Beginning, Next Section
Chapter 1
Elizabeth awoke the next morning with what felt like a weight on her chest and a throbbing in her head. She sat up in her bed and waited for the feeling to pass before ringing for the maid. After her toilette, she made her way downstairs to the sound of Mr. Collins thoroughly enjoying his breakfast along with Charlotte and Mariah.
“My Lizzy, you do look pale, will you not eat something?” Charlotte asked, concerned for her friend.
Elizabeth shook her head. “I think I’ve been indoors too long. Fresh air and a walk is all I need. I’ll be back soon.”
With that, she left the house and walked towards the inviting park separating Rosings from her cousin’s home. She took a quick look around her to make sure no one was present, and then took off at a run. She ran through the wooded area, trying to get the words of Mr. Darcy out of her mind. She slowed her pace down to a walk as she reached the opening of meadow and paused to catch her breath. She continued walking through a grove of trees when she came upon the back of a tall gentleman in a grey coat. Knowing this must be Mr. Darcy; she quietly turned and walked quickly in the other direction.
“Miss Bennet.” Mr. Darcy said, coming after her. Elizabeth stopped and turned around.
“Mr. Darcy.” She answered, dropping a slight curtsey, her green eyes glittering with annoyance.
He walked towards and held out a letter with a bow. “Would you do me honor of reading this letter.”
She took the letter from him, and he turned and walked the other way. Looking down at the letter, she saw her name written in his very elegant hand. She walked over to a fallen tree and sat down, tearing open the letter. The contents shocked her greatly, and she sat there for quite some time. Her thoughts drifted back to something Charlotte had said to her at one of the assemblies in Hertfordshire, saying Jane should show more affection than she feels, in order to secure Mr. Bingley. She laughed at this notion then, but now she wasn’t laughing at all. She was still thinking on this when Colonel Fitzwilliam found her.
“Miss Bennett, at last I found you! An express has arrived from Longbourn a few minutes ago for you.” He told her, his brow wrinkled with worry.
Elizabeth, still shocked from her letter, looked up at him, not understanding. “W-what? An express for me?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam, seeing she was quite shocked, offered his hand and helped her up off the log. “Yes, from your father according to Mrs. Collins. I offered to come find you straight away.”
Elizabeth nodded and refolded the letter and let herself be led back to the parsonage by Colonel Fitzwilliam. They entered the house and went directly to the parlor, where Mr. Darcy, Mr. Collins, Mariah and Mrs. Collins were waiting for her.”
“Lizzy, this came for you just a few minutes ago. I do hope everything is alright.” Charlotte said to her, handing her a letter addressed to her in her father’s hand.
Elizabeth nodded and sat down in a chair by the window. The gentleman, deciding to give Elizabeth some privacy, left the parlor for Mr. Collins garden, of which he was more than happy to give the gentleman a tour.
Elizabeth, her hands shaking, broke open the seal and gasped.
My Dear Lizzy-
Your mother has fallen gravely ill; we believe apoplexy has been brought on. Please return to Longbourn at once. I have requested my cousin Mr. Collins to arrange for your return.
Elizabeth put a hand over her mouth to stifle a cry and handed the letter to Charlotte. Elizabeth wiped the tears from her eyes as Charlotte read her father’s letter.
“Lizzy, I am going to have your trunks packed at once and Mr. Collins will arrange for a carriage. You stay here and drink some tea, I will be back soon.” Charlotte rushed off, shouting for maids and Mr. Collins. Elizabeth sat in her chair, the letter hanging loosely from her hand. She was staring at the words again when Colonel Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Collins entered the parlour.
Mr. Darcy came directly to her and sat across from her. “Miss Bennett, I would like to offer my carriage to take you back to Longbourn. It can be ready within the hour.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, and then to Mr. Collins, who was shaking his head in approval. “Mr. Darcy, we are most grateful for your kind generosity you are showing to my poor cousin, she…” Darcy cut him off by raising his hand.
“Yes, well, Fitzwilliam, let’s be off. I can send an express to Bingley in London about residing at Netherfield. Miss Bennett, will this be satisfactory?”
“Thank you Mr. Darcy.” She said softly, her hands still trembling from her shock. Mr. Darcy fought the urge to take her in his arms and comfort her, and he and the Colonel left to prepare for the journey back to Longbourn.
Elizabeth in the meantime, went upstairs to her room to change into her traveling clothes and freshen up before the long carriage ride. The servants were already busy in her room packing her things, so she closed herself in her dressing room and sat down on the small couch. Overwhelming emotions consumed her and began to cry, softly at first, then harder the longer she remained in the dressing room. Through her tears, she quickly changed her dress and handed her morning dress to the maid that came in to check on her. She made her way downstairs to wait for Mr. Darcy’s carriage.
She didn’t wait long, for not a half hour later the biggest carriage she had ever seen, pulled by two perfectly matched pairs, bearing the Darcy coat of arms on the side pulled in the park at Hunsford. She watched through the window in the parlour as Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam stepped down from the carriage. She ignored the pull at her heart when she spied Mr. Darcy speaking with the footmen, telling herself he was the reason for Jane’s unhappiness. She began to feel a sense of panic when she realized she would ride in the carriage with the two gentlemen. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t ridden in a carriage with gentlemen before, but not one that had just proposed to her.
Sensing her unease, Charlotte came up behind her and put a hand on her arm. “Lizzy, are you worried about riding with Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam?”
“A little, do you think it is appropriate?”
Charlotte thought on this for a moment, looking out the window with Elizabeth. “I think it will be fine, don’t worry. They are fine gentlemen and will let no harm come to you.”
Elizabeth smiled and noticed a slight drizzle start to fall. She turned to Charlotte and took her hands in hers. “Thank you, for everything.”
Charlotte embraced Elizabeth and held her tightly. “I hope Mrs. Bennett is doing well. Mariah, Mr. Collins and myself will follow in a day or so.”
They released each other and Charlotte walked with Elizabeth to the door. After saying goodbye to Mariah and Mr. Collins, Mr. Darcy handed her into the carriage. Elizabeth looked out the glass window at Charlotte as Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam sat down across from her. She waved goodbye as the carriage began to roll. They sat in silence for almost an hour, Elizabeth watching the pouring rain, and Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam reading books. She finally found the courage to ask a question about Mr. Darcy’s letter.
“Mr. Darcy.” He looked up at her with a surprised look on this fine face. She continued. “May I ask a question about Mr. Wickham?”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his seat and Colonel Fitzwilliam closed his book and sighed. “Please Miss Bennett, ask anything you like.”
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment, a bit nervous at having the attention of both gentlemen. “Was your father aware of Mr. Wickham’s true character?”
Colonel Fitzwilliam looked at Darcy and frowned. Darcy looked at Elizabeth, a pained expression on his face. “No Miss Bennett, he did not know his true character. He loved him like a son, and took care of him after his father died, I did not divulge his ways to my father for fear of hurting him.”
Elizabeth nodded and turned to look out the window at the ever driving rain.
“Miss Bennett, I know that no one in Hertfordshire knows his true character, but believe me when I say everyone would be better off to stay away from him.” The colonel told her.
Elizabeth nodded and looked at Mr. Darcy, who was in turn looking back at her. “Mr. Darcy, I am sorry that I misjudged you because of Wickham’s lies, but I still cannot forgive you in regards to my sister.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam, having already been admonished by Darcy earlier for his part in this situation, looked out the window. Mr. Darcy sighed and gave him a hard look, then turned back to Elizabeth. “May I be so bold as to ask what your sisters’ feelings for Mr. Bingley were?”
Elizabeth’s look turned icy and Mr. Darcy instantly regretted asking this question. “If you must know Mr. Darcy, she was quite in love with him. She has been miserable since the day he left Netherfield.”
Darcy cringed at Elizabeth’s answer, knowing that Bingley was most passionately in love with Jane Bennett since the first day he met her. “Miss Bennett, I am sorry. A gross misjudgment on my part. I did, however, send an express to Bingley before we left telling him of Mrs. Bennett’s condition. I expect he is on his way to Netherfield now, and perhaps we will meet up with him at Bromley. I plan on telling him everything the next time we meet.”
Elizabeth was quite taken aback by this statement and let a soft smile escape. To Mr. Darcy, this smile meant the world.
They traveled on for several more hours, the three speaking of books, the Colonels regiment, Elizabeth’s family, and Mr. Darcy’s sister. The weather in the meantime was getting worse and the roads were become treacherous. They reached Bromley before dark, only to be told that the road into Hertfordshire was closed due to the deep mud caused by the torrential rains. Elizabeth sat in the carriage alone while Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke with the footmen. She stared out the window, taking in her surroundings when she spotted a familiar carriage. Thinking it must be Mr. Bingley’s carriage, she opened the door and leaned out of the carriage trying to find Mr. Darcy, but could only hear is voice above the wind.
“So you are saying the road is impassable? Will it be passable by morning?”
She couldn’t hear the reply, but Mr. Darcy had spotted her leaning out of the carriage and quickly came to the door.
“Miss Bennett! Please be careful, you don’t want to fall!” He told her, trying to get her to sit back down in the carriage.
“Please, Mr. Darcy, isn’t that Mr. Bingley’s carriage?” She told him, pointing behind him.
Mr. Darcy turned in the direction of her pointed finger and nodded. “I’m certain it is. Stay here while I see if his party is here, Colonel Fitzwilliam is right outside, you will be quite safe.”
Elizabeth nodded and sat back down, a little worried that she may be out here alone. She watched as Mr. Darcy walked with a servant holding an umbrella into the inn. She then saw Colonel Fitzwilliam talking to the drivers of the carriage and immediately calmed down. A few moments later, Mr. Darcy returned and climbed into the carriage, careful not to get her wet.
“Mr. Bingley is inside. He has reserved lodgings for us. I have taken the liberty of sending an express to Longbourn informing them of our location.” He paused here, unsure of how to ask this next question. “Miss Bennett, do I ask too much to introduce my sister to you? She and her companion Ms. Annesley came along with Mr. Bingley and his sisters.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, and in the darkness of the carriage, she saw a slight fear in his eyes. “I would be delighted to meet your sister Mr. Darcy.”
He smiled at her and visibly relaxed. “Thank you Miss Bennett.”
She smiled back at him and turned towards the door as it opened. A smiling, blond haired Mr. Bingley popped his head in the door.
“Miss Bennett! Mr. Darcy! I am so happy you’ve arrived! We were quite concerned.”
“What about me Bingley?” Colonel Fitzwilliam teasingly asked from behind Mr. Bingley.
Mr. Bingley turned and smiled good naturedly at the colonel. “You as well Colonel. Come, we’ve rooms for everyone and dinner is waiting.”
Mr. Darcy smiled and stepped out of the carriage, he motioned for the servant with the umbrella to come to the door, then he handed Elizabeth out of the carriage. Mr. Bingley offered his arm and Elizabeth gratefully accepted, letting herself to be led into the inn. They walked upstairs to a large parlour where Miss Bingley, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, a younger blond haired girl and an older woman were sitting. They all rose when they entered the room.
“Miss Eliza, how nice to see you again. I am very sorry to hear about your poor mother.” Miss Bingley said to her, trying to sound genuine, but failing.
“Thank you Miss Bingley.” Elizabeth said, letting go of Mr. Bingley’s arm.
Elizabeth noticed that the young blond haired girl had embraced Mr. Darcy and they were quietly talking while Elizabeth greeted Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst.
“Miss Bennett, I must say again how glad I am to see all of you. We were quite afraid your carriage ran into some trouble.” Mr. Bingley told her.
Elizabeth smiled at him; quietly hoping dinner would be served soon. She turned to see Colonel Fitzwilliam smiling at her, as if enjoying a private joke and her curiosity got the best of her.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, why are you laughing at me?” She asked him, as everyone turned to look at him.
The Colonel, looking slightly embarrassed, grinned at Elizabeth. “Ah Miss Bennett, I was just thinking about our conversation in the carriage.”
She smiled at him, remembering the conversation she had with Mr. Darcy and Colonel in regards to Miss Bingley and her failed attempts to secure Mr. Darcy. Darcy, who had overheard his comment, stepped forward with a young girl on his arm.
“Miss Bennett, may I introduce my sister Georgiana. Georgiana, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennett.”
Elizabeth and Miss Darcy curtsied together and smiled at each other warmly. “It is a pleasure to meet you Miss Darcy.”
Miss Darcy blushed slightly and smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well Miss Bennett. I’ve heard so much about you.”
Elizabeth smiled, and turned to Mr. Darcy, who quickly looked away. “I’ve heard much about you as well Miss Darcy. I hear you are fond of music and play very well.”
Miss Darcy blushed deeply again and looked up at Elizabeth and smiled. “I am very fond of music, but I must say I do not play well.”
“Nonsense dear Georgiana!” Miss Bingley interjected. “You are the most accomplished player I’ve heard.”
She blushed again and quietly thanked Miss Bingley as the bell was rung for dinner. Elizabeth, relieved that dinner was being served, took the offered arm of Colonel Fitzwilliam and followed the group into the dining room
“Miss Bennett, you handle Miss Bingley remarkably well.” The Colonel said to her in a quiet voice.
Elizabeth laughed and shook her head. “I must confess it is not always the case. But I do try.”
They all sat down to dinner and ate heartily, as everyone was famished from the long ride to Bromley. After dinner, instead of the usual socializing, the group all decided to retire. Mr. Darcy and Georgiana escorted Miss Bennett to her room and bid her good night. Elizabeth rang for the maid and changed out of her dress and into her nightclothes and fell into bed, dreading tomorrow. She laid awake for several hours, contemplating Mr. Darcy and the sudden change in his countenance. She couldn’t make out why the change. She thought about the positive words of his proposal, something she had forgotten until now. He must have some feeling towards her as to profess his love to her so opening. She smiled in the darkness at the nervousness of his address. She closed her eyes and eventually fell asleep, wondering if her feelings were changing towards the puzzling Mr. Darcy.
Elizabeth was gently woken the next morning before first light by a shy lady’s maid named Claire. She helped Elizabeth dress and styled her hair in an elegant up knot, then packed the rest of her things for the journey to Longbourn. Elizabeth found her way to the dining room, only to find Mr. Darcy there, sipping his tea quietly. He rose from his seat and bowed when he spotted her.
“Good morning Miss Bennett.”
Elizabeth acknowledged him with a slight curtsey and sat down to Mr. Darcy’s left. “Good morning Mr. Darcy. Are the roads clear?”
“Yes they are. We should be at Longbourn by early afternoon.”
Elizabeth nodded as a footman served her tea and muffins. They sat in silence for several minutes before Mr. Darcy finally decided to speak.
“Miss Bennett, I wish to apologize for my behavior in Hunsford. I am aware that my comments insulted you, and for that I am profoundly sorry.”
Elizabeth stared at him, searching for something unknown in his countenance. What she saw was a look of pure sadness in his eyes, so profound that she had to look away before answering.
“I accept your apology Mr. Darcy.” She said quietly.
A soft smile flashed across his face and then he became serious. “Miss Bennett, I hope you do not hold my words against me.”
Elizabeth looked up at him, and sipped her tea. “Mr. Darcy, I am now deeply honored by your proposal, and I am mortified at my words against you. You have shown me what kind of man you truly are…” She was interrupted by the noise of Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst coming to the table.
Miss Bingley came around to sit on Mr. Darcy’s right and beamed a smiled at him. “Well Good morning Mr. Darcy…” She paused to disdainfully look to Elizabeth. “Eliza, good morning to you as well.”
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy returned her greeting, although not as lively as Miss Bingley would have liked. Soon they were joined by the rest of the party and plans were made for the day. Mr. Darcy insisted the Miss Darcy and Ms. Annesley ride in the Darcy carriage with Elizabeth, and Colonel Fitzwilliam announced the find of three horses suitable for riding to Longbourn for himself, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley.
Elizabeth was disappointed that she would not be in the company of Mr. Darcy during the last leg of the journey to Longbourn, but hid it from the rest of the party. They finished their breakfasts, and the ladies and Mr. Hurst walked to the entrance of the inn to await the carriages as Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley and Colonel Fitzwilliam gathered their mounts from the stables. The carriages pulled up and Mr. Darcy handed his sister and Ms. Annesley into the carriage and paused to look down at Elizabeth before handing her in.
“Miss Bennett, I know we may not have the opportunity to speak later when you return to Longbourn, but all my best wishes for Mrs. Bennett’s recovery.”
Elizabeth looked up at him with such hopefulness in her eyes that he thought he would fall at her feet, begging for her forgiveness. He silently handed her into the carriage and closed the door, welcoming the long ride to Longbourn to collect himself.
The Darcy carriage rolled to a stop in front of Longbourn several hours later and Mr. Darcy dismounted from his horse and handed the reins over to a waiting stable boy. The footmen quickly came around to assist the ladies down as the doors to Longbourn opened and a pale Jane came rushing out. She greeted Mr. Darcy with a slight smile and watched impatiently as he waved the footman aside and handed Elizabeth down from the carriage. Jane immediately rushed to Elizabeth and embraced her.
“Oh Lizzy, I’m so glad you’ve come home!” Jane exclaimed, releasing her. “We were afraid the roads would be too treacherous!”
“Well, here we are.” Elizabeth said, as Mr. Darcy handed his sister down from the carriage.
Mr. Darcy turned to Jane. “Miss Bennett, before we depart, may I introduce my sister Georgiana?”
Jane smiled and returned Miss Darcy’s curtsey. “I am very pleased to meet you Miss Darcy.”
Miss Darcy smiled and shyly looked down. “I am happy to make your acquaintance Miss Bennett.”
“Well, we will take our leave, please accept our best wishes for Mrs. Bennett’s recovery. We will see you again soon.” Mr. Darcy said, as he handed his sister back into the carriage.
Elizabeth took a step forward. “Mr. Darcy, please let me thank you again for your kindness you’ve shown towards me.”
Mr. Darcy smiled at her. “You are most welcome, Miss Bennett.” He bowed to both Elizabeth and Jane, mounted his horse and followed the carriage to Netherfield.
“Well then, let’s go to her.” Elizabeth said to Jane, sighing heavily. She followed her sister into the house.
Chapter 2
Mr. Bennet sat down behind his desk in the library that evening with a heavy heart. Mrs. Bennet had just taken her last breath, and he was there to hold her hand. He stared up at the painting over his fireplace, one that he had fought with Mrs. Bennet on furiously. It was a family portrait, painted when Lydia was two years old. Mr. and Mrs. Bennet sat in the middle, surrounded by all their daughters, smiling back at him. He poured a glass of brandy and took some paper out of a small box sitting on his desk. He needed to send an express to his brother Gardiner, and his eldest brother, Robert, in Stratton.
Elizabeth lay down in her bed that night, exhausted but not finding sleep. She had spent several hours at Mrs. Bennet’s bedside, looking for some sign that she may wake up, but none ever came. She and Jane had quickly resumed their long talks before bed, and she had been in Jane’s room for over an hour, telling her everything that had happened in Hunsford, including letting her read Mr. Darcy’s letter. Jane being Jane, was not upset with Mr. Darcy, but was grateful for his offer of assistance to Elizabeth. She was almost asleep, dreaming about Mr. Darcy when someone knocked on her door. She found her shawl in the dark and fumbled her way to the door. She opened it to find Hill standing before her.
“Yes Hill, what is it?”
Hill dropped a quick curtsey. “If you please Miss Bennet, the Master is asking for you in his library.”
She nodded as Hill handed her a candle, she searched for her dressing gown and then closed the door behind her. She made her way down the dark staircase and knocked on the door to her father’s library. Her father bid her entrance and she made her way over to the desk with where her father sat.
“Elizabeth, sit down.” She did so, and looked at her father with worry.
“Elizabeth, your mother has passed. I didn’t want to awake everyone, but I wanted inform you tonight.”
She nodded and looked down at her hands in her lap, fumbling with the ends of her shawl. “What now Papa?”
“The funeral will be in two days time, and we will have several callers that you will have to receive. One will be my brother, Lord Robert and his wife Lady Gwyneth.”
Elizabeth looked up at him sharply, her eyes filled with wonder. “ Lord and Lady? What are you saying Papa?”
Mr. Bennet sighed and looked down at the letter that he had just sealed to his brother. “Let me start from the beginning. When I became engaged to your mother, my father, the Earl of Stratton sat down with and discussed this estate with me. Longbourn was entailed to my father, but he had is own estate and had little need of another one. My eldest brother Robert, who had not yet married, would inherit my father’s estate and the title, had no want of Longbourn either. So it came to me, with the stipulation that if I did not produce an heir, the estate would be entailed away. My father died right after Jane was born, and Mrs. Bennett and I were unable to make the trip to Stratton due to her condition. Being the second son of an Earl, I wasn’t of much importance anyway, and despised the society in which I had come from. Robert was deeply offended that I was not at the funeral and refused to speak with me henceforth. The last I heard of him was when Lydia was born, he wrote to me, informing me of Longbourn being entailed to the next male relative, Mr. Collins. Robert inherited the Earldom, married well and they live in Stratton presently, the very estate where I grew up. They have no children of their own, as the Lady is unable. When Mrs. Bennet fell ill, I felt disposed to write to him, as Mr. Collins did to me, to heal the breach in our family. He has since written back the wish to visit us here at Longbourn and meet my daughters. Undoubtedly my sister-in-law made this possible, as she began to write to Mrs. Bennet shortly after she married my brother. They became the most frequent correspondents and wished to meet, but my brother would not allow it.”
Elizabeth started to ask a question, but he held up his hand. “No, my dear, I know what you are going to ask. I forbade your mother from ever speaking of this. I wanted you to grow up here, and not in society. We are still just as poor, as the second son I inherited nothing.”
Elizabeth stared at him for several minutes before she could speak. “They are to stay at Longbourn then?”
“Yes they are.”
She nodded and folded her hands in her lap, a small smile on her face. “Am I to assume they are nothing like Mr. Collins?”
Mr. Bennet chuckled softly. “No my dear, nothing at all like Mr. Collins. I daresay their society will be much more agreeable.”
Elizabeth sat down at the breakfast table the morning after her mother’s death, dressed in black and with a heavy heart. She had no sleep most of the night, due own grief, and going into Jane’s room after her talk with her father and giving her the news. She let her mind wander to the events of earlier this morning, when she was awoken by a panic-stricken Kitty in regards to mourning frocks.
“Lizzy! I can not wear my old black frock; it is too short and does not fit well anymore. What will I do?”
Elizabeth began to answer Kitty, but was interrupted by a knock on her door. Mary, Lydia and Jane entered all carrying black garments in their arms.
“Lizzy, Mary nor Lydia has a black gown to fit them. I have brought in my old ones, maybe they will do. “Jane told them, laying the somber black bombazine dresses on Elizabeth’s bed.
Elizabeth sat down at her dressing table and thought quickly, ignoring the sobs coming from Lydia about her attire. “Mary, ring for Hill please.”
Mary did so, and Elizabeth turned to face her sisters. “Well, between all of us, we should be able to come up with something. Lydia, I believe you will be able to wear my old black dress, it just needs minor repair, and perhaps it will be fine. Kitty…” She was interrupted by Hill knocking on the door.
Hill entered the bedchamber with a weak smile on her face and curtsied. “Yes Miss Elizabeth?”
“Hill, until we can get to the modiste, we will need to repair our older dresses so Mary, Kitty and Lydia will be able to wear them.”
“Yes Ma’am.” Hill said. She immediately sent for Sarah and Alice and they got to work refitting Jane and Elizabeth’s outgrown dresses. In the end, all five sisters went down stairs to breakfast in appropriate mourning attire.
Jane and Elizabeth exchanged looks across the table. They knew today would be difficult, and Lydia wasn’t making it any easier. She had been sobbing and carrying on all night, so that no one above stairs could get any rest, and this morning she continued carrying on about her dresses not fitting properly. She certainly didn’t blame her sister for be upset, for she was just as upset, but Lydia tended to behave in this manner to draw attention more than anything else. Elizabeth wondered is Lydia was mourning their mother’s death at all.
“Tea, Lizzy?” Kitty asked, trying to ignore Lydia’s sobs coming from across the table.
“Thank you Kitty.” She gave her sister a kind smile while she poured her tea. [i] There’s hope for Kitty yet. [/i] She thought to herself
Jane sat staring at the plate in front of her, while Mary picked at her breakfast, and Lydia continued sobbing loudly. Elizabeth buttered her toast and tried to eat, but her stomach rebelled against the idea. She quietly sipped her tea until her father came into the room.
“Good morning.” Mr. Bennet said quietly, taking his seat at the head of the table. The five girls stared at him for some time, watching his stare across the table at the vacant chair that Mrs. Bennett usually occupied.
“Papa, would you care for some tea?” Kitty asked hesitantly. Elizabeth gave her sister another smile, commending her for her bravery.
Mr. Bennet looked up sharply to see who had spoken to him. When he saw the fearful look on Kitty’s face and the trembling teapot in her hand and instantly softened his face.
“Please Kitty, thank you.”
Kitty quickly poured the tea and sat back down, trying to regain her composure. Mr. Bennet took a drink of his tea and looked out to his five daughters and sighed.
“Well, here we are. I don’t suppose Lydia; you could be silent for a moment, could you?” He asked, and seeing that Lydia had no intention of being silent, continued a bit louder.
“You all know that Lizzy will take the place as Mistress of Longborn, and when she marries, then the next eldest will. I’m sorry to have to put you in this position Lizzy; I know you’ve no wish for it.”
Elizabeth looked to her father and took his outstretched hand. “It is fine Papa, I will do my best.”
“Ah yes Lizzy, I know you shall. Jane, since you and Lizzy are so close together in age, I expect to help your sister as much as you can. Mary, Kitty and Lydia, you will listen to Jane and Lizzy.” He told them. He rose from the table and left the room for his library.
Breakfast went on, while Mrs. Bennet’s body was prepared upstairs for the callers that would come later on and the next day. Elizabeth sought to keep her sisters away from their mother’s bedchamber as long as possible, but Lydia began insisting between sobs that she see her mother.
“Lizzy, I must see her! Please let me go to my mother!” Lydia cried, standing in the middle of the drawing room.
“Lydia, please sit down. You will be able to see our mother soon, please, sit down and be still.”
Lydia sat down, but began sobbing loudly and uncontrollably. Elizabeth looked at Jane, helpless as of what to do. Jane smiled weakly at Elizabeth and went to comfort Lydia, while Elizabeth left the room in search of her father. She paused outside his study, not knowing if she would be welcome. She softly knocked on the door, waiting for permission to enter.
“Come.” She heard from within, and she turned the knob slowly and entered the study. Mr. Bennet was sitting at his desk, drinking port and going through some paperwork.
“Papa, I need to speak with you in regards to mourning gowns. Myself and Jane have some, and we have altered our older ones for Lydia, Kitty and Mary. We will need to go into town to the modiste.”
“Yes, you are correct. I shall call for the carriage and you may all go. I believe Mrs. Weston will be expecting you, she has sent a note this morning anticipating your arrival.”
Elizabeth nodded and started towards the door.
“Lizzy, come here my child.”
She turned and went to her father, who stood to meet her. “I know my dear you are quite upset, and I hope tomorrow and the next day will not be too trying for you and all your sisters. We will get through this together, I promise.”
He embraced her warmly, as tears started streaming down her face. “Oh Papa! I don’t know what to do!”
“You know your duties; your mother has instilled this in you since you were young. Jane will help as she can. Besides, you may marry one day and leave all this Jane to deal with.” He told her, making her smile.
She hugged her father and they left the study, Mr. Bennet to call for the carriage and Elizabeth to gather her sisters for the trip into town.
Elizabeth sat in the garden, trying to read and keeping an eye on Kitty and Lydia, who were taking a turn about the garden and whispering secretly to one another. They had been back from the modiste for about an hour, and she shuddered to remember to scene that Lydia caused in the shop. She hated the material, and why couldn’t she have some color on her dresses. In the end, Elizabeth had to take Lydia aside and censor her sharply. They had rode back to Longborn in silence, and were not allowed back in the house as of yet. Mrs. Bennett’s was still upstairs lying in state, her body being prepared by the morticians from Meryton, and they would be called back into the house by their father at any moment to come say their goodbyes. Jane sat next to her, starting at the flowers beginning to bloom and Mary sat next to her, reading Fordyce’s Sermons silently.
Jane placed her hand on Elizabeth’s, and she looked up to see their father coming towards them. The three rose, and he motioned Kitty and Lydia over to them.
“If you wish, you may see your mother now.” He told them, and then turned to go back to the house. They all nodded, and slowly followed their father. They climbed the stairs quietly, and Elizabeth slowly opened the door to their mother’s bedchamber.
Mrs. Bennet was still lying on her bed, dressed in her best gown and covered in a thin, transparent veil. The sisters stood on either side of the bed, staring down at their mother. The room was very quiet, as no one dared to make a sound. Jane grasped a hold of Elizabeth’s hand and she looked into her face to see tears threatening to spill over. She put her arm around Jane’s shoulders and the two held each other for several moments before Lydia started wailing.
“Mama! Please come back to me! Don’t leave me here!” Lydia cried, throwing herself on the bed next to her mother and clutching at her hand. Jane and Elizabeth looked at each other in horror, as Mary and Kitty tried to calm Lydia. Mr. Bennet slipped quietly into the hallway.
Kitty pulled a still wailing Lydia off the bed while Jane moved to straighten the fabric covering their mother. A soft knock at the door made them start and Elizabeth went to the door.
“Lizzy, the mortician will need some time to come back in and prepare the coffin, I will be in the library, and you and your sister Jane come see when you finished here.” Mr. Bennet told her through the crack in the door. She nodded and closed the door, and taking a deep breath, she turned to face her sisters.
“Lydia, please! I know you are upset, but please try to control yourself. Kitty, take Lydia to her room and have Sara bring up some tea, we will be in there shortly.”
Kitty nodded and dragged Lydia from the room. Elizabeth sighed and Mary came over and squeezed her hand. “She does that to get attention you know that, don’t you Lizzy?”
She and Jane nodded. “Well, let’s give Lydia a chance to calm down before going to her. Jane, Papa wants us to come to him in his library. Mary, will you check on Kitty and Lydia and come get us if you need us. We won’t be long.”
Mary nodded and left the room, leaving Jane and Elizabeth alone with their mother.
“Oh Lizzy!” Jane sobbed. “What will we do?”
Elizabeth embraced her sister tightly for several minutes, both of them crying on each other. They finally left the room and went downstairs to their father’s library.
While his daughters were upstairs visiting their mother, Mr. Bennet was in his library, reading over the express he had just received from his Brother Gardiner. They would also be coming tomorrow and will stay for at least a fortnight. He sighed and put the letter on his desk, and leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples softly. A knock on the door made him jump, and remembering he needed to talk to Elizabeth and Jane, he bade them enter.
The girls walked in and sat down across from their father with tears in their eyes.
“Elizabeth, Jane, I’ve just received a letter from your Uncle Gardiner, they will arrive tomorrow and will stay for at least a fortnight.”
The girls nodded, knowing their Aunt and Uncle would stay as long as they could to help out their family, but what their father said next shocked Jane the most of all.
“Lord and Lady Stratton will also arrive tomorrow. They will dine with us in the evening, and will also stay for at least a fortnight.”
Elizabeth only nodded, as this news was not a shock to her. Jane meanwhile, had turned ghostly white and her mouth had dropped open.
“Lord and Lady Stratton? Who are they Papa?”
“Lord Stratton is my eldest brother.”
Jane looked shocked as Elizabeth patted her hand in sympathy, for she too was quite shocked last night when she heard the news. Mr. Bennet continued with the same story he told Elizabeth last evening, and looked up to see a very distraught Jane looking back at him.
“Jane, whatever is the matter dear?”
Jane gulped and looked down at the floor, a slight tone of anger mixed with shock in her voice. “Why were we never told of this Papa? Did you forbid our mother from mentioning it to us, for fear we would act differently?”
Mr. Bennet looked first at Jane, then at Elizabeth. Jane rarely spoke in anger, and he was quite shocked. “Jane, our circumstances are still the same. Being the second born, I inherited nothing. I was given Longborn and that is all. Don’t be angry my dear, I knew it would be difficult to hear right now.”
Jane looked up at her father with a cold look in her bright blue eyes. “May I be excused?”
He nodded, and Jane rose and ran out of the room, leaving a shocked Elizabeth still sitting in her chair.
“I will go to her Papa, she is just upset. She didn’t mean the anger towards you.”
“No Elizabeth, let her be angry with me. These past several days have made me realize that I shouldn’t have kept this from any of you. We may not have been the richer for it, but you girls would have had so many more opportunities if I had made the relationship known.”
Elizabeth nodded and rose from her chair. “I will go see if Jane is alright. She isn’t angry with you Papa.” She walked around the desk and gave her father a kiss on the forehead before leaving the room.
Mr. Bennet, after the door was closed, poured a glass of brandy and leaned back in his chair, tears coming down his face.
Chapter 3
Posted on Tuesday, 7 February 2006
Jane paced around her room, twisting her bonnet in her hands as she walked. Her anger was unjustified, she knew, but she couldn’t help it. All this time they had unknown relations, connections to an Earl, and their father chose to keep it from them. She shook her head, trying to push the memory of the conversation from her mind. They could have been so much better off; their mother might not have died if they would have been more comfortable. Her mother was always upset that they would never marry, and here was the one thing they had needed all along. She collapsed on her bed and silently sobbed, covering her face with her bonnet. She knew she would have to apologize to her father, and to Lizzy, but she couldn’t face anyone right now.
A soft knock at her door made her head raise violently. “Lizzy, please, I want to be alone right now.” She pleased with the closed door.
On the other side of the door, Elizabeth shook her head, wondering how she knew it was her. “Jane please, let me come in.”
Jane sighed; she rose from her bed and opened the door to Lizzy’s worried face. She turned and walked back to her bed, and heard the door shut behind her.
Elizabeth sat down silently next to Jane on the bed, and they sat there for some time before Jane finally spoke.
“Lizzy, did Papa ever realize that maybe if we had known about our relations sooner that Mama might not have died?”
“Jane, don’t think like that. Papa hasn’t spoken with Lord Stratton for several years, but our Mama did write to Lady Stratton several times over the years, trying to bring our families together. She knew, Jane, but Papa forbid her to tell us. He thought it was for the best.”
Jane nodded and leaned to put her head on Elizabeth’s shoulder. “So what will happen now? We are to be in mourning for six months.”
Elizabeth laughed softly and rested her head on Jane’s. “Well, I daresay that Lord and Lady Stratton will still be our relations in six months. Papa has already said he wishes for us to go their house in London after our mourning is over. So you see Jane, it is not very bad.”
Jane nodded. “I should apologize to my father.”
Elizabeth patted her hand. “It won’t be necessary, for he told me you have every right to be angry. I was too, a little. But, we are not to tell Mary, Kitty and especially Lydia until later this evening. They will be here tomorrow, and I don’t want Lydia to make a spectacle of herself.”
Jane laughed, but then became very serious. “What if they don’t like us Lizzy?”
“Oh Jane! Who could not like you! You are so sweet and kind. No, they will like you above all, especially me!”
The girls laughed softly, not wanting anyone to hear them. They left Jane’s room, Elizabeth going to the parlour, and Jane to her father’s library. Elizabeth had just sat down with her needlework when Hill came in to announce a guest.
“Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy Ma’am.”
Elizabeth stood, quite shocked to have visitors so soon after her mother’s death. The gentlemen walked in and bows and curtsies were exchanged.
“Hill, please tell Jane and my father we have guests. I believe they are in the library.” Hill nodded and closed the door, and Elizabeth turned to her guests.
Elizabeth motioned for the gentlemen to sit, as she took a seat on the settee. “You are very welcome Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy. Thank you for coming to call.”
Darcy took a seat across from Elizabeth, and Bingley next to him. Bingley, who could no longer keep quiet, spoke first. “Miss Bennet, we are very sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. We have come to offer any assistance that may be needed.”
Darcy nodded. “If you and your family are in need of anything Miss Bennet, please do not hesitate to ask.”
Elizabeth was taken aback at their kindness. “I thank you both. I assure you that everything has been taken care of. My father has seen to it personally.”
They nodded, and the door to the parlour opened and Jane and Mr. Bennet came into the room.
Darcy and Bingley rose from their seats as Mr. Bennet extended his hand. “Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, I see. It is good of you to call. I believe you know Jane.”
Jane took a seat next to Elizabeth, and Mr. Bennet stood at the fireplace, stoking the fire. The group was silent for several minutes before Darcy decided to speak.
“Mr. Bennet, we are quite sorry for your terrible loss. I am certain Mrs. Bennet will be missed throughout the neighborhood.”
Mr. Bennet turned to look at Mr. Darcy, slightly shocked. “Thank you Mr. Darcy, that is kind of you to say. She may have been one of the silliest women in all of England, but I daresay she will be missed.”
Elizabeth lowered her head in disbelief, but then looked up again when Mr. Bingley spoke.
“We have come to offer any assistance that may be needed, sir. We are at your disposal.”
Mr. Bennet, shocked for a second time that afternoon, turned to look at the gentlemen very carefully. Then it hit him, these two were smitten with Lizzy and Jane! Oh if Mrs. Bennet could have seen it now!
“Thank you Mr. Bingley, that is quite generous of you. All the preparations have been taken care of. The funeral will be in two days time at the Longbourn Church. Am I to assume that we will be seeing you quite often over the next several days?”
Darcy and Bingley nodded, confirming his suspicions. Before he could say anything else, Hill came through the door.
“Mrs. Phillips and Lady Lucas sir.”
Mr. Bennet nodded as the ladies were shown into the room. “I believe this is our cue, would you care to join me in my library, and we will out of the ladies way.”
Bingley and Darcy took their leave of the ladies and followed Mr. Bennet into his library. Darcy took a look around and was quite pleased with what he saw. The walls were lined with several books, some looking to be quite old. He ran his hands along the volumes and was surprised to see several priceless editions.
“See anything you like Darcy? These books came from my father’s library, and some I have obtained throughout the years.”
Darcy stopped, a bit confused at Mr. Bennet’s statement. He had always thought of Longbourn as an estate that was handed down from Mr. Bennet’s father.
“Mr. Bennet, am I correct in saying that your father did not live at Longbourn?”
Mr. Bennet turned to take a look at Darcy before answering. He had heard nothing good about him from his neighbors, but here in his house he seemed amiable and likeable. And, he had seen to it that his Lizzy made it home safe. He decided both gentlemen could be trusted.
“You are correct Mr. Darcy, my father did not live at Longbourn, and this estate was entailed upon me, just like it is Mr. Collins. My late father was the Earl of Stratton.”
Darcy turned to look at Mr. Bennet, shock clearly registered on his face. “The Earl of Stratton, why, then are you the brother of the current Earl, Lord Robert?”
“Yes I am. They are to arrive here tomorrow. Do you know of them?”
“I am acquainted with Lord and Lady Stratton. They are friends of my Uncle, the Earl of Mattlock. I never knew he had a brother.”
Mr. Bennet motioned for Darcy to sit down next to Mr. Bingley, who was also quite shocked, but speechless. “No, I supposed you wouldn’t have known. We haven’t been on the best terms these many years. I removed myself from their society when I married Mrs. Bennet. I did not want my children brought up in that sphere.”
Darcy nodded, knowing all to well what Mr. Bennet meant. “I understand completely. My father had often said the same thing, though my mother would hear nothing of it.”
“Your mother was Lady Anne, wasn’t she? I remember meeting her once; she was quite beautiful, and very nice.”
Darcy nodded at the reference of his mother and turned to look out the window, deep in thought.
“There is another reason I asked you both into my library this afternoon. I can see that you both hold a peculiar regard for my daughters, Elizabeth and Jane.”
Bingley and Darcy both looked up sharply at Mr. Bennet, their faces becoming red with embarrassment. Mr. Bennet chuckled softly and poured three glasses of his finest port and handed them out.
“As you know, they will be in mourning for quite some time, and while I have no objections to either of you, I fear Mr. Darcy you may have a challenge ahead of you.”
Darcy looked at him is disbelief. “What is that, sir?”
“My Lizzy is now the Mistress of Longbourn. She takes that position seriously, and I fear you may have a hard time getting her to accept your proposals.”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He was never one to discuss his personal feelings with his friends, let alone a man he just met. But, this was Elizabeth’s father, so he decided to be honest.
“Sir, while in Hunsford, I did propose to Miss Bennet. She refused me, and I must say my manner of proposal was quite horrid. On the journey from Hunsford, we talked about…some issues she has with me, and I believe they have been sorted out.”
“Refused you already, well, I must say I’m not surprised. Well, I wish you both good luck. You have my consent, but keep in mind that the mourning period will last at least six months, and in polite society, courting is not allowed. Pray tell me, Mr. Bingley, how long do you wish to reside at Netherfield?”
Bingley looked up, startled at the direct question. “As long as necessary sir.”
“And you Mr. Darcy? Surely you have your own estate, and cannot be away for long.”
Darcy nodded. “You are correct sir, but your daughter means a great deal to me, and I think that Pemberley can be managed from afar for a while.”
Mr. Bennet smiled and rose from his seat, Darcy and Bingley following him to the door. “Well then, I wish you both good luck.”
They both thanked Mr. Bennet and headed towards the parlour to take their leave. They bid Jane, Elizabeth and their guests good bye, and made their way back to Netherfield, both contemplating their conversation with Mr. Bennet.
Elizabeth fell into bed late that evening, mentally and physically exhausted. Starting tomorrow, visitors would come to call and view her mother, and she and Jane promised their father they would receive everyone. It was going to be a long day, one she wasn’t looking forward to.
She blew out the candle next to her bed and lay there quietly, staring at the canopy. Her mind wandered to what might have been the conversation between her father, Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley in the library this afternoon. She tried asking her father, but he waved her away. She knew she had misjudged Mr. Darcy, and she had faith that he would inform Mr. Bingley of his interference soon. She thought back to the breakfast at Bromley, and what she was going to tell him in regards to his proposal. Had she been ready to accept him? Could she marry a man of his stature? Sadly, with events unfolding as they did, she would not be able to marry for quite some time; she must handle Longbourn as its mistress. Besides, Jane would marry first; she was sure, after the mourning period was over. She sighed and rolled over towards the window. She wondered what her mother would think of all of this.
Little did she know, Mr. Darcy was doing almost the exact thing, gazing out the window from his room at Netherfield. Sleep would not come to him, even after two glasses of brandy. He kept thinking about what Mr. Bennet had said earlier, of Elizabeth being a challenge. He wondered how his addresses would be received after their period of mourning was over. How long would Elizabeth put off her own happiness to make sure Longbourn was taken care of. He laughed to himself as he thought of Bingley. Bingley, who was never at a loss for words, had been quiet the entire evening, only answering when directly spoken to. He knew he needed to tell him about Miss Jane’s feelings toward him, and decided to do so first thing in the morning.
Elizabeth sat in the parlour, anxiously awaiting the carriage that would bring Lord and Lady Stratton to Longbourn. Jane sat next to her, twisting her hands nervously, having long given up her needlework an hour ago when she couldn’t concentrate. The conversation with Mary, Kitty and Lydia this morning informing them of their guests had not gone well. Mr. Bennet gave up when Lydia began chattering excitedly about being the niece of an Earl. He disappeared into his library, with the order to be called on only when his brother Gardiner, or his brother Lord Stratton arrived. It had been up to Elizabeth and Jane to calm Lydia down, and in the end, it was with the threat of banishing her to her room that finally gave them peace. Kitty took it tolerably well, she held in her feelings unlike Lydia, and Mary took the news with calm indifference.
The sound of horses brought Elizabeth out of her reverie as the sisters ran towards the window. A large carriage, not unlike Mr. Darcy’s carriage was pulling up, bearing a coat of arms that Elizabeth had seen one time before, but she couldn’t remember where. Jane looked at her sister with a slight fear in her eyes, and Elizabeth led the way to the foyer, where they met their father.
“Alright my daughters, let’s meet your Aunt and Uncle.” He shot a warning look at Lydia, who immediately looked at the floor. He led them out the door just as a man resembling their father stepped down from the carriage.
Mr. Bennet approached the gentleman slowly, as if unsure what his reception would be. The gentleman turned to hand down a petite woman from the carriage and then turned to Mr. Bennet.
“Thomas.” He simply said, looking at Mr. Bennet carefully.
“Robert, you are very welcome at Longbourn.” He told him, extending his hand in greeting.
The man took the offered hand, then embraced his younger brother, clapping him soundly on the back.
“Thomas, I hate that Fanny’s death is what it took for us to meet again. But, I see your lovely daughters have come to greet us. Let’s meet them Gwen.”
Mr. Bennet greeted his sister in law with a kiss on the hand, and then was admonished for not giving her a hug, and did so quickly. Mr. Bennet led them to his daughters, who were standing just outside the door.
“Elizabeth, Jane, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia, may I introduce Lord and Lady Stratton, your Aunt and Uncle.” Mr. Bennet said formally, still a little unsure of himself.
The girls all curtsied, and held out their hands to their uncle, who’s face was beaming.
“Thomas! Why, these girls are lovely! Shame on you for keeping them from us. Gwen, don’t you agree?” Lord Stratton said, looking towards his wife.
She looked up at him and smiled. “Why yes, I dare say, they must be in the prettiest girls in Hertfordshire!”
“It’s a pleasure to welcome you to Longbourn, Lord Stratton, Lady Stratton. We have all looked forward to meeting you.” Elizabeth said.
Lord Stratton shook his head and took Elizabeth’s hand. “No, we won’t have any of the “Lord Stratton” nonsense. You may call me Uncle, I won’t have you addressing me formally!”
Before Elizabeth could answer, Lady Stratton took her other hand. “That goes for me as well, my dears. I have longed to meet you for quite some time, and I would love for you all to call me Aunt.”
The girls smiled, and everyone breathed a deep sight of relief. Mr. Bennet led the way into the house, instructing Hill to see that their guests be shown to their rooms to rest after their long journey. They agreed to meet each other again before dinner, giving them ample time to rest.
After seeing his brother and wife upstairs, Mr. Bennet came back down into the parlour, where he found all his daughters discussing their Aunt and Uncle. They stopped immediately when he entered the room.
“Please, don’t stop on my account. I am glad to see that we are all relaxed now, and that you all like my brother and his wife. I daresay your Uncle and Aunt Gardiner will arrive before long, as well as visitors coming to call and pay respects. I am very proud of you all for the way you acted just now, including you Lydia.”
Lydia smirked softly, but kept her comments to herself. She simply smiled at her father.
The sound of another carriage signaled the Gardiner’s arrival, and they all went out to greet them.
Chapter 4
Darcy sat in the drawing room that morning after breakfast, waiting for Bingley to finish eating so they could speak. Along with thoughts of Elizabeth last night, his friends’ reaction to what he was about to tell him kept him up most of the night. He stood up and began pacing around the room; his patience and resolve wearing thin. Just as he was about to drag Bingley from the breakfast table, the man himself appeared in the doorway.
“Darcy! Why, you are acting like a caged animal! What is it you needed to speak with me about?”
Darcy started to speak, but the appearance of Miss Bingley behind her brother silenced him.
“Charles, let’s speak in your study.”
Bingley nodded and turned around to head for his study, when his sister’s sickening sweet voice stopped him.
“But Mr. Darcy, whatever you have to say to Charles can be said in front of me. We are practically family you know!”
Darcy held back the urge to laugh. “I’m afraid Miss Bingley this wouldn’t interest you, just estate business.”
She nodded, and watched his fine figure cut through the room on his way to Charles’ study.
When he reached the study, Charles was already there, sitting in a comfortable armchair in front of the fire. Darcy closed the door behind him and took the seat next to him.
“Charles, we’ve been friends now for quite some time, have we not?”
With a shocked look on his face, Bingley replied. “Well yes Darce, we have.”
Darcy sighed and continued, albeit with a heavy heart. “Charles, I did something last winter that I am utterly ashamed of. I was not alone in the juncture, but I will not place the blame on anyone but myself. Last winter, the morning after the Netherfield Ball, do you remember what I said to you?”
Bingley gazed into the fire, as if trying to find the answer in the dancing flames. “Yes, you convinced me that Miss Jane did not care for me, and that her family with no connections to speak of, would make for an imprudent match. I daresay we found out different yesterday from Mr. Bennet. Why?”
Darcy swallowed and tuned to look Bingley in the eye. “Charles, I was wrong, completely wrong. Miss Jane has loved you these several months, she was devastated when you left.”
Bingley stared at Darcy for several minutes before he could finally speak. “My angel, in pain all this time. How could you?”
“Charles, I didn’t tell you things because I wanted to, I told you because this is what I believed then. Your sisters were in complete agreement. There is another matter, which I am quite ashamed. Miss Jane was in London a little over a fortnight ago. I concealed her presence from you, in the hopes of easing your pain. I have it on very good authority that she has loved you these many months.”
Bingley rose quickly from his chair, and started pacing about the room, not unlike how Darcy paced earlier. “But, she’s in mourning now. I can’t renew my addresses to her, you heard her father…” His voice trailed off as he turned to look at Darcy with a smirk on his fair face.
“You’re in love with Miss Elizabeth, aren’t you? This is your very good authority, isn’t it? Well, I must say Darce, you’ve made a mess of things. I can’t renew my addresses to Jane, and you will not be able to court Miss Bennet until their mourning is complete.”
Darcy slumped in his chair, the proposal from Hunsford running through his mind. “Charles, I proposed to Miss Bennet in Hunsford. She refused me.”
Bingley stopped his pacing and came back to sit next to Darcy. “Why would she refuse you?”
Darcy shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “My proposal wasn’t the most flattering to Miss Bennet. She was justified in her refusal of me. I won’t give up though, I will wait out her mourning period and start courting her properly this time.”
Before Bingley could answer, the door to the study burst open, and Colonel Fitzwilliam strode in.
“Good morning gentlemen! Ah, Darcy, I see you’ve confessed to Bingley.”
Darcy glared at his cousin while Bingley chuckled. “Yes he has colonel, but I believe I can forgive him. As I cannot court Miss Jane until her mourning period is over, Darcy here cannot court Miss Bennet until then either.”
“Ah, so you’re still going to give it a go, are you Darcy? Well, good, Miss Bennet is a splendid woman, if she was rich I might have taken a shot at her.”
Darcy again glared at his cousin, but his countenance softened instantly. “Well cousin, we learned yesterday about some of the Bennet’s relations. You are acquainted with them, I’m sure.”
Colonel Fitzwilliam pulled a chair up to the fire and gave Darcy a menacing look. “Well go on man, who are they?”
“Mr. Bennet is the brother of the Earl of Stratton. I believe they are friends of your fathers, are they not?”
The Colonel smiled and leaned back in his chair. “Yes they are, Lord Robert and Lady Gwyneth, very respectable people, a delight to be around. They have no children of their own, I’m sad to say, but they are splendid people.” The Colonel paused, a look of mischief in his eye. “I bet old Lady Catherine would be speechless if she knew that poor Miss Bennet, with no relations to speak of was the niece of an Earl.”
The gentleman laughed heartily for the next half hour, all the while making plans to visit Longbourn again that evening.
Elizabeth sat in the parlour, trying to read, but not being able to concentrate on the words and Jane was trying again to work on her sewing, but was having the same problem. Mary sat in a corner; her nose in a book, and Kitty and Lydia had run upstairs to their rooms to try on their new black gowns. The last of the callers had left a half hour ago, and they expected no one else that evening. So many of their neighbors had come to pay their respects to Mrs. Bennet and the family, with kind and thoughtful words of sympathy. They had just settled in the parlour to rest before supper.
“Lizzy, do you think Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy will visit us today? Would it be proper?”
“Well Jane, I must say we can not stop them. They may come to call this evening and spend their time with Papa. If they do come, I will ask Papa about asking them to stay for supper. It is the least I can do after Mr. Darcy made sure I was delivered back to Longbourn safely.”
Jane nodded and tried her sewing again. She gave up for good when Lady Gwenyth came into the room, followed by their Aunt Gardiner. They had been visiting Mrs. Bennet’s room with their husbands and Mr. Bennet. The girls rose from their seats and curtsied respectfully. Lady Gwenyth waved them off with a smile.
“Girls, there no need for that level of formality. We are family, as I was just telling our dear Mrs. Gardiner here, I so hope that we will be close.”
Jane and Elizabeth sat back down, followed by Mary. Mrs. Gardiner took at seat next to Jane and Lady Gwyneth sat in a chair next to the fire.
“Now girls, I know this will be a difficult time for you, but I want you to know that we will stay as long as need be to help you through.”
“Thank you, A-Aunt.” Elizabeth said, still not comfortable with the title.
Mrs. Gardiner, noticing her favorite niece uncomfortable, looked at her kindly. “Elizabeth, I know it has been hard, your mother passing, then finding out about your new relations, and taking care of Longbourn as well. We are here for you all, just let us help you. Is there anything you need from us, any questions you want to ask?”
Elizabeth chewed on her bottom lip as Jane looked at her hopefully. They had talked last night about Lydia, and her wild behavior. They were at a loss as to what to do, and this seemed like a good time to discuss.
“Well, I do have a concern. It’s about Lydia. Our mother failed to check her wild behavior, and now I’m afraid she will become more out of control than we can handle. She’s already proven that she won’t listen to me or Jane unless we threaten her.”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded as Lady Gwyneth looked thoughtfully at Elizabeth. “My dear, what exactly is Lydia’s wild behavior? I would think that she too young to be out, so what harm could she have done?”
Jane closed her eyes and let an audible moan escape. Elizabeth, ignoring Mary’s annoyed sigh and Jane’s discomfort, went on. “She is out, our mother saw no point of having all her daughter out except Lydia. Lydia was Mama’s favorite, as she was most like her, and she let her get away with a great many of things.”
A shocked Lady Gwyneth shifted in her chair to turn more towards Elizabeth. “Why, out before the older daughters are married? Well, that would be considered improper in town, but maybe not so improper here. Tell me, are other girls her age out, before their older sisters are married?”
Elizabeth and Jane nodded, and Lady Gwyneth continued. “Well, there is nothing we can do about it now. We must try to curtail her behavior, the mourning period calls for a period of solitude, and healing. I am quite sure this won’t be easy.”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded. “You are quite right. Lydia’s behavior has not been checked for so long, I fear she is quite set in her ways. This will be difficult.”
The ringing of the bell kept Elizabeth from replying. The ladies stood as Hill opened the door to introduce their guests.
“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and Colonel Fitzwilliam.”
The ladies all greeted the gentlemen, and Elizabeth instructed Hill to inform their father of their guests. After introductions were made, she took advantage of the gentlemen speaking with Mrs. Gardiner and Jane to ask Lady Gwyneth a quiet question.
“Aunt, would it be proper to ask the gentlemen to join us for supper this evening? Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam saw that I arrived at Longbourn safely, and I feel it is the least we could do.”
Lady Gwyneth smiled at her young niece, impressed with her sense of propriety. “My dear, I think it would fine to ask them to stay. As you are well acquainted with the gentlemen, I see no impropriety in supper.”
Elizabeth smiled at her Aunt and turned to issue the invitation. As the gentlemen exchanged curious glances, Lady Gwyneth put them at ease.
“I feel that since you delivered my dear niece safely to Longbourn, that a quiet supper would not go against the bonds of propriety, if that is the cause of your hesitation.”
The gentlemen smiled in relief and gratefully accepted in the invitation, much to Mr. Bennet’s delight, as she had just come into the room with his brothers to meet the gentlemen. Mr. Bingley immediately sent a note to Netherfield, stating they would not be back for supper. Elizabeth stepped out of the room quietly for a moment to consult with Hill about the additions to dinner, and was joined by Mr. Bennet.
“Lizzy, are you alright? You look rather nervous.”
Elizabeth smiled at her father and took his offered arm. “I am fine Papa, I was nervous about asking the gentlemen to stay, for I wasn’t sure what society allowed, but my Aunt tells me it is accepted.”
Mr. Bennet nodded and released his daughter to speak with the cook about tonight’s supper, proud of this daughter, and sad at the time.
Caroline sat in her bedchamber, gazing at her face in the glass and messing with her hair. She took ample time to prepare for tonight, and Mr. Darcy. She has chosen her favorite gown, her maid had arranged the feathers in he hair beautifully, and she was ready to see him. A knock at her door made her start, and she bade the visitor entrance.
Her maid Sara came into the room as delivered a note from the master to her mistress. Caroline hastily ripped open the note, and reading it quickly, tossed in the floor in a huff.
“Who delivered this? What does he mean, they won’t be back for supper? That little country chit! She has seduced him! Yes, that’s what has happened! Sara, go find Mrs. Hurst at once!”
Sara dropped a slightly frightened curtsey and fled the room, anxious to get away from her mistress’ wrath.