Page 21 of An Interrupted Proposal (Pride and Prejudice Variation)
“It has. Would you like to discuss it now or should we wait for the others?”
A laugh escaped Mr. Bennet, and his frame relaxed for the first time since Darcy’s arrival. “I said Elizabeth would be the making of you.”
“Indeed,” Darcy replied with a chuckle. “She and Mr. Gardiner have opened my eyes to certain changes that I should implement when dealing with individuals.”
“Ha! A pretty politic speech if I ever heard one.” Bennet rose from his seat. “We will wait until after dinner to discuss my family. Your party will be returning to dine with us this evening?”
“Of course.” Darcy stood and held out a hand which Bennet accepted. “I thank you for listening to my apology, sir, and for understanding my regret in acting without your blessing.”
Bennet’s grin covered his features. “I must say, it appears you have had some experience apologizing and are becoming a proficient.”
“I have had an excellent teacher,” Darcy said with a laugh as the gentlemen left to rejoin the others.
***********
Dinner at Longbourn ended and the gentlemen did not linger over their port before rejoining the ladies.
When they entered the drawing room, Georgiana was seated with the youngest Bennet sisters.
She and Miss Mary were speaking of music while Miss Lydia and Miss Catherine were watching them closely and mimicking Georgiana’s posture and the way she held her teacup.
Bennet looked at Darcy, one brow tipped upwards. “Shall we speak here or ask Jane and Elizabeth to join us in my study?”
Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, Darcy considered the options for only a moment before asking, “Which do you suggest, sir?”
The man’s lips twitched, but he did not tease Darcy as one might expect. Instead, he stepped farther into the room and took the seat nearest his wife. “Are you enjoying yourself, my dear?” he asked Mrs. Bennet.
“Oh, Mr. Bennet, it has been a lovely evening. Mrs. Annesley and I were just saying how nice it was to have a quiet evening with family.” She turned and smiled at the companion on her other side.
Darcy and Bingley had made their way to their fiancées and taken seats on either side of the ladies. Darcy watched his host to see what the man might do. Surprisingly, Mr. Bennet settled into his seat and carried on a quiet conversation with the older ladies.
“What disturbs you?” Elizabeth asked as she laid a hand upon his arm.
He turned and smiled. “I had thought your father was going to begin a conversation with the room, but it appears I was mistaken.”
“Are they not amusing?” she asked as she tipped her head towards her youngest sisters. “I am certain Georgiana has noticed how they are watching her every move, but she does not appear to be distressed by it.”
“She is not.” He laid a hand upon hers and squeezed it.
“We spoke of it when we returned to Netherfield this afternoon. She understands that Lydia and Catherine are trying to emulate her in order to gain the benefit of a season in London. The idea of having one or both of them with her when she has her coming out helped to relieve some of her anxiety regarding the event, and she is eager to assist them in any way possible.”
Darcy returned his gaze to the younger ladies and frowned. “It has come to my attention that, due to our concerns for your youngest sisters, we have neglected Miss Mary.”
“Do not worry for Mary, Darcy,” Jane said as she turned towards him. “Lizzy and I spoke to her this afternoon. Although she would like to join us in London to attend exhibits and theatre performances, she has no interest in participating in a season.”
Elizabeth giggled. “I suspect Uncle Phillips’s new clerk may have something to do with her attitude.
Mr. Sampson is the youngest son of a baron who attended school with my father.
From what Mary says, he has little interest in the ton and hopes my uncle will see fit to turn the practice over to him one day; once he proves himself, of course. ”
“And I believe he nearly has. My uncle is a difficult man to please, but he frequently sings Mr. Sampson’s praises,” Jane added.
“As does Mary,” Elizabeth said with a knowing smile before sobering. “Mary has voiced her intent to remain close to Longbourn to see to our parents as they age.”
Darcy patted her hand. “And we will support her in whatever ways we are able and she desires.”
“She will not ask, so we will have to be able to read between the lines of her correspondence.” Elizabeth exchanged a look with Jane, who nodded.
“Your father will not see this as making decisions without him, will he?” Darcy asked. He glanced at that gentleman to find he was watching them through narrowed eyes.
Jane laughed. “Papa is aware of Mary’s preferences as Uncle Phillips spoke to him when he noticed the interactions between her and Mr. Sampson. We are simply sharing what occurred while we were in London and Kent.”
Though his host’s continued observation of Darcy had him slightly unnerved, he returned his attention to his fiancée, choosing to enjoy her company rather than worry about what may or may not be done regarding Elizabeth’s younger sisters.
The rest of the evening passed pleasantly, and the couples were surprised when Georgiana yawned, drawing attention to the late hour.
“We were on the road early this morning,” Darcy said as he smiled at his sister. “We should retire to Netherfield for a good night’s sleep.”
Mr. Bennet rose with everyone else to see their guests out. “Shall I bring my family to Netherfield tomorrow so we can discuss the weddings and plan what will come after? Perhaps at teatime? That should allow you a good night’s rest and a quiet morning.”
The plan was agreed upon and Jane and Elizabeth walked the Netherfield party to their carriage. They hugged a very sleepy Georgiana before she climbed inside the equipage and laid her head on her companion’s shoulder.
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and lifted it to his lips, bestowing a lingering kiss upon her fingers. “Will you walk to Oakham Mount tomorrow?"
“I may.” She smiled, but it was interrupted by a yawn.
Placing another kiss upon her forehead, Darcy pressed her fingers. “Find your bed, my love, and sleep until you are refreshed. I shall see you at tea tomorrow at Netherfield.”
***********
The Longbourn party arrived at Netherfield early enough for a stroll in the gardens before taking tea. Once refreshments were served on the patio, Mr. Bennet tapped his spoon against his cup to garner everyone’s attention.
“I am aware the ladies are anxious to begin their wedding discussions, but I would like to have everyone’s attention before Bingley, Darcy, and I escape for more masculine surroundings.
” He turned his attention to his youngest daughters, who appeared more attentive than he ever remembered them being.
“Mr. Darcy has previously spoken to Lydia regarding taking up residence at Pemberley following the wedding in order to take advantage of Mrs. Annesley’s teaching.
I have reprimanded him for speaking out of turn. ”
Lydia’s brow furrowed, but to her credit, she did not cry out. Instead, she waited patiently, though her toe began a soft staccato upon the stones.
“Upon hearing of the offer, I wrote to my brother Gardiner and requested he advise Darcy that a new husband would not appreciate the presence of younger sisters when he brought his bride home.”
Darcy, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Bennet all reddened, though the matron nodded as she exchanged a knowing look with Mrs. Annesley. Mr. Bennet continued without a glance in their direction.
“But––” Lydia looked between her father and Mr. Darcy, frantically attempting to maintain the calm facade she had developed since meeting Miss Darcy.
Taking a deep breath, she lowered her shoulders and looked hopefully towards Darcy.
“But Mr. Darcy promised, and it would be the most shameful thing in the world if he did not keep his promise.”
Mr. Bennet stayed Darcy’s response with a hand.
“Mr. Darcy has made quite a few promises of late, and I intend to ensure that he keeps the most important one.” He looked to the younger man with a smirk tugging at the left side of him mouth.
“Mr. Darcy has promised to make your sister Elizabeth the happiest of ladies, and I believe that should be his first concern. As such, I am releasing him from any promises which may impede his success with that one.”
Before Lydia could cry out, as the sharp intake of air suggested she was about to do, Mr. Bennet stepped before her. “In releasing him from those promises, I take them on myself.”
Lydia’s eyes grew large and her jaw slowly fell open, then snapped shut as she snorted.
“Then it will not be.” She turned to Kitty.
“I knew it wouldn’t happen.” Her lip quivered ever so slightly before a petulant expression covered her countenance.
“I wonder if Harriett will agree to take me to Brighton with her if I tell her I have changed my mind.”
“Lydia,” Elizabeth cried.
“No, Lizzy,” Mr. Bennet said as he knelt in front of his youngest daughter.
“She is right to believe as she does. Why should she trust me to fulfil a promise when I have not done so in the past?” He glanced over his shoulder.
“Are you paying attention, gentlemen? Begin as you mean to go.” He looked back at his youngest daughter.
“Lydia, I have failed you as a father in many ways. Will you give me a chance to prove myself?”
The girl blinked several times. “Mr. Darcy said I would learn everything needed to find a husband who can support me.”
“And you will,” Mr. Bennet said with a nod.
“But Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley will return to Pemberley with Lizzy and Mr. Darcy.”
“Have you not been listening? I said Darcy would not appreciate the presence of younger sist ers .” He turned to Georgiana, tipping his head her direction.
“Not that you are a trial of any sort, Miss Darcy. They will simply wish for their privacy for a time.” Returning his attention to Lydia, he continued.
“Miss Darcy and her companion will not be going to Pemberley in the near future.”
The young girls exchanged looks. “But where will they go?” Lydia finally asked.
“If they are willing and Mr. Darcy approves, they will remain at Longbourn.”
Lydia’s eyes widened once more and she grasped Kitty’s hand, “Truly?”
“Will you mind Mrs. Annesley and abide by her rules?”
With her head nodding furiously, Lydia agreed. “Oh yes, I will. You will, too, won’t you, Kitty?”
“Yes,” Kitty replied, a bit more subdued.
“Very well.” Mr. Bennet placed a hand upon the paving stones and pushed himself upwards, moaning as he straightened his legs. “Then I suggest Mrs. Annesley, Miss Darcy, Lydia, Kitty, and I adjourn to the library to discuss what will be expected in the coming months.”
Lydia leapt from her seat and kissed her father on the cheek before a blush stole across her countenance and she curtseyed to him instead. “Thank you, Papa,” she said in a quiet voice.
“You are welcome, my dear.” He offered her his arm and they led the others into the house.
“Well,” Mrs. Bennet said after the door closed behind the group. “I am torn as to where I should be.”
“With us,” Jane said as she laid a hand on her mother’s arm. “We have a double wedding to plan and will need your assistance.”