55. Chapter 50

Ch 50

Bingley and Kitty were the first to arrive back at Netherfield. Louisa greeted them joyfully.

"You are to be my sister! Please tell me that it is so." Kitty nodded, grinning as Louisa grabbed her hands, dancing with excitement. "I am so glad you decided not to wait any longer. I can hardly contain myself!"

"I still intend to stand up with you," Kitty cautioned with mock severity, "so do not expect that our wedding will be that soon."

"I cannot complain for that. I would much rather have you than Caroline stand with me! She has been of no help planning the wedding since she is concerned only about what dress she will wear." Louisa laughed, rolling her eyes. "But now I can be here to help you plan as you have been helping me. Oh, it will be such fun!" Louisa giggled girlishly. "I have already been considering your dress and I have such marvelous sketches for you to see. I've been saving them as a surprise."

Bingley smiled knowingly at Kitty. How like you it is that your joy is made fuller knowing that you have increased my sister's! I could not be happier seeing the two of you so delighted. "Thank you for your congratulations, Louisa, I cannot tell you how much it means to me that this new should make you so happy."

"I can only imagine we will have more to celebrate when the others return. What say you we invite everyone to dinner tonight?" Louisa clapped her hands excitedly.

"I think it a very good idea." Mr. Bradley appeared in the foyer, leaning comfortably on his walking sticks.

"Then that is what we must do!" Bingley agreed happily.

"I must steal my friend away for a little while to help me give directions for our celebration." Arm in arm, Louisa and Kitty skipped toward the kitchen.

"I see you have settled the matter quite agreeably," Bradley noted, watching after the young ladies.

"Very much so," Bingley sighed. "I am glad I asked her. I had no idea how much is involved in planning a wedding. Neither had I any sense of how much it means for the ladies to share it with one another. I had no idea it would be so important to her." He chuckled.

"Remember this for your future life together. I would say that you have learned today something very few ever realize." Bradley nodded approvingly.

"I will, sir." Bingley stretched, yawning. "I suppose I must get on with the business side of things. I need to have my solicitor to prepare a settlement. That means I must go to London."

"I expect that all of you will need to make that trip. After all, their father is staying with Miss Maddie and her husband in Cheapside. You will need to speak to him. I would suggest you do that as soon as possible. It will be easier on Mrs. Bennet that way."

"I had not considered that. But given what Kitty…Miss Kitty has told me about her mother, I believe you are correct. Perhaps we can all go to London together. Yes, that is a good thought. I will wait for them to return and speak about it as soon as can be." Bingley wandered off, muttering absently under his breath, a distracted smile on his face.

Bradley watched him walk away and shook his head with a chuckle. He adjusted his walking sticks and made his way toward the library.

Late the next morning, the four young men stood outside a door in Cheapside waiting to gain admittance to the unfamiliar residence. A moment later the door opened.

"Misters Darcy, Bingley and Pierce and Colonel Fitzwilliam to see Mr. Gardiner," Darcy glanced at his companions.

"Just a moment, sirs," the butler said soberly. The door closed again but several moments later opened to admit the gentlemen. "If you will come this way, please," he led the way through the foyer to a bright morning room.

"Good morning!" Gardiner cried, stepping quickly to meet his visitors. Mr. Bennet was a step behind. Handshakes were exchanged and tea called for. Soon they were all comfortably seated, sipping hot tea.

"So, do we need to ask what brings you here? I am certain that you told my man a small a falsehood, for I am certain that it is not me that brought you to London this lovely morning," Gardiner laughed gently.

Darcy shifted uncomfortably and glanced to his companions. Fitzwilliam cleared his throat, "I cannot suppose that our visit has come as a complete surprise, Mr. Bennet, given the letter you wrote your daughters."

Bennet raised his eyebrows over his teacup. "A letter you say? My daughters will tell you I am no great correspondent. I would be quite surprised to find that anything I might write them could be so memorable."

An awkward silence filled the room. Finally Fitzwilliam pressed on, "An interesting evasive maneuver to be sure, sir. But I have seen enough to know they are best countered by a direct approach. My we use your study, Mr. Gardiner? I would appreciate the opportunity to have a private audience with Mr. Bennet."

Grinning, Gardiner slapped his brother's back. "I believe you have been outflanked! I would be happy to offer you the use of my study. My brother knows the way."

With a half frown, Bennet rose and allowed Fitzwilliam to follow him down the hall. A moment later, Madeline Gardiner appeared in the doorway.

"Gentlemen, may I present my wife, Mrs. Gardiner," Gardiner rose to take her hand and invite her in. The gentlemen stood. "This is Mr. Pierce, the vicar Fanny has spoken so highly of, Mr. Darcy of Pemberley and Mr. Bingley who has recently taken the lease on Netherfield Park."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, sirs. My husband has spoken so highly of you," Madeline curtsied.

"Madam, if I may be so bold," Darcy began, reaching into his coat pocket. "I believe we have a mutual friend in my vicar, Mr. Bradley. He is currently staying at Mr. Bingley's estate in Meryton. He asked me to bring you this letter." He presented her with a thick packet.

She took it from his hand with a broad smile. "Thank you, sir! His letters are a much anticipated event in our home. He always includes stories and little sketches for the children. They do so enjoy his offerings."

"He is an accomplished correspondent." Darcy smiled, bowing. "I understand you grew up in Lampton?"

"I did, sir. I have very fond memories of Derbyshire. I think it the most beautiful of counties, though I am told that I am most biased." She laughed as they seated themselves again.

"Well, I can assure you must heartily that I will do nothing to correct your perceptions as I most heartily agree with you." Darcy lifted his teacup to his lips.

"If I may be so bold, Mr. Gardiner," Mr. Pierce leaned forward, "how fares your sister?"

"Thank you for your concern, sir," Madeline answered for him. "She is much improved."

"That is good news indeed." Pierce released a deep breath and leaned back.

"You are not bearing bad news are you?" she quickly asked, a look of alarm spreading over her face.

"No, not at all, quite the opposite in fact," Pierce quickly assured her. "The news we have is quite good to be sure, but I know her constitution is delicate. Even desirable intelligence can be taxing, I fear."

"Bearing good tidings, you say?" Her brows knit for a moment, and then a broad smile broke out across her face. She laughed merrily. "You were correct, Mr. Gardiner. It did take only a week for them to show up on the doorstep." Darcy, Bingley and Pierce exchanged astonished looks. "I am most fond of my nieces and could not be more delighted to see them so amicably settled. My husband as told me much about his time in Meryton." Madeline reached for her husband's hand. "They are dear girls and if I may say. I believe the four of you may very well be getting the better part of the deal."

"Are you in a business meeting, brother? Madeline, are you there?" Mrs. Bennet's face peeked in the door way. "Mr. Pierce!" she exclaimed as the room rose in greeting. "I had no idea you were come to London? It is so good to see you again!" She bustled her way into the room.

"May I present to you my friends Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley? Mr. Bingley is the new tenant of Netherfield Park." Pierce gestured to his friends.

Mr. Darcy is such a fine gentlemen. The cut of his suit and that gold signet on his finger suggests he might be an excellent match of one of my girls. His friend seems to be quite acceptable as well. What good fortune that they are friends with our good friend Mr. Pierce. "You must dine with us then, all of you! We dine with four and twenty families, you know. With the addition of your company it will be five and twenty. As soon as I return to Longbourn," she suddenly stopped, her face growing pale and she clutched the back of nearby chair, wavering slightly. "Oh!" She covered her face with her hand.

"I am pleased to be the bearer of good news regarding Longbourn." Darcy quickly cut in.

Hope lit Fanny's eyes. "You have been there, sir? You have seen…"

"Yes, and more than just seen, madam. Mr. Bennet has charged your daughter, Miss Elizabeth and I with overseeing the work at Longbourn in his absence."

Fanny's eyebrows shot up. Overseeing in place of Mr. Bennet? He and Lizzy? What could Mr. Bennet have been thinking to allow them to work together like that? How improper! How unflattering to Lizzy. She breathed deeply and studied Darcy. They have been much in each other's company and yet he smiles so graciously? It would appear that her quick tongue has not dissuaded him. This seems to be most promising.

Darcy cleared his throat. "I am pleased to report that the repairs to the structural damages are complete. The carpenter from my estate…"

His estate? Fanny's eyes grew wider still He has called in his own man to assist in our repairs? He would only do such a thing if he was responsible for the damage… or if he sought to impress...surely that is it, he is trying to impress my Lizzy!

Darcy squirmed uncomfortably. She is studying me, trying to ascertain my motives. I have seen that look before. It is the one I have seen on many of the mothers of the Ton. He chuckled softly to himself. I am so accustomed to running from that expression I have almost forgotten I have nothing to fear! I have come here to ask for her daughter. "Young Lewis has been hard at work for the past several days. His work has been approved by both Miss Elizabeth and, perhaps more importantly, by Mrs. Hill." He smiled, a twinkle in his eye.

Madeline stifled a laugh while her husband coughed. Fanny's countenance softened. With a grateful glance at Mr. Darcy, Madeline gently led her sister to a chair.

Fanny dabbed at her face with her handkerchief. "What of my other girls? Are they pleased as well? Kitty has such a fine eye…"

"I can assure you that all of your daughters have seen his work." Darcy glanced at Pierce.

"Indeed, Mrs. Bennet. Miss Elizabeth insisted all of us, your daughters, Mr. Bingley and his sister and I join her and Mr. Darcy when the final approvals were given." Pierce nodded enthusiastically.

"His work was very impressive, Mrs. Bennet," Charles added energetically. "He was carving a bit of railing to replace some that had been damaged. None of us could tell where the old railing ended and the new began. He is truly an exceptional craftsman. Miss Kitty and my sister have already suggested several projects at Netherfield for him once he has finished his work at Longbourn." He smiled, elbows on his knees.

Fanny turned her attention to Bingley, noticing the light that came into his eyes as he mentioned her fourth daughter's name. "Is you sister Miss Louisa, the particular friend that Kitty has written about in her letters?"

"Yes, she is. Your daughters were so very kind to her when we moved into the neighborhood. She, Louisa, I mean, was feeling very alone when we first arrived. Your daughters, all of them have taken her in and made her feel very welcome indeed. She and Miss Kitty have become very dear to one another, thick as thieves as they say. She is helping my sister plan her upcoming wedding."

"She is to be married soon then?" Madeline asked politely, taking the fresh tea from the incoming maid.

"Yes, madam, we have not fixed the date as her betrothed, Mr. Hurst, has not yet returned form the continent. But he has written to say he should be back within the month. So we anticipate a wedding before the harvest."

"Hurst, I believe I have heard that name," Gardiner wondered aloud.

"It is quite possible. He is a gentleman, he has a small estate, but he has a few interests on the continent as well." Bingley was relieved to see no censure on their faces. I forget Mr. Gardiner himself is in trade.

"If I recall correctly, we met one day, both of us were making arrangements to have some goods shipped by the same vessel. I was impressed by his integrity and his good sense. He was as fine a young man as I have met." Gardiner accepted a fresh cup of tea from his wife.

Bingley smiled broadly. "I have thought the very same things myself, sir."

"So then who will manage your household once your sister has married?" Fanny asked, studying Bingley's face carefully.

What a question to ask? Hardly a veiled quest for information! Fitzwilliam would call her a very bold general, indeed! Darcy tried not to snicker.

Bingley suddenly blushed and pulled at his cravat. "I…I am not quite certain. I had not…that is to say…"

"You do have another unmarried sister, do you not?" Darcy added helpfully, a mischievous grin pulling at his lips. I have been too much in Miss Elizabeth's company! That is something she would have said.

Gardiner choked on his tea while Pierce smirked silently. Bingley was not amused. "I have not yet settled on what I will do. I am not certain my sister…that is to say…" He took a nervous sip trying to pull his thoughts together.

He hopes for a wife before he must replace his sister. I am sure of it! As Kitty is a dear friend of his sister, she would do very well for him… Fanny nodded to herself, her thoughts suddenly interrupted by a loud voice in the hall.

"Mama! Mama!"

"Lydia? That is my youngest daughter…" Fanny placed her teacup on the table with a loud clink and rose. Madeline jumped to her feet and rushed to the hallway ahead of her sister.

"No! I must see Mama!" Lydia burst into the room. "Oh, there are more gentlemen here as well!"

"Lydia, child, where are your manners?" Fanny scolded. "There are your uncle's friends…"

Mr. Gardiner rose, a severe expression on his face, "May I present my niece, Lydia Bennet. These are Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley and of course you know Mr. Pierce."

Lydia's eyes narrowed, "You are here with him?" She looked over her shoulder toward the hall, "the man with papa?"

"Lydia! That is not your business!" Gardiner rebuked sharply.

"But it is! Mama, it is!" Fanny drew breath to speak, but Lydia continued, "That man there, I heard Papa say he is to marry Jane!"

"Marry Jane?" Fanny whispered, sinking back into her chair with eyes wide.

"That is my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam," Darcy added softly.

"An officer?" Lydia exclaimed, stamping her foot. "Where are his regimentals?"

"Lydia!" Madeline took Lydia's arm firmly, but the girl shook her off.

"Jane is to marry an officer! It is not fair! I went to Brighton with the regiment! I was to have an officer for a husband!" Lydia cried.

"Stop it Lydia," Fanny rose shakily. "Do not offend your uncle's friends with your behavior! How can you carry on so in front of Mr. Pierce?"

"Mr. Pierce," Lydia whirled to face the curate. "You are probably here only to ask for Mary! She is such a plain, mousey thing. What can you see in her?"

Piece's jaw dropped. He turned to Mr. Gardiner for help.

"You have said far too much," Gardiner took her arm hard.

"You are probably here to ask for Lizzy and Kitty too, aren't you?" she shrieked as her uncle dragged her toward the door. "Am I to be the only one left at home now? It is not fair! Next to Jane I am by far the prettiest! It should be me…" She disappeared as Gardiner closed the door behind them. For a few moments they could hear muffled voices and the vain struggles of the girl in her uncle's grip.

My poor Elizabeth, no wonder you think so meanly of yourself. Never again will you have reason to doubt your worth or your beauty. Darcy winced, squirming uncomfortably. I hope Aunt Matlock has been able to affect some improvements in Georgiana. I do not think I could begin to manage such a tantrum from her. How grateful I am to Mrs. Cooperton!

"Please excuse my niece," Madeline murmured helping her sister sit down once again.

"Yes, yes," Fanny waved her handkerchief before her face. "Please do not judge my girls…" she began to breath rapidly.

Pierce slid to his knee beside Fanny and pressed her teacup into her hand. "Fear not, Mrs. Bennet, please, do not trouble yourself. We know your daughters. Poor Lydia has had a difficult time of it recently; it is natural for her to be a bit unsettled right now."

"Then what she said is true?" Fanny gasped, clutching her chest. "You all have come to ask Mr. Bennet for the girls? All of them? Four of my girls engaged?"

Pierce, Darcy and Bingley all nodded. Fanny gasped and swooned, falling back into the soft padding of the chair.