Happy New Year!
RECAP:
Chapter 25 – Lizzy bonds with her brothers and parents, Christmas time for everyone and Darcy found out his Father was testing him the whole time.
© 2019 Zest Layne
On Christmas morning, the family, except Elizabeth, went to church to attend services. Once they got back Elizabeth practised fencing with her brothers in one of the vacant ballrooms of the manor. Then, they went outside the manor to make snowmen [1] which turned into a competition that Alex won. It turned out that Elizabeth had much to improve for her 'Lady Snow' looked sloppy. Tony made good figures too but Alex was faster and he had made more pieces which impressed Mother and Father.
The afternoon was spent opening more presents from their godparents. Elizabeth received a parasol from her Godmother Anne, whom she had never met and a book from Lady Catherine. Her brothers also received presents but they refused to tell her who was it from, claiming that Alex was already planning a long-awaited reunion and she would meet them all soon. Her brothers told her that they'd like to know her first impressions of them so they would not tell her anything. She shrugged it off and got ready for dinner instead. Their night was spent in the usual, with Elizabeth and her Mother playing pieces in the pianoforte before retiring to bed.
However, that night, while playing a duet with her mother, she caught some of her brothers' and Father's conversation. To her understanding (from the limited word she heard since the three were talking in hushed voices), a friend was asking her brothers for advice on how he would get the approval of the brothers of the woman he was engaged with. She vaguely heard her Father asking what Alex and Tony would do if a man came asking for Elizabeth's hand. While she did not hear her brothers' response, it was clear in their expressions that they were not ready for it.
This caused her to miss a note, which hopefully no one noticed. However, by the raised eyebrow of her Mother who was playing beside her, she knew she had been caught. Instead of explaining, Elizabeth only gave her Mother a sheepish smile.
The next morning after that was Boxing Day. Since her parents still hadn't allowed her outside the nearest lanes of the manor, she had to stay inside the house while her whole family gave their gifts to the tenants and other servants. While she would have liked to come, she did like the free time it gave her to write a letter to Charlotte (for her dear friend's wedding was on the 29th) and to polish her present for Alexander. Besides, Mr Knight, her adorable kitten, was there to accompany her. Her elder brother's birthday was on the morrow and Elizabeth's gift to him was a drawing of himself. She had been working on it ever since she found out when his birthday was so all she needed to do was the finishing touches.
Once her parents got home, the servants got a day off. However, since most of the footmen and guards, along with some maids, did not have their family near, so they stayed in the manor but her parents did let them have some free time.
The 27th came Alex's birthday and Elizabeth was amazed that her Mother had managed three consecutive events very well. Since it was too cold outside that particular day, they stayed indoors doing Alex's favourite activities and playing games. She gave her present to her brother that evening and Elizabeth was glad that Alex loved it so much that he asked a servant to hang it on his bedroom wall after hugging her.
It seemed that her brothers liked her drawing because the next day after that, their morning was spent in a drawing competition. Tony was better than her when it comes to using paint for he had a talent for blending colours well but Elizabeth believed that when it comes to pencil, she was the best. Alex could draw well too but his work did not look as realistic as Elizabeth's and Tony's. He spent half the time dissatisfied with his work. So, in the end, Alex ended up posing for them and Tony jested that Alex was good at sitting still and looking pretty, causing Alex to glare at him.
Later that afternoon, Mama went to her room and informed her that their relatives, her Aunt, Uncles and cousins would be arriving on the morrow to spend the New Year's with them. For her part, she was excited and anxious.
Once the carriages arrived the next morning, her anxiety was lessened when a woman with dark brown hair and eyes stepped out of the carriage immediately and greeted her in a hug, without waiting for an introduction. "Oh, my precious niece, you've grown so much. The last time I held you, you were still an adorable babe. Come, let us go inside. I brought many presents."
"Sister," Mama said with an amused smile, "my daughter did not even know your name yet and she has not been introduced to the rest of our family." She gestured to the people who were still getting out of the carriage.
The woman only rolled her eyes, "Pish-posh, Sophie, I am your twin sister. If anything, I am your daughter's most important relation." She then turned back to Elizabeth with a smile, "Now, darling, call me Aunt Cassie and lead me inside of the house. We are family so there's no need to be formal."
Though still unsure, Elizabeth led Aunt Cassie inside after seeing her mother nod. As they walked towards the biggest drawing room Aunt Cassie did not let go of her arms and so she sat on the settee with her. "I hope I did not scare you, dear. It is a little sister's duty to annoy their siblings but as usual, your Mama is just amused at my antics and by the look on your face you are too."
Elizabeth only smiled wider.
"In all honesty though," Aunt Cassie whispered conspiringly, "it is good to have another female in the family. After being stuck with four boys in the carriage, I need a rest."
"Four boys?"
"Yes, my husband and three sons."
Just then, three other men, along with her brothers, who looked about her brothers' age, entered the room.
"Mother, I am hurt." The man on Tony's left, who had light brown hair and dark brown eyes said dramatically. "You always leave us for one of your nieces."
Aunt Cassie ignored him and turned to Elizabeth. "That's your cousin James, my youngest. Dramatic, isn't he? Much like Tony. I wonder if it's a trait in the younger siblings of our family. However, my brother, your Uncle Daniel, is not like that so I suppose family has nothing to do with it."
"Mama is the dramatic one and a younger sibling. I am sure that James got it from her." The one in the middle, with black hair and light brown eyes, whispered to the others but they still heard it clearly.
"Did you hear that, niece? Just because he's the eldest, Benedict thought he could talk to me like that."
"It is an endearing trait, Mother." Benedict smiled causing Aunt Cassie to shake her head.
"Can you see what I am dealing with, dear?" Her Aunt asked.
"Do not listen to Mother, cousin," the man standing beside Alex, said. He had black hair and dark brown eyes. "My brothers and I are harmless and we are fun to be with."
"He might not be dramatic like his younger twin, James, but you should believe me more than Adam, niece."
"Let our niece judge for herself, dear." An older man, who looked like an older version of Benedict, said.
From behind him, Elizabeth saw her Mother roll her eyes. "Daughter, these are your cousins. The eldest is Benedict, the Marquess of Croxden. Then, we have the twins, Adam and James Bradshaw."
Elizabeth stood up and curtsied, "My Lords."
"No need for formalities, cousin. You may call me Ben and my brothers with their names." Cousin Benedict – Ben – offered.
"Thank you and you may call me Elizabeth."
"Can it be shortened to Cousin Liz?" Adam asked. "We heard from Tony and Alex that we cannot call you Beth or Ellie and Lizzy was already used by your previous guardians."
"I do not mind, cousin. You may call me Liz."
Her cousins and brother smiled and her mother continued the introductions. "This is your Uncle, His Grace, the Duke of Stafford, Stephen Bradshaw. And of course, you already know your Aunt, Her Grace, Cassandra Selina Bradshaw."
After that, Mother had persuaded her Aunt, Uncle and cousins to refresh themselves in their room. Tony and Alex took the seats on each side of her and told her stories about the Bradshaw family to ease her mind. Half an hour had passed before the family came back to the drawing room and her Aunt Cassie sat beside her once again and began telling her stories about her childhood with Elizabeth's mother.
For her part, Elizabeth was delighted to hear about her Mother. Their tête-à-tête had only stopped when the arrival of her Uncle Daniel had been announced and they waited at the front of the house to welcome the carriage. Unlike his sister, her Uncle Daniel, the current Earl of Manchester, had let Mama introduced them first before his Uncle hugged her and welcomed her home.
She smiled at his easy manners but her smile got bigger once she saw a young woman behind him, who looked only a few years older than her. Her cousin shared the same light brown hair as Uncle Daniel but her brown eyes were of a lighter shade than him. As much as she loved her brothers and Bradshaw cousins, she was looking forward to having another female near her age.
"This is my daughter, Beatrice." His uncle introduced and Elizabeth curtsied with a shy smile. Cousin Beatrice curtsied back but just like her Aunt Cassie earlier, she looped her arm around Elizabeth's elbow and asked her to lead her to her room so she could refresh herself.
"I'm so glad to finally have another female my age in the family," Beatrice said once they reached the bedroom where she would be staying. "The boys meant no harm but it's hard to navigate society with them constantly hovering around. Just wait 'til your coming out ball, between the five of them and our fathers and uncles, you will not get the chance to a gentleman outside the family."
"Will I have a coming out ball?" Elizabeth asked. "I have not even been introduced to the tenants and neighbours yet. Isn't it unsafe?"
"It will not be completely safe but it is required for our station. After all, you will be presented to the queen. Your brothers may have been taught at home but they also go to time from time to time to attend social gatherings, only if the family enemy isn't present in Town though."
"Family enemy? You mean the Earl of Dorchester?"
Beatrice nodded.
The following days were spent bonding with her siblings and cousins. Beatrice was right, just like her brothers, her cousins were very protective of her and Beatrice. Luckily, Mother and Aunt Cassie were quick to intervene if they were overpowered. Elizabeth thought that if Aunt Marjorie, Beatrice's mother, was still alive, she would also be in their defence. Unfortunately, she died early in Beatrice's childhood with Beatrice's babe brother. She learned the sad story one night when Beatrice confided in her.
When New Year's Eve came, their whole family sat around in a circle. They got rid of ashes in the hearth, scraps, and rags. They also ate the leftover food in order to start the year fresh. When the clock stroke twelve, Elizabeth's Father went towards the front door and opened it to usher the old and bring the new. [2] Then, they began to sing Auld Lang Syne together. [3]
After that, Mother and Aunt Cassie encouraged Elizabeth and Beatrice to participate in a tradition for young women of marriageable age, known as 'creaming the well' since there was a well in the rose garden. Apparently, the woman to get the first bucket of water would marry that year, if the beliefs were true. [4] Elizabeth did know whether to be happy (because she got the first bucket of water and it probably meant that she and Fitzwilliam would get married within that year) or worried (because the overprotective looks on her brothers and cousins faces were not a good sign).
"I'm glad I didn't win," Beatrice whispered beside her before turning to the men. "Do not worry, cousins. I'm sure Liz will not get married this year, she has yet to come out properly."
When her brothers and cousin sighed in relief, Elizabeth cringed. Poor Fitzwilliam, having to face five men, not including her Father and Uncles! She hoped that no one saw her reaction but it seemed that Mama had been watching her because when she looked up she was looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Elizabeth only smiled innocently in reply.
She knew that she would have to inform her family of her secret engagement soon, and she needed the right allies. She hoped her mother would be one of them.
-p&p-
Fitzwilliam Darcy wanted to tell Elizabeth everything that happened to him these past few days, especially his talk with his Father. However, upon seeing her letters so cheerful and full of stories about her family, he did not want to ruin the holidays for her. He would tell her, he promised her no more secrets, but only once the celebrations passed. And he did just that.
Today, the morning after New Year's Eve, as soon as he woke up, he wrote how he felt and his struggles to face his Father after learning what he knew now. He did not want to worry Elizabeth but she was his only comfort right now and if he could not have her with him, he wanted her kind words and comfort. Aside from that, he knew that Elizabeth would not want him to hide such things from her.
His Father tried talking to him again but he was not ready to listen. He was angry and hurt. Despite that, he put on a perfect façade in front of his mother and Georgiana. However, it seemed that his mother knew what he was doing and just as he finished asking a footman to send his letter, his Mother asked him to talk with her in his study.
"William, what is going on?"
"Do you know that Father has been testing me all this time, Mother? From George Wickham to everything else? Am I just a game? Am I not his son? Does he not know that he hurt me every time he did that?"
When his mother hugged him, he finally cried. He was still confused and overwhelmed. What could his Father gain from testing him? He could not remove his title or disinherit him. So what if he passed the so-called 'test'? Did his Father expect him to act as if nothing happened?
After talking to him for quite some time, his Mother left to talk with his Father. She then advised him to accompany Georgiana in the music room and suggested that he could tell his sister about his betrothed since she and his Father already knew about it.
He nodded and headed to the music room. Upon seeing him, his sister changed the music she was playing into the soothing melody that Elizabeth had sung that day in the rain. "Are you alright, brother? I noticed that you like this song very much so I hope that even if you cannot tell me what is wrong, I am able to comfort you."
"That is very sweet of you, Georgie." He smiled. At least his father did not do some 'test' on his little sister. "Do you want to know why I am partial to that song?"
Georgie stopped playing and nodded excitedly.
"It was the first day of September and my friend, Bingley visited Darcy House…" [5]
-p&p-
"Valentine George Darcy!" Her Grace, Anne Margaret Darcy, glared at her husband once they were in their chambers. "I always thought that you are distant to Fitzwilliam because you are very careful with him. I suspected that you would like him to stand up to you but I never thought that you made his whole life a test! Do you even know how hurt our son is right now? He cried, George! Our son was in tears earlier." She panted and only lowered her voice once she realised her husband sat down on the bed and put his head in his hand.
The Duke of Derbyshire, Valentine George Darcy, could only sit in shock as his wife chastised him for hurting William. He only wanted what was best for his son. His mother died when he was only seven years old. It was true that his Father loved his Mother and that love had a positive and negative impact on George.
For one, his father sent him to his Uncle, his Father's cousin, six months after his mother died. In his Uncle's house, he lived the next of his years until it was time for him to go to university. His father might not be present but he would send him a large allowance to buy anything he desired. When he was old enough to participate, his Uncle invited some of his friends to play cards in the house and asked George to join them.
That started his addiction to gambling. It happened so frequently that whenever his Uncle did not have visitors, he would ask his friends to play with him. When he first visited his cousin Nicholas, the son of his mother's sister, Nicholas reprimanded him for his behaviour. He did not like being told what to do since his Uncle and his Father made sure he got everything he wanted, he was mad at his cousin for talking to him that way.
Fortunately, when he was at his lowest moment, his cousin Nicholas was still there to help, despite their last meeting. Nicholas advised him to stop gambling and to start fixing his life. That time, George took his advice to heart. In the midst of trying to become a better man, he met his beloved wife, Anne.
Anne was the daughter of the Earl of Matlock surrounded by loyal friends. Winning her good opinion had been easy; for, ever since he had saved her from being compromised, she had been a hero in her eyes. Her family and friends' trust was another matter entirely.
They were always surrounded by chaperones, but the strictest of them all was Lady Sophia and Lady Catherine. They feared that he was only after Anne for her dowry, which was not the case. Determined to prove them wrong, he tried even harder to become better. He managed to stop gambling altogether. He tried to improve his treatment of the servants and tenants.
However, the latter had been hard to achieve when he found out that two of his Father's stewards on different estates had been cheating on them for quite some time. During this time, he met Arthur Leighton, who was still an untitled gentleman at that time. But since Arthur had been managing his own estate for years since the older Mr Leighton died, George asked for his help on how to solve his dilemma.
It seemed that despite the unfortunate truth about some of their servants, luck was finally on his side for it just so happened that Arthur Leighton was courting Lady Sophia at the time. As Arthur helped him improve the estate and remove disloyal servants, the man also improved Lady Sophia and Lady Catherine's opinion of him.
Three months after that, he and Anne were on a double wedding with Arthur and Lady Sophia. Another three months passed when his wife announced that she was pregnant with their first child. As happy as he was at the news, he was absolutely nervous and scared. What did he know of becoming a Father? His own Father passed him to a relative because he had his mother's eyes and his father could not bear to look at it every day.
His Uncle only agreed to take care of him because his Father paid him money. Other than that, his Uncle was not exactly a good example for he did not treat servants well and he encouraged George to gamble more. The only reason why George did not become as bad as his Uncle was because he was indifferent to the servants. He never shouted at them but he did not acknowledge them beyond when he needed their assistance.
Anne's first pregnancy had been a hard one but he and his wife knew that William was worth it. He remembered holding his son in his arms and without even doing anything, he knew that he'd give him the world. That scared George. He did not want his son to grow up like him, someone without care for responsibilities and duty.
Thankfully, Anne was there by his side and she guided him. Instead of buying his son material things, George spent time with William in the nursery, rocking him to sleep or simply watching over him. He would read him books and William would fall asleep with just the sound of his voice. As his son grew up, he and Anne taught him how to write, read and do simple maths. Their own father and son bonding was riding horses and fencing with fallen sticks on the ground.
All was right in the world until Anne had to leave them to check on Lady Sophia who was pregnant with her youngest child. A week after Anne's departure, he heard William telling George Wickham that he would be the future Master and Duke and so George Wickham had to follow everything he says. He learned later on from Mrs Reynolds that William only said that so that George would not cause trouble for one of the kitchen maids again, but because he found out that information too late, he had changed his attitude towards William.
He became more stern and serious, no longer playing with him. The times he spent with his son was purely for teaching him the duties and responsibilities of a landlord. When William was not busy with his tutors, he was with George roaming around the estate. George also taught his son to wear the 'Darcy mask' wherever he went. He didn't want another servant or person taking advantage of them and so by ten, William perfected the art of masking his emotions. His own Father, before his mother died, had managed to teach him to hide his emotions in business matters. Later on, George found the mask useful in gambling. His opponents could not decipher his expressions which led him to many wins back then.
George had been so proud when William mastered the skill of keeping a stoic face, but realising everything he did to William now… he was a monster. His son was only seven when he did that. Did William even get the chance to play? His son told him time and time again that he did not like spending time with George Wickham. Still, George forced William into it. And to what? To test him?
God, he was a damn fool! No wonder why William couldn't face him straight. He ruined his son's life. William had always been a good boy, a good son and an even better brother. What did William say to him that Christmas evening? 'I love you, Father but I do not know if you feel the same?' Did his son think that he did not care for him?
Looking back on his actions and his words, he was ashamed. He was even worse than his own Father. At least his father sent him away because he knew that he was not in the right mind to care for him. His father might have sent him to the wrong person but he tried to do what was right? But what did George do? He made his son feel unloved and worthless all because of some stupid test he made up.
He knew where he got the idea – from his wife's friends and family. Back then, they would test him by playing card games and betting right in front of him, inviting some of his old 'friends' to their gatherings just to see what he would do. He now realized that it was a different situation. He was a stranger to them and they did not know his real motives for courting Anne. He, on the other hand, knew his son, hid flesh and blood.
Did he have so little trust in his son that he played with his emotions?
"Oh, Anne," he whispered, not daring to speak any louder for fear that he would cry. "How can I ever make it up to William?"
His wife only sighed and hugged him. He knew he did not deserve this. He deserved his wife's anger, not her tenderness. But he knew that she was trying to understand him not solely for his sake but because she felt guilty.
And it was true. Anne thought that if she had not left her family back then, William and her husband would not be in this situation. That was why she was trying so hard to understand her husband. At least he had been present in their children's life. She, on the other hand, left for years. She might have a reason but it still did not change the fact that she was not there.
Unsure of what to do, Anne decided that perhaps she could grant Alex's request of a reunion for the boys. However, instead of going to Leicester at Rosewood Manor, she would invite all of them to Pemberley. Maybe she and her friends could have a reunion as well and she would also get to meet her Goddaughter. The boys would be able to cheer William up while she and George try to resolve this. She feared what would happen if William did not get distracted any time soon. The dark circles under his eyes were already not a good sign of his health.
Once she finished writing separate letters to her dearest friends, she left the room so that her husband could reflect further on his actions. Then, she asked a servant to send her letters in express. After that, she went to find Mrs Reynolds to begin preparing the rooms for different families. If all went well, some of them would arrive by tomorrow afternoon.
Only once all the details had been discussed did Lady Anne head to the music room to find her children laughing. At the sight of her, Georgiana stood up and exclaimed, "Oh Mama, I shall have a sister! Brother has yet to tell me her name but I like her already."
"Is that what you too have been laughing about?"
"No, Mama," Georgiana replied. "Brother has been reading me the letters he received from Cousin Richard, Cousin Henry, Lord Milton and Lord Anthony. They have so many pieces of advice about trying to get a woman's brother to approve of her suitor but most of them are ridiculous it is funny."
"What did they say?" Anne asked.
This time, it was William who answered. "Henry told me that there was nought I could do, the brother would never like me. Richard said I should try courting the brothers too."
Her son paused and shook his head while her daughter giggled. "Richard says William should offer flowers to the brothers."
"I expected better advice from Tony and Alex but they shared Henry's sentiments. However, unlike my elder cousin, they have the decency to give sensible words at the end of their letter, saying I should remain patient and persistent and show the brothers how much I love their sister."
Anne did not know that his son's betrothed had brothers. However, she refrained from questioning further. Instead, she informed her children of the good news. "Our Fitzwilliam and de Bourgh relations, along with the Leightons, Bradshaws and Wesleys will be coming here before Twelfth Night to celebrate."
William's face immediately brightened at the thought of being reunited with his old playmates and Anne knew she had made the right decision. "Georgie, you have nothing to be nervous about for they were all family friends. Besides, you will meet other young women close to your age."
"I am looking forward to it, Mama."
She then turned to her son. "They have yet to confirm my invitation, William, but hopefully we shall all be reunited with old friends soon."
"Thank you, Mother."
-p&p-
"Are you coming with us, Ellie?" Alex asked, standing up. He and the others had agreed to ride around the nearest lanes of the estate after Mama announced that all of them would be going on a trip to Derbyshire on the morrow. It was the second day of January and they would travel on the third.
Where and why, Elizabeth was sorry to say, that she did not know the reason because she was occupied in her own thoughts. She was too worried about Fitzwilliam. When she asked her brothers and cousins about it again, they refused to answer and said that they would like it to be a surprise for her.
For her part, while she was curious, she agreed. The only thing that mattered was that she was going to be in the same county as her betrothed was. If she was lucky, the place they would be visiting could be a few miles away from her beloved and maybe they could meet in secret.
"Maybe some other time, brother," Elizabeth answered.
"Then we could –" before Tony could speak further, Beatrice spoke up.
"I am sure you want some rest from the men here, Liz. Do not worry. I shall take them away from you."
"But –"
Tony and Alex were silenced by Beatrice's glare. "I am two and twenty and I have been around all of you long enough to tolerate your behaviour. Liz does not want you constantly hovering over her so let us all give her a moment to herself."
After kissing her, Mama, and Aunt Cassie on the cheek, her cousins and brother left the room in favour of going outside.
"Are you feeling overwhelmed, darling? I could talk to your brothers to lessen their hovering as Beatrice called it." Mama offered.
"No, Mama. I simply do not feel like going outside." While what she said was not a lie, it was not the whole truth. After reading Fitzwilliam's letter to her that morning, she did not think she could enjoy doing anything with her cousins. She was too worried thinking about her betrothed. He had mentioned that his father was strict and stern. Despite that, Elizabeth knew that Fitzwilliam looked up to his Father. So to find out that his life had been a test, Elizabeth could only imagine the pain Fitzwilliam was feeling.
If it was up to her, she would go to him and try her best to comfort him. But alas, she could not even give him an embrace or a reassuring smile. All she could do was write back a letter, filled with reassuring words of love and care, and also a few reminders that he should take care of himself.
"Oh, Sophie," Aunt Cassie's voice brought her out of her thoughts. "Whether or not my niece found their attentions overwhelming, you should tell the boys to lessen their hovering. I have already talked to my sons about it. You know how they are. I am glad I did not have a daughter. Imagine, the poor man who would have to deal with eight men in total!"
"You are right," Mama sighed, "and Elizabeth has yet to have a coming out ball. Do you believe they would fill her dance cards so that no one outside the family could dance with her?"
Aunt Cassie rolled her eyes. "They did exactly just that to Beatrice. It was the only reason no man has asked for a courtship yet. What makes you think they would not do that to Elizabeth?"
"Will I have a coming out ball, Mama?" Elizabeth asked. "Beatrice did talk about it in passing…"
"I know we have yet to introduce you to our tenants and neighbours, and only the servants here at the manor know about you but we will have to face society soon." Mama sighed. "Your brothers were taught at home but they would occasionally attend the season. Our family friends often warn us when the Earl of Dorchester and his family would be present so we only attend events that did not include them to ensure our family's safety."
"Of course, I would be willing to sponsor you," Aunt Cassie added, "but you have yet to meet our other family friends, I am sure they would gladly sponsor you as well. Shopping and sponsors would never be a problem. It was the men in our family who will probably be. What say you, Sophie, are you ready for my dear niece to be courted?"
Elizabeth immediately straightened in her seat and sought her Mother's eye. She wanted to see what her Mother's opinion would be. Heart beating fast, she prepared herself to listen. "If the man is honourable, kind and deserving, I would not mind it. As you said, Cassie, with so many men in the family, my daughter would need all the allies she could get."
Her Mother's answer instantly made Elizabeth smile and not for the first time, she contemplated on telling her Mother about her betrothal to Fitzwilliam. She did promise him that she would inform her family and more than half a month had passed already. As if giving her a sign, Aunt Cassie's lady's maid appeared by the door of the drawing room, asking her Aunt about something. After excusing herself, Aunt Cassie and her maid left the room, leaving Elizabeth alone with her Mother.
"Mama, can I speak to you privately?"
Her Grace, the Duchess of Leicester, Sophia Leighton was confused at her daughter's question. Nonetheless, she stood up from her seat and led her daughter to her study. Once the door was locked, she motioned for her daughter to sit on the settee beside the table before sitting down beside her. "What shall be our first mother-daughter secret then?" She teased, even though she was kind of nervous at what her daughter had to say.
She saw her daughter took a deep breath before saying, "Do you really mean that you will be my ally if Papa and my brothers do not approve of a suitor?"
"Of course, darling, but you must know that they will only not approve of someone if that someone is a disreputable man. Otherwise, they might give the man a bit of a hard time but only as Fathers and elder brothers were wont to do. They would never really separate you from someone you love. Even your cousins and Uncles would not do that."
Her daughter let out a small smile. "That is a relief." Then, she started fidgeting with her fingers again. "But what if, hypothetically, I already have a suitor? Will you help Papa and my brothers like him?"
"I will if he is an honourable, kind young man who loved my daughter and my daughter loved him in return." She paused, seeing her daughter's face brightened more. "But tell me, my darling, do you have suitor you are not telling us about?"
Her daughter bit her lip before shaking her head no. Sophia was about to let out a sigh of relief when Elizabeth said, "I do not have a suitor but I have a fiancé."
Sophia couldn't help but gasp. "You have accepted a proposal?"
"Yes, Mama, before I left Hertfordshire." Before Sophia could speak to ask questions, her daughter continued talking almost desperately. "He is the best of man, Mama. He loved me when I was just a simple country squire's daughter. He knows of my situation but he did not know who my real family are. And he did not disapprove of my unladylike behaviour. He treats me as an equal, Mama. He values my opinion and he makes me happy when I am sad. He loves me, Mama, and I love him too."
Though stunned at the revelation, Sophia couldn't help but smile as she watched her daughter describe the man she loved. Elizabeth's eyes were bright, glittering with adoration and her smile was whole and sincere. Her voice was also soft and warm.
With a sigh, Sophia kissed her daughter's forehead. "I will have to meet him first, darling, but I will try my best to ease your Father and brothers with the information. Seeing as your cousins had declared themselves your honorary siblings, I will speak to you Aunt Cassie as well."
Her daughter beamed at her before hugging her. "Oh, thank you, Mama!"
"Do I get to know the name of this young man?"
Sheepishly, her daughter said: "I do not think it is fair if you know him and he does not know you, Mama. But I promise that I shall introduce you soon."
"Very well," she nodded.
"Will you tell Papa and my brothers about it later?"
Sophia shook her head. "It is not a good time to speak to them about it now, Sweeting. Knowing them, they would not stop asking questions until they learned the young man's identity. Besides, your Godmother Anne was expecting us on the morrow. I do not want to cancel our plans and so, we shall tell them about it once we reached Derbyshire."
-p&p-
Though Sophia was still shocked at her daughter's revelations yesterday afternoon, she was determined to help her daughter in every way she could but only if the man her daughter was engaged to was honourable, respectable and if he truly loved Elizabeth as he ought. For now, though, she kept her quiet. She knew telling her husband in before leaving would make him agitated. The same could be said to her sons. Her only option was to tell them everything once they got a private moment in Pemberley.
"We shall arrive in a few hours," Sophia informed her companions in the carriage which composed of her daughter, her only niece and her sister. The ladies decided to remain in one carriage since the men decided on alternating between riding their horses and going back to their own carriage.
"Will you not at least tell me the name of the estate?" Her daughter asked Beatrice who was sitting across her.
Her niece only shook her head. "I want to, Liz, but I managed to extract a promise that they would let me dance with any man of my choosing, without hovering, next time we ventured to Town." Eyes narrowing in suspicion, Beatrice then said, "You should have listened to the conversation yesterday when Aunt Sophie was telling us about it. I wonder how you missed it…"
Her daughter only blushed in response which caused Beatrice to furrow her brows and Cassie to raise a brow at Sophia.
"I…"
Before her daughter could answer, she looked outside where her husband and the other men in the family were riding their horses. She tried to persuade them to ride the carriage since it was cold but they were all too excited at the prospect of a reunion, especially the boys. Her sons wanted to surprise their old playmates that their sister was very much alive and not dead as they had initially thought.
Seeing as she could not argue with them on this occasion, she just made sure they wear proper clothing and advised them to keep their pace slow. Her husband caught her looking at them and he directed his horse to slow down so that he was facing them by the window.
"Is there something wrong?" He asked.
"I am feeling a little cold so I will be closing the windows." He nodded but a frown was still etched on his face.
"I am fine, do not worry." With that, she closed the window.
Upon seeing this, her twin sister perked up from her seat and looked at them excitedly. "What's the secret?"
At her daughter's look of alarm, Sophie was quick to assure that her sister and Beatrice could be trusted and that they would need more allies in promoting her cause. Then, turning to Cassie and Beatrice she said quietly, "You must contain your reactions with Elizabeth's information. We cannot have the men in the family knowing this suddenly."
When the two ladies promised, Sophia urged her daughter to share what she had told her yesterday. After taking a deep breath, her daughter revealed that she already had a fiancé, causing their other companions to gasp silently. Like she did yesterday, she was quick to follow the information with praises and assurances of her betrothed.
"You need not tell me more, dear," Cassie dismissed with a smile. "I have seen the same besotted look on your Mother when we are younger. I just hope that the man is deserving of you."
"Oh, he is, Aunt," her daughter was quick to assure.
"This is brilliant, Liz!" Beatrice smiled proudly. "But will you not tell us the mysterious gentleman's name?"
Her daughter shook her head firmly. "It will not be fair to him for you will be at an advantage if you know him."
Throughout the ride, they discussed that she and Cassie would talk to the men later that evening about this news. Then, their conversation went to what should Elizabeth expect for her coming out ball which led to the three of them sharing their own stories of their own balls with her. Time passed by and before they knew it, there was a knock on their window and her husband informed her that he and the others would ride ahead because the boys could not wait to surprise their playmates with their sister.
"Keep your windows close, Mama and we shall be escorting Ellie last," Alex said before heading off.
"Do not worry, darling," Sophia assured her daughter, "they just wanted to show you off as their sister."
Her daughter only smiled, "I understand, mother."
Twenty minutes later, Alex was escorting Sophia out of the carriage and she smiled as she saw one of her dearest friends, Anne, or Annie as they fondly called her, standing beside her husband, George Darcy. On her side was dear Georgiana and William – oh, Anne had not been exaggerating. There were evident circles under the poor boy's eyes. Still, he managed a polite smile at them.
Once she walked out, she was immediately hugged by Annie and she returned it. When they parted, Cassie looped her arms through Annie's left and Sophie did the same to her friend's right. Together, the three of them watched as Tony and Adam lined up on one side of the carriage door while James and Ben positioned themselves across the two.
"You looked like soldiers welcoming their superior," William commented, looking amused at his friend's antics.
"But she is our superior," Alex, who was in the middle, nearest to the carriage door said, "The princess of our family."
Then, as the four other boys were pretending to hold a trumpet and making trumpet sounds, Alex escorted Elizabeth down. From their view, they could clearly see that William's expression turned from amused to shock. However, it seemed that all of them were more shocked at what happened next.
"Elizabeth…"
"Fitzwilliam…"
[1] The idea of snowmen is ageless. Children of all ages have built snowmen since the beginning of man. The Etymology dictionary says the word snowman wasn't in print until 1827 but it is such a natural term that it likely appeared in speech ages before anyone thought to write about children (or adults) playing in the snow.
Source: /snowmen-during-the-regency-fact-or-fiction/
[2] Celebrating New Year's Day also held superstitions as a central part of the festivities. The family or gathering would sit around in a circle before midnight and when the clock began to strike the hour, the head of the family would go to the door and open it, "ushering out the old, and bringing in the new". The more superstitious would cleanse the house of ashes, rags, scraps and anything perishable so that nothing was carried over from one year to the next, in order to preserve their good luck and banish any poor luck.
Source: a-regency-primer-on-christmastide-new-years/
[3] A well-beloved tradition to bring in the New Year was singing Old Lang Syne, which means the old long since, or days gone by. Originally a traditional Scottish song, the Scottish poet, Robert Burns, wrote down the lyrics and published it in 1796. This song caught on quickly and spread to much of the English-speaking world. Many now sing it at the stroke of midnight.
[4] The lucky woman to get the first bucket of water would marry that year, according to superstition. If she could get the young man of her desires to drink this favored water before the end of the day, she had a better chance that he'd propose. Supposedly. Other traditions included washing a cow's udder in this water so the cow might give more milk in the coming year.
Source: /new-years-traditions-through-history/
[5] In case some of you guys forgot, Darcy was telling Georgiana the first chapter of this book.
What a way to start a year! Thank you for your support throughout this whole story. If all went according to plan, this book will be done by March. Unfortunately, my updates will not be as quick as it was during last December because classes are about to start soon. Still, I will do my best to make it weekly.
That being said, I will also be updating Proving Him Wrong soon. Maybe next month? Anyways, have a great start of the year, stay safe and take care!
