AN: Thank you for your reading and reviews! I have gone back to the previous chapters to fix some errors and timeline discrepancies.
Some of this chapter found in chapter 60 of Pride and Prejudice.


Chapter 8: A letter for Mrs. Gardiner

The morning sun ascended over the countryside streaming rays over the lush vegetation and cloudless sky caused by the light sprinkling in the night.

Fitzwilliam Darcy gazed out the window watching a bird take flight and absentmindedly drank from his mug of coffee. He had resolved to apologize to Miss Bingley and pondered over what he would say to appear genuinely apologetic for the events the previous evening without encouraging a … friendship.

Darcy's stance was familiar to Charles Bingley, so he largely ignored his friend while reading the morning paper and chewing on a pastry.

When Miss Bingley entered the breakfast room, both men turned to her in astonishment.

It was a part of Miss Bingley's morning routine to wake at a fashionably late hour, spending another hour enjoying a lengthy toilette while breaking her fast with some small morsel before dining in the breakfast room. However, on this morning she ordered her lady's maid to rouse her early.

Caroline realized that her time was running out and conceptualized the volume of sand available in a time glass. She determined that the best way to win Mr. Darcy's affections was to prove her desirability and remove him from Miss Eliza. With the new day, Caroline put together her plan. Rather than using her more obvious ploys, she would play the part of a lady. When she entered the breakfast room, she was dressed in a pastel gown with long sleeves and a conservative neckline. Her hair was held back in a simple coiffure with a single bejeweled clip.

"Caroline, what a surprise! I did not expect to see you before Darcy and I left. I hope you slept well." Charles gestured to a seat.

She seated herself and waited for a footman to fill her cup and offer to fill her plate. "Thank you, Charles. I slept tolerably well. I thought to take advantage of the sunshine and walk about the grounds this morning." She added cream and sugar to her tea before asking, "Mr. Darcy, where are you riding to?"

Mr. Darcy took his seat across from her. He was not certain what to make of her unobtrusive demeanor. He was wary of providing her with his plans. His face was carefully blank, shrouding his thoughts, when he replied, "Charles and I intend to visit at Longbourn."

"I see. I shall be lonely here by myself. I do hope you will join me for supper this evening." Boldly, she looked across the table at Darcy.

It was Mr. Bingley who answered. "We shall see. Where I eat means naught to me." Then he stood, "Please excuse me. I must see to some correspondence before we depart." He glanced apologetically at his friend before quitting the room.

Bingley was certain that propriety dictated the necessity of bringing his sister to London with him, so arrangements had to be made for her. He planned to read a few missives and contact the Hursts to inform them of Caroline's stay. He anticipated that his married sister, Louisa, could be relied on to vigilantly occupy Caroline's time in town. Bingley himself could reside at the Darcy townhouse since they anticipated spending the majority of the time with their ladies.

As Bingley's steps retreated down the hall, Mr. Darcy spoke. "I feel compelled to apologize. It was unfair to surprise you with the news of my engagement to Miss Elizabeth. My hope is that you forgive my insensitivity. Miss Elizabeth expressed her desire for me to tell you some days ago." Darcy stood thinking he had said all that he needed to.

"There is no need to apologize, Mr. Darcy. I am certain that you did not have an opportunity. Please think no more of it. Will you not stay a while longer to keep me company?" Caroline looked up to him through her lashes in a flirtatious manner. Her light rouge was more becoming than the heavy caking Darcy was accustomed to seeing on her visage.

Fitzwilliam found himself in a quandary. How could he refuse his hostess when she obviously desired his presence? But, what would become of him if he did not? Her behavior was puzzling. He grappled with an excuse even as he began to speak. "I must beg your forgiveness yet again. It would not be proper for you to be without a chaperone and I myself have some correspondence to see to. There shall be time to speak later. In fact, since we are to be related by my marriage and your brother's, I imagine we shall be partaking in various family gatherings in the future." He graciously bowed and left the room to Miss Bingley—who was indeed peeved that her scheme would need further consideration and devotion.

Once the gentlemen were received at Longbourn, they found three Bennet ladies at their leisure in the drawing room with a window open to welcome the fresh air. It was a happy coincidence that they had missed the departure of Mrs. Bennet and Kitty who went to visit with Mrs. Lucas and Miss Maria Lucas. Mary was entrusted as the chaperone for her sisters. The role suited her since the only requirement was her presence while she read or practiced upon her instrument.

Bingley, with a considerable grin, stepped before Jane as Darcy reached Elizabeth with a twinkle in his eye.

Bingley was the first to speak. "Good morning ladies. Even with the beauty outdoors, it seems that the sunshine pales in comparison to the light found in this room." Then he continued for Jane's ears alone, "Miss Bennet, I am most sincere when I say that your lovely self has made my day complete." At her answering smile, he was seated on the settee by her side.

Elizabeth was mesmerized by the look in Fitzwilliam's eyes and missed the exchange between her sister and Bingley. Once Darcy kissed her knuckles, she indicated a seat by her at the round table which accommodated her book along with a stack of drawing paper. "Mr. Darcy, I am so glad to see you. Please do be seated. You appear to be unscathed from the evening, even when you were called upon to dance with your intended."

"As you see. I find that dancing with the future Mrs. Darcy is no chore at all—in fact, I believe it to be more than tolerable."

Elizabeth was delighted with his answer and merrily continued to converse with him in a teasing manner. When he asked for paper to write to Lady Catherine, she also passed the time writing to her Aunt Gardiner. Although her Uncle had already been informed of their imminent trip to London by her mother, she felt badly that she had neglected her duty to reply to her Aunt's last letter that detailed Mr. Darcy's dealings concerning Lydia.

Mr. Darcy felt quite content sitting by Elizabeth as they both penned their thoughts. However, the letter he had to write was not one that gave him pleasure. It was to his Aunt Catherine. Prior to his understanding with Elizabeth, his business was interrupted by the supercilious Lady Catherine when she waltzed into the study of his London home unannounced, demanding satisfaction by extracting a promise to "stop this tomfoolery"; and "not enter into an engagement with that Bennet woman, who is most decidedly beneath you in every way"; and "it is high time you did your duty and married Anne." At that time, he had been severely angered by the interview, which was marked by a contracting muscle in his jaw. His hope for Elizabeth's affections did not grow until he had rudely abused the Lady for attempting to control his decisions and exited the room. His letter read thus:

Lady Catherine,

I hope this letter finds you in better spirits than in our last meeting. I do expect that you possess a sound-enough mind to extend your congratulations to Miss Elizabeth Bennet and myself for our engagement. We are both very pleased and look forward to a wedding in the near future.

Given the essence of our last discussion in London, I would caution you. In recent years, I have done my familial duty by overseeing the Rosings accounts to assure your income. I have also endured your many remarks and tried to be a friend to Cousin Anne. Though you are related to me, you are not the master over me. It would bother me in no way to direct all my attention to my own estate and my own small family without consideration to you. I will allow no more interference with my decisions, nor any hearsay or slander regarding my beloved.

Please send my regards to Anne. I do hope she will find a partner in life who will care for her as she deserves—but that man was never me.

F.D.

Darcy offered to have his messenger deliver Elizabeth's letter. When the man returned from London that evening he would be sent to Kent to deliver Lady Catherine's letter, and London was on the way. Elizabeth gratefully handed over her sealed letter to be safely tucked into Darcy's inner coat pocket and thought that her Aunt would appreciate the personal delivery.

Soon the group escaped the confines of the drawing room to walk about in the garden, avoiding the arrival of Mrs. Bennet. Kitty, catching a glimpse of her sisters before entering the house with her mother, caught up to them and suggested a picnic. The scheme was readily accepted and so Kitty and Jane went to the kitchen to see to arrangements while Elizabeth and Mary left the gentlemen in the garden to search for a few large blankets to lounge upon.

Mary was eager to pass on her chaperoning duties to her younger sister, so that she could remain indoors. But Elizabeth was not of the mind to let her sister bow out of the excursion. "Mary, I do insist. The warm days are numbered before winter is upon us. And besides, with the trip to London and the wedding planning, I am afraid that Jane and I will not have much time to be with our sisters." She was able to convince Mary to join the picnic party with her book in hand.

The group found a grassy spot in close proximity to the house that was surrounded by trees. They sought the comfort of the sun in between, for the shade of the trees was too cool for the ladies in their slight jackets. The meal was spread out on a blanket in the center of the group so that each could pick at their dish of choice. There was bread, cheese, pastries and fruit to choose from as well as chilled tea to wash it down with. The banter was light and jovial. Jane and Elizabeth strove to include their sisters in conversation and were happy to observe the ease that seemed to settle over them as they shared stories and laughed. Even Mary seemed to enjoy herself and teased her sisters with reminiscences from their childhood.

Soon the conversation was steered to the excursion to London. Kitty was quite put out that she was not invited to accompany the party, though she did understand that space was limited at the Gardiner's home and the sole reason was to complete her sisters' wardrobe. "Oh, I do wish I could go with you! Mary and I will miss all the excitement. Lizzy, you will write to us about what you are doing, will you not?"

Elizabeth laughed at her enthusiasm. "Indeed, I will. Though I do not find fittings by dressmakers to be fun, however there is sure to be some amusing narratives to share with my sisters. Mr. Darcy will assist me. For he has promised to attend to me and assures me that there are entertainments to be had." Elizabeth turned her smile to her intended who raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement.

As Jane joined Lizzy's assurance with her own, Mr. Darcy captured her attention. "Elizabeth, I wish to bring up a subject with you, except I do not want you to be cross." He waited for her nod before continuing, "I anticipate this trip to be different than your previous visits to London, because you are now engaged to me. I thought on it for some time and realize that I cannot hide you from the Ton—"

Interrupting, she tried to make light of a subject she supposed pained him. "Please, do not worry on my account. You forget that my courage rises with any hint of intimidation."

He reached over to gently squeeze her hand that rested between them on the coverlet. "I am aware. In fact, I have no doubt that my pride in your abilities shall render me even more in love with you. That is not the reason I brought up the subject. I want you to be at ease in unfamiliar company, and I do not want the discontented gossips to have any cause to judge you unfairly. I do worry because your happiness means the world to me. So I have sent letters to my steward, a dressmaker and your Uncle."

Elizabeth showed her surprise at this. "Indeed? Pray, what do your steward, dressmaker, and my Uncle have in common?"

"The couturier was commissioned to fashion several dresses for your stay in London, as my betrothed. She needs to begin immediately in order to schedule a fitting upon your arrival to have them finished for your use. My steward shall visit the dressmaker to assure that my instructions are agreed to and followed, and also to deliver the necessary coins so that you become her priority. Your Uncle had to be informed to anticipate the dressmaker when she arrives with her assistants and several dresses to be fitted to your figure. If you are pleased with her abilities, you may choose to use her services for your other needs."

He was right to be cautious. As he spoke, he watched the spark of indignation flash in her eyes for the barest moment before understanding dawned. She slowly responded, "You believe this to be necessary. May I ask why I cannot wear the finery in my own closet?"

"I have faith that you look beautiful no matter your attire. However, I fear that the Ton will not be so kind. I assure you…" Fitzwilliam had trouble finishing his thought. He hoped that she could read his sincerity within his expression and understand the need for fashionable attire.

Elizabeth nodded. "You thought only of me? I see. Then, I thank you, William." She glanced at Jane before raising her eyes to Fitzwilliam again.

Mr. Darcy's dimple made an appearance at the sound of his name and desired a change of subject to more pleasant matters. However, he caught the direction of her concern. "I also spoke to Bingley before I sent those letters. He also commissioned several costumes for your sister so that you both can be attended to upon your arrival and enjoy London society in new frocks."

Elizabeth was warmed by his thoughtfulness and his ability to consider the smallest of details. Of course, Fitzwilliam failed to disclose the amount of dresses or accessories he ordered, which did not escape her notice. She wondered at the number of frocks she should anticipate, but chose not to ask. It would not do to upset herself when she had no control over the outcome—especially since she certainly would need richer clothing to be seen among the Ton as Mrs. Darcy.

The rest of the day passed pleasantly. Over supper, the gentlemen inquired from Mrs. Bennet when she would like to travel and they agreed on the afternoon of the fifteenth. This allowed the ladies one more day to prepare. Their gentlemen readily agreed to bring a coach for them. Mr. Bingley divulged his plan to take Miss Bingley to London as well, where she would stay with Mrs. Hurst. Although the ladies were not keen on the idea of sharing the coach with the disagreeable Caroline, they showed no sign of unhappiness.

After discussing the details of their trip, the Bennet ladies looked on the adventure with anticipation.


Since writing a letter to her on September sixth, Mrs. Gardiner was very anxious to receive word from her niece, Elizabeth. Whenever the post was delivered she anticipated news from Longbourn, but alas, the endless waiting was beginning to wear on her. She began to worry that her expression of joy with the match between Lizzy and Darcy was not received well, since she had never had to wait so long for a letter from her faithful niece.

On the morning of October 14th, Mrs. Gardiner went about her morning routine with her four children and discussed the day's lessons with their governess before descending the stairs to break the fast with her husband.

He sat awaiting her with a full cup of coffee and several papers in front of him. A smile lit up his features and a chuckle gave evidence to his disposition.

"Edward, what do you have there to start your day in such a happy mood?" She asked as she filled her own cup and plate.

"Well, Maddy, I wonder if I should keep it a surprise…" As her eyes narrowed at his teasing, he relented. "I see that is not an option, so I will tell you. Here I have two letters, one from Longbourn and another from Mr. Darcy."

"Really?! You got a letter from Longbourn?" Mrs. Gardiner's face brightened before she seemed disappointed that she had not also received a letter.

He knew that she had been waiting for a letter from Elizabeth. He touched her shoulder in understanding before continuing, eager to raise her spirits. "It seems you will soon have an opportunity to interrogate Lizzy, since she will be arriving with my sister and Jane to go shopping for wedding trousseaux in the next day or so."

At that, her chin lifted catching the implication. "Two? Do not tease me, you silly man!" She made to swat his arm, which he easily dodged.

"Ha! At least I have your attention. Yes, two. Jane, as you already know, is engaged to Mr. Bingley and Lizzy is—" He was unable to finish his statement when he was interrupted by his over-exuberant wife.

"Lizzy is engaged to Mr. Darcy! I knew they would reach an understanding! That is wonderful news!"

"Indeed! I am thrilled."

"So what did Mr. Darcy have to say?"

"His letter is much more to the point than my sister's. It seems that Mr. Bingley and Darcy will both venture to London to accompany the ladies to the theater and any other entertainment that they may. They have commissioned couturiers to outfit the girls for these occasions, so that soon after their arrival we shall expect the house to be overcome by dress fittings and female trappings." Mrs. Gardiner raised her brows for him to continue. "Mr. Darcy is a bit concerned for Elizabeth, since she is certain to be scrutinized by the Ton."

She nodded in a thoughtful manner. "I see. He is a very astute young man. After we dine, I will see about preparing for our guests."

The two letters that Mr. Gardiner received that morning caused Mrs. Gardiner to reevaluate her day. So that the rest of the meal she was quiet and at one point fetched some paper and a quill from her writing desk to make notes and lists for herself. It was necessary to meet with the staff to plan menus and arrange the two guest rooms.

The only item that could possibly settle her mind would be another letter from Longbourn addressed to herself from Lizzy. It was fortunate that she did not have much longer to wait. Elizabeth's letter arrived a few short hours later by Darcy's messenger on the way to Kent.


AN: Happy New Year!
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