Timeline reminder:
Proposal: Tues 6 Oct , according to MacKinnon and Chapman
10/15 – Leave for London
10/18 - Matlock party
10/19 – picnic
10/22 – Opera
10/23 – Dinner at Hursts
10/24 – Townshend Dinner Party
10/25 – Church, Dinner at Darcy House
26th – Ball hosted by Viscount Torrington
Ch. 34 The Darcy House Party
If Darcy House was charming on the outside, Elizabeth thought the inside was enchanting. The subtle hues of the Georgian fabrics that adorned the rooms and halls, the marble and wood floors, the décor and art all felt comforting and inviting—exactly what she would have chosen if the house was given to her bare.
Mr. Bingley excused himself to change when the party moved upstairs to the portrait hall, promising to return down shortly.
Georgiana and Jane were not with the couple long before returning to the music room on a trivial excuse that Georgiana invented to draw her friend away to give her brother a few private moments. Darcy raised an eyebrow as he watched his sister lead a smirking Jane back down the hall. He was happy with the development though, as a gentleman, he would never assume, nor ask for, a situation to arise to give him alone time with Elizabeth. As a passing thought, he hoped that Georgiana would never expect the same consideration when she is betrothed.
"Fitzwilliam, it seems that we have been left to our own devices by our sisters."
Darcy turned to his beloved and recognized the incline to her head and arched brow, causing him to smile. "It does seem to be so," he said just as he stepped forward to enfold her in his embrace. He planted a kiss below her ear and her neck and breathed, "I have missed your kisses."
Her breath caught causing her chest to rise, closing the gap between their bodies. Boldly she said, "Then turn hither and allow me to bestow a proper one on your lips." He was in no position to argue and had no desire to.
It was a soft, lingering kiss. Elizabeth's hands drew up his arms and, of their own accord, they found their way around his neck, her fingers brushing the hair that feathered over his cravat. Darcy had to consciously hold himself from deepening the kiss further—it was dangerous to be alone so close to his room. With all the resistance he could muster, he soon drew away with a nibble to Elizabeth's lower lip. Darcy's voice was husky when he said, "Would you care to see the rest?"
Elizabeth would normally reply with some witty comment about what he would like, but declined for her energy was sapped and her mind addled. She nodded and allowed him to take her hand and lead her on down the hall, the opposite direction in which their sisters had departed.
There was a lovely sitting room reserved for guests with a small balcony that overlooked part of the garden off the kitchens and the carriage house. Elizabeth looked out the window and said, "I like your house very much, William. As much as I entertain the idea of spending all our days at Pemberley, I do believe that we can be very happy here as well."
He raised his hand to move a curl behind her ear. "I am glad you say so. There is one more room I would like to show you, though I had not intended to take you there myself." At her inquiring gaze he continued, "It would be improper to take you to the Mistress chamber without a chaperone. I should ask for Mrs. Whitin to accompany you so that she might take notes on changes you would like to see and the colors you would prefer. I have already asked Mrs. Reynolds at Pemberley to see some changes made there to make it ready for you. However, since you are here…" He stopped, realizing that he had been babbling. Elizabeth's answering smile relieved any embarrassment that he might feel. He sighed, "I am striving to be a gentleman."
She touched his cheek with the back of her fingers. "Fitzwilliam, I do not believe you could ever be less than a gentleman. You have given me every consideration." Elizabeth was enjoying their private tour and was sad to see it end. She decided that they might compromise. She lowered her hand to take up his and said, "Take me to the room. It is very likely we will happen on Mrs. Whitin, or a maid, who might suffice as a chaperone."
Darcy frowned but reasoned that his sister would surely not leave them alone much longer. He lifted their entwined hands to kiss her knuckles before leading the way to where the master suites were situated. Not one servant was seen.
There were two doors within close proximity that were more profoundly framed than the others. Darcy hesitated before opening the door leading to her room.
Elizabeth squeezed his hand. "William, we will soon be married. I am anxious but not frightened to be behind doors with you. If you would rather wait, I might be persuaded to delay a few weeks." Although she was sincere, Elizabeth stood in anticipation, dearly hoping that he would go with her.
Darcy smiled without replying and opened the door, then stepped aside to allow her to pass before following her into the room. He stood close to the threshold and watched her walk around the room, touching and familiarizing herself with the items therein. She soon had walked the perimeter of the room and came to the sitting area and sat primly on a chaise facing Darcy.
"It is a handsome chamber, William."
Checking to assure himself that the door was left ajar, he took a few steps toward her as he said. "The other room is a mirror of this one." He inclined his head toward the connecting door located by the bed; on the other side of the door was his own bed. Just thinking about the proximity made him uneasy—he did not trust himself as much as she trusted him.
She longed to ask him a question. She was determined to do it. However she was hesitant, unsure of how he would respond. As the opportunity would likely not be ripe again for some time, she steeled her resolve and let it out. "Which room will we share?"
Elizabeth looked down at her hands in embarrassment as her blush spread from her cheeks down her neck. She hoped that her Fitzwilliam would not entertain the popular notion of slumbering in separate rooms, though she could not bring herself to observe his reaction. If she had, Elizabeth would have seen the look of flushed pride and pleasure that overtook his features; causing him to move even closer to her, until he was kneeling in front of her.
Darcy lifted her chin to gaze adoringly into her uncertain eyes. "My love, you need not feel embarrassed; for I dearly wish for you to be honest and direct with your wishes so that we never have cause for misunderstandings between us." He kisses her softly and pulled away to sit beside her with her hand in his. "I am content that you have the same desire as I; to share one chamber. One bed. It does not matter which as long as I may be with you."
She sighed in relief and offered him a radiant smile.
It was in this attitude that Mrs. Whitin interrupted with her entry and courtesy. "Sir, Madam, Miss Darcy just sent me. Is there anything I can assist you with?" Mrs. Whitin was not insensible to the touching scene she had happened upon, though she was not certain of its substance. In truth, she had been outside the door for the last several minutes waiting for an opportune moment to intrude. She schooled her features to remain professional; inside she was delighted with the love and understanding between her Master and future Mistress.
Mr. Darcy cleared his throat and stood. "Yes, of course. I would like for you to note any alterations Miss Bennet requires for the room." He held out his hand to help his betrothed to her feet before stepping back and allowing Elizabeth to interact with the housekeeper. He was not disappointed with her ability to manage the conversation.
Elizabeth smiled at the kindly housekeeper, "Thank you for your assistance Mrs. Whitin. The room is lovely the way it is, what were you planning on updating?"
Mrs. Whitin nodded and apprised Elizabeth of the need for a new feather tick and bed linens also the necessity to clean the curtains, upholstery, and wall fabric. "If there is any furniture or fabrics you would like replaced, I would be happy to see to it."
Elizabeth thought about her response. Her first instinct was to tell Mrs. Whitin to leave everything as it is. What problems would be solved by acting meek? It would be better to take the task seriously and with honesty, rather than wait until after she was wed to confess that she wished for some changes to be done. Elizabeth walked the room once more, pursing her lips as she considered the colors and fabrics. She liked the stripped creams on the chairs, the floral love seat with matching chaise where she recently sat and the mahogany of the Sheraton bed and side table. Besides the maintenance that the housekeeper had suggested, there were only two other concerns. "All your suggestions are sound. I also believe the bed swag needs to be seen to. It looks rather sad. Perhaps a soft yellow or green would be a nice addition and fit in nicely with the sofa. The only other change I would like to see is to the wall panels. I am not fond of deep brown. If it is necessary to remove the fabric to clean, they might as well be replaced with something that might compliment the bed linen and brighten the room."
Mrs. Whitin appreciated Elizabeth's diplomacy and intelligence. She was in full agreement and nodded. Indicating a door in the corner by the sitting area, she asked, "Would you care to see the dressing chamber, Madam?"
Elizabeth smiled, "Not now, I thank you. I trust your judgement to make it comfortable for me." She looked to her betrothed, "Perhaps we should join our sisters for tea, Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy nodded and gestured toward the open door. He offered his arm when they were once again in the hall. Elizabeth was quiet, lost in thought, as they walked and descended the stairs. She was pondering many notions of the marriage state. Her experience was limited since she did not consider her parent's marriage as an ideal or loving one. The Gardiners shared felicity though, as far as she knew, also kept separate sleeping arrangements. She had no model for the type of relationship she desired with Fitzwilliam—though they seemed to be of the same mind on the matter.
In an effort to take advantage of their last moments alone, he offered other information about the house like the usual room Georgiana and he occupied in the mornings, the guest rooms located on the third floor, and servant's quarters. When Elizabeth listened and nodded without adding to the conversation, he asked if she was certain that the house meets with her approval.
Elizabeth stopped at his question and tone, "Of course it does! I do not know of anyone who would disapprove. I was simply considering. Forgive me."
"There is nothing to forgive. I am content if you are."
The original plan was to meet their sisters and Bingley in the sitting room, however the musical refrain filling the house indicated that the rest of the group were situated in the music room, so Darcy and Elizabeth proceeded in that direction following the sound of music.
She laughed and teased just before entering the music room, "I do like that. If only contentment was so easily achieved! It is a weighty occupation; however, for you I am content to influence the intensity of your contentment."
Jane sat beside Georgiana as she played, entertaining Bingley who sat with stars in his eyes as he watched his beloved. Darcy and Elizabeth quietly chose seats close together and continued to listen. Georgiana finished the tune as a fresh tea service was brought in. Elizabeth busied herself by pouring tea for her and Darcy.
"That was lovely, Georgiana. I do enjoy listening to you play." Georgiana smiled at Elizabeth and her brother, restraining the urge to ask what they did with their time alone.
Bingley said happily, "Yes, indeed. I do enjoy your performance, Miss Darcy! Perhaps if you are amenable we might dance to your playing sometime."
Elizabeth looked at Darcy with an idea, her eyes shined with her plan. Darcy raised a brow in inquiry before Elizabeth abruptly stood, surveyed the room and, with a nod, moved to speak conspiratorially with Jane and Georgiana. Jane's face showed a shock in the face of Elizabeth's beaming look, and Georgiana nodded excitedly and indicated the room with a sweeping gesture. Georgiana then stood to rifle through a file of music in the side cabinet.
The reactions of Jane and his sister made Darcy frown, almost afraid of what Elizabeth planned.
Elizabeth ignored him as she moved to open the doors to the hall, as well as the sitting room and the hall entrance to the sitting room. Darcy stood when she reentered the room. Jane also stood and approached Bingley with less confidence than Elizabeth displayed when she approached Darcy.
Elizabeth curtseyed low before her betrothed, holding his gaze. "May I have this dance, Mr. Darcy?"
On cue, Georgiana began playing Rosen aus dem Süden.
Darcy was astonished. "You cannot be serious."
"Perfectly so, William. You promised to teach me and I am your most willing student." Elizabeth held out her arms.
He stood looking at her a moment in contemplation before bowing and directing her left hand to his shoulder as he took her waist. "You might also hold your skirt, if need be. Ready?" He raised their joined hands and set off after Bingley and Jane who were laughing gaily. "One – two – three. One – two – three."
Elizabeth's smile was infectious and Darcy found himself smiling as he danced through the door to the sitting room, the hall and around through the music room again. Squeezing Elizabeth's waist fondly and guiding her closer he said, "I should like to point out that I never made any promises to waltz."
She laughed gaily. "You did promise to dance with me if there was an occasion to do so, especially in a small party." He conceded the point while executing a tight spin, and also made comment that he had never before danced around the wall in his house before. This pleased Elizabeth and they spent the remainder of the dance in silence enjoying the nearness of each other.
When the music ended Georgiana had an ecstatic smile on her face, she had enjoyed watching the couples as they twirled in and out of the room. Jane captured everyone's attention with her high-pitched squeal—rather unlike Jane—when Bingley twirled her out of his embrace.
Everyone laughed and took their seats for refreshments. Georgiana joined them as they discussed their dance and what fun it was to be together. Elizabeth enjoyed seeing her betrothed at ease with his surroundings. Elizabeth was surprised that the private moment she shared with Darcy was not questioned, though she did catch the speculating glances and private smiles that Georgiana aimed at her.
The afternoon passed pleasantly.
Soon it was time to change for dinner. Georgiana escorted Jane and Elizabeth to her suite of rooms. "I hope you do not mind, Lizzy. I had your clothing pressed and put in my room. If you would rather, I can show you to a guest room. I did have two prepared for you and Jane. If that would make you feel…"
Georgiana stopped her nervous chatter when Elizabeth laughed and Jane smiled at her. Elizabeth said, "Dear Georgie, Jane and I are well acquainted with sharing space with sisters. I believe we shall have much more fun if we can share confidences while preparing ourselves for the evening."
Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived soon after the ladies were changed and thereafter Mrs. Bennet and the Gardiners completed the party. Colonel Fitzwilliam enjoyed teasing Elizabeth about her upcoming reign over Darcy House, much to Darcy's annoyance and Georgiana's glee.
Mrs. Bennet was in raptures over the beauty of the house and sitting room. She was unwilling to be diverted from the topic until the Colonel began regaling the group with stories of his military travels and conquests. Mrs. Bennet was quite taken with the Colonel and declared that he must look dashingly handsome in his regimentals, how delightful it must be for dear Georgiana to hear of his endeavors, and that her youngest daughter but one would so love to be introduced to him. Her questions and effusions lasted through dinner.
Elizabeth could not help to notice that Darcy was an attentive host in his quiet way. She noticed how he confidently gave servants direction with a tilt of his head and even guided the discourse when need be—she was proud to be at his side, observing the party and enjoying dynamic conversation.
When the ladies separated, Mrs. Bennet once again directed her comments on the house to her daughter. "Lizzy, you must keep Mr. Darcy happy and be more attentive to fashion. For when you are in town you will have to entertain many affluent people of high fashion. Oh! If only Mr. Bennet could spend more, then we could go to the fashionable shops. Tomorrow, let us get some fashion magazines to take home so you can educate yourself."
Elizabeth replied that it was a sound idea and perhaps Kitty could refashion some older gowns and bonnets; Kitty had a talent for re-stitching. At Elizabeth's pleading gaze, before her mother could reply in a negative manner, Mrs. Gardiner sat close to Mrs. Bennet to ask her which magazines would be best. Since Mrs. Bennet's attention was diverted Elizabeth took the opportunity to ask Georgiana if she would play. Feeling at home with the ladies, Georgiana agreed and, after asking Elizabeth with innocents exuding from her expression if she would care for a waltz, she sat before the instrument and played a concerto with a smile on her lips from her jest.
The gentlemen had just joined the ladies when a commotion was heard at the door and Mr. Arens came up to Darcy to speak quietly with that gentleman. Darcy was handed a letter and thanked his man before turning toward Elizabeth with his amazed regard.
"Is everything alright?" Elizabeth asked.
Darcy nodded reassuringly before frowning slightly at the letter in his hand. "I believe so. I am only surprised that this was delivered on a Sunday. It is for you, my dear." He then handed the letter over noticing the De Bourgh stamp.
Elizabeth raised a brow while turning over the letter from Anne De Bourgh—she was certain that Lady Catherine would not write to her. "Shall I wait to open it?"
Darcy was of two minds on the matter. If the letter contained any verbiage that could upset Elizabeth, he felt strongly about being near; however, the letter was addressed to her so she should be allowed to read it privately. "Let us go to the library. You may read it there in peace and I might be close if you should need me."
Elizabeth agreed and stood. When the plan was shared quietly with the Gardiners, Mr. Gardiner asked if he might peruse the library while Elizabeth read. Darcy agreed and appreciated Gardiner's subtle method of chaperoning.
In the library, Mr. Gardiner and Darcy ambled by the shelves discussing the books as well as their favorite works, while Elizabeth sat by the fire to read. It was not dark in the room, but the extra light and warmth was welcome. When she opened the letter, another stamped letter fell to her lap with a name and direction that she did not recognize. Mr. Joshua Jenkinson. Puzzled, she began to read the letter addressed to her.
October 24, 1812
Rosings Park, Kent
Dear Miss Elizabeth,
I am grateful for your correspondence. I have reread your letter several times and each time brings me more excitement. I shall be pleased to call you cousin and visit Pemberley. I am not certain how it was done; my mother is even promoting my visit. You must understand that it is not due to your presence, but that of my cousins and her hope that I might be foisted on some unsuspecting male who might marry me and allow us both to be controlled by Lady Catherine.
I feel compelled to confide in you. Although I am not against marriage, I do not wish to be so close to my mother. If I am destined to be someone's wife, could we live away from Rosings, or is it possible to remove Lady Catherine? I have felt stifled for too long and anticipate the freedom you are offering at Pemberley. I would leave on the morrow.
What we do matters naught. Although I should like to read some novels (my mother has never allowed me the liberty, insisting on choosing my reading material) and assist you any way I can. I have never had the opportunity to manage Rosings and feel ill qualified to do so. If you allow me to observe your method of household management, I would appreciate the lessons. Do I ask too much, Cousin Elizabeth? The inevitability of becoming the Mistress of Rosings is very intimidating to me, especially given my frail health; I could never manage it as my mother does with intimidation. I shall need to learn another style. That is not to say that I am ungrateful for my mother, it is only to say that my character is so different that I can never aspire to emulate her. How she ever thought I was suited to manage Pemberley and Rosings is a mystery to me.
I also hope that you and Georgiana will play for me; perhaps I might learn how to play the pianoforte a little. In the past, I have had Mrs. Jenkinson teach me basic fingering and scales.
I have an idea that I would like to put to you. I am not inclined to invite Mrs. Jenkinson to Pemberley with us. I will have a maid, and I believe that to be enough. Mrs. Jenkinson, while a kind lady, is very much afraid of my mother and reports to her daily at home. It is difficult to convince her to keep my confidence and I would prefer to not worry over my mother while away from Rosings. Mrs. Jenkinson has a son who studies the law in London and I thought that she would like an extended visit with her family there.
I have enclosed a letter addressed to that gentleman and request that it gets delivered. I did not have the time to write a separate letter to my cousin, however I know that Darcy would gladly find this man and see that arrangements are made (the reason why I sent this letter to Darcy's townhouse, I knew you would be together when you happened to read it). If it is not done, I am certain that Mrs. Jenkinson would spy upon me, you, and the happenings at Pemberley, then report her observations back to Lady Catherine.
I must close for it is getting late and I am fatigued. I will try to send this in the morning through Mrs. Collins since I will see her at church before she leaves for Hertfordshire. I am afraid that my mother has been unkind to her since learning of your marriage knowing that, as your friend, she supports the match.
Your faithful correspondent,
Anne De Bourgh
Once she finished reading Anne's letter, Elizabeth stared into the undulating flames of the fire in thought. How sad Miss De Bourgh has been and how glad Elizabeth was that she, Darcy and Georgiana were is a position to assist her.
"Elizabeth, are you well?" Darcy asked. He had been observing her from the corner of his eyesight and was uncertain of her mood.
Elizabeth startled out of her reverie and smiled. "Indeed, I am." She stood and offered Anne's letter to him. "You might be interested in what your cousin has to say. I do believe that she meant this letter to be for us both.
He read it quickly as Mr. Gardiner observed, "Miss De Bourgh must like you, Lizzy. It seems odd to receive a letter on Sunday and here, rather than our home." Elizabeth nodded at her uncle and told him about Anne's last express to Darcy and her subsequent reply.
When Darcy looked up from his reading, Elizabeth offered him the letter to Mr. Jenkinson. "This is for Mrs. Jenkinson's son. Will you deliver it?"
Darcy nodded, "As soon as it can be done."
AN: Another long chapter for you to make up for the short one last time.
What do you think is going on at Longbourn? Will Elizabeth be expected to single-handedly guide Georgiana and Anne? Tomorrow is the ball, is Caroline going to make an appearance, should she?
