14. Chapter 14

June 11, 2014 – YAY! It's my birthday! Make sure you leave me lots of reviews to celebrate. No, it won't get you a bonus chapter but it will give me warm fuzzy feelings and also blow up my email notifications. As for how old I am … I'm old enough to know better and we'll leave it at that.

And for a very random bit of trivia, very,very random – my home town, Phoenix, Arizona has never had recorded rainfall on June 11th. Needless to say – it's not raining here today.

Cheers!

Chapter 14

It came as no surprise when Mr. Collins left Longbourn before breakfast again the next day. Mrs. Bennet was still wailing over Elizabeth's refusal but the rest of the family seemed to take things in stride. Once again Mary and Elizabeth shared a walk after breakfast. They had decided to make it a daily venture as the weather allowed. Jane was still in poor spirits over the loss of Mr. Bingley's company. Caroline Bingley had sent over a note the day before informing her of the rest of the party's departure for London.

Shortly after tea Mr. Collins arrived back at Longbourn, this time accompanied by Sir William, Lady Lucas and Charlotte. "

Mr. Bennet", Mr. Collins began, "I have come to announce that Miss Lucas has made me the happiest of men and has consented to enter into Holy Matrimony with me."

After the initial shock of the actual announcement, congratulations were quickly offered to the engaged couple. Charlotte sought out Elizabeth for a private word.

"You do not approve of what I have done do you, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth was very thankful that she had considered her answer to this question during the past two days. "Charlotte, I have long known your feelings on marriage, and the lot of women in general, and I know that you have acted in what you believe to be your own best interests. In many ways it is a very good match for you. Just because I could not accept my cousin does not mean that any other woman would not."

"But you do not approve."

"I did not say that, Charlotte. It was your decision to make, not mine. If you believe you can be content as Mrs. Collins then I wish you happy. Do you have a wedding date set?"

"Yes, in three months, on the 15th of March. It should be much warmer then and it will give me time to prepare myself to leave Lucas Lodge."

Elizabeth managed to restrain herself to just a lifting of her eyebrow when she learned the date. 'An ill omen indeed! Oh Charlotte, what have you done!' she thought.

Fortunately Mrs. Bennet remained subdued until after the happy party left to spread their good news around the rest of the neighborhood. However, it did not take long for the mistress of Longbourn to make her displeasure known, most of it directed at her second-born. For the second time in two days Mr. Bennet was forced to intervene on his daughter's behalf and once again Elizabeth excused herself quickly but this time to go for a walk. She informed the butler that she would be heading in the direction of Oakham Mount. She knew the exercise would calm her and help her clear her mind of all the thoughts racing through it.

Before she knew it, she was at the summit and looking down on the familiar lands. The calls of the birds were a welcome exchange to the shrill cries of her mother. Finally, all the pent up emotions from the past weeks poured out in tears. When she was done she looked around and remembered the last time she had been up here; it was with Georgiana and Mr. Darcy. She smiled as she remembered Georgiana's 'self-improvement scheme'. She had not had the opportunity to ask her how it was progressing before she left. She remembered how her brother had so considerately left them alone so that they could talk. Mr. Darcy was always so considerate when they met. Then the realization hit Elizabeth, she was missing them both! This would never do! She must not let Mr. Darcy affect her so or else how was she to spend six weeks in his house with Georgiana. She must use these next four weeks to steel herself against him. She could not forget him, that was impossible. As long as she was a friend of Georgiana's he would be there, but she could try to prepare herself to be indifferent to him. No, why delude herself; she would never be able to be indifferent to him. When she was at last in control of her emotions again Elizabeth headed back to Longbourn. She could not wait for the arrival of the Gardiners. It would be another three weeks before they came.

And so they were indeed three long weeks. Mr. Bennet had ordered his wife to stop berating Elizabeth, so instead she chose to act as if she were not even there. Elizabeth could tolerate this behavior. She tried to look on the bright side, as was her disposition, and realized that this would relieve her of the responsibility of having to attend her mother. She even grew to enjoy the added freedom this gave her.

Jane still continued to struggle with the loss of Mr. Bingley. She had written twice to Caroline Bingley. After her second letter she had received a short note in reply explaining that the first must have gone amiss and that she had no news to relate. Elizabeth was very suspicious of Caroline but did not voice her concerns to Jane. Jane could not think ill of anyone and Elizabeth did not wish to drive a wedge between Jane and her potential sister-in-law.

Mary continued to take her daily walks with Elizabeth, sometimes accompanied by Jane as well. Elizabeth started to bring along books of poetry to discuss with Mary. At first Mary had difficulty making anything but moralistic observations, but as the days progressed she began to offer more in-depth, more insightful comments on the verses they pondered. One such day they were discussing Shakespeare's Sonnets, in particularly Sonnet 46

"Mine eye and heart are at a mortal war

How to divide the conquest of thy sight;"

"It is an interesting way to begin a discussion on the nature of love. What do you think Shakespeare is trying to say in these first lines, Mary?"

"I think it is his way to introduce the concept of the dual nature of love, the love a man has for a woman."

"Go on."

"Well, I think that the eyes symbolize the physical attraction a man feels for a woman. The heart symbolizes the attraction to her character, the beauty within that you talk about."

"And they are at war?"

"Yes initially. But eventually they learn to co-exist and to understand that they are two sides of the same coin."

"And?"

"They complement each other and make the love complete."

Elizabeth smiled at her sister. "I do believe you are right. I would wish you to find a man with such love, Mary."

"As do I you. I think Jane has already found such a man."

"Perhaps so. We shall see when the Master of Netherfield returns. Until then I would like your help in cheering Jane's spirits. I believe she is missing Mr. Bingley most acutely."

"I will do what I can, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, do you think all couples marry for love?"

"Most gently-bred couples do not, Mary. For them it is a matter of money and connections."

"Is that what you think about Charlotte and Mr. Collins?"

"Yes."

"So love plays no role for them?"

"Love does play a role, Mary, but not the kind of love a husband ought to have for a wife. It is the love of financial security."

"What of our parents, Elizabeth, what kind of love did our father have for our mother when he married her?"

"Mary, neither of us was alive when this occurred, of course, but I have learned many things over the years. Yes, Papa was captivated by Mama's beauty. But I do not think that was the only reason he married her. She is much different now, Mary. From what I have been told she changed after the birth of Jane. Papa tried to help, but he could not. I am afraid most of the affection of his heart died with her transformation."

"Then that affection was not strong enough?"

"I am not sure, Mary. It must have been very hard on Papa seeing the woman he thought he married disappear. But Mary, that is why I am so adamant about finding a man whose character is such that I can respect him enough to marry. I have seen what happens when respect vanishes."

"Are you not worried that a man can change as our mother did?"

"Yes, but if you understand the strength of his character you will know whether such a change is possible. I believe Papa allowed himself to be blinded by Mama's beauty and did not take the time to truly learn her character before he offered himself to her."

"These are very sobering thoughts, Elizabeth. Once again you have given me much to think on. Right now I am afraid that I will never be able to trust my heart."

"When the right man comes along, you will, Mary."

Soon the two sisters found themselves back at Longbourn and preparing for the arrival of the Gardiners.

Darcy and Georgiana had arrived at Pemberley late in the day, the day after they left Netherfield, Mrs. Reynolds greeting them happily in the front entry.

"Welcome home, sir! There is hot water prepared in case either of you wish for a bath. Dinner will be ready whenever you are."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. I know that we did not give you much of a warning that we would be returning."

"We are all very happy that you have chosen to spend Christmas here at Pemberley again."

"Yes, I should like to speak to you about that, after we have had a chance to refresh ourselves and eat. I think both of us would like a bath. Please have them prepared and tell cook that we shall be ready to eat in an hour and a half."

"Very good sir! Miss Georgiana, it is good to see you looking so well."

"Thank you, Mrs. Reynolds. We will catch up on matters after my brother is done with you!"

"Off you two go now!"

After they had bathed and eaten, Darcy suggested Georgiana wait for him in the music room whilst he met with Mrs. Reynolds.

"I know how much you have missed your pianoforte, Georgiana. Go and reintroduce yourself to it, again!" Georgiana laughed and agreed with him.

Darcy had his housekeeper summoned to him in his study.

"I must say it is good to see the two of you in such good spirits, sir. Your sister grows more like your dear mother every day."

"That she does, Mrs. Reynolds, but that is not why I have asked you here. Since Georgiana and I will be in residence for Christmas we will personally be delivering the Christmas boxes this year. Please make the arrangements and draw up a proposed schedule for it. I would like to see it in a week as well as be informed of anything else pertaining to this. I also want you to decorate the main quarters for Christmas. It has been too long since this has been done. The house will be open for general inspection by the neighborhood one week before Christmas. This should give you ample time to decorate to your high standards! If you need any additional funds to acquire or replace suitable items, please let me know. I also desire to host a dinner for the servants the day after Christmas. Please consult with cook to prepare a menu and bring it to me for my approval. We shall be leaving for town again on the 28th. I want this to be a special time for Georgiana. I am counting on you, Kate."

"I will see to these things immediately, William. It will be good to have a real Christmas here again." 'And all we need are a mistress and some children and it will be complete!' Mrs. Reynolds added to herself.

Mrs. Annesley arrived the next day. Georgiana was very happy to see her and they spent a long time acquainting each other with their news. Georgiana reviewed her studies and a new course of subjects was agreed upon.

And so the days flew by until Christmas. Georgiana reveled in working with Mrs. Reynolds to decorate Pemberley and she thoroughly enjoyed delivering the Christmas boxes with her brother. The two shared a great satisfaction upon seeing the faces of the estate's children as they received their gifts. The whole Estate was looking forward to this year's Christmas with a renewed sense of joy and peace.

The opening of the great house was heavily attended. It had been many years since Pemberley had done so and everyone was curious to see it. None left disappointed. Those who were old enough to remember it from the days of the last Mrs. Darcy came away with knowing smiles of approval. The current Darcys were a credit to their parents.

At last Christmas day came and Darcy met his sister in the breakfast room.

"When you are finished eating I would like to give you your present. I think I will surprise you this year, dear."

"I shall wait until later to give you yours, Brother. I just hope you like it."

"I am sure I will."

Georgiana was very curious when he led her to the music room. She wondered if he had found the music she had asked about. She was totally taken aback to find not only the new music but a new pianoforte as well.

"Oh Fitzwilliam, it is beautiful! Thank you!"

"Try it out."

Georgiana sat down and began to test it. Her eyes shone as she listened to its tones envelope her.

"It is magnificent! I do not deserve such a gift brother."

"Yes you do, now why do you not try that new song there."

Georgiana obeyed his request and began to play. Something in the back of her mind beckoned her but she could not grasp what it was until she was almost finished. When it did come her fingers stumbled and Darcy gave her a nervous look. When she had finished she turned to her brother.

"Is there any reason why you purchased that particular piece of music brother?"

Darcy would not look at her. "I heard that piece recently and found it very enjoyable. I knew you did not own it and thought you might derive as much pleasure from it as I did."

Georgiana did not respond. She just looked at him. 'He will not admit that was the song Elizabeth played. She played it for me here at Pemberley and she told me that she had played it that night at Lucas Lodge when I stayed at Netherfield. She said that she figured that if I liked it my brother would probably like it too and that was why she chose to play it then. But you did not know that I knew that did you, Fitzwilliam?'

"Thank you Fitzwilliam, I will work on it and the other pieces you have given me so I will be able to give them the justice others have before me."

Darcy shot her a worried look. Did she know? Oh dear, he should never have given into that temptation!

"Will you play some Yuletide carols now?"

"As you wish, Brother."

They spent the next hour thus pleasurably engaged.

"I would like to give you your gift now. I am afraid it will seem so insignificant next to mine. I am almost ashamed to give it to you."

"Nonsense, my dear. I am sure I will love it."

Georgiana gave him the wrapped parcel. Inside Darcy found a new book of poetry and two embroidered handkerchiefs.

"These are lovely, Georgiana, and I look forward to reading this too."

"Elizabeth helped me chose the design and she showed me how to stitch the flowers. She set me a sampler with them in different stages because she did not have time to show me before we left. Do you recognize them?"

"Yes, Sweet Williams are they not?"

"Yes, I thought it appropriate."

"Thank you, Georgiana, these mean a great deal to me. I shall treasure them."

The dinner the next day went off splendidly. The staff very much enjoyed the special attention and Darcy made a point to stand up and thank them all for their hard work and devoted service.

Before they knew it Darcy, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were loaded up in the carriage and on their way to London. It had been a refreshing 4 weeks. They were both rested mentally and physically, though the journey would tax them somewhat. Gone was the melancholy that had threatened to envelope Georgiana. She was so much happier now. She was excited to be seeing her friend in a few days. Mrs. Annesley would be leaving for her daughter's house once they reached London, of course, but she knew Elizabeth would more than make up for her companion's absence.

The Gardiners arrived at Longbourn ready to spend Christmas. Elizabeth and her father had written them ahead of time to warn them of all the extra unrest in their typically chaotic home, but nothing could prepare them for the verbal assault perpetrated by Mrs. Bennet. Somehow she had determined that this could very well be her last Christmas as the mistress of Longbourn. She was certain that Mr. Bennet was on his last legs and they would surely be cast out to die in the hedgerows. It took all of the skill Mrs. Gardiner had to calm her down. Mrs. Gardiner only prayed that Mrs. Phillips would not choose that moment to pay a call and undo all of her work.

At the first opportunity Elizabeth sought out her aunt.

"Well, was it as bad as you expected, Aunt?"

"Much worse my dear." Mrs. Gardiner sighed. "I do not think I have seen your mother that worked up in quite some time."

"Hopefully now that you and Uncle are here she will calm down again. She is very vexed with me but I do not think that is all of it. I think she is worried that Mr. Bingley will not come back and make an offer to Jane. It was all that she would talk about before Mr. Collins poked his ugly head into our affairs."

"How is Jane?"

"She misses Mr. Bingley terribly. His sister, Caroline, is doing her best to discourage Jane but I keep reminding her that he has promised to return and to speak particularly to her. And besides, I shall be in London with the Darcys if Mr. Bingley should return to town before he comes to Netherfield. Perhaps I might be able to do some good there. I have asked Jane not to tell Miss Bingley that I will be in Town. I told her I would rather keep that between Georgiana and myself for now."

"Did she agree to that without questioning you?"

"She knows that Miss Bingley does not think very highly of me and so she agreed to my request."

"Do you think Jane would like to come back to Gracechurch with us, Lizzy? I would think that it would be better for her spirits if she did not have to listen to her mother's effusions every day."

"That is a marvelous idea, Aunt! I am sure Georgiana would love to be able to visit her as well. Please do ask, though my father may be less agreeable to the suggestion. At least he would have Mary to keep him company."

"Mary? Our Mary?"

"Yes Aunt," Elizabeth chuckled. "She has matured greatly these past three weeks. It is as if she woke up and decided that it was time to become a real lady. I am very proud of her and I have to admit that I will miss her company whilst I am away."

"I had noticed a difference in her tone since she started to write me. She said it was your suggestion to write. I think it was very wise of you to direct her to an older woman other than your mother or Mrs. Phillips."

"I only advised her to seek out the wisest woman I know. You have meant so very much to Jane and me. Now that Mary was ready, I felt it time you worked your magic on her."

"Thank you, my dear, but I did nothing special for you and Jane."

"On that we must disagree."

Mrs. Gardiner continued, "But I am pleased Mary has sought you and Jane out. Perhaps this summer I will invite her to visit us instead of you or Jane. I think you two might be needed elsewhere."

"Jane I can understand, but me?"

"I sense great change coming to you and to Longbourn. I do not think you will be calling this place home much longer."

"That would mean meeting a man who would want to marry me that I would want to marry in return. I am not sure that will ever happen, Aunt."

"We shall see, Lizzy."

Changing the subject Elizabeth went on. "I want to thank you for taking me back to London with you. The Darcys offered to send a coach but I hate to trouble them that way."

"It may be a bit cramped if Jane comes too, but it does not take long to get to London. I know the children will not mind. Are you still to stay a few days with us?"

"Yes, Georgiana said she would send a servant with a note when they arrived. They hope to be in town by the evening of the 29th so I anticipate them sending for me the next day."

"That seems a reasonable plan. I would not mind seeing Miss Darcy again. I hope you will be able to call on us in Gracechurch Street."

"If Jane is there I would be surprised if we did not. But I will be at Georgiana's disposal so I cannot really promise anything."

"Let us go rescue your Uncle, Elizabeth. I am sure he is ready to head to the study to be with your father."

And so the Gardiners settled in for the Holiday. Jane was asked, and given permission to go to London with Elizabeth and the Gardiners. Mary was disappointed at first until her Aunt assured her that an invitation for the summer would be coming. Mrs. Gardiner made a point to seek out Mary when time allowed. She had to agree with Elizabeth, Mary had matured and it was gratifying to see the changes in her.

When Christmas and Boxing Day were over the trunks were packed and the two eldest Miss Bennets prepared to leave their home. Mr. Bennet summoned them both into his study.

"Jane, Elizabeth, I hope you have a wonderful time in London girls. Your mother does not know this but I have given your Uncle some money for you to do some shopping whilst you are in Town. Feel free to use it however you wish. I do have one request to make though. Please, keep the lace to a minimum!" Both ladies had to smile at their fathers jest.

"Jane I need to speak to your sister alone for a few minutes. Will you let your uncle know that we will be out shortly?"

"Yes Papa."

"Elizabeth," her father began once they were alone. "I wanted you to know that I have included more money for you than for Jane. Please, listen to me. You will need it! The Darcys are of the first circle and you will be needing to purchase some items for your wardrobe. Please do not feel uneasy about this. I am thinking of it as an investment for your future. If you find that you need more, let your Uncle know. He and I have discussed this and we are in agreement. You are a beautiful young woman, Lizzy, do not be afraid to accentuate your beauty, my dear. Do not worry about your mother, leave her to me."

"Thank you, Father! I do not know what to say."

"Say that you will do your best to have a good time. I am sure that you will. Your Miss Darcy is extremely fond of you and I think she will try very hard to make sure she is a gracious hostess."

"I shall miss you, Papa. Take care with Mary for me. She has come so far so fast. Do not let Mama stifle her again, please!"

"I plan on spending a great deal of time with Mary. She will be the only female left with any good sense!"

"Oh, Papa!"

"Now be a good girl and get yourself out to the carriage. I will be along in a minute."

Elizabeth kissed her father's cheek and went out to meet the rest of her party. Mr. Bennet stayed for a minute in his study to compose himself. He would greatly miss his two eldest and he felt that soon their leaving home would be a permanent journey. With one last pause he went outside to bide his farewells. He stayed outside watching until the carriage disappeared from view. Slowly he returned to the house, wondering when it was that all of his little girls had grown into such beautiful women.