Chapter 56 Returned #2
"Well, the lad did say he would come in handy." Bennet grinned.
"He made good company as well. Kitty could do much worse than a kind, intelligent young man who will one day be master of a fine estate."
"Oh, I agree with you. If they still feel as they do a year from now, then I will approve of a match between them. She is just too young and inexperienced with society right now. Really, even Mary is but she was already more mature at Kitty's age than Kitty is now."
"Bingley is a good match for Mary, and with his social position she will not be too heavily challenged by society. Her training is enough to help her through. Socially, she represents a step up for him despite all the connections he has gained from his association with my nephew."
"True. True. Well, it is nearly time for the extended family to begin arriving for my wife's gala. We had both better go up and finish dressing for dinner. We have our own social connections to live through."
"I am looking forward to the evening. It has been many years since I have attended one of Mrs. Bennet's extra big festive gatherings.”
Bennet laughed as the two stood to leave his study. "This one is so big the house cannot contain all of it or all her joy at having three daughters betrothed to good men."
~o~
Mr. Bennet was correct about the capacity of the house to contain the evening's festivity.
So many guests were invited that Mrs. Bennet and her helpers decided to take a chance on the recent run of warm, clear weather.
Instead of a strictly formal dinner party, with everyone packed tightly into the house for course after course, the meal would be more informal, with tables set up in the garden for those who wished to dine al fresco.
In some ways, it was a rehearsal for the upcoming wedding breakfast.
As Darcy greeted Lizzy on his arrival with the rest of the Netherfield party, he heard Miss Bingley begin to comment on the lack of sophistication in the plan. He and Lizzy shared an amused glance, and he almost cheered inside as Lady Sheldon quietly stopped the complaint mid-flow.
"Miss Bingley," she whispered sharply, "your own lack of sophistication is showing again.
A genteel guest does not make negative comments about the arrangements her hostess has made for an event - not in public as you have just done, at any rate.
If it helps you accept the evening better, I not only assisted Mrs. Bennet with these plans, but I also suggested including tables outside.
It is a bit unconventional, but Longbourn's gardens are so beautiful it makes sense to use them.
Now, put a smile on your face and try to keep an open mind. You may just enjoy the evening."
As they all moved further into the house, Darcy avoided looking at Miss Bingley.
He did not want to make her more uncomfortable knowing others had heard the chastisement, so he could not tell if she accepted it in a spirit of anger or embarrassment.
He quickly forgot about his friend's sister, however, as Lizzy took him to where Georgiana and Lydia waited.
Both girls looked excited, but Darcy could also see nervousness in Georgiana's expression.
He complimented them on their appearance, knowing they had taken pains to look their best for their first real social outings.
Lydia's governess stayed in the background, but Darcy felt confident she would be there to assist if either girl felt at all threatened by the company.
As he made his compliments, Anne, Martin and his uncle entered the room and joined their little group. Darcy grinned broadly on seeing them.
"Uncle Peter! I am glad you made it back in time, sir," Darcy exclaimed as the two men shook hands. "What success did you have?"
"None, I am afraid," his uncle said. "My sister was not at Rosings Park. I will tell you more later, when we are not in company at a party."
Darcy nodded before turning to Anne. "You look lovely this evening, cousin," he said, sincere in the compliment.
Anne looked down at her sunshine-yellow gown trimmed with delicate pink and green floral-patterned embroidery and swished her skirts a bit. "It is the first formal gown I have ever had that was made to my taste instead of Mother's," she said.
"It is a beautiful gown," Darcy agreed," but I meant that you look lovely. You are smiling, relaxed and, clearly, enjoying yourself away from Rosings Park.
Anne looked happily at Martin in response, even as Darcy received a hearty clap on the shoulder from someone just behind him. He heard Richard's voice, "Well said, Will. I heartily agree."
Turning slightly, Darcy saw Charlotte greet Lizzy as Richard stepped past him. His cousin clearly intended to shake hands with his father but was gathered into a firm embrace instead.
"It is so good to see you again at last, son," Peter Fitzwilliam said as he finally released Richard and stepped back to look at him. "I cannot tell you how much I have longed for this time. It is a joy to have you home, safe from the war and wedded to the woman you love."
He turned to Charlotte and quickly embraced her as well. "Welcome to the family, daughter. I have long known and approved of my son's regard for you, although he has taken longer to come to the point than I expected."
"Longer than any of us expected!" boomed Sir William genially from nearby.
He and Lady Lucas had followed Richard and Charlotte into the room along with their other guest. Sir Barnaby Linton, who had arrived at Lucas Lodge earlier that day, offered the group a polite nod as he headed over to greet Jane for the first time in a few weeks.
Lady Lucas nodded as well before joining Mrs. Bennet and the group of ladies with her.
Stepping back from Charlotte, Peter Fitzwilliam greeted Sir William with a hearty handshake. Another round of greetings followed from the others in their group and the newcomers took their turns complimenting Lizzy, Anne, Charlotte, Lydia and Georgiana on their fine looks and lovely gowns.