Chapter Thirteen
Beth was getting to know all her cousins intimately, and even her uncle and she had become close.
Every few days she received a letter from Gigi, and sometimes a note was included from William.
Gigi and her companion were to go to Ramsgate at the first of June, and once again asked Beth to go along with her, or maybe she and her cousins could all go?
Georgiana really wanted to meet all the cousins. They sounded like so much fun!
“Uncle Thomas, what think you of a seaside holiday? My cousin, Georgiana Darcy, will leave for Ramsgate at the beginning of June and would like us all to go.”
“I am not much for traveling, niece, and you would have to ask Jane if there are funds for such a scheme.”
Mrs. Russell spoke up, “Mr. Bennet, when was the last time you took your girls on a holiday?”
In the past month, Bennet had learned to like and respect Mrs. Russell very much.
He looked chagrined when he answered, “I have never taken the youngest three on holiday. Jane and Lizzy were quite young when we traveled to Derbyshire. That was for Edward’s wedding, so I guess it was not so much a holiday. ”
Jane was listening to the conversation and answered, “There is enough in the household account to pay for a month complete at the seashore. I am sure my sisters would enjoy the change of scenery.”
Kitty started bouncing in her chair, and even Mary and Lydia looked excited.
Lizzy struck the final blow, “Please papa. All the planting is done, and winter damage has been repaired. There is very little for us to do during the summer. A month, or even two, away would not inconvenience Longbourn. The Hills and our steward are more than capable.” Elizabeth Bennet did a great deal for Longbourn by working with her father and the steward they had hired two years back.
Mr. Bennet checked her work, but Lizzy took care of the estate books.
The income had risen by half again what it used to be.
Bennet looked around the room and then looked at John. That young man could say a great deal with a single look. “It seems my ladies wish for a holiday at the seashore, so off we shall go! I can contact Edward about finding a house big enough for all of us.”
“Let me write Cousin Darcy. His man of business already has a list of houses in Ramsgate. I will write him directly!”
Beth wrote to both William and Gigi separately. To Gigi, she just wrote that they all planned to come to Ramsgate for a time during the summer, and to her other cousin she wrote:
Dear Cousin Will,
Might I importune you and your man of business to locate a house at Ramsgate big enough for ten people and their servants for summer? We would like to arrive within a day of Georgiana’s stay if at all possible. The Bennets will pay for one month, and I will pay for the rest.
I think you will approve of the Bennets.
They are a genteel family, and three of the girls are close in age to Gigi.
If she has not already described them to you, Miss Jane Bennet is one and twenty but will have a birthday in July.
Miss Elizabeth has just turned twenty. Miss Mary is eighteen.
Catherine is sixteen, and Lydia turned fifteen in Spring.
All of an excellent age to be friends with Georgiana.
Mr. Bennet and John and Jackson will see to our safety, and Mrs. Russell and Mrs. Greaves will keep us all well behaved.
If any house you find comes with servants, then we will bring only a few. Do let me know what your man finds as soon as possible! We are most excited for a seaside holiday!
Your favorite cousin,
Beth
Three days later:
Cousin Beth,
I will not say ‘favorite’ cousin, since Richard would likely take offense, and maybe even your brother. I would not ask you to make me your favorite cousin, for Gigi would be devastated.
There is a house very near the cottage I rented for Georgiana for the summer. Her move in will be 1 June, and she can stay until 1 September when I will arrive and take her to Pemberley. She is hoping you will travel with us at that time.
The house I have secured for you is rather large, but it is quite close to Seaview Cottage, and your party is numerous.
It has twelve bedrooms. More than you need, but its proximity to Gigi and the ocean I think will make it worth it to you.
There is a housekeeper, a butler, a cook, two footmen, and a maid of all work.
I have paid the lease, so you and Mr. Bennet can decide how to split the cost. I will give the paperwork to John if he would stop in London on the way.
Actually, Gigi just told me she wrote in her letter asking you all to stay with us in London for a day or so and everyone set out together.
Do let us know if this would be possible.
I will escort Gigi to her summer house, and then I must to Pemberley for several weeks.
I will attempt to join at the end of summer.
Your cousin and friend,
William
“I knew handing it over to Darcy was the correct course! He has leased us a large house near Georgiana’s cottage.
There is a housekeeper, a cook, and a couple of other servants in residence, so we will not have to take a lot with us.
Maybe just a couple of maids to help us dress and another footman in addition to Jackson?
Oh! Mr. Hill acts as your valet and butler…
.I wonder if the butler there can act in both of those roles? ”
Uncle Thomas waved his hand in the air, “I am quite sure I remember how to dress myself. If the butler there cannot shave me, I am sure Jackson would be up to the task.”
“Very well. Eddie rarely has enough to do. He can help in the house too. Will you stay at Darcy House before we go on to Ramsgate?”
“No. The girls and I will stay with the Gardiners for a night. We rarely visit them in town.”
“Very well, I will let Gigi know it will just be my crew. We will caravan to Ramsgate on the first. How exciting! I have never had a seaside holiday.”
“And we have never seen the ocean at all.” Lydia injected. It was difficult to tell if she was excited about the trip.
“A wonderful indulgence for everyone! Come Lydie! Show us a smile and a bit of excitement. It will not kill you.”
Lydia simply turned and walked up the stairs, but there was a bounce in her step no one had seen in a great while. It gave her sisters hope.