Chapter 49 Amusements
It soon became evident that Bennet's warning to fortify themselves had been a wise one.
Darcy and Lizzy realized within minutes of the arrival of other family members in the breakfast room that they would have to be very careful or they would inadvertently betray their secret without ever saying a word.
The main problem was that every time Darcy looked at Lizzy, a warm glow bubbled up inside him and burst out over his face in the form of a delighted smile. From her delighted expression, he guessed that Lizzy was similarly affected.
Bennet, of course, saw it all and enjoyed it immensely.
His pleasure in the situation came not just from watching the two, but also because he knew his Lizzy would be in good hands going forward.
Once they were married, there would be little Lady Catherine could do to harm her.
Even if she tried, Darcy and all the rest of his family would be ready to protect Lizzy.
Fortunately for the couple, Mrs. Bennet was occupied with the impending arrival of the Damasks and Madeline Gardiner's other relatives, along with the expected return of Sir Barnaby Linton.
Even though the new arrivals would be staying in other homes, she knew they would be frequent visitors to Longbourn, and she wanted to be sure to display her abilities as a hostess to best effect.
She spent breakfast talking about having a full formal dinner party on Friday evening after everyone had arrived.
Mrs. de Bourgh and Jane were consulted on their ideas, and Lizzy, Kitty and Lydia were dragged into the conversation as well.
Sir Phillip sat near Darcy and Bennet, well away from the fuss and uproar. Unlike Mrs. Bennet, he did notice something was up. As the gentlemen excused themselves to enjoy a game of chess while Bennet did some estate work in the study, he pulled Darcy aside.
"What is up with you today?" he asked. "Your expression is almost, well, the best word I can find is effervescent."
Darcy gave him a big grin but since they were still in earshot of the ladies in the breakfast room he just gestured with his head in that direction while remaining silent. Sir Phillip took the hint and nodded even as Bennet broke into what was definitely a snicker behind them.
Entering the study silently, Darcy and Sir Phillip made their moves on the miniature board before heading to the chairs in front of the fireplace and the large board set up there.
Bennet had settled into his chair behind the desk as they played on old Mr. Darcy's behalf.
Now, he stopped them before they could sit.
"Mr. Darcy, before you begin your game, I wonder if you would do me a favor in consideration of your new role as my future son-in-law?"
Sir Phillip guffawed, slapping one leg in amusement. "I knew there was something big in the air," he said. "So, Miss Elizabeth accepted your offer."
"She did," Darcy confirmed. "Just this morning. We are waiting to inform Mrs. Bennet until after Miss Mary arrives on Thursday."
"Oh, you two will never keep the secret that long with the way you are looking at each other," Sir Phillip said, still laughing.
Darcy looked at his companion closely for a moment. He raised one eyebrow questioningly and asked seriously, "When did you become Richard?"
Bennet began to laugh again as Sir Phillip answered, "He is not here, so I must be his proxy."
Darcy rolled his eyes, just as he would have at a comment like that from his cousin. He turned to Bennet.
"Was there some task you actually wished me to do, sir? Or was that just a way to let the cat out of the bag?"
"Oh, no," Bennet said. "My request may have served that purpose, but I actually do need a favor."
"How may I assist?" Darcy asked.
"One of my tenant families, the Clarkes, who live on the farthest point on the estate from this house, sent word of a problem on their farm that needs immediate attention.
With all the recent excitement, I really do not feel able to walk all the way out there and my steward is busy working on another issue.
Would you be willing to ride out and act as my proxy to examine the situation and suggest some solutions?
I know you have the necessary experience to handle the job well. "
"Of course. If you give me directions, I will change into riding clothes, have Wickham's horse saddled and head on over."
"I would like to join you, if I may," Sir Phillip offered. "Unlike you, I have no practical experience, but this sounds like a way to gain some, assuming Mr. Bennet has a horse I might borrow for the ride."
"I do not keep one for myself, but you can use one of those I have on hand for the stable boys when they carry messages for me. I will send to the stable to have the horses saddled while you two change clothes."
Bennet proceeded to give detailed directions to the Clarke farm, along with a little history about the tenant that he thought Darcy might find useful. Before too long, the younger men were on their way.
It turned out to be an interesting assignment as well as an enjoyable ride.
Darcy appreciated the opportunity for the exercise.
He also appreciated seeing more of the estate and getting to know the place where his future wife had grown up.
He knew Lizzy often accompanied her father when he handled estate business, so it gave him a little more insight into the influences on her childhood.
Between them, he and Sir Phillip assessed the problem and came up with a few reasonable solutions for Bennet to consider, along with making a short-term fix then and there.
The tenants appreciated the quick attention to their needs, knowing that Bennet was busy with family matters and guests.
Darcy and Richard's rescue of the young ladies was already known, giving him the immediate approval of the Clarke family.
When Darcy explained that Sir Phillip was a cousin by marriage both to him and to Colonel Fitzwilliam, the younger man was readily accepted as well.
The two returned to the main house a few hours later, well pleased with the work they had done.
After accepting their report and thanking the younger men for acting in his stead, Bennet told Darcy that two messengers had arrived shortly before their return. He must have seen the slight look of panic in Darcy's eyes.
Bennet quickly explained, "One was for me, from Mr. and Mrs. Hanson.
They said they plan to arrive tomorrow unless I sent word back to let them know it would be inconvenient.
It seems your cousin is so excited by the thought of finally being able to meet my daughters that she could wait no longer.
Of course, I sent the messenger back to say we would be delighted to have them join us at any time and I wished them a safe journey on the morrow. "
"That is excellent news," Darcy said.
Sir Phillip seconded the comment, adding, "I think you will like them both, sir. And with Martin here, we will not be so outnumbered by the ladies after Mr. Darcy heads off to Netherfield Park this evening."
"Ah, yes," Bennet said, "and after this morning that parting will be more painful than ever. Just as well, I suppose, if you want your secret to remain one from Mrs. Bennet. Hmm. I wonder if Mr. Bingley had that talk with his sister?"
"I am certain he has tried," Darcy responded. "Whether he was able to ease her mind or change her behavior must wait to be seen. She is known for hearing only what she wishes to hear."
"Ah, a little like my own wife, then," Bennet said offhandedly. "Although I have learned over the years that she hears more than she lets on. It just takes time for her to accept what you say. She will deny everything until she comes to the same conclusions on her own."
Darcy considered for a second. "Interesting. That view of matters makes much more sense than believing Miss Bingley incapable of listening or understanding what is said."
"You need to become accustomed to looking at matters from other points of view if you are to get on well with Lizzy in the long run.
Although you will both want what is best for each other and your estate, her idea of what is best or her way of getting there may be very different from yours.
I am not saying you always need to defer to her ideas, but it will serve you well to listen generously, trying to understand why she wants to do something in a certain way instead of just deciding her way is wrong because it does not meet your goals.
You will end up happier if you can find ways to meet in the middle. "
"I will try to remember that sir," Darcy said, "although you may have to remind me again in a few years."
"It goes two ways. Perhaps I shall have to remind both of you."
Darcy nodded thoughtfully. Their companion did not find the subject as compelling, however.
"You said there were two messages," Sir Phillip said. "Who was the second one for?"
"Ah, yes!" Bennet said. "I had forgotten." He reached over to a folded and sealed page to one side of his desk. "It is for Mr. Darcy. I know the handwriting is Richard's."
"You may just call me Darcy, or even Will, if you like. Both of you," Darcy said.
"Thank you, Darcy. I will accept being called Bennet by both of you as well."
"I am afraid that the title gets in the way of informality," Sir Phillip said as Darcy opened the message. "But I appreciate the offer of familiar address from you both."
Darcy chuckled as he scanned over the page.
"Ah, as I had hoped, Richard was delighted and highly amused by my plan for Collins.
If I had not sent two good men along with him, I would agree with Richard's hope that they get lost on the way.
He also wonders if we have had any response from his father.
I am surprised we have not yet either. It is not like my uncle to leave us waiting so long. "