Ch 22 - Reactions and Dates
"Did you hear the latest news? Mr. Darcy is to be married!"
The news was abuzz all over London and reached all the way to Derbyshire by the afternoon after the announcement was made in the papers. Those who shared an acquaintance, or who had heard of the great estate of Pemberley, could speak of nothing else. The speculation into the character of Miss Elizabeth Bennet knew no bounds.
"He must have been entrapped. Why else would he marry a second daughter of little consequence?"
"Do you suppose him to be very much in love? There could be no other reason to marry outside the Ton. How romantic!"
The people of Lambton and Pemberley rejoiced that the Master of the great estate would soon marry. The Darcy's were well known for their charity and employed many of the population. There were toasts made to the future of Pemberley and the Darcy name at the local taverns and inns. The people in Lambton that recalled Miss Elizabeth Bennet from August were eager to share details about the future Mistress of Pemberley. Information spread quickly of her kindness, intelligence, and beauty. The questions revolved around the time she spent with the Master of Pemberley, and his sister, while in residence at the Inn.
"Do you suppose they met while on a tour of the grounds? How odd that would be."
"Oh, no! I heard from my cousin that her sister-in-law, who works as a maid, has a friend who is a groundskeeper that saw their meeting at Pemberley. He said that they were both astonished to see one another, and Mr. Darcy had asked after her family. Clearly they had met on a previous occasion. I believe that their engagement was long in coming."
Homes in Kent speculated over Lady Catherine's reaction to the news. (Servants employed at Rosings were too loyal, or frightened, of Lady Catherine to spread rumors.) It was well known that she had left Rosings the very morning the announcement appeared in the papers. Her coach and four was seen moving at a rapid pace on the road to London.
"She must have been overcome with joy to leave her grand home to wish Mr. Darcy and his betrothed happiness in person."
"I doubt that very much. Did you not know that he was expected to marry Miss De Bourgh? What is she to do now?"
The most reliable gossip sprang from sources that had the advantage of knowing and dining with the happy couple. The people in London who claimed to have an acquaintance with Elizabeth Bennet became popular, which satisfied Miss Bingley and Lady Elliot.
Miss Bingley's account was not very complimentary to the lady, calling her 'tolerable'. In contrast, Lady Elliot declared that they were fast friends and that she had such a lovely family. "It is, indeed, true. I had the pleasure of dinning with the Matlocks and Rutlands. Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet are a splendid couple and appear very happy. She is quite enchanting. I also met her sister and mother. It was such a pleasurable evening! Miss Elizabeth told me the story of her acquaintance with Mr. Darcy—you should have seen the looks they shared all night! If only Sir Elliot looked at me that way…"
The people in Meryton were ecstatic over the Darcy and Bingley wedding. Having had the news a se'nnight prior, the announcement came as no surprise. Some, like Sir Lucas, claimed to have directly influenced the Darcy/Bennet match. "Capital! I daresay I was the one to introduce them and insist that Mr. Darcy ask Miss Elizabeth to dance." While Sir and Lady Lucas were glad for their friends the Bennets, they were both pleased that Mrs. Bennet (and her exuberance) had gone to town. In truth they were quite jealous since Miss Elizabeth had declined to marry their own son-in-law, Mr. Collins.
P&P
After dinner and coffee, before Darcy, Georgiana, and Bingley departed from the Gardiner's home, Fitzwilliam told Elizabeth that he could not join her for Lady Matlock's visit the next day.
"Elizabeth, I am sorry to leave you with my Aunt. However, I am expecting my solicitor in the morning."
Elizabeth smiled and touched his arm, "I do not fear Lady Matlock. I am pleased to know that the business with your solicitor will be accomplished. Is all well, William?"
His lips turned up at the sound of his name. "It is. Mr. Banks has proven himself to be a perfectionist; I ought to introduce you to him once we are wed. I am confident that the paperwork is as I requested. I suspect it will take some time to thoroughly read through it. I also have some other items that need to be addressed. I will be glad to free up my business to spend as much time with you as I may." He could tell from her expression that she was delighted to have his consideration and thought that he would happily yield her anything. Lifting her hand, he bestowed a kiss to her knuckles before continuing. "If you do intend to write to Anne, would you like me to wait on my own note? I might post our letters together tomorrow."
Elizabeth agreed and found herself seated at her aunt's secretary after breaking her fast the next morning. The patter of the rain on the window augmented the quiet of the drawing room at the early hour. Twirling the quill against her chin, she contemplated what she wanted to write before dipping the pen in ink and putting her thoughts to paper.
20th of October, 1812
5 Gracechurch Street, London
Dear Miss De Bourgh,
I hope this letter finds you in good health. I realize that you were not expecting a note from me, though I felt compelled to write to you. Darcy showed your letter to me earlier. I would like to begin by thanking you heartily for your warning and offer of friendship. Know that your outreach and kind words mean a great deal to us.
We did, indeed, see Lady Catherine before your note reached Darcy. We were taking our leave of the Matlocks after dinner when she came to express her opinion. I am glad to say that little damage was done and my family had already departed, missing the whole of it. I believe she expected Lord Matlock to assist her efforts to break my engagement to your cousin. She called me an 'impertinent fortune hunter.' While I own my impertinence, I feel compelled to tell you that Darcy's fortune, though convenient, means little to me. It is the man whom I love and earnestly want to share my life with. (Perhaps another time I will divulge the long journey our relationship endured in order to reach our current understanding.)
Since arriving in London, I have had the pleasure of spending time with Miss Darcy, who arrived from Pemberley the same day. She has proclaimed herself to be a wedding planner. Darcy and I have decided to share our day with my sister, Jane, and her betrothed, Mr. Bingley. Mr. Bingley is also a close friend of Darcy's and so quite agreeable to the scheme. In truth, I am not certain who came up with the idea, however we are much relieved to be planning one affair rather than two. I believe all four of us prefer a wedding sooner than later. I must confess myself to be anxious to begin my new life.
Georgiana is a delight and I will be glad to call her sister. I understand that she happily agreed that you should spend time with her at Pemberley. Perhaps you can come after the Yuletide? I am looking forward to knowing you better, as well. Shall we start now? What do you like to spend your time doing? I am fond of reading and walking, as you probably remember.
What would you like to do at Pemberley? You must tell me so we can begin to plan your visit now!
There are many topics to traverse, but I shall save them for another conversation or another letter. I shall look forward to your reply and shall be a faithful correspondent, if you wish it. You can direct it to my Aunt and Uncle's house or to Darcy House. We ought to be in London for the duration of the month. Then we shall return to Hertfordshire, I to my family's estate, Longbourn, and Darcy to Mr. Bingley's estate, Netherfield.
Yours,
Elizabeth Bennet
She had just sanded the paper and blown it dry when the commotion from the house began invading the solitude of the drawing room. "Lizzy, will you join me a moment? I would like your assistance." At the sound of Mrs. Gardiner's request, Elizabeth folded her letter and stood to greet the day.
An hour and a half later, the bell rang and Lady Matlock was announced with Georgiana. Jane was attending to Mrs. Bennet above stairs, allowing her a morning of nervous fluttering. As a dutiful daughter, Jane comforted her mother and wrote down lists and letters according to Mrs. Bennet's transcriptions. Thus it was Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth who waited in the drawing room to greet their caller.
Lady Matlock smiled and accepted the offer of tea before seating herself next to Elizabeth and her niece. "It certainly is a dreary day. I had hoped we could avoid the rain until November, but it seems that there was no help for it."
"Indeed, it was good that you all were able to get out yesterday," Mrs. Gardiner said to Elizabeth and Georgiana, "I fear that the rain might hold for several days. Thank you for bringing Miss Darcy with you, Your Ladyship; we have so enjoyed her company."
Lady Matlock nodded over her teacup recalling that Georgiana was here last she visited.
Georgiana declared, "I was relieved when Aunt Helen came! My brother was to be locked in his study for the duration of the morning and Mrs. Annesley was feeling too poorly to drive out in the rain. My pianoforte, though a worthy instrument, is not a substitute for a sister."
Elizabeth smiled and patted Georgiana's hand affectionately. "I do hope Mrs. Annesley will recover quickly." Georgiana assured her that she only suffered a headache and slight discomfort from an old knee injury.
The party shared some pleasantries, and ventured to other topics of interest. Lady Matlock was interested to hear about their trip to Derbyshire, which Georgiana added to when Mrs. Gardiner spoke about meeting at Pemberley. "It was such a wonderful surprise, Aunt Helen. I could recognize that William was anxious to be near Miss Elizabeth and for us to be friends. Elizabeth, you would have laughed to see him pacing the room with conflict in his expression. You have my permission to tease him about it once you are married," said Georgiana.
Elizabeth did not smile. "I cannot tease him about that. I am afraid that I was in much the same state of nervousness. There was much that I lamented about our parting at Rosings…"
Mrs. Gardiner looked concerned. She had recently heard the whole story from Elizabeth and did not want her to dwell on unpleasant memories when the future looked so bright.
Lady Matlock and Georgiana gave Elizabeth curious looks. Georgiana chose to drop the subject out of politeness, and she suspected that she would understand Elizabeth's comment when she felt comfortable enough to confide in her. Lady Matlock was an observant woman. She had gathered that there was much to Elizabeth and Darcy's history that they did not want out. Perhaps she could get the intelligence from Georgiana another time. She said, "That meeting is conceivably the reason for your current understanding."
Mrs. Gardiner rejoined, "Indeed. Mr. Darcy made a very positive impression on me. I was convinced that his benevolence had nothing to do with our visit, and everything to do with Elizabeth's presence." She stopped to smile and sipped her tea, avoiding Elizabeth's eyes, "I wonder about Jane's happiness as well. Likely we owe Mr. Darcy our thanks for encouraging Mr. Bingley to return to Hertfordshire."
Elizabeth frowned at her Aunt for bringing Mr. Bingley into the discussion. As true as her statement was, Georgiana and Lady Matlock were intelligent enough to gather a reason for her quarrel with Darcy at Rosings.
Georgiana commented, without noticing Elizabeth's uneasiness, "Jane and Bingley are very well suited. He sings her praises very chance he gets. I am afraid that William becomes rather bothered by his outpouring of passion to willing listeners." Her comment amused Elizabeth. Since Darcy was such a private person, excessive displays of affection by others made him uncomfortable. However, he was learning to express his own emotions to her rather eloquently in private.
Enjoying her visit and conversation, Lady Matlock was gratified to know that Elizabeth possessed family whom she liked very much. Her husband, Lord Matlock, had also mentioned to her the previous day how delighted he was to make Mr. Gardiner's acquaintance, and was earnestly contemplating the prospect of investing in new business ventures. She recognized that her husband's satisfaction with the connection meant a great deal, for he rarely associated with acquaintances outside his social circle.
Soon, Lady Matlock took a stack of cards from her beaded reticule. "I have been busy the last day. I spent yesterday visiting and when I returned home after tea, Christiana called on me leaving other invitations for you from her social calls. You are quite the topic of conversation, Elizabeth." Lady Matlock laughed, "I daresay, Lady Elliot has performed her task marvelously!"
Elizabeth considered the pile in the Lady's hand, "You mean to say that you both were collecting engagements for me to attend?"
"You and William, of course! The invitations are also for your family and Mr. Bingley. Christiana and I decided that it would be best to divide and conquer the prettiest drawing rooms. I knew I could count on Lady Elliot's efforts in the shops and Sir Elliot's talk in the gaming rooms. What a success!" Lady Matlock smiled and clapped her gloved hands in emphasis. She was rather pleased with herself and felt giddy thinking of the enjoyment to be had in the following weeks.
With a severe countenance Elizabeth teased, "And you are certain about the gaming rooms?"
Lady Matlock laughed, "Certainly! I asked Richard to report back to me when he came home last night. We must tell Darcy to check the betting books…" At Elizabeth's questioning expression, she continued, "There are bets of all sorts that gentlemen deem worthy of gambling on, like when you first met." There were other less savory bets as well. Lady Matlock would allow her nephew to worry over them since not all of them were appropriate for the ears of maidens.
Mrs. Gardiner was entertained by the turn of conversation as she sipped her tea. She had wondered at Jane's absence from the visit and decided to rescue her niece from her sister and children. Excusing herself, she set her cup in its saucer and made her way to the second floor.
When Mrs. Gardiner walked from the room, Lady Matlock started sifting through the pile of cards and sorting them into piles. Absently the Lady said, "You cannot attend them all. I suggest we pick the most noteworthy. I suspect more will arrive at Darcy House." She looked at her niece, "Some also include you, Georgiana, since it is known that you were also present at my house party. Though I doubt very much you will be allowed to attend."
Georgiana shrugged a shoulder and sampled a small cake. She honestly would like to watch her brother dance with Elizabeth, though she felt relieved that she was not required to attend social functions yet amongst the many people with fake smiles.
Elizabeth raised her brow at the piles Lady Matlock was sorting, "You would have us attend a function every day for the fortnight we are yet in town? I typically enjoy social engagements, however even I would find the parties smothering after so many. Darcy would be miserable, My Lady."
Helen sniggered lightly, "He would indeed. Please call me Helen; it is just us after all. To answer your question, I do not believe it is necessary to attend them all—just enough to be recognized. An element of mystery never hurt anyone." She held up three. "These are for two dinner parties and the ball for Monday next. There is also a get together at Christiana's for tea next week that you might attend with your sister and I that ought to be pleasant."
Elizabeth nodded. She felt a bit overwhelmed with the numerous social requests. The thought of people all over England speculating over the private matter of her relationship with Darcy was preposterous. How could I be a source of gossip? So-called Gentlemen have been discussing the betrothal and placing bets over brandy and cards. How can this be?
Elizabeth prayed for Darcy's business to be completed expeditiously so that he might calm her nerves before her agitation rivaled her mother's.
P&P
Since he regularly longed for a quiet home, Mr. Bennet had anticipated the leave-taking of Mrs. Bennet with his oldest daughters. He did not anticipate keenly feeling the absence of his family members. With Mrs. Bennet gone, the house was unusually quiet and still. He was grateful to Mary's pianoforte for providing some liveliness to the still rooms.
His tasks while his three women were shopping in London were to organize a date for the wedding and assure the Crying of the Banns for the next three weeks. Mr. Darcy had already sent a letter to his parish in Derbyshire to assure the readings there—Mr. Bingley was not responsible for any such thing since he resided at Netherfield.
After the Sunday service in Meryton, he approached the preacher with Mary. Mary had told him days ago of her intentions to assist him and he was grateful that her persistence hindered his natural inclination to procrastinate.
The vicar was new to Hertfordshire, and therefore was not acquainted with the Bennet family; although he had heard many things about the family in possession of five daughters—two of which were unspoken for. He had kind features and a welcoming appearance. He was not a tall man, but his straight posture and high head portrayed his confidence and authority, which Mary thought very pleasing.
"Sir, I enjoyed your sermon this morning," Mr. Bennet said with a nod of his head before introducing himself and his third daughter. The other man introduced himself as Douglas Vane, a third son of one Lord Darlington. "A pleasure, I am sure. I am here on an errand besides witnessing the attendance on this Sabbath. I am afraid that I have the happy responsibility of giving up my two eldest daughters to matrimony. I am charged with setting a date for the joyful event."
Mr. Vane lightly smiled, "I see that congratulations are in order. If you will follow me inside, I will take notes on the details." He led the way to a small office at the rear of the church. He opened a book bound in black fabric that resembled a journal; he then dipped his pen in ink before asking questions.
Mr. Bennet answered the queries about the names and ages of his daughters as well as their grooms. Soon the business was done. Mr. Bennet chose to make the date November 14, 1812. The day was earlier than Darcy and Bingley agreed to, however, Mr. Bennet reasoned that even numbers were more desirable than odd digits, and he preferred to endure less talk of lace and ribbons when Mrs. Bennet returned to Longbourn.
That afternoon he wrote a brief note to send to the Gardiners house on Gracechurch Street.
To My Dear Daughters,
I hope you are well and enjoying your tour of the town shops and drawing rooms. My library has been very quiet since your departure. I wish to tell you that I met with the vicar this morning to make arrangements - a very nice new fellow whom I suspect that Mary admired. There is a lovely prospect outside the church, at the back under a giant oak, where he might perform the ceremony if you would prefer it. Weather permitting, of course. In any case, the date is set for November 14th.
You might consider replenishing your mother's smelling salts before relating the news. Your sisters send their assurance of writing soon.
All my Love,
Your Father
AN: More Darcy/Elizabeth later… The next social engagement is the Opera. What excitement do you see for the night?
Your comments and reviews are very welcome!
