38. Chapter 38

July 5, 2014 – Penultimate Chapter so one more chapter after this with a short epilogue.

Chapter 38

Lady Catherine de Bourgh was not happy. She had come to London to purchase a new wardrobe for her daughter Anne as the first step in the process of giving her away in marriage. Anne was less than enthusiastic about the entire process.

"I would think you would be more enthusiastic about shopping, Anne."

Anne would have been if she had not had to chafe under her mother's ideas of fashion. Every time the modiste would show them the latest, most elegant designs, Lady Catherine would scoff at the 'brazen impropriety' of the gowns. In truth, they were no more daring than the ones her mother had worn in the portraits taken in her youth. The selection of each new gown turned into a slow torture, almost a battle of wills. The gowns that were finally settled upon were lovely, but a compromise nevertheless.

It was time to take Anne to her brother's house. Hugh Fitzwilliam was still not back in Lady Catherine's good graces. He had supported Darcy and ruined all of her many years of planning. It was insupportable! To add to the indignity of it all, she had no choice but to allow Anne to go to Matlock and worse, to Darcy's wedding. It was most vexing indeed!

All of Matlock house was relieved when Lady Catherine finally took her leave. The general feeling of ill will and malice that accompanied her visit pervaded every room she visited. Anne sighed in visible relief when the front door closed signaling her mother's exit.

"Aunt Helen, you have no idea how difficult this last month had been."

"You are safe now, Anne. The next time you face your mother, you will be a married woman with a home of your own."

"Where is Richard?"

"Ah, now we come to the important point. He had his duties to attend to today. He will dine with us this evening."

Lady Helena came into the room. "Anne, it is good to see you!"

"Helena, I owe my presence here to your kind invitation."

"Nonsense, Anne, we all know you are here for Richard!"

"You know of our engagement?" Anne was pleased but fearful at the same moment.

"Do not fear, Anne," Lady Matlock said reassuringly. "Richard and Hugh agreed that all of his siblings should be given the news. They all know what is at stake and have agreed to silence on the subject. Catherine shall hear nothing from them."

"Thank you, Aunt Helen, that puts my mind at ease. I was at a loss how I could ever conceal such a thing from Helena when we would be in such close company this next month."

"Our first order of business is to visit all of the modiste shops you have been to so that you may order any changes to the new gowns your mother has ordered for you."

"But Aunt, if mother finds out she will be angry enough to come to Matlock!"

"Never fear Anne, her imperious manners have offended every shop keeper she has ever dealt with. Your dressmakers will take great delight in the subterfuge." Lady Matlock was amused by the sly smile on her niece's face after her pronouncement.

Helena exclaimed, "Well, Anne, mother. If we are to undo all of the havoc Lady Catherine has wrought, we should depart with all due haste."

"I do believe I shall enjoy my visits to the modistes this time round. Quite a contrast to the first visits, I am sure!"

After two very full days in London, the Earl of Matlock took his family back to Matlock. The Colonel could not immediately join his family and his beloved. He had much to do and needed to make a visit to Hertfordshire to confer with Darcy. When he was convinced that all of the wedding details were to his satisfaction, Colonel Fitzwilliam was finally able to make his way to Matlock.

"Anne, darling, did you miss me?"

"Not in the slightest. I have been much too busy to pine for the likes of you."

"Woman! Come here and let me show you what you have been missing."

After such demonstration as was agreeable, they were finally ready to discuss more material matters.

"Has my father spoken to you of Greenebrooke?"

"Yes, he has. What is your opinion?"

"I was overwhelmed when he offered. Greenebrooke is a beautiful estate, not too large, but a very peaceful and comfortable place to live. I would be perfectly content to live there. But what you want is more important to me. If you choose, we can stay in town or find a small place to live elsewhere. Lancashire is a long way from Kent."

"It matters not where we live. But I sense you will be happier in Lancashire. It will prepare you to run Rosings one day."

"Then it is settled. We will go to Greenebrooke."

"Should we tell your father?"

"Later."

Much later, they joined Lord and Lady Matlock to discuss the next several weeks. They would leave for Hertfordshire a week before the wedding. The Colonel would continue on to London to purchase a license and to finish his paperwork to resign his commission. He would also sign the settlements that the de Bourgh family solicitor had prepared as pertaining to the new will of Sir Lewis. He should be ready to join his family at Netherfield two days before the wedding.

Life at Netherfield and Longbourn settled into a rhythm much as it had been before the shopping trip to London and Lydia's situation. The mornings were reserved for wedding planning and the afternoons were for the lovers. Elizabeth felt the added burden of making time for both of her younger sisters as well as Georgiana. She was also very aware that her time with Jane was short as well. Fortunately, Darcy was not as demanding as he otherwise could have been. He was completely cognizant of the fact that soon he would not have to share Elizabeth with anyone, except Georgiana of course. He could wait. He was content to allow his future bride to enjoy her last, hectic days in her father's house.

One morning before breakfast, Elizabeth and Mary were out on their normal walk. That day they took the path that led next to the wood where Elizabeth had hid from Mr. Perkins all those years ago.

"I am relieved that I shall never have to scale another tree to avoid an unwelcome suitor, Mary. But do keep it in mind if Mama ever places you in an awkward situation such as the one I was in."

"I am not in as much practice in the skill of scaling trees as you were. But I shall remember it if I am ever in a desperate situation. It is not the most ladylike thing to do."

"Ah, Mary! A truly accomplished woman possesses skills never talked of but always assumed!" Both ladies laughed over this comment.

"Elizabeth, are you at all nervous about getting married?"

"To own the truth? Yes, very much so. My life is about to change completely. I will be responsible for the running of two houses. It is a daunting challenge for any woman, especially one raised as we were. I will be meeting so many new and important people. I do not wish to disappoint my husband in any way."

"I doubt Mr. Darcy would ever be disappointed in you. He is clearly enraptured with you." Elizabeth blushed at this statement. "Do you fear becoming his wife and the duties that entails?" Mary asked cautiously. Both knew the meaning behind her question.

Elizabeth pondered the best way to delicately answer this question. "Mary, has Mama ever spoken to you about the marital duties of a wife?" Mary shook her head no. "But you seem to have an idea what they entail." Mary nodded in affirmative. "How much of Papa's library have you explored?"

"Not the area you are suggesting."

"Never mind. I cannot believe something that God created for procreation would be so pleasurable for the man and so distasteful for the wife. I do not fear it, Mary." Elizabeth saw her sister was satisfied with her answer.

'Indeed, I look forward to that with eager anticipation!'

"Are you looking forward to touring the Lakes with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner?"

"Oh yes. I was thrilled when they informed me of their plans and asked me to go."

"I envy you, Mary, I have always wanted to see the Lakes."

"Somehow I believe your new husband will see that wish comes true, Elizabeth. You will be a very happy woman, I think."

Georgiana called on Longbourn as frequently as her brother would allow. Mrs. Annesley was filling her final days as Georgiana's companion with the final courses of study they had decided on. Georgiana was overjoyed when Elizabeth suggested they take a turn in the garden.

"How are your studies coming Georgiana?"

"I am nearly finished with the course of study Mrs. Annesley had mapped out."

"She will be leaving you soon."

"Yes, and I shall miss her. But she is looking forward to being with her family again. And I shall have you to watch over me. What more could I ask for?"

"I never had the opportunity to ask you last autumn how your "life" study had progressed."

"We did leave in a rush. Very well, since you asked. I determined that each home is its own unique situation. The choices and preferences and personalities of its inhabitants determine how each is run. What will work for one family will not work for another. Only a great fool will try to fit her home into preconceived notions of domestic felicity."

"I do believe you are ready to be mistress of your own household. There is nothing left for you to learn from me."

Another afternoon, Elizabeth had the occasion of spending a few hours in the stillroom with Catherine.

"Catherine, would you like to come to town with Mr. Darcy and me this winter. Georgiana will be out and we will be much in society."

"Truly, Elizabeth? Will Papa let me go?"

"Yes, we have already received his permission. I did not want to ask and then have him deny your participation."

"Of course I want to go to Town! Who would not? A season in London!"

Elizabeth was delighted in her sister's enthusiasm. "Papa has promised to send money for some additions to your wardrobe. But Fitzwilliam and I would have seen to it if he had not. Indeed, with Georgiana as a guide, I am certain that we would be exceeding your allowance by the end of the first day of shopping!"

"Thank you so very much, Lizzy! I cannot believe I am going to London! Maria Lucas will be so jealous!"

Elizabeth did not wish to buy her sister's affection, but she felt this was something that was within her power to effect after so many years of neglect. And while her duties as mistress of Darcy House would occupy her time, she anticipated many hours in the company of her sister.

Jane and Elizabeth assisted each other in packing up their belonging in preparation for removing to their husbands' homes. They spent many hours together, in each other's rooms, reminiscing as they sorted through twenty-plus years of possessions.

"Do you remember when we made these handkerchiefs, Jane? I believe I was nine at the time."

"How could I forget? You were so proud of yourself and showed them to every person who came to call for a week."

"I cannot look upon it now without abhorrence. What dreadful work!"

"Lizzy, you were but nine years old at the time."

"Yes, but it still is dreadful."

"True."

Elizabeth threw her sister a look of mock affront; to which Jane responded by ignoring her. Elizabeth retaliated by turning to a serious subject.

"Is Miss Bingley coming to the wedding, Jane?"

"Yes. At first Charles was adamant about refusing to invite her. He is still deeply hurt by her actions. By I prevailed upon him to change his mind. I reasoned with him that he would always regret not extending the invitation. He loves both of his sisters and it pains me to see them estranged."

"When will she arrive?"

"She will be coming with her Aunt Blackwell the day before the wedding. Mrs. Blackwell thought it best to do so. Netherfield will be full of guests she did not wish to burden the staff exceedingly."

"She sounds like a very reasonable woman, Jane. Is Mrs. Hurst well?"

"Charles says that she has written often and that she is well. The baby does not seem to have an adverse effect on her health. They will come two days before the wedding to give Louisa a chance to rest and recover from her journey."

"I cannot believe we are soon to leave this place, Jane. Oh how I shall miss you."

"And I you, but we will write to each other and see each other in town."

"Yes, but it will not be the same. Derbyshire is so very far away."

"Perhaps Charles and I will move closer someday. He only leases Netherfield after all."

"Then I shall make it my priority to see that Fitzwilliam finds you an estate near to us. He can refuse me nothing. This is but a trifle to the Master of Pemberley!"

So the weeks passed by, more quickly than they should, and too soon the wedding week was upon Longbourn. Darcy prevailed upon Elizabeth to walk toward Meryton with him.

"Elizabeth, we have not discussed where we shall go after the wedding."

"I assumed you would tell me when you were ready. Though the thought of waiting to be surprised has its merits."

"I would not suspend any pleasure of yours. However, you should know that we will spend the wedding night and the first two weeks in London. As much as I would love to take you to Italy for our honeymoon, it will have to wait. I have been absent too long from Pemberley. We must return."

"I fully understand. Though Pemberley is not without its charms and I long to explore the grounds I did not have the pleasure of seeing last summer."

"I look forward to showing them to you myself. There are many secluded areas that escape the uninitiated."

"And what will I find in such places, sir?"

"Since you like surprises so much, I shall wait to show you."

Elizabeth had a pretty fair idea as to what he was alluding. She decided it would be wise to change the subject.

"Fitzwilliam, why does everyone but Georgiana call you William?"

"The answer is simple. Only a Darcy has ever called me Fitzwilliam. My parents called me that and so does Georgiana."

"But I am not yet a Darcy."

"You became a Darcy the first time you set foot at Pemberley, Elizabeth. Our wedding is just a formality as far as that is concerned. Pemberley has needed a Mistress for many years now. I believe Pemberley knew you were the one and inspired Georgiana to seek your company. How else can you explain her actions?"

Darcy stopped then, checked to see if they were alone, and kissed Elizabeth till both of their gazes were drunk with passion.

"I need you, Georgiana needs you, and Pemberley needs you. Never forget that dearest, loveliest, Elizabeth."

Saturday evening, the Netherfield Party, including the Matlocks and Anne, was invited to Longbourn for dinner. Mrs. Bennet was so in awe of her guests that she did a remarkable impression of a sensible woman. Elizabeth prayed it would last until Friday.

After dinner, the gentleman retired to Mr. Bennet's study. Lord Matlock had taken a liking to Mr. Bennet and could see where Elizabeth had gotten her wit. He could also see that Mr. Bennet had a plan to disconcert the two young men in his company. He decided to let the master of the house alone in his mischief.

"Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, seeing as you are to marry my two eldest daughters in a mere five days' time, I was wondering if you had any questions for me. Seeing that both of your honored fathers have passed from this earth, I felt it incumbent upon me to offer you my services. After all, I did have five daughters. I'm sure between Lord Matlock and myself we could answer just about any question."

'So this is his game. Look at them squirm!' thought Lord Matlock.

"You see sir, I do not, I mean I have no need. I thank you for your offer but I believe I have been given enough knowledge of this area to be confident in my abilities to… ah… Well, thank you, sir."

"Come, come, Mr. Darcy. Do you not have any questions for me? No newly married man knows everything about being a husband. I am sure you have questions about…making your food preferences known."

Lord Matlock almost choked on his sip of port when Mr. Bennet finished his last statement.

"If either of you wish to speak with me regarding any private question you may have, you know where to find me. But I do have something else I wish to discuss with you. Have you considered the amount of correspondence that will be traveling between Hertfordshire and Pemberley once our families are united? I am positively convinced Mrs. Bennet will not cease to harp and nag me for more money for the post. Therefore, I have a more economical solution in mind." Mr. Bennet paused for effect, "Pigeons."

"I beg your pardon?" Bingley voiced before Darcy had the opportunity.

"Pigeons, Mr. Bingley. I have been researching the subject. Pigeons have been used for centuries to carry messages and I thought we could invest in pigeons to use as couriers. I have always wanted a pigeon named Freddie. What do you say Darcy? A pigeon would be far less expensive than an express to warn you of an impending visit by Mrs. Bennet."

Fortunately, Darcy had learned enough from Elizabeth to realize when Mr. Bennet was teasing. Poor Bingley had not. "I shall have my steward investigate the matter further. If he thinks it a good plan I will have the necessary trainer hired. Bingley here can keep the pigeons at Netherfield so that Mrs. Bennet would not be tempted to use them constantly. What say you, Bingley?"

It wasn't until Darcy looked upon him that Bingley knew he had been had. Lord Matlock could no longer conceal his mirth and the gentleman shared a leisurely glass of port until it was time to rejoin the ladies.

It was finally the day before the wedding. The Colonel, soon to be just the Honorable Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam, had arrived the day before. It was time for the rehearsal and only those who had parts in the wedding were allowed to attend. At first Mrs. Bennet was very vexed at the idea, but Bingley had manufactured an excuse that required her presence at Netherfield regarding the wedding breakfast to placate her. Thus only the three couples, Mr. Bennet and Lord Matlock were present with the rector of Longbourn.

As the rehearsal concluded, the rector asked, "Is every one clear as to their roles and the timing of the ceremony?"

Darcy was the only one with a question, "When do I get to kiss my bride?"

Mr. Bennet was most pleased!

That night the Bennet sisters gathered for one last time. They were each very subdued when they entered Jane's room. Elizabeth, to no one's surprise, was the first to recover. "You must promise us to wait at least a week before you claim our rooms, Mary and Catherine."

"Indeed, two weeks would be more proper!" Jane corrected.

"But I will be gone with the Gardiners in three days," Mary cried. "You may not claim Jane's room whilst I am away, Catherine."

"And if I do?"

"I shall tell Papa I caught you reading Shakespeare!"

"That is not fair! I would never hear the end of it!"

The rest of the evening was spent in like conversation until their mother came and bid them to return to their rooms lest they not get a good night's sleep. Elizabeth tarried after her two younger sisters had left.

"Tomorrow we will be in our new beds, Jane. Are you anxious?"

"Yes and no, Lizzy. I do not think it will be as horrid as we have been led to believe."

"Have you spoken with Mama?"

"Yes. I was quite… surprised."

"As was I."

"For the final time, good night, Elizabeth Bennet."

"Good night to you, Jane Bennet."

Anne and Georgiana arose early to go to Longbourn to help the brides make ready. Georgiana had actually come to help Anne, but only Elizabeth and Jane knew that. Mrs. Bennet remarked on the gown Anne had brought to change into. "If I did not know better, Miss de Bourgh, I would say you were getting married today as well."

As the three brides were preparing at Longbourn, a large carriage drew up in front of Netherfield.

"Where is my brother? I demand to see Lord Matlock at once!"

"Catherine, what are you doing here? You declined the invitation to come to the wedding."

"I will speak to you in private!"

After they were alone in the library Lord Matlock spoke again. "Why are you here Catherine? Have you come to disrupt Darcy's wedding?"

"I am here because I know Anne is marrying Richard today."

"Who told you that?"

"I did." They turned to see Lady Matlock, who had just entered into the library unannounced.

"But why, Helen?"

"Because Anne deserved the chance to have her mother present at her wedding and Catherine deserved, well maybe not, deserved the chance to see her only child wed. I wrote her a letter last week to inform her, but asked that she not come until today."

"I will not allow you to disrupt the wedding. Anne is of age. Sir Lewis left another will to insure she was provided for and I have seen that this will has come to light."

"I know, Hugh. Now, I wish to speak to Richard. My continuing presence will be left entirely up to him."

Lord Matlock was extremely distrustful of his sister and equally vexed at his wife. However, he did not see any other solution, so he summoned his son to the library. When he arrived, Lady Catherine said imperiously, "Leave us alone!"

Lady Matlock led her incredulous husband from the room.

"How could you Helen? What have you done?"

"Let us await the result of their conference before we discuss this any further."

Inside, Lady Catherine turned on her nephew. "I received a report on your engagement to my daughter Anne from your mother. I was shocked by the contents of her letter, the likes of which I have never received. I have one question for you and then I shall go. Do you love Anne?"

Of all the things he imagined his Aunt saying to him, this was the furthest from his mind.

"I would marry Anne if she had not a farthing to her name. Yes, I love your daughter."

Lady Catherine's features softened and she said the most amazing five words Richard Fitzwilliam had ever heard her say.

"Then you have my blessing." Lady Catherine dropped her head and began to walk out of the room.

"Wait! Where are you going?"

"Back to Rosings."

"Will you not come to see us wed?"

Lady Catherine looked on with amazement. "I did not think I would be welcome."

"I would be honored if you would attend."

"Then I will come. May I see Anne first?"

"She is not here. She traveled to Longbourn to prepare with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. Let us surprise her."

"Very well. We should speak to your parents now."

Hugh Fitzwilliam was astounded to see his sister smiling on his son's arm as they immerged from the room.

"Thank you, Helen, I do not know if I can ever repay you."

"I did nothing that did not need to be done. You were the one who had to come to a decision, Catherine."

"One I would not have made without your help."

"What was in your letter, Helen?" Lord Matlock could not imagine what his wife could say that would work so much change.

"My version of the Fitzwilliam family talk."

Raise your hands if you were expecting that.

And no, you do not get to read the letter. Use your imaginations. :-)

There would not have been a rehearsal for the wedding, nor a kiss after the ceremony. But we can pretend and use our imaginations for that, too.