Chapter Twelve #2
Furthermore, William realised Elizabeth did not have adequate time to shop for wedding clothes and he wanted to provide her with the opportunity before leaving Town.
She did of course make some purchases in Meryton, but since Mrs. Gardiner had her niece’s measurements, he had asked her aunt to visit one or two of the well-known dressmakers and make some preliminary arrangements for clothes which Elizabeth might consider after they returned to Darcy House.
Having lived in Lambton, Mrs. Gardiner was familiar with the cooler climate in the north and could easily advise her niece what she might need for that purpose.
As for other clothing befitting her station, Lady Eleanor had insisted on being of service in that quarter, telling William she hoped his pockets ran deep, for she would spare no expense.
He chuckled to himself recalling how Elizabeth had asked Mrs. Gardiner to do her best at restraining the countess from overspending.
“Please, Aunt, I beg of you; do not let Lady Eleanor order more than I shall need. I realise I must dress in accord with my new station as Mr. Darcy’s wife, but it does not mean that frugality and simplicity cannot be observed.”
“Yes, my dear, I shall do my best, but if I am not mistaken, your mother is currently discussing her suggestions with Her Ladyship. I see she is holding a list of some sort, and the two of them appear to be in deep confidence.”
“Oh, Mama,” Elizabeth sighed. “I suppose there is nothing to be done, since I will not be in Town to make my wishes known. I only pray that Lady Eleanor does not have the same penchant for lace that Mama does.”
Mrs. Gardiner quietly chuckled. “I believe you are safe on that account. Though many grand ladies do prefer an excessive amount of lace and feathers, I have yet to see it so with Her Ladyship.”
“Mercifully, Mama will remain here and forgo her need for shopping when the Gardiners return to Town.” She smiled knowingly. “Heaven bless Mr. Bingley for extending his stay.”
Yes, heaven bless Bingley, thought William. His friend had promised to look after Mr. Bennet and the rest of the family during his absence. Assuming Bingley went ahead with his plan to offer for Miss Bennet and she accepted him, he looked forward to having Charles as his new brother.
Following their trip to Ramsgate and their commitments in Town, the Darcys would return to Longbourn, allowing Elizabeth to enjoy several more days with her father before going on to Pemberley.
Elizabeth’s sisters were eager to meet Anna and Georgiana, and he knew it was important to Elizabeth to allow them that courtesy.
The younger girls had been better behaved as of late, and he prayed they would continue to do so.
As for Pemberley, William’s intention was to be in residence no later than the first of August in order to oversee the remainder of the harvest and to give Elizabeth time to get used to her new home while preparing for the Gardiners’ visit later in the month.
All in all, the coming months would be very full, but for Elizabeth’s sake and for the sake of their family, he would make it so and prayed that nothing would interfere with his well-thought-out plans.
Checking his pocket watch, William could see there were yet two hours before the wedding was to take place. At that moment, Richard tapped on his door before entering.
“Ah, I see the happy groom is ready and waiting. Would that I could say the same for Bingley and Lord Nicholas. Speaking of Bingley, I shall be glad to leave our friend behind and enjoy the trip back to Town in the company of the lovely Mrs. Walden. I tell you, if I hear one more word about his ‘angel,’ I think I shall have to threaten the man with bodily harm before the day is out.” They both chuckled.
“One can only take so much mooncalf, and you have certainly given us plenty on that score.”
“Me?!”
“Yes, you, Cousin! Your inattention to the rest of us would be worrisome if I was not aware of your obsession. Heavens, I have never seen you smile so much or be so enamoured with a woman in all my days. I must say, the lady serves you well.”
“Yes, she does.” He smiled broadly. “I tell you, Richard, when I came to Town looking for a bride, I hardly expected to fall in love. Elizabeth is everything I never allowed myself to hope for, and I thank God for His intervention in my life.”
Richard nodded in understanding. “It seems your new relations may be a little rough around the edges, but I must say I rather like them, that is, with the exception of Collins. I could not believe that oaf had the nerve to invite himself to Mrs. Bennet’s dinner party and to your wedding, no less.”
“Bennet says he often comes around unexpectedly, insisting it is his right as the heir apparent. And now that he is courting Miss Lucas, even more so.”
“I observed his interest in the woman, but I had no idea she was purposely allowing his attentions. To accept such a man does not do her credit.”
“Apparently with the prospect of being the future mistress of Longbourn, Miss Lucas was pressured by her family to accept. Elizabeth says Collins paid her little heed until her father increased her dowry not too long ago.”
“So in addition to being a fool, he is mercenary. Darcy, I really have to give Mrs. Bennet a lot of credit. The nerve of that man, saying he should assume a higher position at table and you should go lower since he would one day be heir. I could not hear every word, but the woman was nothing like the hysterical mama we saw at the ball.” His grin was broad.
“She was very good at quietly putting him in his place and frankly, I am surprised she did not banish him to the kitchens for the duration of the meal.”
“I doubt he would have gone willingly.”
“I suppose not. ‘Tis a shame though about Bennet. I rather like the man, and his wry sense of humour reminds me of you.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. I had to laugh to myself when I discovered he also enjoyed using those three and four-syllable words you often spout.”
“I barely noticed.”
“Ha! I find that hard to believe.” He chuckled. Continuing on he added, “I can imagine Georgiana will be happy to have a new sister, five sisters in fact. Although I must say I have never seen a young lady more exuberant than Miss Lydia.”
“‘Exuberant’ is putting it nicely. I have proposed to Bennet that he allow me to sponsor the two younger girls at school this autumn, and he has accepted. The discipline and exposure to a more refined society will serve them well.”
“I heartily agree.”
William frowned for a moment. “Since you mentioned Georgiana, I am a bit concerned. I sent her an express shortly after arriving in Kent informing her of my marriage. The rider came back with a note from Mrs. Younge stating that Georgiana had hurt her hand and would write later in the week after it healed. I sent another letter just before leaving Kent letting her know more of my plans. At the time I told her she need not write if her hand was still troubling her as I would be joining her in another week or so. Even though I told her she need not write, it worries me that I have heard nothing.”
“Not even in a follow-up from Mrs. Younge?”
“Least of all from Mrs. Younge.” He could not help but scowl.
“While Lady Catherine swears by her recommendation, the woman has been a great disappointment and I shall be giving her notice after we arrive at Ramsgate. Your mother claims she has already found an excellent replacement and I intend to interview Mrs. Annesley for the position as soon as we all return to Town.”
“That sounds like a good plan. Mother’s judgement of character has always proved sound, so hopefully you will be pleased with her choice.”
“I hope so too. Nevertheless, when we return to Town later today, I shall send off another express to Georgie letting her know of our impending arrival. It will also give Elizabeth a chance to add her own message.” He smiled broadly.
“Elizabeth is going to be an exceptional mother, as well as an excellent sister.”
“I agree. Even if you had the pick of every woman in the ton, Miss Elizabeth is perfect for you and will make a wonderful addition to our family, despite Lady Catherine’s objections.
” He playfully slapped William on the shoulder.
“Well, Cousin, I think it is time for me to go down the hall and hustle our two friends along.” His grin was broad.
“It appears you are anxious to be off to the manor house though we will be rather early.”
“Richard, I care not how early we arrive or how long I have to wait. As long as we are married today, that is all I ask.”
“Then let us be about it. I shall return momentarily.”
Longbourn
Elizabeth’s Room
“Lizzy,” Mrs. Gardiner said while adjusting the lace veil, “Lady Anne’s pearls are exquisite and the way Jane wove little Miss Darcy’s ribbon in your hair is quite lovely. I cannot get over how well it matches the pink rosebuds around the trim of your dress. However did you manage?”
“When I showed Mama Anna’s ribbon, she remembered seeing the trim at the mercantile and rushed out to purchase it on Saturday after Mr. Darcy left for London. Aunt Maddie, everything is perfect, and I cannot thank all of you enough for helping me this morning.”
“I know this is your wedding, Lizzy,” Lydia interjected, “but if you remember, I thought I would be the first sister to be married. Thus far Colonel F. has been a big disappointment.”
“Yes, but Lydia, Papa is allowing Mr. Darcy to sponsor you and Kitty at school, and once you complete your studies, I am sure your opportunities for finding eligible husbands will be far greater. Do not forget he has promised both of you a season if you do well.”