Chapter 11

Twelfth Night had already turned Lizzy's world topsy turvy before she even began the merriment.

Her first disappointment came from Linus just before she left the book shop. He had heard from Mr Carson, landlord at the Rose and Crown, about a ball being held that evening at Matlock. It was said the earl was trying to find wives for his son, Colonel Fitzwilliam, and his nephew, Mr Darcy. The knowledge dashed her hopes of them putting in an appearance at the masquerade. She had refused him, and he was proceeding with what a man in his position need do. He was finding a suitable wife so he could produce the required heir. His cousin had obviously forgotten her sister and was once again attempting to find a lady with fifty thousand. It was as simple as that.

Esther had come early to Mr Goodwin's so they could help each other with their hair. She commented how beautiful Lizzy looked in her costume. Mrs Swift and she had refashioned an old red gown to have a Renaissance appearance. They added gold rope braid and new sleeves reminiscent of what they were able to see in some pictures Jamie had been able to find for them. All thought it would look elegant with the new cloak they had made with the red wool Mr Goodwin had given her for Christmas. He, and she suspected her Aunt Maggie, had insisted she must have something more stylish than her old blue one to keep her warm in Derbyshire winters.

Upon her arrival, Esther had told her some delightful news followed by a revelation that left her quite shaken. Lizzy had been expecting to hear of Esther and Jamie's betrothal. When watching them together, she had even been filled with certainty for their happiness. She had written Jane about the look of love she saw in Jamie's eyes for her friend describing to her sister how pleasing it was to see. She also believed their chances of happiness were strengthened because both of their parents seemed to have been content with their own partners. The bride to be told her Mrs Swift was not at all perturbed by the difference in their religion. The fact that Esther had lived for so many years in an academic environment seemed to be most important in her approval of the match.

That is where her mind was when she learned the most dreadful news. They were moving to Dublin shortly after their wedding in early April. He had been offered a position as a professor at Trinity, and his mother was to live with them. Lizzy knew they had come from Ireland more than ten years ago, shortly after Mrs Swift's husband had died. Both always spoke of that country with a sense of longing. She should be pleased with what would be a great hew adventure for her friend, but she was filled with fear. Steadfastly praying her face did not reveal the depth of her despair, she hugged her friend. Turning their attention to readying the final touches to their appearances, she refused to allow her devastation to show.

Those same pictures of Renaissance women had inspired Lizzy to have Esther create a lovely combination of hair partly up with her face framed by loose tendrils. Leftover gold rope trim from her gown was entwined in her locks to ornament the coiffure.

The last addition to her costume was the amber cross her father had given her for her tenth birthday. It was her most treasured piece of jewelry, because Papa had chosen it especially for her. The memory of him explaining how the black speck was not a blemish but an ant who had been trapped in the resin before it had hardened was still vivid. Her other sisters had been given garnet crosses by their mother. Mrs Bennet had thought his choice for Lizzy ghastly, but even now, despite his betrayal, his singling her out for something different appealed to her sense of being unique. He had made her feel special

Her final gaze in the mirror told her she looked lovely, but the crush of disappointment was almost overwhelming as she peered at the eyes of her image. No one of note would see her.

Fitzwilliam Darcy wished he were preparing for the Twelfth Night Masquerade happening in Lambton. Instead, he would be attending Lord and Lady Matlock's proof of family unity fete for the elite of Derbyshire. The gossip had been spread far and wide by the countess. She had made it clear that two of the neighbourhood's most eligible gentleman were in need of a wife. He worried Lizzy might hear the news.

It had barely been a fortnight since her particularly logical refusal. Despite his failure, he had spent his time attempting to invent ways to accomplish acceptance. All but the one he had discussed with Richard had been rejected as useless. Still, he enjoyed indulging in imagining some of his other rejected gambits. A personal favourite he often indulged in while alone in his bed chamber was particularly useful to persuade his body to fall into a night of delightful reverie. The fantasy had him confronting the Earl and Countess of Matlock, refusing to play his role in their marital market. Instead, he donned his Vauxhall costume and rode his fastest horse to the Lambton Assembly where he knew she would be. The moment he would win her forever was when he kissed her in front of his lessers, publicly insisting she must now allow them to marry. He would eloquently proclaim the proper thing to do was to allow him to save her reputation for all three times he had compromised her. She would, as in the beginning, respond to his kiss with eagerness and passion. Somehow, on the brink of oblivion, the assembly hall would become his bedroom. He would then spend the night dreaming of expanding her horizons and his manhood. Ah but alas, Darcy knew this approach was full of flaws for such a ration creature as his Lizzy.

It was during this search for the best way to persuade her, that he realized he needed to first find a way to save her sister. Richard was violently in love. Darcy knew him well enough to know he had never reacted to any other young lady with such certainty. When Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke of Miss Bennet, he had a look in his eyes, his cousin had never seen before. It was the look of love Darcy decided. It was determined, he would settle them in an estate and Elizabeth would live with them. He would visit often, and when he was certain she trusted he truly loved her and was not simply doing his duty as a gentleman, or trying to rescue her, he would propose again. This time she would accept, and they would seal their bargain with a kiss. Guilt always reared its ugly head at this thought. Perhaps, it was better to wait to kiss her until their wedding night.

After tonight's charade of family unity was over, he Georgiana and Richard would return to Pemberley. He could then begin preparation for his mission. If the state of the roads cooperated, they would travel to London in early February.

He had also devised a cunning approach to Isabelle's need to torture him. She wanted revenge for his laughing at Elizabeth's poke at her pompous prejudice against The Marriage of Figaro. His plan was to have the countess think herself the winner, with nary a clue with regard to his plans to marry the disrespectful teacher. Instead of avoiding the young ladies invited, he would smile and dance with all she suggested. No one would be the wiser why he seemed so pleased with his endeavour.

Though he abhorred disguise, tonight he had devised a brilliant plan to enhance his deception of enjoyment. The conversation he had with each of his partners would be the same. They would be asked if they could speak French and play the pianoforte just as he had queried the Bennet sisters at the Meryton Assembly. At the very end of each set, he would add a final accomplishment to his inquiry. Each would be asked if they could make mince pies. All would be deeply offended at the thought they should help with the cooking.

His last partner for the evening was one Miss Susannah Thompson. A young lady, who much to his delight, did not quite fit the mold of her competitors. She was recently a student at Mrs Thatcher's school, and the daughter of Sir Henry Thompson, a neighbour with an estate nearby in Derbyshire. Her parents were preparing her to attend the Season this year which is why she had been allowed to participate this evening. She was able to speak French and play the pianoforte, but was not allowed to help in the kitchen. However, she confessed she wished she might be able to learn how to make Ice cream and biscuits. She also told him a most delightful bit of information just as the set was ending.

"On our way to Matlock this evening we drove through Lambton, and I happened to see two of the teachers from school. They were dressed in costume. I believe there must have been a masquerade at the Assembly rooms they were attending."

"How did you know they were your teachers?"

"Miss Golden is very tall, and she did not have a mask on, so I recognized her immediately. I am certain the other one with her was, Miss Bennet. She is the one who teaches French and helps me practice the pianoforte."

With his most charming smile, he asked, "was she wearing a mask?"

"Oh yes, and it was a beautiful, gold, half-mask, not one of those on a stick. Her hair was exquisitely styled, and she looked oh so lovely. If only this ball had been a masquerade. I know it would have been much more delightful. Your aunt and uncle are a bit dull I believe."

Her observation broadened his smile. How fortuitous to have ended his evening with this breath-of-spring young lady "Yes, they are a bit old fashioned for my taste as well. A costume ball would have been great fun. I too have a gold half-mask like your Miss Bennet, and one of my most favorite times happened when wearing it." He gave her a conspiratorial twinkle before he said, "there is much more anonymity with that kind of mask. You must consider buying one to have for any masquerade you are invited to during the Season."

Visiting the Bennet sisters' aunt and uncle's home in Cheapside was one of the first things Darcy and Richard did upon arrival in London. Mr Gardiner was not home but at his warehouse; Mrs Gardiner seemed pleased to see them. Once they were seated and served tea, the colonel asked whether Miss Bennet was expected to spend time with them.

"No, unfortunately. We travel to Longbourn for Christmas every year. It was our hope to bring Miss Bennet back with us, but her mother believed she could not spare her at this time."

Richard seemed quite disheartened, so Darcy continued the conversation to give him time to compose himself. "I saw Miss Elizabeth a few days before Christmas. She seems to enjoy living with your family. Has she told you she is learning to speak Italian?"

"Yes, she wrote me of so many things she is learning."

"When you write to her, let her know I have ordered the Marco Polo book in Italian from Hatchards. As soon as it comes in, I will have them send it to your father's shop for her."

Mrs Gardiner smiled graciously at his words. "She mentioned having seen you in her most recent communication. You took her to Tompkins' Peak, I believe. Her letter was filled with details of what things looked like from there and how pleased she was with the experience."

"Yes, though quite cold, we spent a most pleasant afternoon. While we were overlooking the countryside below, we discussed a tour of Pemberley and an introduction to my sister. Please also let her know, I will make good on my promise once I have returned to Derbyshire."

She had not been expecting that information, but she nodded her agreement. She then directed her attentions to his cousin to add, "she also sent a lengthy letter for me to enclose when I next write to her sister. You see, I am their go between. It is most unfair of my sister-in-law to forbid them to correspond."

Darcy replied. "She told me you had agreed to play that role. I have never seen such devotion between sisters."

Colonel Fitzwilliam had finally come to terms with his disappointment. "I agree with my cousin. Your nieces are two fine young ladies. Miss Elizabeth was present at an assembly I attended in Lambton in November. She is a most delightful storyteller."

"Yes, she is. My children sorely miss her not being available to entertain them. When will you return to Derbyshire, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"I probably will not. I am due to return to the war in May. I had hoped to become reacquainted with Miss Bennet before I leave."

"I will speak to my husband, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He has more influence with his sister than I."

The two gentlemen soon left, and Mrs Gardiner decided she must, once again, not tell Edward about their visit despite her words to Colonel Fitzwilliam to the contrary. She was troubled by her sin of omission. She had long held the belief that honesty in a marriage was the key to success. Still, they were starkly at odds about what was best for his nieces. Margaret Gardiner believed their parents should treat the sisters' hopes and wishes with dignity. The last thing she wanted for them was to be forced to marry against their will, and yet it had been attempted with both. Whom one marries is about the only choice young ladies of their sphere were allowed.

Jane and Lizzy had attracted the attention of two gentlemen of superior consequence. And yet, their parents seemed to be completely unaware of their achievement. If she told Edward and he told his sister, her greatest fear was that Mrs Bennet would be bragging about Jane being desired by the son of an earl with no discretion in the least. There would be no opportunity for her daughters to proceed cautiously. Lizzy had told her the colonel felt great affection for her niece, but he worried about his ability to provide for her with his military pay, particularly if he was wounded or killed. Her misgivings about what her sister-in-law might do to force a marriage between the two with no regard for his military obligations was troubling. It would be better if they were left alone to find their own way to marriage. With this in mind she believed not being open with her husband was justified.

Lizzy and Mr Darcy were a complete enigma to her. It seemed impossible a man of his lofty position could be interested in marrying her, and yet he had shown up twice in Cheapside and talked of having her meet his sister. Surely, he knew she was ruined and disowned. Elizabeth had written they were friends, but his intentions seemed inexplicable to her.

Her plan was to remain silent about these gentleman callers for now. She would, however, write to Lizzy and let her know about the book he was sending to her. But most importantly she would relay his insistence she know he remembered his promise of a tour of Pemberley and an introduction to his sister.

Mrs Thatcher called Lizzy to her office soon after her conference with Miss Golden about her pending marriage and departure for Ireland. She had been warned what was about to happen.

"Miss Bennet my young ladies adore you. I often hear how much they look forward to their French lessons. You have a gift for making learning enjoyable. Please know my decision is strictly financial, but I am unable to keep you on past Miss Golden's leaving. Though I am very pleased with your work, you are accomplished in too few subjects to make it worthwhile."

"I understand the new teacher you engage would not want to share a room with me, but I could walk from Mr Goodwin's house to perform my duties."

"But I pay you a pittance. What you make would not even cover the cost of the shoes the journey would wear out."

"Perhaps if I could become proficient in Italian by the end of the summer you could reconsider."

"I would if I could, but I have another consideration. The Countess of Matlock took offense at what she called your insolence. All she was able to tell me when I questioned her was you did not lower your eyes quickly enough, but unfortunately Miss Bennet, I rely on the Earl of Matlock's largesse."

It became clear with that statement what the main reason for her dismissal was. Esther had been correct she had yet to learn her place in her new world. Mrs Thatcher graciously offered to write a recommendation if she needed one in the future, but it seemed her future as a teacher had come to an end. Still, it would mean she would have more time to work in the bookshop as a way to repay Mr Goodwin for her keep.

Darcy began his search for a smallish estate to lease in earnest now he was in London. He made it known to his solicitor it must be in Derbyshire—the closer to Pemberley the better. Upon Mr Johnson's initial query among the agents for available properties none met his needs. There were many more in the south, a few in Yorkshire but none suitable in the midlands.

Darcy decided it was time to kill two birds with one stone. This thought reminded him of one of his most delightful conversations with the woman he loved; David standing in front of Florence's Palazzo della Signoria ready to do battle with his slingshot. It would all be worth it if he was successful. His favorite dream these days was taking her to Italy as soon as possible after persuading her to marry him.

It was time to confront Bingley with regards to the ridiculous attempted compromise. Once that bloody business was behind him, he could proceed to inquire about any properties in Derbyshire he might have heard about during his search.

He did not want to see anyone but Bingley. So going to Hurst's home would not do. Instead, he sent a note round asking him to meet him at White's at three in the afternoon. Charles promptly replied to let him know he would be there.

Darcy arrived early to better judge his former friend before any words were spoken. At first glance he seemed to have come prepared to be repentant.

"I hope your sisters and Hurst are well."

"They are. Is Miss Darcy with you in London?"

"She is." Darcy believed that was enough of the formal niceties. He moved on to his first order of business. "I wanted to meet with you for two reasons. First is to tell you how offended I was by your part in what I believe was your sister's ploy to trap me into marriage."

"I told her it was wrong headed."

"And yet, you went along with it. You had to realize I would never marry her for such a trivial misunderstanding as accidentally being alone in the library. No one among the ton would even contemplate such a ludicrous outcome for one of my precedence."

"Darcy, please forgive me. I have reprimanded Caroline for involving me in her scheme."

"Did you chastise her for involving me? It was my life she sought to ruin."

"That is a bit harsh. She truly believed you would suit each other."

"What do you call forcing someone to marry you for a trumped-up indiscretion? The way I see it is you both wanted to steal my superior status and attach yourself socially to the property that has been in my family for centuries. You were feckless enough to allow Caroline to fancy herself Mistress of Pemberley."

"She assured me you found her someone you could wed."

Darcy displayed his most haughty sneer as he looked down on Charles. "I am the grandson of an earl. She is the granddaughter of a what?"

"A public house landlord. My other grandfather was a vicar." Darcy could only smile at his comical attempt to pad his lineage. He knew for a fact his mother's father had been a curate.

"I have kept the note that was meant to lure me to my entrapment. Should I begin showing it around here at White's and speak of Miss Bingley's ridiculous treachery. I am certain many here would enjoy the laugh."

Bingley looked around and became visibly uncomfortable with the thought. Still, he had enough grit to attempt a comeback. "I see you have not lost any of your pride. I had heard rumours you had mellowed."

Darcy enjoyed where their conversation had strayed. He displayed his most satisfied grin as he proclaimed, "it is true. I have become more discriminating in my conceit. I no longer attempt to intimate shop clerks who are only trying to sell me a book they think I will enjoy. Instead, I reserve my hauteur for those pretenders who use me to elevate their own status."

Bingley fell into silence and Darcy prepared to move the conversation to his most important mission.

"My second piece of business with you is to know whether in your search for an estate were there any in Derbyshire?"

Bingley thought for a few minutes before answering. "There was one quite near to Pemberley. Being that close was appealing to Caroline. The price was affordable and though small the land seemed well cared for, but the house was a horror. It had not had any modern improvements in years."

"Do you remember the name of the estate or the owner?"

"The estate was called Ashcroft Manner or maybe it was Abbey. I am unable to recall the owner's name, but it was closer to Matlock than Pemberley… just on the other side of the peak."

Of course, he should have thought of the place. It was Bertie's friend Sir Arthur Dugdale's ancestral home. He was a mere baronet, but just as much of a habitual gambler as his cousin, the viscount. He believed Mr Wright was friends with the steward there. "Thank you, Charles I will make inquiries to see if it is still available."

"What is your interest, Darcy?"

"As usual, I am helping a friend. If there are any others you remember, please let my solicitor know." With that he handed Bingley Mr Johnson's card and rose to leave.