AN: I did fix some piece of this chapter if you have already read it, there was some updates to the conversation with Monroe.
I really appreciate your feedback and love that you are enjoying the story!
THANK YOU for your patience. Please don't hate me for taking so long. Some of this chapter wrote itself while the rest… well… Enjoy!
Ch. 41 – Pearls on Pins
The morning fog settled on the city as Elizabeth and Jane went about their morning in good spirits. The children even seemed subdued, unhappy that they could not see anything out the windows and were therefore trapped indoors unless the sun decided to show itself at a later time.
Mrs. Bennet greeted the family to break her fast with pencil and paper in hand and proceeded to talk with more animation than her usual morning inclination. "I have been considering the menu so that we might have the best feast to celebrate the weddings. I cannot believe I shall have three daughters married!" She filled her plate as Jane offered her a cup of tea while firing off questions about menu options for the wedding breakfast. "What do you think girls? I considered the cheese pastries Hill makes. So divine and decedent compared to jelly rolls. You agree that jelly rolls are too common? We have those all the time."
Elizabeth's eyes lit up thinking on the sweet breads that were her particular favorite. "Mama, Mr. Bingley's cook made a lemon tart when we stayed. Is it possible to serve those? What do you think, Jane?"
Jane smiled, "Yes, you did go on about the lemon. It was mean of you when I was sick and could not have one! Cinnamon and raisin toast has always been my favorite, though."
Mrs. Bennet frowned at her eldest daughter. "Toast? No. I will add cinnamon sticks to the beverage table. That will be just the thing! Cinnamon sticks and chocolate beside the tea and coffee. I also need to add raspberry or mint water to the list. That would look more colorful than lemons. We mustn't forget lemons. Wine, of course. And lemon tarts. I always did enjoy a lemon tart!" Her head bent at scribbling, Mrs. Bennet continued her one-sided conversation.
Elizabeth was not certain if her mother was acknowledging her desire for the tarts or her own wishes. Rather than commenting, she took a bite from her plate and shared a sympathetic glance with her dearest sister. Aside she asked, "Should I tell her Mr. Darcy prefers cinnamon toast?" which her sister rolled her eyes at and exclaimed, "Lizzy!"
Mrs. Gardiner asked, "What meat will you serve? A nice beef in gravy or perhaps finger pies?"
"I like a stew and that can cook overnight. I will consult with Hill about the sauce; she has been reading on different ways to serve it. Finger pies would take an age to make enough, although it would be less messy to eat while socializing." With that she huffed and lamented being in London away from her housekeeper who could answer all her questions to put her mind at ease.
Mr. Gardiner excused himself for the day before Mrs. Gardiner picked up the conversation once again. "Even without your staff we can put together a wonderful menu. You will also need a fish, vegetable and desert. Once that is done, it will be a great worry off your mind. We can continue the planning while Elizabeth is fitted."
This comment earned Mrs. Gardiner the attention of the table; Elizabeth raised her eyebrow and Mrs. Bennet loudly inquired over her meaning. Calmly, Mrs. Gardiner added more tea to her cup and replied, "We received a note yesterday that Lizzy's winter wardrobe was assembled well enough for a fitting."
Mrs. Bennet was sidetracked by the intelligence enough to abandon her notebook and sing Mr. Darcy's praises for his thoughtfulness and generosity. She would not hear a word about the necessity of warmer clothes that were needed for the Derbyshire winter months, choosing to believe instead that Mr. Darcy desired his wife to dress in wealth.
P&P
Darcy was feeling particularly annoyed by his friend who insisted on venturing to the Hurst's home; Bingley dearly hoped to meet Mr. Monroe again.
With the introduction, Darcy was certain that the man's character would take several meetings to sketch. Away from the ladies, who had not yet ventured below stairs, Darcy and Bingley enjoyed refreshments with Hurst and Monroe in the book room. Hurst preferred to say little, though with narrowed eyes and creased brow, he openly sized up Mr. Monroe as a potential brother. Bingley was his usual boisterous self while asking questions and discussing the upcoming nuptials.
Darcy chose to take advantage of a lull in the conversation. "I understand that you are looking for a buyer of your estate?" asked Darcy hoping to gain insight as to why.
"Indeed, it is so." Mr. Monroe offered setting aside his coffee before continuing, "You understand that my estate and its lands have been in my family's care since the reign of King George I. Since I have remained unattached and my only remaining family is currently in the colonies, I have decided that it would be in my best interest to settle there. I have purchased a nice chunk of land adorning the land passed to me by royal decree. I understand that the land there possesses an abundance of riches."
Hurst gained Bingley's eye in silent communication. If Caroline accepted this man, they would be living outside of England!
Darcy had looked the gentleman in the eye during the whole of his speech before studying the liquid at the bottom of his cup, thinking on what was unsaid as well as what was. He must be an arrogant sort of man. "That is sound reasoning. How were you able to keep the land?"
"As I said, I have an uncle there. He studies the law and was able to get a pardon by the new American government, provided that the land was settled."
Darcy nodded, "I see. That was very lucky; I understand that many loyalists were not so fortunate." Monroe acknowledged this with a mock salute with his cup. The gesture was not appreciated. "What of the war there?"
Monroe shrugged, "A minor skirmish. The people do not have the resources to continue long, especially since they were so lately at war. I am certain that by the time I arrive, all shall be well."
Darcy looked at Bingley, conveying his skepticism. He was of the unpopular opinion that the Americans had been somewhat justified in their request for independence from a government residing three months away. Now again they are feeling the pressure and restriction of the British throne. He could not blame them, or their pride, even with his country at odds with France. At university, he had attended a lecture with guest speaker, Mr. Franklin, a representative to the King from the colony of Massachusetts. America might just be passionate enough to persevere and prosper over time.
To change the subject, Darcy asked another question, unrelated to the dilemma of American sovereignty. "What is wrong with your land?"
Monroe's eye twitched. "There are no deficiencies with my land."
"Your estate then?"
Monroe's lip twitched, "I assure you it is in good repair. I am certain a new owner would update it even if I were to add modern touches to it."
Darcy felt that he had interrogated the gentleman enough. Thinking of his last disastrous mistake of assuming that he knew better than Bingley; he chose to follow Elizabeth's advice and stay out of the affair—after the conclusion of the present conversation. "I wish you well then. Bingley is perhaps looking for an estate in the area. I wish to make one comment before we move on to more pleasant conversation; I do hope your intentions are honorable in regards to Miss Bingley. She deserves to be happily settled."
Mr. Monroe nodded in acknowledgement just as a commotion sounded in the hall heralding the ladies decent.
Darcy was immensely pleased with himself for gathering some information about the Monroe estate as well as not allowing any callous comments to slip about Miss Bingley. He did not call her difficult or miserly or haughty. Elizabeth would be proud of him for using such caring diplomacy!
Elizabeth was indeed impressed when he told her of it later. She thanked him for disclosing the contents of his meeting, the beautiful wardrobe, and simply being hers with a stolen kiss to his cheek. "I dare not venture closer to your lips," she whispered, "for they are too tempting." With Jane and Bingley sitting on the other side of the room and her family popping in and out, it was hardly ideal for an intimate romantic moment between the lovers. Darcy gave no heed to the rest of the room when he grinned, his eyes burning.
Jane and Elizabeth were summoned by Mrs. Gardiner soon after tea to ready themselves for the early dinner party before the performance at the Theatre Royale. Elizabeth felt Georgiana's absence that day especially while dressing for the elaborate evening ahead.
Jane shook her head at her sister's silliness while tying the bow behind Elizabeth's silver velvet gown. "I am more inclined to think her very wise to use this day for her music and cousin's visit since she would not be permitted to accompany us."
Elizabeth agreed. "Dear Jane, you are always so sensible! I do like this gown. You were right about the ribbon." She had been unsure as to which color would complement her ensemble and was persuaded to wear a blue-green under her bust and plaited in her hair.
"Hopefully Mr. Darcy shall have a little time with Georgiana before he returns with Charles."
Elizabeth chuckled at her sister as Mrs. Gardiner knocked and entered the room along with the loud exclamations of Mrs. Bennet as she followed Mr. Gardiner down the hall.
Mrs. Gardiner waved her hand at the noise. "Do not fret, Jane. Your mother is hoping to secure some more lace for your sisters that your uncle does not have. She will keep. I have something for you ladies." She held out her hands producing a bunch of dainty hair clips; several had a series of pearls and crystals and the other half had crystals interlaced with a gold cord.
Elizabeth raised her brows. "They are beautiful, Aunt. Where ever did you get them?" Jane reached out to touch them to be sure they would not fall apart.
Mrs. Gardiner was very pleased at the positive reception to her gifts. "I saw some similar pins in a boutique some time ago and thought to try making them. I ordered the supplies and began soon after I learned of your engagement. I thought tonight was a good excuse to give them to you. You first, Lizzy; the pearls are for you, I think."
The pins were attached in various positions around her coiffure using the ribbons as a backdrop to feature the detailed sparkle. Jane was subject to similar treatment as her Aunt and Elizabeth fussed with the twists in her hair. "The gold goes marvelously with your hair, dear one," Mrs. Gardiner said, "I am glad you chose white for this night. Lizzy, where is that large rose ribbon? Jane can use it as a neck-wrap; it will go well with the embroidery around her collar."
Elizabeth rushed about to get the requested ribbon from her drawer, pulled their gloves from another drawer, and the wraps from a wall hook ready for the evening. She opened the door with a flourish and a wink inviting her dear sister and aunt to accompany her down the stairs to await the arrival of their elegantly dressed gentlemen.
AN: Hoping to wrap up this day sooner… this summer is super packed for me with traveling and scout camps so I wanted to post this much. I intend to get a decent start to the next chapter this weekend. So that when I get home in a month I will have a good bit to work with.
As always I love to hear from you. What do you think the dinner party will intel? Any new thoughts on Mr. Monroe?
