AN: Sorry for the delay. I had to start over when my computer didn't save a copy!
Ch. 14
Mrs. Annesley arrived at Darcy House a quarter of an hour prior to the carriage transporting Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Darcy. After selecting a tome from the library, she was intent on ascending the stairs to her chamber when a commotion sounded the entrance of the other household members. She stepped down to the hall to greet her employer and Miss Darcy.
Georgiana smiled at her brother who was just removing his gloves, "Goodnight, William. I think I shall retire for the night."
He nodded. "I shall see you for breakfast on the marrow. Mrs. Annesley, I would like a moment of your time. Please join me in the library." Fitzwilliam wished Mr. Bingley a pleasant night and strode to the library followed by Mrs. Annesley. Fitzwilliam turned to her once he reached the fireplace and rested an arm on the mantle.
At last he had the opportunity to speak to her about his sister. While at the Gardiner's he had watched Georgiana interact with Elizabeth and her family, and he was happy with what he had seen. There was no question that she was growing up and becoming more confident. However, the initiative she put forth to venture to London and then to the Gardiner's house that morning felt downright disrespectful.
Mrs. Annesley was the first to speak. "Mr. Darcy, I assume that you are curious about Miss Darcy's behavior of late." Mr. Darcy stared at her with a thoughtful expression to encourage her to continue. "I am sorry to report that I do not have a great understanding of why she seems so changed. She has gradually been gaining confidence, as you know, though she seems ready to choose her own direction in life now that you are taking a wife."
Fitzwilliam preferred to speak as little as possible when questioning persons in his employ. In general, people became nervous with silence and would talk to fill the space, often saying more than they planned. His reasons for questioning Mrs. Annesley were to discern whether Georgiana's new attitude was a change for the better, and where her confidence had sprouted from. "Am I to understand that she read my letter and made the decision to defy me?"
"I do not believe she sees her actions in that light. She believes that you should not be burdened with her when you have many other responsibilities. I have encouraged her to compromise on some decisions to ensure her safety, already. "
"I see. That is encouraging." I must make her realize that she could never be a burden, he thought. "Mrs. Annesley, you have been very good with her thus far. I would like her to feel included in my plans; however, she should not be traipsing around England on her own whims."
"I quite agree, sir. If I may, I would suggest that you, the Colonel, or your betrothed remain in her company so Miss Darcy is not left to her own devises. She is very fond of Miss Bennet and is eager to have a sister. I believe that she will calm herself once the excitement of the moment has passed. She is a wonderful young lady. Miss Darcy is simply testing herself as all young girls do at this age."
"Thank you. I will see that she is kept busy. I do ask to be informed when she has a flight of fancy or makes any plans." Emma Annesley nodded, gave a courtesy and excused herself.
Mr. Darcy thought back to Elizabeth's advice, be her brother. Could she require more support than guidance? How confusing young women were. He always seemed to misjudge them. Shaking his head he pondered how best to keep Georgiana busy. Fitzwilliam was excessively thankful that Elizabeth would soon be sharing his life and guiding Georgiana as only a sister can.
P&P
Lady Matlock sat at her secretary after dinner writing out invitations. It had been a quiet night for her since the Earl was not due home until the following evening and her sons chose to spend the evening socializing at the gentlemen's club.
Helen considered Miss Elizabeth as a project—and she did love projects! She had decided that her role would be to support Miss Elizabeth Bennet as she entered society. The girl had spunk; it would be a shame to see her spirits dampened by the rejected ladies of the Ton.
Lady Matlock's dinner party would serve several purposes. She anticipated the opportunity to watch Darcy interact with his betrothed and introduce her to the Fitzwilliam family.
The other reason that she felt the need to host the event soon were for the benefit of society whom would not receive an invitation. She anticipated the engagement announcement to appear in the papers in the next day or so. Society will be curious about who Miss Bennet is. Speculations and narratives will be fabricated from the moment the printed announcement is viewed. It shall be beneficial to have a true report circulating to credit her family.
The invitation for dinner was scheduled for two days henceforth. The guest list included her relations, Miss Elizabeth's family and some friends. She did not want to host a ball at this time, just a small affair would do. Helen had taken careful consideration to invite friends who would accept Miss Elizabeth's background, spread word of the lovely future Mrs. Darcy, and also couples whose word or status within the Ton would not be questioned. She settled on two couples to complete the party.
The Duke of Rutland was in town with his Duchess, who was a particular friend of hers. The Duke and Duchess were very agreeable and well-liked, though the Duke was known for being a liberal thinker and free with his opinions. They were regularly seen at social functions and the theater.
Sir Elliot, a close friend of Lord Matlock's, and his Lady were also invited. Sir Elliot could speak on any topic of conversation with ease and Lady Elliot was a convivial busybody. While they were not always invited to the greatest social functions of the Season, Lady Elliot made regular calls about town and loved to stay abreast of all the latest news. Sir Elliot, while not as inclined to make calls as his wife, enjoyed conversing with gentlemen at clubs and while enjoying sports. Separately, they covered the social spectrum with conversation and gossip.
Helen smiled to herself as she heated a stick of wax and stamped the letters closed. The next day she would spend seeing to details.
P&P
The following morning the Gardiner residence was in a state of activity, as was typical for the household with four children. Normally, when the Gardiners were not hosting guests, the children dressed and ate breakfast, then their parents would join them a few moments to discuss their day and a bible verse. When Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner enjoyed breaking their fast, the little Gardiners would begin their studies before an outdoor excursion. While the house might be loud and busy, there was order and structure.
With the visiting Bennets, the children were wont to toss structure out the window to awaken their cousins with questions and requested stories. The girls happily bounced on their cousins' bed and giggled. The elder girls were able to ready themselves for the day while recounting tales before the governess knocked on the door, insisting that the young girls attend to their morning meal.
Jane and Elizabeth were already dressed and descending the stairs for the day when the bell sounded at the back door. A maid answered and collected the delivery of a couple of morning dresses for Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. When approached, the girls opted to wait for the next morning before donning new gowns and continued into the dining room where the meal was served. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were already spreading jam on bread and eating some soft boiled eggs.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled when her nieces entered the room, "Good Morning. I trust you slept well. I hope my girls did not bother you overly much this morning. I thought I heard their voices coming from your room when I went to the nursery."
Elizabeth laughed, "They are rather energetic in the morning. I hope the sun is out tomorrow, I do love to walk before the town awakens." She looked out the window at the misty morning. Although it was light out, there was no sky to be seen through the dense fog.
Jane agreed, "Indeed. But it will soon be winter, Lizzy. I don't anticipate that the fog will lift as early as you would like. When do you suppose Mama wants to go shopping, Aunt Maddy?"
Mrs. Bennet answered as she walked into the room, "As soon as we finish breakfast, of course. It would not do to go shopping on an empty stomach!" She sat and filled her plate as a servant filled her cup. Mrs. Bennet was not in a pleasant mood, she was not used to being awakened by children's voices or singing before the eight o'clock hour. "Brother, do we need to visit your warehouse or can you bring some samples of fabrics and laces that you have? I dearly want to see what you have before we have a seamstress hired. They want too much money for their fabric choices. I just know you have some fine textiles we can use!"
Mr. Gardiner wiped his lips with a napkin, "Certainly. I am waiting on a shipment, so I do not have much, but there are a few fine bolts-"
He was interrupted by the housekeeper. She walked in and curtseyed before handing Mr. Gardiner an envelope of fine quality. "Sir, this just arrived."
Mr. Gardiner thanked her and proceeded to open it. The ladies around him were all curious and attentive. Mrs. Gardiner and her nieces had an idea of the contents, but Mrs. Bennet was anxious when she saw the stationary with a crest of gold leaf at the top. "What is it, Brother?"
"It appears that we are invited to dine with the Earl and Countess of Matlock tomorrow evening." He continued to read and handed Elizabeth an enclosed note.
Miss Elizabeth,
I do hope you will join our little party early so that I may introduce you to my family. I will tell William to be here a half hour earlier than your invitation states.
I had a lovely time visiting with you yesterday and look forward to knowing you better.
Helen Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock
Elizabeth raised a brow and considered the new family she would be a part of. If Lady Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam were an indication as to the character she could expect from the Earl and his heir, then she would be pleased. The Fitzwilliams seemed to be a good family. They seemed to be close, protective, and caring of their own. She wondered who Lady Matlock expected to chaperone if Fitzwilliam was to accompany her to the Fitzwilliam's house. Should she expect Georgiana to be there or should she ask Jane?
Mrs. Bennet said impatiently, "Well, Lizzy, what is it? Do you intend to share your letter with us?"
Elizabeth looked up from her note and noticed the curious gazes of her family. "Of course. I apologize. It seems that Lady Matlock wishes me to join her family before dinner so that she may introduce me without the other guests."
Mrs. Gardiner said, "It sounds rather nice. I am sure that you and Jane may go early. Now about the shopping. I believe we are to wait on Miss Darcy's arrival before we venture to any shops."
AN: I realize this was a shorter chapter and not all that exciting, there will be more excitement to come. You don't suppose that Miss Bingley will sit back and let everyone else enjoy society, do you? How do you think dinner with the Fitzwilliams be?
