CH. 18 Matlock's Party
"My Lord, the Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Sir & Lady Elliot." The butler announced before turning on his heel and stiffly walking from the room.
Lord Matlock stood with a smile directed to his friends. "I am so glad you were able to join our little party. Please allow me to introduce you." The newcomers stepped forward to join the group assembled in the center of the room as Lord Matlock introduced the Darcys, Bennets, Gardiners, and then Mr. Bingley. Mr. Darcy stood to the side of the fireplace and nodded his head to greet his acquaintances', hoping that no more guests were invited.
The Gardiners, Bennets and Mr. Bingley bowed or curtsied to show respect and acknowledge the new members of their party. Mrs. Bennet nervously fluttered her fan to calm herself—she had just met a Duke!—as Jane smiled shyly and put a comforting hand on her mother's shoulder to calm her movements. Elizabeth assessed the characters of the new people around her and found it amusing to be introduced before the other members of her immediate family.
"Christiana, I was so very happy to hear that you were in town." Lady Matlock gushed to her friend, the Duchess, taking her hand. "You look wonderful. Your travels must have agreed with you, Your Grace."
The Duchess laughed lightly, "Yes, the scenery was wonderful. Very green. Even so, I must confess that I am delighted to be home. It has been too long since I have enjoyed the amusements to be had in town or with my friends." She then looked at Elizabeth with a slight incline of her head and curiosity in her eyes. "Helen, I understand from the paper that your family is soon to grow. May I be the first to offer my congratulations?"
Elizabeth noticed that Darcy's attention was centered on their conversation, rather than the discourse the other gentlemen were engaged in regarding Rutland's travels and French politics. She had no reason to feel apprehensive and thought that the Duchess seemed to be a friendly sort. She already understood that Lady Matlock had hosted the dinner party to show support of the betrothal. However, she could not help feeling like an item on display to showcase her suitability for the office of Mr. Darcy's wife, rather than a welcome addition to the family.
Lady Matlock turned to Elizabeth to include her in the exchange, "Indeed, it is true. I do believe that Elizabeth shall make an admirable Mrs. Darcy and, I am certain that my nephew shall be very happy. I have so enjoyed the last few days."
Lady Elliot edged closer to the talking ladies after speaking politely to Jane and Mrs. Bennet about the weather. The Duchess of Rutland ignored the other Lady, "I imagine so. It will be so nice for you to have another young lady to shop with. I daresay that all the men in your household cannot possibly make up for the company of another woman. Miss Elizabeth, I would very much like to hear how you came to be engaged to Darcy. I do love a good story!"
Lady Elliot could not contain herself any longer, "Oh yes! I am also intrigued. It must be a romantic tale you have to tell." Though she tried to sound nonchalant, it was obvious that she was eager for as much gossip as the night afforded. She had been hard pressed to sit still in the carriage on the ride to the Matlock's townhouse, her husband had teased her unmercifully.
Elizabeth glanced at Jane, who stood and smiled at her encouragingly, then at Darcy, meeting his eyes in quiet communication. She smiled and returned her gaze to the inquiring ladies. Using her hand to trace the top of her wine goblet, she replied, "I appreciate your interest, but I must confess that our courtship did not have a romantic beginning. I believe I can speak for Mr. Darcy as well, we are both very happy with the outcome of our chance encounters and look forward to our future together."
Elizabeth might have added more by way of explanation, but was interrupted by the announcement that dinner was ready to be served. Darcy stepped forward to offer his arm to Elizabeth and escort her to the dining room after his aunt and uncle. Rather than wait for her grandson to escort her, the Dowager Countess linked her arm through Georgiana's with a mischievous smile and proceeded to the dining room. Colonel Fitzwilliam graciously offered to escort Mrs. Bennet—who giggled when she took his offered arm—after the other guests moved to leave the room.
Mr. Bingley smiled happily with Jane on his arm as they trailed behind the rest of the party. "I do believe your sister is to be the center of attention tonight." Mr. Bingley said quietly to Jane.
She nodded, "Indeed. I am certain that Lizzy is the only person alive who could withstand the interrogation with her humor intact."
Bingley replied, "What faith! Rest assured that I have no surprise relatives to acquaint you with." She smiled at his teasing and briefly squeezed his arm to communicate her fondness for him.
When they reached the dining room Darcy was assisting Elizabeth with her chair as Lady Matlock looked on in approval. Mr. Bingley likewise assisted Jane in her seat by Elizabeth, before taking his place between his betrothed and Mrs. Bennet.
Lady Matlock had spent a great deal of time contemplating the seating arrangements before giving orders to the staff. The only obvious seating placements were those belonging to the Countess and the Earl. The best seating design provides guests with tolerable eating partners and conversation. Lady Matlock sat with Darcy and the Duchess of Rutland, her particular friend. She sat her husband by his mother, and his good friend, Sir Elliot. The Gardiners, Lady Elliot, and Mrs. Bennet were also closer situated to Richard. As the group settled in their seats, Lady Matlock noted that she would most likely owe her husband an apology for seating him in close proximately to the silliest guests.
The Duchess looked across the table to Darcy and Elizabeth once she was comfortably situated. She waited for a footman to place a napkin on her lap before asking, "Will you continue your tale, Miss Bennet? Where did you meet? When did Darcy propose marriage? His dear Aunt has been impatient for many years for him to choose a bride." She very much enjoyed the expression of annoyance Darcy tried to suppress at her comment when the memory of their courtship, including their misunderstanding and his first proposal, came to mind.
Elizabeth quelled the urge to look at her fiancé before she answered with good humor, "So many questions? We met for the first time at an assembly in Meryton some time ago. Since that time, there were several chance encounters that allowed us the opportunity to understand one another. It was a happy coincidence when Mr. Darcy appeared during my trip to Hunsford to visit with my good friend, and then again when I traveled to Derbyshire with my Aunt and Uncle. We have not been engaged for long." As she spoke, bowls of soup were set in front of each person for the first course. She felt Darcy's gaze upon her as she spoke. Elizabeth had no plans to reveal the truth about the precarious beginning to their relationship, nor the particulars of Darcy's first proposal. She picked up her spoon and sampled her soup. After a moment she added, "I must own my happiness at the title. It might be too much to hope that the rest of society shares my feelings on the subject."
Darcy felt a quiet pride for Elizabeth, his bride, Elizabeth. Of course she would not share any history that could cause shame or unfortunate gossip—she is much too clever. With a thoughtful expression, he allowed himself the luxury of daydreaming for a moment while he sampled his dish. Soon we shall stand before a vicar and pledge ourselves to one another. I will take her home to Pemberley where we will enjoy the quiet of the countryside and have time to leisurely share secrets and private moments as a family.
The waking reverie of the past week crumbled under the onslaught of his thoughts, the reality of their engagement and imminent future together seemed real at last. Darcy sat up straighter and attended to his meal and the question that his Aunt directed to him.
"How long do you anticipate being in town, William?"
"A fortnight to finish out the month. The ladies need time to prepare for the wedding, and would like some weeks to spend with their family before we wed."
"That will do." Lady Matlock replied considering all the planning that a wedding required and the steps needed to integrate Darcy's bride in to aristocratic society. "Elizabeth, I am certain this is to be a busy trip for you, but if you will allow it, I would like to spend some time with you to shop and make morning calls. Perhaps after the ball Monday next—possibly also after Thursday's opera—you might come here to receive guests with me."
Elizabeth took a moment to consider as the soup bowls were taken away and a new course was brought to the table. Her main concern was distributing her time between purchasing necessary items for her wedding and spending quality time with her family and Darcy. She understood that she would have a social duty to fulfill once she was wed, but was not certain to what extent that duty must be satisfied prior to changing her name. She made a mental note to discuss the subject with Darcy, until then, she had no intention of allowing Lady Matlock to extract a promise from her. "I am flattered, My Lady—"
"Helen." Lady Matlock interrupted.
Elizabeth nodded, "Helen. I should very much like the opportunity to know you better. However, I cannot say what my schedule is at this moment. I will hone down an itinerary with my family and Fitzwilliam soon, and send you a note."
Helen took a bite of her vegetable and used the occasion to chew in order to contemplate what Elizabeth did not vocalize. Elizabeth did not agree to any calls or social possibilities. However, she was gratified to know that Elizabeth possessed tact. "Indeed. I warn you that I can wait no longer than a day. There is much to be done, after all."
Georgiana had been listening since being seated and watched the reactions exhibited by her brother and Elizabeth. She soon decided to steer the conversation by asking Elizabeth and Jane about the wedding plans. Sadly, before she could, Mrs. Bennet's loud voice carried around the table as she excitedly answered an inquiry from Lady Elliot. "Oh Yes! It is so wonderful to watch love take its course. I did think that Mr. Bingley was surely going to propose some months ago, and then Jane would have been married by now. But, alas, it was not to be. Now both girls are engaged and determined to share a wedding! How content would you feel, to be so hindered, prevented from the joy of planning a large wedding for each daughter?" She sighed dramatically, "I suppose it is all well and good that they are content to share such an important event."
Mrs. Bennet had the attention of each person around the table; her voice resonated around the room as a result of the excellent acoustics. The two engaged couples reacted by turning red and intently studying their plates. Elizabeth made an effort to smile at Georgiana and lightly brush her fingers on Darcy's wrist to both offer and receive comfort. The Duke and Earl both stared wide-eyed in astonishment.
With a gentle voice, Georgiana came to the defense of her future sister, "I think their wedding will be beautiful and very romantic. It makes perfect sense for there to be only one wedding! Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth are as close as sisters can be, and Mr. Bingley and my brother are good friends—with their vows they will become brothers as well." Mrs. Gardiner, sitting on Georgiana's left, smiled fondly at her to acknowledge Georgiana's words and offer support for her bravery.
The dowager Countess put down her fork and pushed her plate aside. "What a blessing to have only one wedding to plan than two. So very accommodating of them. It would be a shame to put unnecessary stress on you; after all, they wouldn't want you to lose your hair prematurely."
The Colonel, seated next to his grandmother, smiled and gave her a pat on the back as if she were one of his comrades in the Militia. Mr. Gardiner watched the event unfold and coughed politely into his napkin to stifle a laugh under Mrs. Gardiner's playful glare.
Lady Elliot was enjoying herself immensely. She was originally unhappy to be seated so far away from the engaged couple of interest, however found that she could get a sufficient amount of intelligence from Mrs. Bennet. Her favorite pastime was conversation with anyone regarding anything. Through the course of her two and forty years, she had discovered that each exchange had value. Consequentially, she was a very good listener and easily made new friends with persons who could be described as chinwaggers. Mrs. Bennet liked Lady Elliot very well and enjoyed the discourse she had throughout dinner.
Lady Matlock became vastly relieved over the seating arrangements after Mrs. Bennet's outburst. She did not show her shock as well as her husband (she was British, after all). Instead, she chose to be amused that the young, well-mannered Bennet ladies were reared by such a woman. She grew more resolved to secure Elizabeth Bennet, and perhaps Jane as well, for social calls and introductions sans Mrs. Bennet.
AN: Seating arrangements:
Sir E, LE, Mrs. Ben, Mr. Bingley, Jane, Lizzy, Darcy
Matlock LM
Gran, Col., Mr. G, Mrs. G, Georgie, Rutland, LR
A most interesting group of people… but the night isn't over yet!
If you have any ideas I would love to hear them! I am still writing so maybe I can incorporate more… After all, there is so much that can happen with new characters and, let's not forget, the characters who were not invited to dinner.
As always thank you for reviewing and sharing your thoughts with me.
