Jump to new as of July 16, 2001
Posted on Saturday, 23 June 2001
Georgiana
The first of the wedding guests, naturally was Miss Darcy accompanied by Miss Annesley. As soon as Mr. Darcy received word that his sister would be arriving at Netherfield, he wanted everything to be perfect for her. Lizzie observed that her Dearest William, as he had instructed her to refer to him, as Fitzwilliam was a family name, and he had always been referred to as William by his Mother and Sister, was very nervous. She did her best to calm him right up to the moment Darcy's second traveling coach pulled up in front of the house. As soon as one of the footmen jumped down from his place behind at the back of the coach, opened the door, let down the steps, Mr. Darcy hurried out to meet his sister and her companion.
"William, you must tell me if Miss Elizabeth Bennet is here at Netherfield. I have missed her so much and the thought of her becoming my sister pleases me to no end." said Miss Darcy, as her brother helped her up the front steps and onto the porch.
"She is here, Dearest. In fact she has been hard put to try to make me less anxious concerning your arrival." replied Darcy, as one of Mr. Bingley's footmen opened the door for them.
Mrs. Jackson, Mr. Bingley's housekeeper told Miss Annesley that their chambers were ready, if she and Miss Darcy's abigail would follow her up the staircase.
"William, just before we left Pemberley, this letter was delivered, with the understanding that I was to place it directly into your hands. I believe that it is from Anne. I think that she and Miss Jenkinson smuggled it out of the house at the same time Aunt Catherine posted that unkind letter to me. She is always sending Miss Jenkinson to post her letters and perhaps Anne gave her the letter to her to post, and made it clear that she wanted it to be placed directly into your hands." said Georgiana taking the letter from her reticule.
Mr. Darcy could see that the letter was written in his Cousin's handwriting. He quickly broke the seal and read the following:
My Dearest Cousin,As are no doubt aware, I most definitely do not share my Mother's opinions of your choice in a bride. As you know, I never wished to marry you. I could never be Mistress of Pemberley. I am having trouble enough learning to manage Rosings, not that I am not grateful to you and Cousin Marsden. You have given me good advice. I wish both you and Miss Elizabeth very happy. I am sorry that my Mother has put forth an edict about attending your wedding. Perhaps one day, you and she will once again be of one accord, until then, I suppose the only way that I will be able to keep in communication with you, is with this method, or if Mother sends Miss Jenkinson and Myself to Matlock and we just happen to make our way to Pemberley. Please give my good wishes to Miss Elizabeth. I must close now, Mother came too close to my writing desk and almost read some of my letter. Until I see you once more, I remain.
Yours and c,
Anne Amelia de Bourgh
Finishing the letter, Mr. Darcy and his sister entered the Drawing Room, where Elizabeth sat, waiting for Mr. Darcy and Miss Darcy. She stood up, held out her arms and Miss Darcy hurried to her future sister-in-law, who embraced her warmly.
"From this day forward, we will be sister for life." whispered Georgiana, as she welcomed Lizzie into her family.
Turning around, with a start, Georgiana hurried to her brother.
"I have forgotten something, Cousin Marc and Cousin Kate are behind me by four days, so we will be seeing them quite soon." announced Georgiana, happily.
"Are you enjoying yourself, My Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth?" asked Mr. Darcy, as he gently pushed his betrothed on the swing that was hanging from the large oak the held a prominent place in the gardens at Longbourn. As Mr. Bingley and Miss Bennet found that the little recess in the hermitage was a perfect place to further their courtship, Lizzie and Mr. Darcy took advantage of the swing that Mr. Daniel Bennet had put up when Jane and Lizzie were little girls. Because Mr. Darcy and Lizzie were taking advantage of the swing on this most unusually warm day, it put them in the position of observing the arrival of The Gardiners. Lizzie had been looking forward to the arrival of her Aunt and Uncle ever since she has apprised them of hers and Mr. Darcy's betrothal.
"Oh yes, I am enjoying myself, and if you were not such a very dignified Gentleman, you would be pushing me a bit higher than you have been." replied Lizzie teasingly.
"Ah yes, you are not afraid of anything, are you, My Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth?" countered Mr. Darcy, as he pushed Lizzie higher.
It was at this moment that Lizzie noted the arrival of her Uncle's carriage, and mentioned it to Mr. Darcy, who gently brought the swing to a halt, helped Lizzie from the swing, and the couple made their way back to the house. The soon were a part of the group who stood awaiting the carriage. Which soon could be seen pulling up to the front steps.
When Mr. Edward Gardiner, his wife and family disembarked from their stylish and well-sprung carriage, they were welcomed warmly by the Bennets. Since Mrs. Bennet was not aware of who had truly been the Bennet's benefactor as regards to Lydia, she tearfully showed her undying gratitude to her brother, and before she embarrassed her brother any further, Jane quickly brought her betrothed to be introduced to the Gardiners, who, in his words, was "quite glad" to meet Miss Bennet's London relatives. Mr. Bingley was just has happy to make the acquaintance of the young Gardiners, who were not the rag-mannered group that Caroline had described. All of the young Gardiners, save Miss Maria Elizabeth gathered around their oldest cousin to give her hugs and be hugged back. Miss Maria Elizabeth seeing a familiar face, hurried over to Lizzie, who quickly scooped her up into her arms, even if she was becoming quite a big girl.
"Lizzie! Do you know M'randa's Knight." the little girl asked in an incredulous tone.
"Miranda's Knight, what do you mean, Dearest?" asked Lizzie, curiously, until she recalled the story her young cousin had told her of the anonymous Knight who had rescued her beloved rag doll from a high tree branch after being put there by Neddie when they had come to Longbourn just before she and her Aunt and Uncle left on their summer travels. So Mr. Darcy had been saviour to her Family not once, but twice had he.
"Yes Dearest, I am well acquainted with Miss Miranda's Knight. It is he whom I shall be marrying, Dearest. He visited at Mr. Bingley's house last October and November, and when your Mama, Papa and I were traveling, we visited his house in Derbyshire and we saw him once more." replied Lizzie. In a tone for just his ears alone, Lizzie teased Mr. Darcy by asking to allow her to show him the proper gratitude for once again taking the trouble of going to the rescue of a member of her family and swallowing his dignity in order to perform the rescue.
"I honoured to become Miss Miranda's dedicated Knight. I made your young cousin's acquaintance once more when I called in Gracechurch Street with regards to your Sister and Mr. Wickham." replied Mr. Darcy.
"Mr. Darcy, M'randa wishes to give her Knight a kiss. She does not have the measles anymore." said Maria Elizabeth, sweetly, as Mr. Darcy surprised Lizzie, by going down on one knee so he would not tower over the little girl, and let her put her doll up to his cheek and make the sound of a kiss.
Of course Masters Edward and Caleb had to tell Lizzie all about their "smashing kite" and how Mr. Darcy had helped them with it.
"Lizzie, you will like Kate very much. I do not know why, but she just makes things so interesting," Georgiana had told her, as they were helping Jane to decide how she wished her private sitting room to be arranged.
Hearing what Miss Darcy had said about Lady Marsden, Miss Caroline Bingley just had to add he tuppence worth to this," Of course, you know what they say about birds-of-a-feather. Everyone knows what a hoyden Lady Marsden was, and that it was the Honourable Annabella de Lisle who was to marry Marsden."
Lizzie ignored this, as she asked Mr. Darcy about his cousin, the Viscount.
"Marc, he is very amiable, and yes I will admit that Kate is a bit unusual, but you will discover, my Dearest, Loveliest Elizabeth that you have something quite in common with the Viscountess." said Mr. Darcy in a teasing, but intriguing tone.
"What could I possibly have in common with your cousin's wife and why are trying to sound mysterious, William?" asked Lizzie, after having heard her betrothed mention that she had something in common with the Viscountess Marsden.
"Let us just say that I was not the only one of Lady Catherine's nephews who came under her watchful eye with regards to matrimonial plans. You heard Miss Bingley speak of a Miss de Lisle, she was my Aunt's goddaughter. She saw her as being the right and proper wife for Marsden, just she thought that Anne was the perfect candidate for the position of Mistress of Pemberley. Marsden did not think so. I have heard some of the particulars of Marsden's courtship with the Dashing Baroness Lochmaben from my Cousin Fitzwilliam. James made the courtship sound quite amusing, though Lady Catherine did not think so." replied Mr. Darcy.
Lizzie wondered if the Viscountess Marsden had stood up to Lady Catherine as she had done, but she no more time to wonder, as The Marsden's traveling coach pulled up in front of the house. Mr. Bingley, Jane, Miss Bingley, the Hursts, Mr. Darcy, Lizzie, Georgiana, and Mrs. Gardiner exited the house to greet the new arrivals. Lizzie watched as the coach's doors were opened and just as a footman was about to let down the steps, a most amazing thing happened. One of the passengers, jumped out of the coach with impunity. This passenger appeared to be a very tall female, wearing an emerald green traveling dress. She wore a very stylish hat set at a very rakish angle. Lizzie was just able to catch the glimpse of some rich auburn curls, eyes like sparkling emeralds. She also noticed quite a liberal sprinkling of freckles on a slightly tip-tilted nose similar to hers. Not that she abhorred freckles, as she had quite a liberal sprinkling of freckles upon her own nose.
When the steps were let down, a tall gentleman who looked quite in the same mold as his younger brother, this, Lizzie surmised was the heir to the Earldom of Matlock, the Viscount Marsden, and the Lady was his Viscountess.
"Marsden, you probably remember Bingley, Miss Bingley, and the Hursts? This is Bingley's betrothed, Miss Bennet." said Darcy.
Lord and Lady Marsden exclaimed that it was a pleasure to meet the "Angel" who had stolen Mr. Bingley's heart away.
"Now Darce, when are we to be made known to your Miss Elizabeth Bennet?" asked Marsden, in a teasing tone.
"Presently, Marc," replied Darcy, in a similar tone." Marsden, Kate, I would like to make known to you my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, this is my cousin Marsden and his Viscountess."
"Your Lordship, your Ladyship." said Lizzie, curtseying, which would have caused some discomfort for the newly arrived pair, but for some quick thinking on the part of the Viscountess Marsden, who smiled a mischievous smile and winked a conspiratorial wink at Lizzie.
"I am Kate to my intimates, and I believe that you will be so very soon, if you must be formal, refer to me as Katherine. It is truly a pleasure to finally meet the young Lady who caused so much of Darcy's discomfiture in the spring." Lady Marsden informed Lizzie, in a tone that was meant for her ears only.
"I imagine my Bonny Kate has just informed you that you are to call her Kate, if so, then, I am to be just Marc or Marsden if you prefer. You will find that Kate is a shameless hoyden, as you probably observed by her exiting our coach." said Lord Marsden, as he embraced Lizzie warmly.
"And you will find Marsden to be the veriest Rogue, and will tell you how he tamed me. It was not the case, it was the reverse." said Kate, in a mischievious tone.
Lord Marsden had informed Mr. Darcy that the coach containing the children would soon be arriving, which it soon did. As soon as the second coach arrived at Netherfield, the doors were opened and Marcus Edmond, Baron Fitzwilliam and the Honourable Nerissa Katherine Deborah Campbell Fitzwilliam disembarked, along with Fiona, their nurse, Miss MacKenzie, their governess, with Heathfield, Lord Marsden's valet and Morag, Lady Marsden's kinswoman and abigail.
As the party reentered the house, Lizzie found herself walking with her Aunt Gardiner, who surprised Lizzie by mentioning that she had been acquainted with Lady Marsden's mother, as they had been at school together.
"I cannot believe how much she resembles her poor, dear Mother." exclaimed Mr. Gardiner.
Posted on Thursday, 12 July 2001
Lord and Lady Marsden
or
The Two Hoydens cont.
Following the arrival of Lord and Lady Marsden at Netherfield, being that until the weddings, Miss Bennet could not act officially as Mr. Bingley's hostess, Miss Bingley rang for the tea tray along with an assortment of cold meats, breads, cheese, fruit, fresh biscuits and cherry tarts from Mrs. William, Mr. Bingley's excellent cook.
Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley and Miss Bennet sat together at one end of the Drawing Room discussing all the linens, drapery and such that would make the rooms at Netherfield stylish. These suggestions, Miss Bennet took some very large grains of salt and her very serene smile. Miss Bingley's strident tones carried to the other end of the room. where Lizzie, Lady Marsden and Mrs. Gardiner sat, discussing the surprising facts that had been revealed about her Aunt Gardiner's acquaintance with not only Lady Marsden's sainted mother and Lady Paxton, both Lord and Lady Marsden's godmother. Though Lizzie had memories of Lady Paxton calling upon her Aunt Gardiner in Gracechurch Street, when she was a young girl. The sound of Miss Bingley's strident voice, caused Lizzie to roll her eyes, and when her sister Jane caught Lizzie's eyes, it was all that she could do to keep her serene countenance.
Kate noticed this and smiled mischievously to herself. The tale she had heard from her husband, as related by Darcy was proof enough that Kate had found a kindred soul in this simple appearing country lass. No doubt Darcy had told his Miss Elizabeth that she was not the only young Miss who had all but thwarted her matrimonial plans for one of her nephews, her brother's heir, at that.
"Katherine, I have lately heard that Charis has become quite ill, as we both use the services of Sir Edwin Penrose as our physician, I am curious to discover how she goes on?" asked Mrs. Gardiner.
"I am afraid that when I last called upon her, she was quite ill. I am informed that it is her heart. Sir Edwin has prescribed a quiet rest in Somerset at Paxton Abbey, though I am afraid that Sir Edwin holds out little hope for her. Though she recovered well from her last heart siezure and only time will tell." replied Kate.
"Charis will be missed. She has been a very good friend. I will keep her in my prayers." said Mrs. Gardiner.
As Lizzie sat listening to the conversations around her, once again she rolled her eyes at still more of Miss Bingley's and Mrs. Hurst's suggestions for the redecoration of Netherfield. Once again, Kate noticed this and chuckled. She decided that now was the time for her to have a nice quiet coze with Darcy's Miss Elizabeth.
"Miss Elizabeth, I have been told that we have much in common. I would like to ask you about it." said Kate.
Lizzie smiled at this, for Lady Marsden was referring to her similar dealings with Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
"I would have put it quite in that way, Kate, but I suppose we have at least one thing in common." replied Lizzie.
"Well said, Miss Elizabeth. I imagine you know that I refer to my dealings with Marsden's Aunt Catherine. She is quite this family's most difficult member, but I am quite familiar with difficult family members. I also know that you thwarted Lady Catherine's matrimonial plans for Darcy and Miss Anne de Bourgh. I say this, because I had similar dealings with Lady Catherine myself. To Lady Catherine, I am "that red-headed hussy". I schemed my way into Marsden's notice, as if his curricle almost colliding with my phaeton was my fault, when my coachman had the right-of-way. I was not pleased with his driving at all, but still as we found ourselves meeting in odd places, such as the park, I found that there were some good things about my Lord Marsden that I could like. Marsden, Colonel Fitzwilliam and a childhood friend of mine assisted me, when there was some trouble at my seaside resort in Dorset. That I assure you was not scheming, besides Marsden did not wish to marry Lady Catherine's goddaughter in the least, no matter how many times she tried to convince me that they were betrothed. The Honourable Miss Annabella de Lisle, I am afraid makes Dear Anne seem lively, but if Lady Catherine only knew of what Darcy and Marsden have been doing for their cousin, she would be quite surprised. They have been helping her learn all about estate management. In actuality, Anne is more lively than one would think." said Kate.
As Kate and Lizzie spoke, the "two hoydens" laughed over their experiences with Lady Catherine. Kate especially scandalised Lizzie with her impressions of Lady Catherine, especially when it had become evident that the heir to the Earldom of Matlock had chosen for his Viscountess and future Countess, the "very dashing" Baroness Lochmaben. Lizzie smiled and decided that Lady Marsden did, as Georgiana, had said "make things so interesting." Lizzie had just the Matlocks to look forward to meeting, and it would not be long.
Posted on Saturday, 14 July 2001
The Earl and Countess of Matlock
of
Old Acquaintances Revealed
The day the Earl and Countess of Matlock arrived at Netherfield, had dawned as rather a bit rainy, while the ladies assisted Jane in choosing new linens and draperies for the house, the gentlemen held a small billiards tournament. As it progressed, Lord Marsden mentioned that he was of the opinion that his Father and Mother would be arriving later that morning and if he was not mistaken, his brother would also be with them.
"Though I cannot for the life of me conceive just why James had to linger in town for so long." said Lord Marsden, in a conspiratorial fashion to his cousin.
"Perhaps he had to see to Rebecca's needs. James has been most diligent in that respect. You know that Aunt Catherine wishes Becky and the twins to come and live at Rosings, Marc." replied Darcy.
"Yes, Darce, I am afraid that must be avoided at all costs." stated Lord Marsden.
"Becky will be completely out of mourning by the beginning of the Season, I believe and James mentioned that she has been threatened by someone." said Darcy. A. N. This is a most shameless reference to my story "A Short Season", and its most unusual guest stars. LYLAS, YGA
"She must be protected, and James has been very diligent in that respect also." replied Lord Marsden.
Before the gentlemen could go any further with their conversation, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Bingley's butler announced the arrival of the Earl and Countess of Matlock and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, Lord Marsden and a complaining Mr. Hurst exited the billiards room and made their way to the front hall where they were also joined by the Ladies. Darcy crossed the hall to join Lizzie. He most politely proffered his arm and when Lizzie took it, he brought his betrothed to his Aunt and Uncle to introduce her most formally.
"Aunt and Uncle Matlock, I would like to present my betrothed, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, I would like to present my Uncle and Aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock." said Mr. Darcy.
"We are most pleased to meet you Miss Elizabeth, we have heard much of you." said the Earl, a statement, which caused Lizzie's face to colour, as she wondered just from whom the Earl and Countess could have heard about her.
Lizzie smiled sweetly and replied that his Lordship was most kind. The Countess, on the other hand, embraced Lizzie warmly, and both the Earl and Countess welcomed Lizzie to the family.
After having had a chance to freshen-up and have a short visit with their grandchildren, Lord and Lady Matlock joined everyone in the drawing room for a light nuncheon and tea. As Lord and Lady Matlock entered the room, Lady Matlock's eyes alighted on someone in the room and she soon had to insist that her husband bring her across the room so that he could make the acquaintance of her Dear Maria.
"Maria Martin, is it not?" asked the Countess, excitedly, having discovered in the person of Mrs. Gardiner, an old school fellow.
"It is Gardiner now." replied Mrs. Gardiner, who was soon gathered up in a warm embrace from her Dear Rebecca.
"James, you must make your bow to your Dear godmama." the Countess reminded her second son.
"Yes Mama," replied Colonel Fitzwilliam." Good Day Godmama. It has been quite sometime since I have called on you in Gracechurch Street. Perhaps now that your niece is about to join our family, I shall call more often."
This exchange between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Gardiner brought varied reactions among all those gathered, including Mr. Darcy, who immediately enquired of Lizzie if she were aware of the fact that her Aunt was his cousin's godmother.
"Well, actually, I had forgotten until the Colonel had asked after my Aunt Gardiner's health, while I was visiting in Kent in the spring. I may even have some vague memories of your Aunt calling on my Aunt Gardiner, while Jane and I stayed in London while we were young girls." replied Lizzie.