Chapter 15
A Discussion of Circumstances
“Ana, I understand Miss Lucas has aided you in your hostess duties?” Lady Matlock asked of her niece though her eyes remained fixed on her son.
“Oh, I adore her, Aunt,” Georgiana said with enthusiasm, sitting close to that very lady on the settee.
“She demands I make decisions and guides me in things I would not otherwise dare to try. We discuss the events in the paper, read yesterday’s news from London, novels, and literary works.
We practice Italian together and, on occasion, Latin.
She has me lead nearly every conversation, and we practice what I will say when confronted with those who might discompose me in a ballroom, at the theatre, and on Bond Street.
Moreover, we made our own tea blends at Longbourn with Miss Mary. ”
“Yet you are neither betrothed nor married? Please tell me you are not a widow, Miss Lucas,” the countess inquired with directness.
“Thank you, Lady Matlock. I am not a widow. Three men in Hertfordshire are considered eligible. Two are my brother and the new apothecary, Mr. Jars.”
“I would have liked to make a tea blend. But I will not arrive unexpectedly to make such a request of someone I am not acquainted with. With that out of our reach, what shall we do today?” Anne glanced at her cousin, then continued to read of society’s on-dits.
The broadsheets were the sole means available to her for learning about the current activities of their society during her enforced sequestering in Kent.
“Aunt, did you see the lines about that duke of a rogue Carpeersworth and the shrew Lady Swatherson. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when said lady learnt he had only been paying her court because of a bet in White’s book.”
“Oh, he went through with the asking for her hand because of a wager? I suspect his cheek bore the mark of her hand, for she has known of it some days.”
Everyone stared at her, and she laughed. “You are correct, for here is the mention of his unnatural blush.” Wordlessly, Anne handed the page to her aunt, indicating the one she found amusing. The countess’s lilting laugh filled the room, and she excused herself to share the news with her husband.
Lady Matlock cast a look over her shoulder to observe Miss Lucas and her son before walking out of the room.
Anne did the same, seeing her cousin neither avoid nor stare at Miss Lucas, but the lady blushed every time she glanced toward the colonel.
She would not hold that against her new friend. Any lady would do the same.
The silence after the countess departed the breakfast parlor did not last. Georgiana said, “I am glad to see both you and our aunt, Anne. I am certain you will enjoy the company and friendship of Miss Lucas. She has encouraged me in every possible way.”
“Forgive my bringing up an indelicate topic, Ana, but you seem to have no lasting effects from what occurred yesterday,” Darcy said. “Are you indeed well?”
Anne was pleased to witness the gentleness in her older cousin’s demeanor when speaking with his sister.
All previous conversations she had observed were between a guardian and a father-like figure above that of a brother.
She was of a mind to believe that Miss Elizabeth had an excellent influence over the cousin closest to her in age.
“I would, had I not spent the night with Miss Elizabeth and Miss Bennet. I explained my history with that man, and Miss Elizabeth diverted me by asking about how I had learned to shoot. I also told them of my initial inability to hit a target ten feet away with consistency, and how Richard did not want anyone who intended to harm me to gain closer proximity. It was hours and hours of work to gain such skill. Richard had me shoot with our gamekeeper. He makes certain I stay in practice, and I know he reports to Richard on my progress.”
“I will give him some coin for his assistance every visit to Pemberley,” Fitzwilliam said without looking up from the paper, the section he held including the current news on the war.
“Miss Elizabeth made me recite, ‘I protected myself as I was taught to do,’ until I felt I was confident in the words. Had I spent the night alone, I would be a fright. But he intended to harm me, said to me things I will never repeat again. I was protecting myself from a beast.”
“I am heartily glad of it,” Darcy said, moving to Georgiana and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. “It is a wonder I thought you too grown to do this but not old enough to choose your own horse. I am proud of the young woman you have become, Ana.”
“Shall we invite the Miss Bennets to tea that you and Mr. Bingley can enjoy more private conversation, Darcy?” Anne spared her cousin a knowing smile.
“Please do. I find meals with you all far more enjoyable than any shared with my own family,” Mr. Bingley exclaimed.
“We will need our friends, for my mother is bound to cause a scandal in her anger. And I am certain it is time I caused one, for I never have. What sort of mischief can one get up to in Meryton?” Anne asked.
“My sister is quite capable of creating scandal,” the earl said, having just joined them. “I am heartily glad to know you want to cause one, Anne.”
When Fitzwilliam moved to speak, Anne shook her head. She cast a look in Darcy’s direction so her other cousin recognized that all awaited his reply.
“Thank you, Anne, but I hope Bingley might join me when I visit Longbourn. I must speak to Mr. Bennet today.”
“Oh, I knew just how it would be. When did you have a chance to ask her for a courtship? Was it here, or did you encounter Miss Elizabeth on your walk this morning? She is very fond of a morning stroll, she calls it.” Georgiana’s joyous satisfaction was palpable.
“I did happen upon her this morning. I hope to have her father’s blessing so that we can marry before Christmas. Then we shall take her home to Pemberley.”
“Please tell Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth I shall send an invitation to tea on the morrow,” Georgiana said.
“Well done, Darce.” Fitzwilliam picked up his coffee, moved to kiss both Anne and Ana on the tops of their heads, then announced the need to send a letter to his commanding officer regarding the comeuppance of a scoundrel.
Mr. Bennet Witnesses the Future Revealing Itself
“Lizzy, I have this great, tall fellow in my study speaking of wanting a future with you. I recall your assuring us, but yesterday, that you had no suitor. Please come with me so we might ascertain the whole of the matter,” Bennet said from the doorway.
“Lizzy?” the ladies in the room chorused.
“I did not dissemble yesterday, and I wished to keep perspective. A man worth ten thousand a year who belongs to the first circles could have any wife he chooses. His selecting me? Too impossible to believe,” Elizabeth said while folding her book closed.
“Wait, it is Mr. Darcy who has come to discuss my having a future with him, yes?”
“Let me just check his card,” Bennet said, winking at his wife while patting his pockets. “Come, we shall verify his identity together.” He stepped from the door so Elizabeth could precede him.
“Thank you, Father,” Elizabeth whispered.
“Your Mr. Darcy was so jubilant when requesting my blessing, he stumbled twice over his words. I never could have imagined your quiet, if affable, suitor could be so animated. He explained how his sister had charged him to find a wife, and a wife who had sisters for her to befriend made all the happier a circumstance.”
“He can be rather excitable.”
“It was a trifle reminiscent of Mr. Collins’s explaining how his patroness had sent him to make amends for inheriting.
Your young man’s list of intentions regarding your care and access to accounts was so numerous that I lost count.
Before allowing him to go on and on, I thought we might first learn your opinion on the matter. ”
Bennet saw Mr. Darcy’s consternation at the suggestion that Elizabeth might not accept him. Once the young man saw her happiness for the seeing of him, his grim mien changed, causing his daughter’s countenance to brighten.
“Yes, Father, this is just the man I hoped would come to claim my hand.”
“I am glad all is in order on that score,” Bennet said, walking to his desk.
Elizabeth slipped her hand into Mr. Darcy’s, and he calmed at her touch.
“I shall not press you on how you have become so intimate in your acquaintance, given that you have both assured me you are decided on one another.”
“Thank you, Mr. Bennet. I swear I will never give your daughter cause to repine.”
“I will miss you exceedingly, Lizzy, but I would never deny you your happiness,” Bennet said to his daughter. “Have you considered when you will marry? I suspect you hope to avoid traveling north during the harsher months of winter.”
“I intend to discuss it with Mother. I am sad to leave Longbourn so soon, but I am anxious to begin my life with my husband.”
“I surmised as much.” Bennet looked at their laced fingers.
“I was charged by Georgiana to request your daughters, Kitty and Lydia, to join her at the seminary so she will have the company of friends who are also family. She also hopes their friend Miss Maria might attend with them. I intend no slight, sir, but with your agreement, this is of greater aid to my sister. Do allow me to cover the cost of tuition. It will be only with their company that Ana will find the courage she requires to see it through. I do intend to make the same offer to Sir William.”
“I see no reason to deny the request. Courage is one thing my daughters display too readily at times. Now, I must send you to Town for your trousseau, Lizzy.”
“My aunt is in residence at Netherfield Park. I am certain she would enjoy aiding you in the purchase of your trousseau, Elizabeth. She will know all you will require. I rather think she will leave Bingley and me at Netherfield with Richard and my uncle in favor of taking Anne, Ana, your sister Jane, and you to Town.”
“Oh,” Elizabeth hesitated.
“As I intend to whisk you away after the third time the banns are read, I prepared a draft to give what is your due in this quarter’s pin money.
I must insist you accept it, Elizabeth. Bingley assures me he intends the same for your sister.
I would look the ogre if I do not follow his example.
You may do with it as you choose. Use it to purchase your trousseau, though I prefer you send all bills to me and spend it on anything else you like. ”
“Ha.” Bennet snorted. “You are an intelligent man. I look forward to debating literary works in the coming years.”
“As do I, sir,” Mr. Darcy said, then turned to Elizabeth. “My dear, I must also ask you not to argue with Aunt Rebecca about what she says you will need to purchase. It is only what is your due as my wife and necessary for our obligations in society.”
Once Mrs. Bennet was again reassured that Mr. Darcy was not obligated to another, she found the news of their betrothal thrilling. When Elizabeth was surrounded by her sisters expressing their congratulations, Mr. Darcy and Bennet stepped back.
“Well done, son. Welcome to the family.”
“I think a wait of five days to follow them to Town to review the settlement seems wise.”
“Ha, you already navigate the intricacies of marriage well.”
“I could not be happier for you and Miss Elizabeth. Never have I seen you in such good humor and so often since meeting Miss Elizabeth,” Bingley nattered, shaking Darcy’s hand.
“It all bodes well for our future felicity, indeed,” Darcy said. “Do encourage Miss Bennet to go shopping with Elizabeth and my aunt. She can aid our betrothed in assembling their trousseaus.”
“Brilliant, Darce. Absolutely brilliant. I will tell Jane once they are done speaking amongst themselves.” Bingley slapped Mr. Darcy on the back. “I gave the draft to the countess earlier this morning.”
“To be there when my daughters, who consider twice every guinea they might spend, receive their stipend. Your assurance that my Lizzy will be able to empty a warehouse with the sum is more than even my wife has imagined. And that they must face a countess should they attempt to be difficult about spending your money? Well done indeed,” Bennet acknowledged.
“Elizabeth has already agreed, so she cannot deny the suggestions my aunt makes,” Mr. Darcy whispered out of the side of his mouth.
Bennet called for wine to toast the couples, quite enjoying the arguments he imagined his daughters might make.