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Chapter Twenty-three -- Getting Back to Routine

Posted on Saturday, 1 March 2008

At the close of the Christmas season but before the Gardiners had set out for their return home to London, all the younger children were enlisted to help with putting away the glass and hand painted decorations while the older ones were to supervise the removal of the now shriveled garland of pine.

Kitty and Lydia collected the holly to be burnt, "For good luck before the Gardiners left for London," Kitty insisted.

At such superstitions, Mary rolled her eyes and began a lecture on the evils of believing in what she considered the devil's work.

Lydia exclaimed, "Oh, Lord, Mary! It is all in fun!"

"That is what the devil wishes you to believe, Lydia," Mary admonished.

Before more barbs could be thrown by either sister, Hill came in with a letter for Jane.

"Hill, she is with Lizzy in the still room," Kitty offered, to which Hill curtseyed and departed for the outside room where the household dried flowers and herbs for later uses. The two younger sisters followed.

Jane happily stated, "Finally, a note from Caroline Bingley!"

After quickly scanning the neatly penned missive, her excitement defused followed by her pocketing the letter to resume her work with the herbs. Since they were not alone, but in company of her other sisters, Elizabeth merely exchanged a glance to say Jane would talk of it when they were in private.

"Well?" Lydia asked in her usual impatience.

Kitty added with equal curiosity, "Surely there is some news of the Bingleys return!"

Jane simply said, "The letter merely said that they are to remain with their family at present."

Lydia made a face, remarking, "In Scarborough? Ugh! How boring! Come, Kitty. Mama promised that when we finish in time we may go into Meryton to look for ribbons."

Seeing there was nothing of note in Caroline's letter, Kitty was all excitement at the prospect of shopping. "Maybe we will chance to meet some of the officers to invite to tea." Both scampered out, their giggles trailing in their wake.

When the two older siblings were quite alone, Jane handed Elizabeth the missive without her having to ask, but did not look up from her work. Upon opening the lovely cream white page, Elizabeth was surprised at not finding many of the heartfelt sentiments Miss Bingley was known to write, however insincere, but rather a note both short and quite to the point. Caroline informed Jane, "...of our having the Hurts remain in Scarborough for an extended length of time before returning to town..." "

"She gives no reason for the delay," Elizabeth complained, as she read on. "...that my brother had, in the interim been disinclined towards a return to Netherfield during the winter months, finding many amusements in town that will keep him busy with the Darcys..."

Elizabeth looked kindly at her sister. "Jane, you do not see what she is doing by writing such a letter?"

Jane sighed, knowing exactly what to think. "Caroline wishes to put me on my guard, Lizzy. Although Mr. Bingley seemed quite intent on an immediate return to the area after his return to town from Scarborough, he has now simply changed his mind."

"Jane, how can you even think that? Miss Bingley obviously does not look kindly on her brother showing you any undue interest and is trying to intimate that he has moved on in his affection. That is ridiculous!"

Jane shook her head. "Lizzy, this kind of thing happens all the time. A gentleman finds pleasant company when he comes to a village, but when he leaves, so too do his feelings."

"No one that saw the two of you together can even think that, Jane. I would rather think Miss Bingley unkind than think her brother fickle."

"It does not matter, Lizzy," Jane tried to put a pleasant face on her disappointment. "The coming of the New Year with all the excitement of having the militia quartered nearby, and Charlotte's wedding will keep us busy. Soon I will be myself again."

The finality of her words stung Elizabeth for she knew Jane's tender heart would not be so easily healed. It left Elizabeth to think on how she could give her dear Jane some relief from the constant reminders by her mother of Bingleys failure to return.

Talking the matter over with her Aunt later that same evening, together they hatched the scheme of taking Jane back to town after Christmas.

Mrs. Gardiner said, "It will give Jane some diversions to have her cousins in her charge, and there are many amusements available in London. She added, "And I would also suggest that should your friend request it, you should agree to go to Hunsford." When Elizabeth shook her head, her aunt intimated, "Without Jane's presence, your mother will renew her abuse of you for your refusing Mr. Collins. She will allow you no peace when there is no other complaint to be had."

Elizabeth disbelieved her aunt's prognostication of so dire a atmosphere, offering, "I am a child of nature, Aunt, going out frequently to avoid Mama's more visceral abuse."

Mrs. Gardiner glanced out the window to the wintry expanse. "I doubt even you could survive being too long in the snow, Lizzy. You would do well to consider what I suggest."

Just at that moment Mrs. Bennet was overhead to lament once more about Mr. Bingley's decision not to return to the area, and how Jane would most likely "die of a broken heart, and then he would be sorry!" Both gazed over to Elizabeth's eldest sister. Jane was busy with a sampler, but her sadness at hearing her mother could not be masked no matter how she tried to conceal it.

Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth exchanged knowing looks as her aunt patted her arm. "I will have Edward talk to your father to explain what we think best to be done."

Darcy's cousin and sister found him just where they expected to, in the Earl's extensive library, sitting in one of the leather chairs by the large window, a book opened on his lap, reading. What they had not expected was to witness him engaged in maneuvering quills utilizing slender wooden sticks positioned in his right hand, his dexterity remarkable for one so absent minded of the endeavor.

Richard found the display amusing while Georgiana was completely intrigued with his movements. "Fitzwilliam, how are you managing that pen?"

Glancing up to find himself caught in his unconscious proficiency, a blush rose to his cheeks, but he merely stated, "If one practices, ability comes with time."

"May I try?"

He gave her the sticks, showing her how to hold them, and then both he and Richard silently, with some amusement, watched as all her attempts failed miserably.

"Oh! This is more difficult to master than I imagined." The quill fell again into her lap. "Oh, bother!"

Richard asked, "And who has gifted you with this form of utensil, Darcy," asking further before Darcy could form a response, "A young gentlewoman perhaps?" Richard could well imagine Miss Elizabeth Bennet choosing to amuse herself with some mischief by bestowing such an item.

"No," Darcy denied, adding, "Actually, it was a gentleman of my acquaintance who thought I might find some use for them."

Richard was not fooled. "A gentleman," he questioned, "who dabbles in the procurement of oddities from around the world?"

Georgiana's repeated failures and proclamation prevented Darcy from responding. "I shall never get the proper use of such items! Here! Take them away before I break them!"

She firmly pressed the chopsticks into her brother's hands who secured them in his coat pocket, out of sight of any others who might happen upon him practicing their use. Glancing once more down at the pages of his book, he asked, "Is Aunt Rachel now presentable for visitors this morning, Richard? I should like to speak with her if she is in a receiving mood."

Georgiana brightened at the prospect of communing with her favorite Aunt. "I should like to join you, if she will not be too put upon to have us both in her sitting room."

"I am sure she would welcome your presence, Poppin," assured Richard. "In fact, I came to inform you that she is dressed and ready for our visit."

Darcy closed the book, which he placed under his arm for later perusal, and rose to join them both in going above stairs. "Shall we?"

He led the way with Richard following in his wake, wondering why the jovial Mr. Gardiner had thought Darcy would find Chinese eating utensils an entertaining pastime, still unconvinced as to the true gift giver.

Perhaps it was for a purpose other than for which the gift was given.

With the Gardiners residing at Longbourn during their extended holiday visit, the two men made use of any available time to advance the chess game they had been playing over correspondence. Neither had progressed far, which usually ended up with each staring at the board for hours on end while trying to glean a move that would be to the advantage of one over the other's disadvantage.

This was how Elizabeth found them when she was given the task to call them to dinner. Shaking her head, she teased, "If neither of you can see your way clear to make a move, should you not both concede in calling the game a draw?"

Her father chuckled. "After what I heard of a certain game at Whites, perhaps we should enlist you or Mr. Darcy to peruse the board with but a glance before beginning to shift the players about in reckless fashion."

Having known that her uncle would relate what transpired that day to her father, Elizabeth still blushed at the pleasant, exciting memory. She had to admit to an enjoyment of such folly.

Her uncle took up his brother's teasing and said, "As a witness to what she and the gentleman did to the game between myself and the Earl, I can attest to her moves being of such speed it was as though she was being chased by some squire's son to illicit a kiss that she had no intention of bestowing."

Her cheeks continued to redden, but she merely smiled at their gentle cajoling. Mr. Gardiner took her hand and kissed it. "I know you were amused by the actions of both yourself and the young gentleman who seemed inspired by the swiftness of that form of play to emulate it. Did I ever tell you that the Earl later laughed about the whole of it?"

"No, you never admitted to me that he was anything but rebuking."

"Oh, I think upon closer reflection, His Lordship realized that both you and Mr. Darcy were extremely talented and therefore less patient with the plodding efforts of us two, elderly gentlemen."

"I am happy you enjoyed his company, Uncle. He seemed, likewise, to be amiable to yours. You should attempt to continue the acquaintance if for no other reason than to do battle across the chessboard."

Mr. Gardiner sighed. "Much as I would enjoy a repetition of our amusement, I fear that Whites is not in the realm of possibility for a man of my caliber, Lizzy."

"Especially after what transpired some time later," teased her father. "It is a wonder if the bet still stands for your trifling with another man's game?"

"There is no way of knowing," lamented Mr. Gardiner, "for they are not to have another open house for a year, and I cannot expect to receive a second invitation in my life time."

"Perhaps that is for the best then," Mr. Bennet agreed. "With such idleness of grown men to initiate that sort of nonsense does not beg my expectations that many of their generation will be given to anything of greatness."

Even with the door to her father's library closed, they all heard Mrs. Bennet's shrill voice calling out, "Lizzy! I told her to call the men to dinner. Where is that girl?"

Both men looked kindly at Elizabeth's patient submission to her mother's near constant harassing, especially after Sir Lucas had given notice to the church curate to have the bans announced weekly of Charlotte's wedding to Mr. Collins.

Mr. Bennet patted her hand. "She will soften her tone, Lizzy...eventually."

Elizabeth arched her brow, silently expressing her doubt of anything of the kind happening in the near future.

"Come," Mr. Gardiner offered, rising from his chair. "Let us enter the den of the lioness." He was accustomed to his older sister's harsh attitudes when crossed. "We will flank you, Lizzy, to keep you safe from being mauled."

At that Elizabeth could not suppress a giggle and took his offered hand along with her father's, her humor restored. "I thank you, kind sirs, for such support."

Together they exited the library and entered into the dining parlor.

Georgiana entered her uncle's spacious parlor to find both her cousin and her brother both in diligent enterprise, the former had his nose pressed in a book while the latter was writing furiously, reading what he had written, and then scratching out the line.

Wishing not to disturb either in their progress, Georgiana silently made to sit in a chair nearest the fire, taking up the sampler she had begun. Before she could settle, Darcy scratched another of the lines from his paper, releasing an uncharacteristic, "Ugh!"

Richard chuckled, raising his eyes to his young cousin over the page of his book. "Perhaps your brother can use some input of the gentler persuasion, Poppin."

Encouraged that her brother's endeavors were not related to estate business upon seeing the open Bible beside his hand, Georgiana put her sewing down and neared Darcy's chair, asking, "If you truly think I can be of any assistance, Brother, I would happy to help you. Of what are you writing?"

Richard slammed his book closed, and smirked, "Your brother is attempting sermon writing, not that he has the talent for such an undertaking as evidence by so frequent scratching out with his pen."

"That will do, Richard," Darcy remarked, not in humor to take much of his teasing.

Georgiana touched his elbow to bring his focus back to her sincere inquiry. "What is your theme, Fitzwilliam?"

"I was to read the Christmas passages in order to glean some insight into the story, and narrowed my emphasis on Joseph."

She nodded her head and with great seriousness, confirmed his thoughts, "A man who felt all the responsibility to care for a very young girl, soon to be the mother of the Son of God? Yes, I can see where you would have some affinity to Joseph over others in the story."

Richard smiled at his young cousin's perception of both the biblical story and the comparison to the character of her own brother. "I keep telling Darcy he could easily write such a religious tract, but I fear he wishes to include too many four syllable words in his text to do it justice."

At this even Georgiana giggled. Knowing how intelligent her brother was, he sometimes did wish for others to know it as well. Darcy's cheeks flushed as acknowledgement. She leaned near to gain his ear, whispering, "Just say what is in your heart, Fitzwilliam. The words will write themselves."

Stepping away from him, and with an arched brow so reminiscent of another bright young lady, Georgiana smiled and returned to the settee and her sampler. Darcy could only shake his head at the recent audacity instilled in his sister, formally too shy to utter more than a few words even to him.

"I shall consider seriously what you suggest, Georgiana."

He went back to work, scratching out more of what he had already written only to have Richard sigh and re-open his book, resigned on their doing nothing more active than scholarly pursuits for the remainder of the evening.

Chapter Twenty-four -- An Unexpected Snowfall

Posted on Thursday, 6 March 2008

With the Twelfth Night party at the Phillips' but a memory when several of the officers danced with the Bennet girls, life at Longbourn began to sink back into a semblance of routine but for the added liveliness in the house with the presence of the Gardiners cousins. Their father had extended his stay for a few more days after inclement weather curtailed travel, and upon receiving a letter from his foreman saying that a shipment of goods had been delayed arriving from Portsmouth because of bad weather there, likewise. So, with no rush for him to return to his warehouse, Mr. Gardiner remained with his family, enjoying the Longbourn's hospitality. It would not be ere long before their subsequent departure to London with Jane in tow.

There was an additional excitement to fill the house in the guise of an overnight snowfall all across Hertfordshire, which had transformed Longbourn's normally drab wintry lawns into creamy white fields easily seen from every bedroom window that morning. All the Gardiner children squealed at the thought of being out in the powdery white.

This unexpected event also came as blessed relief not only for the Gardiner children who, due to two previous days of inclement weather, had been relegated to Longbourn's old nursery for many tedious hours, but also for the mistress of the house. It seemed Mrs. Bennet had, over the years, grown accustomed to a different kind of chaos other than children rushing under foot, jumping on the furniture, shouting joyfully to their very young siblings whose unbridled eagerness ensuing from a mere snowfall left the poor woman to complain of a raging headache.

Therein Kitty remarked, "Oh, Mama, it is just because they have seldom seen snow while in London. I am sure with few parks and the efficiency of the street sweepers, there is very little snow to play in by the time the children have the chance to go out."

"Oh hang the snow, Kitty!" Mrs. Bennet was quite put out, adding while wringing her hands for dramatic flourish, "No one has regard for my poor nerves!

Mrs. Gardiner tried her best to appease her ill-tempered sister while defending her offspring as being normally well behaved children, the result being the unanimous decision by their parents to give the children a reprieve out of doors for the remainder of the afternoon if, for no other reason than to give their Aunt Fanny some peace and quiet.

Since the snow also coincided with the extended holiday for the neighborhood boys, returned home from the school term, they were naturally included in the industry of snowmen construction and of choosing sides for a snowball fight, which in turn brought about the interest in the two younger Bennet sisters. The younger cousins' play gave a lively occupation to Kitty and Lydia as well as Elizabeth for a few hours, but especially for Jane who had been personally invited by the youngsters to join in their merriment. All happily participated in a childhood activity without reprisals of their being told they were too grown up to be soon lobbing the icy orbs toward the faces of the enemy team.

All afternoon the revelers enjoyed the freedom of a time gone by when they were all younger and happier. Elizabeth flung a snowball at the other team, squarely catching Jonathan Lucas in the chest only to have him return fire. Not ducking fast enough, Elizabeth found her bonnet askew as the powdery snow peppered her face and setting all on her team to giggling at her very comical appearance.

Jonathan laughed at his success. "Lizzy, you should learn to move faster-" Her hurled snowball pelted him in the face. The sound of a ‘splat' made all members of the opposing contingent laugh with glee. This set off both teams to increase their enthusiasm for tossing snowy ammunition over the make shift snow walls until their supplies were completely depleted.

Pitching the last of her snowballs, Elizabeth fell back into the powdery snow in amused abandon, thinking of a certain two gentlemen, one of whom would, no doubt, have given more ammunition to the other side in the snowball war. Her thoughts amused.

I can well imagine Mr. Darcy making some wager, thinking himself to be the victor in such a campaign as a snowball fight.

Exchanging her laughing glance with Jane that conveyed her unspoken reflection, Elizabeth noted Jane shrug in resignation of the acute and still unexplained absence of the gentlemen in question. Without bothering to reply, Jane then gave sole attention to her young cousins who, after being slain many times over to be somewhat dampish, now to the point of becoming chilled. She called, "Come along, children. Let us see if Aunt Gardiner has prepared tea and biscuits to warm you."

Elizabeth, now with a more subdued attitude, watched as her eldest sister herded the Gardiner children before her into the warmth of Longbourn as the rest of the crowd of children dispersed toward their own homes. Kitty came up next to her smiling, and together with Lydia interlocked their arms to aid them struggling to free their long coats as they trod through the heavy drifts about them.

Lydia exclaimed, "I hope Jane leaves us some hot chocolate. I am freezing!"

"As am I," seconded Kitty.

As they made their way, Elizabeth remained silently pensive.

At least we gave Jane a few hours distraction to take her mind off the lack of news from the Bingleys.

Several of the officers who had been welcomed guests at the Phillips during the Christmas season continued their enjoyment of the young ladies by becoming frequent visitors to Longbourn. Included in their company was a charming gentleman new to the regiment, a Mr. Wickham, whom Elizabeth's younger sisters had more acquaintance with than she due to hers and Jane's extended holiday in London with the Gardiners. With the fresh faced officers giving Mrs. Bennet a diversion from her near constant abuse of to her least favorite daughter, just as Aunt Gardiner had predicted would occur, Elizabeth was not inclined to limit their visits. She tried to be even more amenable than she felt whenever they came to call.

That the young men promoted some slander regarding Mr. Darcy as told to them by Mr. Wickham, disturbed Elizabeth greatly. For all his sincerity and charm in repeating his woes for his now impoverish state, Mr. Wickham's obvious intent was to garner sympathy from Elizabeth as he had done with her younger two sisters. She hesitated to believe Mr. Darcy to be so cruel as to rescind a godfather's stipulation in a will. In all fairness, Elizabeth found, to her own amusement, she was wont to take up Jane's philosophy.

Surely there was some misunderstanding that Mr. Darcy could easily rectify with a bit of explaining.

Upon her confirming that she had spent some time in company with Mr. Darcy and his friend, Lt. Wickham cautiously asked, "And how did you find him in company with his family?"

"Very well," acknowledged Elizabeth. "They were all kind and gracious."

"That is not surprising. Darcy can be amiable when he wishes. To those he considers his equals he can be liberal-minded, honorable when he chooses, tolerant and charitable toward his servants and tenants to have them think the best of him."

When Elizabeth did not refute such a claim, Lt. Wickham eased off somewhat on his grievance of the man, citing merely, "His behavior to myself has been scandalous, but I believe I could forgive him anything with my memory of his father, truly one of the best of men and the truest friend I ever had. He cared for me, loved me even as a son. Therefore, it was shocking that through some apparent jealousy by the current Mr. Darcy I find myself forced to make my own way in the world." He looked around at the grouping, adding wish s smile, "But my situation is not so bleak. I have good friends and the chance for a career, not in the one that had been my wish, but an honorable one nonetheless. So, I forbid you to feel sorry for me, Miss Bennet, for I am relatively happy with my lot in life."

It was not long afterwards that Elizabeth's younger sisters came to enlist the Lieutenant for an impromptu dance, which both Jane and she declined to join. Each merely observed to keep Kitty and Lydia within the realm of decorum during the music, Grimstock, which Mary was obliged to play.

While watching them from her vantage point, Elizabeth's thoughts naturally turned on what Lt. Wickham had revealed to her. Such an accusation preyed heavily on her mind that she was sure Mr. Darcy could refute with ease, had even bothered to return to area! With Lt. Wickham's sorrowful story now being freely circulated throughout the entire village of Meryton, the general populace was led to believe the worst of Mr. Darcy, choosing to think meanly on the wealthy, reserved man from the North. Since neither he nor his friend had sent any word of their inclination to return, there was no defending him to her neighbors however much she wished it.

After a full six weeks of residing at Longbourn, the Gardiner family readied to return to their own home on Gracechurch Street. With Elizabeth's encouragement and Mrs. Gardiner's insistence, Jane was finally made to agree to travel back to London, ostensively to aid with the care of the children. Elizabeth hoped that with Jane at Gracechurch Street, there was a greater chance of her to accidentally run into someone who had news of the Bingleys, should he and his family perchance have returned to town.

Jane hugged her parents, wishing them farewell as the Gardiners herded their children in the carriage. Jane promised to write them. Mary requested she look for a book of sermons if she chanced to shop near a bookstore. Lydia asked that her elder sister send her a present with all the free time she had to shop in all the stores in London. Jane merely smiled and nodded as she hugged her youngest sister before doing likewise to Kitty.

Lastly, Jane turned to Elizabeth. Both were hard pressed to keep unshed tears from flowing. Hugging, Jane whispered, "I know this was your doing. It really was not necessary, but I will enjoy tending to my little cousins."

"Oh, Jane, I will miss you."

"You must promise to write to me. I depend on your telling me all about Charlotte's wedding since my leaving prevents my witnessing it."

"I promise to write of it," Elizabeth pledged, hugging her sister tighter, adding with a teasing, "And any other news to be had." They each giggled, for Meryton was a sleepy little village where nothing of great import ever happens.

Her father handed Jane into the carriage seat closest to the window with little Ellie scrambling onto her lap. Mr. Bennet waved and smiled, but his eyes were sad that one of his sensible daughters was going from his presence. He patted her hand, saying, "Safe journey."

With Mr. Gardiner rapping on the roof, the carriage began to roll amid many waves and thrown kisses for all their little cousins. The horses had not gotten the conveyance out of the drive before Mrs. Bennet was wont to sigh, "I am glad they are on their way at last. There were too many little boys running around to leave my nerves in shambles."

Mr. Bennet took her elbow and steered her into the house. "Well, my dear, you may at last have your peace and quiet returned to you after enduring so many little boys. For myself, I did not count more than two running about, but I could have been mistaken."

All the girls smiled, but Lydia snorted loudly only to be admonished by the others. She stuck her tongue out and flounced into the parlor. Mary shook her head while Elizabeth rolled her eyes, her thoughts sarcastic.

It is good that some things never change.

After Jane's departure with the Gardiners, Elizabeth had to content herself with the company of her other sisters. In addition, the Lucas' seemed to visit with more frequency than usual due in part that they were now to be distant relations of sorts with Charlotte soon to be married to Mr. Collins. Since the nuptials were to take place in the neighboring church, Lady Lucas determined that none of the other neighbor ladies could be relied upon for their expertise more than that of Mrs. Bennet with her talent at arrangements.

Elizabeth suspected it was more the fact that Lady Lucas wished to lord over her formerly pompous friend in securing Mr. Collins for Charlotte rather than one of the Bennet girls, and Mrs. Bennet said as much as soon as the door closed on Lady Lucas' departure.

Waving her handkerchief wildly, Mrs. Bennet accused, "She would crow as loud as that fool of a rooster of hers if it were possible!" Glaring then at Elizabeth sitting in the window seat reading, she added, "And you, Miss Lizzy are the sole blame of this situation for having refused the most eligible offer of Mr. Collins when he favored you, but no! He was not good enough for the likes of Miss High and Mighty!"

Attempting to refrain from getting angry at her mother's constant haranguing, Elizabeth refused to look up from her book, and said simply, "It is done, Mama! Mr. Collins is to marry Charlotte and that is all there is to it." She added her own admonishment, "which you promised father you would accept."

"Yes, I said I would say no more of it, and I will keep my promise though as I told him, I was sorely tempted to send you away with Jane to your uncle's for you both to be given a chance to meet more eligible men in London if I thought it would do you any good."

Slamming the book closed, Elizabeth exclaimed, "Mother!"

Mrs. Bennet seemed incapable of reason as she continued, "Oh, but I knew it would all be for naught because you would not have anyone! Let this be a lesson to you girls." She pointed to her other daughters present and then back to Elizabeth. "Unless you put yourselves out in the company of gentlemen, you are destined to spinsterhood as will be the fate of your eldest sisters! Mark my words!"

At this Mary sighed, Lydia giggled and Kitty arched her brows, tentatively following Lydia's example as a smile formed on her face. Lydia's comment sealed their fates, "Well, I have no intention of being an old maid like Lizzy. Come, Kitty, let us away to Meryton to see if we can meet any of the officers walking along the store fronts."

Pulling her sister's hand, Kitty shrugged her shoulders at Elizabeth in a display of partial sympathy for her.

Mary watched until they departed the room before asking Elizabeth, "Lizzy, did you not mention some sheet music you wished to learn?" She thought perhaps that would give their mother some diversion to leave off her haranguing for the time being."

"Yes, Mary," Elizabeth agreed, throwing off any ire forming toward her mother and her unfeeling sisters. "I laid it on the pianoforte for us to go through at some point."

"Then, let us begin today."

"Thank you, Mary," Elizabeth said gratefully.

Unable to refrain from offering Elizabeth her own brand of advice, Mary said, "I try to always keep busy. Reverend Fordyce warns that idle minds breed evil thoughts."

"True words to live by, Mary," Elizabeth philosophized. If it meant keeping out of the way of their obviously piqued mother whose mood would not improve until after Charlotte was married and removed from the area, Elizabeth could not argue with such logic. As she heard her mother telling Hill she would be in her room for the duration of the day, Elizabeth sighed.

Perhaps even fifty miles will not be a far enough distance to have Mama cease her complaining.

Mary asked, "Lizzy, are you coming?"

Again being reminded of her wager with Mr. Darcy, one which she knew not when if ever she would be able to make good on, Elizabeth determined to learn the new piece of music merely for her own enjoyment, and so dutifully followed her sister into the front parlor wherein stood their much used but quite serviceable pianoforte. Grateful that Mary's ability at tutelage was superior to her attempts at performing, Elizabeth was assured that she would succeed in learning the Haydn concerto even if no one but her own family had the opportunity to hear her play it.

With all of Meryton eagerly readying for the Collins-Lucas nuptials, Lady Lucas seemed incessantly lording it over her friend. Consequently, Mrs. Bennet, after enduring the humiliation, increased her chastisements of her second daughter in both volume and frequency for her refusing to accept the man who would now inherit Longbourn when her father died.

Mrs. Bennet's oft spoken lament, which was mouthed by her two youngest daughters behind her back, went thus, "That man will put us out before your father is cold in his grave, and we will be forced to live in the hedgerow!"

Ably enduring the abuse, Elizabeth had been grateful Jane was not present to hear whenever Mama chose to add her lament of Mr. Bingley, which came often after a much needed breath.

Mrs. Bennet voiced, "With Mr. Bingley's abandonment after trifling with Jane, well," she added with greater vehemence, "And that awful, proud friend of his, Mr. Darcy!"

Without knowing how to put forth a word in their defense, Elizabeth remained silent, hoping not to give fuel to her mother's ranting. Instead, she rose to leave the parlor for the solitude of her own room, taking a book with her. Settling onto the window seat, she determined to leave behind her mother's angry retorts in the quiet balm of Mr. Cowper. His soothing words made Elizabeth's ill mood soon dissipate.

Noticing movement outside, she chanced to spy from her window the advance of several officers strolling up the snowy way toward Longbourn in company with Kitty and Lydia. Knowing she would soon be summoned back into the parlor, she closed her book.

What I would not give for a blessed warm spell, to give me leave for a walk to Oakham Mount! I should stay away for hours!

True to form, not more than a moment transpired before Elizabeth heard her mother call, "Lizzy, come down here! Capt. Carter and Lt Denny are walking down the drive. They have brought Lt. Wickham and Lt. Saunderson with them."

Elizabeth hoped her mother would soon be in better spirits with the likes of the young men from Col. Forster's militia entertaining and amusing her with regaling of their daring exploits, in their constant drills without the notion of ever seeing real combat. Still, it would be enough to keep Mama from her barrage of snide remarks toward her now least favorite daughter.

Would he allow it, Elizabeth wished she could join her father in his study rather than listen to old news or talk of balls by her sisters. She went so far as wishing the ability to emulate her mother in making the excuse of tending to her poor nerves and taking to her room above stairs.

At another shrill gasp from her mother followed by girlish twittering at whatever Lt. Denny rejoined, Elizabeth rolled her eyes in quiet desperation, her ability to rise to any intimidation being sorely tested by her mother's coquettish behavior, all in the pursuit of getting husbands for her girls, instead of acting with decorum and refinement as did Aunt Gardiner.

That would be too much to hope for.

Mrs. Bennet's shrill demands filtered up the stairway. "Lizzy! Did you hear me? Come down at once and be of some use!"

Hunsford is sounding better and better with each passing day.

Elizabeth sighed. "Coming, Mama."

Chapter Twenty-five - No News is Good News...Not!

Posted on Saturday, 22 March 2008

When Jane arrived in London with the Gardiners, she wrote Elizabeth not only to inform her of their arriving safely, but that there had been no word at the Gardiners of the Bingleys' return to town. Her letter specified that neither had the Darcys been in touch with them. Further, she wrote that Mr. Gardiner have no further contact with the Earl.

Jane's letter continued to make the point...Thus, my uncle would have no way of knowing about the Darcys from that quarter. Uncle Gardiner spoke of their having not been seen about town in places he frequented, but, Lizzy, it would not be in Uncle Edward's purview to know more since he travels in quite different circles from either the Earl or Mr. Darcy...

Elizabeth did not know what to think of this sudden cessation of such a budding friendship. For herself, she could well weather such disappointment with something akin to mere regret that the loss would be more on their side than hers. But for Jane, who felt more tenderly, it was a heavy blow, indeed, especially as regards Mr. Bingley.

I can more understand Lord and Lady Matlock discouraging the continuance of a friendship to those much lower to their social standing, but for a snub coming from the likes of the Bingleys is unpardonable!

From what Jane had gathered from snippets of overheard conversations during their excursions to the shops on Bond Street, the family was but one generation away from trade themselves and so Elizabeth reasoned it made not sense to have them feel they were so far above a family of the gentry, even if Longbourn was a small estate.

To think of so amiable a man as Mr. Bingley not sending word to any of his new neighbors to say whether or not he had decided to renew the lease at Netherfield seems odd indeed. I wonder what could be the reason for such a slight?

The fact that none of their party had sent any word as to their reasons for staying away began to wear on Elizabeth. She racked her brain for any plausible excuse.

Surely some means could have been devised to let us know what was keeping them from the whole party returning.

So many conjectures entered her mind as to why they had decided to remain in London. Caroline's sole note notwithstanding, Elizabeth hoped it was not so simply as fickleness on their part. Neither man seemed the type to drop an acquaintance merely on a whim, nor did Mr. Bingley appear a man who would trifle with a young lady's heart.

Had they not all gotten along well while in town?

She sighed that there had never been any understanding between Mr. Bingley and Jane to constitute more than growing affection, nothing binding. They were under no obligation to correspond.

Still, Elizabeth hoped that something unforeseen had occurred rather than think them so callous as Miss Bingley in dropping them from all thought. Elizabeth just could not fathom what kind of circumstance may have occurred for them to absent themselves from the area without a word.

Her silent reflections were interrupted by her view of the drive showing a lone figure approaching soon followed by her mother calling that Charlotte had come for a visit. Elizabeth knew her mother would soon profess a headache coming on as reason to take her to her rooms above stairs. Elizabeth sighed.

Mama just can not abide that Charlotte is getting married before Jane, and makes the excuse of needing to tend to her poor nerves.

Reading again Jane's letter, detailing James and Edmund continued kit flying antics made Elizabeth smile. At least in that she thought her sweet cousins a useful diversion for Jane's despondency.

Perhaps when next I see her, Jane will be herself again.

Elizabeth dearly hoped it would be the case. She could not fathom how to raise Jane's spirits should she return with still having no word from any of the Bingleys, which would only give their mother more fuel to vent her displeasure over the obstinacy of her second daughter to refuse to obey doing her duty to the family.

Her mother's shrill voice permeated the halls to carry all the way above stairs. "Lizzy! Lizzy, come at once! I have need of you! Charlotte is arrived and I would have you serve the tea."

"Yes, Mama, I am coming," called Elizabeth, folding Jane's letter and pocketing it for later reading once more.

When Elizabeth entered the east parlor, Charlotte had taken her seat near a window, but gave her friend a cheery glance. "My mother would have come, but she states she has too many arrangements still to be made, and asks forgiveness."

"Well, of course she has," Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "There are always so many decisions to be made, I wonder that you will have all accomplished in time!"

"Mama!" Elizabeth muttered, taking her seat next to Charlotte.

"Oh Lizzy, I am sure Lady Lucas is quite beside herself at this point. Charlotte, you know I am always available to her if there is need."

Charlotte demurred, "You are a treasure, Mrs. Bennet. My mother always says so."

Before Elizabeth could gasp or her mother could reply further to such a statement, Hill entered supervising the maid bringing in the tea service. Elizabeth busied herself with pouring it into cups. "Mama, will you not join us?"

"Perhaps later, but now I would have a word about the dinner menu." With that she turned abruptly, shouting, "Hill! Oh Hill!"

Soon after her mother departed, both her younger sisters made their excuses and left the room. Mary remained in a corner chair, her mind quite engaged in her book of Fordyce Sermons to the exclusion of any other conversation.

Elizabeth and Charlotte exchanged looks as each sipped their tea.

"Thank you for so kind a remark as regards my mother."

"It is nothing but the truth, Lizzy. My own mother is quite out of her element with the planning of my nuptials. However Mrs. Bennet feels about the circumstances or the groom, she is a godsend of information about things that ought to be done. I am sure we could not have managed without her assistance."

"Indeed?" Elizabeth was impressed at how sincerely appreciative Charlotte seemed. "Then, I am glad she could help you."

Pausing to take another sip, Charlotte put down her cup, and looked at her friend. "Lizzy, I would ask a favor of you, though I know it might be an imposition..."

"Charlotte," Elizabeth said with as much genuine feeling of affection she could muster in the face of such unaccustomed indecisiveness in her childhood companion, adding with encouragement, "Whatever it is, know that I will do my best to oblige you."

"Is it possible...could you see your way clear to...would you mind terribly if I ask that you come to Hunsford with my father and sister when they come at Easter?" Seeing Elizabeth's surprised expression, Charlotte hastened through her request, "You must think me quite absurd after all my confident espousals or marriage and wishing to begin a new life away from my family, but..." Her voice trailed off a second time, not knowing how to word the conflicting feelings within her now that she had decided to marry Mr. Collins.

Elizabeth gave her friend time to organize her thoughts in order to express what she wished to say as to her reasons for such a request even she deemed as awkward, being Elizabeth as the one who had refused Mr. Collins. When Elizabeth made no attempt to interrupt her, Charlotte finally explained, "Lizzy, though sure that my decision to marry is a correct one for my circumstances, as the day draws near, I am equally certain that I would welcome a friendly face after settling so far a distance to my family, one whom I could talk to in a way more comfortable than I would find in either my father or my sister."

At first Elizabeth had no idea what to say in response to such a plea, for it could not be viewed as anything less. It took her aback to see Charlotte this needful of her companionship, but Elizabeth knew from where the unease had come. It mattered not if the bride was very young or more mature. That which was unknown was most unsettling to any bride's mind. Elizabeth saw how their bond of a lifelong friendship where speaking one's mind without fear of reprisal would benefit Charlotte.

But after she is ensconced at Hunsford, will Charlotte still have the need to express her thoughts

"Please say you will come," Charlotte implored.

Taking pity on her friend, Elizabeth was quick to agree without even asking either of her parents for permission though she still had reservations with Mr. Collins ogling her whenever they were in the same room. "Of course I will come, Charlotte," Elizabeth said with a smile, adding, "If only to see the fireplace at Rosings Park!"

Clearly relieved, Charlotte knew she was asking a great deal, touched Elizabeth's arm. "Thank you, Lizzy. I will have my father give you more of the particulars when the time draws nearer."

"I look forward to it," Elizabeth said easily, with the remainder of Charlotte's visit in pleasant conversation about the material of her gown and the flowers Lady Lucas had decided on. It was not until her departure that Elizabeth began to think of the repercussions of what she had agreed to for the sake of her friend's disposition. After thinking she had seen the last of the man, she had now just agreed to spend the greater part of a month in his company.

Let us hope that Rosings Park is large enough to keep me out of his way for the duration!

After a meeting with his solicitor, Darcy invited his attorney to have a late lunch before returning to Georgiana. He and Mr. Timins entered the stately door of Darcy's club and found an out of the way table. After ordering, they sat with their drinks in pleasant conversation that lasted no longer than a quarter past the hour before being rudely interrupted.

At a nearby table Morris and Billingsford recognized Darcy's voice and hurried over to greet their fellow member.

Darcy rose to bow, warily introducing his attorney. "Morris, Billingsford, this is Mr. Timins."

"How do you do, gentlemen?"

"Very well, I thank you, Mr. Timins," said Morris brightly. "Ah, Darcy, it is good to see you at White's once more."

"Yes, the place has not been graced with your person these four weeks, since before the feast of Christmas. Is that not so, Morris?"

"I believe you are correct, Billingsford."

Darcy gazed from one to the other, and only gave a noncommittal, "That sounds about right, gentlemen."

Their eagerness to renew his friendship left Darcy suspicious of their motives, especially so judging from their appearance, and so he continued his meal until the truth came out.

"I say, old chap, if memory serves, were you not the one accompanying the lovely lady that day of the open house last year?"

"Yes, that was you, Darcy! And the young lady's name was...?" Billingsford stood, snapping his fingers with the pretense of trying to remember.

Darcy was no fool. He continued to eat his meal, refusing to answer.

Mr. Timins was all curiosity, asking, "Gentlemen, to what does this pertain?"

Morris smiled broadly, relating, "Darcy escorted a young lady upon the premises during the open house at the club, a young lady who had the unique ability to best one of the male members at chess."

"That is most peculiar," Mr. Timins agreed, "that a woman have the capacity to not only know how to play the game, but how to best an opponent who was quite knowledgeable in the craft."

Billingsford piped in, "And she did so with but a single move!"

Mr. Timins look of incredulity towards Darcy compelled him to reply. "The game was already in process, and she merely made one move that-"

Billingsford finished, "Changed the entire outcome of the match, Darcy! Admit it, she is a genius, and we mean to know her name."

Darcy stopped eating, his knife and fork poised in a frozen tableau, and asked, "For what purpose?"

"Why, if we knew her identity, we could get to know her better."

Morris jabbed Billingsford in the side and waggled his brow with a smile, adding, "Yes, we wish to know her infinitely better."

Darcy and Mr. Timins exchanged glances that spoke to the fact that both gentlemen had been imbibing even at this early hour of the day, and their inclination to know the young lady implied a vulgarity that did not appear to be of an appropriate nature.

A sense of protectionism arose unbidden within Darcy nearly as strong as what he felt as regards Georgiana. Certain that Elizabeth would have no interest in encouraging either man as an eligible suitor, Darcy felt compelled to refuse them.

I will not lend my support for such a degradation.

"No," was all he said as he wiped his mouth with his napkin, his meal at an abrupt end.

The intuitive Mr. Timins, likewise, began gathering his belongings to ready himself for departure.

Morris would not give way to so brief a negative reply, and implored, "I innnnnsist you tell us her name if nothing else, Darcy, to have us able to will find her for ourselves."

Ignoring the two men, Darcy asked his attorney, "Shall we go?" Timins nodded.

Neither man said a word more, but Billingsford could not believe his friend would treat him in so uncharacteristically a cold manner. "Darcy, do you mean you will not oblige us with even her name? Truly, we mean no harm."

Darcy leaned as near as he could abide the man's breath and whispered, "you are both drunk and-"

Billingsford shook his head and slurred his words. "I ammmmm not!"

"And, " Darcy continued, unabated, "I will not talk to either of you while you are in this condition. I bid you good day."

Morris, now provoked by Darcy's curt refusal, was even more abusive, making a spectacle of himself by taunting Darcy as being, "a high sob(hic)ociety...snob!"

Darcy and Mr. Timins did their best to ignore the verbal barrage as they donned their coats and removed from the premises.

When they entered Darcy's carriage, Mr. Timins commended him for his forbearance "I doubt I could have been as patient with those two who call you friend and then insult you when it suits."

Darcy shook his head, having known both men since his days at Cambridge. "Neither meant any harm though they are more inclined to abuse when drinking, the results is in less than stellar behavior while influenced by it."

"You are more forgiving than perhaps the lady in question would be. I do not know one female who would look kindly upon such an abominable performance ensuing from that particular vice." Mr. Timins paused before asking, "I hope you are not inclined to speak of the incident to her?"

Darcy huffed, "Certainly not!" It had incensed Darcy to even think he would be instrumental in having either man deign to impose on Miss Bennet.

No, she need never be made aware of such unsavory pursuers who viewed her in that fashion.

Besides, the likelihood of his meeting with her again seemed, at the moment, improbable.

In a letter to Jane the evening following Charlotte's wedding, Elizabeth lifted her pen from the page after she had written her salutations, wondering what she should write as oppose to what she should omit. She closed her eyes reviewing it in her mind...

The day of Charlotte's wedding had finally arrived with the morning in throes of the area's last of wintry crisp, clear skies and quite sunny. After getting ready amidst haste by the younger sisters, eager to witness a ceremony seldom seen in their years, the entire family settled into their pew, Mr. Bennet observed, with as much grace and decorum as a herd of hungry cattle. The fact that the rest of the congregants were acting the same did nothing to obliterate Mr. Bennet's amusement.

After so much anticipation, the actual ceremony went about rather sedately and without much of a to-do. There had been some muttering by both participants in response to their vows that everyone else was had pressed to overhear, but Mr. Winston officiated with aplomb and flourish and, for the sake of his congregation, with the greatest brevity that Mr. Collins could not have managed.

In the receiving line after the wedding, Sir William appeared happy that his daughter had made a union of uncommon advantage, seeing that Mr. Collins would one day inherit Longbourn to become a member of the gentry, and thereby raising Charlotte's status. Both he and Lady Lucas smiled at how well the church was decorated with many dried flowers from the still rooms, retaining their color to create a springtime façade. Lady Lucas continued to silently gloat at having one daughter married while Mrs. Bennet had none. Mrs. Bennet was not in such humor to endure long being lorded over by Lady Lucas as they found their seats for the wedding breakfast.

She huffed, "The very idea, to say how beautiful Charlotte is! Jane is far more beautiful than any in the neighborhood."

"That is very true, Mama," Elizabeth acknowledged. "But you must acknowledge that above all other days any bride should be viewed as beautiful on her wedding day. And you have to admit Charlotte looks very well indeed in her organdy gown."

Mrs. Bennet shrugged in partial agreement. "I suppose it is understandable to allow a bride to be considered beautiful at her nuptials, though Jane is a beauty every day." Elizabeth nodded in agreement as she helped her mother into her seat to begin their meal.

Kitty piped in, "And Mariah's dress was elegant as befitting her role as the bridesmaid, even if she was too young for the office."

"True," Elizabeth had to admit. Fifteen was a bit young for such a responsibility as was the man enlisted to be the best man. "Was that not the curate's son standing up with Mr. Collins?"

Kitty giggled as she nodded, whispering, "I think he was more nervous than the groom!"

From across the table, Mary added seriously, "I think for the gravity of the event, our cousin acquitted himself with great reverence-"

Lydia laughed, "At the very least! His hands did not shake nearly so much as did young Grady's. I thought he would drop the ring for sure!" This was followed by a snort.

Elizabeth shook her head. "I think Grady did an admirable job, Lydia for being so young. I doubt you could have done as well. Still, with all the men in the congregation available, I wonder why the curate chose his own son to do the honor."

Mr. Bennet offered, "Mr. Collins, not being known long in the area, has not garnered close enough ties to enlist a friendly face to do the honor."

Kitty asked quite innocently, "As his closest relative, why did not you, Papa, perform the office?"

Mrs. Bennet nearly choked on her wine, chiding, "How can you be so silly, girl! After your sister so vigorously refused to accept Mr. Collins, the man could not very well turn around and ask your father for anything!" She then glared at Elizabeth who chose not to ignore her.

Mary attempted to smooth over the growing animosity, stating, "I believe also that witnesses must be unmarried to put Papa out of contention. Notwithstanding the youth of both the bridesmaid and the groomsman, I thought the ceremony was very refined and dignified."

Motioning for her glass to be refilled, Mrs. Bennet grumbled, "Enjoy the day while you may, girls, for I doubt you will its like for any of our house being recipients!" She glared again at Elizabeth as she drained her glass in one sitting then gestured again for the servant to give her more. Elizabeth discreetly motioned her sisters to pass the basket of bread toward their mother's way, remaining silent for the duration, but glad Jane was not present to hear their mother's recriminations and disappointments of the Jane's failure to procure Mr. Bingley.

After the third course Elizabeth left her mother's side intending to congratulate her friend. However, before she found Charlotte, Mr. Collins met her in the deserted hallway.

She curtseyed. "Congratulation, Mr. Collins. May I add my wishes for you happiness in marriage."

"That is very kind of you, Cousin Elizabeth," Mr. Collins said bowing, his eyes trailing upwards, briefly lingering below her face. In a condescending tone, he said, "If you had been made to curb your defiance to your mother in refusing my generous offer, all this may have been..." When she arched her brow, he retreated voicing his reflections, and said only, "Well, perhaps it is best to be silent on that matter."

Elizabeth could not believe the audacity of the man, wishing to tell him in no uncertain terms that whatever material loss her family suffered due to her imprudence in not accepting him, there were more important issues in life. However, she knew Charlotte wished her to visit in the spring and did not want to be estranged from her friend who may need a confidante by that time.

Knowing herself now safe from this cousin, Elizabeth grew confident in her ability to civility, and calmly stated, "As you say, sir, my decision to confound both my mother and yourself was to your advantage in gaining the affections of Charlotte. I can truthfully say that, in my heart, I wish you both only joy."

Taken aback by the sincerity of her statement, Mr. Collins bowed again with patronizing effusions. "That is kindness itself, Cousin Elizabeth, to speak with such modesty, such affability. It is such humility as I should come to expect of you toward one of higher rank. I thank you with all the civility at my disposal, and-"

Elizabeth had difficulty curtailing a necessary eye roll skyward. No longer able to abide the man's continued arrogant display of self-conceit, she interrupted him with, "Sir William and Lady Lucas are motioning you to them, Mr. Collins. It will not do for you to affront your new family at this early stage."

His unctuous head snapped quickly around. "What? Oh, yes!"

His disconcertion at the thought of offending his new in-laws overcame his need to further lecture Elizabeth on the propriety of her magnanimous gesture in wishing him joy; such behavior is so reminiscent of how he would conduct his own felicity.

In truth, Mr. Collins still had a twinge of regret for his not marrying either of his prettier cousins over that of the plainer but more amenable Charlotte Lucas, a point on which he would forever feel was rightly his due as the inheritor of Longbourn. However, with Sir Lucas's welcoming voice now beckoning him over, Mr. Collins gave up his ill feelings for the moment to quickly abandon his cousin in the hallway, and scurry off toward the members of his new family without even the formality of his customary bowing and scraping.

Elizabeth exhaled in relief at finally being free of the man's company and intent on joining Charlotte and Mariah who were crowded around by Elizabeth's sisters. In the hallway she passed Charlotte's brothers, both partaking in libations, especially the ratafia* to the point that it gave Jonathan the laxity to freely speak his mind.

Elizabeth overheard him addressing his younger sibling of the fact that he was glad to have Charlotte married, "for she would no longer be his burden later in life." His younger brother, in an equal state of inebriation, agreed, bobbing his head up and down like a silly goose. Nearing them, Elizabeth would have found great amusement in the comparison had not the subject matter been so insensitively avowed.

Jonathan defended his statement, "Miss Bennet, I was only confirming the pract(hic)icality of the circumstances, for which my sister will (hic)fully agree."

"Quite so, (hic)brother," acknowledged Benjamin, doing his best to hold up the hallway wall.

Elizabeth remained silent, continuing to stare at him incredulously, her arched brows withering Jonathan's resolve to give credence to his statement over what his sister might be thinking in accepting this marriage proposal from the decidedly unctuous little toad of a clergyman.

Sheepishly, Jonathan Lucas admitted his error in sentiment towards an otherwise kindly sister who had taken it upon herself to tend him all his life, "I suppose...my remarks could be viewed as insensitive as regards Charlotte's feelings upon choosing a man capable of supporting her in a home of her own." With Elizabeth's continued chastising stare, he added, "I suppose in future...I could be more generous in how I deal with the situation she has put herself in for the sake of her family," when she kept staring, he added, "And be more compassionate in a more brotherly fashion?"

Elizabeth finally yielded her unrelenting attitude toward her neighbor and former playmate, softening her expression to let Jonathan know she had almost forgiven him. "I think that is a most prudent statement, Mr. Lucas, and one that you perhaps should follow through towards your most caring of sisters."

"Quite so," repeated his rather amenable brother, Benjamin, still doing his best imitation of the god Atlas at holding up the wall. Elizabeth ignored him over that of his elder brother.

Jonathan nodded in agreement, inquiring if Elizabeth wished him to fetch her some punch or white soup, anything to remove himself from her presence. Elizabeth nodded, giving him permission to depart, glad for once that she had no brothers with similar attitudes towards sisters.

Glancing down the hallway, noting that Mr. Collins had joined his bride, Elizabeth stared dubiously at the apparently contented couple. She felt some guilt at being overly grateful that she had not the honor of being Mrs. William Collins, and after her conversation with the younger Lucas men, more fully understood Charlottes decision in accepting a respectable yet ridiculously insipid man as her father's cousin

Oh, Charlotte, whenever you wish me, I will come.

No sooner had the wedding breakfast begun with Mrs. Bennet's estimation that is was adequate, but enjoyed by the entire village attending to wish the couple joy, she had pronounced herself unwell. The onset of a sudden headache had forced her to ask her family to depart to Longbourn earlier than any of them expected. Though few actually believed such a paltry excuse, Mr. Bennet himself had no objection to leaving the proceedings and commenced gathering up his offspring.

Lydia pouted, "But Papa! Sir Lucas had promised the musicians would soon to begin the dance music, and I have already had several of the officers solicit for my hand in the coming sets!"

"Well, then they will have the understandable disappointment of your sudden absence when the musicians warm their instruments, until the gentlemen find other dance partners to take your place."

Kitty's comments were then added to the fray, her voice the equal of Lydia's in a whine to bring her lament to bear. "And I was even asked by poor Lt. Wickham to dance the second set. I have yet to dance with him, Papa! He is so charming too!"

Mr. Bennet commented on that as well. "Yes, yes, we all know how pleasant is the poor gentleman who was crossed so evilly by his father's employer, but that is of no matter at present. Come along, girls. Your mother is waiting in the carriage with Mary."

Lydia kicked the pebble with her shoe as she followed along after her father, sulking, "Mary would be no good when there is dancing to be had with her head always in a book!"

"You would do well to follow her example and open one yourself every once in a while just to remind yourself of that ability."

Making a face, Lydia asked her sister, "Kitty, did you see what Mary King was wearing? What a hideous color for her skin tone! Ugh!"

"I know! How could her family allow her to leave home in such a shade at this time of year?"

Lydia snorted only to be admonished by Elizabeth. Lydia paid no mind, giggling, "And to have to dare wear the same bonnet as Mariah! I must say, it was not her color at all I would have looked much better in it!"

"Lydia!" Elizabeth huffed. "You know very well that both bonnets were most likely purchased at the same shop in London. The letter from Aunt Gardiner confirmed that while shopping with Jenny on Bond Street she happened upon Lady Lucas and Charlotte in town to buy her trousseau, and that Miss King had suggested the shop to them."

"But she should not have worn the bonnet to the wedding, Lizzy!" Kitty piped in. "Why it is almost as bad as wearing the same dress!"

"I hardly think that is a fair comparison, Kitty, and how was Miss King to know that Mariah had picked out so similar a bonnet."

"Similar! It is exactly the same...but for a few differences..."

"Such as the strikingly different color of the flowers placed on the top rather than to the side," Elizabeth countered effectively.

Kitty added, "And the ribbon, which is quite wide instead of thin, and so varying a shade and fashion-"

"In other words, an entirely different bonnet," finished her father, already tiring of the argument as they neared the carriage.

Not to be undone, Lydia pouted, "But it was quite a dreadful bonnet, if I do say so. I could have done one up much better."

"Of that I am sure," her father said, rolling his eyes, "Now, into the carriage with you before it becomes the next day."

"Papa," asked Elizabeth as the stood beside the carriage, waiting for her younger sisters to entered, "If would you not mind, I would prefer to walk home? I could use the fresh air, and the day is still warm for this time of year."

Mr. Bennet hesitated, gazing up at the clear blue winter sky as the sun was just beginning to settle on the horizon.

"Oh let her walk, Mr. Bennet," his wife harped, "Else we will never hear the end of how she has been too cooped up!"

Mary offered, "I will walk as well, Papa," as she hastened from the seat nearest the door to give the others room.

Her father nodded, handing in the other sisters before pulling himself into the conveyance to sit beside his spouse. He leaned out the window, adding, "We will expect you home soon, before it is dark."

"Yes, Papa," both sisters said in unison as Mr. Bennet settled the carriage rug onto the lap of his ailing wife and rapped on the roof to signal the coachman. The carriage was barely underway when Lydia and Kitty began to talk of the beautiful fabric of Charlotte's dress or that of Mariah's brocade spencer. Having her younger sister stand up with her as bridesmaid must have been a thrill for Mariah.

When Mrs. Bennet began to talk of all the finery worn by the ladies at the wedding, both Elizabeth and Mary heard their father complain in a loud voice, "I, for one, am not in the frame of mind to listen to more talk of lace and sleeves lengths. I beg you would leave off that discussion for the ten minutes required to reach Longbourn!"

Elizabeth and Mary giggled, both shaking their heads They knew that the ride back to Longbourn would be one filled with talking of the entire proceeding of Charlotte Lucas marriage to that of the honorable Reverend, Mr. Collins, and event paramount in the minds of those Bennet ladies. As Elizabeth and Mary followed behind the departing coach, certain neither wished to listen to their sisters and mother extolling the excitement of the now accomplished nuptials.

"Lizzy, when you write to Jane, relating the details of today's event," Mary chided, "I hope you do not embellish the proceedings to make her sorry she missed being a witness."

Shaking her head, Elizabeth intertwined her arm with that of her sister, stating, "No, I could never be so unkind to dear Jane. I was happy to see Charlotte looking so pretty amongst all the flowers Lady Lucas managed, and," she added with flourish, "the wedding breakfast was delicious no matter Mama's complaints to the contrary. Otherwise, there is not much more to be said." Mary nodded with contentment.

While Elizabeth sat at her desk, she thought about the couple who had that very day pledged to one another their troth in love before God and the congregation. She scoffed at a union that was one of nothing more than convenience as far as she was concerned rather than one of even affection, much less love.

No, Jane does not need to hear such false drivel to make her feel any worse for her situation.

*rafafia -- This is a sweet cordial flavored with fruit or almonds. It was considered a very festive drink and both men and women in Regency England drank it.

Chapter Twenty-six -- Traveling to Hunsford Parsonage

Posted on Tuesday, 1 April 2008

Richard found Darcy in the most likely of places in his father's house, the library, seated in a chair nearest the window to afford him the greatest amount of light during the dreary winter day. He was a model of concentration, legs crossed in such a way that the book he was reading rested comfortably in his lap while he poured over the pages, eyes following the printed word with the rapidity of one well versed in understanding with ease.

After watching his cousin with what could only be admiration at his ability to glean the written idea with the merest perusal of text, Richard moved toward the decanter of port on the side table, breaking Darcy's concentration with, "Do you require more light, Cousin? I can have Merkin ignite the candles."

Darcy smiled, closing the book after reading the final page, and nodding to the silent offer of a glass. "That will not be necessity, Richard. I have finished."

"You only started that book yesterday." Handing Darcy his port, he teased, "I should begin to become jealous at the speed at which your mind can inhale a work that must have taken the writer years to complete." Picking up the discarded tome, he asked, "What is this one about?"

"Geography," Darcy answered, "more specifically, a cataloging of the waterways and some of the tributaries around Canadian Nova Scotia."

Richard's eyes glazed over as he let out a low whistled to make Darcy grimace. "Are you planning a trip without my knowledge, Cousin? I must warn you, that particular region of the world is not considered the safest part of late, what with the Americans rattling their swords against the Crown again."

"I was merely curious upon finding the book wedged between several histories Uncle has accumulated over the years."

Dropping into the other chair next to the window, Richard sipped from his glass, saying, "I have just come from Georgiana. She was reading another missive from that Bingley woman."

"Caroline? I thought the Bingleys were still in Scarborough."

"There they still remain as far as Georgiana is aware from her letter, the contents of which gave her great relief to not being obliged to entertain the lady in question, though Georgiana would never come out and say so." Looking over to Darcy, Richard jested, "You seemed to display an expression equal to that of your sister at the news of the Bingleys' continuance in the North."

Darcy sheepishly admitted, "I should not mind Bingley's company anytime-"

Finished Richard, "But he always has that annoying sister tagging along, hoping to catch your eye." Taking another sip, he added, "Well, at least that penance is to be longer from town. With your infamous wariness of any society to date, I must warn you that I heard from a reliable source that the Prickle family has returned." Darcy actually groaned while Richard chucked. "As I recall, was not the younger Miss Prickle also obsessed with winning you? What was her name? Prudence? Penelope?"

"Petunia," Darcy moaned.

"Ah yes," Richard smiled. "Miss Petunia, the very model of calm and decorum. Was not she the one who shouted your name from the third floor balcony box at the opera?"

Darcy sighed. "Not only have I given up my club for the duration due to the misdeeds of Billingsford and Morris. Now I must also keep from the theater as well."

"You could easily solve your current predicament, Darcy, by simply proposing to one of those fawns and be done with it. Mother has spent these past five years alone trying to find you the perfect woman. Have pity on her, man! Give her the satisfaction that her efforts have not all gone for naught."

"Impossible, Richard," Darcy scoffed, downing the remainder of his wine.

"Impossible for one so fastidious, unless," Richard teased, adding, "You already have someone in mind to give my mother relief from her machinations?"

"No," Darcy professed quickly, rising from the chair at the turn of their conversation.

Richard asked again, "No one has struck your fancy, Cousin?"

"No, there is no one, Richard." Darcy turned toward the door, adding, "I have been neglecting my sister of late, and would go to her. She is within the music room, you say?"

Richard nodded, giving a smart salute. As he finished his wine, Richard watched in silence his cousin's back retreating towards more friendly territory.

Yes, yes, go entertain your little sister, Cousin.

Several weeks had passed since Charlotte's wedding with hardly more than a note or two to say that she was attempting to settle into her new life at Hunsford as the wife of its curate. Charlotte's reminder of Elizabeth's promise to accompany her father and sister seemed to indicate that Charlotte was not as happy as her words professed.

It would hardly be surprising if that were the case.

Elizabeth was to travel the next day with Sir William and Mariah Lucas to Hunsford for their planned Easter visitation. Since it was after the thaw, the roads were sure to be rutted with wet earth, traveling would be slower than in summer. At least her mother had lessened her snide comments against her to once or twice a day as her way of acceptance to Charlotte and Mr. Collins wedding and eventual inheritance of Longbourn at Mr. Bennet's death. Mrs. Bennet continued to lament over Mr. Bingley's prolonged absence from Netherfield and how he had treated Jane very ill. Elizabeth was thankful that Jane remained with their aunt and uncle for the duration of winter where she could be of use to all their little cousins.

Gazing out the window, the glass cold to the touch but no longer frosted over, Elizabeth reminded herself to venture into her father's library to obtain several additional books for the journey. Then, glancing from her bedroom window as she packed her trunk the afternoon before they were to depart, she realized that springtime had already begun in the fields and woods surrounding Longbourn. It was near to the end of March now and the crocus and daffodils had begun peaking through the still cold ground as spring's first harbingers. Having never been further than London, Elizabeth‘s thoughts naturally turned to the weather further south.

I wonder what is Kent like during springtime?

Thoughts of the area brought forth those of the inhabitants of the parsonage with Elizabeth further wondering, how Charlotte has weathered these early weeks of married life?

Adding another spencer into her trunk, she noticed Jane's latest missive on the bed. Sitting down, Elizabeth opened it to read again her sister's words, so filled with all the activities of their young cousins that kept Jane happily occupied, and yet Elizabeth could read the anguish between the lines at being unable to find out any news of the Bingleys. They were definitely not returned to town, contrary to what Caroline Bingley's note had intimated.

Perhaps the part about them having to extend their time in Scarborough for some as yet unknown reason was more true than not.

Reading again Aunt Gardiner's own letter that week that hinted her own sense of Jane's growing despondency even with all the added activities to keep her mind from returning to sad thoughts, she asked Elizabeth to write as often as possible when she went to Kent to give Jane some humorous reflections on what their cousin, Mr. Collins had achieved with his verbose personality. Elizabeth shuddered and made a face to her reflection in the mirror.

Oh I am sure I can find one or two comical incidents to relate to Jane to illicit a smile. The problem will be to decide on which ones since I am sure there will be...quite a few!

Giggling, her humor somewhat restored, Elizabeth had just placed those letters in her reticule when she heard her mother's voice shouting from below stairs. "Lizzy! Kitty has spied some of the officers walking up the lane! Come down at once!"

Elizabeth glanced out her upper window to see that there were at least four or five red-coated gentlemen ambling along Longbourn's drive, which meant she and all the Bennet women would soon be entertaining them for a good portion of the afternoon. Lydia would most likely commandeer Mary into playing the Barley Mow or some other jig, enabling both her and Kitty to enlist the officers into an impromptu dance. Elizabeth rolled her eyes, hoping her father would make an appearance to instill some order to the afternoon tea.

Yes, a side trip to his library before the officers arrive is definitely in order!

"Lizzy! Did you hear me? Come down at once, I say! Hill! Oh Hill!"

Elizabeth puffed out her cheek in resignation. "Coming, Mama."

The next morning the Lucas carriage arrived at Longbourn's front door before eight o'clock. Elizabeth stood in the entryway waiting while her trunk was hoisted up to be added to the others on the top. Sir William removed from the carriage to say his farewells to Mr. Bennet, the only other member of the household who had managed to awaken early enough to see Lizzy off.

"You are leaving me in poor company Lizzy," Mr. Bennet chided.

She shook her head as she hugged him good-bye. "You shall survive as you always have, Papa."

He continued, "Until either your or Jane return, you know how I will suffer."

She giggled. "You begin to sound like Mama. Will I soon hear you complaining of nerves?"

"Ha!" He hugged her again with more ferocity than was his norm and then quickly handed her into the carriage to sit beside Mariah.

Sir William promised, "Bennet, you have my word that I will safeguard her while she remains in my care."

"I depend on it," said Mr. Bennet, shaking Sir William's hand.

Elizabeth waved from the window seat as the carriage lurched forward, down the drive toward the main road. She saw her father wave back, his expression and eye roll at the antics of her sisters, clearly showing his feigned annoyance mingled with true frustration that his only sensible daughter had abandoned him.

I shall miss you too, Papa.

"Safe journey," he sighed.

Sir William and Mariah were normally two of the more pleasant personages in Meryton, but with the father boasting of his daughter's advantageous alliance and the sister breathlessly spouting her fear and awe at visiting the great house at Rosings Park, Elizabeth was hard pressed to keep her mind on the task at hand. Charlotte had, in one of the few letters Elizabeth had received, pointedly reminded her of her promise to come to Hunsford with her family.

No doubt to commiserate with her after weeks of being in Mr. Collins's company, now her husband.

The very idea caused Elizabeth to shudder. No matter how much Sir Lucas babbled on about what Charlotte had gained in her marriage to the clergyman who would eventually inherit Longbourn, Elizabeth would not be made to regret her decision in her refusal of the man. He had been most unsuitable no matter how her mother viewed him.

During his rambling speech Sir William made the sudden realization of whom he was speaking, his perception that it might lead to some animosity still existing between the two families left the poor man quite at a loss for words. "Oh dear," he sputtered rather awkwardly.

Elizabeth, knowing that the journey would take the greater part of the day, took pity on the man, quickly putting the matter to rest once and for all time. "Sir William, I truly am glad for Charlotte. Indeed, if she is as happy as her letters attest, then I cannot fault her in accepting Mr. Collins." She added with less certainty, "I am sure she has found contentment."

"Yes, well, thank you, Miss Elizabeth. I want so much for Charlotte to be happy."

"I am certain she has everything she has ever wanted in life."

At least what she professed were her views prior to her marriage.

With that, they continued the rest of the way in pleasant conversation, changing horses at Bromley where they took a mid-day meal before continuing on throughout the day until they rounded the last bend in the road to arrive at Hunsford parsonage by late afternoon.

Mr. and Mrs. Collins were at the entrance of the house to greet them when the carriage stopped, Charlotte so matronly in her laced cap. Dawkins quickly opened the door and extended the step. Sir William was the first to disembark, shaking hands with his son-in-law and hugging Charlotte. Mariah and Elizabeth were left to remove themselves from the carriage with only the servant's aid until Sir William turned back to them, realizing too late to be of use.

"Oh, Charlotte," Mariah gushed after a quick curtsey and then falling into her sister's embrace. "Your house is so sweet. I love it!" Mr. Collins kissed her gloved hand, which Mariah endured rather warily. Still unaccustomed to her new brother, her nervousness came out in giggles.

Turning to the lone occupant, patiently waiting to greet the newlyweds, Mr. Collins smiled at his cousin, while reaching for her hand to bestow a kiss upon it. Elizabeth held her breath until she could take possession of her hand once more from his lingering grasp.

"Cousin Elizabeth, how gracious of you to join Sir William and my sister Mariah. We are most honored." His syrupy voice did nothing to quell Elizabeth's foreboding that he had not quite given up his lusciousness toward her person though he was now very much married to her best friend. Elizabeth's skin began to crawl while Sir William kept talking about their journey as they all moved toward the house.

Am I the only one who noticed his licentiousness?

Charlotte intertwined arms with her and whispered with great sincerity, "I am so happy you agreed to come, Lizzy!"

All Elizabeth could do was smile gaily, saying, "How could I not, dear Charlotte?"

It seems I am needed after all.

As Mr. Collins began the tour of Hunsford parsonage the two friends together joined the rest. Elizabeth determination to aid Charlotte seemed to override any perturbance over the misconduct by a husband's roaming eye.

It had been two days since Elizabeth arrived to visit Charlotte in her new home at Hunsford, managing to remain out of the way of Mr. Collins, a feat more easily accomplished than Elizabeth had imagined. He seemed out of the house early, not returning except for meals, which made it easy for her to keep much out of his company.

If he keeps to this schedule I will not be inconvenienced in the slightest.

But for the two friends, it seemed still awkward as to how to initiate the one conversation upon which both wished to speak. As the two walked leisurely down one of the paths around the property, taking in the lovely spring weather, Charlotte pointed toward another path, saying, "You will find a grove of trees down that way, and the meadows meandering down the opposite path, Lizzy. I think you will enjoy exploring both on your own when I have more pressing obligations at the parsonage."

Waiting for her younger sister to skip on ahead of them so as not to overhear their conversation, Charlotte added, "Lizzy, you need not fear for me. I am contented in my life with Mr. Collins." She plucked a long blade of grass, tearing it into several slivers as they continued in silence for a moment longer.

Elizabeth shook her head. "How is that possible, Charlotte? I had the privilege of living several weeks in the same household with the man and could barely stand to remain in the same room he occupied. You have been his..."

"Wife," finished Charlotte. "I have been his wife these several weeks now, Lizzy, and have grown...accustom to how best plan my activities as the spouse of a curate."

At Elizabeth's skeptical expression, Charlotte explained. "We each have our assigned tasks for the day. Mine are filled with servants, menus, the livestock and poultry as well as communing with many of the parishioners who often happen by at first out of curiosity, but now with their own concerns. Then, there are ones I make it my business to visit due to my perceiving their needs after Sunday service. Mr. Collins is a man who, when home, is constantly in his bookroom working on his sermons. The window faces the road, you see, giving him amble view to note if Miss DeBourgh goes by in her phaeton and ponies. He frequents Rosings to commune with her Ladyship. I...have encouraged the practice of his walking to and from the great house..."

Elizabeth agreed, "Walking is beneficial to one's health."

"Yes," nodded Charlotte, adding, "And with his showing an interest in the gardens and the apiary, of which he espouses remind him of biblical passages, I...admit to having encouraged those pursuits as well to keep him out in the sunshine as much as possible." Elizabeth arched her brow at Charlotte's omission of where else she manages to keep him from occupying.

And out of the house and your vicinity too, no doubt.

Charlotte paused before concluding, "There are days when we are only in company at meals and for but mere moments before we retire."

To this rather detailed yet ambiguous example of what a normal day at Hunsford entails, Elizabeth could not but smile at her friend's ingenuity and tact. "And so, you are truly satisfied with your life, Charlotte?"

"I have my own home, and am no longer a burden on my family. Though in your eyes it is not a perfect match, ease your mind, Lizzy, for I am contented with my lot."

Interlacing her arm with that of her friend, Elizabeth conceded, "Then I am happy for you, Charlotte."

Before she could say more, a breathless Mr. Collins came running up the path from the direction of Rosings, his face red from the exertion accompanied by his profuse sweating that cast a rather pungent odor. Stopping beside them to wipe his brow with an already damp handkerchief, he required several deep breaths to gain his equilibrium before speech could be had once more.

"Mr. Collins, what is the matter?"

"Oh my dear Charlotte, Lady Catherine has deigned to invite us to dine at Rosings in three days! And more, after I informed her of our visitors from Meryton, she has amiably requested that we come to tea this very afternoon! Is that not the epitome of graciousness, Cousin Elizabeth, to wish to be introduced to our additional family members?"

It was Charlotte who interceded on her behalf, "Yes, Mr. Collins, Lady Catherine is most kind to often think of us."

Charlotte attended her husband's proclamation with such feigned sincerity Elizabeth almost lost her countenance, clearly trying to keep herself from erupting in an attack of giddiness in light of the man's continual groveling at the feet of his benefactress.

Mr. Collins wiped the continuous beads of sweat erupting above his brow, crowing, "Oh, I must inform my fair sister and father that they will be in as much anticipation as I."

With that he fairly skipped up the path leaving his wife and cousin in his wake.

Elizabeth turned her head to keep the profusion of giggles from the direction of Mr. Collins' retreating figure, realizing his amorous eye was harmless enough to ignore and instead, ventured, "I dare say the great lady must be in such a fit of boredom today that she has actually invited her curate and his family to tea."

"Behave, Lizzy," Charlotte admonished without animosity, adding, "You know we must allow Lady Catherine her condescension. She often has us to tea and dinner to, uhm,..." she finished with a resigned giggle, "give her an audience upon which to pontificate."

"I rest my case," Elizabeth giggled in return, adding, "though I must admit to some curiosity in seeing the great house and in meeting such an illustrious peer who will, no doubt, look down her nose at all us underlings. Will she disappoint, I wonder?"

Charlotte could not suppress her own giggles, "No, I dare say, she will not dampen your opinion of what those of the upper ranks think and say of the less fortunate of the world."

"Then I am all anticipation, Charlotte!"

They both giggled, turning their steps happily down the path, following after her husband.

Continued In Next Section