Chapter 59 Announcements
From their place outside, Darcy and Lizzy kept an eye out for the progress of the meal.
The group who chose to eat in the garden was smaller than originally expected.
This change, no doubt, was prompted by Lady Catherine's earlier unfortunate accident and perhaps a fear that more insects might be about.
Darcy noticed that, while some people frequently looked at the damaged rose bush and talked with their neighbors about the event, others steadfastly avoided looking in that direction.
A few men who considered themselves wits came over to Darcy and commented that it was a good thing he had been no nearer to Lady Catherine when it happened.
When asked why they replied that people might suspect him of throwing his aunt into the thorns just as he had done to that Wickham fellow.
Knowing how the gossip flowed in Meryton, Darcy was not really surprised to subsequently learn it was common knowledge Wickham had been shot and killed after his escape.
What interested him more was some speculation he overheard that a few of Wickham's fellow officers had helped him on his way out of the camp.
The first theory was that they did so in a bid to push him to the very end he found without embroiling the unit in the fuss of a court-martial and possibly exposing wrongdoing by others.
The other was that he had promised his accomplices a substantial sum of money for their help.
That seemed more likely. All the same, he found the first speculation possible as well and determined to talk it over with Richard when he next had the chance.
Finally, the diners had reached the stage where, during a normal dinner party, the ladies would have withdrawn while the men enjoyed their port. Richard came outside and told Darcy, "It is time. We are gathering people together inside and think it best to bring those outside in as well."
"You have the louder voice," Darcy teased, "and that military air of command. Put them to good use, cousin."
Richard lifted an eyebrow questioningly at Lizzy. She nodded. With a smirk, he turned and in his loudest, most commanding tones he asked if the guests would please return inside to hear a number of announcements.
"No, not just the news of who is recently betrothed or married," he added after someone off to the side of the crowd called out, "We already know you married Charlotte Lucas, Colonel!"
Not without a few more good-natured comments, the guests headed inside. Darcy and Lizzy trailed in at the rear of the group, following to where the guests gathered just inside the doors of the sitting room, music room, and dining room, as well as spilling out into the hallway between them.
Mr. Bennet stood on a chair at one end of the hallway so he could be easily seen and heard by all. Gradually, those assembled quieted so he could speak.
"My friends, I hope you have enjoyed your dinner and the company whether you chose to take your meal in the dining room or in the garden."
He paused for the obligatory comments from the back of the rooms. Fortunately, they were all compliments on the food and company. Mrs. Bennet, who stood next to her husband's chair, smiled broadly at hearing that her meals were always an experience to which her neighbors looked forward.
"Yes, yes. I thank you all," said Mr. Bennet as things quieted again, "and I am glad to hear you think so.
Well, as you know, our family has much to celebrate, and I feel I must repeat our blessings, although I am certain you already know most of them.
" He chuckled a little at a comment that Mrs. Bennet had already made certain everyone knew.
"First off, I want to recognize the recent marriage between my godson, Richard Fitzwilliam, who my wife and I consider a part of our family, and Charlotte Lucas, the oldest daughter of our dear friends, Sir William and Lady Lucas.
Though the wedding may have seemed rushed to some, Sir William, Richard's father and I have all been waiting for the last decade to see it come about. Congratulations to the happy couple!"
Teasing comments followed, to which Richard responded, "I could not marry until I had made my way in the world and could properly support her. My wife is too fine a woman to be relegated to following the drum."
More comments were made, mostly agreeing with the sentiment. When the noise died down, Mr. Bennet continued.
"Our good news does not end there, of course. As you probably know, my eldest daughter, Jane, is scheduled to be married to Sir Barnaby Linton a week from today. Had I my glass in hand, I would offer a toast to the next young couple from our family to meet at the altar."
As he knew they would, some of the attendees shouted out their own toasts. "A toast! Sir Barnaby Linton and Jane Bennet! May she be as accomplished a hostess as her mother and invite us all to dinner!"
Bennet laughed along with most of the others in the rooms. Darcy saw both Jane and Sir Barnaby blush with embarrassment.
A few minutes later, it was his own turn to be on the spot as Mr. Bennet announced, "If that were not enough, my second daughter has decided to follow the example of her older sister in the matter of pending matrimony.
Our Lizzy is betrothed to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, a man of substance from Derbyshire and cousin to Colonel Fitzwilliam.
They have not yet set a date, but if Darcy follows his good cousin's example, they may just marry tomorrow. "
This prompted another round of laughter, especially after Richard loudly said, "I heartily recommend it!"
"I shall give your advice all the consideration it deserves," Darcy replied cheerfully at a similar volume. The interchange earned them more laughter, and Darcy was glad when Bennet moved on to the next bit of news and shifted the attention elsewhere.
"Not to be outdone, Mr. Darcy's friend Charles Bingley has decided he cannot live without the company of one of my daughters either.
Mr. Bingley and our Mary are also betrothed with no wedding date identified.
You might know him as the young man who leased Netherfield.
He has gained a strong place in the running for my favorite prospective son-in-law by providing a temporary home for a good portion of the extra members of my family who are visiting to attend Jane's wedding. "
Bingley and Mary sported matching shades of reddened face as they stood arm in arm and accepted the congratulatory comments from the crowd.
Both appeared to Darcy as if they wanted to turn and run.
He winked at Bingley when their glances happened to meet.
It was not long before silence was more or less restored, and Mr. Bennet spoke again.
"I have another recent marriage to report and hope you will celebrate it with us.
The daughter of my dear, late friend Sir Lewis de Bourgh, who also happens to be another cousin of Colonel Fitzwilliam and cousin to Mr. Darcy as well, has recently wed Martin Hanson, second son of Lord Ferrell, the Earl of Boxwell.
We are delighted to have them as visitors and hope you will join my family in wishing them well.
A voice at the back offered a toast to Mr. and Mrs. Hanson that prompted some cheers. Darcy saw that Anne and Martin had come downstairs for the announcements. They accepted the good wishes from their place at the edge of the crowd.
"With all these settled matches," Bennet said teasingly in the next lull, "I almost hesitate to mention one less firm.
However, I would be remiss not to tell you that just this evening I have approved a request from Mrs. Hanson's cousin - yes, another cousin!
- Sir Phillip de Bourgh, to pay court to my fourth daughter, Kitty. "
Mrs. Bennet, to whom this was definitely news, gave an excited shriek and fanned herself with her elegant lace handkerchief.
"Kitty, too?" she questioned happily as more congratulations rolled in.
It was clear everyone expected Mr. Bennet to wrap up his speech now unless he could come up with a courtship for Lyda as well, but he stayed where he was and waited for the group to calm down.
Once they had gotten the idea, he spoke more soberly.
"Unfortunately, all this good news must find its balance with other tidings that may not be so happy. As he is most profoundly affected by this other news, I yield my place to my very good friend, Peter Fitzwilliam and ask that you give him your attention."
Those who had still been discussing Bennet's earlier news quieted as, with help from Richard and his father, Bennet descended from the chair. Peter took his place.
"People of Meryton, you have known me as a visitor here for over thirty years. I look on Longbourn as nearly a second home and view you all in the character of neighbors and friends. It is only right that you are among the first to hear several important pieces of news."
Just the rustle of clothing and a muffled cough greeted his words. Everyone was listening carefully now.
"Earlier this evening, as I expect you all know, my sister Lady Catherine de Bourgh showed up at this party, uninvited and unexpected.
Many of you witnessed her argument with one of the fine rosebushes Mrs. Bennet keeps in the garden.
What you may not know is that during her altercation, she was stung by two bees that were presumably disturbed by her presence.
I find it odd that one person can be stung and it results in only the slightest itchy bump, while another reacts far more seriously.
My sister, it seems, was among the latter.
I regret to say that, although Mr. Jones did everything within his power, my sister did not survive the evening.
" He paused soberly for a moment and then continued.