Chapter 27
The day before Bethany’s day, the first Friday in March, the extended family had celebrated Giana’s birthday, when she had turned twelve.
Rather than agree there should be nothing to mark the day for her friend and cousin—Giana had said she did not want anything to overshadow Bethie’s celebration—Bethany had insisted that Giana should have her day recognised in its own right.
She had assured her cousin that the one did not take away from the other.
What made the day even more special was the fact that Charlotte and Richard Fitzwilliam had arrived at Longbourn yester-morning from their wedding trip. They had been at Seaview House, thanks to Aunt Anne and Uncle Robert making it available for their use.
The Lucases were not aware that Charlotte and her husband had arrived, so when they came for the birthday celebration, they would have a very pleasant surprise.
Since Sir William and Lady Lucas had moved past their improper pride over their elevation, they had found much more acceptance and friendship among those who had previously distanced themselves.
In the past, they had told themselves that those people were jealous, but now they knew better.
Seeing the grace shown by Sir William and Lady Collins had been educational for the Lucas parents.
The two never erred like the Lucases did in demanding that their friends use their titles.
Clem and Ophelia Collins had happily accepted the offer to join the Fitzwilliams in their coach so they too, could be in attendance.
Any excuse they found to visit Caroline and William; they took with zeal.
Collins was especially pleased by the reports of how well his son was doing as the rector of St Hugh’s Church in the Longbourn Village.
Not that he expected any less; however, it was gratifying to hear from Meryton and others about the aplomb with which, not only William as the spiritual guide, but also Caroline in the role of the parson’s wife, were executing their duties.
As much as they knew they were welcome to be hosted at Longbourn any time they were in the neighbourhood, the Collins parents were happily ensconced in the parsonage with Caroline and William.
The morning of the day she had been born seventeen years previously, Bethany was joined by Mamma and Mother for a walk to Oakham Mount.
Several others who did not object to rising before the sun would ride and meet the mothers and their daughter at the base of the hill.
It was not so very early on this day as the spring sun would rise a few minutes before forty minutes after six.
As the three ladies walked at their fast pace with John, Tom, and Clay as escorts, Bethany looked to her left and right. She was very content to see her mothers with her as they walked on this special day.
“Mother, do you remember what time I was born?” Bethany asked.
“I am sure your mamma will agree that is not something any mother ever forgets,” Lady Amelia responded as Fanny nodded her head emphatically. “You came into the world at two minutes past half after six in the morning.”
“We will be on the summit of Oakham Mount before that time,” Bethany enthused. “To have both of my mothers with me on this day is perfect.”
Amelia was counting her blessings. She had gone from giving up hope of ever seeing Bethie again to being with her on the anniversary of her birth.
The only way she could have been more content was if Francis was still with her in the mortal world.
As she walked, she lifted her eyes to the heavens, certain that her late husband was smiling down on them.
“You, Lizzy…Bethie have always been a blessing to me,” Fanny stated.
“Mamma, you know I do not object to your use of Elizabeth when we are on our own, do you not?” Bethany verified.
“I do,” Fanny confirmed. “However, I try to use Bethie all the time so that I will not make a faux pas in public. I simply was not thinking about it now, which is why the name we gave you slipped out.” She raised her hand slightly. “I know you do not object, but it is better this way.”
Before the three could speak any further, they rounded a corner and saw those who had ridden, waiting for them.
Jane and Andrew, Charlotte and Richard, Mary, Kitty, William and Giana Darcy, Maria Lucas, and Lilly and Eddy Gardiner were all standing and speaking among themselves.
There were two grooms who were caring for the mounts while the two footmen who had escorted them were making sure everyone was safe.
“Happy Birthday, Bethie,” Giana wished as she hugged her cousin.
“It is not yet, but it will be in ten minutes,” Bethany replied. “Mother told me what time I was born, so come, let us walk up the hill and welcome the day and time of my birth on the summit.”
Clay Younge walked up the path to verify there was no one on the crown of the hill who could threaten any in the party. He signalled all was clear to Biggs, who in turn nodded to tell the walkers they may proceed. Bethany led the way with Mamma on one arm and Mother on the other.
As Conyers watched Bethie set off with her mothers, he could not imagine her, or any lady, looking better. Had she only been a beauty, it would have been one thing, but she was so very much more. She was exceptional in all ways!
He shook his head and started up the hill; the last one to arrive, thanks to getting lost in dreaming about Bethie. Biggs and one of his men followed.
By the time Conyers reached the summit, the others were in a semicircle around Bethie as Andrew was counting down the time.
When that was done, a cheer of ‘happy birthday’ rose from everyone looking at Bethie.
He knew it was her birthday, but Conyers was not familiar with what the relevance of the time was.
Giana soon shared the reason, so he was able to understand the significance of her being wished happy birthday at that moment.
Once the sun was up, the group walked back down the hill. The riders mounted their horses while the three walkers and their escorts set off towards Longbourn at a fast pace.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Wickham was tired of waiting. He had been in Hertfordshire for some months now, and still Karen and Clay Younge had not discovered a way to separate the young duchess from her guards.
The twins had found a hunting lodge for him to live in, which they learned no one used any longer.
On his half days, the oaf, Clay would bring Wickham supplies but no coin.
Karen Younge had decided it was better if he were not seen at the inn in Meryton and had pointed out that Wickham needed to remain out of sight.
Hence, according to her, he needed no blunt, as he could not go to any shops anyway.
At least from the letters he received from her, brought by the simpleton of a brother, Karen was succeeding in getting closer to Lady Bethany, and she wrote that her brother had gained a position as one of the footmen who escorted the young duchess when she walked out.
Younge had just left supplies and a new letter from Karen. Wickham hoped that finally this would be one where she had some news which would end his subsisting in this fashion. He was meant for more than this.
He unfolded the paper and began to read.
8 March 1808
George:
At long last, our patience is to be rewarded. I have gained Lady Bethany’s full and unreserved trust, and she agrees that she would love to walk out without so many with her.
I suggested that rather than take her exercise alone, she should have Clay with her and that he would remain unobtrusive, so she will feel like she is having a solitary walk.
Lady Bethany told me that she would not be able to walk out with only Clay until after her sister’s wedding to Lord Hilldale, which will be on Saturday the 19th of March.
She related that with so many departing on the Monday after the wedding, there will be no one to gainsay her when she wants to have only Clay walk with her.
Her mother and her Bennet parents have to go to London, and she has chosen to remain here because her brother will be home from Cambridge for the Easter term break. (Do not worry, I have learnt that the brother dislikes waking early and does not enjoy to walk out like Lady Bethany does.)
The Darcys and Fitzwilliams will be part of the group who will no longer be present. I relate this because I know you have told us how unfairly the two families treated you.
The good thing is that many of the guards, especially those two enormous brutes, will be escorting those travelling to London, which is why she said that it will be much easier for her to command the men who remain.
Those departing will do so early on Monday morning.
I will suggest that she exercise her authority after the wedding on Tuesday, the 22nd March.
I know she will take my suggestion because she loves to ramble around the countryside.
Add to that, I have heard her say how much more she would enjoy her walks if she had fewer people with her.
She loves to walk to the hill, the one they call Oakham Mount, which, as I am sure you are aware by now, is less than a half mile from the hunting lodge where you are living.
There is a wooded area right near the base of the hill where the path starts up the side.
Wait there. Clay will follow her at a distance and you should hide among the trees.
The path comes close to the trees, which will allow you to easily capture her.
No one will hear her if she screams because it will only be my brother with her.
You will take her to the inn in Hatfield as we planned, and from there we will send out our demand for ransom.
All our patience is about to be rewarded and you, George, will finally get your due. It is only right, seeing that the young duchess is your half-sister. Who better than you to share in her vast fortune?
If there is any change to the plans, I will make sure Clay brings you a note.
Karen