Chapter 33
St. Mary-le-Bow Church
Cheapside
Elizabeth took a deep breath, gratitude and worship filling her soul as she absorbed the reverent atmosphere of St. Mary-le-Bow.
The church featured glorious arches that made one think of heaven, with intricate stained glass in the windows, and an impressive altar where the rector would conduct the service.
The masses of worshipers, both great and humble, all fixed their eyes on the altar in front of them pointing heavenward towards God.
To Elizabeth’s right sat her aunt Gardiner, with her uncle Gardiner just beyond, and then their eldest two children, silent with their hands folded in their laps.
On Elizabeth’s other side, Clara and Lord Keaton were seated, composed and dignified and attentive.
The Earl and his Countess were the highest-ranking people in this grand old church on Cheapside, but there was no haughtiness in their manner, no air of knowing that they were better than those surrounding them.
Clara, sweet and unaffected, considered the Gardiners, tradesmen though they were, to be dear friends.
Elizabeth’s contentment was complete. She had slept deeply and dreamlessly and at length in her quiet guest room at Keaton House, and then she had risen early to enjoy a leisurely and companionable breakfast with her hosts.
Of course, the Earl and Countess did not usually attend the church in Cheapside, no matter how historic and beautiful, but they had happily agreed to Elizabeth’s request to deviate from their usual routine so that she might attend services with her beloved aunt and uncle.
Certainly she would visit the Gardiners often while in London, but she had always treasured joining them for worship, seeing them participate whole-heartedly, unencumbered by the cares that so often burdened the Bennets.
The rector stepped up to the altar, and an almost imperceptible frisson went through the church, a straightening of spines and a focusing of attention on the front. Elizabeth recalled her wandering thoughts, focusing on the words of God being spoken sonorously from the front of the church.
***
Sanctuary
Meryton
It had not been all that difficult to arrange to be alone with Charles after her church.
They had sat side by side in the Bennet pew during the service, and when it ended, she had drawn him gently into a convenient corner.
With Kitty and Lydia chattering to Maria Lucas, Mary speaking with the rector, Mr. Darcy studying a prayer book, and Sir Thomas observing the vaulted beams of the ceiling, they had privacy enough, and she quickly explained the situation to him.
When she was done, Jane could not help the hope in her heart shining through her eyes as she looked up at him beseechingly, her hands still clasped in his.
“Of course, I will journey to London,” Bingley said immediately. “I daresay my brother and sister Hurst would be pleased to allow me to stay at their house, or maybe Darcy will put me up for a time.”
“I feel badly for making you leave in such a way,” Jane said apologetically. “The whole situation is ridiculous, and if my mother would only be sensible about Mr. Collins…”
Bingley turned to look across the sanctuary, where Charlotte Lucas was standing next to Mr. Collins, who was speaking to her with extravagant animation.
“It is a rather odd situation,” her betrothed said doubtfully, “given that only a few days ago, your cousin was wishful of wedding Elizabeth.”
Jane sighed deeply. “Yes, it is odd, very odd, but I am aware some people are entirely pragmatic where marriage is concerned.
It is true that Charlotte is a clever and sensible woman and would do a marvelous job of being a parson's wife, and she would be a wonderful mistress of Longbourn when the time comes for that.”
“Well, I will finish up some business here,” Bingley said, “and be in London within a few days. Pray be certain to inform me where you will be staying.”
“I will, of course,” Jane replied promptly and reached out to take her lover’s hands in her own. “Thank you, Charles, so very much. I am relieved we will not be separated for long.”
***
Drawing Room
Keaton House
London
Tuesday, 10th December, 1811
“Miss Bennet,” the butler announced, and Elizabeth, who had been reading a letter from her bailiff on Emerald Island, leaped to her feet and hurried forward to embrace her elder sister. “Jane, how good to see you!”
“It is good to see you too, Lizzy,” Jane said and curtsied to the countess, who had also risen. “Good morning, Lady Keaton.”
“Good morning, Miss Bennet,” Clara replied with a smile. “Now, I hope that your trunk arrived with you?”
“Yes,” Jane said, her beautiful lips curled into a smile. “Thank you for offering to let me stay here. The Gardiners welcomed us with open arms yesterday, but there is no doubt that their house is rather full of people right now, and my departure will make the situation easier.”
Elizabeth gestured toward a chair by the fire, and she said, “Please do sit down, Jane, and tell us everything that has happened in the last few days. Clara is entirely to be trusted, and I confess that I am dying of curiosity over what brought Mamma and three of my sisters to Town in such haste!”
Jane obediently went to her chair, and the other two ladies sat down, and Miss Bennet said, “Well, Mamma was very upset when you disappeared abruptly, of course, but then Mr. Collins told us that he was courting Charlotte Lucas, and you can only imagine how our mother reacted…”
***
Netherfield Hall
Hertfordshire
Fitzwilliam Darcy put his arm around his sister and leaned back against the squabs as the carriage jolted into motion. They were traveling to London.
The last two days had been exceedingly busy, ever since Bingley had thrown his friends and relations into pure excitement by announcing, while they were returning to Netherfield from church on Sunday, that he intended to journey to London within a few days.
Darcy had winced as the carriage filled with shrill enthusiasm as Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst lauded their brother’s declaration with joy.
Both ladies had congratulated Charles on his good sense in returning to Town and assured him that they would be overjoyed to accompany him.
Darcy, while far quieter, was equally pleased, as his mind had immediately went to visions of dark hair and fine eyes that sparkled more brightly than the stars.
Elizabeth Bennet was in London, and Darcy found himself drawn to the Metropolis like a moth to the flame.
He could not deny his ever-growing attraction to the lady.
He had been surprised by the depth of his own disappointment when Bingley had casually mentioned some few days ago that Miss Elizabeth had gone to stay with Countess Keaton.
Darcy’s heart had plummeted, and a curious lump had formed in his throat as he realized that he would no longer see Miss Elizabeth at the dull country assemblies or in the Netherfield drawing room or walking down the paths of Longbourn or the streets of Meryton.
Yesterday, with the Sabbath over, the entire residential wing had been all in a flutter, with ladies’ maids and valets swift to begin preparations for the journey back to London.
Monday evening had seen the first of the trunks and valises sent off, the remaining clothes upstairs being packed.
Darcy had accompanied Bingley to speak with the steward and give last-minute instructions, and had been pleased as Bingley sensibly executed his responsibilities.
Even when the party was not actively preparing to leave, an air of exhilaration hung over the house.
Miss Bingley was giddy with joy, talking incessantly about how wonderful it would be to be back in Town, mingling with sophisticated company once more, and availing themselves of the amusements offered by the theaters and the inevitable invitations to dinners.
Darcy did not share her glee at these amusements and avoided being in the same room with her, but his blood too was humming with the anticipation of returning to Town.
His only concern had been for Georgiana, who much preferred the country to London, but she had assured him that, more than anything, she wished to be wherever he was.
This was reasonable enough, and he knew that his sister liked the Bennet ladies very well, and would relish seeing them soon.
Bingley would be staying at Darcy House with them, and he was always good company as well. Georgiana would not be lonely.
The carriage turned onto the main road, which led toward London, and the horses shifted into a trot, and Darcy found himself leaning forward with anticipation. Soon he would see Elizabeth Bennet again.
***
Sitting Room
Keaton House
London
The Next Morning
Wednesday, 11th December, 1811
The sitting room of Keaton House evoked a pastoral feeling in its inhabitants, as it was decorated in navy and cerulean and greens that made one think of spring forests of both deciduous and evergreen varieties.
Sky blue curtains hung at the windows, with plush green carpets underfoot, while blue and green cushions padded the many chairs and sofas.
It was a very restful atmosphere, and in this vernal room, two heads, one dark and one fair, bent together over a handsome cherry desk.
Papers were scattered across the polished wooden surface, some covered in elegant sloped writing.
There was a wedding to arrange, a bride to attire, and of course, a mother to assuage.
Lady Bennet was still exceptionally displeased with her second daughter, though the prospect of purchasing Jane an entire new wardrobe in London had rather distracted her.