Chapter Three #4
“He knows of Mary’s courtship to Mr. Barton and is aware of Colonel Forster’s interest in Lydia, but little more. I know Mama and Lydia are not always proper, but how can I say anything against them? Mama has suffered greatly since Papa became ill and Lydia, well, Lydia is just young.”
Over the years, Mrs. Bennet’s nerves had only worsened with her failure to produce a male heir who could secure their estate.
Now with Mr. Bennet’s life-threatening illness, the thought that her five unmarried daughters might not be provided for without the security of a good marriage sent her nerves into a frenzy.
“Sister, you are too kind,” Elizabeth said.
“Of course I cannot blame Mama. She has much to shoulder, especially now. If only she could show some restraint in her effusions. As for Lydia, in my opinion she is spoiled and far too young to be out at fifteen even though Mama insisted the same for us. Being so silly, it is a wonder Colonel Forster has any interest in her at all. Frankly, I believe the man must have a strong constitution. But then, I suppose some gentlemen prefer women with … exuberance.” The two sisters could not help but quietly giggle.
“I hope that poor Kitty does not feel bad with Mary’s good fortune and Lydia’s gloating,” Jane added.
“Unfortunately, Mama can be rather unfeeling when it comes to making her point. I only pray she will not embarrass us at the charity ball. Aunt Gardiner knows my concerns and said that she would speak to her beforehand. Things are very tentative between me and Mr. Darcy, and I do not want Mama to pressure him on my behalf.”
“Surely he will understand Mama’s predicament with Papa being so very ill.”
“I believe he will, but that does not mean he will not be offended by poor behaviour, should it come to that. From what I have been able to discern, the man is positively ruled by proper decorum.”
“And what of you, Lizzy? How do you feel about Mr. Darcy? You express great concern for the gentleman’s wellbeing. Does this mean you are forming an attachment?”
“Oh, Jane, I am not sure. We have not known each other long, and I have yet to fully understand his character. He does intrigue me, though, despite his serious nature. With all of his responsibilities and the passing of his wife, I am not sure if I am the type of woman who could make him happy. Not to mention I know very little of his daughter or his sister. Certainly we have some common interests, but there is much more to consider.”
“Lizzy, Jane,” Mrs. Gardiner called, interrupting their conversation. “Come along. I see that Lady Gwendolyn is in the lane with some of her friends, including Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam. It looks like we are to be a merry party.”
“Yes, Aunt,” Elizabeth responded as she and Jane quickly moved to join the others.
Once Lady Gwendolyn and all of her guests were assembled, Her Ladyship conveyed what her pleasure would be for the afternoon.
First, they would begin by viewing the Great Pagoda, and then make their way through the lovely grounds and finish with a picnic on one of the greens.
All in all, it would prove to be a delightful afternoon.
Following the exchange of more pleasantries, the party commenced with Lady Gwendolyn leading the way.
Mrs. Gardiner allowed her nieces and Mrs. Walden a bit of privacy by joining another group of her friends.
The three gentlemen easily fell in step with their favoured ladies.
William and Elizabeth, eager to speak more privately with one another, casually trailed behind the others while they traversed the grounds and visited the various exhibits.
The afternoon passed quickly. When nearing the green to where Lady Gwendolyn’s picnic was to be held, William gestured to a nearby bench, saying, “Miss Elizabeth, might we sit here and talk a bit more before joining the others?”
“I should like that very much.”
“Without being too inquisitive,” he continued, “I find I would like to know more of your family. Particularly your father, if you do not mind my asking.”
“Not at all. As you know, Papa has been very ill. I have tried not to lose hope that he will make more of a recovery, but the prognosis from our Meryton physician has not been encouraging.”
“May I ask if a physician from Town has been consulted?”
“No, although my Uncle Gardner has said he has an appointment to see someone on the morrow. My Aunt Gardiner’s brother, Mr. Peter Williams, is an apothecary and has recently recommended that we contact a Mr. Geoffrey Mitchell, one of the more prominent physicians here in Town.
Mr. Williams has served as his apothecary on numerous occasions and thinks highly of the man. Have you by any chance heard of him?”
“Indeed I have. Mr. Mitchell happens to be my own personal physician and coincidentally, I have consulted with Mr. Williams on occasion. Forgive me for not making the connection the other day when we spoke of your aunt’s family.
The recommendation is excellent, and I can affirm that Mr. Mitchell has a fine reputation. His medical prowess is among the best.”
She smiled appreciatively. “I shall tell my aunt of your connection. As you can imagine, it has been very difficult for us, particularly my mother. She has always worried for our futures with the estate being entailed, but since Papa’s collapse, I fear her nerves have got the better of her.”
“I am sorry to hear it.”
“I must tell you, Mr. Darcy, with our current situation, my mother is determined to see all of us well-settled should Papa not live long. Thus far, I have not written of you to Mama, though I hope to introduce the two of you at the charity ball. Should she learn of your interest in me while she is yet in Town, she will be very … persistent….” her voice trailed off as she observed William’s momentary frown.
“I understand.”
Elizabeth nervously worried her lower lip and tried not to fidget with her hands as she watched him look off into the distance waiting for him to say more. His silence was unnerving.
“Thank you for telling me,” he said, facing her again. “I am not unaccustomed to matchmaking mamas and have encountered several this season.”
William could see that Elizabeth was somewhat relieved by his response, even though having such knowledge of her mother was a bit unsettling.
“I believe you know both of my parents are no longer living. My own mother was somewhat reserved, but nevertheless a leader in our small community and oversaw many concerns of the village. Sadly, she took ill after the birth of my sister and never fully recovered. She died shortly before my sixteenth birthday.”
“You must miss her very much,” Elizabeth kindly offered.
“I do,” he said reservedly.
“Losing a parent at any age is never easy. I can imagine it must have been equally hard on your sister, being so young.”
“It was. My father perhaps suffered the most, for after her death he withdrew from both of us, solely dedicating his time to estate business. As much as I wanted to remain at home, I was required to return to school. With Georgiana being nearly twelve years my junior, I fear she was sorely neglected by both of us for many years.”
“The dear girl,” Elizabeth said softly. “She must have been quite lonely.”
William studied Elizabeth’s expression. The compassion he saw there prompted him to say, “This is one of the reasons I am seeking a wife, even if it is only a marriage of convenience. My little Anna is a precious child, and I do not want her to spend her youth without a mother, as my sister did.”
“I understand. If it is not too intrusive, may I ask how old your daughter was when Mrs. Darcy died?”
His look was grave. “My wife died from complications in childbirth along with my son when Anna was not yet three.”
Innocently, Elizabeth reached out to touch William’s hand, offering him solace.
This was the second time she had extended comfort in this way, and it moved William to know that Elizabeth was so kind-hearted.
In this instance, he could not be wrong in wanting to know her better.
If they married, her caring nature would be a blessing to his family.
“Please forgive me; I did not know you had lost a child, too. I am so very sorry.”
He purposely placed his free hand on top of hers and gently squeezed it as he struggled to say, “We rarely speak of it. My son was stillborn. The cord became wrapped around his neck during the birth, and there was nothing that could be done to save the babe.”
“Oh, Mr. Darcy,” Elizabeth nearly sobbed when she saw a single tear escape the corner of his eye. Not bothering to wipe her own moist cheeks, she placed her free hand upon their joined ones and squeezed his in return. “‘Tis too sad.”
“You are very kind, Miss Elizabeth. I thank you.”
Composing herself, Elizabeth said, “‘Tis nothing, sir.” She smiled with compassion again, attempting again to ease his suffering.
“If we are to proceed, it is important that we learn more of each other. And if you recall, I did say I would not be opposed to listening should you care to share your burden.”
“Yes,” he sighed, reluctantly releasing their hands.
“I do recall. And even though you said as much, I must apologise. Although I do want you to know some of my past, my original intent was to learn more of your father and your family.” The corner of his mouth turned up.
“It seems you are indeed a good listener.”
“So I have been told,” she momentarily blushed.
“With regard to my family, my father’s estate is one of the largest in the vicinity of Meryton, though nothing compared to what my aunt has said of Pemberley.
In the past, I often accompanied him when he visited our tenants and assisted him with his ledgers as much as he would allow.
I hate to admit it, but Papa is no more than a simple country squire who does not particularly enjoy being a gentleman farmer. ”
“How is that?” he wondered out loud.
“Papa is an astute scholar, and if he had his way, he would have gladly remained at Oxford with the ambition of becoming a university professor. He was an assistant before he inherited. While he was in residence, his older brother died unexpectedly, requiring Papa to return home and become master of the estate. His brother had not taken a wife, so there were no sons to inherit. Consequently, it fell to my father.”
“I see.”
“Unfortunately, Papa was not particularly frugal and has since admitted that he should have economised over the years. While the estate cleared some two thousand a year, he did not plan for five daughters. With each passing year, my parents hoped to sire a son, thus breaking the entail when he became of age. And now with my father’s sudden illness, the future of his daughters has been deferred to their ability to make good matches or to remain at the mercy of kind relatives following his death. ”
Trying not to show his displeasure with Mr. Bennet’s lack of responsibility, he commented, “I have known others who have suffered because of their estates being entailed to the male line. I cannot agree with the practice. And while I would prefer to sire a male heir, Pemberley is not entailed.”
“Your family is fortunate in that respect.” Wishing to redirect the conversation in a more positive tone, Elizabeth added, “Notwithstanding his shortcomings as a landowner, I think you would enjoy Papa’s company.
In addition to his love of literature, he has a rather wry sense of humour and loves a good game of chess. Do you happen to play, Mr. Darcy?”
“I do, but it has been quite some time since I have enjoyed a good match. With my responsibilities, I rarely have the chance to play.”
“Before Papa took ill, he and I played nearly every evening. Perhaps you and I might enjoy a game sometime in the future. I dearly love to win,” she boasted, causing him to laugh.
“Yes, I can imagine you are rather competitive, and I should be happy to take you up on the offer as I, too, enjoy winning.”
While there were many more things both William and Elizabeth wished to say to one another, they had shared much.
Now that everyone was situated on the green and enjoying the repast provided by Lady Gwendolyn, William suggested that they join the others.
The remainder of the afternoon proved to be quite lovely.
Note: The Great Pagoda at Kew Gardens in London was completed in 1762. It was designed by Sir William Chambers (1723-96) and was built as a gift to Princess Augusta, the founder of the Botanic Gardens.