Chapter 22 #2
“No, my dear. Weddings do not arrange themselves, and your trousseau will not purchase itself either. We must leave at once.”
“Mother, what if Mr Andrews de la Garza were offended because we left without waiting for him?” Jane asked gently.
“You are right, Jane. It would be much better for you to wait for your betrothed. Such a handsome and wealthy gentleman.”
At that moment, Lord Blackwood entered the drawing room, looking forward to the pleasant afternoon that awaited him. The moment Mary saw him, she became terribly nervous and silently prayed that her mother would not discover he was a viscount, or Mary would never hear the end of it.
He greeted everyone warmly, and Mrs Gardiner introduced him to the two ladies he had not yet met.
She preferred to introduce him by his military rank rather than by his title, so as not to embarrass her nieces.
The instant Lydia heard that the handsome young gentleman before her was an officer, she began flirting with him quite openly. Christian found it difficult to believe that such a brazen young woman was the sister of the Bennet ladies.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Captain,” Lydia said with a coquettish tilt of her head, a wide-eyed stare and a ridiculously large smile. Lydia even batted her eyelashes several times to be sure her point was clear.
Mary could only roll her eyes at such obviously flirtatious theatrics, but she refrained from saying anything to spare both her sister and the captain any further embarrassment.
“Miss Lydia,” Christian replied, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
Mrs Bennet questioned Christian but paid him very little attention, assuming he was merely a second son. Hoping to prevent Lydia from making a complete fool of herself with her shameless flirting, Mary turned to Christian.
“Captain, as soon as Mr Andrews de la Garza arrives, we shall leave for the museum.”
“Mary, you are always so dull! Please do not force the poor captain to visit one of those tedious museums that only you enjoy.” Lydia assumed that all officers were like those she had known in Meryton.
Christian was appalled by the way Lydia spoke to her sister and felt compelled to set the matter right at once.
“Miss Lydia, I invited your sisters to the museum. It was entirely my idea.”
Trying to lighten the atmosphere, Elizabeth added, “It is a fascinating exhibition, Lydia. If you wish, you are welcome to join us.”
“No, thank you, Lizzy. Museums are for ugly girls, so I cannot possibly go,” Lydia replied with a laugh.
Elizabeth replied, “No, Lydia, museums are for clever girls; perhaps that is why you cannot stand them.”
John had barely begun to speak when Mrs Gardiner interrupted him before he could cause any further mischief. Everyone struggled to suppress their laughter, while Lydia paid no attention to anything that such a tiresome little boy might have to say.
Matthew was delighted that he would be able to spend the entire afternoon with Jane. His father had helped him avoid being followed. James had left through the front door and taken the carriage, while Matthew had slipped out through the back and joined him several streets away.
When Matthew arrived at Eleanor's house and saw Mrs Bennet, he could scarcely believe his ill fortune. He had been looking forward to spending the afternoon at the museum with Jane. Instead, he found Mrs Bennet monopolising the conversation while Jane looked at him apologetically.
James, who knew his son well, immediately realised how uncomfortable he was. Matthew had often told him how trying Jane's parents could be, so he decided to come to his rescue.
“Mr Andrews... de la Panza, it is so nice to see you again,” Mrs Bennet said, chattering incessantly about shopping, gowns, and every imaginable trifle.
“De la Garza, Mrs Bennet,” Matthew corrected his future mother-in-law, unable to conceal a trace of annoyance.
“Yes, yes, your surname is so peculiar!” said Mrs Bennet.
Jane and Mrs Gardiner blushed at the remark. Fortunately, the rest of the party had not heard Mrs Bennet's latest indiscretion.
“I was just telling Jane that I arranged my visit because we have so much shopping to do,” she continued.
Jane was so embarrassed that she could not bring herself to look either at Matthew or at his father.
Matthew took a deep breath to compose himself before speaking.
“Mrs Bennet, Miss Lydia, allow me to introduce my father, Mr James Andrews.”
James bowed politely.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mrs Bennet, Miss Lydia.”
“I am delighted to meet you, Mr Andrews, said Mrs Bennet.
Lydia offered him only the briefest of curtsies before looking away with little interest.
James noticed at once that Mrs Bennet possessed a remarkable gift for talking at length without saying very much.
At the same time, her youngest daughter displayed a degree of rudeness that would have shocked most polite society.
Matthew had not exaggerated the difficulties of his future mother-in-law.
Even so, remembering his own dreadful in-laws, James resolved not to judge either lady too harshly.
“Mr Andrews de la... we were waiting for you so that we could all go shopping,” Mrs Bennet explained.
“We had already made plans to visit the museum,” Matthew replied.
“A wedding requires a great deal of preparation, and Jane still has to complete her trousseau. I am sorry, but those museum outings will have to wait,” Mrs Bennet declared authoritatively.
Matthew was far from pleased. Jane told him that, if he wished, he was welcome to join her sisters and cousins at the museum, but he preferred to remain by her side. Seeing his son's disappointment, James decided to accompany the shopping party instead.
“I hope you do not mind my joining you, Mrs Bennet,” James said politely.
“Not at all. My husband told me that you have written many books. I know you are famous and very intelligent,” Mrs Bennet replied.
“Not many books, only a few. As for being intelligent, I merely like to think I am a little less foolish than some people,” James said with a smile, offering Mrs Bennet his arm.
“Oh, Mr Andrews, I am quite certain you are,” Mrs Bennet replied happily.
The party bound for the museum took their leave and departed, greatly relieved that they no longer had to endure Lydia and Mrs Bennet's company.
“Mrs Bennet, I am delighted to make the acquaintance of the mother of such an admirable young lady as Miss Bennet. I do not doubt that she owes many of her excellent qualities to you.”
“Oh, Mr Andrews, you are most gallant,” Mrs Bennet said, delighted to discover that Matthew's father was every bit as charming as his son.
James Andrews was an expert at dealing with difficult people and delicate situations, which was one of the reasons for his business success.
Before long, he had managed to keep both Mrs Bennet and Lydia pleasantly occupied.
Thanks to him, Jane was able to shop at her leisure while following Mrs Gardiner's advice.
“Gracias, padre. Te debo un gran favour,” Matthew told James discreetly, thoroughly pleased that, thanks to his father, the afternoon with his future mother-in-law had been far less trying.
**Thank you, Father. ** I owe you a great favour.
“De nada, Mr Andrews de la Panza,” his father replied, struggling not to laugh.
**You are most welcome
◆◆◆
Colonel Fitzwilliam had spent a delightful afternoon with Georgiana and Lady Claire the previous day.
He had realised that what he felt for her was more than mere attraction.
He had also noticed that Georgiana had done everything she could to leave them alone so they might talk and become better acquainted.
Thus, when Georgiana announced that they were to visit the museum with friends the following day, Richard immediately decided to accompany them.
Once he learned who else would be joining the party, he resolved to speak to Mr Darcy. There was a conversation they had postponed for too long.
“Darcy, may I come in? I should like to speak with you for a few minutes, if I may.”
Richard had been staying at Darcy House for several days.
His cousin had been so despondent that he had become poor company for anyone.
Richard knew Darcy needed time alone to think and reflect upon everything that had happened.
At the same time, he was determined to keep Georgiana from worrying too much about her brother, so he did everything he could to keep her occupied by arranging outings and other diversions.
“Yes, come in, Fitzwilliam. But before you say anything, I want to thank you for everything you have done for Georgiana these past few days. I wish I could return to Pemberley, but I have so much to attend to in London that I do not know when I shall be able to leave.”
Mr Darcy felt utterly adrift. He spent much of each day shut away in his study, burying himself in work. His affairs prospered more with every passing day, yet he had never felt so alone. The nights were the worst, for, without distraction, he could not help thinking of Elizabeth.
“You need not thank me. You know very well how dearly I love both you and Georgiana. That is precisely why I must speak to you about something of great importance to me.”
Richard's expression grew so serious that Mr Darcy looked at him with concern.
“Darcy, I am in love with Lady Claire, and I have decided to court her. I intend to speak to her father very soon. That is why I must ask you to stay away from her. I shall not allow you to use her in an attempt to forget another woman.”
Mr Darcy had not expected such a confession. Once he recovered from his surprise, he replied warmly, “You have my wholehearted support, Fitzwilliam. You may count on me for anything you need. And do not concern yourself; I never had the slightest intention of courting Lady Claire.”
Mr Darcy rose, embraced his cousin, and offered him his heartfelt congratulations.