CH. 19 Aftermath

When Elizabeth was handed into the Darcy carriage after Georgiana, she let out a sigh as her betrothed settled next to her on the seat without releasing her hand. She was vastly relieved that the evening was approaching its end and communicated her feelings to Darcy with a glance. He returned the sentiment with a half-hearted smile.

Her spirits lifted when she took in his nearness. There was not a single moment during the course of the evening when she did not sense his near presence, support or quiet pride.

One Hour Prior

During the course of the dinner and later when the party gathered for coffee, music, and cards in the drawing room, Mrs. Bennet and Lady Elliot enjoyed the evening discourse. Some quiet discussions would include the other ladies or the Colonel. Other much louder exclamations were brought on by 'innocent' questioning from Lady Elliot. One such comment was made while Georgiana played the square grand piano softly in the background, "You must be so proud, Mrs. Bennet! To have your daughters attract the attentions of such illustrious and handsome men. I am all astonishment that the courtship periods did not end in an engagement sooner, when your daughters have such pleasing manners and lovely features."

Mrs. Bennet could not help her excitement in delving into the subject, yet again. "Indeed. My daughters have been called the beauties of Hertfordshire. I was certain that Mr. Bingley would propose right away—as I said before—being he and Jane seemed immediately attached. But then he went away to London and was not heard from for several months until he returned with a shooting party. Mr. Darcy though... My, was I surprised! I did not think my Lizzy liked him after he insulted her by declaring her beauty as merely tolerable. I am happy that they made friends after that unfortunate meeting. Elizabeth has declared that she is to be the happiest of women, for who could not be, married to Mr. Darcy?"

Elizabeth was mortified by the knowledge her mother divulged. Her face burned red as she quickly commented to discourage the discussion. "Mama, it will not do to dwell on misunderstandings such as these. I prefer to look on the past as its remembrance gives pleasure and I am excessively glad for all the time we have had to know each other." She was not only speaking of her relationship with Mr. Darcy, but also speaking for Jane, who was intently studying the lace on her lap.

Mrs. Gardiner began to feel fatigued and took Elizabeth's statement as a cue. She whispered to her husband who graciously thanked their hosts and requested their carriage. Sir Elliot and the Duke of Rutland also made their excuses and thanked the Matlocks, planning to leave at the same time. Once the Gardiner carriage was announced ready for their departure, Mrs. Bennet, Jane and Bingley were ushered out of the drawing room by Mr. Gardiner.

In the course of the evening, Matlock had questioned Mr. Gardiner about his trade, and before their departure had requested to call on him regarding business matters. Mr. Gardiner was happy to oblige and a time was set. Edward Gardiner was always on the lookout for an opportunity to further his business dealings and thus benefit his family. Even with the odd moments during the dinner party, he thought it was an overall successful evening when new friends were made.

Lady Matlock had enjoyed the conversation with Jane and Mrs. Gardiner very well. She told Mrs. Gardiner that she would like to call on her in two days and also spend some time with Elizabeth and Jane. The plan was agreed to and the guests left the Matlock's home in good spirits expecting the Darcy carriage to leave shortly thereafter.

The Duchess of Rutland gave Lady Matlock a farewell hug and quietly communicated their plans for the next day. They were to meet for an early tea and then venture to Bond Street to walk around the shops. The Duchess had agreed to help Helen launch Elizabeth into society. The plan was to discuss which entertainments Elizabeth and Darcy should be seen at and whom to call on, while enjoying their friendship for the afternoon. The Rutlands were soon out the door followed by Sir and Lady Elliot.

Sir Elliot bowed before parting. He had earlier enjoyed a cheroot with the Earl while discussing Coleridge's recent lecture and requested to be informed about the outcome of the conference with Mr. Gardiner. He was interested in investing ventures and since Richard seemed fascinated, his curiosity was piqued. Sir Elliot was a regular at the popular gentlemen's clubs and card tables where gentlemen frequently enjoy libations and conversation; he planned to inquire about trade ventures and—more specifically— Mr. Gardiner's success.

Lady Elliot was very gracious when she thanked Lady Matlock for that evening's invitation, introductions, and wonderful meal. Sir Elliot nearly had to drag his wife to the carriage.

Darcy had asked for his carriage to be made ready as soon as Rutland's and Elliot's were prepared. The Gardiners had decided not to change the carriage arrangements; rather Darcy, Elizabeth and Georgiana were to meet back at the Gardiner's home shortly.

Lady Matlock said to the remaining group, "It is a shame that Geoffrey's brother, Stephen, and his wife, Marlene, could not be here tonight. I expect their ship to come into port in the next week or so. They have been on their wedding trip."

Elizabeth smiled, "I look forward to meeting them. I do hope they will be able to come to our wedding."

Lady Esther answered, "Stephen might be encouraged to come. It is best to have one token dull guest."

Lady Matlock frowned at her mother-in-law and hushed her just as the butler announced that the Darcy carriage was ready.

The Colonel had laughed at his grandmother's comment, "I am certain the guests at Darcy's wedding are sure to be entertained by the variety of personalities. Lady Catherine will be sure to frown and order about all who care to listen, while her parson grovels at her feet and moralizes the assembled to tears. Stephen will be in good company. I am curious how his new wife shall perform."

The Earl shook his head at his son, "For shame."

Darcy countered, "I highly doubt that Lady Catherine will show herself at our wedding. She has made her position quite clear, as did I." Elizabeth smiled.

The Earl offered goodbyes to the Darcys as Lady Matlock walked into the hall with Georgiana and Elizabeth to collect their wraps.

As the Darcys and Elizabeth were discussing plans for the Opera on Thursday with Lady Matlock, the bell began ringing unduly, attracting the attention of the Colonel, Earl and dowager Countess who were enticed away from the drawing room. Everyone stood in the foyer as the butler was nearly flattened by a disgruntled Lady Catherine when the door was opened to admit the unwelcome guest.

"Richard, I must speak to you at once." Her voice boomed before she stopped, noticing the assembled. "Oh good. You are here! I must speak to you about our nephew!"

Darcy coughed and stepped forward. His head was high and he looked ready to take on a hungry lion in an effort to shelter his beloved future wife and sister from the talons of his least-favorite relation. "Lady Catherine, I suggest you watch your tongue." He then gestured to the other ladies, "You remember Miss Elizabeth Bennet I presume, my fiancée. Georgiana is also present."

Lady Catherine ignored his polite indication to perform the niceties of greeting the gathered. "Well, Nephew, you have some nerve bringing Miss Bennet here! Richard, I would expect your wife to invite her here, but you? What do you mean by it? Inviting this impertinent fortune hunter and allowing her to come into the family—I will not have it."

Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at the Lady. She remembered her last meeting with Lady Catherine rather vividly and was happy to relinquish the duty of defying her Ladyship to Darcy. However, before Darcy could say another word, his grandmother said strongly, "Enough, Catherine! I will not have it. Come into the drawing room and we shall talk as a family ought. It seems my bed will have to wait a while longer." With that she turned and made her way back through the double doors and requested drinks from a footman.

The group made their way back into the drawing room after Lady Catherine. Darcy offered his arm to Elizabeth and Georgiana to escort them, he hoped to bring comfort to them and also draw strength from their nearness as well. Elizabeth applied pressure to his forearm in reciprocation.

Georgiana whispered aside to her brother, "What does she believe she is achieving? She cannot think this behavior is endearing us to her." Darcy had no answer for her. He shook his head and tightened his lips to communicate his frustration in seeing his Aunt again only a fortnight after their last meeting. She has some nerve, he thought to himself.

Lady Catherine made her way to the center of the room and faced the rest of the party. "I am extremely displeased. After reading that disaster of a wedding announcement, I knew that my presence was needed. I came…"

"Do stop, Catherine." Her brother said, holding up a hand to cut off her speech. "The day has been long and I have little patience for your prattle. It is clear that you are unhappy. However, Darcy is a big boy. His decision for a wife has been made and after spending the evening with them both, I can honestly say that she is a lovely young lady and they complement each other well."

Lady Catherine interjected while pointing a finger at Darcy, "He has been betrothed to my daughter since infancy!"

Matlock scoffed, "Posh!"

Lady Esther, the dowager Countess, had found a seat and her glass by this time. She had been studying Elizabeth's countenance and was satisfied that the girl did not seem to be overtly affected by her daughter's loose tongue. "I wish I could say that I am surprised by your uninvited arrival, my dear, though I cannot. It has always been in your nature to stick your nose where it does not belong. Pray, are you seriously surprised that William has chosen Elizabeth over Anne?"

Lady Catherine's eyes were round as saucers. "Anne is your granddaughter. Are you so unfeeling?"

"Certainly not! I am fond of Anne. However, you must consider her lack of accomplishments and unsuitability as a wife. Were I a man, I would not be disposed to consider a woman who needs a full-time nursemaid and probably could not carry a babe to term in her womb."

Lady Catherine reddened. The Earl loudly said, "Mother!" just as Darcy interjected, "This is hardly a discussion to have with maidens in the room!"

As worried about Georgiana's presence as Darcy seemed to be, Georgiana was equally annoyed by the conversation and the twist to the evening's end. She was not surprised by her grandmother's words. Although it had never been verbally acknowledged by the family, it was not a secret that Anne had a weak constitution and would for the rest of her days. The crux of the matter is that Gran was likely right in her assessment.

Lady Matlock could not stand for the arguing any longer. "That is enough. Catherine, I am sorry that you find the news so unwelcoming. I am only happy that our nephew has chosen a wife. Elizabeth will make him happy. Anne will not, or she would now be betrothed to William. In any case, there is nothing you can do about it other than find some other gentleman you can order about to marry your daughter. Now, I am certain that you are very tired, as we all are. William needs to take Elizabeth and Georgiana home to rest. Will you be leaving or are you disposed to stay the night? I can escort you to a guest chamber."

Lady Catherine felt insulted. She had not been able to get a word in edgewise and was dismissed by her relations. She had carefully thought out her arguments on the trip to London to no avail. "I am leaving." She stated. Then, deciding to change tactic, approached Elizabeth, "Miss Bennet, I am seriously displeased. You must have a talent for sorcery to so ensnare my nephew and persuade him to disregard his familial obligations."

"You are wrong, Lady Catherine." Elizabeth stated with her head held high, still holding Darcy's arm. "I have done nothing to him that he has not done to me. By having tender feelings for one another, we have not deliberately injured you nor Miss De Bourgh. I will only apologize for your high hopes."

"Selfish, headstrong girl!" She screeched then continued with no regard. "What do feelings have to do with marriage? You are a clever one, are you not? To take a man ten times your consequence and drag his name and honor through the mud with you?"

Darcy moved to block Elizabeth from his mad Aunt, "That is enough. You overstep, Aunt." In a low, deadly voice he continued to stare her down. "You will never speak to Elizabeth in that way again. If you have grievances you will speak only to me. For now, I suggest you leave before you say anything more that you shall regret. Do remember that it is I who oversee your estate and financials. It would cause me no ill will to hand that duty back to you or my Uncle, and be done with you forever."

At the end of Darcy's speech, Lady Catherine De Bourgh was white. She simply said, "Goodnight," and took her leave as Lady Matlock downed her glass of sherry and the Earl snorted.

Fitzwilliam Darcy did not turn to watch her leave. His face was a mask of rage evidenced by a contracting muscle in his jaw. He swallowed and thawed when Elizabeth reached out for his arm. When he looked at her, she quietly said, "I believe we have had enough excitement for the night."

Darcy agreed. He asked Georgiana if she was well enough to leave and they began the task of thanking the Matlocks once again.

The Colonel pounded on Darcy's back with a smile and went to Georgiana, offering her a hug he whispered in her ear, "Don't do anything I wouldn't do," earning him a giggle from his charge.

Before Elizabeth was handed into the carriage, Lord Matlock bowed over her hand and said with an affectionate eye, "I am pleased to know that my nephew has made such a fine choice."

Darcy touched the brim of his hat and nodded to his uncle before stepping into the carriage.

While Elizabeth ruminated over the events of the day, Darcy noticed Georgiana's body slump against the corner of the carriage and her eyes close across from them. The drive was not far to Gracechurch Street, so Darcy chose to take full advantage of the time he had alone with Elizabeth. He turned to her and gathered both of her hands, receiving her undivided attention.

"I am sorry for my Aunt, dearest." He said quietly.

"Fitzwilliam, that is a phrase that should never be uttered. You cannot be responsible for the actions of others. I am only grateful that you were at my side." She glanced over at his sleeping sister and leaned closer to him. "Let us think of more pleasant things."

His voice sounded rough when he replied, "Yes." He allowed one arm to slip around her as her head rested on his shoulder. For a moment he held her close. "We have not had much time alone."

She replied, "I am sorry for it."

He chuckled, "Are we to argue about everything? There is no help for it and no one to blame. We ought to look toward the future. One month more is not so long to endure."

"No?" She sighed and felt his chest vibrate again with his amusement. She lifted her head to look into his eyes which were dark in the dim light from the lantern. Hesitantly she murmured, "Before we get to my Aunt and Uncle's, will you bid me goodnight?"

All amusement fled his countenance as he searched her eyes before dropping his gaze to her parted lips. He lowered his head to bestow a kiss on her waiting lips. Her hand found his face and held him close for the moment before he withdrew. He rested his chin on her head and stroked her hair. "I hope you have pleasant dreams, my love."

"I am certain that I shall." She said as the carriage came to a stop. "I love you, William."

P&P

Darcy, Bingley and Georgiana arrived at Darcy House at a late hour. Fitzwilliam had planned to follow his tired sister and friend straight up the curving staircase, but was stopped by his butler.

"Sir, this arrived for you earlier this evening by express. I believe it is urgent." The man offered him a letter, bowed and went down the hallway to extinguish candles on the first level of the manse.

Darcy studied the De Bourgh seal with trepidation before stepping into his study to read it by the light of the fire.

Dear William,

Be not alarmed by this note. I realize that I have not been a diligent correspondent, please forgive me.

My purpose in writing to you is simply to warn you. Mother has been on a terrible tirade and intends to rush to London. I do not know if she is capable of carrying out some of her more horrible schemes—like informing the paper that your engagement has been dissolved.

I hope you get this before any harm can be done. I wish you and Miss Bennet every happiness and harbor no ill feelings toward you regarding the false engagement between us both. We are not well suited.

Your Cousin, Anne

P.S. I will not blame you if you choose to forsake Mother in the future. I will ask that you not forget me. I do believe I am always ill because I have never had the occasion to enjoy life. I would welcome an invitation to Pemberley (without Mother) to be with Georgiana and I should very much like Elizabeth to think of me as a friend.


AN: Thank you for your wonderful comments and suggestions!
One guest post made mention to Samuel Coleridge's lecture (which I did make reference to in this chapter). I loved your suggestion to bribe Mr. Bennet to London with admission; however, if the lecture took place on the 10
th and this dinner takes place on Sunday the 18th, the timeline does not match up. (I have generated a calendar of 1812 to refer to and coincide with the story.)

I enjoyed writing this and hope I was able to portray each character during the party. Do you think Anne will have an influential role in the story? What kind of nuisance and trouble will Lady Matlock and the Duchess of Rutland be for Elizabeth and Darcy? When will Caroline force herself into the story?