26. Chapter 26 #2
“Yes, Elizabeth told me that Jane used to be as shy as I am in company, but she worked to overcome it,” Georgiana added.
“Did she?” Aunt Sophia asked.
“Yes, Aunt. Not long after we met, I confided to Elizabeth my feelings of inadequacy. She told me if I put forth the effort, I will grow in confidence just as Jane did. Elizabeth suggested I spend time with a woman I look up to and respect. Then I could learn by observing how she handles different situations and personalities. I of course, thought of you, Aunt.”
Aunt Sophia smiled at her niece. “Very good advice indeed. Is Miss Bennet accomplished?”
“Her embroidery is exquisite,” Georgiana replied.
Aunt Sophia nodded.
“She and Elizabeth are very close and share the same ideal of marrying for affection rather than pecuniary advantage, so you may rest assured she is not mercenary," Darcy informed them.
"When we were in Hertfordshire, it was all over the neighborhood that Bingley was rich. At first, he showed Miss Bennet a great deal of attention, and it was clear her mother wished for the match. Then Bingley began to vacillate between showing her a great deal of interest and not showing her much interest at all. Yet Miss Bennet never put herself in his way or tried to command his attention. So, when I say that wealth and status alone will not impress these ladies, it is no exaggeration. I have witnessed it firsthand in her case, and I have experienced it myself with Elizabeth.”
Stafford slapped Fitz on the back. “Good for you, brother.”
One corner of Fitz’s mouth tipped up in a half grin.
Uncle Byron nodded. “Yes, that is good to know, very good indeed.”
Elizabeth sat between her sisters on the bench opposite her aunt and uncle.
The carriage was drawing closer and closer to Matlock House.
Earlier in the week they had all been surprised when Aunt Madeleine said she had received an invitation to dinner from the Countess of Matlock.
It was to be on Friday, and Lady Matlock indicated it would be a family dinner.
Now, Friday evening had finally arrived.
Elizabeth wondered if the earl’s townhouse would be grander than Fitzwilliam’s.
When the carriage arrived, Elizabeth saw Fitzwilliam and his cousin standing out front, apparently waiting for them.
Mr. Fitzwilliam welcomed them all and ushered them inside.
Matlock House appeared to be similar in size to Darcy House.
The decor, however, was more opulent. It was not done in poor taste, but Elizabeth preferred the more understated elegance of Darcy House.
When they entered the drawing room, Georgiana was waiting at the door to greet them.
Elizabeth was happy to see her, and she was glad to be in the company of Fitzwilliam’s relatives again.
She quite liked the earl and countess as well as the viscount.
Since her sisters were still not acquainted with them, Mr. Fitzwilliam made the introductions.
Elizabeth noticed he rarely took his eyes from Jane.
His family gave her sisters a warm welcome and put them at ease.
They particularly made a point of getting to know Jane.
Dinner was excellent. The conversation was lively and interesting. Being in the company of such clever, informed people made for a very enjoyable evening. Elizabeth looked forward to spending many such evenings with Fitzwilliam’s relatives.
A few days later, Elizabeth and her sisters were sitting in the drawing room reading. Aunt Madeleine had just come from checking on the children when she saw movement outside.
“Mr. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam have just arrived,” Aunt Madeleine said, stepping away from the window.
Elizabeth and her sisters sat their books aside. They each adjusted their posture and smoothed their skirts. A minute later, the gentlemen were announced, and greetings were exchanged.
“Mrs. Gardiner, please forgive me for arriving a little before calling hours,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said. “I know Darcy can visit at any hour, so I rode in with him hoping we could convince the ladies to take a walk in the park before other callers arrive.”
Aunt Madeleine smiled. “Not at all. It is wise to indulge in such opportunities while they last. Before long, it will be too cold, will it not? You all enjoy your walk.”
When they stepped outside, Elizabeth took Fitzwilliam’s arm, and he offered the other to Mary. They crossed the street with Mr. Fitzwilliam and Jane behind them.
As they entered the park, Elizabeth and Mary asked Fitzwilliam about Derbyshire.
He told them of the climate, the topography, and the people.
Eventually, they came to the pond and stopped to watch the ducks.
Elizabeth noticed that Mr. Fitzwilliam and Jane walked farther away down the side of the pond.
Looking back at her companions, Elizabeth focused on their discussion.
About ten minutes later, Jane and Mr. Fitzwilliam approached.
Elizabeth observed pleased expressions on both their faces.
“Shall we return to the house?” Jane asked, smiling.
They all agreed and left the park. When they returned, Elizabeth noticed an older woman coming out of the house, clearly having just called on their aunt. They allowed her to pass, smiling and nodding respectfully. She likewise acknowledged them and continued on to her carriage.
After removing their outerwear, they rejoined Aunt Madeleine. She rang for tea and asked how they enjoyed their walk.
“I enjoyed it immensely,” Mr. Fitzwilliam said. “Particularly because Miss Bennet agreed to a courtship.”
“That is wonderful!” Aunt Madeleine exclaimed.
“That is excellent news indeed!” Elizabeth said, reaching for Jane’s hand.
Jane could no longer contain her pleasure and beamed brightly. She squeezed Elizabeth’s hand, and Elizabeth squeezed right back.
“He has already received Uncle’s consent to the courtship,” Jane said happily, her face flushed.
“Well then, Mr. Fitzwilliam,” Aunt Madeleine said with a teasing look, “it appears you have attained the same visitor status as your cousin after all.”
Mr. Fitzwilliam chuckled and nodded. “Yes, ma’am, I am thankful to have it.”