Ch. 15

The time prior to Lady Matlock's dinner party seemed rushed to Elizabeth Bennet. Each morning and evening a few dresses would arrive as they were completed for use, the children demanded her attention, and she did not get any private moments with Fitzwilliam. When the house was still at night she would fall asleep remembering the feeling of being wrapped in his arms and the touch of his lips on her own.

Mrs. Bennet regularly talked to hear herself and repeatedly asked the same questions of Elizabeth and Jane. She worked herself into a frenzy rushing up and down the stairs and frequently settled at the table with a parchment and quill to write lists of needed items and ideas for the wedding breakfast. Mrs. Bennet had so much on her mind that she forgot to have attacks of her nerves and, although not rational, her busy state was a relief to her daughters.

Elizabeth enjoyed the company of her sister and Georgiana when they visited the millinery and other shops with colorful window arrangements. Georgiana was able to direct the group into a music shop, much to Mrs. Bennet's annoyance and Elizabeth's amusement.

"Lizzy," Georgiana said thoughtfully as they sifted through some classical pieces, "my brother has asked me to think of what lessons I would like to have while we are in London."

Elizabeth shifted her eyes to look over at her future sister. "Indeed?" She wondered why Fitzwilliam would want to occupy Georgiana's time with additional lessons when she would rather spend the time engrossed in wedding plans.

"Certainly. I feel that he is determined to keep me busy and out of your hair."

Elizabeth laughed lightly. "That is not possible; I do not think I could even balance you on my head if I tried. What was his suggestion?"

"Well, he suggested painting or taking up a new instrument. Since I am well versed with the harp, pianoforte, and have some learning on the flute, he recommended the viola."

"Were those his only suggestions?" Elizabeth was diverted imagining the conversation Fitzwilliam had with his sister. She realized that if Georgiana was occupied with new endeavors to add to her long list of accomplishments, then she would have something to do when Elizabeth was not in her company, when Mr. Darcy was occupied, and after their wedding.

"Nay. He also thought I would do well with German."

Elizabeth laughed and took out a musical piece from the file to purchase for Mary. She understood Fitzwilliam's reasons for insisting Georgiana take up a new hobby; still she was not convinced that it was the right way to distract Georgiana. The longer Elizabeth was in Georgiana's company, the more she felt a kinship with her. Georgiana had an impish way about her and a refreshing understanding of the world. Elizabeth did not want to break her spirit or make her feel unwanted.

Facing Georgiana, she said, "I daresay you would do well with anything you put your mind to. Have you reached a decision?" Georgiana faced Elizabeth holding her own selections and shrugged in an unladylike fashion. Elizabeth persisted, "What did you say?"

Georgiana grinned, "Nothing, of course. I just smiled and said I would consider it." She linked her arm with her future sister and together they went to find Jane.

The morning of Lady Matlock's party, Elizabeth's emerald dress was delivered just after Mr. Gardiner's assistant came to the house on Gracechurch Street to arrange bolts of white and ivory lace, silk and brocade from Mr. Gardiner's warehouse. Mrs. Bennet was in heaven. She talked nonstop at breakfast about shopping for trousseaux and seeing her daughters dressed in silks, chiffon, brocade and lawn—until Mr. Gardiner read from the paper.

Mr. Gardiner waved his hand to get the attention of his family around the table. "Listen to this: 'The paper has received separate announcements to herald the betrothals of two daughters of Mr. Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. Miss Jane Bennet is engaged to Mr. Charles Bingley of Netherfield Park in Hertfordshire. Mr. Bingley, a Cambridge graduate, inherited his business and fortune from his late parents. Mr. Bennet's second daughter, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, is engaged to none other than Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire. Mr. Darcy, nephew to the Earl and Countess of Matlock, has been long sought after by the ladies of the Ton. He graduated from Cambridge in 1805 and also holds other properties, including a home in London's fashionable Mayfair district. The happy couples will exchange vows in Meryton.'"

Elizabeth's mouth opened in shock while Jane gasped and covered her mouth with her fingers. Their eyes were round as saucers.

P&P

Fitzwilliam Darcy was reading his betrothal announcement just as his sister strolled into the breakfast room. His frown deepened as he read it again. The carefully worded announcement that he sent to the Times was not printed, instead the focus was on his wealth and family. Mr. Bingley's betrothal was overshadowed by his own and the reference that Bingley's wealth derived from business was neither complimentary nor relevant to their upcoming marriage.

"Whatever it is, it is sure to die a horrible death."

Georgiana's voice broke through his musing. He acknowledged her with a twitch of his lips before she handed him a letter. "Dawson was on his way to give this to you."

He thanked her and opened the letter from his aunt.

William,
I am having some family and friends over for dinner this evening. I have not seen you since you have been in town. I do insist that you and your sister join us. Your guest is also invited. I am looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about your endeavors at 6 o'clock. My other guests will arrive a little later.
Your Aunt Helen

Darcy pursed his lips and gave a short laugh. "Well, Georgie, it seems that we are being summoned to Fitzwilliam House tonight." He handed the letter to her and took up his cup of coffee.

"How delightful! We must take Elizabeth with us." Georgiana said, already knowing that the Gardiner's received their invitation the day before. "We should invite Jane to dine with Mr. Bingley, as well. If you don't mind, I would be happy to send Aunt Helen our reply and let her know about our extra guests."

Fitzwilliam nodded. He did not like the idea of dining without Elizabeth. It was a good opportunity for her to meet his family and he liked the notion of bringing her into the family fold with an intimate dinner. Hopefully she would have received some of her new evening gowns. "I will mention it when we visit today. I wonder which friends were invited. Perhaps you should stay in this evening with Mrs. Annesley?"

While he eyed her to see what reaction his question elicited, she raised a brow. "Now William, I was specifically invited. If it is to be a quiet family dinner, I am not so young that I should be excluded. Please allow me to go. I want to see their reaction to your announcement. Everyone ought to know by then if your announcement is in the paper today—that is what you were killing a moment ago, was it not?—but you should give a little speech, all the same."

"I am sure that you are right."

Georgiana spent the duration of her meal thinking of their reply to her Aunt. As Fitzwilliam made his way to the study to attend to some business matters, she quickly penned a confirmation for dinner.

The carriage was made ready when Mr. Bingley broke his fast enjoying Georgiana's conversation about the lovely Miss Bennet. He glanced at the announcement in the Times without concern. He was thrilled to know that the announcement was made and that society was aware that Miss Jane Bennet would soon lose her last name in favor of his.

P&P

Elizabeth had just finished helping her cousins with some simple addition and was descending the stairs when the Darcys' arrived. She smiled brightly and greeted Georgiana before capturing Fitzwilliam's attention.

Once his gloves were handed to the housekeeper he met Elizabeth's smiling eyes and captured both her hands, taking her fingers close for a kiss. He held her away from him a moment to admire her and said, "How well you look, my lovely Elizabeth."

She laughed and bobbed a little courtesy while he still possessed her hand. Noticing that they were left in semi-privacy, she stepped closer to him and said quietly, "Thank you. It is amazing what can be done with a bit of cloth and thread."

"Nonsense." He stroked her cheek with the back of his fingertips once he freed one of her hands.

"I have changed so much from yesterday? You must have had a long night."

Without you, yes. Fitzwilliam did not reply, instead he gave her a lopsided grin and tucked her hand in the crook of his arm to escort her to the drawing room. "Elizabeth, my Aunt Helen is having a family dinner party this evening. I would like for you to come with Georgiana and I. Is that acceptable to you? Bingley was also invited; he will invite your sister. Can you be ready at half past five?"

They walked in the room together and stood by the door. Her head was tilted with an eyebrow raised, "Of course. Did you just learn of your Aunt's party?" At his positive reply, she gave an incredulous smile. "I see. Then I will join you and Georgiana in your carriage and the others will follow later."

Fitzwilliam would have continued to converse quietly with Elizabeth if Mrs. Gardiner had not asked, "Where is Mr. Bingley?"

"He went to see his sisters. He should meet us here shortly."

Jane smiled at the intelligence and turned to Georgiana with a comment on the weather.

P&P

Across town, Mr. Bingley sat in the drawing room of the Hurst townhouse drinking calmly from a cup of coffee as his sister paced agitatedly in front of him.

"Good grief, Caroline. Do stop. I would be surprised if Charles is not dizzy from watching you." Louisa Hurst scolded when she walked into the room from behind. "Is there a tea service on the tray?" Charles gave her a smile in answer to her question—and for rescuing him.

"Excellent." Louisa said sitting in a nearby chair. "What has our sister so distressed, Charles?"

He pursed his lips, raised a brow and shrugged. "Does Caroline need a reason to act … twitchy?"

Caroline's eyes narrowed at her siblings. "I am right here and I am not twitchy! Do cease behaving as though I am not standing in the same room."

Louisa fixed herself a cup of tea and took a sip while watching her sister. Caroline had been in a fluctuating emotional state since her arrival a few days before. She was unhappy that she could not be close to Mr. Darcy to fight for his affection. She was annoyed that Charles was not staying at the Hurst home where she could influence him. She was irritated that Louisa was not interested in attending balls or traipsing all over London's fashionable districts or salons.

Caroline was not inclined to sit still. She was at a loss and had felt a sense of powerlessness since reading the announcement in the morning paper. How could she fight for what should rightfully be hers when she had to stay at the Hurst's house? To top it all Charles and those Bennets were to go to Lady Matlock's dinner party, and she was not invited! She sighed noisily.

P&P

Lady Catherine De Bourgh sat in her large, dark salon staring with narrowed eyes at the fire in the grand fireplace before her. Her fingers drummed on the paper in her lap as she considered the betrothal announcement of her nephew. It was clearly a surprise to London that Darcy chose the second daughter of an inconsequential gentleman. The paper was complimentary to her nephew Darcy. It mentioned her brother; however, it failed to mention her.

"What is to be done?"

It was a rhetorical question asked to the emptiness of the room.


AN: SORRY SORRY this took so long. I have to admit that I got involved in another story (gasp!) and life craziness. But I am still excited about finishing this and hope to update more consistently.

What do you think Lady Catherine will do? How about Caroline? Any thoughts about the characters who will show up at the Matlock shindig?