Two chapters today - my initial chapter 9 expended too much and had to be split, but you are still getting them both at the same time :-)
At the end of this chapter I have included some notes regarding Isabella and her uncle, and why in my opinion his guardianship would not have completely stopped when she inherited at 21 years old. Feel free to skip as it is not part of the story as such
Chapter 9 - Time to Recover
The snow fell on Boxing Day, and for a few weeks most of Cheshire was covered under a glistening white blanket.
The residents at Adlington Hall quickly settled into a comfortable routine together. The ladies continued their morning exercises and training, now with Georgiana included, often under the watchful eyes of her guardians, her brother and Richard.
The snow prevented riding lessons for most of January, so Elizabeth and Darcy usually took a brisk walk round the gardens close to the house instead before bringing treats to their mounts in the stables; one or more of the others usually accompanied them, but they were the only two inhabitants of the Hall consistently exercising outside.
Unusual ladies riding clothes had been discussed discreetly, and while Darcy was a little unsure, not having seen them yet in the current weather, the idea that his wife could join him everywhere in Pemberley by riding astride was extremely appealing; the Peak District was not flat and tame as Hertfordshire was, and many paths were too dangerous to ride side saddle unless the rider was extraordinarily skilled. Perhaps, he thought, once he saw for himself that the outfits were as suitable as his Elizabeth believed, he could contact Isabella's seamstress and order some of these modified skirts for Georgiana, so that they could all go on extended rides together.
The latter part of most mornings was often spent in the study, with Sutton and Darcy responding to estate matters, while Richard and Anthony would discuss the war, trade with the continent, politics or just take care of their correspondence. During that time, Isabella would manage estate matters while instructing Elizabeth and Georgiana further on the role of mistress of an estate and to a certain extent, the role of master as well. While Mrs Turner, who had taken some time off to visit family and would join them in early February, had prepared her well, she had made a few mistakes on first taking charge of Adlington House, and even more in Adlington Hall; Isabella had filled a few journals with personal notes and ideas, and was happy to share all her successes, errors and discoveries with the younger girls.
The afternoons invariably involved group activities, ranging from sleigh rides around the estate or skating on the frozen pond when the weather allowed, to cards, chess, music, singing or storytelling when they had to remain indoors, before the group would separate and enjoy a little quiet time before supper.
The friendship and affection between all involved grew apace during this time, and, to Darcy's delight, a strong sisterly bond was soon forming between his fiancée and his sister.
Surprisingly, while the library had been left mostly empty, the music room boasted shelf after shelf of music from all over Europe, all neatly arranged by country, region, and composer. "Belle," Georgiana had quickly adopted Elizabeth's nickname for her cousin, "did you ever count how many music sheets are in this room? I think there are more than in any shop I have ever visited."
Isabella laughed, "No dear, I have not looked at many of these, I do not have as much time as I would like to play, but some pieces are beautiful and quite rare."
"Elizabeth, will you prepare a duet with me? We can play it one evening for William and my cousins."
"Of course, although we must start with an easy piece for today, as we have little time to practice, but I promise we will play several over the next few weeks." Elizabeth was smiling at the cheerful younger girl.
True to her words, she spent many hours with Georgiana chatting and practicing many pieces, to then delight their audience in the evening. Isabella enjoyed their playing and banter while she reviewed budgets, menus and tasks with her housekeeper.
Unnoticed by most of the other residents of the Hall, Colonel Fitzwilliam spent a considerable amount of time in company with Miss Isabella Bennet. While the sorrow she had experienced as a child, and the weight of the responsibilities she had carried for the past few years were in no way comparable to his memories of battle and the duties of a leader of men, they found that they could understand each other well. Isabella's poised demeanour and realistic vision of the world around her soothed Richard's wounded spirit far more than any of his close family had ever managed; she would listen actively to his tales, without judgement or overbearing pity. They shared a taste for horse riding and active lifestyles, although Richard's injury and the persisting snow greatly reduced any opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. Richard admired and respected Isabella's independence and need for control over her life, and he added a few of his own observations to Miss Fairchild's instructions around self-defence.
Anthony Jones needed to return home in the middle of January. He had come to Adlington Hall with a special purpose this year, but, with all the guests in residence, it took him several days to find a suitable opening and inform Isabella of his happy news.
"Belle, sweetheart," he began, having finally found her alone in her study, "I will come straight to the point. I am getting married on the thirtieth of January in Manchester."
"Married, but to whom? And why so fast?" Isabella feared the worst. "You had told me you liked a lady, and her father did not approve, but I did not think she was from Manchester. Is it someone else?"
"No dearest, it is the same lady we spoke of before; Miss Julia Patton, the daughter of my business partner, who has a large warehouse in the town. I have known her, and admired her, for several years, but her father wanted her to marry another, a proper gentleman. I'm afraid you will not be pleased by the next part of my tale. Her father had arranged a meeting with our solicitors, for we use the same firm, to make her engagement to the other man official and I was in their offices for my own business. When that gentleman arrived with Julia and her father, we met in the entrance hall, and I saw the unshed tears in her eyes. I could not stop myself; I walked to her and took her in my arms, telling her, and anyone within hearing, I loved her. I compromised her, though I never meant to, and her nearly fiancé left saying she was ruined."
Isabella took his hand. "You love her, then, truly, really love her? And she loves you?" He nodded, smiling.
"I am so glad then," she burst out gladly, "I do not care about damage to your reputation or mine as your niece, I want you happy. You have been my rock, my guardian all these years, and I could not bear to see you trapped in a loveless marriage."
They talked more about Julia, about the consequences for his business relationship with the father, and many other things.
"I will come to the wedding, it is not far to Manchester, and I want to meet my new aunt; I do not think I will call her aunt though as she is not much older than me."
After news of the wedding were shared with the rest of the party, Elizabeth and Darcy decided that they would also attend the wedding, as having a family relationship to Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley, a gentleman of means and the nephew of the Earl of Matlock, might be just the thing to smooth over any reluctance from Mr Patton.
Jones had noticed his niece's growing fondness for the injured soldier, but as he thoroughly approved of the man, he said nothing to her or her guests. Before he departed however, he asked Miss Fairchild to provide adequate chaperoning until Mrs Turner's return; he would protect the reputation of his sister's beloved child at all costs.
Darcy and Elizabeth thoroughly enjoyed the first month of their engagement, spending as much time as they could learning about each other, and for Elizabeth understanding all she could about Pemberley and about Darcy's business ventures.
"There is so much to learn," Elizabeth sighed after Darcy described the tenants living on the eastern side of the estate, "Longbourn had much fewer families and I had known them my whole life. I will need your help, and Georgie's, to be able to remember all their histories and needs."
"I have no doubt all our tenants will be very happy with you as their new Mistress," her fiancé answered, "and Georgie and Mrs Reynolds will be around to help. I will be busy with the steward for most of the summer, and the ladies know the tenant wives and children much better than I do."
"Isabella has taught me quite a lot about investments and I know a little about the import and export business, both from her uncle and mine. Will you teach me more about the ventures you participate in, or do you wish for me to restrict my activities to the estate and household?" She asked shyly.
"Once we are married dearest, I hope you can help me and support me in all OUR ventures, as there are always documents to review and decisions to make. I have been used to making all the decisions on my own for so long that it will be difficult at the start, but I intend to benefit from your intelligence and insights."
Elizabeth smiled; Darcy would allow her to be his true partner in life, not just a pretty wife to arrange his social life.
"You know we will have some disagreements and disputes," she replied, "for we both are rather opinionated and stubborn, but I think we must adopt my Aunt Gardiner's philosophy and agree to always talk and resolve them before retiring for the night, so that we never let issues and resentment fester while we sleep."
January passed quickly for the party assembled, and when the Viscount prepared to leave, all of them felt that not much time had gone by since they arrived in December. Henry was needed at Haddon Hall in his father's continued absence however, so the party had to break up for now. He would go home while the Bennet ladies and Darcy would go to Manchester with Mr Jones, and Colonel Fitzwilliam remained at Adlington Hall to rest and heal further.
Shortly after the viscount departure, the London weaponsmith Jonathan Bennet had patronised many years ago had made and delivered some very special items made to Isabella's specifications. Each of the ladies, including Miss Fairchild and Annie, had a small gun with a special holder that could be attached comfortably to their lower leg, and some short and very light daggers with sheaths that would be sawn discreetly on the inside of coats or pelisses.
"These are to give us peace of mind," Isabella told her cousin and Annie, while Georgiane looked with envy, "I hope we are all safe at Adlington Hall, or at Pemberley, but when we are not home, I would prefer to know you can use the skills Miss Fairchild is teaching you."
"For the next few weeks, I would like you to wear these weapons all day long, including during our trainings." Their instructor stated. "If you are accustomed to feeling them on you, and using them daily, you will be ready and confident should you ever need to use them in anger."
"Oh, they are so beautiful," Annie's eyes were wide and bright, "I will always keep them on me, I promise. Thank you so much."
Elizabeth smiled at her maid's enthusiasm. "Very well, we will wear them and train. Annie is correct, these are beautifully crafted, and I do like the addition of our names engraved on the handles."
"They are the nicest things I have ever held." Annie added, gently stroking her name with a slightly trembling finger.
After only a day or two of training with the new weapons, Darcy gave in to his sister's entreaties and ordered a similar set for her, which would be delivered directly at Pemberley some time in February.
Many miles south of Cheshire, in Bath, Gerald and Louisa Hurst were learning to live together all over again.
Mr Hurst had started drinking daily and overindulging in food a few months after his wedding, mostly so he could forget his sister-in-law's voice. He had courted a pretty and unassuming gently bred girl, but less than three months after marrying her, her sister had moved in with them, at his parent's estate, and Louisa had changed. Constantly criticised by her sister, his wife had withdrawn from most conversations, only acquiescing to the shrill comments and gossips shared by her sister, while playing mindlessly with her bracelets and bangles.
His parents had tolerated Miss Bingley's viciousness for a couple of months, before banishing their son, his wife and sister to the family's London townhouse in Gloucester Place, and he had been unable to invite unmarried friends to his home with a fortune hunting harridan in the house. Charles had joined them a year later when he finished his studies, but he was too soft on his sister to make a difference. Hurst drunk too much and ate too much for many years.
Now in Bath, without the Bingley siblings, he felt hope. Louisa was talking more, although she was usually sick in the mornings. They walked around town, drank the waters; rather disgusting foul waters too if Hurst was honest, you would not overindulge on these! Hurst felt no need to hide behind a glass, and his wife reacted well to the praise and gentle encouragement he gave her. She was so very lovely when she smiled at him.
Louisa Hurst was also enjoying her time in Bath, although she wished she did not feel so ill every morning. Gerald had been so attentive to her, and he was never drunk or sleepy anymore. She was sure he had lost weight as well, for he looked so smart and handsome when they walked around town, always arm in arm, and always smiling. She wished they could stay here forever, as she had not been as content for many years.
"Gerald does Bath get hot in summer?" she asked as they walked along the Royal Crescent.
"I expect so as we are still in the south of England, although the sea air will make the town far more bearable than London. Why do you ask my dear?"
"I was wondering whether we should stay or go see your parents. Would they let us stay if we promise Caroline will not come with us? I'd like to see your home again, and the summer is so much nicer in the countryside."
Hurst hesitated a little. "If you are able to travel, perhaps we can leave in April, and I can help my father with the last part of the planting."
"I do not know why I have been so ill, but I am sure I can travel, and Somerset is not so very far."
"You are correct, my dear, my parents are no more than forty miles from here. I will write and we can plan our journey." Hurst did not voice his suspicions about Louisa's condition, as he did not want her to worry or fret.
"Could we come back to Bath after the summer? Or after Harvest, so you can help your father. I do not wish to go back to London any time soon, I am so much happier here." Louisa looked at her husband hopefully. "We could try and rent the same house again, it is so very nice and comfortable, and so well placed, on such a peaceful little square."
Hurst only nodded and smiled. His savings and investments in the Bingley business had done well; he could afford to buy the house they rented in Bath for Louisa, and it would be nice to surprise her with it as a present for when their child was born, for he was reasonably confident that he would be a father before the end of summer.
January in London was an absolute dream for Mary Bennet. Her aunt and uncle had taken her to the theatre, which she enjoyed, two museums, one of which was really good, and the opera house in Covent Garden; that was magical, Mary had never heard music or singing that penetrated her soul so much and she had floated out of the building on a cloud of happiness. Her music lessons were all looking at opera music after this and would continue for several more weeks.
And she had found her place in town. Twice a week one of her aunt's oldest friends, Mrs Cooper, a forty-year-old widow with as much energy as her sister Elizabeth, would pick her up and together they would attend Saint Michael's Church close to the Thames and work with other ladies to meet the needs of the widows and children of the soldiers who would never come back from the continent. It was hard work, and she spent much of her free time sewing little clothes or dolls for the children, and at times seeing the grief of women barely older than herself who had lost husbands they adored was heartbreaking, but the rewards were great, the smiles from the children, the hugs from their mothers, and most of all that feeling of being seen, being useful and being recognised for it. Mary had never felt so fulfilled.
"Our Mary is blossoming, is she not?" Mr Gardiner had just waved his niece off on her way to the church.
"She is, and I believe that by March she will be ready to join some selected gatherings and functions with us." His wife answered. "I had never realised how much she needed to feel useful. She is a bright girl, and much better read than I expected; I admit that I believed Thomas when he said she only read Fordyce's sermons, but she has a much broader culture than most young ladies her age. You should hear her discuss the intricacies of the war with the Saint Michael's patrons, her insights are so mature for a girl barely over eighteen years. She carried on with Lizzy's old habit of reading her father's newspapers before they were used for the fires, and it is obvious she understood the content perfectly."
"Lizzy has asked whether we had space for some books for Mary in her last letter, apparently Isabella has some duplicates and Lizzy selected some for her sister. Perhaps you can find a nice bookcase for her bedchamber while I arrange for the books to be sent from Cheshire to London." Mr Gardiner was eager to indulge the niece who never asked for anything or expected any notice; Mary was such a sweet girl and had fitted so well in their family.
Additional Notes
About Isabella's place as an unmarried lady in Regency England (in answer to a query as to why she would have a guardian): at 23 years old, Isabella was old enough, and had therefore inherited her parent's fortune, house and estate fully two years previously – her uncle had no say or right on any of her possessions. As her guardian, however he also had a protection role, and that would not have stopped at 21.
To use a similar example in P&P, Miss Bingley who also was a young lady of fortune over the age of 21, lived with her brother who had been designated as head of the family by their father's will for protection. To move to her own home, with all her funds tied up in her dowry, whether controlled by her brother or released to her own control, would mark her as a spinster, and make her an easy target for a fortune hunter, therefore placing her at high risk. Bingley would also be expected to negotiate a suitable marriage settlement for Caroline, so that her future husband could not leave her destitute later.
That was my assumption for Isabella, despite having control of her fortune as she was old enough, her uncle Jones remained as her guardian to protect her from falling prey to a greedy man (she is definitely rich enough to tempt many gentlemen) - not being much older than his niece (11 years only), and having a smaller fortune (he is a reasonably successful tradesman, no more) he continues with his business and in his own home; should she receive a proposal, he would lead the negotiations on her behalf - and that is partly why he insisted she learned to defend herself, as a woman ruined at that time could have been forced to marry the man who attacked her despite being the victim. Regency England was quite hard to navigate for unmarried and unprotected women – Anthony's role was much reduced when Belle inherited, but she would naturally continue to call him her guardian by habit after so many years.