Chapter 30

The weather was unsettled on the Thursday so Darcy and Elizabeth made do with sitting in the parlour rather than walking. Claire sat reading a book, giving them some privacy whilst remaining chaperoned. Darcy had talked of the meeting with Sir Edward and how he proposed to use Elizabeth’s dowry. When she heard that the income would be hers to use without restriction, and would be in the marriage settlement papers, Darcy had been blessed with her most brilliant smile. He felt ten feet tall. And now Elizabeth had just finished recounting her conversation with Lady Maria from the previous evening.

“Before we continue allow me to tell you something I have repeatedly forgotten to mention. Your sister Jane is going to be staying with your uncle this weekend. His carriage is collecting her on Saturday from the parsonage at Hunsford. I am sorry that I have not told you sooner, but there have been a lot of distractions.”

“There is nothing to forgive. It is interesting that my uncle is bringing her to London. I do not mean this to sound as bad is appears, but he has allowed her to visit. Ever since his elevation he has been fending off ever more blatant requests for a visit from my mother. I doubt that she knows of Jane’s visit.”

“Are you going to visit?”

“The question that cuts to the heart of the matter. Nothing to do with my family is easy. On one level my answer is easy and obvious; of course. How could there be any other answer? But she does not know about our engagement, my staying with Lady Maria or how on earth I know Lady Maria in the first place. If I tell her the answers to any of these three aspects of my life then she has to lie to my parents or they find out. Which goes right back to the problems I have just talked about. William, I am lost as to what to do.”

“May we approach the issues from a different direction?”

“I am open to any approach that could provide a solution.”

“When would you like to marry?”

Elizabeth’s shocked face turned to her trademark impish smile.

“That is a very good technique. Asking a lady about her wedding tends to push all else from her mind. You are suggesting that we work back at the problem?”

“Indeed.”

Elizabeth pulled her small diary from her purse.

“I reach my majority on June 7 th which is a Sunday this year. What about the Tuesday afterward, the 9 th ?”

She counted out the weeks.

“We are already less than 10 weeks from that date. It is shorter than the norm but not suspiciously so.”

“It will be a long nine weeks but I am in agreement.”

Elizabeth blushed scarlet at his roguish comment.

“The next issue is the location of the service and size of the wedding.”

“Here in London, and small, if you are in agreement?”

“It is aligned with my own wishes. Do you wish to marry from St. Magnus?”

“No. We both worship at St. George’s, and as the Gardiners move to their new home before that date they will not yet be established at St. Mary’s. There is also the issue that Uncle Edward rarely actually attends church. He would sit and read his bible while I escorted the three children to church. He regularly hosted the parson for lunch as well.”

“He will walk you down the aisle?”

“He will want to, although I shall talk to him about it. It is the jostling of the carriage that is his biggest issue but he will definitely be in attendance. There will be an element of me helping him down the aisle but my sense is that is what we will do.”

“So we can agree on a small wedding held at St. George’s Mayfair on Tuesday June 9 th ?”

“Yes we can.”

They both smiled at the decision.

“I received a note from the Earl yesterday evening. He would like to place this announcement in The Times.

‘The Earl and Countess of Matlock are very pleased to announce the engagement of their nephew Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire to Miss Elizabeth Bennet of Bryanston Square in London.’

That was what his note suggested. Do you want to change your address to Longbourn in Hertfordshire?”

Elizabeth shook her head.

“I was asked to leave, Longbourn is no longer home. Using uncle’s new address is a nice compromise.”

She sighed.

“I wish to announce our engagement, at times I want to shout it from the rooftops, yet it feels like an irrevocable step. I am fine with the wording but can we come back to when it will be announced?”

“I understand. Where would you like the wedding breakfast to be held?”

“Here. Lady Maria already offered and there was no polite ‘are you sure?’. I nearly cracked a rib I hugged her so hard. I have no concerns about the breakfast, it will be like every other event or occasion hosted here, dignified and appropriate. I know that she will listen.”

It was Darcy’s turn to sigh.

“Working backwards has not changed any of the issues. Will you allow me to make some suggestions and see which feel the best?”

“Please do.”

“Go to Gracechurch Street on Saturday afternoon when Miss Jane arrives. Spend the night with her and then. Blast, that will not work. I was going to suggest that you do not talk of our engagement, but I presume your uncle has told his wife and children. They already know you do not live at Gracechurch Street any more. It does not seem right to ask young children to lie, even assuming the littlest one is capable of performing such a subterfuge. I do not think you cannot see your oldest sister, especially as you have reconnected. If you see her, then you have to tell the truth. I do not see any other way around it.”

“Lady Maria yesterday evening said talking something out can help you reach an answer to your problems. This morning has just proved that. I do not want to lie to Jane, and the idea that I could ask Michael to lie for me is laughable. He would be proud to do something for his cousin Lizzie but then spill the secret within the first two minutes. I will tell her the truth. To take something from legal circles, I will tell her the truth, but I doubt I will tell her the whole truth. I will try to keep Lady Maria’s family name out of the conversation. I will tell her I would prefer that she not talk of the visit with my parents but I will understand if she does not wish to lie. I do not think there is any other way to handle it.”

“You will have the support, if not the presence, of Miss Jane and Miss Mary. What will be the reaction of the other four members of the family?”

“The announcement in The Times will be the first spark, lit before Jane is even back at Longbourn. There will be a degree of confusion as she met you in Kent, with no knowledge of our courtship. Mind you we had no knowledge of our courtship.”

Darcy could tell they were going to chuckle about this for the rest of their lives.

“Then she meets me in London, at the home of the new Baronet. She finds out of our engagement but does not meet you. My mother’s head will explode she will have so many questions. Most of which Jane will have no answer to.”

“I no longer know Kitty and Lydia well enough to gauge their reactions other than to gossip about the matter throughout the neighbourhood. Most likely in tandem with our mother. As to Papa? I had him on the highest pedestal and he has fallen the furthest. Nothing his family does appears capable of dragging him out of his study. He has signed over guardianship to my uncle and we are marrying after I reach my majority.”

“Would your mother come to London uninvited?”

Elizabeth pondered the mercenary mind of Mrs. Bennet.

“I do not know for sure. Even before I returned to Longbourn, Uncle Gardiner had me prepared for this eventuality. Not our engagement but my permanent residence in London. He did not trust my parents to do the right thing by me. It was he that strongly suggested that I keep quiet of my share in his business. Like I said yesterday, the unthinking support of family has been questioned, he has seen my father’s sloth and my mother’s spendthrift ways. He has four children of his own to support. He does not share any details of his letters with his sisters, and of course I do not pry. If I had to guess he has not shared that the family is moving and in three weeks they will be living in Bryanston Square. Not that will stop Mrs. Bennet but maybe he will allow her to stay at Gracechurch Street, bare and without servants.”

Elizabeth giggled briefly but it was nothing but an idle fantasy. What was real was her uncle’s disquiet at the behaviour of the Bennets. She just did not know how he would react if Mrs. Bennet arrived on the doorstep, several daughters in attendance. But there was one thing she could do.

“I will ask Lady Maria to instruct the staff not to admit any Bennet here without an express invite.”

“Can I summarise? The announcement will be placed today and will be in The Times on Friday. You will meet with your sister this weekend and tell her the truth, skirting over some issues if possible. There will be a letter or letters from your mother but addressed to Gracechurch Street, and you are going to ignore all of them. Your mother is for your uncle to deal with. The letters to Miss Jane and Miss Mary will continue through the good offices of your aunt in Meryton. Sadly, these two sisters will not be at your wedding so as to ensure that none of the other four make an appearance. The wedding arrangements are set and I presume Lady Maria, with the happy assistance of Aunt Susan and Georgiana, will help you with the selection of your wedding dress. Have I missed anything?”

“No William, that has been a complete summary. There is one additional thing that I thought of when talking to Lady Maria yesterday evening. When you draft the settlement can you keep the investment in Trust but under your control, rather than my uncle.”

“I can, but will he not be offended?”

“I will talk to him in advance, at some point this weekend. What happened to Aunt Madeline and to him shows the uncertainties of life. I hope he lives another 50 years but we cannot know that. Young Edward has the attitude of the rest of society, women have no worth within the business sphere and should be banned from it. I do not even know if he is aware that I own a share of the business. If something unexpected should happen to Uncle Edward I do not want a fight within the family to recover the investment.”

Darcy treated Elizabeth to a full dimple smile.

“I do not wish to embarrass you, but you need to be aware when you demonstrate such brilliance after we are married you are going to be soundly kissed.”

It was the boldest that Darcy had ever been with Elizabeth but the truth was she had nearly been soundly kissed that very morning. Elizabeth blushed beyond scarlet in the colour spectrum and Darcy was not without a tinge of pink in his own cheeks.

“Mr. Darcy!”

He looked smugly unrepentant.

“We are engaged Elizabeth.”

He watched as she fanned herself.

“I can see that married life is going to be an adventure.”

Darcy nodded, still looking smug. He reset his features when he remembered one final point.

“Do you have a preference for our wedding trip?”

The change of subject let them both calm down.

“I suppose Vienna, Aachen and Paris is not possible this year?”

“Sadly, such a Grand Tour will have to wait the cessation of hostilities.”

“I will be serious.”

However, thinking about the first days of their marriage had the blush returning to Elizabeth’s cheeks. She took a deep breath.

“Pemberley will be our home and I would like to see it sooner rather than later. But I do not wish for my wedding night to be in an inn, however nice, on the road north.”

She tried to control the flush in her cheeks.

“What say you to us staying at Darcy House for the rest of that week, worship as usual at St. George’s on the Sunday and then head north the following Monday. Georgiana can accompany us if she wishes and then we can spend the summer at Pemberley. Once the harvest is in, maybe we can take a short trip, the Lakes perhaps, depending on the weather.”

Darcy saw the practicality yet elegance of the solution. Georgiana would stay at Matlock House and the knocker on Darcy House would be removed. The door would be opened to no one. And his heart swelled as Elizabeth called Pemberley home, as well as her understanding of the importance of the harvest. He had an extremely competent Steward but both of them being home for the summer would help establish Elizabeth in the neighbourhood.

“Agreed. We have the date, location, wedding breakfast and tour all settled. A productive morning.”

“Will you join us for lunch? The Duke has been meeting with Lady Maria and she reminded me to ask you before you left.”

“I would be delighted. It is fascinating to listen to His Grace talk about all the aspects of Ducal life he is learning. Much is very similar to my own training from my father but he will have many additional responsibilities. I share his suspicion that his Regent is not ready to yield his authority. I suspect that gentleman is in for a rude shock come August when His Grace reaches his majority.”

Roderick, Duke of Desmond was fulsome and sincere in his congratulations to them both. Elizabeth was never going to have been his bride, and he was not a rake, so they had settled into a friendship that was genuine. When it was just the two of them, or with Lady Maria, then Elizabeth called him Lord Roderick, with his permission. But she never overstepped the bounds of familiarity when there was anyone else present, even her fiancé. He appreciated her candour with him, displaying her real personality, while still giving him due respect. A private tease of ‘tally-ho’ was the extent of her pushing the bounds of propriety. And he did not care if it was almost too close to the mark. Elizabeth had made a good friend in the Duke of Desmond by being herself.

“Shall we take a stroll to help digest that delicious lunch? Aunt, can I persuade you to accompany me?”

Soon the four of them were strolling from Hanover Square down to New Bond Street. Not the first choice for any of the other three but the Duke liked to be seen and weak Spring sun took the chill from the air. What Darcy found illuminating was neither he or the Duke were accompanied by any servants, and Lady Maria only had her companion. Yet Elizabeth was trailed by her two trusty bodyguards. He mentally smiled at the thought that he might not just be teaching Elizabeth to ride but the Smiths as well. It was going to be an adjustment for all of them.

Elizabeth was not someone who strolled. Her idea of a walk was closer to a route march. And shopping was also an activity that held little joy for her. It was necessary at times but to be endured rather than enjoyed. But she was now an engaged woman, Darcy had sent a note with their agreement to the Earl before they departed Leonard House on Hanover Square. The announcement would be in the paper the next day. For once she was actually taking her time and perusing the various items in the different shop windows. The party splintered agreeing to meet at a small tea shop in 30 minutes. Darcy escorted Elizabeth while the Duke escorted Lady Maria.

“I will have Claire with me, and Robert stationed at the door, you are free to indulge William.”

Elizabeth had noticed his eyes straying to the bootmaker next door to the shop she intended to visit. They were unlikely to be the first couple who had separated at the door.

“Are you sure?”

She smiled indulgently.

“Shall we say 15 minutes, and then I will send in Robert to rescue you?”

Darcy was still chuckling as he entered the bootmaker’s emporium. Elizabeth and Claire were more than browsing but had not the time to seriously shop. Elizabeth was never going to be a slave to the latest fashion about the Ton, but even she realised that her wardrobe needed to expand. This was a first step for her in evaluating additional styles and looks.

“We should make an appointment for next week, I am taken with several of these dresses.”

“I agree Miss Elizabeth, there is an elegance to them, even although the cut is quite, I am not sure what the correct word is, severe maybe?”

“Severe is perhaps a touch too strong but I know what you mean. Austere maybe? But with a few subtle adornments I think it would suit me.”

“The adornments will be key, too austere and there will be an air of a governess.”

Their quiet musings were interrupted, rudely and most unwelcomingly.

“Why Miss Eliza Bennet, this is far too fashionable a district if you are shopping for your new uniform as a governess!”

Caroline Bingley had spotted Elizabeth as soon as she entered the store and had overheard the last few words between Elizabeth and Mrs. Smith. When recounting the tale later Elizabeth was a combination of bemused and chagrined at everyone’s surprise at her reaction to Miss Bingley’s usual rudeness. It was not as if she had ever reacted badly. Oh wait….

The events of three days earlier had not changed her overnight although it had been a shock. But three months of support from Lady Maria, strong familial feelings, had eased an anger Elizabeth did not know she carried. The previous November, she had been angry at the world and that anger drove her responses to Miss Bingley. She felt alone and had replied without a care. Now as she contemplated the person in front of her she felt loved, supported and secure. Caroline Bingley was not worth the effort to spar with verbally.

“We are done here Claire, if you will excuse us Miss Bingley, Mrs. Hurst.”

Elizabeth’s knees barely bent before she turned and left the store. She saw the Duke and Lady Maria further up the street.

“Robert, please let me Mr. Darcy know that we are going ahead to the tea shop. He does not need to rush, as you will be with me and I can see the rest of our party ahead. Claire and I will wait.”

When the tale was retold, that Elizabeth waited for her second bodyguard on New Bond Street made an impression to the others. She was in a safe district, on a safe street and there were no threats. Yet taking her safety seriously was something that was ingrained. And after the assassination of the Prime Minister five weeks later, it was a behaviour that was rapidly copied not mocked. Darcy returned with Robert.

“You did not have to cut short your own shopping William.”

Elizabeth lightly laid her arm upon his and they resumed their stroll south down the street.

“I was merely considering different styles. There was never going to be time for a proper fitting. I will make an appointment for later in the month. You were only in your store for a few minutes, did something happen?”

Before Elizabeth could explain, Miss Bingley answered Darcy’s question for her.

“Mr. Darcy!”

Darcy was looking down at Elizabeth and winced at the indiscreet ululation from behind them. His eyes asked the question and Elizabeth nodded. It was not something, but rather someone.

At the same time, his mind was whirring trying to decide how to deal with Caroline Bingley. He had agreed a strategy with Lady Susan the previous week, and he knew that she had shared it with her friend Lady Maria. But between Easter, the tournament and his engagement more than a week had passed in what seemed like the blink of an eye. He had not spoken to Bingley and was unprepared for making an open cut in the middle of the most fashionable street in London. But then his arm was gently squeezed and he saw Elizabeth’s supportive smile. He did not need his confidence bolstered, rather it was a physical reminder that he was not alone. As they turned to face Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst, Elizabeth’s hand remained on Darcy’s arm.

“Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley.”

Their bow and curtsey were barely civil, not that Caroline Bingley noticed. Her entire being was focused on Eliza Bennet’s hand on her Mr. Darcy’s arm. How dare that country hoyden! The lessons from her oft-referenced seminary were squashed by her anger. She had spent too long bullying her complaisant siblings and took their acquiescence as confirmation that her behaviour was acceptable.

“My dear Mr. Darcy. We have been desolate without your company this season. Your absence has dimmed the lustre of the events we have attended.”

While she meant her flattery, it had not escaped her notice that without the Darcy name to open doors for her and her brother, they had been unable to obtain invitations for the more prestigious events. She had been made painfully aware of their lack of consequence amongst the Ton.

“I am sorry to hear that, but my own experience has been the exact opposite. I have very much enjoyed this season, it has been the best of my life.”

Left unsaid, but clear in its implication, was how Darcy was not desolate at the absence of Miss Bingley from his society. Her eyes narrowed as Darcy and Elizabeth continued to stand there, her hand resting upon his arm.

“I was just telling Louisa that it had been too long since we have dined together. Charles has been remiss in not inviting you to dine with us. He should not be so cavalier with your friendship.”

Little did they know it at the time, but both Darcy and Elizabeth were thinking the same thing. They were observing Miss Bingley and listening to her words but were wondering how she was going to cross the gap between the two pairs. Elizabeth was standing next to Darcy and short of dragging her away it was unclear how Miss Bingley was going to get her claws on Darcy’s arm. It was diverting for them both.

“On the contrary, I have dined with Bingley at our club many times.”

Another jab in his response to her.

“What I cannot understand is why Miss Eliza Bennet is with you. Did you not have enough of her,” Caroline Bingley knew just how to time an insolent pause. “Society while in Hertfordshire.”

The growing humour of their interaction was swept away, and Darcy’s face became severe.

“I have found the society of Miss,” It was Darcy’s turn to hold a pause. “Elizabeth Bennet to be most delightful. She has been a beacon of grace and beauty throughout this season and she has made me the happiest of men by accepting my offer of marriage.”

Elizabeth flushed with pleasure at Darcy’s words on her grace and beauty but that reaction was nothing compared to the preposterous countenance of Caroline Bingley. When Elizabeth thought of it later she realised this was what the shattering of dreams looked like. At the time, she was reduced to biting the inside of her cheek to stop laughing in her face. She had never seen someone pale as if they were about to faint, yet at the same time their cheeks flush with a florid intensity. For some unknown reason, Mr. Hurst’s face sprang to mind.

“Your relations must be so pleased Mr. Darcy. Have Miss Eliza’s tradesmen uncles been invited to dinner yet?”

Darcy’s continued anger at this termagant ebbed as he looked down at Elizabeth. Rather than have to worry about her riposte he was treated to a warm smile. Suddenly Caroline Bingley was nothing more than an ill-mannered pest. It was time to move on.

“Who are these people that are detaining you Darcy?”

Lady Maria Leonard and the Duke of Desmond had noticed the altercation and returned to the side of Elizabeth and Darcy. He indicated Elizabeth should respond.

“Your Grace, Lady Maria, these two ladies are Mrs. Louisa Hurst and Miss Caroline Bingley. They have just finished commenting about Sir Edward.” Insolent pauses were spreading like the flu. “Most sincerely.”

Lady Maria’s face turned glacial.

“This is Caroline Bingley?”

Elizabeth nodded, surprised at the sudden change in attitude.

“Let us leave at once. Come Your Grace, Miss Bennet, Mr. Darcy, these people are not worthy of our time or notice!”

There were cuts and then there were cuts. Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst had just been socially beheaded. In the middle of New Bond Street on a sunny Spring day. Elizabeth and Darcy, following the lead of the Duke and Lady Maria, turned and left the Bingley sisters without another word.

“Louisa, who were the other lady and gentleman?”

Caroline’s hissed question was ignored and Louisa Hurst dragged her across the street, narrowly avoiding both horses and carriage wheels. They needed to escape from the scrutiny of those who had witnessed the exchange.

“Louisa, stop dragging me!”

Without breaking stride, or her grip on her sister’s arm, Louisa hissed a response.

“Caroline, for once in your life just shut up. We need to get back to the carriage immediately and I need time to think.”

The Bingley carriage was spotted and Caroline Bingley was all but bundled into it without ceremony or delay.

“Home, at once.”

Louisa Hurst leaned back in the seat, trying to calm her trembling limbs. She was terrified and angry and needed peace and quiet to calm herself. However.

“Louisa, what was that display for? I will be bruised for days from the way you dragged me down the street.”

Apparently, peace and quiet were not to be granted to her.

“Caroline. Are you that idiotic and self-absorbed? Did you hear Miss Bennet’s introduction? ‘Your Grace’ and ‘Lady Maria’, that means he is a Duke.”

Louisa knew Debrett’s was well as her sister. She mentally flicked through the pages and then stopped and shuddered.

“I am positive that was the Duke of Desmond, the only Duke in the peerage of Ireland. He is also the only current Duke that young. Finally, he is related to the Leonard family and the Duke of Richwood’s oldest sister is Lady Maria Leonard.”

She tried to visualise that Lady’s date of birth and although she did not the exact year she recognised that the lady they had just met was the right age. She put her head in her hands. This was a social catastrophe that would be talked about for years. Caroline Bingley finally focused on something other than the engagement of Mr. Darcy and Eliza Bennet and Louisa’s words sank in. As the carriage pulled up outside the Hurst townhouse half the street heard her plaintive wail.

“Nooooooo!”

--

The news of the confrontation spread like wildfire on a windy day. Robert returned and confirmed that the two Bingley sisters had retreated to their carriage and left. Lady Maria was immediately approached and while she fanned the flames of Caroline Bingley’s disgrace Darcy quietly indicated to Elizabeth that there was more to the story but it could not be repeated in public. As they drank their tea they watched as Virgil’s quote on rumour came to life before their eyes. Lady Maria damned Caroline’s name, accusing her of using the Darcys and Fitzwilliams very ill. She never directly accused her of anything but implied that she had attempted a compromise on one of the gentlemen and had been found out, thankfully before her plan succeeded. The Duke of Desmond was much more direct.

“I have never met this person, never mind been introduced to her. She was abominably rude to Miss Bennet, a young lady I count as a good friend. This odious person was lucky to have received the cut direct from my cousin, Lady Maria, before I had a chance to respond in kind to her jealous tirade. Her roots were never more evident.”

Eventually they were able to depart and return to Leonard House on Hanover Square.

“I have heard reports of your articulate retorts, leaving the person in no doubt of your thoughts on them. I confess to being disappointed not to see you in action.”

Elizabeth blushed as both her fiancé and friend chuckled at her expense.

“Miss Bingley made her first two verbal thrusts in the shop, including calling me Miss Eliza, something she has been taken to task for several times. It is my turn to confess that I did consider, for a moment, returning her words in a manner all of my own. Captain Oxley, the Naval officer from Tuesday, did spring to mind.”

All three caught the analogy and laughed as expected.

“But then I realised that I could take the high road. There was no need to respond, I had won. Miss Bingley could not have been more obvious or determined in trying to secure Mr. Darcy as her husband. Apparently, I managed to perform such a feat without either of us being aware of it.”

More laughter.

“I am much happier than I was back in the autumn. Despite my initial reservations I have enjoyed the season far more than I ever expected to. And the three of you here have much to do with that enjoyment. Your kind words mean a lot to me Your Grace, but to be counted as a good friend, and in public, is more than I deserve. Why would I waste time and effort on someone who just does not matter?”

Elizabeth Bennet had grown and matured. But more importantly she had friends and support. Her temper, nicknamed Oxley by her husband, was still there. But it was buried deep and the only instances of it being exhibited in the years that followed were in the last minutes of her confinements. Darcy was of the opinion that she was allowed such lapses.