Chapter 10 - Dressing for Destiny
Mr Gardiner joined Mrs Bennet as she was waiting for the girls to come down, "Sister, you seem in high spirits this evening."
Mrs Bennet beamed at him "Oh, brother! How could I not be? To dine with the Earl of Matlock's family! It's a great opportunity for the girls."
Mr Gardiner with a gentle smile, "Indeed it is. Though I trust you'll remember that these are people just like us, despite their titles."
Mrs Bennet waving her hand dismissively. "Oh, you always were too modest, Edward. This could change everything for Jane and Lizzy!"
Mr Gardiner "I hope you'll allow the girls to speak for themselves this evening, Frances. The Fitzwilliams will want to know them, not just about them."
Mrs Bennet slightly affronted, "I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Edward. I always allow my girls to shine."
Mr Gardiner with a kind smile "Of course, sister. I merely suggest that sometimes, less is more in these situations." Mr Gardiner paused before continuing. "Have you had any news from Longbourn today?"
Mrs Bennet, her excitement dimming slightly, "Not today, no. But I'm sure Mr Bennet is managing well enough with the girls, Mary will be looking after him. and Lydia and Kitty will be keeping his spirts up."
Mr Gardiner said gently to her "And how are you managing, sister?"
Mrs Bennet forcing a bright smile "Oh, I'm quite well. We must focus on the opportunities before us, mustn't we?"
Her shopping for Elizabeth's wedding had been successful, Mr Bennet's health was stable, and they were to dine with a prominent family. Best of all, Mr Bingley's attentions to Jane continued unabated. She was certain a proposal was imminent. As she observed her daughters preparing for the evening, she reflected on how each had grown. Jane, radiant in love; Elizabeth, secured if not entirely enthusiastic; and the younger girls, still to make their way.
Last evening's entertainment had been very agreeable. She had not been in London since Jane was sixteen and was enjoying the whole experience tremendously.
Jane and Elizabeth came down the stairs, Jane twirled in her blue silk dress.
"Oh Jane, you look very well indeed," Mrs Bennet beamed with pride. "Mr Bingley won't be able to take his eyes off you."
Her eldest looked every inch the future Mrs Bingley. Elizabeth, though not as openly enthusiastic about her own prospects, still cut a fine figure. Mrs Bennet sighed, wishing her second daughter would smile more.
"Lizzy, dear, do try to look happier this evening. You have such a lovely smile when you choose to use it."
"As long as she did not say anything too intelligent." Mrs Bennet added quietly to herself.
Her father had spoiled her of course, she had always been his little Lizzy. Elizabeth's education had been almost entirely managed by him and she was too clever for her own good. Mrs Bennet knew that his illness had affected her second daughter more than any of the others, as she was that much closer to him than they were. But it was almost as if she was not excited about the match with Mr Collins. She was an engaged woman, and engaged to a very respectable man. She would one day take Mrs Bennet's place as the mistress of Longbourn.
Mrs Bennet fussed with her own hair, she had never liked how Mrs Gardiner's maids did it, it was a pity they could not afford a proper lady's maid for her. Dear Jane would have one, when she was married to dear Mr Bingley.
While Mr Collins was not as rich or handsome as Mr Bingley, Elizabeth would still have a very comfortable home. No, Elizabeth had done very well. Jane would have Mr Bingley, Elizabeth, Mr Collins and the younger girls could take their time to find good husbands. They were all safe. If Mr Bennet were not to live much longer. As much as it pained her to think of it, he was not likely to live long at all. And then she would be a widow with three unmarried daughters to care for. She was not sure how she would be able to cope.
Mrs Bennet had not been as happy in her marriage as she would have liked, for her husband was too little known to her when they married. And, even more than twenty years later, she was not sure she understood him any better now. He teased her, she knew, which she did not always understand but she knew he meant no harm by it. It was just his way. She did really love him in her own way and she was sure he did her in his.
Her brother's young children she could only deal with in small doses; Jane managed them better than she ever could. But Jane always had helped her with the younger girls when they were little. She was very relieved that her girls were not little children any more. She had, she knew, rushed them to grow up earlier then she should.
She had enjoyed her time before her marriage after coming out into society more than any other time in her life and they should enjoy it too. The flirting, the dancing, the music and the general chitter-chatter. It was all such good fun. Lydia, she knew, was not really ready to be out yet. But she didn't want to be the mother of little girls any more. No, her daughters weren't little girls any more, they were young ladies. She was very proud of all of them, and they would do her proud, each in their own way.
The only one she really worried about was Mary. She had suffered for being the middle child and not having a sister she was close to, all the others had had that. But she would be able to pay Mary more attention when Jane and Elizabeth were married and settled. She would leave the younger girls with Elizabeth or Jane for a while and she would work on Mary.
Yes, Mrs Bennet thought, despite Mr Bennet's ill health, things were looking up for the Bennet family.
ooOoo
As Jane selected which earrings she would wear, she caught her own reflection in the mirror and she put them in. A mix of excitement and nervousness fluttered in her stomach. She thought of Mr Bingley and hoped he would be present at the dinner. Despite her calm exterior, her heart quickened at the prospect of seeing him again.
"Jane," Lizzy said softly, "you look absolutely beautiful. Mr Bingley won't know what hit him."
Jane blushed deeply, meeting Elizabeth's eyes in the mirror. "Lizzy, please. You mustn't say such things."
"And why not? It's the truth."
"Because…" Jane hesitated, her fingers nervously smoothing her gown. "I'm sure he thinks of me as nothing more than a friend."
Lizzy raised an eyebrow. "If you truly believe that, dear sister, then you're not nearly as observant as I thought."
The room was cluttered with the evidence of their preparations - ribbons and hairpins scattered across the dressing table, discarded shawls draped over chairs. A fire crackled in the grate, casting a warm glow over the scene and battling against the chill that seeped through the windowpanes.
They continued to dress in silence Jane watched her sister from across the room, noting the slight furrow in Lizzy's brow. She made a mental note to speak with Lizzy later, worried about the weight of responsibility her sister seemed to be carrying.
As if sensing Jane's concern, Lizzy turned from the mirror where she had been adjusting her gown. The rich emerald fabric complemented her dark eyes and lively complexion, but couldn't quite mask the tension in her shoulders. She met Jane's gaze, offering a small smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Jane worried about Lizzy, she had hoped that by giving Mr Bingley more encouragement he would have proposed allowing Lizzy to break off her engagement to Mr Collins. And yet Mr Bingley did not speak. Would he be seated near her at the dinner? Her heart quickened at the possibility. She chided herself for such hopeful thinking, but couldn't quite quell the flutter of anticipation in her stomach.
As she fastened her necklace, Jane's mind wandered to their father at Longbourn. How she wished he could be here to offer his quiet support and dry humour. The thought of him, alone and unwell, sent a pang through her heart.
"Lizzy," Jane said, turning to her sister, "do you think Papa would approve of all this fuss?"
Lizzy, her expression softening: "I think he'd be proud to see us, Jane. Though he might add that we shouldn't let it go to our heads."
Jane smiled gently. "I wish he could be here."
"As do I," Lizzy agreed, squeezing her sister's hand.
As she stood, smoothing her gown one last time, she steeled herself for the evening ahead. Whatever came, she would face it with grace and kindness – for her family's sake, and perhaps, just perhaps, for her own future happiness.
ooOoo
"Do you think that they will be very elegant, Lizzy?" Jane asked her as they were finishing dressing. It got dark so early at the moment that it felt much later than four o'clock.
"Well Lady Rowena was very elegant when we met her." Elizabeth said thoughtfully. "But you look lovely, Jane."
Elizabeth paused by the window, gazing out at the busy London street below. Gas lamps were being lit along the road, their warm glow a stark contrast to the deepening twilight. Carriages rattled past, their occupants no doubt heading to their own evening engagements.
As they finished dressing, Jane caught Elizabeth's eye in the mirror. "I wish Papa could see us now," she said softly.
Elizabeth nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat, then determined to put a brave face . "He would have something witty to say about all this fuss, wouldn't he?"
They shared a sad smile, the absence of their father's dry humour keenly felt.
"Just one last touch," Elizabeth said, adding a piece of ribbon in her sister's hair. "It is sad that we cannot wear flowers in our hair in the winter."
Jane smiled and looked at her reflection - she was wearing a blue silk dress. It was her second best dress. They could not wear their best dresses as they were going to a ball in a few days and could not wear the same dress twice.
Jane stood before the mirror, a vision in her blue silk gown. The colour brought out the gentle blue of her eyes, and her golden hair was arranged in an elegant style that softened her already angelic features.
"Thank you, Lizzy. Are you sure I will do?"
"You look very well, now stop looking in the mirror, or we will be late." Jane still hesitated, so Elizabeth urged her again. "Mr Bingley will not be able to take his eyes off you."
As Elizabeth fastened her necklace, she caught sight of her reflection in the ornate mirror - a gift from her uncle to her aunt on their tenth anniversary. The gilt frame and crystal-clear glass were a far cry from the modest looking glass in her room at Longbourn. For a moment, she felt a pang of homesickness for her father's book-lined study and the familiar creaks of the old house.
She smoothed down her gown, the rich emerald fabric complementing her dark eyes and lively complexion. Her hair was arranged in a simple yet elegant style, adorned with a single pearl hairpin – a gift from her father. Her fingers trembled slightly as she smoothed the fabric. "It's just one evening," she whispered to herself, trying to quell the anxiety rising in her chest. Her thoughts drifted to her father at Longbourn, and she felt a pang of guilt for being here in London while he was unwell.
"Lizzy, what's the matter?" Jane asked gently, noticing her sister's distracted gaze.
Elizabeth managed a weak smile. "It's nothing, Jane. Just… the news from home."
Jane squeezed her hand in silent understanding.
The rest of the party were waiting for them downstairs. As they descended the stairs, Elizabeth's fingers trailed along the polished oak banister. The entryway, though modest compared to the grand houses they would soon visit, was warm and inviting. A small table held a vase of winter blooms, their delicate scent mingling with the aroma of beeswax candles.
"Oh Jane, you look very well indeed," their mother said looking at Jane. "Mr Bingley won't be able to take his eyes off you."
As Mrs Bennet fussed over Jane's hair, Elizabeth found herself wishing for her father's calming presence. His quiet chuckle and knowing glance would have made this evening feel less daunting.
Mrs Bennet turned to Elizabeth "Lizzy, dear, do try to look happier this evening." Mrs Bennet fussed, adjusting Elizabeth's necklace. "You have such a lovely smile when you choose to use it."
Elizabeth forced a bright smile, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes, Mama," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mrs Bennet frowned. "And do try to speak up, child. No one likes a mumbler."
"Of course, Mama," Elizabeth said, her voice clearer but tinged with exasperation. "I'll be sure to project my voice across the dinner table."
Mrs Bennet missed the sarcasm. "That's the spirit, dear!"
While Mrs Bennet bustled about, chattering excitedly about the evening ahead, Elizabeth stood quietly by the window. She gazed out at the busy London street, feeling oddly detached from the excitement around her. Her thoughts were with her father, and with the uncertain future that awaited her.
Mrs Bennet paused in her preparations, a rare moment of solemnity crossing her features. "Your father would be proud to see you all looking so fine," she said, her voice catching slightly.
"Your father may not be here in person," Mrs Gardiner said, looking at her nieces with affection, "but I'm sure his thoughts are with you this evening."
The house hummed with an undercurrent of excitement. Footsteps echoed on the stairs as servants bustled about, making last-minute preparations. The clatter of carriage wheels on the cobblestones outside added to the sense of anticipation.
As Elizabeth collected her gloves and shawl, her father's words echoed in her mind. She longed for the peace of Longbourn's gardens, but perhaps a evening at the Fitzwilliams' would offer some solace. At the very least, it would provide a distraction from her tumultuous thoughts.
"Come along, girls!" Mrs Bennet called, her voice pitched high with excitement. "We mustn't keep the carriage waiting!"
She sighed as they stepped outside into the almost dark winter evening, the cold wind was comforting against her cheeks. She saw Jane looking at her in worry, and she smiled reassuringly at her. This was Jane's evening and she was not going to spoil it for her. She would do her best to be lively and engaged in the evening activities, however much she wished she were back at Longbourn with her father.
Her mood had been far from lively. Her mother had also received a letter from her father in the same post as her letter from him, which confirmed her own supposition that his optimistic opinion of his health had been just that. He was no worse, that much could be said at least. But he was also no better.
She longed to be by his side. She knew there was nothing she could do, but to be so far at such a time. What would Jane have been thinking when she suggested it? No, she would not think about that tonight. This was Jane's night. Jane's happiness was the very reason she had agreed to marry Mr Collins in the first place.
There was a flurry of activity as shawls were draped, gloves pulled on, and last-minute adjustments made to hair and gowns.
As they gathered by the door, Mrs Bennet fussed over her two eldest daughters one last time. Mr Gardiner stood back, a fond smile on his face as he watched his sister and nieces. For a moment, they were a perfect picture of family anticipation and nervous excitement.
Elizabeth sighed as they stepped outside into the almost dark winter evening, the cold wind comforting against her cheeks. She saw Jane looking at her in worry, and she smiled reassuringly at her. This was Jane's evening and she was not going to spoil it for her.
Mrs Bennet practically bounced down the steps to the waiting carriage, while Elizabeth followed more sedately, her thoughts still with her father at Longbourn.
The crisp night air nipped at their cheeks as they made their way to the carriage. The gas lamps along the street were lit, their warm glow a stark contrast to the deepening twilight.
Mr Gardiner helped each lady into the carriage, the wheels crunching on the gravel as they set off into the evening. Jane, ever observant, squeezed her sister's hand as they settled into their seats. The rustle of silk gowns and the clip-clop of the horses' hooves filled the air as they set off towards their grand destination.
ooOoo
Darcy stared into the fire while his valet adjusted his coat, the events of the day before had consumed his thoughts since parting ways with the Miss Bennets. Seeing a passage from the letter had been a blessing and curse. It had given him answers he had been striving for but had also shown how dire the situation was. And Wickham! He should have dealt with him in Ramsgate. He had almost forgotten about him being in Hertfordshire, there was so much to consider.
Did he dare speak to her?
Darcy adjusted his cravat for the third time, frowning at his reflection. His fingers, usually so steady, fumbled with the fine silk. With one final glance in the mirror, Darcy schooled his features into a mask of calm indifference. Only the slight tightness around his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.
Darcy paused at his bedroom door, his hand on the knob. He took a deep breath, squaring his shoulders as if preparing for battle rather than a family dinner. Darcy descended the grand staircase, his footsteps echoing in the quiet house. As he entered the drawing room, he found Bingley already there, already dressed and looking as if he'd swallowed a particularly sour lemon. His friend's usual buoyant energy seemed to have been replaced by a jittery restlessness that was most unlike him.
Darcy studied Bingley's restless movements, puzzled. His friend was rarely anything but cheerful. Perhaps the prospect of seeing Miss Bennet in such an intimate family setting was affecting him more than he let on.
Georgiana was still getting ready. It was not often that she dined out with more than just family. Darcy could hear her moving about in her room, the occasional pause in her footsteps suggesting her nervousness. He made a mental note to stay close to her throughout the evening.
Darcy adjusted his cufflinks, frowning in thought. "Bingley, do you think—" He stopped himself, shaking his head.
Bingley looked up, curious. "What is it, Darcy?"
"You seem… ill at ease," Darcy observed cautiously.
Bingley laughed, a touch too loudly. "Nonsense! Just eager to be off."
Darcy nodded, unconvinced. It seemed he wasn't the only one with his mind on a Bennet sister this evening. His mind wandered to Elizabeth Bennet. Would she be wearing green again? The colour suited her eyes so well… His own coat was green. He liked the coat, it had nothing to do with Elizabeth Bennet's eyes.
Georgiana arrived a few minutes later, looking elegant in a pale pink gown that accentuated her youthful beauty. She smiled brightly at him, a hint of nervousness in her eyes. Darcy felt a surge of protective affection for his sister.
"Are you ready, brother?" she asked, a slight tremor in her voice betraying her nerves.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Darcy replied with a reassuring smile.
He noticed Georgiana's hands fidgeting with her fan.
"You'll do splendidly," he assured her, covering her hands with his own. "Just remember, it's only family and Bennets and Gardiners all of whom you like."
She nodded gratefully, visibly relaxing at his words.
As they prepared to leave, Darcy helped Georgiana with her wrap, noting how grown-up she looked. They stepped out into the cold night air together, their breath visible in the frosty atmosphere. He squeezed her hand affectionately before handing her into the waiting carriage
As his carriage approached the Fitzwilliams' residence, Darcy's stomach churned with an unfamiliar mix of anticipation and dread. He longed to see Miss Elizabeth Bennet, yet the thought of her impending marriage to Mr Collins filled him with a despair he could barely comprehend.