Chapter 25 #2
She had far more pleasant thoughts about a tall, dark, sometimes brooding man from Derbyshire, and at this moment, she was enjoying playing with Lawrence while Charlotte lay on a chaise trying to keep comfortable.
She would miss seeing Charlotte at the soirée to be held at Lucas Lodge that evening. Lady Lucas was already seeing to the arrangements for the night.
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Other than bedding a few serving wenches—for coin—the militia had not been as entertaining as the new Lieutenant Wickham had hoped it would be.
With Reading in Berkshire being far larger than just a market town, the shop owners were far more wary of unknown people.
Neither his charm nor the fact he was wearing a scarlet coat helped him gain any credit.
If Wickham wanted anything, it was for coin.
Thanks to joining in the middle of a month, he had received two pounds in wages, so at least he was able to buy some grog.
The residents of the town did not look upon the militia with a friendly eye, and unfortunately for him, they kept their daughters close to a male in the family. He was never alone with any of them, so he had not been able to work his ‘if you marry me…’ line.
Denny had been a good friend to him, even lending him a few pounds to ‘tide him over’, but he was gone to the town where they would be moving in early November.
It was described as a small market town, so Wickham hoped it would be a better place for him to ply his trade, and if it were similar to Lambton, he should have no trouble obtaining credit and girls.
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The Longbourn and Netherfield Park residents did not part for too long as they were both invited to Lucas Lodge that evening.
As it was, the carriages from the two estates arrived at almost the same time.
Kate, Anna, and Lydia were allowed to attend because it was at Lucas Lodge with friends their family was familiar with, except for the four officers Sir William had told Bennet would attend.
The companions were with the younger ladies, and they had been told that they were not allowed to interact with the officers, something none of the three thought was a hardship.
The good friends all entered together, greeting their host and hostess.
“Bennet,” Sir William delayed his friend. “Do you remember I spoke of four officers?”
“I do,” Bennet responded patiently. His friend was rather garrulous.
“One of them ate something which did not agree with him and is resting at the inn, so there are only three officers here this evening,” Sir William related. “The Colonel, a captain, and a lieutenant. I do believe they found a location for their encampment, just south of the old stables.”
Knowing his friend would not stop for a while, Bennet knew he needed to distract him. “Congratulations are in order, old friend,” he interjected.
“I did not know one of your daughters was engaged or even courting.”
“It is not them; it is me. This wonderful lady,” Bennet picked up Lulu’s hand and bussed it with a kiss, “Miss Bingley has made me the happiest of men and agreed to marry me. We will marry a sennight from Friday.”
“Bennet, you are a sly one. What congratulations must now flow in! I wish you and Miss Bingley happy in your marriage,” Sir William enthused.
Lady Lucas’s eyebrows shot up at hearing the news. She added her good wishes.
Bennet pulled Lulu into a hallway and gave her a quick kiss. “Now that I told Sir William and Lady Lucas also heard, we have told everyone in the area, so we will not have to repeat our news wherever we go,” he said next to her ear in sotto voce.
Louisa gave a little giggle. How she loved this man! She also realised that she had not worn a veil, so she hoped that it would not prove a distraction.
After one more kiss, Bennet and Louisa entered the room where all the guests were. It was a space, Bennet explained to his affianced, that was normally the sitting room, a parlour, and the dining parlour. With the walls pushed back, it made one larger area for entertaining.
Based on all the friends who came over to wish them congratulations and a felicitous marriage, Sir William and Lady Lucas had not wasted any time spreading the good news.
None of those who had been invited were among the number that Bingley had cut due to their reactions to his sister, so for the most part, other than the lieutenant, no one stared.
The militia regiment’s colonel sent Lieutenant Saunderson back to the inn to ostensibly check on, but to remain with, Denny.
He did not need one of his officers running afoul of the local populace before his regiment even marched into the town.
All he needed was a hostile town, like other regiments of the militia had encountered.
Those from Longbourn and Netherfield Park were introduced to Colonel Forster and Captain Carter.
When the two militia men met Colonel Fitzwilliam, they were in awe.
His exploits and bravery in the face of the French on the Peninsula were well known to the militia officers.
Fitzwilliam was joined by Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mary while he spoke to the other officers.
Darcy was satisfied Anna was well and comfortable; she was with Misses Kate and Lydia, who were speaking quietly to Miss Lucas and Miss Cara Long, who were of an age with them.
The three companions were close by as well.
As he was watching his sister, he had not heard the question Miss Elizabeth posed to him.
When she looked at him with an arched eyebrow, he knew he had missed something.
“I apologise, Miss Elizabeth; I was making sure Anna and your youngest sisters were happily situated; I admit I did not hear you,” Darcy stated.
“Mr Darcy, I asked if you did not think that I expressed myself uncommonly well just now when I was teasing Colonel Forster to give us a ball at Meryton?” Elizabeth repeated. “Colonel Forster asked how to make his officers known, and knowing how much you like balls, I suggested he hold one.”
“Balls can be very enjoyable when I am well acquainted with those in attendance.” Darcy looked at Miss Elizabeth intently, causing her to blush, which pleased him greatly.
“Miss Eliza, even if Charlotte is not here, do not think you will escape playing the pianoforte for us. Miss Mary has agreed to play after you,” Lady Lucas teased.
“It is good that Mary is to take her turn after me. With her excellent performance, no one would want to hear me after her. No matter how much I practise, I could never match my younger sister on the instrument. So yes, Lady Lucas, I will play,” Elizabeth agreed.
“And sing,” Lady Lucas pressed.
“As you desire,” Elizabeth allowed. She walked to the upright pianoforte, which had already been opened for her.
Knowing what he did now about her memory, Darcy was not surprised that Miss Elizabeth began to play without any score in front of her. She was an accomplished musician, and she infused the music with much emotion. He sensed Anna next to him and smiled warmly at her.
“It still amazes me that Lizzy can remember anything she sees or reads one time,” Anna said in wonder. “And she plays very well, and with such feeling. I am looking forward to hearing Mary play again.”
“She is amazing, is she not?” Darcy was not only referring to her musical abilities.
At the end of the piece, she played a lively Scottish air, and her perfect contralto voice rose in song, singing in what he could tell was perfectly accented Gaelic.
He would do what he needed to in order to win her heart.
After Lizzy, Mary played an excerpt of a concerto and was as good or better than people expected of her. Subsequent to that, at Sir William’s request, Mary played music for dancing.
Bennet led Lulu to the floor, as did Bingley with Jane.
Darcy presented himself in front of Miss Elizabeth. “May I have the honour of the next two dances with you?” He requested.
Trying to hide her excitement, Elizabeth agreed.
At the end of her set, she relieved Mary and began to play some lively music for a reel. As soon as Mary stood, Colonel Fitzwilliam requested she dance with him; blushing prettily, Mary agreed.
By the time the two groups returned to their respective estates, the members of the parties were well pelased.