Chapter 16 The London Trip
Christmas Eve 1811
Jane sighed gently and wrapped her arms around herself. Her last Christmas at home, unmarried - so much would be different next time this joyous event rolled around!
The family had just heard the Gardiner's carriage pull up and had all come out to greet their Christmas Eve arrival. Mr Gardiner stepped out of the carriage and turned to hand his wife down, then the four children jumped down. Jane smiled in anticipation of the houseful they would have - the children ran to the sisters, eager to greet them. The adults went into the warmed drawing room while Lydia and Kitty helped their maid settle the children in the nursery.
"So, you are engaged?" Jane's aunt came up to greet her, "and I didn't even get to approve of him first!" she teased.
Elizabeth laughed and said "Aunt, I am sure you will love my brother-to-be. He is a very fine gentleman."
"Well," Aunt Gardiner raised an eyebrow, but smiled in amusement, "with Lizzy's approbation, I am sure he is acceptable!"
"He is, he is the best of gentlemen. Why else do you think I am marrying him." Jane smiled again.
"I look forward to meeting him. Do we expect him soon?"
"Yes, he should be here presently. I've told him so much about you that he was looking forward to meeting you."
As they spoke, Bingley came in from the entry.
"Ladies!" he cried and took Jane's hand.
"Charles, dear," said Jane, "You have timed your arrival perfectly. I'd like to introduce you to my Aunt Gardiner."
Bingley bowed to his almost relation "I am very pleased to meet you, ma'am. Very pleased. Jane talks endlessly about you. I do believe you are the sisters' favourite aunt."
Mrs Gardiner laughed at his jovial pleasantries.
"And, Aunt," Jane started, but then interrupted herself, "- but let us bring my uncle over too." She turned to where Gardiner stood chatting with his sister and cried "Uncle Gardiner! Come meet my betrothed!"
He looked up, smiled and approached. "Jane, my dear, we have very much been looking forward to meeting your young man - please do the honours!" he said.
"Uncle and Aunt Gardiner, I'd like you to meet my betrothed, Charles Bingley." Jane wore her most enchanting smile for the pleasant duty.
While Aunt Gardiner curtsied, Uncle Gardiner reached out and shook the younger man's hand vigorously. "I have been looking forward to meeting you. I assume Bennet made you squirm before he gave you permission?"
Bingley laughed, "He did indeed."
"But there is something familiar about you. Are you related to William Bingley?"
"I am - that was my father! Did you know him, sir?"
"Ah, I thought you looked familiar. Not only do you look like your father, but we have met!"
"Really?" asked Charles, looking confused, "I'm afraid I don't recall…"
"I'm not surprised, it must have been fifteen years ago. Your father was very supportive of me when I was first starting out in business, and we worked together many times. You and I met when I visited the house once. I don't think you were even ten, but I can still see the boy who became the man in your face. And you look like your father."
Bingley smiled with genuine pleasure to have this link to his father in his betrothed's family.
As they stood talking, dinner was called, and the party went through to the drawing room.
Elizabeth and her aunt linked arms, talking as they went in. Jane could faintly hear discussion of a proposed trip north for Elizabeth with her aunt and uncle.
As Charles and Jane passed through the doorway, Charles stopped her. "Uh uh!" he said and pointed up. They were standing under mistletoe. Jane laughed. He leaned over and kissed her on the cheek. Everyone clapped. They looked into each other's eyes.
"Five more weeks" she whispered.
~~ HoL ~~
1812
Once New Years was past, the plan was that Jane, Elizabeth and their mother would join the Gardiners on their return to London that they might shop for Jane's trousseau, Mrs Bennet knowing which are the best warehouses.
When the day came that their journey took place, Jane was quite excited. It had been months since she had last visited London and the trip was an important steppingstone on the way to being married.
Mr. Bingley intended to go to London at much the same time as he had some business to transact, and he wanted to take Jane to the theatre. The thought of being seen with his beautiful fiancée upon his arm filled him with delight.
Mrs Bennet was excited about the trip, as she loved shopping, almost as much as visiting and sharing news. She had mapped out in her mind the details of the trip, and which warehouses they would attend. She knew her sister, her brother's wife, would want to help and was pleased by the idea, as Mrs Gardiner was an excellent woman.
~~ HoL ~~
The days in London were filled with shopping, with Mrs Bennet attempting to buy as much as she could and Jane restraining her, half to save money and half to stop the purchase of items she did not need. Mrs Bennet insisted that every single item she wished to purchase for Jane was "necessary" and "important" and could not be deterred from giving this mark of affection from her parents on the occasion of their eldest daughter's wedding. Jane could not decide if it was more annoying or more adorable, watching the fun her mother was having.
"You must have this velvet, Jane! It is beautiful!" Mrs Bennet stroked the fabric indulgently.
"It is quite expensive, mamma, and I can't think where I would wear a colour like that. I would rather have two other pieces for the same price that I can actually wear!" Jane looked at her mother with mild exasperation.
"Well, we must look at everything here! I do not think we have brought you quite enough linen yet."
Jane smiled and followed her mother around the warehouse. They bought a number of bolts of fabric there.
The next stop caused Jane's eyebrows to rise. Her aunt and mother had somehow contrived to leave Elizabeth with the children for the morning, and it was just the three of them. They went to yet another warehouse, but this one had a different stock. The fabrics there were… flimsier. Her mother and aunt smiled at each other. Jane unrolled a bolt to look at the fabric. "You can see right through it! What can this be good for?"
Her aunt and her mother looked at each other, chortling. "Bed wear, dear", replied her Aunt.
Jane looked at her in consternation, "but I would be cold in a gown made of this!"
"Well, perhaps you will know someone who can warm you up when you wear it" replied her aunt, laughing.
Jane's jaw dropped and her eyes grew very big.
"I think this blue would look very nice on Jane, don't you Fanny?" asked her aunt, as Jane was still distracted.
Purchases were made.
~~ HoL ~~
The collection of bolts of fabric and goods in the Gardiner storage had become quite formidable, when the ladies decided they had enough, and it was time for the clothing fabrics to go to the modiste.
Elizabeth was to stand up with her sister at the wedding, and they had found a cream fabric that would look well on both. Their aunt had booked time for them with the modiste before she left for Christmas in Hertfordshire.
Madame Clarant's establishment was a pleasant novelty for Jane. She had only ever been to the dressmaker in Meryton before, so an actual "modiste" with their own creations was a new experience for her. There were young ladies walking around wearing gowns of Madame's creation in the salon and static pictures in the window of former creations, where Jane was used to looking through a book with drawn sketches to choose from.
Jane was impressed that Madame Clarant had come to greet them herself, but it was clear that she and Aunt Maddie were good friends. The young lady who helped them knew her business very well, she gave them good ideas on sensible options on the dresses and gave useful options on how the dresses could be done. Even being measured wasn't unpleasant in a fine establishment like this. They left with a plan to return in three days for the initial fitting and pinning of the two dresses. The other dresses would be made at a less salubrious modiste as Madame Clarant was very expensive.
~~ HoL ~~
Charles had come to London at the same time the Bennets had, to finish off some final business before the wedding, as they would be away for three months on the honeymoon, but Jane had only seen him a couple of times when he had been able to call when they were in. She had not been able to spend dedicated time with him, both being busy, so she was very much looking forward to the planned theatre outing. It was to be her first public outing with her husband-to-be. She had been to the theatre several times with her aunt and uncle over the years, but this would be the first time on the arm of a man who was not family.
Bingley called for them early in the evening and when she came downstairs after dressing, he stood there with his jaw down a little, as she had done her very best to be a credit to him. In Jane's case, of course, she could have turned up in a burlap sack and still been more beautiful than nine-tenths of the other attendees, but she had put the effort in as she wanted everyone to think Charles' fiancée acceptable and the result was simply stunning.
"My dear," he said. There was a little quiver in his voice as he offered her his arm, "you look… beyond stunningly, beautifully radiant."
"Oh, Charles" she said, looking up to him with a heartfelt smile.
Jane and Elizabeth bid their mother a good evening, as she had decided she was too tired to go to the theatre after a full day of shopping, and left, together with their aunt and uncle.
There was quite a line of carriages as they arrived at the theatre, so they had to wait some time before they could alight. They chatted happily while they waited, looking out the carriage windows and discussing the crowd gathering at the theatre doors. Eventually they reached the head of the queue. Charles stepped out first, and handed Jane down, then Elizabeth and then Mr Gardiner followed, handing down Jane's aunt. Gardiner had a smile of his own at handing out his wife.
Charles entered the theatre with Jane on one arm and Elizabeth on the other, their aunt and uncle coming behind them. A murmur followed them, as the rumour that Bingley was engaged had already spread in London. Words such as "beautiful" and "lucky" wafted past them, although which of them the various speakers thought was lucky was unclear. They entered a large space, a little smoky, but well-lit by candelabras with good twelve hour candles in them. The well-polished dark wood of the room reflected the light around. They were somewhat early, but still there were already a number of people present. Charles was obviously familiar with the premises, though Jane and Elizabeth had not been to this theatre before, and led them around to a large space where some younger people were gathered. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were distracted along the way by encountering some acquaintances and said they would meet at the box.
"Bingley!" a voice came from behind. The trio turned to look, and a young man came up and clapped Bingley on the arm. "I've heard the most dashest rumour about you, old man, and I must know if it is true. Tell me," and with this he bowed to the two ladies with Charles, then asked "which one of these two ladies is still available?"
Charles laughed, "Cedric, my friend! It is good to see you! Yes, it is true, I am to be married. I would like to introduce you to my betrothed," he took Jane's hand and placed it on his arm, "Miss Jane Bennet, Heiress of Longbourn in Hertfordshire." Jane gave a quick look at Charles. She had never been referred to with such a title before! It was a little bit shocking, given she and her father had made a concrete decision not to make a fuss of her inheritance, but she supposed that she was engaged now, so the defensive decision to keep it quiet was no longer needed. She gave a small curtsey and smiled. "And this is her sister, Miss Elizabeth" Elizabeth smiled, nodded, and also curtsied. Charles put his hand to the side of his mouth and faux whispered to the newcomer "So it is Miss Elizabeth who is still available". They all laughed. "I am very pleased to meet you both," the gentleman replied, with a chuffed look on his face. Then Charles turned the introduction "Ladies, this is Mr. Cedric Chalmers, heir of Sandring-on-Mare, near Bath. He is an old school friend. Very good chap, very good". The ladies made the usual noises of welcome.
"Do you have a box tonight? And, if so, can I impose on you, to get to know these lovely ladies?" Chalmers asked.
"Ah, no, my apologies. We have been invited to Darcy's box tonight and I am unsure who else has been invited."
"A pity. But probably for the best, I don't want to disappoint the old mater anyway!"
Chalmers turned to Elizabeth, as an eligible lady, and asked "So, tell me, my dear, can I marry you for your fortune?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow at his forwardness, "Sadly, no," she said, "My portion is not of that size. I will be forced to marry based on my beauty and wit". Chalmers laughed uproariously. "Oh, I like you, you stand up for yourself!"
"Don't be put off by Cedric, Lizzy, he likes to think he is funny, but he is a good chap at heart who wouldn't harm a fly" Bingley advised.
"You wound me, sir!" Chalmers put his hand over his heart, "How am I supposed to woo the ladies if they think I am harmless?"
Elizabeth wasn't sure she liked Mr Chalmers, but was willing to put up with him on Charles say so, at least for a little. "Perhaps better to be considered harmless than harmful, sir," she replied with a smile, and they all laughed again.
There was not time for more talk, the gong sounding to proceed to the boxes for the performance and Chalmers excused himself to find his mother. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner returned to them, and they were just wondering what to do about the box when they heard another voice behind them, somewhat breathlessly, say "Bingley!". Darcy had just reached them with a tall, young, blond woman on his arm. Both Jane and Elizabeth wondered who she was.
"Darcy. Good to see you. I was starting to wonder if you would make it! Dashed difficult to get in the box if you hadn't!" Bingley greeted him with a smile, "And Miss Darcy" He bowed to the young lady, and she curtseyed somewhat hesitantly back. "It is very good to see you again," he said gently to the young lady. "Have you met my companions? No, I don't imagine you have." He turned to Jane and Elizabeth, "May I introduce you?" Jane smiled and said "Of course" and Elizabeth nodded. Charles replied "Jane, Elizabeth, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner, I introduce Miss Darcy to you. She is, of course, Mr Darcy's sister. Miss Darcy is not yet out, but we all think she is a very promising young lady."
Miss Darcy blushed at his kind words and Jane bobbed in curtsey and smilingly said "It is very nice to meet you, Miss Darcy". Elizabeth added "Indeed, we are very pleased to make your acquaintance". Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner both made approving noises and bowed and curtsied in turn.
Charles continued, "Miss Darcy, this is my betrothed, Miss Bennet, the Heiress of Longbourn in Hertfordshire, her sister Miss Elizabeth and Mr. and Mrs Gardiner, their uncle and aunt, of Gracechurch St."
Miss Darcy curtsied in reply and replied in a very soft voice, "I am very pleased to meet you all". Darcy had watched all this with a soft smile. "Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth" he finally spoke up. "It is very good to see you again. You are both looking lovely as usual this evening." He bowed to each of them in turn. Jane curtsied back and thanked him nicely, but Elizabeth made the minimum curtsey possible "Mr. Darcy is all politeness" she replied, with what had the appearance of a smile.
"Are your family all well?" Darcy enquired politely.
"They are, I thank you" replied Jane.
By this time most of the crowd had made their way into the auditorium and the foyer was almost empty. "My apologies for being late. Carriage trouble. We had best make our way in" said Darcy, putting his arm out to indicate the direction and the party turned and headed for the box.
~~ HoL ~~
When intermission came, Charles announced he would fetch drinks and suggested Jane might like to accompany him, for the walk. The rest of the party realised he wanted the whole of London to see his fiancée on his arm, so didn't suggest they be accompanied.
Darcy turned to speak to Elizabeth. "I am glad you have been able to meet my sister. I would be happy if you spoke to her. I am sure she would benefit from your excellent influence."
Elizabeth was taken aback by this and wondered what his plan was. Nonetheless she thought Miss Darcy seemed like a perfectly sweet young girl and allowed she would.
"Miss Darcy, I was pleased to meet you. I have heard much about you from Miss Bingley."
"Whom?" asked Miss Darcy, with some confusion on her face.
Elizabeth blinked, "Mr. Bingley's sister."
"Oh, of course!" Miss Darcy's face cleared of confusion, "I think I have met her once, briefly."
"Well, she seems to have been very taken with you!" replied Elizabeth, somewhat surprised, "but, no matter - I hear you are very musical?"
"Oh, not so very musical, I am sure. But I do play a little."
The conversation changed to favourite composers, as both ladies played. Throughout the time they were talking, Elizabeth felt that Mr. Darcy's gaze was upon her, although she refused to turn to confirm it. By the time Jane and Bingley returned, Elizabeth had concluded that the young lady was very pleasant, unassuming and gentle. She thought it a shame she liked the brother so little as she would have been happy to know the sister better.
The party settled down to enjoy the second half of the play. When the final bows were taken and the lights were relit, the party stood to make their way out. Quiet chat took place as they waited for their carriages. Jane and Bingley were talking, Miss Darcy was talking to Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth was talking to her uncle. Darcy stood alone and tried to subtly watch Elizabeth. At last, they were called for their carriage arrival and they moved out towards them. Bingley heard Darcy mutter "I shouldn't have come" and wondered what he meant by that but was distracted by a question from Jane.
~~ HoL ~~
Despite the late night, while preparing for bed, the two sisters discussed the evening.
"I am not sure what I think of Mr. Chalmers. He wasn't entirely polite" commented Elizabeth.
"Charles thinks well of him, so he can't be all bad. Possibly just nervous in front of new ladies" replied Jane.
"Perhaps." Elizabeth paused in thought then burst out, "but what could Mr. Darcy have meant by being complimentary to us this evening?".
"That is a question which Mr. Darcy only can answer." replied her sister.
"I did not appreciate his attempting to appear friendly! All the world knows he does not like me or think me in anyway attractive!"
"I think you are drawing a large conclusion from a very small amount of evidence, dear Lizzy".
Elizabeth huffed at his sister. "He said quite clearly that he found me no more than tolerable at that first assembly. I think that is all the evidence we need." She paused, then added "But if we wanted more evidence, we need only look at how he is always watching me to find fault! I felt sure he was looking at me while I was talking to Miss Darcy".
Jane decided to leave it be - Elizabeth was clearly unable to see any alternative explanations, so there was little point in discussing it.
~~ HoL ~~
There was not much more to be done in London. The shopping was complete, the initial fittings at the modiste had taken place, and the theatre had been attended. They prepared to return home. The carriage ride was uneventful and not too dirty. They arrived at Longbourn late in the afternoon and Bingley's carriage pulled up behind them. Mr. Bingley wished to hand his fiancée down, so had ensured he stayed with them. He jumped down from the carriage and reached the door in time to do the duty before the footman could get there. He handed down his betrothed and she smiled at him. "Two more weeks", she breathed to him with a wistful look.
~~ HoL ~~
~~ HoL ~~