Darcy to take her hand and kiss her knuckles. She could tell, as their eyes met, that he'd wanted to kiss other parts. Desire flared between them. In a strange way, this settled Lizzy's nerves, knowing Darcy still wanted her. "Surely, you cannot send her to whittle away her fingers at the pianoforte without a restoring cup of tea and all the latest gossip."
"What have you to say?" Georgiana almost squealed with delight.
"Am I to be thus worked on," Darcy responded at the same time, doing his best impression of Lady Catherine de Burge. His sister immediately gave him the floor in mock fright, and he continued in the same playful manner, "every day that the two of you spend under my roof?"
"More so," Lizzy chuckled with delight, which quickly repaired her wit, "for once we are married, Jane will make three. You shall be outvoted on every occasion, Sir."
"Oh, do be serious," Georgiana called for tea while happily watching the couple. It seemed to her, that whenever Lizzy entered a room, her brother was drawn like a bee to a honey pot. "You must tell us of your visit to Lady Cowper, for I know that is why you called."
"I would rather not," Elizabeth frowned, causing Darcy and his sister to share a worried look. "Do not look so forlorn. I shall tell you all. I think you shall be very proud of me, and more so Jane, for we started as we mean to go on."
"And your courage rises with every attempt to intimidate," Darcy teased.
"Indeed," Lizzy smiled.
Darcy did not need to say anything, for the look exchanged between them spoke volumes. It seemed Elizabeth knew of Lady Matlock's inference and he would soon hear of it, in great detail. Although, she left any mention out of the narrative spun for Georgiana's ears. When the young lady excused herself to the pianoforte, Darcy rose and closed the drawing-room doors.
"Now," Darcy all but demanded, "tell me all that you could not say."
"I fear we will receive a voucher for Almac's, for your connections and not my performance," Lizzy sighed. "Lady Jersey made her opinion quite clear. She despises any who marry above themselves and believes I am doing so. She questioned my situation in life, although I did not give her the satisfaction she desired. Her scorn was well hidden, but felt all the same."
"The Prince of Wales," Darcy interrupted, "will soon become Regent. It is one of the many changes caused by King George's madness. Part of the understanding allowing your uncle to become knighted depends upon the fact."
Lizzy only need to raise an eyebrow in question, before Darcy took his turn and told all. The Prime Minister had called a sudden sitting of parliament last night to hash out the act when ensured of the numbers to have it passes. Matlock and his Whig supporters had given the government an overriding majority.
"Then the bill will be voted upon?" Lizzy asked.
"Sooner, I rather gather, than later," Darcy frowned. "It must be done before your uncle's knighthood Tuesday next. The Prime Minister must ensure he has the votes to succeed in both houses of parliament, for the parliament cannot be opened after the recess without a royal decree."
"He requires Lord Matlock's acquiescence in the House of Lords," Lizzy guessed, "but how will he ensure the bill pass the House of Commons?"
"By ensuring Matlock and others of his persuasion decide in the Prime Ministers' favour," Darcy grimaced. "They will carry their point with those they have sponsored in the lower house. I am sure the Prime Minister has also approached others, to ensure he gets his way. I take an interest in politics, only for the betterment of my investments and those I am duty-bound to protect. I do not like the way these men make resolutions in back rooms, using cunning to carry their point. It is not gentlemanly."
"Oh, my dearest," Elizabeth found amusement in Darcy's reactions. Placing a hand on his forearm, she leant closer. "Do you think the drawing rooms any less political in nature? They are not. It is only that women are reduced to fighting like cats, spitting and hissing at each other to score a point, for they are not allowed in the hallowed halls of learning or invited to express their pollical opinions."
"This is the lesson you have taken from Lady Cowper?" Darcy enquired, intrigued.
"I am afraid so. I do not wish to keep their acquaintance," sighing, she looked towards her intended with a cheeky smile, "but know I must. I shall be on my best behaviour, dearest, in such exalted company. However, I reserve the right to tease them and find enjoyment in their absurd behaviour with you."
"Then," Darcy asked, bemused, "you are not unhappy to spend much of the year between our country estates. I wish to spend as little time as possible in London after our marriage."
"We are creatures that must follow the dictate of society," Lizzy mocked. "I am afraid such would hardly give us time to be seen in London during the season. No dearest, we must be seen unless we wish idle tongues to gossip, express untruths and spread vile rumours. Perhaps several smaller visits to Leighwood, between Netherfield and Rosings Park would make the fashion-conscious less likely to disparage the state of our union."
Glaring, Darcy's anger dissipated quickly when he noticed Elizabeth's countenance. She chose to find folly in society and laugh at it, rather than become disillusioned. "How I despise falsehoods of any kind."
"And yet we live in an age where appearance is everything," retorted his betrothed. "This is the reason for my call today. I wish to speak of important topics."
"Such as," Darcy suggested.
"Lady Cowper is not as I expected," Elizabeth explained. "She maybe more amenable for I saw her restrain a smile on several occasions. I believe she finds amusement in Lady Jersey's conduct, and to a lesser extent, your aunt's. That is why she allowed these women to be present while examining Jane and I."
"My Aunt," Darcy could not contain his anger at Lady Matlock.
Standing, he paced the room. A sure sign his mind worked on something. Elizabeth continued to sit, waiting for her betrothed to collect his thoughts. Darcy did not say anything that did not need to be said. He might be a man of few words, but they were always important.
"I know of the dress," Lizzy hinted after several minutes of silence.
"She has ordered many more," Darcy commented savagely.
"Then, Jane is ruined," Lizzy responded mournfully. Pausing to glance about the room, it seemed they were not to be disturbed. Georgiana, for appearance's sake, had the door to the music room ajar, which meant she could talk to Darcy in complete privacy. "Jane has vowed to remove from society and live at Pemberley for the remainder of her life rather than be forced into a marriage she does not want."
"Then, she has decided against my cousin?" Darcy asked.
"No," Lizzy started, only to have her betrothed come to her side. "What?"
"Bingley, I have much to tell you. I received an express yesterday," Darcy indicated they should sit, for this discussion may be of some duration.
"Good lord," Elizabeth found it difficult to take in the changes to the Bingley family. "May I inform Jane of these developments?"
Nodding, Darcy called for tea and his sister to re-join them. He also requested Simms turn away any visitors. It seemed he had much to speak upon with Elizabeth. They needed to hash out these issues before their wedding.
"You are very restrained," Georgiana offered after sitting in silence for several minutes and watching her brother and soon to be sister. They had not fought, for they sat beside each other, more closely than propriety usually permitted. If they had not fought, as they often did, then the young lady was at a loss to explain the heavy atmosphere in the room.
"I had much I wished to speak of with your brother," Lizzy offered. "Over the last weeks, I have felt confined by the weight of expectation in becoming Mrs Darcy."
When both Darcy and Georgiana attempted to speak, Miss Bennet silenced them with a look and gesture.
"It culminated in the visit with Lady Cowper yesterday," she continued to explain. "I could not put it into words, until now. Men have the advantage of making their own decisions, yet they too are somewhat bound by honour and duty. However, women do not have the ability to demonstrate their natural talents. Should they wish to read mathematics, a woman can hardly attend university. They must cover tables and net purses instead. We cannot truly be philosophers, for we are never to learn Greek or Latin, in which all the seminal works are published. Oh, French and Italian are seen as ladylike, and all the best Modeists from those countries. Our duty is to be pleasing for our husbands, bear children and hope we have made a good choice in our life partner, for he can make or break us as he chooses."
Taking in a breath, Elizabeth let it out slowly. Obviously, she had silenced Georgiana with her almost blue stocking speech. Darcy's eye examined her more closely. He'd learnt not to withhold important household or estate decisions from his soon to be wife. Her wit could rival that of any man, and her insight unique. They were a good match in so many respects. It seemed his circumspect introduction to society caused Elizabeth more displeasure than he imagined. Darcy had learnt to truly listen to her. An idea began to form in his mind.
"That is why Lady Jersey is so spiteful. The woman's cunning should not be overlooked or ignored. She, like many of our sex, use their wit on one another for they cannot expose themselves to ridicule."
"Many women of the first circles involve themselves in charities," Darcy suggested.
An eyebrow rose at this snippet of information.
"Mother," Georgiana offered, "wrote of her endeavours, both in London and at Pemberley. I have kept her journals and have read them many times."
"The welfare of tenants is part of the mistress's role," Darcy informed his sister. "Our mother believed a woman more than a mere chattel, to be owned. She used her understanding to aid many causes and our father supported her efforts. Father once said, with great wealth, comes great responsibility. I believe, it is time to show you the English Lace project. There is much you could offer, Elizabeth."
Nodding, Lizzy hid her expression behind a teacup. Tears welled in her eyes, for Darcy understood her fears completely. They still had to speak of Jane. Perhaps they could find a few moments while touring Darcy's latest investment.
"I will send a note to your Uncle. If we leave within the hour, we may be home in time for dinner. It will be a long carriage ride and take several hours to make the most cursory inspection of the project," Darcy stated.
"I should like Georgiana to accompany us," Lizzy requested.
Eyes wide, Miss Darcy stuttered, "can you not take another chaperon?"
"I do not make this request lightly," Lizzy tempered her serious words with a calming smile. "You have the wealth and connections to make a match with a peer of the realm. Who better to understand the change that is occurring thought-out England. Your brother believes things cannot stay the same forever. It is the reason for this experiment, for the purchase of Netherfield, for trying new methods of crop rotation and planting."
"You believe," Darcy finally understood the far-reaching implications, "an upheaval in society will transpire?"
"Perhaps not in my lifetime," Lizzy couldn't stop the genuine smile from gracing her lips. "I cannot see why a woman should not aspire to more than is expected. Perhaps one day, there will be more than marriage or servitude as her only options. Perhaps she will be able to run an estate, become a scholar, manage her own accounts and household, or god forbid, be allowed to vote."
"Perhaps," Darcy responded which caused his sister's eyes to turn wide with shock, "we shall be all the better for it, should such ladies take your likeness. I will call for the carriage. Georgiana, I suggest you change into your oldest gown while I write to Mr Gardiner. Elizabeth, shall I invite Miss Bennet to join us?"
"I believe that would be just the thing," Lizzy agreed. "Aunt and Uncle Gardiner may wish to take their carriage. My uncle has been promising to show off his investment to my aunt for some time."
"I believe there is more to this than you are saying," Darcy muttered, examining his betroths expression.
"To which part are you referring, Darcy?" Elizabeth asked with a gentle expression, letting him know they had barely scratched the surface with the topics she wished to canvas. At least, to the depth she wished to examine.
AN: I do believe my writing has improved with the long hiatus. It seems to have more depth. I might have to go back and look at all my stories while the muse is striking. However, I believe it has more to do with my life finally getting onto an even keel.