Chapter 48

At breakfast all the gentlemen of Mr Manners' circle are lacking, but there is still a sizeable party gathered at the table in the breakfast-parlour.

Though she knows everyone present, Elizabeth finds the atmosphere different from other days, of course Bingley is missing, but that is not the point.

The most obvious change is of course in Jane. As beautiful as ever, her marriage and wedding-night have transformed her, she still exudes calmness and dignity, but also a certain authority, she is now truly the mistress of Netherfield and it shows.

It doesn't matter one bit to Jane that Bingley is absent, if anything it makes her more aware she is now their hostess and responsible for all of her guests having a good time.

Without seeming self-important or bustling, she arranges everyone to have a place where they will appear to their best advantage, Mrs Bennet and her favourite daughter and son-in-law sitting together, with Mr Wickham next to Jane and the four adolescent girls on their other side, Mary included though she's not really part of the little group.

Georgiana sits furthest away from Wickham, next to Mr Gardiner, besides whom Mrs Gardiner can impress Miss Bingley with her excellent manners. Mrs Hurst sits next to her sister, and on her other side Mr Hurst is pleased to spend breakfast talking to Mrs Darcy, whose husband has Mr Bennet on his other side.

Elizabeth is starting to appreciate Mr Hurst, though she fears he may get hungry again soon, talking so much and eating so little.

From the corner of her eye she can see Jane spending time on Wickham, no doubt enlightening him on what is happening even now to ensure he will not suffer for his noble deed that night.

Georgiana is truly enjoying herself in the little clique of girls, trying to include Mary in their midst but not neglecting Mr Gardiner on her other side either.

All in all, Jane has kept them from wondering what is happening elsewhere in the house quite adequately, and after breakfast the mood doesn't change, they all move to the drawing-room to mingle again and discuss the weather and the wedding last night.

Elizabeth of course hopes to hear how Jane's night was, despite the interruption, though her sister's obvious happiness says enough. But Jane wants to talk, too, and soon they are sitting together in a little corner.

'Oh, Lizzy, I'm so happy! I'm glad you told me what to expect, for now I was much better able to enjoy it, I wasn't nervous at all. You know this whole business with Mr Grenfell and your maid showed me a totally different side of dear Bingley, he was positively compelling when we were finally alone. I was totally overcome.

Lizzy, I knew about Mr Manners' and Bingley's time at college, he told me all about it. Do you mind very much?'

'My dear Jane, I'm merely very glad to hear he told you, it doesn't change who he is, he's still the best man you could ever have met. I kind of like the idea of Bingley having this other side, but only if you do, too.'

Of course Jane has plenty to say about how perfect Bingley is, and how she loves him even more after such a night, after seeing him in charge of a situation, and so much respected by Mr Manners, who clearly is the natural leader of their group.

'And Mr Manners, Lizzy, he's obviously not who you thought he was, will that influence your opinion, and Darcy's?'

'Well, I suppose that cannot be helped, we thought he was a mild-mannered gentleman, but according to Fitzwilliam he is the uncontested leader of the lot instead of the amiable fellow he seems. He was quite persuasive, Fitzwilliam told me, even to a man like himself.

I do think Fitzwilliam still likes him, he's still invited to spend Christmas with us, provided Georgiana doesn't object after hearing about this.

I'll reserve my opinion for a while, let's first see how he is on longer acquaintance, we've only known him for a few days after all.'

'Always the wise one, dear Lizzy. I think Georgiana must be very pleased to have you to rely on. But then, she's such a nice girl, who would do less for her?

It's as if you are back home, with a sister by your side to confide in, I do envy you such a sweet sister-in-law.'

Poor Jane, she is married to the man of her dreams, but he does come with a couple of rather annoying sisters, though Elizabeth knows Jane isn't as quick as herself to find fault with people, is more willing to like them as they are.

And until Bingley buys his own estate Jane'll be very close to their father, and her own sisters will be just a few minutes' ride away.

'Do you have your own horse, Jane?'

'Your mind makes the strangest leaps, Lizzy, but yes, I do have a horse I can use. It's not exactly a lady's horse, not yet, Bingley has a connection of his coachman looking for a truly superior creature, like your mare, but he has a very kind road-horse in his stables that is used to carrying a side-saddle. Do you want to ride out together, in this weather?'

'You know I got Daisy in that exact same way? Such a treasure, hidden as a useful road-horse.

And yes, I'd like to ride out, the weather seems to have improved immensely, I suppose aunt and uncle Gardiner will want to leave today? Before the snow picks up again?'

Jane shows her disappointment only a little, her sunny disposition always wins.

'I'm sorry to see them leave so soon, but I understand they want to be back with the children as quickly as possible. I'm just glad they managed to attend at all, and we'll all be together again next week at your London house.

That sounds so fancy, Lizzy, at your London house! Did you ever imagine we'd both have a house in town?'

Elizabeth cannot help smiling, for no, she'd never expected herself to marry a rich man. Of course their mother had planned from the first that Jane would be married well, but to have Lizzy do the same must still surprise her immensely.

'I never did, Jane. Though I must admit it does feel like home already, I guess I kind of miss both houses, but that is mainly because the people there were so nice to me. Do you already feel at home here?'

'I do. And I like the idea of riding out together, I suppose you mean with both our husbands as well? Let's see whether we can arrange that, it must be very pretty outside with all the snow.'

They talk for another half hour, and then Jane needs to be the hostess once more, their aunt and uncle are leaving, and of course they all see them off.

And soon after that, Bingley and his college-mates return, excepting Mr Manners and Mr Grenfell.

Bingley lets Fitzwilliam and herself know that they decided unanimously to send Grenfell back to his own manor for two months, to be left by himself by their entire group of friends, not to seek out amusement elsewhere either, on punishment of being cast out of the group permanently.

'Manners is seeing him off, to make sure he actually leaves and to warn him that we'll be visiting to talk to his staff. He is not supposed to amuse himself at the cost of his own maids either, and Manners will make sure he knows we're going to enforce our will.'

Then the new, rather impressive Bingley changes back into the mild man they all know and love, and says cheekily, 'So, you two, Darcy, Elizabeth, Jane has told me that you ride every morning, weather permitting. And that afterwards you have to change to more suitable clothing, taking time to bathe of course, so as not to smell of horses.

I find the idea of an hour of total privacy with my beloved wife very enticing, so what would you say to using this beautiful day to continue your healthy habit, in the company of the two of us, and any of our friends who feel inclined to join in?'

Fitzwilliam accedes readily, and Elizabeth can't wait to explore the fairy-world outside from Daisy's back.

'I'm very ready to go out,' she replies, adding, 'and I'm sure most of the gentlemen will be eager to join us, but how will you mount them all? They arrived by carriage, didn't they?'

'I have several hunters myself,' Bingley replies, 'Manners brought his own since he really cannot refrain from the exercise, and I suspect we may use your father's riding horse. Not all my friends ride, I suppose we will have just enough, though we may have to draw straws who have to take the cobs. With the current weather we'll not go very fast anyway.'

In the end, no-one has to ride out on a cob, for only Mr Ponsonby, Mr Manners and Mr Acton join them, Mr Lascelles prefers to stay with Kitty and the rest of the ladies, they are all eager to talk French with him.

Elizabeth thinks Mr Wickham would like to join them, and though Fitzwilliam won't exactly like that, he is part of the family now, and he did save Fanny from being violated with no thought of the possible cost to himself.

'Would you like to join us, Mr Wickham?' she asks him, and his face lights up immediately.

'I'd love to, but I'm not good enough a rider to handle a hunter, I wouldn't dare risk such a valuable animal.'

'You can take my horse, Wickham, he's used to an old man, so I guess you and the horse'll be just fine.'

No matter what Fitzwilliam still thinks of Wickham, her father has certainly changed his attitude towards his least willing son-in-law. And though Elizabeth still doesn't trust Wickham as far as she can throw him, there is no reason not to include him in some activities, and she is glad her father has thawed a little towards him.

'Thank you so much, Mr Bennet, I'd love to see everything covered in snow from the back of a horse, and I must admit I do feel a certain need to be active, I'm not used to sitting inside all day and eating so much.'

And so they ride out, Elizabeth is used to riding in snow, of course, but Jane is not, though she seems to have a real bond with her horse already. It's rather an ugly rough creature, but he seems very faithful, and not likely to slip and fall or take off.

Fitzwilliam doesn't seem put out with his beloved inviting his hated brother-in-law along, he is in fact very happy to be outside and on horseback with her.

'You are always beautiful, Elizabeth,' he breathes, 'and I'll be much happier to see you ride astride again, but you look so incredibly good in that dress with the short coat over it. I fall in love with you all over again every time I see you ride.

I'm glad you invited Wickham, I couldn't do it but I felt guilty leaving him behind after what he did tonight. And I saw Bob thanking him for saving his fiancée from being violated, and he accepted so gracefully. No hauteur, no disdain, just heartfelt anger over what had happened and compassion towards Bob and Fanny.

I'm experiencing such a strange mixture of feelings towards him, Elizabeth, part of me still hates him and despises him for what he did, and part of me remembers the old days and hopes desperately he will stay on the right track.'

'Well, apparently Mr Manners has taken him under his wings for now, and in a few days he'll be days away from you.'

'And from you, Elizabeth, I hate it when he looks at you like a starving puppy.'

'Mr Darcy, I hope you know better than to think that man has any kind of power over me!'

The black horse flicks his ears, a sign his rider is squeezing him without reason, something Fitzwilliam has worked hard to avoid since their lessons with Peter.

Head bowed, he mumbles a reply.

'I know, love, you haven't even been altogether nice to him, but still I hate it when he looks at you like that. I can't help it, I can still remember your face when you defended him, that night. I was gutted.

And I know that was all my own fault for not telling anyone the truth. And for treating you miserably.'

'I wish I could take back what I said that night, my love, but I cannot. It was wholly undeserved, and I know that now. I love you so much, do you want me to stay out of his way altogether? I would do that for you. Jane can handle these little things with Lydia, you know.'

'No please, Elizabeth, don't indulge my weakness. I know you love only me, and I know you have to talk to him sometimes. He can even be good company, I really liked hearing him talk about the army.

It's just that look, as if he had a right to you somehow, it's like Miss Bingley showing her regret. There shouldn't be any, they have no right to feel it, we both made it clear our hearts were not for them.'

'I suppose you never encouraged Miss Bingley, love, but I have to admit I did like Mr Wickham a lot at one time. But I'm pretty sure he was merely enjoying the attention then, his regret over me started when he saw me happy with you.

I'm afraid Wickham will always envy you anything you have, Fitzwilliam, fortunately he'll be the first to have a child. Come on, let's forget about him and enjoy the ride. He'll be back at Longbourn tonight, and back in the north a few days later. We can be polite to him and ignore his theatrics until then.'

But Fitzwilliam is already over his sudden fit of jealousy, and they follow Bingley and Jane over the snow-white fields and through picturesque lanes with snow-laden branches overhead. Sometimes the horses wade through two feet of snow, then they cross an open field with less than a few inches cover, taking the opportunity to speed up a little, to a pleasant canter or even a short gallop.

Wickham is keeping up pretty well, and after a few miles Mr Ponsonby and Mr Acton move to ride on either side of him, probably to discuss last night's happenings with him. Mr Manners joins the two of them, his horse a beautiful grey with quite some thoroughbred in him.

'You are quite the horse-woman, Mrs Darcy,' he starts out, and Elizabeth checks whether that bothers Fitzwilliam, too. But it doesn't, it's just Wickham, he replies playfully to Mr Manners' remark, with a certain challenge to his sense of propriety.

'Wait until you see her riding astride, Manners, you won't see the difference with any of your friends, I'm sure.'

Mr Manners shows no shock or disapproval, merely admiration.

'You ride astride? Do you hunt as well?'

'I'm planning to, coming season.'

'Will you please let me visit? I so want to be part of that, a lady riding astride and hunting, it's my dream come true.'

Elizabeth sure feels his compliments, and Mr Manners continues, 'So I've sent Grenfell off this afternoon, he will not be bothering anyone in this house anymore, and I've assured Mr Wickham there will be no detrimental consequences to him either.

Grenfell was very repentant, he has suffered our justice before and it didn't suit him at all, he has little family and no other friends, you see.

Darcy, Mrs Darcy, I have taken the liberty of asking all three of your servants to not tell the other staff what happened, and they agreed.

I truly your admire the way you treat your staff, they're so loyal to the two of you, my valet tells me the other personal servants push your maid to tell them intimate details about you, but she just doesn't budge, not even after what happened last night, she is a very strong character.

They know not to even try with your valet, Darcy, he will not let anything slip, hasn't for years. Such loyalty cannot be bought, it must be earned.

You know most of the servants got drunk last night, but your maid and valet merely drank one glass of punch, then called it quits, which probably saved your girl's virtue. Had she indulged like the others, they would have gotten her to spill any personal information she had on the both of you, and she wouldn't have been able to resist Grenfell for so long.

But let us no longer talk about these annoying things, he is doing his penance, and I'm looking forward to spending more time with your family. Has Miss Darcy already passed verdict on my invitation, does it stand?'

Is this real or acting? Mr Manners seems truly humble, but Elizabeth cannot believe a man with such boundless influence on his friends could ever be anything but self-assured. Though Fitzwilliam certainly has had his moments of doubt, whereas he is generally as sedate as Mr Manners, maybe even the greatest men lose some of their security in matters of love and marriage.

And yet Mr Manners certainly doesn't strike her as smitten, Kitty and Georgiana are right in that.

'We haven't talked to her yet, Manners, maybe you want to explain to her yourself?'

Fitzwilliam and Mr Manners seem a lot less formal to one another since yesterday, but in a way that is logical, if her beloved didn't trust Mr Manners he would not have let him handle Mr Grenfell, he'd have insisted on seeing him brought to justice by himself.

The rest of the way, they have to concentrate on their riding, they are going a lot faster and choose their path with care.

Darcy enjoys riding in a group immensely, though he would enjoy it even more if Elizabeth was as safe as himself, riding astride. But he'll relish the picture of her in her fabulous dress for now, and look forward to spring, when he will help her push her riding skills once more with a real hunter of her own, and gradually introduce her to jumping obstacles. Daisy will be very useful to let Peter teach Georgiana to ride, and yes, also astride.

When they return they have their hour of privacy, after which Simon and Fanny come in to help them dress. Darcy has not forgotten his intention to check up on Mr Manners, and when Simon is busy arranging his hair, he asks negligently, 'Did you see Mr Manners yesterday evening, Simon, before all hell broke loose?'

Simon positively starts and colours, for once he is truly silenced, Simon, who never knows his place and always has something to say. But there is no reason he should feel responsible for what Manners does, he doesn't have any influence over a gentleman's behaviour after all, better explain his point.

'Mr Manners told me he was in the servant's quarters to deliver a letter for you to mail, Simon, and I thought I'd check his story from your side, last night has made me a bit suspicious. I wouldn't want to invite him to my very own house and find him sneaking in the servants' quarters harassing the maids.

We've known him for a mere week after all, and he already turned out totally differently from how he presents himself.'

Good, Simon seems to understand this does not really have to do with him, he looks relieved and when he replies, his voice sounds normal.

'I understand, master, and I commend you for taking such good care of your staff. But let me reassure you, Mr Manners was indeed with me, delivering a letter he wanted mailed. He'd done that before, the Netherfield staff was busy and I offered my assistance.

He did spy on the revelry in our common-room for a few minutes, but I dare guarantee that Mr Manners would never harass one of the maids. He's way too civilized to do such a thing.

All the other servants like him, not just his own valet, and you know they'd gossip if he had ever done something bad like that. Mr Grenfell's valet never mingled much with the rest of us, it's as if he knew something might happen.'

'So you think we can have him over without risking incidents?'

'I suppose he really is as nice as he seems, master, and frankly, the only way to find out is to get to know him better. He seems a perfect match for Miss Darcy, should she be able to gain affection for a plain man.'

Simon really has no shame, to talk about a gentleman like that, but he is just speaking out loud what all of them, including Georgie herself, have been thinking about, and Darcy does value his opinion.

'I'm sorry to ask such an intimate question, Simon, but I'm glad you saw fit to give me an honest reply.'

'No problem master, this is why we all love you so much. Now please take a look at yourself in this mirror, I'd dare say you look great once more, but of course the main competition is gone. I suppose Mr Wickham looks a lot better in my eyes today, but with his tailor he'll not even get the better of Mr Manners I'm afraid.'

However pleasurable it is to be in company well-dressed, after their relaxed months at Pemberley and their little family-circle in London it takes some getting used to to be judged on one's appearance day in, day out. One more week to go, and they'll be among loved ones only, and all this gilding and polishing will no longer be required. Simon will be disappointed of course, but Mrs Annesley will put him to work on the books and the stores immediately, and he'll be too busy to feel much regret.

But for now, they brave the drawing-room once again, to enjoy a few games of cards and some music before lunch.