Ch. 32 Of A Sunday
Charles Bingley sat thoughtfully across from his friend Darcy and sighed mournfully. "There is no help for it. I do believe I must speak to my sisters and make the final arrangements before we leave for Hertfordshire."
Darcy nodded, "You have been considering it for weeks, Charles. I imagine that the decision shall be the most difficult part."
"Indeed. Since arriving in town I have had your recommendations to consider and then Hurst and Louisa have started badgering me about her behavior and future; and to top it all, my dear Jane is unhappy." Bingley leaned over his knees and rubbed his face vigorously.
Darcy raised a brow at the very thought of Jane voicing her unhappiness. "I do not believe I have seen Miss Bennet act any way but serene and with joy in your presence."
Bingley sighed dramatically again, "It is this Caroline business! You told me of her confrontation with Miss Elizabeth, and I took your words and warning to heart, especially after her scandalous behavior at Netherfield. However, I feel there is more urgency now that Jane has voiced her concerns."
Darcy shook his head and thanked his lucky stars that no one was about to witness Miss Bingley approach him in her night attire. "I see. So my valuable advice and opinions are now usurped by the next Mrs. Bingley's measure of happiness." He could not help the laugh that escaped.
"I daresay, Darcy, this is no laughing matter."
"Not to you. Forgive me, Charles."
"Quite. I am only aggrieved that I cannot have Caroline properly wed before I say my own vows."
Darcy shook his head and silently toasted his friend to wish him luck. He thought that it might be possible to purchase a special license, though it would most likely do more harm than good unless Miss Bingley found a well-established gentleman to wed. How likely would it be for such a thing to come about in the time frame Bingley desired?
"In fact," Bingley continued hesitantly, "there is that which I might use your assistance…"
P&P
Sunday services were as expected. The parson preached to his flock, who diligently listened to the lessons, poking their children to admonish them to do the same. Eyes were occasionally cast at Darcy and Elizabeth in curiosity, Darcy was attired more richly than the other church attendees at the Gardiner's church; even when society at the parish did not know him, there was much speculation and many assumptions made.
Despite the looks and occasional whispers, Elizabeth felt at easy with her family and fiancé by her side. The Gardiners sat with their children behind their nieces. She smiled at the children of the parish who threatened to fall asleep or create mischief, and almost laughed at the look of utter boredom on the face of the parson's wife. She enjoyed sharing sidelong glances with her fiancé in silent communication.
"This is the first week which the banns shall be published." She whispered aside to her betrothed, "possibly at this very moment." Next Sunday they would be together in Meryton while the banns are delivered for the second week.
He allowed a small smile to grace his lips. "That is indeed true. You are pleased?"
She smiled brightly and nodded. She ignored the preacher as she reminisced over the journey they had taken to come to that moment, the misunderstandings and learning of characters. She recalled the disappointment over her sudden departure from Derbyshire, acknowledging her love for him, then the waiting, hoping that he would remain constant and return for her. The recollections made her pleasure increase until she fairly glowed with elation.
Discreetly, he took hold of her hand from her lap and squeezed it between them to privately convey his own joy and emotion. Darcy would have preferred to hold her, kiss her, or at the very least, bestow a kiss to her fingertips; that was not possible in the middle of a sermon surrounded by the good, curious eyes of London.
As the service came to a close, Georgiana looked around her brother to Elizabeth and said, "I can hardly contain my excitement for when we enter a church to leave it as family."
Elizabeth laughed, "The feeling is mutual, I assure you. Do tell me what you have planned for the rest of our day." Georgiana smiled at the subject change and held off commentary until they were safely in the carriage, away from the hustle of departing church goers.
Darcy was happy to be leaving the sanctuary. His thoughts rested on the number of occasions they would be in church until he could leave with Mrs. Darcy on his arm; one down, he thought as he looked across the space to his intended.
Elizabeth sat with Jane on one side and Georgiana on the other. As they pulled away, Jane giggled, "I do wonder if anyone strained their neck this morning. Lizzy and I have attended services here before, however I believe the attention was on the new gentlemen in our party."
Elizabeth agreed and looked out the window until Georgiana broached the subject of the day's activities. "Lizzy, Jane, I realize that we are going to the Gardiner's for an early luncheon, will you need long before we leave? It would be no trouble to escort you to Darcy House."
Darcy and Bingley smiled, awaiting the answer.
Elizabeth suppressed the urge to laugh at the expectant faces. "I do not anticipate anything should delay our little party. Perhaps Jane and I should bring a change of attire to be presentable for dinner."
Georgiana thought that was a splendid idea, though she looked to her brother wondering if Elizabeth already had attire and accessories waiting for her in the Mistress' chamber. She would not be surprised by it, given her brother's proclivity for planning and detail.
During the course of the previous days, Mrs. Gardiner had attempted to converse with Elizabeth regarding the visit to Darcy House. Elizabeth, however, was not willing to take part in the conversation beyond offering her desire to meet the staff to "get it out of the way." Mrs. Gardiner had very good intentions though reasoned that her intelligent niece was likely waring with her own emotions and unable to voice her concerns aloud, do to her fear of acceptance.
Elizabeth was not afraid of her reception, though she did want to make a favorable impression. She simply did not want to overthink the matter. She was so excited when she thought about having her own home; she regularly daydreamed about being at Pemberley with her Fitzwilliam. The idea of having another house to call her own while in town made her feel like bursting. She hoped that it was as beautiful and tasteful as Pemberley was; she suspected that it would be.
It had been the habit of the Gardiners to allow their children to partake in the dining room after church. As Mrs. Gardiner considered Bingley and Darcy family, she felt no need to change the location of the children's meal. Georgiana was both fascinated and delighted by the arrangements. She had never had the occasion to dine so casually before. Georgiana looked to her brother and with her look of wonder hoped she was able to convey her desire to sit similarly with her future nieces and nephews. Darcy did not acknowledge Georgiana's pointed look beyond a twitch to his lips.
Darcy and Bingley were amused with the arrangements which required that Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's attention was focused on the questions and stories told by their offspring at their side of the table. The meal was light and the conversation flowed easily. Jane asked Mr. Darcy about his home, and watched her sister out of curiosity for Elizabeth's feelings.
Mr. Darcy's reply was thus, "I have never lived elsewhere in London, since it suites my needs and is in fair condition. I understand that my father purchased the house right before his marriage to my mother, Lady Anne. I do not know the particulars, though I believe that it was purchased to appease the Earl, my late grandfather, when my father offered for my mother. I have not made any changes save regular upkeep that is necessary to the house." At this, he turned to Elizabeth and quietly told her that he hoped she would make any changes to make her feel at home.
Elizabeth turned to boldly hold his gaze and said, "If I am to make any changes it will be to make the house our home, Fitzwilliam."
Her reply made him feel that he may burst from happiness. He could do little more than look to his plate so no one else would notice his flushed face.
The time soon came for the Darcys to take their leave with the Bennets and Bingley. Mrs. Gardiner touched Elizabeth's shoulder as she came downstairs with her sister and a bundle of clothing to change into for later. Gaining her nieces attention, Mrs. Gardiner quietly tried once more to ascertain Elizabeth's emotional state. "You are well, Lizzy? I do not want you to feel uneasy. There will be enough to chaperone."
Mrs. Gardiner realized by Elizabeth's clear countenance that her concern was for naught. She smiled and nodded at her niece to pass when Elizabeth smirked and said that all was well and right with her.
In the carriage, Jane and Elizabeth sat beside Georgiana and listened to her chat happily about the evening to come. "It is quite a relief to me, Lizzy, that you will soon take over the duties of mistress of the Darcy holdings."
Elizabeth laughed and patted Georgiana's hand, "I am glad to be of service to you."
"Not to say that I was responsible for the duties entirely, to be fair, my brother shouldered most of the responsibilities. However, I am rather serious, Lizzy. I will happily let you run about the house to see to its needs while I play my instruments all day long."
Elizabeth shook her head and smiled at Darcy before she replied. "Oh no! That will not do. I am afraid that you shall not get off so easy since I will need a capable guide and I appoint you to the task."
When they arrived on Park Lane, Darcy allowed his friend to descend first to assist Jane down before he descended to hand his sister out and then finally, Elizabeth.
She first looked to his face rather than the townhouse, in doing so she was able to discern his nervousness. Elizabeth was so caught up in avoiding her own uneasiness while faced with her inquisitive sister and aunt, that she had not thought that her betrothed might be experiencing a level of uncertainty as well—for he so wanted his home and staff to make a favorable impression.
Elizabeth smiled and turned to face Darcy House. It had a lovely white and stone façade with a low iron gate to enclose the walkway, potted flowers and a well-trimmed fruit tree on either side of the walk framed it beautifully. Elizabeth thought she had never seen a more charming home in London. "William, it is lovely." She tilted her head at his answering grin, "Would you care to lead me inside?"
Darcy laughed at her saucy request and with her arm firmly entwined around his own, lead her through the arched gate and open door. "Of course, dearest. I will gladly lead you anywhere you wish to go."
Bingley had already escorted Jane and Georgiana through the entry. An elderly butler and a maid stepped toward the Master and future Mistress to divest them of their outerwear. Elizabeth was too preoccupied during the routine to notice two servants hanging back by the drawing room doors awaiting introduction.
The servants had been waiting in anticipation of the introduction since being told of the day's plans. In an effort to not overwhelm the newest family member, only the housekeeper and steward were to be formally introduced this day. Mrs. Whitin and Mr. Arens expectantly waited on behalf of the staff to greet Miss Elizabeth Bennet as Mr. Darcy's bride. They dutifully bowed when Mr. Darcy made the introductions and left when they were dismissed, eager to go to the kitchens to remark on the genteelness of Miss Bennet to the rest of the staff to appease their curiosity.
As the housekeeper and steward left, Elizabeth noticed the elderly butler was hovering close by and raised an eyebrow to Darcy, wondering if an introduction was forthcoming. Darcy obliged and introduced Randle to her before conducting her to the drawing room where the rest of the party had gone.
Elizabeth was surprised that he should employ a butler and a steward in the townhouse, and commented on the need for so many servants. She did not expect the reply that was forthcoming. "It was not always so. While I can afford it, it is not necessary to have so many servants; although I expect to add many to the payroll when we wed, and even more so, when we have a family. You might have noticed that Randle is getting on in years. He does not have a family to retire with and so has no desire to leave my service. I hired Mr. Arens to see to the duties that Randle could not perform, and then some."
Elizabeth was touched by his thoughtfulness and was again reminded of the devotion which Darcy has attended to all things—including his love for her.
AN: This was a bit of a fluffy chapter…I hope you enjoyed it! Next is the tour of the house and some surprises.
