CH. 20 A Day for a Picnic
The morning dawned through the dense layer of fog. Elizabeth embraced her morning with a thick wrap around her shoulders, observing out the open window as the city inhabitants began moving about. It was a different perspective to watch as servants and workers bustled about unaware of her observations. The air seemed so tranquil in the early hours of the day. It had always been Elizabeth's favorite time of day, a time of reflection and peace.
She sighed, unsure of whether she wanted to revisit Lady Catherine's social call the previous night. As much as she wanted to confide in Jane and discuss her feelings of inadequacy and annoyance, she would much rather deliberate her thoughts with Mr. Darcy. Jane had always been a great comfort to her since Jane's disposition was so mild, optimistic, and trusting. Conversely, Mr. Darcy was not a naturally trusting individual; he was a man of action and deep thought who gave her pronounced comfort by his mere presence, his gaze, and his embrace.
The thought of Darcy's embrace caused gooseflesh to rise on her arms and a smile to appear on her face.
No, she decided, she would not confide in her sister this morning. Darcy had briefly told her Uncle Gardiner about the unexpected visit when they returned to Gracechurch Street later than anticipated the night before. Elizabeth expected her Aunt to ask questions later. It would be best to collect her thoughts and talk to Jane and her Aunt at the same time.
Across town, Darcy had dressed early to make inquiries of local newspapers and gossip columns. He had spent half the night staring into the fire after receiving Anne's letter, thinking of all the avenues of destruction his Aunt might have perceived. He wrote letters to Mrs. Reynolds and his steward, Mr. Fellows, at Pemberley. Then he wrote a brief note to Mr. Bennet to apprise him of his Aunt's visit—in case she chose to visit at Longbourn—and ask about his meeting with the vicar.
Once he finished with damage control correspondence and rubbed his temples, the soft sounds of the pianoforte began to stream into the hall from the music room. With a small smile he listened to a selection from Handel's Water Music for a moment before wandering to the music room, passing his letters to the butler on his way.
Georgiana did not notice her brother for several minutes. When she looked up and noticed him leaning against the wall molding, she finished playing when she reached the end of the page.
Georgiana was about to stand when Fitzwilliam raised his hand, told her to keep her seat, and walked forward. He took a seat close to her and said, "That was lovely, Georgie. I do hope you had a restful night."
She smiled knowingly, "Better than you, I am sure. What is the matter? Has something happened?"
Fitzwilliam's expression was fixed straight ahead of him with Georgiana in his peripheral vision. "I am well. What makes you ask?"
"William, I am well aware of your habits. When you join me before breaking the fast without looking at me, I am very certain that something is amiss. Does it have to do with the letter you received last night? Or our lovely Aunt Catherine?"
He smirked and met his sister's eyes. With every passing day, he learned how astute she had become and was rather proud of the lady she was growing to be. "Both. I have been about this day to ensure that Lady Catherine cannot cause more mayhem. The letter was from Anne."
Georgiana seemed surprised, but did nothing but nod.
"Georgiana, would you be adverse to the idea of Anne spending some time at Pemberley with you?"
She smiled, "Not at all."
They continued to chat a few moments. Before the discussion ended, Fitzwilliam assured his sister that Lady Catherine would not be welcome at Pemberley for some time, and only when she is able treat Elizabeth with the respect due its Mistress.
Darcy escorted his sister to the breakfast room and felt considerately better having her company. Bingley joined them before Darcy's coffee was poured and they enjoyed the morning together. Bingley was usually a night person, but was still a very congenial companion in the morning -after the nine o'clock hour. He talked happily about dinner the previous night and how well Jane looked before inquiring about the day's activities.
Enjoying his meal, Darcy was content to listen to the discussion between Bingley and his sister ramble on about possibilities. They had agreed to take the Gardiner children on a picnic today and stay for supper.
Georgiana said to no one in particular, "We should have Cook prepare a basket of victuals to supplement to what the Gardiners prepare. I wonder what fruit selections are available."
Darcy at last joined the conversation, "That is a grand idea, Georgiana. The day promises to be a pleasant one, if a bit breezy. We should make ready two landau carriages and drive to the gardens at Lincoln's Inn, if Mrs. Gardiner permits. Another day I should like to escort the ladies to the Queen's Gardens. Elizabeth would enjoy the walk and scenery."
Bingley smiled and nodded while chewing.
Georgiana rejoined, "You must also find time for Vauxhall Gardens as well! I still remember the men walking on stilts and the stage performance we viewed last May. Would they have activities this time of year?"
Bingley nodded enthusiastically before Darcy could reply. "Indeed. That would be capital! I am certain there are some entertainments to be had there. What say you Darcy?"
"I think it is worth looking into. I shall find out the entertainment schedule."
Arrangements were soon made for the picnic and transportation. The gentlemen were as eager to visit at Gracechurch Street as Georgiana was. With each passing day, Elizabeth, Jane, and Mrs. Gardiner progressively resembled family more to her. She anticipated the day at the park to play with the children—she had no previous experience with children—so Jane might have time to talk to her Mr. Bingley and Elizabeth may have time with her brother.
Stepping into the carriage, Georgiana spared a thought for the four young Gardiners. They were very charming and good company during the small amount of time she had previously spent with them. Georgiana hoped the Gardiner children would understand that their dear cousins needed the time with their fiancés, and would assist her endeavors. With luck they would be content with her attentions.
P&P
At the house on Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth and Jane sat with Mrs. Gardiner working on their embroidery while anticipating the arrival of the gentlemen. Mrs. Bennet sat at the secretary in the opposite corner of the room writing a long letter to Mr. Bennet about gowns, shopping, dinner with an Earl and a Duke, and the general appeals of London. Consequently, Mrs. Bennet completely ignored the discussion between the other three ladies.
Mrs. Gardiner, as anticipated, questioned Elizabeth about Lady Catherine. They kept their voices very low aspiring to keep the conversation to themselves.
"I am quite glad you missed the whole of it," Elizabeth said. "I cannot imagine how Mr. Darcy would have tolerated the woman as his mother, if he had chosen to marry his cousin. I would have felt rather sorry for him. By marriage he would have gained a dull wife, a dragon for a mother and a groveling rector."
Jane looked pained at the intelligence of Lady Catherine's condescension. "For shame, Lizzy. Do be serious. It is so good that you are to marry Mr. Darcy. If not, you should both be suffering a broken heart and difficult relations."
Elizabeth did her best to stifle a laugh. "It is further proof that Serendipity has a sense of humor. No one shall be spared the suffering of silly relations, regardless of consequence."
Mrs. Gardiner disregarded her statement, and said, "Is she so disappointed in Mr. Darcy's decisions that she feels affronted?"
Elizabeth answered, "I believe it has more to do with controlling the world around her. She is unhappy because she failed to influence him to perform her bidding. As happy as I am that you were not there to witness the spectacle, I must say that Mr. Darcy was marvelous under the pressure of confrontation. He said, in no uncertain terms, that he would gladly renounce the duty of seeing to her property and finances if she did not cease her foolishness."
Mrs. Gardiner smiled at the pride she saw in Elizabeth's expression. "It seems that your Mr. Darcy takes much upon himself, and has a cunning to match your own. I suspected as much when we met him at Pemberley, but I am pleased to know it all the same."
The Darcys and Mr. Bingley were announced shortly thereafter. Mrs. Bennet gleefully put her letter aside to exclaim to her favorite future son-in-law. "The Matlocks were lovely. We had such an agreeable evening. Such nice manners and dinner was a culinary masterpiece! I am so happy to know them. You have such wonderful relations. Yes, you are lucky indeed."
Darcy was embarrassed by the exuberant attention given to him, but aptly hid his feelings by lifting his brow skeptically and meeting Elizabeth's eye briefly. He bowed at Mrs. Bennet and replied, "I thank you. The Matlocks are very good indeed. They will be happy to know that you enjoyed yourself." Then he took a few quick strides to Elizabeth's side to avoid any more attention from Mrs. Bennet.
Elizabeth smiled at her betrothed when he stood by her and quietly said that she had not informed her mother about the end of their evening. He nodded before offering a proper greeting by taking her hand and bestowing a kiss to her knuckles. His eyes twinkled when he replied for her ears alone, "I own that you know best. After all, your mother might not appreciate to know the liberties that were shared in my moving carriage."
Her pretty blush was an adequate reward for his teasing.
Mr. Bingley and Georgiana were quick to discuss their plans for a picnic. Mrs. Gardiner readily gave permission to the scheme and excused herself to make arrangements with the kitchen staff and ready the children—who literally jumped up and down in their excitement.
Mrs. Bennet seemed pleased that the lovers would be seen in public together and the children would be out of the house. She happily waved them off and went back to all the duties she created for herself.
By the time the group was situated among the carriages, the fog had lifted. The air was cool but the sun warm enough for the hood to be parted. The carriage ride was an enjoyable experience for the children who asked dozens of questions of their cousins and their beaux. The young boys, Michael and Benjamin, rode in one carriage next to Jane, across from Bingley who looked on happily answering any questions that his attention required, while imagining Jane with their own children.
The oldest Gardiner children, Ellen and Sally, rode with Georgiana and allowed Elizabeth to sit next to Darcy. The Gardiner girls, while eager to be venturing to Lincoln's Inn Fields, were more subdued than their younger brothers, partially due to their gender and partially because they were of an age to understand proper manners.
Elizabeth looked on amused when Sally began her interrogation, "Mr. Darcy, Mama says that you will marry Lizzy and take her to Derbyshire. You will bring her back, will you not? She cannot tell us stories if you do not."
The little girl appeared so earnest with her gloved hands neatly folded in her lap and an open expression, that Darcy could do nothing but answer her in a similarly serious manner. "It is not my intention to seclude her at Pemberley away from you ladies. It would certainly be dreadful if Elizabeth were not able to share her stories with you. Besides Derbyshire, I also have a home in town so we shall visit often. You and your family will, of course, be invited to our homes and you will always be welcome, Miss Sally."
Sally was pleased to be addressed as a lady and smiled at the answer. It was Ellen who frowned and asked, "Mr. Darcy, if we travel to Derbyshire, where would we stay?"
Elizabeth bit the inside of her cheek as her betrothed answered. "Your cousin and I would be honored if you stayed with us. There are plenty of rooms at Pemberley for your family. There is also a large nursery with many books and games you might like."
Ellen smiled hugely as her sister asked Georgiana, "Will Lizzy still be our cousin?" She seemed so worried that Elizabeth answered before Georgiana could, just as the carriage prepared to stop.
"Of course! A marriage does not mean that you lose family. Your family grows. Once we are wed you may call Mr. Darcy 'cousin.'" They were satisfied and piled out of the carriage running happily onto the greenery as their brothers jumped from the other landau.
Two footman gathered the picnic supplies to cart to the designated picnic spot and set up.
Georgiana was quickly becoming a favorite of the Gardiner children. She ran a little way ahead and gestured for them to follow her lead. They played tag and laughed happily as each couple linked arms and wandered after the children.
"It was very sweet of you to invite the girls to Pemberley. I did not realize they were so uneasy about our approaching marriage," Elizabeth said.
"Sweet of me?" Darcy chuckled and then leaned in conspiratorially. "Do not tell anyone I am sweet. It might ruin my reputation as a curmudgeon." Elizabeth laughed and shoved him with her shoulder, making him laugh. "In all seriousness, I have no objections to visits from the Gardiners. They are pleasant company and the children are well behaved. I am sure that the park at Pemberley would be a treat for them. I have many fond memories playing there as a boy."
"Tell me."
"I was able to cause my share of trouble, much of it with my cousin, Geoffrey. We climbed trees and swam in the lake, rode across the countryside with bare feet..."
Elizabeth was delighted. "Shocking! I have not heard this before. Did you also create mischief or pull pranks?"
Darcy squared his shoulders and raised a brow at her, "I would never admit to it."
"Even to a wife?"
"I suppose I shall know better when I have a wife." He said very seriously.
The suggestion and insinuation of her in that coveted role made Elizabeth tingle clear down to her toes. Elizabeth's eyes sparkled with mischief and promise. "I shall remember that… and look forward to extracting all the intelligence I desire when I am your wife."
"That could be interesting indeed."
Jane and Bingley approached looking as if the day had brought nothing but the happiness of togetherness. "Darcy," Bingley said, "would you care for a game before we sit? Perhaps capture the flag? I have a spare kerchief."
Darcy looked incredulous. "I thank you, but no. If you would care to run around with them in public, you are welcome. While I would prefer my sister to not run about, I will not say anything since she is not yet out in society to be judged."
Jane and Elizabeth shared a look in amused communication—the difference between the two gentlemen was startling—before Darcy led Elizabeth away to a bench situated under a tree.
While Mr. Bingley was disappointed, he followed Darcy's example after offering his kerchief to Georgiana to initiate play. He offered his arm to Jane and took her to sit upon the blanket arranged by Darcy's footman. Bingley watched the game with as much enthusiasm as those who played.
"We will have to visit Pemberley in the Spring. Darcy should have no excuse to back out of a good game on his own property!" He winked at Jane and rested back on his elbows.
AN: Thank you all for your encouragement and criticism. Many of you are asking for more Elizabeth & Darcy scenes, and I will try to deliver. But keep in mind that the engagement period is a busy time and the lovers are required to have a chaperone with them to maintain propriety.
I am having fun with this picnic and decided to break it in half because the chapter was getting long. I have also been thinking about Mr. Bennet, how do you suppose he is getting along with such a quiet household?
Please review (571 follows?!) and share your thoughts!
If anyone is curious, I have been using a map to figure out London:
Stranger's Guide Through The Streets Of London & Westminster 1814 (Mapco dot net)
Lincoln's Inn Fields is one of the nearest large Garden to Gracechurch Street located above the London Bridge (besides a churchyard).
