17. Chapter 17
M onday morning, Elizabeth’s eyes popped open before the sun had risen.
She did not know why she had woken up so early.
She did feel somewhat anxious, but why? There was nothing pressing that required her attention.
Her heart whispered that Mr. Darcy’s leaving Longbourn was the reason.
She sighed. Elizabeth would never forget this brief time they had together.
She knew it was likely they would see each other occasionally while she was in London, but she doubted there would be any more private conversation between them.
He would not be free to show her the same attention there.
Not with the eyes of London society everywhere.
No, those days were now past. She would enjoy these last hours in his company, but after that, she needed to turn her mind to what lay ahead.
In just a few days’ time, she would be forming new acquaintances and meeting eligible gentlemen.
Would she even be in the right frame of mind for that?
It turned out she did not have hours in his company. The road to London was now clear, enabling Mr. Darcy and his party to leave bright and early.
After their guests departed, Elizabeth and her sisters took a walk around the grounds in front of the house.
“I hate to say it, but it was very nice getting to know Georgiana and the gentlemen without our family present,” Mary said. “I do not think things would have gone as well had they been here.”
"Jane, did you tell her what Aunt Madeleine said in that regard?” Elizabeth asked.
“No, not yet.”
“What did she say?” Mary asked.
“She said that our chances of meeting worthy gentlemen and possibly forming an attachment are significantly lessened because of our imprudent family,” Jane said.
“In truth, we have several things working against us, Mary,” Elizabeth explained.
“Number one, as we have said, Kitty and Lydia behave shamefully. Number two, you know how Mama carries on, and she cares for no one’s opinion but her own.
Number three, except for when we visit Uncle Edward and Aunt Madeleine, there are no opportunities to meet people because Papa does not care to travel.
Number four, which ironically rhymes with poor, is our financial situation.
Considering how meager each of our portions are, it is better to say we have no dowries.
In this day and age, however, most men want a dowered wife, especially men of our station. "
Jane explained how Aunt Madeleine had made plans to introduce them to a wider society and to eligible gentlemen.
"Aunt Madeleine believes that if we are allowed opportunities to make new acquaintances away from our family, it will be a much better environment to get to know any gentleman who might show interest," Jane said.
"Lizzy and I agree with her. From your words just now, I would say that you agree, too.”
“Oh, yes, I certainly agree,” Mary said.
As they walked back to the house, they saw their father’s carriage coming down the drive. He had likely passed their departing guests on the road.
“Welcome back, Papa,” Jane said. “How was your journey?”
“Tolerably well, thank you, Jane. Are you girls well? You were not injured in the storm?” he asked, looking at each of them.
“No, sir, we were not injured. Everyone at Longbourn is well,” Jane assured him.
“That is good to hear. I was worried for you girls. Was that the Netherfield party I passed on the road?”
“Likely so, Papa. They have been our guests since the storm damaged Netherfield,” Elizabeth replied.
He looked at her. “Netherfield was damaged that badly?”
“Indeed. It is now uninhabitable,” Elizabeth said.
“My word! Did everyone at Netherfield Park make it out safely?”
“Yes, they did. The Olivers and Netherfield’s cook have also been staying at Longbourn. They will wish to speak with you when you are available.”
He nodded. “Well, girls, it appears you have much to acquaint me with. Let me get settled, and I shall meet you in the drawing room.”
Ten minutes later, Papa walked into the drawing room and sat on the couch beside Jane. She handed him a cup of tea. Elizabeth and Mary sat in the armchairs to their right, holding their own cups of tea.
“Mr. Hill tells me that I am indebted to Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley for coming to your aid before the storm,” Papa said, looking at them and taking a sip of tea.
“I do not know what we would have done had Mr. Darcy not thought to check on us,” Mary agreed.
“I am glad he did think to do so. And, I am sorry I was not here with you. Goodness! Two dangerous storms on the same day!” he exclaimed, shaking his head. “Mr. Hill said the whirlwind was very frightening when it hit.”
“It was, Papa. It was terrifying,” Mary confirmed.
“I am sure you girls saw to Miss Darcy’s and Mrs. Annesley’s comfort.”
“Yes, we made sure to do so,” Elizabeth said. “Also, Mr. Darcy’s cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, came on horseback looking for them after hearing about the storm. We offered him hospitality as well.”
“Were you girls treated with respect by these gentlemen?” Papa asked.
“They were perfect gentlemen,” Jane assured him.
He nodded. “Good. Do we know how the tenants fared?”
Elizabeth told him the situation with each of the tenants, as well as the suggestions and assistance she received from Mr. Darcy.
“Also, Mr. Darcy, Jane, and Mary assisted me with assessing the house and the servants' cottage for damage. Everything is well except we found some cracks in a couple of windows in the attic.”
“I shall have a look at them. Anything else?” he asked, taking another sip of tea.
“Yes. After the storm, there was debris everywhere. The men have been working daily to remove it all. Quite a bit of progress has been made, but there is still a ways to go. They focused on clearing the grounds that immediately surround the house first. I have not yet ridden out today to check the progress.”
“Thank you, Lizzy. I shall take care of it. You have done very well in your old father’s absence. Indeed, I am proud of all of you for how well you handled such an unexpected and distressing situation.”
“Thank you, Papa,” they said together, smiling.
“I assume you three still wish to go to London on Wednesday as planned?”
They nodded.
“Very well, then, girls,” he said. "We shall make all the arrangements."
Darcy pulled out his pocketwatch. With another half hour to go, they would be home in time for luncheon.
When Sir William sent word early that morning informing them the London Road was now clear all the way to town, Darcy felt conflicted.
They had all assumed they would not be traveling until the afternoon, and Darcy had hoped to spend the morning in Miss Elizabeth’s company.
However, he could not offer that up as a reason to leave later, so around mid-morning, he found himself taking his leave of her and her sisters.
Darcy looked over to Georgiana. She had fallen asleep about twenty minutes ago. Mrs. Annesley was dozing beside her. Fitz had elected to ride in the carriage for the journey back and was seated next to him. Darcy studied his cousin. He looked preoccupied with something.
“What are your plans once we arrive?” Darcy asked him quietly.
Fitz turned to him and sighed. “I am thinking of addressing “the system” with Mother and Father. Probably best to get it over with before the change in my circumstances becomes public knowledge.”
“Good idea.”
“Why not come with me to Matlock House so you can inform them of your own plans to buck “the system”? We can have luncheon first and then take them by surprise afterwards,” Fitz suggested, one corner of his mouth turned up in a slight grin.
“Why not, indeed? I must tell them at some point, and now is as good a time as any. Thank you, cousin. I believe I shall join you for luncheon.”
As they neared his townhouse, Darcy woke Georgiana. He informed her that he had business with Fitz at Matlock House, and would leave immediately after seeing her home.
The trunks were unloaded while Darcy had a brief word with his butler. Then he and Fitz were off again.
The earl and countess were just sitting down when Fitz and Darcy entered.
“Richard! William!” Aunt Sophia exclaimed. “What a wonderful surprise!”
“Hello, Mother,” Fitz said as he walked over to her and kissed her cheek.
“Is Georgiana with you?” Uncle Byron asked.
“No, sir, she is at home,” Darcy replied.
“William, are you staying for luncheon?” his aunt asked.
Darcy smiled and took a seat. “Yes, Aunt, if you will have me.”
“Of course we will.”
She summoned a servant and instructed him to alert Cook of there being two more present for luncheon.
At that moment, Fitz’s brother Andrew, Viscount Stafford, entered the room. He smiled when he saw them.
“When did you ninnyhammers get back to town?” he asked.
Fitz looked at Darcy, then back at his brother.
“What is the point in telling you, dunderhead, when you have no concept of time?” Fitz shot back.
For the next few seconds, not another word was said. Then, suddenly, the three of them dissolved into fits of laughter.
Once they were able to bring their hilarity under control, Uncle Byron said, “Care to share the joke with us?”
“Ah, no, Father. It is better that we not do that,” Stafford said.
At his words, Fitz and Darcy began chuckling again, while Stafford simply grinned.
The earl and countess smiled at each other and shook their heads.
During luncheon, they spoke about the terrible storm Darcy endured in Hertfordshire and the state of Netherfield Park.
“Do you think Bingley will try to find another estate to lease?” Stafford asked.
“He might. I think if he were to come across another one so close to London, he would definitely lease it,” Darcy said.
After the meal, they continued to visit. Fitz’s new wealth and prospects were discussed. He informed his parents of his decision to begin searching for an estate.