15. Chapter 15

June 12, 2014 – Thank you putting up with my shameless request for comments and birthday messages. I loved receiving every one of them. FYI It was another rain free day in Phoenix, in case you were wondering. And hot. I stayed inside as much as I could. Typical June weather here in the Sonoran Desert.

Chapter 15

The very first thing Jane did on her first morning in London was to compose a note to Caroline Bingley telling her of her arrival. Caroline frowned when she read the contents of the note.

"What is it, Caroline?" her sister Louisa asked.

"It is a note from Jane Bennet informing me of her arrival in town."

"Charles will be pleased when he arrives next week."

"Charles will never know that she is in Town Louisa."

"Caroline, what are you up to?"

"Jane Bennet may be a sweet girl but she is not good enough for our brother. I will see to it that he never returns to that God forsaken patch of earth in Hertfordshire!"

"Caroline, I do not think that this is a good idea. If Charles ever finds out you have tried to interfere in his affairs you will be facing serious difficulties."

"As long as you do not tell him he will never know."

"I will not lie to him, but I am concerned about the lack of connections and dowry of Miss Bennet so I will not tell him I know she is in town. I also do not wish to know of your plans to separate him from Miss Bennet. At least I will be able to truthfully say that I was in the dark regarding your schemes should they fail. I have nothing to lose but his respect and this is something I do not wish to forfeit. You are walking a dangerous path, Sister."

"I will be able to make Charles do whatever I wish, just as I always have."

Mrs. Hurst gave her sister a dubious look but decided not to press her on the subject. There was no way to change Caroline's mind once she had made it up.

Later that afternoon a note arrived at Gracechurch Street for Jane from Caroline Bingley.

My Dearest Friend,

I was saddened by the arrival of your note today. Not because you are in Town, but because I would not be able to call on you. I leave early tomorrow to visit my Aunt in Lincoln. I received a letter from Charles the day before Christmas informing me that he does not foresee his business allowing him to leave Manchester before March. He therefore suggested I accept our Aunt's invitation. I would have called on you today except that with such a short notice before my departure I had numerous things to do. I am afraid I shall be away until after your planned departure to Longbourn. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay in London.

Yours ever,

Caroline Bingley

Elizabeth watched her sister's progression through the letter with growing alarm.

"What is it, Jane?"

"It is from Caroline Bingley. She writes to say that she is leaving for Lincoln in the morning and that her brother does not expect to leave Manchester before March."

"He did tell you that he could be gone for that long. Do not despair Jane. Enjoy your time in London. Let us go shopping tomorrow. A new dress, ordered without Mama's 'invaluable' advice should cheer you considerably!"

Jane did smile at this but Elizabeth knew she was still missing Mr. Bingley terribly. Perhaps she could find out more reliable news about him at the Darcys.

That afternoon Mrs. Gardiner took Jane and Elizabeth to call on the Clarks. "You must see your beau, Elizabeth, before the Darcys spirit you away!" Mrs. Gardiner teased.

"How could I resist a chance to see my Nicolas!" Elizabeth countered.

Mrs. Clark was delighted to see her old friend and her two nieces. "Let me call Nicolas, Miss Elizabeth. He will be cross with me if he discovers you were here and I kept you from him! But do not worry, it is nearly his nap time so he will not terrorize you for very long."

Nicolas was elated to see his 'Miss Izbet' again. Since Elizabeth actually doted on the child, she did not mind giving him her attention. Nicolas was not pleased when his mother told him it was time for his nap and he was only content when Elizabeth offered to tuck him in. When he was finally safe and secure in the nursery, Elizabeth was at last able to join the other ladies.

"I must say that he is still the same enchanting child he was the last time I was here," Elizabeth offered.

"He cried for a week after you left last time. I am afraid that you have stolen my son's heart, Miss Elizabeth," Mary Clark responded. "How did you like Pemberley, Miss Elizabeth? I heard from my mother that you met her and Miss Darcy there. I have also heard that Miss Darcy has taken quite a shine to you."

"Your mother is a gracious woman Mrs. Clark, though I think she was a bit vexed with you for not informing her that we would be in the neighborhood."

Mrs. Clark laughed, "She got over it soon enough. But what about Miss Darcy?"

"Georgiana is a dear sweet girl who is going to turn into an elegant lady very soon."

"Georgiana is it? It appears you have made a fast friend, Miss Elizabeth."

"Yes, I confess I have. And Pemberley is such a beautiful home. I would like to return someday and have a chance to explore the woods and grounds that we did not have time to do before."

'From what my mother says, I do not think it will be too long before you return there, Miss Elizabeth. And perhaps not carrying the name of Bennet anymore.' Mrs. Clark thought to herself.

"I am glad you think as well of the place as I do," Mrs. Clark continued.

"You are very fortunate to have been able to grow up there Mary," Mrs. Gardiner inserted.

"Yes I am, Madeline, and thank you for bringing your delightful nieces today."

The ladies continued their pleasant conversations until it was time to leave.

"Give my warmest regards to Mr. and Miss Darcy when you see them, Miss Elizabeth. And tell Mr. Darcy that I order him to treat you well!"

"I shall repeat your instructions word for word, Mrs. Clark." Elizabeth laughed.

"I am counting on it!"

With much lighter hearts the three ladies returned home.

The next morning Mrs. Gardiner took Jane and Elizabeth shopping. She agreed with her younger niece that a new dress or two would help shake Jane out of her melancholy.

"I think that fabric will look wonderful on you Jane. Of course you can make sackcloth look attractive, but the pale blue will look stunning. Now, shall we choose some lace to go with it or do you think father would think that a betrayal?" Elizabeth teased.

Jane blushed at such praise. She truly did not understand how beautiful she really was and any such comments made her very self-conscious and uncomfortable.

"Jane dear, this will make a wonderful gown." Mrs. Gardiner turned to the proprietor. "When will the gowns be ready for a fitting?"

"11:00 o'clock Tuesday ma'am."

"Very good," turning to Elizabeth, "Perhaps you and Miss Darcy could meet us here during that time?"

"I shall certainly ask her if she would be willing to accompany me then," Elizabeth replied.

The ladies left the modiste satisfied with their purchases. Jane had ordered two new gowns. She had to admit it was a much more enjoyable process not having to circumnavigate her mother to get what she wanted. Usually she left such encounters exhausted. She and Elizabeth had teamed up for many years on such outings to join forces against their mother. Most of the time they came away what they wanted but it was always after much aggravation on their parts. While their mother had a good eye for fashion, she did not possess the same tastes as her three eldest daughters. Mrs. Gardiner, on the other hand, shared many of the same ideas as her nieces, so it was a pleasurable exercise for all three of the ladies to go out shopping together.

After dinner the much-anticipated note from Miss Darcy arrived informing Elizabeth they had just arrived in London that evening. A carriage would be sent to pick Elizabeth up after morning services and lunch the next day, if that was agreeable. Elizabeth sent a note back with the servant confirming the arrangements.

When Jane and Elizabeth stayed up late that night talking, Elizabeth tried to reassure her sister.

"Jane, he will come back. He gave you his word and your Mr. Bingley is an honorable man."

"Lizzy, he is not 'my' Mr. Bingley. But I cannot help my doubts. Three months is a long time. What if his regard for me does not stand up to this long separation?"

"Jane, has your regard for him lessened?"

"No, you know it has not."

"Is it stronger?"

Jane hesitated, "Yes, I believe it is so."

"Jane, listen to me very carefully. I do not think you would have bestowed your tender feelings on a man who did not deserve them, who would not treasure them. If you feel this way about Mr. Bingley then I am sure he must feel the same towards you. Do not despair, he will return to you. You must believe me on this. He was totally entranced by you when he left Hertfordshire. I do not think him so shallow that he would cease to hold you in high regard. Please be patient and have faith in the constancy of your Mr. Bingley."

"I shall try Lizzy, for you."

Jane did not correct Elizabeth about her saying 'your Mr. Bingley' this time. Elizabeth noticed this and took it as a step in the right direction.

Darcy, Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley arrived in London around dinnertime. Georgiana wasted no time sending a note to Elizabeth informing her of their arrival and of the arrangements for the next day. They had discussed it as they had approached town.

Mrs. Annesley would leave for her daughter's house on Monday after she made sure Georgiana and her guest were all settled in. She was actually anxious to see Miss Bennet again. It was obvious that this woman would be an important part in the life of her young charge and she wanted the chance to know her better before she went off to be with her own daughter. She was thankful to Miss Bennet for the peace of mind she brought, knowing Georgiana would have a trusted confidante whilst she was away.

Georgiana, despite the fatigue of the journey, had a difficult time going to sleep that night. This would be her first time being hostess to someone she, rather than her brother, had invited. And speaking of her brother, she would have to keep an eye on his reactions to her friend. While she knew he admired Elizabeth, she did not know if he would be willing to act on it. These next six weeks would be very interesting. She finally fell asleep thinking about all the things that they would be doing and dreaming up circumstances for her brother to further his acquaintance with Elizabeth.

Darcy was acutely aware that tomorrow would begin the most trying six weeks of his life. He was attracted to Miss Elizabeth; it was pointless to deny it now. But he owed it to his family, to Georgiana, to marry someone from their own circle. How would Georgiana make a suitable match if he did not? He would continue to be polite and courteous to Miss Bennet but he would have to maintain his emotional distance. He did not want her to get the wrong impression of his intentions. He could not bear the thought of hurting her that way. He would have to protect her from his own treacherous heart.

At 1:00 o'clock, the Darcy carriage pulled up in front of the Gardiner's house in Gracechurch Street. Expecting it to be empty, Elizabeth was pleasantly surprised to spy Mr. Darcy stepping out to assist his sister down from the carriage. Darcy and Georgiana were announced as the family waited in the parlor. Elizabeth stepped forward to make the introductions.

"Uncle and Aunt, I believe you remember Miss Darcy. May I introduce Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy? Mr. Darcy, this is my mother's brother, Mr. Edward Gardiner and his wife Madeline Gardiner. My Aunt is the good friend of Mary Clark and they are god-parents to little Nicolas."

"A pleasure sir, madam."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I must thank you for allowing us to tour your home in Derbyshire. My wife has long spoken of it to me. I must say that even her high praise did not do it justice, sir."

"I thank you for your compliments, Mr. Gardiner. My home is a very special place to me and I am always glad to hear that people approve of it."

"I would assume that there are not many who do not approve, sir. It truly is a magical place." Mr. Gardiner replied.

"Georgiana, I am surprised to see you. I expected you would just send the coach to collect me." Elizabeth interposed.

"Georgiana could not wait to see you, Miss Elizabeth. Then I could not very well let her come without escorting her myself." Darcy turned his address towards Jane, "Miss Bennet, it is a pleasure to see you again as well. I would like to thank you for agreeing to share your sister with mine."

"I am rather used to it, after sharing her with three other sisters. What is one more admirer?" Jane replied.

The Darcys stayed for about 20 minutes whilst Elizabeth's things were loaded and secured in and on the carriage. Darcy, having no idea what to expect from Elizabeth's London relatives, was pleased to find them warm and hospitable. This should not have surprised him, since Edmund and Mary Clark were fine people who would never have chosen unworthy persons to be their son's godparents. Before they left they were invited to return for dinner Friday evening. Seeing how much delight Georgiana took in their company, Darcy readily accepted the invitation. Later he would be struck with the realization that just the day before he would never have dreamed of dining in such a part of London as Gracechurch Street. He wondered how many other people he had summarily dismissed because of their address.

Elizabeth was not surprised when they pulled into a fashionable neighborhood and the carriage stopped in front of a handsome townhouse. "Darcy House" adorned the nameplate. She was not surprised at the lack of a pretentious title. Such things were not in character for Darcy family. Darcy escorted both ladies into the house, where they were met by the housekeeper.

"Miss Bennet," Darcy began, "may I introduce my house keeper, Mrs. Joan Thomas? Mrs. Thomas, this is Miss Elizabeth Bennet."

"So this is the famous Miss Elizabeth Bennet! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have heard many things about you."

"I am pleased to meet you as well." Elizabeth laughed and addressed Georgiana. "Do you realize that Mrs. Thomas is the third person associated with you to greet me in the exact same manner. First it was Mrs. Reynolds, then your brother and now Mrs. Thomas. I could develop a false sense of worth if all your relations keep saying the same thing!"

"I have heard you have been to Pemberley, Miss Bennet. I hear that is where you met Miss Darcy."

"Yes, she was quite gracious to take notice of me there."

"Elizabeth, it is the other way around, I assure you. I shall show you to your rooms now and introduce you to your maid whilst you are here. Then I will give you a tour of the house. Mrs. Thomas, please have some refreshments made ready for us in the music room."

"Very good, Miss Darcy." Mrs. Thomas was pleased to see the self-confidence Miss Georgiana was displaying. From what she had learned from her letters with Mrs. Reynolds and with her conversations with Mrs. Annesley, Miss Bennet was responsible for much of this. It would be an interesting six weeks. And given the way her master tried to keep from staring at the young lady, things could become even more interesting.

Darcy excused himself and the ladies made their way up to Elizabeth's room. She noted the simple elegance of the décor, which reminded her of what she had seen at Pemberley. She was delighted and could not see anything she would change herself if ever given the privilege. Elizabeth was taken aback as she entered her room. No, make it rooms. She had her own sitting room attached to her bedchamber and a small dressing chamber as well.

"Do you like it, Elizabeth?"

"Georgiana, this is a grander room than the master's suite at Longbourn!"

"It is the principle guest room here. Only the best for you, my dear friend!" The maid came in with Elizabeth's trunks. "Elizabeth, this is Sally. She will serve as your maid whilst you are here."

"It is nice to meet you, Sally, will you give Miss Darcy and me a minute please."

"Yes Ma'm."

"Georgiana, I do not need my own personal maid. I am quite adept at doing without one. I shall only need occasional help when we are going out for the evening."

"Nonsense, Elizabeth! Sally is the maid for any guests staying with us who did not bring their own. She is quite skilled and I think you will like her. If she does not suit then I will arrange for something else."

Elizabeth sighed in resignation. "I see there is no point arguing with you about this so I will just have to accept your generosity. I am sure Sally and I will get along just fine. I only hope I do not become too spoiled for my return home!"

"Let me show you around the rest of the house now, Elizabeth. Sally will put your things away and will be ready to assist you when it is time to change for dinner."

Georgiana guided Elizabeth around the rest of the upstairs rooms. Elizabeth was delighted with Georgiana's rooms and admired her tastes in decoration. When they were finished with all there was to see they went back downstairs. Elizabeth was quite taken with the Library and longed to explore it. Georgiana assured her that she could pick out whatever she liked and take it to read in her rooms if she wished. They finished the tour in the music room where Mrs. Thomas had their refreshments awaiting them.

After they finished their tea, Georgiana asked if she could play for Elizabeth. Elizabeth was eager to hear her friend play again. One could imagine her surprise when Georgiana began playing the piece Elizabeth had played for her at Pemberley. She did not choose to sing but she played the piece flawlessly.

"I shall never again be able to play that song in front of you or your brother. When did you get the music?"

"Fitzwilliam gave it to me for Christmas, along with a new pianoforte." She said somewhat embarrassed. "Would you allow me to accompany you on pianoforte while you sing the verses? I would be honored to do so, and I am sure Fitzwilliam would be delighted. He admitted he bought this particular piece of music because he enjoyed hearing you perform it in Hertfordshire."

"Did he really say he enjoyed hearing me play it?"

"Not exactly, but I deduced it on my own. You told me yourself that you had played it in his company and that was the only time he could have heard it played so I concluded that when he said he enjoyed it he was speaking of you."

"Oh."

Mrs. Annesley came into the room before Elizabeth had a chance to say any more.

"Miss Bennet, it is delightful to see you again."

"It is good to see you again as well. It appears your charge continues to blossom under your influence, Mrs. Annesley. I should also congratulate you on your soon becoming a grandmother."

"Thank you, Miss Bennet. It is a relief knowing I leave Miss Darcy in your capable hands."

"I will do my best to see that she comports herself as a proper lady at all times!"

"Elizabeth, you know that if anything you tempt me to highly impertinent behavior!"

The three ladies laughed and continued on in pleasant conversation until it was time to prepare for dinner.

"It would be advisable for you to see that I make it safely back to my rooms, Georgiana. I fear it will take me a while before I know my way around well enough not to get lost!"

"I have no fear of it taking you that long, Elizabeth, but I will come and attend to you when you are ready to go down for dinner. Send word with Sally when you are ready."

"I forgot about Sally! I will either be ready in record time or be very late because I let her play with a new hairstyle. You do not know what you have loosed, Georgiana!"

They were now at the door of Elizabeth's room. "Remember to send word when you are ready, Elizabeth."

"Thank you, Georgiana. I am really looking forward to these next six weeks."

Elizabeth decided to wait until the next day to test out the possibilities that her own maid suggested. Therefore, she was ready in relatively no time for dinner. Georgiana came and took her down to the dining room. Mrs. Annesley and Darcy were already there waiting for them.

"I hope you found your arrangements satisfactory, Miss Bennet."

"Indeed they are, sir. I have already told your sister that you will quite spoil me before I return home."

"We both hope you find your stay here pleasurable, Miss Bennet."

"I am sure I will!" Elizabeth mirthfully replied.

"Well then, let us see what Georgiana has ordered for dinner tonight. Ladies."

Dinner that night was a pleasant affair. The four of them enjoyed a wonderful dinner and the conversation was pleasing. Elizabeth felt Darcy to be more reserved than she remembered him from their time together in Hertfordshire but she was relieved at this. She could control her changing emotions better if he remained so detached. It was only when he smiled broadly that she began to doubt her ability to survive in his presence without saying or doing something foolish. In many ways these would be a long six weeks.

After dinner, Darcy chose to follow the ladies into the music room, where Georgiana offered to play for them. Darcy was pleased to see his sister stride confidently to the pianoforte. After two songs she asked Elizabeth if she would join her. Elizabeth, of course, accepted. Darcy was totally unprepared when Georgiana began to play that now familiar tune. When Elizabeth began to sing Darcy was bewitched. He could not take his eyes off her. Elizabeth noticed his stare and tore her eyes away before he could unsettle her. When the music was finished silence pervaded the room. No one moved until Elizabeth turned to Georgiana.

"Thank you, Georgiana. I have never been so well accompanied!"

"The pleasure was mine, I assure you, Elizabeth."

The spell was broken and the rest of the evening was spent in amiable conversation. Mrs. Annesley was the first to excuse herself.

"I need to prepare to remove myself to my daughter's tomorrow."

"Please give Mrs. Glass my regards and best wishes for a safe delivery, Mrs. Annesley."

"I will tell Rachael you said so, Mr. Darcy. Goodnight"

When Mrs. Annesley was gone, Elizabeth turned to Mr. Darcy.

"Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Clark asked me to convey to you a message."

"Yes?"

"Let me get this correct. She said, 'Give my warmest regard to Mr. and Miss Darcy when you see them, Miss Elizabeth. And tell Mr. Darcy that I order him to treat you well!'"

Darcy laughed heartily at this.

"Leave it to Mary to send a message like that!"

"I take it that you are friends still?"

"Yes, I could hardly help it growing up with her as I did."

"She is a fine woman, Mr. Darcy, you should be proud to count her as a friend."

"Indeed I am, Miss Bennet. Now if you ladies will excuse me, I think it is time for me to retire as well."

"I think I will join you as well, Fitzwilliam. Will you be retiring now too, Elizabeth?"

"I would like to pick out something from the library first."

"You can have a servant direct you to your rooms if you need help then. Goodnight, Elizabeth."

"Goodnight, Georgiana. Goodnight, Mr. Darcy."

Fifteen minutes later Elizabeth made her way from the library to her room without getting lost. She had chosen several books that had caught her fancy. If she could not sleep tonight at least she had something to keep her amused. It had been a memorable day. As she prepared for bed she could not believe the luxury of living in such a house. The next six weeks promised much. She planned on taking it one day at a time.

Minor regency error alert - a married woman would be introduced as Mrs. John (her husband's first name) Doe, not Mrs Jane Doe. I left Mrs. Joan Thomas because Mrs. Thomas is named for a real person and I couldn't slip it in any other way.