Chapter 12
Dear Jane,
I find myself frustrated at times with the confines of society. I wish I could run on Longbourn’s lands and feel the wind in my hair…
Elizabeth crossed through the sentence.
Dear Jane,
Men can be the most frustrating creatures. I can never tell, from one day to the next, what he…
With a sigh, she crossed through this sentence.
Dear Jane
I have had enough of Town and miss the comforts of Longbourn. However, I fear returning to Mama’s complaints…
Elizabeth crumpled up the paper which could no longer be salvaged. Then she thumped her head onto the desk and repeated the action a couple more times in an attempt to exorcise her conflicting emotions.
At length, she raised her head, took out a new sheet, and began again.
Dear Jane,
We are as busy as ever. There are balls, picnics, and meetings with friends. As you can imagine–any activity outside is my preference. I would far rather be out in the fresh air, than sitting daintily in a stuffy drawing room making polite conversation.
Speaking of cousins, Miss Darcy is arranging a picnic for her cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh who is visiting and she plans on inviting our young cousins, too. Miss de Bourgh is a quiet lady, but there are depths to her she has not yet had the opportunity to explore.
The children can hardly contain their excitement over being included.
You know my thoughts, Jane. Society and the Ton would be happier if all their events were picnics.
Imagine it–fresh air, no need to wear their very best finery, but what feels most comfortable, and eating and drinking willy-nilly as opposed to the standard stuffy three or five-course meal.
And no entertainment afterward. It would be revolutionary!
I held no doubts everyone would adore you. You see? You were fretful for nothing. There is no place you might go where you would not be welcomed for the kind and gentle creature you are. I would be more shocked if the neighbours had not accepted you warmly.
All my affection,
Lizzy
There, that was done. It would not do to have Jane sense her disquiet.
Elizabeth snorted. Disquiet did not do her feelings justice. He is such a vexing man. Insulting and derisive one day; earnest and attentive the next. Elizabeth’s brow furrowed. How completely Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy had invaded her thoughts. His handsome visage had even begun infiltrating her dreams.
She shrugged her shoulders. It was all fruitless in any case. According to him, she and all her connections were beneath him. Elizabeth giggled. Imagine if he should ever meet her mother.
She slapped her hand on the desk. No more foolish daydreams.
~ / ~
It showered the day before their planned outing. The children were concerned the picnic would be cancelled. The next day shined bright, however and by the time they were set to leave the sun had dried up most of the ground.
Notes passed between the Darcy and Gardiner houses confirming the picnic was to proceed.
Elizabeth offered to walk the two eldest children to the park and their meeting place.
Mrs Gardiner agreed with alacrity. “I shall follow with little Janey and the supplies in our carriage. We may need to place the blankets in a sunny spot, as the shaded areas may still be damp.”
“We shall go now. These two have pent-up energy from being indoors too long. Walking to the park will release some of it, so they shall not be unruly when we meet up with Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh.”
“Lizzy, please do not forget the bread.” Maggie was twisting her body from side to side, watching her skirt swish around her.
“I have it right here, dear. No need to fret.”
“Go on, Lizzy, and thank you.” Mrs Gardiner sent Elizabeth a grateful smile.
Elizabeth held on to Maggie’s hand and Eddie promised to stay by her side.
“I am too old to hold your hand, Lizzy.” His expression was most serious.
“You are indeed getting older and I believe you have grown in the short time I have been with you in town. Perhaps then, you are too old to feed the ducks? What say you, Maggie? Does that leave more bread for you and me?”
“Lizzy!”
Elizabeth laughed and ruffled Eddie’s hair. “Very well. But you will heed me. There will be other people in the park, and I do not want you running off causing mischief. Nor do I want to lose sight of you.”
“Yes, Lizzy.”
Maggie pulled on Elizabeth’s hand. “Lizzy?”
“Yes, dear?”
“Is Miss Debore nice, like Miss Darcy?”
“Miss de Bourgh, and I only met her once, but she seemed very nice. She is quieter than Miss Darcy.” Elizabeth paused. “She may not wish to play the games we will play.”
“Why not?”
“I do not think she has any experience with small children.”
“Then, we shall teach her how to play!”
“If she agrees, I am sure she would like to. If she does not, you are to be polite and accepting.” Elizabeth and Maggie smiled at each other in understanding.
“Eddie, do you understand what I just explained?”
Hanging his head dejectedly, he sighed, “I am always surrounded by girls.”
Elizabeth’s peals of laughter flew over the park grounds.
The small group waited only a short while before Madeline reached them with Janey, a nursemaid, and a footman in tow.
Miss Darcy and Miss de Bourgh arrived with an entourage of servants and supplies a few minutes later.
Greetings were called between Miss Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mrs Gardiner.
Miss de Bourgh, blushing prettily, asked Georgiana to make the introductions.
As Georgiana did so, a bow and curtseys were made. Before another word could be spoken, Maggie piped up. “We have come to feed the ducks. They must be hungry after not eating yesterday.”
Everyone looked at her curiously. “Because it rained and no one could come out to feed them.”
The adults began shepherding the children in the direction of the pond, hiding their smiles. Eddie and Maggie started running ahead, but Elizabeth quickly admonished them, “Stay near, please. I do not want you to get too far ahead of us.”
Elizabeth watched to make sure they obeyed, then she turned to the two ladies beside her. “Miss de Bourgh, how are you enjoying your time in town?”
“I am having a lovely time, though it is rather tiring. I am not the most sociable person and meeting so many people, especially gentlemen, has me unnerved.”
“Pray let me know if you feel the need to rest at any time today. My aunt suggested setting our blanket up in the sun. We are fortunate it stopped raining.” Elizabeth raised her face to appreciate the cloudless sky.
Georgiana glanced towards Anne. “Perhaps in the sun, but close to some trees? That way, those who require shade might also have it and we may stay together.”
Elizabeth’s gaze darted between Miss de Bourgh and Georgiana. “My only concern is the damp which may still be on the grass.
Georgiana grinned, “Oh, we thought of that. Our footmen have brought a rug.”
“Well done, Georgiana! Soon you will be managing and arranging all our outings.” Elizabeth winked at the younger girl.
By the time the bread was gone and the children had tired from the activity, all the other attendees had arrived with supplies and set out the picnic.
“Come children. Let us see what refreshments await us.”
“Will there be cake?” Eddie looked at Elizabeth with a hopeful face.
She grinned brightly at her cousin. “Perhaps...”
The area chosen was in the sun, but near enough to trees to provide shade with a little adjustment of the rugs.
Lunch was a noisy event, with the children taking up everyone’s attention. The adults ensured no food or drink was spilled and kept the young ones entertained long enough for the meal to settle.
At length the children grew restless. “Lizzy, come play with us.”
“Have you finished?”
Both Eddie and Maggie nodded their heads.
Elizabeth stood and placed her hands on her hips. “In that case… Run!”
Brother and sister ran screaming in two different directions, as Elizabeth gave chase after Eddie.
Still sitting on the rug, Miss de Bourgh sent Mrs Gardiner a shy look. “My aunt took us to your husband’s warehouse to shop for fabrics. Everything was so pretty. I had quite an exciting time choosing those I liked best.”
“Thank you, Miss de Bourgh. I will be sure to tell my husband.”
Georgiana whispered to her cousin, “Will you mind if I go and play with Elizabeth and the children? Just for a little while.”
“Of course not. I shall be well here with Mrs Gardiner.”
The older woman smiled at the young ladies. “Miss Darcy, I shall keep Miss de Bourgh company until you return.”
Georgiana flew off to chase after Maggie. Miss de Bourgh looked after her almost a little wistfully.
“I hope you do not mind; my niece made me aware of your delicate health. You will let me know if you feel poorly, will you not?”
“Thank you, Mrs Gardiner, but I am well. I fear I lack the stamina to run and chase children. However, I am healthier than I have ever been.”
A shadow fell over them and both ladies looked up.
“Fitzwilliam!” exclaimed Anne. “I did not know you planned on joining us today.”
Darcy bowed, “Mrs Gardiner, Anne.” He looked around. “Where are Georgiana and Miss Bennet?”
“The children, Lizzy, and Miss Darcy are steeple-chasing, Mr Darcy.” Mrs Gardiner pointed to the side. “You can see Miss Darcy there with my daughter.” She then pointed in the opposite direction. “And Lizzy has just caught Eddie.”
Darcy quickly faced that direction. Seeing the delight on Elizabeth’s face, Darcy’s lips curled up. When he saw her run away from young Eddie, Darcy, without a thought, moved in her direction.
Elizabeth was breathless, but ecstatic, she had chased her cousin down, at a slower pace to make catching him take longer.
Now she could run to her heart’s content under the guise of playing with Eddie.
Like the enjoyment of all little girls, Georgiana and Maggie had their hands clasped and were twirling in a circle.
Elizabeth glanced behind her to see how far back Eddie was, when she slammed into something hard, bounced off and landed on her backside. “Oof…” She sat shocked for a moment, trying to draw in a breath.