Chapter 13

Breakfast at Darcy house like most houses was very informal. Breakfast was set out in salvers for people to help themselves Darcy was pleased to see sausages so helped himself with a pile of scrambled eggs and some crispy bacon. A couple of rounds of toast and jam and plenty of coffee. His Aunt had finally given up and left for Matlock house to try and see what pressure she could exhort there. He had sent a note for Georgie to stay another night at the Bennet's she would be back today. He had the company of his Cousin and friend but both seemed busy with their own thoughts so he started going through his mail. "What on earth can Prinnie want with me" he looked up to see his cousin watching him.

"Well, Richard are you going to spill or is it going to be a nice surprise" Darcy dripped sarcasm

Richard had the grace to look a little sheepish "I can only tell you things in strictest confidence, and I am not sure Bingley here can be trusted with this information" he prevaricated.

Bingley's head shot up "when have I ever lost my mouth and spilt the beans" he demanded I never divulged who brought the horse into the dining room or who let the dancing girl into the Dean's inner chamber" the three men happily sat reminiscing on past capers at university all done on a drunken dare.

"So, what can you say?" Darcy looked at his cousin carefully.

"Well Wellesley and I were talking and I told him you wanted to marry Miss Elizabeth and you have a great friendship already with her father" Richard wasn't telling the full truth as his father had sworn him to secrecy "The three oldest are to make their curtsey and they are going to honour Miss Elizabeth" Richard quickly hid behind his coffee cup

"What" Darcy stood up so fast his chair tipped back he stepped around it and picked it up.

"Wellesley told Prinnie all that Miss Elizabeth had done towards the code cracking and the other times she helped her father Wellesley told the Prince in no uncertain terms cos her father still doesn't want anything except the entail broken so they are looking for something pretty good"

"Does she know?" Darcy asked

"She should by now"

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Elizabeth sat stunned in her chair the next day at breakfast. Jane took her hand and rubbed it whilst Mary poured her a cup of very sweet tea. Kitty, Lydia and Georgiana sat quietly waiting for Elizabeth to regain some colour. "And I won't be allowed to refuse it"

"No, my dear I am so sorry its my fault, you know how I feel about titles etc they were never for me but for you it is different take the title and whatever else they offer and you will have it for your children" Bennet looked at his daughter and saw more colour coming back he sighed in relief "They are also ending the entail as my reward for services rendered which is all I wanted"

"When?" her voice still had a slight tremble

"Tomorrow, it will give you time to practice your courtesy" he smiled at her gently and took her hand up again. "You are strong enough to withstand anything they throw at you. The family will be with you and a few others that know and love you, you will not be alone except for a small part but we will all be there"

"I think a nice bath with the rose oil is in order later" she smiled

"Rose oiled baths for everyone" Bennet ordered

"What are you going to wear" Lydia was immediately caught up in planning her own outfit.

"WelI, I was keeping the bronze silk for the Matlock ball but I think that would do" Lizzie said

The girls sighed their appreciation for the beautiful dress. "Are the Gardiners allowed to come with us?" Lizzie asked

"Yes, and the children"

"Goodness a real family outing then will they have a room big enough" she joked

The girls quickly finished their breakfast and Elizabeth helped her father to his study. "It will all be ok my dear"

"Yes, papa" she kissed his cheek then went to the bedroom for his Euripides. She noticed he had the Sappho ready. She smiled at him and went to join her sisters. Half an hour later the aunts arrived having picked up Aunt Madeline the girls were informed that more shopping was needed for court dresses. Elizabeth's heart sank she really did not want to go shopping but knew court dresses were different to ordinary dresses.

Madame Clarisse was waiting for them and already had many bolts of white fabric on display. Looking over them both Mary and Elizabeth groaned so much choice. Jane happily chose an ivory then Elizabeth saw a cream and Mary found a plain white with the choices made the girls were back into the little cubicles for their measurements to be taken. Madame Clarisse seemed to be everywhere overseeing everything to her satisfaction. The younger girls were happily looking through the newest fashion plates. Nothing they would be allowed to wear not being out. It was still nice to look through together. Elizabeth felt thoroughly poked and prodded aunt Bethany smiled at her in understanding. "How about a tea at Gunter's while we wait for everyone else"

Elizabeth nodded and put on her original clothes. Her aunt had informed the others of their plans, the younger girls decided to stay so off the two set. A table was found near the back of the tearoom and they settled themselves. "Are you ok?" Bethany said to Elizabeth

Elizabeth smiled "I will be, once all this is over it is such a circus"

"That is a good way to describe it all, we will all be with you tomorrow" her aunt said

Their tea and pastries arrived so Bethany poured for them. She saw the rest of their party making their way over so signalled for more tea and pastries be served.

After dropping Georgiana at Darcy house the Bennet's made their way home. As soon as they arrived baths were organised. Hair was thoroughly washed and then rose oil added. Elizabeth relaxed fully then sponging herself down before stepping out and wrapping herself in a towel she wrapped another around her long hair and removed to her bedroom. Taking up her comb she started the long process of teasing out the snarls in her hair. Her maid came in then to help her. They smiled at each other in the mirror Sally took over the combing then plaiting of her hair.

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The house was awake earlier than usual the next day. Trays were called for and Elizabeth felt the nerves for the first time. She finished a light breakfast not able to eat anymore her maid Sally came in with fresh water and took away the tray. After washing Sally was back to help her dress. Yes. she thought the bronze was perfect. The rich colour and the feel of the silk was truly wonderful against her skin. She sat on her stool and Sally started the process of her hair. The rich dark hair fell into beautiful waves when released from the plait. Her sisters were ready and soon piled into her room. They all looked stunning and Elizabeth felt a wave of pride at the sight of them. The usual pinning up of her hair was taking its usual time but she was very pleased with the result. A sprinkling of rose oil and she was ready. They all went down together their father in a beautiful dove grey suit was waiting for them. He looked them over with pride clearly written on his face "You, are truly Jewels of the first water, your mother would be so proud of each and everyone of you"

The girls all nodded unable to speak. Jane went into the dining room to check everything was going to be ready for everyone to come back for lunch. She nodded satisfied with the arrangements so far. Minutes later the carriage arrived. The extra step was set down and the footman helped him in and to settle himself. The girls all followed arranging themselves so their dresses wouldn't crease too much. Luckily it was only a short drive to the palace and the roads weren't too busy so they made excellent time. The girls were helped out and their footman set the step and their father made his way out the pain clearly seen on his face. Elizabeth took his arm and the others fell behind as an Aide came forward to lead the way to the ante room. They all felt very subdued and not even the excitable Lydia seemed to feel the need for quiet. He opened a door and they stepped in to the sight of the whole family within. Their cousins and Aunts and Uncles and the Darcy's and Matlock's and in the thick of it Wellesley. Aunt Madeline looked at the girls and her eyes filled with tears at the sight of them "Oh Thomas, Frances would be so proud" She hadn't known her sister-in- law for very long but she felt as a mother felt as did the rest of the family. Individually they were beautiful women but together they made a stunning group.

The door opened again and in came the Castlemaine's and Reginald and Mr Bingley. He gravitated immediately to Jane and Reginald joined Mary. Then Darcy was beside Elizabeth and the look he gave her made her gasp with the feeling of it. Georgiana came over to Kitty and Lydia and they held a whispered conversation. Matlock stepped up to Bennet and took his arm as the door opened and the Aide told them it was time. They entered a very grand room at the top of the room was a dais and two very grand chairs and some feet in front a stool with a hand rest. More comfortable chairs were set closer and they were all bid to take seats. Even the youngest was impressed into silence. Maisie was usually full of questions but her eyes were darting everywhere taking it all in. At the rear of the room the door opened and in came the Prince Regent and several aides. Wellesley stepped over to them his presence very commanding as he whispered a few words to the Prince.

An aide held several items on a cushion and another had a sword. "Mr Thomas Bennet" the aide called and Bennet stood taking his cane up he walked slowly to the Prince. He handed Mr Bennet a scroll "For services to The Crown in times of war your request for the entail to be broken has been granted" Mr Bennet could only say "thank you, sir" and stepped back to his seat.

"Mr Edward Gardiner" a shocked Mr Gardiner stepped up "kneel please" he knelt and the prince took hold of the sword and knighted Mr Gardiner for supplying the war effort with sail cloth and cloth for uniforms and use of his ships for troups. "Arise Sir Gardiner" Mr Gardiner rose and bowed and returned to his seat.

"Mr Fitzwilliam Aaron Darcy" Darcy rose and went towards the group "kneel please" Darcy knelt. "A great disservice was done to your family by Oliver Cromwell when they removed your titles. Your family has always served the crown. Your title Earl of Derby and Pemberly is now returned to you. Your seal and crest are returned to you and our greatest thanks" The sword touched him on both shoulders "Arise and be recognised. Darcy rose and slowly turned to face all that were there. The smile on his sisters and Elizabeth's faces could have lit up a hundred rooms.

Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Lizzie rose and went forward her inner shakes hopefully not noticeable "kneel please" feeling the sword touch her on her shoulders she looked up into the face of her future King. "I dub thee Countess of Flintshire arise and be recognised Lady Flint" Elizabeth rose then curtsied to the Prince and turned all her loved ones curtsied or bowed to her she felt tears sting her eyes. Squaring her shoulders, she moved back to them. Darcy took her hand and kissed it. The Prince and most of his aides left then. One came over he gave Elizabeth her seal. She felt a little silly to be asking "Where is Flintshire sir?" he smiled at her kindly "It is just over the border in North Wales"

"I have always wanted to learn Welsh" her father said breaking any tension that might have been left now it was all over. "I hope you will all join us for lunch" he finished

"Only if your wine is flowing" Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke up. His father patted him on the shoulder in agreement.

Darcy stepped up to Mr Bennet and offered his arm which Mr Bennet gratefully took. Eliabeth felt a little swamped so Darcy offered his other arm and she took it in a semi daze.

"Will we have to curtsy and call you Lady Flint" asked Kitty

"No, I am still your Lizzie" she suddenly felt a whole lot better she was still Lizzie.