Chapter 31
Not long after the residents of Matlock House broke their fast—Fitzwilliam had joined them for the meal so Darcy’s servants would not need to put themselves out—an affirmative reply was received from Miss Bingley inviting any who wanted to come to Hertfordshire to be hosted at Netherfield Park.
She stated that there were more than enough suites available.
Lady Matlock sent a note to Hilldale House on Portman Square to inform Andrew and Marie of the invitation. Soon, the man returned with a message that Lord and Lady Hilldale would join them. It was decided to depart in two hours.
“In all of the excitement, I forgot to mention that by the time we arrive at Netherfield Park later today, William may be courting my Mary’s next older sister,” Fitzwilliam shared.
He did not miss the looks of surprise on his family’s faces.
“He is very lucky he apologised right away for his intemperate words at the local assembly. I get the idea that Miss Elizabeth can be rather stubborn if she so chuses.”
“It is fortunate that Lady Catherine is already a resident of Bedlam,” Anne observed wryly. “Had she not already lost her mind, hearing that William is courting any woman who is not me would have pushed her over the edge.”
There were no words of disagreement to Anne’s statement.
As soon as the meal was complete, the residents of the house went to verify that their packing was proceeding anon.
Fitzwilliam went back to Darcy House to gather the few items of clothing he had brought with him.
He would ride in one of the coaches and allow Invictus to be led behind the last carriage in the convoy.
As far as he was concerned, they could not arrive at Netherfield Park soon enough for him to see Mary again.
Being away, even for only two days, had proved one thing to him.
He loved Mary! His every free moment had been spent thinking about what she was doing and wondering if she missed him as much as he missed her.
Not seeing her every day made his heart ache which only confirmed that she was essential to his future felicity.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As they neared the completion of the first sennight since their wedding, the only thing Bennet regretted was not meeting Lulu some years sooner. He stopped himself as he remembered his illogical determination not to marry again.
Had he met her before, he would possibly not have been open to loving this magnificent woman, without the effect Collins had had on him. He supposed that in His wisdom, God had allowed them to meet when it was the right time. Who was he, Thomas Henry Bennet, to question His plan?
Bennet was sitting in his study making sure there were no urgent issues he needed to address.
It was the first day since his wedding he had done so.
No matter how much he enjoyed spending time in Lulu’s exclusive company, especially in their shared bed, he would not be one to sit between two stools where one falls to the ground.
[4] Thankfully, he had a very understanding wife who was using the time to meet with Mrs Hill and Cook.
Bennet saw an epistle from Phillips in the pile and opened it and began to read.
30 October 1811
17 Main Street
Meryton
Bennet and Mrs Bennet:
It is with the greatest of pleasure that I inform you that my dearest Charlotte, with the Grace of God, gifted me with a daughter in the early afternoon today.
We have named her Sarah Harriet after her maternal grandmother and my late wife, Hattie.
I have much for which to be thankful as both mother and daughter are seemingly well and happy. Little Lawrence, who, as you know, will be 2 in 4 days, was as pleased as a toddler could be that he had a sibling.
A note was sent to Netherfield Park to inform your daughters that they have another cousin.
My friend, I suspect we will see you when your fortnight honeymoon is complete. As I understand your desire to have some time alone, please do not call before then. Enjoy your time together.
Phillips
Bennet was pleased for his former brother-in-law and planned to share the news with his wife as soon as he saw her again.
Louisa had received a note from Aunt Hildebrand which she knew would interest Thomas.
Hence, she made her way to the study where her husband was busy with any essential business to which he needed to attend.
Even though Thomas had given her leave to enter his study without knocking when she needed to, she still gave a single knock before opening the door.
She felt warm all over when she saw the pleasure reflected in Thomas’s face on seeing her.
“Lulu! You must be a soothsayer! I was just thinking how I wanted to share this news,” Bennet held up the note, “with you.”
“I received a note from Aunt Hildebrand which I think you should read. What say you we swap them and we can each see the news the other wanted to impart?” Louisa suggested.
Bennet agreed and after he joined his wife on the settee between the windows, they gave each other the missive they had.
While his wife exclaimed with pleasure at the news in Phillips’s message, Bennet read the one from his new aunt.
31 October 1811
Netherfield Park
Lulu and Thomas,
An epistle arrived from former Colonel Fitzwilliam yesterevening.
He made a request that his parents, brother and sister-in-law, and his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, along with her companion, be hosted at Netherfield Park.
According to the now Mr Fitzwilliam, they are all very keen to meet the lady (Mary) who inspired him to resign from the army.
I assume they will arrive later today. If you two are willing to attend, I am planning a family dinner to welcome them on the morrow. I know that it is only a day more than a sennight since you married, so if you two chuse to remain sequestered at Longbourn, I will understand.
I must take this opportunity to tell you how it did my heart so good to see how happy you two are together. When I saw you at St Hugh’s, I did not want to intrude on the cocoon of your love in any way. It is why, other than to greet you, I said nothing else.
My prayer is that you two will have many years of making one another happy. If He grants you children, then so be it.
If I do not receive a reply from you, I will assume you have chosen not to go out into a larger group yet.
With warmest regards,
Aunt Hildebrand
“I assume this means that Fitzwilliam has requested a courtship from Mary and has been accepted. If it was more than that, Phillips would have communicated it. I wonder if Darcy has taken the bull by the horns yet or if he is still holding back,” Bennet stated.
“It is a good thing that Mr Darcy does not assume that Lizzy will fall at his feet because of his wealth and position in society. What say you about the dinner, Thomas? Can you stand being in the company of others for a few hours?”
“As long as you would like to go as well, I will agree. Lulu, as much as I like being sequestered with you, I do not object to seeing our daughters or any of the rest of those who will be present.” Bennet saw the way his wife arched her eyebrows at his saying ‘our daughters’.
“Do not look at me so. The day you married me, you became their stepmother, even if they will not address you as Mama.”
“Yes, I suppose, technically you are correct.” Louisa beamed at her husband and then became more subdued. “Do you think I should wear a veil?”
“Absolutely not! There is no reason to hide your beauty. Do not forget, you will be among family, and I am sure Fitzwilliam has told his family you have a birthmark. Besides that, should they insult you, they insult me and all of my daughters. That being said, I do not believe it will be an issue. These are people of class and education. If the reactions of the Darcys and Fitzwilliam are a predictor, there is nothing for us to be concerned about.”
Louisa could not but kiss her husband languidly. She had not imagined she could love as deeply as she loved Thomas. “I will write a note accepting the invitation for dinner, and if you have completed your work, I think we should retire.”
Bennet would never deny his Lulu anything, especially not when her desires aligned so closely with his own.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
After being greeted by Miss Bingley, as well as Darcy and Anna, except for Fitzwilliam, the new arrivals followed the housekeeper up to their suites. Although he needed to wash and change, the former colonel could not go to his chamber until he saw Mary.
On entering the drawing room, he saw Bingley sitting in close conversation with Miss Bennet; Darcy made directly for Miss Elizabeth, his face suffused with joy when he saw her.
Based on what he was seeing, Fitzwilliam was certain that Darcy had worked up the courage and asked for, and been granted, a courtship with Miss Elizabeth.
Miss Bingley had returned from welcoming the guests and sat down again and resumed her sewing.
Two of the companions, Mrs Dudley and Miss Jones, were acting as chaperones in addition to Miss Bingley.
He did not see Mary or the younger girls; even Anna, whom he had seen minutes before, was not present.
Then, he heard the sound of the pianoforte from the music room accompanied by some string instruments.
He saw Miss Bingley cock her head in the direction of that room, but by then, Fitzwilliam was already on his way there.
Mary was not playing, rather she was assisting Anna with a piece the latter was learning while Miss Kate and Miss Lydia were readying their cello and violin respectively. Mrs Annesley was seated close by with her knitting. Fitzwilliam smiled at the picture before him.