CH 24 - Memories, Boredom and Pleasure
The De Bourgh carriage made a steady return to Kent; the weather outside matched Lady Catherine's mood and reflections within. As she observed the rain drops hitting the windowpane, her shoulders drooped and her mind wandered as she listened to the clip-clop of the horses' hooves. For decades she had kept her own counsel to keep her secrets and her disgrace hidden. She could not fathom why she had let her guard down, exposing herself to her brother and nephews.
The lonely carriage offered her the safety she required to delve into her miserable memories. She remembered the beloved face and tall physique of the man who stole her heart but never knew. Fitzwilliam Darcy resembled his father considerably; she could not help doting on him as he grew to be a handsome, responsible, and honorable gentleman.
Her Mr. Darcy never gave her any acknowledgement beyond a nod and touch to his hat. He had eyes only for her sister, Lady Anne.
Jealousy is truly a dreadful emotion that can tear a person into pieces from the inside out. It is imperceptible to others underneath the veneer of a lady. It can lay the foundation for unspeakable acts—like naming a daughter after the very object despised. A daughter who was persuaded to covet a marriage to her cousin to gain control of Pemberley, the estate her mother craved for the memory of its previous Master. A daughter whose spirit can be crushed under the weight of bitterness placed on her shoulders by her despicable, unsatisfied mother. Lady Catherine's guilt and remorse was extreme.
Long ago she had hoped to catch Randal Darcy by involving herself with the Master of Rosings Park, however her plan failed. Darcy claimed to be happy for her good fortune and then married Lady Anne. With a heavy heart and a forced smile she agreed to marry Sir Lewis De Bourgh a year later. She reasoned that any man would do if she could not have Randal Darcy, and at least Sir Lewis could offer her a respectable position and a fair amount of pin money. Sir Lewis was smitten with her so he was sure to treat her well—and he did, though he was certainly disappointed once Catherine became his wife and he realized that he possessed neither her heart nor her sexual interest.
It happened one night after the banns had been cried two weeks. She had not been sleeping well and became accustomed to walking in contemplation unescorted mid night. She never saw a soul before that night. The moon was bright and beautiful but, in her recollection, that night was terrible. She tried to escape. Her struggles made no difference to the strong man. All she could recall was his light hair that seemed to glow in the moonlight—unlike any man of her acquaintance. After stealing her innocence he left her weeping in the dirt. Her cotton frock had been ruined. She had burned it.
That moment in time changed her view of the world irreversibly. She had felt weak, powerless, and out of control. She swore to the Almighty that she would never again feel so helpless. She knew that people perceived her to be a cruel and self-important. Although she owned her own vanity and pride, she never considered herself cruel, only guarded.
Several years later she remembered meeting a minor Baron at a dinner party who had yellow hair. The memory of that abysmal night before her marriage came to haunt her. She had turned pale and started to shake before calling for her carriage. There was no way of knowing if that man was the same one who ruined her, in truth the Baron had appeared concerned for her health.
In her carriage, Lady Catherine closed her eyes in shame. She had not told anyone to better protect her future and her family. She became the Mistress of Rosings three weeks after she was compromised. Anne was born thirty-seven weeks after her wedding. No one questioned Anne's paternity… except her mother.
Lady Catherine sighed and decided that she would allow Anne to travel to Pemberley; she would not stand in Anne's way. Despite her anger at the universe, Lady Catherine did love her daughter. She fervently hoped that Anne did not resent her or forsake her.
The more she considered the arrangement, the more she approved. Anne would travel with her companion and a maid to Derbyshire and spend time at Pemberley with Georgiana. Perhaps Darcy and Georgiana could promote her maturity and find a husband she could love. Despite what her mother said, Anne might be able to bear and nurture children. There was always hope.
P&P
The evening was relaxing at the Gardiners. Although Darcy and Bingley had been accepted by the Gardiners long ago, they were beginning to feel at ease, more like members of the same family. Georgiana felt similarly contented amongst her new family after spending a few days with them. The shift in their comfort was noticed by the assembled during the evening meal.
Mrs. Bennet was still chatty, but did not demand Mr. Darcy or Mr. Bingley's attention; she simply spoke to whoever was listening. There was no need to engage in small talk so the gentlemen could briefly speak of sport or travel while the ladies conversed. The engaged couples were also able to share some quietly exchanged words and smiles. There was little formality.
When the ladies left the men to the dining room, Mr. Gardiner began discussing business matters asking Bingley about his trade situation and management. Mr. Gardiner dearly loved the challenge his work presented him each day and understood that his income would suffer if he was not actively managing his shipments and sales. He was rather perplexed by Bingley's laissez-faire attitude and offered to help the young man when he required assistance or if he desired to encourage sales growth. He assured the young man that he could remain living a life of leisure and make decisions that might influence his income, which might be desirable to him if he intends to nurture many children. Darcy had much to contribute to the discussion since he had kept abreast of all his investments and was heartened by the discussion since he had essentially voiced the same opinion to Bingley on previous occasions.
Darcy pondered the discussion on the trip back to Darcy House and thought to urge his friend to meet with Mr. Gardiner so he might benefit from his extensive knowledge in the industry. Mr. Gardiner was proving himself to be an advantageous connection.
Prudently, Darcy decided to leave the topic alone for the time being and bring up the subject later after their wedding. Darcy did have a quick discussion with his friend before retiring and invited Bingley to accompany him to White's in the morning. The scheme was readily agreed to for Bingley was fond of society and sport.
The rain had not let up in the morning when Georgiana was escorted to the Gardiner's house before the gentlemen ventured to the newly remodeled White's on St. James Street.
Bingley was excited to be going. Although he would never say so, he had greatly missed the society of gentlemen. "My word, it seems like ages since we went to a club. What made you think of it?"
Darcy replied wryly, "I was told that there are many bets concerning Elizabeth and myself. We might also look in at Brook's afterward." This pleased Bingley since he identified himself as a Whig, though he was not generally interested in becoming involved in politics.
Darcy was one of a select few to hold a membership at both clubs due to his skill at keeping his political views ambiguous. Though he retained the memberships from his father before him, he did not frequent either club believing that gambling was injudicious and many sports foolish. The membership was kept current out of convenience; for necessary social interactions and to keep abreast of the latest political debates. Both reasons were significant to a prominent land owner.
White's occupied a handsome stone building with three stories and a bow window in front. They were greeted with nods and bows. Several eyebrows were raised at Darcy's presence as they made their way to the gaming room. The last time Darcy had been to White's was when he was tracking down Lydia and Wickham.
Recognizing his Uncle and Cousin with a group, Darcy made to join them as Bingley joined a table. Lord Matlock smiled at his nephew, "Darcy, I thought we might find you here this morning. Your lovely Miss Elizabeth has told you about the bets, no doubt." Lord Matlock's mention of Elizabeth gathered an interested stare from a gentleman standing nearby.
Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckled and nudged his cousin, "As much as I have missed you, I suspect you did not come to see us. Have you seen the books?" He wagged his eyebrows suggestively, earning a glare from Darcy and a smirk from his father.
"I have not. Considering I have not been seen here in many weeks, I thought to make myself appear social. Though, considering the company, I should make my excuses." He bowed and backed away before turning to the other side of the room. His cousin followed closely behind, not wanting to miss Darcy's reaction and deduce who won some of the smaller bets.
"Fitzwilliam, is it really necessary for you to look over my shoulder?" Darcy asked.
"Thank you, Darcy." The Colonel said moving to Darcy's side, "I agree that your shoulder leaves much to be desired. You are taller than I, after all."
Darcy could not hold back his smile; he sighed and shook his head at his cousin's obvious evasion. Ignoring his cousin, he flipped through the last few pages reading through some ludicrous bets about the amount of rain, the depth of mud in the street and the damage done to cloth under pressure. His frown showed when he came upon the bets concerning himself. His privacy would certainly be breached by answering some of them. There were some bets that Darcy would not answer on principle. Darcy took up a quill and answered a couple without elaborating.
The date Darcy first met Miss Bennet? October 1811
Has Miss Bennet seen the sights of Pemberley? Yes
Mr. Darcy must have been caught compromising the lady? No
Then there were bets, contingent on a yes answer, on the when and where and whether Miss Bennet was already carrying the Darcy heir.
Miss Elizabeth Bennet must have a secret noble background?
Miss Darcy will be in need of a husband soon, who will Darcy give her hand to?
Who will produce an heir first, the first Bennet daughter or the second?
How many legitimate children will Darcy have?
What date is the wedding?
There were so many questions. Some bets had many names listed under them, and others had as few as two. The personal bets caused Darcy's color to redden, much to his cousin's amusement. When he read the last entry, Darcy turned away in disgust at the audacity of some of the men to list their names; men who had great influence and well-known names. He had not ever written his name down for a bet in the book at either White's or Brook's clubs, preferring to have his solicitor pay dues quarterly rather than have his dues deducted from gambled winnings. Darcy preferred his thoughts to remain clandestine and did not want his integrity questioned by society.
"This has been educational," said Darcy. "I do believe I am ready for a drink, Fitzwilliam, before I must go."
The Colonel chuckled and bowed, signaling for Darcy to lead the way. "After you, old man. Might I interest you in a game of chess before you go? I would like to know about your plans for Georgiana and when I might join you both."
Darcy glanced over at Bingley to find him in an animated discussion over cards, and nodded. His spirits lifted considerably while chatting with his cousin. Fitzwilliam anticipated joining his cousins when they returned to Hertfordshire. He was not partial to the Opera, but agreed to join them when they went to the theater the next week.
Darcy also thought to invite him to dinner at Darcy House in a few days. "I intend to invite the Gardiners and Bennets so that I may give Elizabeth a tour of the house. She should meet the staff before we wed. I would not want her feeling anxious."
The Colonel acknowledged his wisdom, agreed to join the party and, with a huge grin called, "check mate."
P&P
The family at the Gardiner residence had a slow start to their morning due to the steady tapping of the rain and the quiet halls. Mrs. Bennet had been inclined to lie abed later than her usual time.
Elizabeth awoke at her normal early hour and searched the bookshelves in her uncle's study for reading material. She finally settling on a Shakespeare comedy and curled up on the window seat in the drawing room that overlooked the street. The play only partially retained her attention. Just as she finished the first act, a messenger approaching the door attracted her attention.
The housekeeper soon approached her with Mr. Bennet's letter. Elizabeth thanked her and quickly broke the seal. She read her father's short note with a growing smile. Her wedding was to commence in just over three weeks!
Forgetting her book, Elizabeth went up the stairs with a spring in her step. Carefully, she silently closed the door behind her before hurling herself onto Jane's bed.
The bounce of the tick woke Jane. She rubbed her eyes and groaned, "Lizzy! The sun is not high enough for such enthusiasm."
Elizabeth laughed at her sister. "I daresay the sun will not show itself today, dear Jane. I have just received a letter from Papa and I believe you will be interested in its contents." She waved the paper over her sister until Jane attempted to grab it. "You are too slow. I shall read it aloud to appease your curiosity."
Elizabeth cleared her throat theatrically and began "To my dear daughters…" By the time she was finished, Jane was sitting on her knees reading over Elizabeth's shoulder with a radiant smile lightening her features.
"That is such wonderful news to wake up to! Three weeks is a short time, I do hope it goes quickly but I doubt that it shall. Charles and Mr. Darcy will be thrilled. " Then in true Jane fashion, her face revealed worry. "My, that is a short time. How do you suppose Mama will take the news? Perhaps we should have the salts ready as Papa suggested."
Elizabeth laughed again, "She is sure to have hysterics even if the date was six months hence. Jane, what do you think of the other news? I hope we receive a letter from Mary soon, how wonderful for her if the man admires her in return. She would do very well as a clergyman's wife."
Jane nodded in full agreement. While Jane dressed they discussed the possibility of an outdoor ceremony, it was a favorable idea but probably not realistic in November when it typically rains constantly. They wondered if their gentlemen were aware that a date was set, and determined that if Bingley and Darcy had been aware the night before, they would have imparted the intelligence. The sisters decided to share the news over breakfast.
Mr. Gardiner raised a brow at his nieces as they pranced into the dining room with laughing looks in their eyes. He folded his paper and catching his wife's gaze, inclined his head toward the girls as they took seats. "I do believe the sun has made an appearance after all and the Bennet girls have brought it into the room with them. I do hope you plan to tell us the cause of your cheerfulness."
"Uncle Edward, Elizabeth and I received a letter from Papa this morning." Jane said.
Mrs. Gardiner smiled, guessing that there was some news about the wedding. "Is that so? What did he have to say?"
Elizabeth picked up her butter knife and began spreading a pastry. She replied nonchalantly, "He writes that he is having a wonderful time without us."
Mrs. Gardiner shook her head not believing a word. Jane interjected with a threatening look at her sister before Elizabeth could tease their relations more, and produced the letter for her Aunt to read. When Madeline finished reading, she smiled and handed it to her husband who chuckled over his sister's probable reaction.
"Congratulations girls," Mr. Gardiner said. "It appears that in less than a month's time, you will join the ranks of the happily married. Your gentlemen are sure to be pleased."
Mrs. Bennet did have her predicted fit of anxiety when she heard the date of the wedding a half hour later. "What? I thought to have another week at least. If all the clothes are finished and ribbons purchased in town, we will be busy making arrangements when we return. Sister, you must assist me with the menu. I will send a letter to Cook and Hill and have them prepare now so the house looks its best and there are no surprises. Your father has no regard for my poor nerves. I wonder if Cook can make enough pies and soufflés. Perhaps Mr. Bingley's cook can help. And we mustn't forget about the decorations! Flowers. Ribbons. Lace. How good my girls will look walking an isle of Lace! I must ask my brother if he has a bolt of lace. There is not enough time to sew all that lace together, after all. How many people should we expect? It will be too cold to host in the garden. Maybe it would be best to plan the breakfast at Netherfield. Do you suppose Miss Bingley would mind? Oh the people! Mr. Darcy's family will surely come and the breakfast must be fit for an Earl. Let's see…" On and on she talked and waved her handkerchief in exclamation. She talked while she ate and sipped her tea. She talked to herself walking up and down the stairs. She chatted while pacing the drawing room and while writing down ideas. She worked herself into a frenzy; but she did not once ask for her smelling salts.
Jane and Elizabeth were entertained by the antics of their mother as they read or knitted. Georgiana soon arrived with her drawing pencils and some new musical compositions to keep company with the Bennets while her brother and Bingley visited their clubs. She had invited Mrs. Annesley to join her, but Darcy had also given her permission to see her sister being Georgiana would be with Elizabeth. It was humorous to Georgiana to think that her brother needed her watched at all times to prevent her from making rash decisions; though she wisely did not voice her suspicions when she desired to be in company with Elizabeth anyway.
Georgiana had spent some time the previous night pondering the pleasant memories being made with her brother and Elizabeth. She awoke in the morning determined to document some moments with her charcoal pencils. Georgiana explained her design to Jane and placed her supplies on her lap. She first decided to draw Elizabeth at the writing desk by the fire, as Jane worked close by on a garment to gift her youngest cousin for Christmas. The conversation was tranquil and easy since Mrs. Bennet had removed from the room.
Elizabeth was in the middle of writing a letter to Mary and Kitty when the children came storming into the drawing room asking for their cousins. The young Gardiners were unhappy with the thought of another day indoors due to the weather. They had so much fun at the park the other day that they longed to return with the three girls.
Elizabeth smiled and turned in her seat. "It is impossible today. If you got your head and feet wet we would have to send you to bed with broth and honey, and you would not like that, surely. Perhaps we can be convinced to play a game between your lessons."
Little Ben cried, "Oh, yes! Please, Lizzy. Georgie, will you play as well?"
Georgiana smiled at the small faces looking at her expectantly, and nodded earnestly.
"You, Jane and Georgie must play marbles. That is always good fun," Michael said enthusiastically.
"Not marbles again!" Sally complained. "I want to play hide-and-seek. Ellie, you must agree with me."
Ellen, being the eldest, stated her opinion more diplomatically, "Ok, we can play hide-and-seek as long as we also play sleeping lions or sardines. We haven't played that since Lizzy last stayed with us."
Georgiana, Jane and Elizabeth could do nothing but agree to play them all after lessons were completed. Elizabeth insisted that she had to finish her letter so Georgiana could add details to her drawing. The children were glad when their cousin sealed her letter and asked, "Shall we play marbles first?"
Georgiana moved her supplies and jumped up ready to play. It had been years since she had played such games with her brother and cousin, and she said so. The group spent the next hour laughing and playing various games. Mrs. Gardiner checked in on them stealthily now and then, enjoying the sight of her children playing and teasing the older girls.
It was during a game of sardines that Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley returned to visit with their brides. The children seemed to be scattered about and Georgiana greeted them, standing from an unseemly position in the drawing room, "Brother, Mr. Bingley, I am glad you have come. Would you care to play? We are looking for Lizzy."
Bingley asked after Jane and was told that she had just gone to the dining room. He bowed and quickly went to her to offer his assistance.
Mr. Darcy, however, told his sister that he would wait for Elizabeth to be found. Georgiana stifled a laugh and went to the stairs to check the nursery. When Darcy was left in the drawing room he began wandering around examining the art and book titles. He noticed Georgiana's drawing and smiled at the rendering. He soon found himself in the hall by the study thinking that, if it was unoccupied, he might browse the bookshelves.
Without warning, his hand was grabbed and he was yanked through the open door. Darcy's astonishment was great and his balance suffered the surprise—though he did not fall. Once he was able to stabilize himself, he noticed Elizabeth's finger to her lips to hush whatever exclamation or question he would have expressed. Still holding his hand, she took him to the other side of the study to hide behind a shelf. The room was lit by the fire next to the bookshelf since very little light came through the window. Conveniently, this shelf was near a heavy drape that offered some concealment from anyone who might glance in from the doorway.
Understanding their semi-private position, Darcy frowned at Elizabeth causing her to shake with suppressed laughter. "Mr. Darcy, fancy meeting you here," she whispered.
In an equally quiet voice, he replied, "Indeed. You are a minx. I was not bent on playing your games, and yet I now find myself in a compromising position."
Elizabeth pulled the hand she still held closer, hoping that her stolen trice would last. She had found herself yearning for private moments with her betrothed. She understood that it would not be proper to be regularly left alone, but could not help thinking that, in just over three weeks, they would be allowed all the time alone they desired. "Oh no, my love, you are safe. I have simply imposed the play upon you. And now I have you, Fitzwilliam Darcy. The game is sardines and you must stay with me until we are discovered."
He knew not what to reply so he just looked down into her eyes watching as their color appeared to darken. It seemed a long time that he stared, in reality it was not. He raised his free hand to graze the back of his fingers on her cheek and asked in a husky tone, "Now that you have me, what do you mean to do?" His curiosity was consuming and, given her expressive gaze, optimistic.
He observed her thoughts and indecision flit across her facial expressions before she chose a course of action. She did not want to appear a wanton, even though she had felt somewhat lustful since Fitzwilliam first kissed her; ultimately she decided that she did not care.
"I mean to kiss you," she breathed. Hesitantly, she touched his heart and raised herself up on her toes to bestow a lingering peck on his lips. As she lowered herself to her feet, he could not help but follow by bending to her and awarding her with a much more sensual kiss as he brought her in closer to his body, embracing her with one arm. The kiss lasted no more than a moment and yet, to Elizabeth, time seemed to cease. Her eyes stayed closed when he lifted his head.
Fitzwilliam could not bring himself to step away. His nose was mere inches from hers. Once her eyes opened, he read the longing found there with joy in his heart, certain that his countenance mirrored her emotions.
"We found you!" said Michael, effectively interrupting the lovers. He continued to chat about the game, unaware that he had disturbed their private moment, as the other children and Georgiana joined him in the middle of the room. Georgiana, however, raised her brow and smirked at her brother enjoying the blush he tried to hide as they moved to leave the room—with Elizabeth's hand in his.
P&P
Mornings at Longbourn were usually quiet when Mrs. Bennet was not in residence. However, this morning Mr. Bennet was engaged in a surprisingly intellectual conversation with his two remaining daughters. He was surprised by the insight they displayed and thought fondly on the idea of playing devil's advocate to have many similar discussions in the future. They had lingered together at the breakfast table in debate.
"What do you consider a just punishment then?" He asked.
"There are many examples of fairness in the bible, Papa," Mary replied. "Or you can consider More's Utopia, if you prefer insight by a philosophical type."
Kitty chimed in with a laugh, "Mary, you do realize that More thought punishment silly? Lizzy had me read it recently. Did it not say that thieves ought to murder whom they rob, to remove the chance of witnesses? "
Mr. Bennet rejoined with, "Utopia hardly has ideals worthy of this lifetime. It considered the rulers, who made the very law carried out by the people, to be perverse and evil. And, of course, everyone knows that Kings assume power by divine right."
He smiled at the noise the girls made to exclaim and validate their own opinions. Mary and Kitty tried talking over one another until they turned from him to dispute amongst themselves. Mr. Bennet looked on and mused that his daughters had grown much too quickly.
The uproar calmed when Hill came to announce a visitor. "Mr. Bennet, there is a Mr. Banks here to see you in your study."
"I see." He chuckled at his daughters, "Carry on ladies. Just keep your voices down, for we would not want anyone to call the magistrate." He stood with a grin still in place and made his way to the study.
The visitor stood with his case of papers protectively under his arm and bowed. "Mr. Bennet, Sir? I am Mr. Andrew Banks. Mr. Darcy has asked me to come with some documents that require your signature."
Mr. Bennet nodded and returned the greeting. "Good to meet you Mr. Banks. Do be seated. I will gladly look over the papers you have prepared. I trust that the roads did not give you too much trouble on your journey." He took a stack of parchment from the solicitor as Mr. Banks responded in a courteous manner, and took a seat behind the desk to read them over.
Mr. Banks observed Mr. Bennet's comportment while reading over the documents. He had not been certain what to expect of Miss Bennet's father, but had expected to find a domineering sort. He was curious to know how the bookish man before him had finagled Mr. Darcy.
Mr. Bennet reread some line items and removed his spectacles to consider Mr. Banks. "This can't be right," he stated.
Mr. Banks raised a brow in surprise. "I assure you, it is. I met with Mr. Darcy only yesterday. He insists on setting the sum aside for your unmarried daughters' dowries and meeting the needs of his bride should something occur before she has produced an heir."
Mr. Bennet's astonishment was great. His respect for his future son doubled at his noble, and very generous, deeds. "Yes, but five thousand each is a large sum to gift sisters by marriage." Lydia's 'elopement' came to mind and the extravagant sum Darcy, no doubt, paid out to have the scoundrel Wickham marry her.
Mr. Banks smiled, acknowledging that Mr. Bennet was not the one to demand the provision, and repeated, "He insists." As Mr. Bennet continued to ponder over the fact, Mr. Banks felt compelled to add, "Mr. Darcy owns a benevolent nature, much like his father did before him. I am currently looking into the entail on your property as well, to distinguish whether it exhibits the potential to be dissolved. In the event that it is possible, your wife and then first born daughter would maintain possession of the estate."
Mr. Bennet blinked, "Is it possible?"
"Perhaps." The solicitor was not interested in providing the information he had regarding the entailment of Longbourn. He has long kept business dealings between his clients private. When Mr. Darcy chooses to involve the Master of Longbourn in the business, then he will gladly meet with both men to discuss details.
Mr. Bennet raised a brow at the solicitor's vague answer but said no more. The documents were soon signed and the visitor gone.
AN: Wow! This was a long one... I hope some of your questions were answered in this chapter. I decided it would be better to add explanations into the story rather than explain my scattered thoughts in a footnote.
THANK YOU THANK YOU for your thoughts. Your questions really helped me shape this chapter since I was not originally going to write about Lady Catherine or Mr. Bennet - yet. But I am glad that I did.
My favorite comment on the writing, "When you write I feel as if I am right there!" That is truly a compliment. My favorite stories are the ones I can lose myself in and clearly visualize, so I am glad I am succeeding in that respect – that's the goal!
What preparations would the girls want to make before the ball? Where do you suppose Lydia is in the scheme? How soon do you suppose Miss Bingley will attach herself to another beau?
