Ch. 29 – Sibling Discussions
Darcy was secretly excited to inspect the pieces his jeweler assembled for him. He required an assortment to gift Elizabeth over the coming months, Christmas gifts, and a pendant for Georgiana to wear for Mrs. Darcy's introduction to Derbyshire society. He was interested in viewing gems, diamonds and pearls as well as having several of Anne Darcy's jewels examined and cleaned.
When the Jeweler, Mr. Shepiro, was announced and directed to the study, Darcy invited Bingley to join him and excused himself from his sister's company.
Mr. Shepiro was the third generation to carry on the art of jewelry design and collection. His family had been utilized by the Darcy's for years to suit their needs and he was eager to please. By the time Darcy and Bingley joined the jeweler in the study, Shepiro had rolled out a black velvet cloth over the desktop to display several of the items brought for Mr. Darcy's inspection.
Mr. Darcy stood by his desk to examine the items after introducing Bingley. Looking up at the man, he asked, "Where is the ring I gave you, Mr. Shepiro?"
The ring in question was produced from a lock box retrieved from the man's shoulder satchel. "I have it here. I was able to secure the two loose stones and clean it. Will the size do, Sir?"
"I believe so." Darcy was very pleased. Holding the ring with two fingers he turned it to appreciate its sparkle.
Bingley inched closer and deduced that the ring was a wedding band. His comment made Darcy smile, "Miss Elizabeth is sure to love it, Darcy."
Darcy did not spend very long looking over the other items displayed on his desk to make his selections. He then offered Mr. Shepiro a page from his desk drawer with several sketches on it. "Can you take the time to have these made? There is no urgency for these. Perhaps you can have them completed by the holiday. I thank you and believe my wife will agree; you did a fine job on these, Shepiro. You can send your bill to Mr. Banks and he will see to it. Now, I believe Mr. Bingley has some business he would like to discuss with you."
Mr. Shepiro bowed as Darcy moved to leave the room. "Very good, Mr. Darcy. It shall be done."
The items purchased needed to be put away in the safe hidden in the Master's chamber. Fitzwilliam Darcy was feeling very pleased with the jewelry. He felt buoyancy in his heart at the thought of Elizabeth wearing the items he purchased for her, be it clothing, pendants, ear bobs, or his ring—especially his ring on her fourth finger. As he descended, he thought to take Georgiana out for a walk or carriage ride so that they may talk. The sound of music directed him to the music room, where his sister was sure to be.
Bingley did not take long before joining them there where Darcy enjoyed watching his sister play. Bingley's entrance was not marked; he simply wandered in and found a seat.
When Georgiana finished playing the sonata, she smiled and turned to the gentlemen just as Colonel Fitzwilliam sauntered into the room.
"Cousins. Bingley. Good morning! What is the plan for today?" The Colonel took a seat and looked at the other faces expectantly.
"We did not expect you, Fitzwilliam. Did you not wish to take callers with the ladies?" Darcy said dryly. He mentally rethought through his plans for the morning with Georgiana and sighed, thinking that he would have to postpone his conversation.
"You act as though you are not happy for my company. I am hurt, Darcy." The Colonel pouted, eliciting a giggle from his young cousin.
"You are always welcome, Geoffrey." Georgiana said before Darcy could reply, "What did you expect we would entertain you with? I did not realize that it was our profession to do so. I believe my brother was planning to take me out… it is lucky that best made plans have the potential be changed." Darcy smiled at his sister. Although she was not typically shy with himself or their cousin, Georgiana was never one to tease her guardians before.
The Colonel feigned shock. "Georgiana Darcy! I am surprised at you," he laughed good-naturedly and lounged back in his seat to make himself comfortable. "Miss Elizabeth has been teaching you impertinence, I see. I am game for whatever you wish to do. I am quite at my leisure, for biddy lady callers did not appeal to my good humor."
"I daresay," Darcy said hiding a smile.
Bingley entered the conversation with: "I am not inclined to join my sisters until a later hour—I do hope you plan to join us for dinner, Colonel! If Darcy and his sister would like to spend some time this morning in each other's company, then I suggest you and I head out to the club to pursue some other entertainments and gentlemanly discourse." This suggestion was accepted by all.
The Darcys left in a carriage to look for some new books at one of their favorite book stores and then ended a pleasant afternoon strolling in the park. Although Hyde Park was a fashionable locale to be seen, the reason they ventured there was for the location and its vast garden to ramble through rather than the people occupying it. Since the social season had not yet begun, and also due to the recent rain, there were very few carriages and walkers to distract the duo.
After a few minutes of comfortable silence walking side-by-side, Darcy chose to begin conversation. "Georgie, I wanted to take this morning with you since I anticipate other such moments to be rare in the next few months."
Georgiana flashed a shy smile at her brother, tipping her head up to see over the brim of her bonnet, and took his arm to be closer to him. She felt so much love and appreciation for his presence and role in her life. "Brother, you are always so considerate of my feelings. I assure you though, that it is not necessary. I am rather enjoying these eventful days knowing that they shall not last. Once you bring Lizzy to Pemberley, I believe we shall settle in and have occasion to be in each other's company."
He nodded. "I should hardly recognize you. You have grown up so much this past year, Georgiana. Mrs. Annesley has approached me and believes that you are no longer in need of her services."
Georgiana frowned, "Is she leaving?" Even with the tedium of the studies that Mrs. Annesley insists upon, Georgiana had grown fond of her companion and realized that she would miss her.
"I was hoping that I might employ her elsewhere since she believes you to be in good hands with Elizabeth's sisterly affections. I have yet to discuss it with Elizabeth; however, I do not think she would object. I would like to know your thoughts on the matter of allowing Mrs. Annesley to assist the Bennets."
Georgiana was pleased. "Elizabeth's sisters? That is a splendid thought. Do you think Mr. Bennet would allow them to travel to Pemberley with Mrs. Annesley's guidance?"
"I am not certain. However, I believe that the ladies might value her skills."
"Indeed, William. I can hardly wait to make their acquaintance." She smiled happily so that Fitzwilliam repressed the urge to give his opinion on the girls.
They walked only a little farther talking about Hertfordshire and Pemberley, how long she should expect his wedding trip to last, and when Mrs. Annesley was to begin assisting Mary and Catherine Bennet. "As soon as we arrive in Hertfordshire, I expect. You shan't need a companion if you stay with Aunt Helen after the wedding. I will speak to our Aunt about it when I next see her."
"William?" Attracted by her tone of voice, he looked at her with a brow raised. Georgiana did not usually pry into her brother's feelings. She knew him to be happy, though she wanted to be sure that he anticipated his wedding as much as his fiancé did. "I must know. Are you excited? About the wedding?"
Darcy smiled and shook his head at his sister's curiosity. "How can you doubt it? It is not the wedding that I look forward to with anticipation, it is my marriage. However, since it is impossible to have one without the other, here we are. I know the wedding is not far away, though every day seems to be drawn out." Considering her question a moment longer he confessed, "It shall be difficult, I think, to show Miss Elizabeth the house on Sunday and then escort her out to go home with the Gardiners."
P&P
Prior to the evening's dinner party at the Hursts, Elizabeth had made the effort to dress before the other ladies in the household. This endeavor allowed Jane time with the children and Elizabeth a complete half an hour with her Aunt's lady's maid, Sarah. Elizabeth did not feel the need to look her best on this occasion, however thought it prudent for dressing preparations to run smoother in general.
Elizabeth sat before the mirror and admired the style Sarah had artfully woven. She believed that her hair complimented her eyes and her costume of cream and lilac handsomely. Sarah excused herself once she completed the task of pinning Elizabeth's hair, leaving Elizabeth at the dressing table with fresh ink and paper. Elizabeth had felt the last letter to her sisters was lacking in intelligence, so thought to remedy that with the circumstances of the last day, which seemed much more eventful.
Friday, 23 October 1812
My Dearests Mary and Kitty,
Adhering to my assurance of writing often, I will endeavor to relate some of the madness that I have been subjected to since I have last employed my pen. It is in every way strange and unexpected to be catapulted into a realm of fashion and hearsay simply for agreeing to love and cherish another person above all others. Does that even make sense?
Jane and I are fully enjoying the hospitality and society of our Aunt and Uncle, as well as their children, whose requests for stories and games are endless. It has been very enjoyable becoming more familiar with Miss Darcy also, who has spent most of her time with us. She has taken a liking for the young Gardiners as well. I am certain that you shall like her very much. Georgiana has a mischievous facet to her personality of which she is only now realizing and beginning to exercise, much to Darcy's bewilderment. I daresay she is thrilled to gain so many sisters through her brother's marriage.
Now I am sure you are patiently reading to find out about the Opera and Lady Matlock. Firstly, the Opera was magical. The King's Theatre was lovely and all of fashionable society gathered in front and in the halls to be seen and judge those they wished to be seen by. Jane and I looked lovely, if I do say so. I have never before owned so many fine gowns and certainly not ones with deep colors (of course, I am aware that my wardrobe has changed due to my engaged status). I must admit that they are very complementary to my person. Jane wore a gown of a light blue that complemented her beautifully. I am afraid that any details of our attire will pale in comparison to reality; you will just have to wait for us to return to Longbourn to see for yourself.
Mother was beside herself, as you can well imagine. I have no idea what she was more excited over, but she was impressed with the progression of the performance, the lighting and the length of the curtain, which I believe matched my gown in color.
After the curtain closed on the first Act, I overheard a conversation between some very unpleasant ladies. They would be pleased to know that they were a great help to me. This encounter allowed me to identify some very fake, disagreeable ladies (I use the term loosely) who came to call the next morning while I was with Lady Matlock. They also permitted me to come to the realization that naught can affect me unless I allow it. In truth, this encounter unsettled my confidence and caused me distress initially. However, I cannot permit unhappy people to disturb me so.
The unpleasant masses must have given Mr. Darcy good cause to appear aloof in public settings. I must admit to you that he was worried at the thought of the Ton making me unhappy. How can that be when I have a gentleman by my side so committed to my happiness?
Shopping in the morning was tedious, of course. Jane and I chose our wedding attire and met with the dressmaker for an initial fitting with Mama and our Aunt. As enjoyable as it was redirecting Mama and defending our choices for fewer embellishments, padding and lace; it was the afternoon shopping excursion which proved to be more of an experience. Lady Matlock, Georgiana, Jane and I set out in the Matlock carriage to visit Bond Street.
Lady Matlock is unquestionably a General disguised as a genteel Lady of high society. She has approached my introduction as Darcy's fiancé with tactical maneuvers. I will explain. The dinner party the other night included two couples outside of family, who are well respected, titled and could be relied on as complimentary gossipers. She visited acquaintances to purposely discuss me, let slip certain events and locations Darcy and/or I ought to be at, and gather a substantial assortment of invitations to various parties, teas, and balls. While shopping she acknowledged nearly everyone we came upon but did not spend more than a few minutes for introduction before moving on making those acquaintances feel honored, nonetheless with their curiosity unappeased . She was in her element with the attention at the Opera and during morning calls she never lost control of the room. I believe she is a contradiction, though I appreciate her efforts and believe we shall be friends.
Accepting morning visitors was much as I anticipated it to be. By the afternoon I was feeling weary of smiling, evading personal questions, making light of the subject of Darcy's wealth and my good fortune. Make no mistake, I agree that I am indeed fortunate, but I do not believe the callers have the same impression of what makes me fortunate as I; their meaning is much more superficial and material. The question that arose during the course of the morning and afternoon was: why on earth would someone make the effort to call if their reasons were less than genuine?
Although I like Lady Matlock well enough, it is Darcy's grandmother whom I adore more with each audience. She did not attend the Opera, though she was magnificent with the callers this morning at the Fitzwilliam townhome. She has a quick mind and wit while owning a viper tongue. A caller with powdered hair and a (fake, I suspect) mole made the insinuation that she had been expecting a visit from my betrothed. The dowager Countess looked this woman in the eye and asked her in a serious manner, when she had last been seen by a doctor, she looked startled but answered nonetheless that it had been a while. The dowager replied that she should set another appointment for her head, for her grandson had never dallied with her, nor ever would. The lady's countenance resembled a fish; she blinked so rapidly, and then quickly made an excuse to depart.
One caller, a bitter Mrs. Molly Birch, (a most unhappy lady I recall from the Opera spreading rumors) came with a Viscountess Torrington – who is hosting a ball we are to attend this coming Monday. Mrs. Birch could try the patience of a saint. I knew her right away as a scandalmonger and endeavored to be civil without actually conversing with her. Lady Matlock also gave the impression that she wanted to toss the lady from her drawing room for her lack of manners. Mrs. Birch alluded to intimately knowing Miss Bingley. I was so proud of our Jane for saying how pleased she was that Mrs. Birch was so familiarly acquainted with her soon-to-be sister, for Miss Bingley shall need her friends when she marries Bingley. It is perhaps lucky that she did not stay above a quarter of an hour.
The Viscountess I had made the acquaintance of while shopping and found to be pleasant company, her choice of friends notwithstanding.
I am currently dressed for another dinner party. This one at the home of the Hursts. Providentially we have only had the pleasure of Miss Bingley's company on one occasion since arriving in London. I believe I related the surprise visit in the park in my last letter. I am hoping for a boring night. We shall see. I will write again soon and I look forward to a letter from you. Papa said you would write in his last note to Jane and me. I am interested to hear all about what is happening at Longbourn, including your intelligence regarding the new vicar.
Your sister, Lizzy
AN: Do you believe the Hursts will be boring? Or Miss Bingley will be polite?
