Chapter 9 Relative Transition #3
“Yes, I did. It was a profoundly moving experience, like being in a museum.” Shaking off the memory, which naturally made her think of William, whom she missed terribly, she cleared her throat and resumed the narrative.
“I also was given a tour of the library located off the music room where are keep the volumes dedicated to musical theory, composition, and history. I never imagined so many books were written on the topic! Of course, all the sheet music is stored there as well, some of those quite old as well. Of no shock whatsoever, it is Miss Darcy’s favorite library. Then—”
“There is another library?”
“My tone carried a similar note of amazement when Mr. Darcy spoke of it. I believe it to be the last library, although I could well be wrong. I did not tour it when I visited Pemberley, but near his office, or perhaps directly attached, is a library exclusively for the family histories and journals, estate records, and business related books. Apparently, many Darcys kept journals, the oldest, he said, belonging to Frederick Darcy, the Irishman who established Pemberley in Derbyshire during the early fifteenth century. Can you imagine? The value of such a thing is incalculable. No wonder those priceless books are separated. I am unsure if this one room stores all the historical family documents, although William intimated as much. After nearly four hundred years, it must be a sizable room to hold them all.”
“Where will you put your books, then?”
Lizzy shrugged. “I am not sure, to be honest. Ideally in our bed—that is, my bedchamber.” Instantly blushing at the slip revealing her secret wish to share sleeping quarters with her husband, Lizzy shot her gaze at Kitty.
Thankfully, she was contentedly humming to herself while packing the London purchases into Jane’s new trunk.
Dashing a silent prayer heavenward for her younger sister’s book indifference preventing her latching on to the last remark, Lizzy added, “Outside of the designated libraries, I saw cases of books in several rooms. Aware as I am of Mr. Darcy’s passion for reading, I would be very surprised if he does not have a case or two in his private chambers.
I am sure I can have the same, if I request it. ”
“I have sent a servant to fetch more boxes,” Mrs. Bennet announced from the doorway as she breezed back into the room carrying a tray of sweet snacks.
Mrs. Hill followed behind bearing the heavier tray with a pot of tea, five cups, and containers filled with cream and sugar.
Dropping whatever was in their hands, the four sisters gathered around the table.
Tea and snacks were a welcome break from work.
Cups poured and small plates piled with the treats, they relaxed into the cushioned chairs and sofa.
Lizzy surveyed the room, rather amazed to discover they had made significant progress.
Most of the floor was clear, the scattered heaps now stowed in the appropriate box, luggage case, or trunk.
Those boxes and furniture pieces to be shipped to Pemberley were in Jane’s unused bedchamber, lined orderly against one wall.
The trunk set aside for Lizzy to take on her honeymoon was, thanks to Mary, packed tidily with plenty of free space available. All in all, a good day’s work!
Between bites, Mrs. Bennet informed them, “While I was downstairs a message arrived from Mrs. Filiatreau. She reports that the florist in Derbyshire can send Jacob’s ladder blooms as you requested, Lizzy.”
“That is excellent news! They were plentiful in Derbyshire, including in the gardens at Pemberley. A beautiful flower with a lovely fragrance. They will blend well with the lavender and honeysuckle, in both fragrance and appearance, to create a fabulous bouquet.”
“Bluish-purple flowers, is that right?”
“Yes, Jane. I saw some that were bluer than purple, the hue varying. Hopefully, the ones Mrs. Filiatreau sends are blue.”
“To match the necklace Mr. Darcy gave you! Oh, it is divine. Can we see it again, Lizzy?”
Lizzy shook her head, Kitty immediately pouting. “Sorry, but I asked Papa to keep it locked in his desk. I cannot fathom its worth, even without taking the sentimental value into account. Frankly, having possession of such a necklace is a frightening responsibility.”
“Might as well get used to it. Imagine the jewels you will have as Mrs. Darcy.” Flipping from a pout to dreaminess, Kitty sighed. “I bet there are cases and cases of diamonds, rubies, emeralds—”
“Precisely why the wedding must be perfect,” Mrs. Bennet interrupted. “Two Bennet daughters marrying wealthy, respected gentlemen of Society. We shall be the talk of the county for ages!”
Jane met Lizzy’s eyes, the sisters sharing a tolerant smile. Their expressions were amused, a contrast to the contortions of dread and embarrassment perpetually worn during the initial weeks of their engagements. Harnessing their dramatic mother was a feat they had found impossible to do anyway.
Moreover, after discussing it privately, the brides-to-be had a revelation.
The near-fatal disaster of Lydia’s actions resulted in a hasty wedding none of them had been informed of in time to attend, even if they had wanted to.
Despite Mrs. Bennet’s brave face and boasting of Lydia being married to a gentleman officer, they saw her pain.
She had been robbed of her honorable, rightful place as a mother, unable to participate in any way.
Therefore, while a tendency to roll their eyes remained and they did from time to time need to pull on the reins, they had agreed to concur with whatever she wanted.
“The flowers are arranged for, even the yellow flowers you wanted, Jane. Roses should not be a problem, and Mrs. Filiatreau has connections that may have late-blooming dahlias or peonies.”
“Thank you, Mama. I am content with whatever she can manage. I am still amazed you talked Reverend Jenney into placing ribbons and flowers on the pews. He is a dear man, but a stickler for traditions.”
Mrs. Bennet looked slightly offended. “He understands what an important wedding this is! Besides, I can be very persuasive.”
“Mr. Darcy spoke to Mr. Jenney, requesting the inclusion as a personal favor.”
Lizzy’s teacup hit the saucer with a sharp clink. “He did? How do you know that, Mary?”
Mary flushed and dropped her eyes. “I was at the church when Mr. Darcy came in. I was in the back pew, praying, so do not think he saw me. I did not mean to overhear, but they were standing a half-dozen feet away!” Finally convinced that no one thought her an active eavesdropper, she explained, “Mr. Darcy specifically noted that allowing modest decoration inside the church was his request as a gift to Mrs. Bennet for her kindness. Is that not kind of him? I do not think he wanted you to know, Mama, so do not make a fuss over it. He does not like undue attention.”
Lizzy was unsure what shocked her more—Darcy’s thoughtfulness toward Mrs. Bennet, whom he pretended fondness for but Lizzy knew he barely tolerated, or Mary’s astute observations of Mr. Darcy’s character.
Lizzy honestly could not recall Mary and Mr. Darcy speaking a single word to each other outside of the obligatory greetings.
As they enjoyed the repast, Mrs. Bennet prattled on, methodically enumerating upon the church decorations before moving on to the wedding cake and breakfast menu.
They had heard the reports a dozen times, but what bride doesn’t adore discussing her upcoming wedding?
Just as the sweets were almost gone, the butler interrupted with a letter for Jane.
“It is from Caroline Bingley.”
“Another one? That makes, what is it now? Three in as many weeks? What is she up to?”
“Now, Lizzy,” Jane said as she tore the seal.
“Perhaps her time away has given her time to reflect. Her correspondence has been quite pleasant. She expresses her delight in my marriage to her brother, and her professions of regard toward me are civil and suggest sincerity.” At the impulsive snorts, snickers, grunts, and huffs, Jane primly rebuked.
“Remember, Caroline is to be my sister. I know she is not entirely trustworthy, and we may never be friends. However, nothing is gained by unkindness.”
“Of course, you are correct Jane,” Lizzy offered, straining for a goodwill tone. “Maybe if you share Caroline’s words, we will improve our opinions and feel the same kindness toward her.”
And then the sun shall turn into a huge block of ice.
Jane narrowed her eyes but, after studying Lizzy’s neutral face, read the letter aloud as requested. Blessedly short, there was only one valuable detail that Lizzy gleaned from the phony, saccharine-laced sentences.
“So, Caroline and the Hursts are to leave Bath this week, returning to London, and are planning to come to Netherfield sometime during the week before the wedding. Oh joy.”
“We knew they would be coming, Lizzy. So will others who are attending the wedding, meaning we may as well accept the onslaught. On the positive, with lots of visitors, you won’t be obliged to spend large quantities of time with Caroline.”
Jane had a point, not that it completely alleviated the queasiness in her stomach. Worse yet, the mention of wedding guests reminded her of news she had been loath to impart. Anticipating her mother’s reaction increased her nausea.
No time like the present, she thought, putting the uneaten scone back on her plate. Opening her mouth to speak, Lizzy got no further than taking a breath, upon which she was hit with a coughing fit thanks to her mother’s next words.
“I do wish my Lydia was one of those attending. Alas, none of my letters have been replied to, so I can only assume she and Mr. Wickham are not coming. It is a very long way and with his position in the army… Gracious me, Lizzy! Take a drink of tea, for heaven’s sake!”