Chapter 14
Darcy and Elizabeth walked in the park together the day after the ceremony. Jane and Bingley and Mary and Reginald walked with them there was a little distance between each to give some privacy of conversation. "Now that your father has signed the settlement, we could set the wedding date."
He looked at her lovingly she looked back up at him "when were you thinking of"
"We, could have the banns called this Sunday so in three weeks" Darcy said "Or I could get a special licence and then we could marry at anytime"
"I am happy with whatever we decide as long as we marry" she cuddled a bit closer to him.
"Well, if it was down to me, it would be tomorrow so I can drag you off to my cave" he pretended to leer at her
Her gurgle of laughter did his soul good. "Now Lady Flint a decision must be made."
"Yes, Milord of Derby and Pemberly" they smiled at each other.
"Did you manage to read through the paperwork they gave you regarding your title?" he asked
"Yes, I took it to bed with me last night it made interesting reading. The title is to be inherited and can be claimed by both male and females" she blushed at the thought of their having children.
"Have you a preference on where you would like to honeymoon?"
"No, surprise me" she smiled at him
"I, hope I will" he said
As they walked several people had greeted them but left them alone as they were so wrapped up in each other. They joined the others and could see the excitement between Bingley and Jane. Mary and Reginald were also very happy with the time they had spent together. On returning to the house Bingley whispered something to Jane who nodded and he slipped away.
Mr Bennet on seeing Mr Bingley enter his study felt his heart sink slightly, he laid down his Sappho and shook the gentleman's hand. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit"
Bingley swallowed hard "I would like to marry your daughter, I asked her today and she agreed" Bingley almost stammered
"Marry my daughter eh, Well Lizzie is engaged to Darcy so it cannot be her, and I think Mr Warner would have something to say if you had tried for Mary and Kitty and Lydia are far too young" the father said to the young man watching him carefully.
"It's, Miss Bennet, Its Jane" he blushed furiously at saying her name out loud. "All, I want to do is spend my life with her. I am hoping to buy Netherfield so she will not be taken too far from her family"
"You will have to ask David Chalmers about that son. He owns Netherfield"
"I will call on him on the morrow" Bingley stood "I will go to Jane now to tell her the good news"
Mr Bennet smiled as the young man left. He refreshed his glass of wine and lifted it in a salute to the happy couple Oh Fanny another fine young man I can hear you now. Mr Bennet picked up his book again and prepared himself for more. He knew it could not be long before Mary's hand was claimed.
Here we go Mr Bennet thought to himself as another tap on the door and he bade the person to "Enter"
Reginald Warner entered and smiled at Mr Bennet "I have a feeling you know why I am here" he said
"Oh, I don't know maybe a rematch or you want to steal my Sappho away from me" the old man said "but I have the feeling you are going to steal my Mary away"
"Yes, I have requested her hand and she kindly said yes"
"Well I don't look upon it as losing a daughter but gaining a chess player"
Reginald grinned and shook his hand
"Go and celebrate it is after all a double celebration" at Reginald's puzzled look "You will see soon enough" he thought for a moment "can I borrow your arm and I will return with you to the parlour"
The two men entered and at Mr Bennet's signal the footman brought over wine and glasses. "Don't we have any champagne it is after all a celebration" The footman hurried away knowing that several bottles had been laid down in the cellar so should be nicely chilled.
The happy couples were sitting quietly "I have had an idea of really setting the ton ablaze" Reginald smiled "a treble wedding"
"I am game if it is done very soon" Darcy said as Elizabeth nodded in agreement
"A wonderful idea" said Bingley and Jane together
"I would love that above all things" said Mary
"What a joke," said Lydia
Bennet looked at them all, he lifted his cane "I would not be able to walk all three of you down the aisle, I suggest therefor, you each have an uncle Sir Edward with Jane, Sir Christopher with Lizzie and Sir David with Mary, I will let you sort out your own groomsmen and I assume Kitty and Lydia will be part of the wedding party too.
"If my sisters don't mind, I will ask Georgiana to stand with me," said Lizzie
Mary asked Kitty and Jane smiled at Lydia who nodded happily.
"Well that is that sorted its just a matter of the day and the wedding breakfast can be held here. I just need to write to Mrs Hill to send me several cases of wine some of the cheese and a very large ham and some other bits," said Bennet
"I am also in need of several cases of each so it can come on the wagon I am sending" Darcy said.
"I say Darcy could that also include some for my use" Reginald said as Bingley nodded
"I think that could be arranged I can have a carter on his way tomorrow morning"
Elizabeth got up and got her portable writing desk. Darcy took a sheet of paper and wrote his requirements which included the pickle and rosehip jam several cheeses and a ham as did ten boxes of each of the wines.
Bingley and Reginald did the same regarding the wines and Bingley added jams and pickles and the hard cheese.
Mr Bennet told a footman to have a tray of cheeses, ham and some pickle cut up and brought in as he wrote his note to Mrs Hill. He also added the news of the three engagements. The footman arrived back with the tray and the men fell onto it with gusto. Very soon Reginald was adding cheese and ham and pickle to his list.
"Shall we have the first banns called this Sunday then in three weeks we can marry" Bingley said
"Or we can get a special license and marry whenever" Darcy tried not to look too eager.
Elizabeth looked around and said "I am happy with whatever is decided" Jane and Mary said they too were happy with whatever was decided.
"How about we get the special license and marry next Thursday. We only need invite family and any special friends." Bingley said he looked at his love who blushed and nodded.
"Well tomorrow is the Matlock's ball so everyone we want at the wedding should be there" Darcy said happily.
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"Lady Flint, how well you look tonight" Jessie Matlock smiled at her. Darcy stepped forward and took Elizabeth's arm.
"It is all arranged" he whispered into her ear. "I hope I can claim you first and your supper set.
"Of course, if it were allowed, I would dance all night with you." They joined Mary and Jane who were heading into the ballroom. Bingley and Warner had joined them. The ballroom was nearly full and the amount of people felt very overwhelming to the girls. Several people acknowledged the group as they walked past. Darcy's heart sank as he saw Cuthbert Jameson in the crowd thankfully, he was busy so didn't see him. He was a known rake and Jane was just his type. He would have a word with Bingley and Warner to give them an extra level of protection. He was pleased to see Richard and Henry, looking further he saw Jeffrey and Robert along with the uncles the girls would be happily occupied. He whispered again in her ear "save me your last dance as well, it is a waltz" her gasp of pleasure pleased him no end.
They joined the family with many remarks of Milord to Darcy and Milady to Elizabeth they both took the teasing in good part and Darcy was very happy to see all three girls with full dance cards just from the families alone. He had a quiet word with Bingley first. Warner had already seen him there and was also determined to keep their womenfolk safe. Richard sensing something amiss strolled over to Darcy "Problems?" he said
"Just Cuthbert Jameson being here" Darcy told him quietly
"Well their dance cards are full I take it you are dancing with Elizabeth's supper set, we will all sit together during supper and just make sure they are not alone at anytime" Richard said. "I will warn their cousins and uncles"
"I say Darcy long time no see, where have you been hiding yourself"
Darcy turned and his heart sank "Jameson, yes it has been an age since I saw you last"
"Introduce me to these fine fillies will you" Jameson said
"Countess of Flintshire, Miss Bennet and Miss Mary Bennet let me introduce you to Mr Jameson" Darcy said.
Jameson bowed as the girls curtseyed. He immediately looked to Jane and requested a set. Jane apologised and told him her dance card was full. He then looked to the other two sisters and they replied the same.
Elizabeth could feel Darcy's tension he didn't like this man she would take care not to be alone with him. Jane and Mary felt Elizabeth's tension but couldn't talk to her as the music started up and partners were found so they said goodbye to Mr Jameson. After the first dance finished Elizabeth was able to warn her sisters against Mr Jameson as Darcy had warned her of his ways. Jane at first wanted to believe he was a good man but with Mr Warner backing up Darcy's claims and Bingley admitting to having heard certain things then Jane promised to take care. Partners were then sought for the second dance and nothing more was said. Several times that evening Mr Jameson tried to encroach on the party but Richard was able to thwart him each time. In the end he gave up and went in search of more willing partners.
Supper with the usual group together attracted the usual attentions especially from fond mama's who had hoped their daughters would marry Mr Darcy or Mr Warner. Mr Bingley although handsome and well blunted still had the stench of trade about him. His connections to The Matlock's. Darcy, Warner and others of high status did have a few ladies sighing but all admitted Miss Bennet was undeniably beautiful and they matched each other very well.
David Chalmers made his way over to Charles Bingley during supper "I have spoken to my son and her ladyship and they have agreed with me regarding the sale of Netherfield as her Ladyship wants us to buy a house in Brighton for the sea air. We can always stay at Stoke House for the shooting and family visits so I will be in touch with my solicitor tomorrow to set a fair market price, if your still interested in buying"
The smile lit up his face and Bingley rose quickly "let us shake on it gentleman to soon be gentleman"
"You are a gentleman Charles we want to welcome you to the family" Lord Chalmers said
Bingley felt very emotional and thanked his soon to be uncle. His family were not large though not as small as the Darcy's. Every time he looked at Jane, he felt a frisson of excitement at the thought that very soon they would marry. The Hurst's had sent their congratulations by express and their sorrow at not being able to travel to the wedding. He had heard nothing though from Caroline. He hoped she would not be stupid enough to come indeed he had only informed her he would be marrying Jane not the when or the where.
Many couples took to the floor for the waltz, the twirling of the dance and the fact that Elizabeth was in his arms had Darcy deciding that yes, the waltz was his favourite dance. It still shocked some people but the young ones had embraced it completely. Richard had agreed to stand up with him for the wedding Georgiana had been thrilled to be asked to stand with Elizabeth. All he had to do was choose which waistcoat and cravat. The men had met to choose the church and apply for the special license, Darcy had decided to stay for a week at Darcy House in London. Georgiana could stay with the Matlock's or the Bennet's the invitation had been extended by Mr Bennet himself. Having looked over the paperwork of Elizabeth's title he saw the Manor house was near to Flint. He thought a trip to Wales would be welcome to her. It was close to the coast so sea walks, after visiting North Wales they could take a trip to South Wales to the property he owned there. A trip to the Scottish property could be done at a later date. After Wales they would return to London for the last of the Season and Elizabeth's curtsey to the Queen, and then on to Pemberly. Elizabeth had told him to arrange anything and everything as he was very well travelled.
The afternoon after the Matlock's ball all the aunt's and Lady Matlock arrived to teach the girls how to walk in their court dresses then the curtsey and the backing up with a train. Their dresses had arrived that morning. Much hilarity between all the ladies Kitty, Lydia and Georgiana had joined them as one day they would make their curtsey. Jane caught on the fastest and she was considered very elegant. Both Mary and Elizabeth struggled with the walking backwards because of the train. Eventually they mastered it so Jane called for tea. The date of the court appearance was just under seven weeks away so they planned another practice session when they all returned from their honeymoons. Jane and Bingley would be travelling to the North to also visit with his relatives. They would visit the Hursts at another time. Bingley did not mention Caroline and Jane respected his decision.
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"Hargreaves" Bingley sat in the club and noticed the gentleman coming towards him "how the devil are you it's been an age since we saw each other"
"Bingley you, old dog last time I saw you weren't you going to Hertfordshire"
Bingley signalled a waiter over for a drinks order "Yes, Hertfordshire in fact I am in need of your services I am to be married next week and would like you to stand up with me"
"Yes, more than willing to do that but thought Darcy would be the man"
"He would have been but he is marrying the same day to my Jane's sister Elizabeth" Bingley said
"Sound's like a story I would like to hear" Hargreaves said
The two gents sat down and Bingley told his friend of all that had happened since the last time spoke.
"Well" said Hargreaves "When the time comes I will ask you to perform the same service to me"
"Oh, do you have anyone in mind" Bingley asked him
"As a matter of fact, I do, just started courting Miss Judith Whitham" Hargreaves said "After your sister refused me went and drowned my sorrows and visited some friends up in Staffordshire. Excellent riding and hunting. Met the girl's father got invited to a supper and there she was"
"Caroline refused you, well I have long thought her a fool but that beats all" Bingley exclaimed.
"I haven't seen her around Bingley is she still in Hertfordshire" his friend asked
"No, she is staying with our aunt in Norfolk, staying out of everyone's way" Bingley said grimly. "Is your Miss Whitham in town going to have a small dinner before the wedding, she could come to that with her family of course and come to the wedding. I haven't got many on my side to support me."
"When were you thinking of, I know they have arrived today saw her father. Would have to be quick"
"Monday, Darcy has given me leave to put something together so it will be at Darcy House" Bingley said. "I am hoping my father-in-law can make it. He was in a carriage accident many years ago and still has the pain of his injuries"
"I am so sorry to hear that" Hargreaves said
"Yes he is an amazing man" Bingley was impressed with Mr Bennet
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Mr Bennet had received his cases of wine and the other things he had requested Mrs Hill had included a short note to him and three identical books
Dear Mr Bennet
We are all well here and all the wine of three years ago is now gone so will start selling the crop from two years ago.
Have included a small something for the girls as we spoke about some years ago. It is the family recipes. They should carry them to their new homes and they will always stand them in good stead.
Give them our Love
Mrs Hill.
Mr Bennet ran his fingers over the books his valet was in his bedroom so Bennet called to him to lend him his arm. The valet took the books and had his arm ready for Mr Bennet to slowly raise himself and walk to the Parlour.
All the girls were gathered there. The youngest doing schoolwork the older girls busy with some needlepoint and Elizabeth was changing the ribbons on a bonnet. They all looked up when their father entered and Jane asked if he was to join them for tea. Mr Bennet replied in the affirmative so Jane rang the bell. His valet left him after placing the books on a side table. He sat comfortably watching them as they busied themselves with their tasks. His wife had been in his thoughts a lot more recently. Oh how she would have loved all of this and oh how he still missed her.
After the tea was poured Mr Bennet took the cup Jane had offered him and he set it down "I have joined you girls today as I have something for you three that next week will be leaving me and embarking on your new lives" he said as he handed each a book "These books are our family recipes for you to take with you and use as you see fit" The girls gasped with pleasure at the gift "Mrs Hill sends them with their love"
All five girls looked through the books and sighed with pleasure "Papa will we have these books as well when we marry?" Kitty asked him
"Yes, my dear they have already been written one for you and one for Lydia"
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Mr Collins read through the letter he had received from the Royal household. The entail had been ended due to Mr Bennet's services to the crown and he was offered a property with land in a place called Craster in Northumberland and he could take over the property immediately. He was in one way happy to now be a landed gentleman but he had looked over Longbourn and wanted that property and one of the daughters. A lecherous look came over his face. He had secretly visited the property a couple of times and seen the girls and knew how beautiful they were. He wanted one of those daughters. He would have to see Lady Catherine and get her advice. He snatched up the letter put on his coat and grabbed his hat and set off for Rosing's.
Lady Catherine looked over the letter and her first thought was she would get Darcy back for Anne. She looked over to the greasy parson and a little bile rose into her throat. She knew she couldn't do it there was no saying how angry Darcy would be if a compromise could be forced. No she couldn't do it.
"My advice Mr Collins is go and view the property you don't have to accept it though Longbourn is not in your future if your cousin has got this honour from the crown and breaking the entail" she looked at him and knew in her heart she would be glad to be rid of him.
Her daughter came in with her companion Mrs Jenkinson. She looked so ill, pale and stooped her cough always worse in winter maybe if they went to London in the spring a match might be found.
Mr Collins was dismissed, Lady Catherine wanted speech with her daughter. "Mother, I have had a letter from Darcy. I wish I was strong enough to go to his wedding next week. The invitation is for both of us do you wish to go?"
"We could go tomorrow and that will give you several days to regain your strength" Lady Catherine said slowly
"We could stay with the Matlock's" said Anne
"I will send a message now" Lady Catherine crossed over to her writing desk and wrote a short note. When she finished she summoned a footman and requested that it be delivered today.
"We can take it easy on the journey no need to have you knocked up too much" Lady Catherine looked at her daughter fondly. "we might do a little shopping whilst we are there"
A little colour had returned to Anne's cheeks, "I think I will enjoy this trip and seeing the family again"