Page 34 of Aunt Felicity

A sennight after the Bingley’s wedding, two days after Christmas day, three Fitzwilliams and the two Darcy men were on their way back to London with Charlotte and Elizabeth as company. Bethie had elected to remain at Longbourn with Anna, Mary, and Kitty.

Both Fanny and Lady Lucas had wanted to join them, but each one had said it should be her and not the other. Thanks to their childlike machinations, neither matron had been gratified.

This journey was not to enjoy the entertainments of London, but to order the wardrobes the two engaged ladies would need. Unlike Charlotte, who would remain living in the climes she was used to, Elizabeth would be wintering in Derbyshire, which was much colder than Hertfordshire. She had tried to object to the need to shop for so much, but it had not just been Aunt Felicity who had corrected her. Anna and Bethie, also having lived in the harsher climate for all of their lives, agreed. In the end, Elizabeth had accepted the judgment of those who knew the area so well.

One of the things which had helped convince her was the answer she had received from Aunt Maddie. She had written to her aunt complaining about the need for more shopping, notwithstanding the advantage of being able to see the Gardiners. The reply had laid out in no uncertain terms that what Elizabeth would be acquiring was not a luxury but a necessity.

Now that she was engaged to William, there would be a tour of Darcy House while Richard would take Charlotte to see Fitzwilliam House and the changes being made to that abode. Thanks to a conversation with Father—as she had been asked to call Robert Darcy—and William, Elizabeth was aware that when she married William she would become the mistress of all Darcy properties, including the one they were to visit in London. Given the size of the estate where she had grown up, she had questioned her abilities to take on such a role. Both Father and William had, in no uncertain terms, told her she was more than capable and that she would have all the help and cooperation she needed from the housekeepers who had been running the houses since the death of Lady Anne Darcy. Their confidence in her abilities had gone a long way to calming Elizabeth’s fears.

Putting aside her self-doubts about her wherewithal to manage a great house, Elizabeth could not but revel in her handsome fiancé, who was sitting opposite her on the rear-facing bench. Even when he had insulted her at the assembly, she had thought him a handsome specimen. However, since he had begun to relax with her and allowed himself to open up, especially when he smiled and revealed one or both of his dimples, he was devastatingly so.

Every time she thought of the wedding night and beyond, Elizabeth felt a warmth in places she did not think was quite proper. She was very thankful that, like Jane’s experience after Mama had spoken to her the night before the wedding, Aunts Felicity and Madeline had also done so, and they would do the same for herself. They had told Jane to forget everything her mother had told her—Jane had been extremely upset after Mama left her chamber—the two aunts told her things which had relaxed Jane. As she was forewarned, Elizabeth knew that she would attempt to shut out her mother’s words and wait until she heard from Aunt Felicity and Aunt Madeline.

William was staring at his fiancée, still amazed he had been able to keep his hessian out of his mouth and win her fair hand. It was the reason he had kept his proposal short and to the point. There were times he got tongue-tied, and the opposite of what he wanted to say would come tumbling from his mouth. When he could sit and write his thoughts, he could be as eloquent as anyone. By making sure his speech had been concise, he had not given himself the chance to say the wrong thing, or heaven forfend, insult her, during the most important time of his life.

And now here she sat opposite, looking at him lovingly; in about three weeks they would marry. He had not told her yet, but he had received Father’s permission to take Elizabeth to Seaview Cottage on the bluff near Brighton for their honeymoon. That Father had allowed the use of the house he had not visited since Mother passed away was a reflection of his approbation of Elizabeth.

The house was where his parents had stayed for their wedding trip so many years ago. When Mother had fallen in love with the house and vistas, Father had purchased it for her. The last time William had been there was a year before Mother passed away. Even in the south, it would be too cold to swim using the private beach in the secluded cove, but he was sure Elizabeth would be delighted to see it. He hoped Father would allow the use of the house again, and they would be able to return in the summer.

Felicity could not have been more pleased. On one side of her sat her niece, and on the other sat her daughter-to-be. Her beloved Reggie was opposite, William on one side and Richard on the other, each across from his respective betrothed. Between loving looks at her soulmate, she did not miss the looks between the two young couples. There was no mistaking how besotted each was with his or her chosen partner.

One thing that pleased her greatly was that after they returned from their wedding trip, the Bingleys would vacate Netherfield Park. The balance on the lease would be returned to Mr Bingley, and Robert had already sent inquiries to his steward after Jane and Charles—he having decided to in fact become a landed gentleman—had expressed an interest in an estate close to Pemberley. While Charlotte and Richard were on their honeymoon, their estate would be readied for them to take up residence when they returned.

She looked across at Robert, who was sitting next to his son, between him and the side of the coach—thankfully this conveyance was wide enough to accommodate four men on the bench. She decided against asking if he had heard from his steward because she was sure if there had been news on that front, her brother-in-law would not have waited to share it.

Based on the sounds of the hooves and wheels on the cobblestones, they knew they had entered the outskirts of London. Soon enough, the passengers in the lead conveyance felt it slow and turn. They had arrived at Grosvenor Square.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Elizabeth thanked goodness for small mercies. Because of their last foray into London, the modiste had all of her measurements, so all that was required the first full day in the capital was selecting styles and colours—no poking and prodding required. The same was true for Charlotte, although her soon-to-be cousin seemed to tolerate visits to the shops much better than Elizabeth.

With everything—two to three times more than Elizabeth thought she needed—ordered, the second day in Town was to be spent inspecting the future London homes of the two engaged ladies.

She had seen Darcy House from across the square, but this was the first time she entered it. It looked about the same size as Matlock House, which made it a very large house. William had walked across the green and then escorted Elizabeth to his father’s house, with the maid Aunt Felicity had assigned her walking a little behind them.

“Welcome to Darcy House,” Darcy stated warmly when he met his son and soon-to-be daughter on the steps leading to the wide front door.

“Thank you, Father; it is good to see your house,” Elizabeth replied.

“In not too many days it will be our house, and do not forget, you will be the mistress here,” Darcy pointed out as they entered the hall.

There were two neat rows of servants in the entrance hall, and just in front of them stood an older couple. Thanks to the introductions, Elizabeth soon learned the couple were the Killions, the butler and housekeeper. Next she was introduced to the servants who were present, and Elizabeth was warm in her greetings, leaving them with a good impression of their new mistress.

“I am sure it will take me longer than I would like, but I will endeavour to learn all of your names,” Elizabeth told the servants. A murmur of approval was heard from those greeting her.

The Killions dismissed the servants to return to their duties, and the housekeeper and the two Darcy men conducted the tour for Elizabeth. She felt somewhat awkward when they entered the mistress’s chambers. She was fully aware that the previous occupant of this suite was the late Lady Anne.

“Father, there is no need to view these rooms now; I will be more than happy with the second bedchamber in William’s suite,” Elizabeth insisted.

“These will be yours,” Darcy insisted. “At both Pemberley and here, after my Anne was taken from us, I was unable to use the master suite again. William will move into the master’s side, and you will have these chambers. Before you say you will change nothing, please know that I will not be happy until I know your apartment reflects your tastes, not my Anne’s.”

Elizabeth looked at William, who raised his hands in surrender. It seemed her fiancé and father-in-law-to-be had had this conversation already. “Thank you, Father. I will bear that in mind,” Elizabeth agreed.

The truth was that the colour of the paper on the walls—yellow and pink—did not suit her. She chose various shades of green and some light brown, which Mrs Killion committed to paper. The furniture was a little too ornate for her. Rather than being upset, Father told her they would visit Chippendale’s on the morrow, where she could choose furniture which better fit her tastes.

The last room they inspected was the library. “So many books!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she twirled around with pleasure.

“It may sound like boasting, but this is nothing to Pemberley’s library,” William related. “It has been the work of many generations of Darcys who have added to the collection, Father included.”

“Do not be modest, William; you too have added volumes,” Darcy corrected.

“If the library at Pemberley is larger than this one, then I cannot wait to see it,” Elizabeth enthused. “I am afraid that once my father discovers it, he will be reluctant to leave and will demand a bed be placed within for him.”

“If I would not allow a bed for William, I certainly will not for Bennet,” Darcy jested.

Even though Father had been ribbing William, Elizabeth could see her beloved wanting to sleep in the library when he was younger. She cared not about the wealth the Darcys commanded, but their libraries were a definite advantage. She had teased about Papa’s reaction when he saw the library at Pemberley, but she had an idea the truth would not be far from her jest.

That evening, when she spoke to Charlotte, Elizabeth learnt that the work to redecorate Fitzwilliam House was proceeding apace. In fact, it would be ready by the time Charlotte and Richard came for part of the season after their wedding trip.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Those who had travelled to London returned to Hertfordshire between New Year’s Day and Twelfth Night. During the journey home, Felicity had canvassed both couples who agreed they would forgo a pre-wedding ball. The fact that the Bingleys and Hursts were soon moving out of Netherfield Park played a significant part in the decision. No one wanted to disturb them with a ball during the time they were packing all of their belongings and preparing to vacate the estate.

Neither matron at Longbourn or Lucas Lodge was sanguine there would be no ball, but they did not argue the point as it had been presented to them as a decision that would not be revisited.

Elizabeth could not contain her excitement when Jane and Charles returned from their honeymoon on the Friday before the wedding. There was a glow of contentment about Jane, which was obvious to anyone who saw her. When Elizabeth asked Jane what had changed, the cryptic reply told her to wait until she was married and then she would understand.

The day before the wedding was a day without precipitation, so Elizabeth left Longbourn with the dawn to make a pilgrimage to Oakham Mount for the final time as a single lady. Suspecting she would see William there, she had taken an apple and carrot, in addition to the items Cook had wrapped in the serviette for her.

Just as she thought he would be, Zeus was patiently waiting at the base of the hill, untethered as normal. Elizabeth extracted the carrot from a pocket and broke it in half. The horse gratefully munched one piece and then the other. When she placed the apple in her palm, the stallion gave a whinny of pleasure before he took the fruit and made quick work of it. As if to say thanks, he nuzzled Elizabeth’s arm before she started the climb.

William was sitting on the boulder he knew Elizabeth used when he heard the crunch of a footstep behind him. He turned and was gifted with the beautiful face and shining eyes of his beloved Elizabeth. He sprang to his feet and met her in the middle of the flattened area on the summit. They kissed, but after a few minutes, William stepped back.

“As much as I want to never stop kissing you, I must before I lose control. We are to marry in a day, and from then onwards, we will not have to worry about propriety when we are in private,” William explained with ragged breath as he put some distance between himself and his ladylove.

Although she was disappointed their interlude had been cut short, Elizabeth did understand why William had done so. She told him of the treats she had gifted his stallion.

“No wonder that traitor enjoys your company more than mine. You spoil him,” William said with mock sadness. The truth was, he was more than pleased Elizabeth had overcome her fear of horses. He could not wait until they were at Pemberley, and he was able to teach her to ride and drive. In his mind’s eye, William could see her visiting the tenants in the phaeton, which used to be his mother’s.

The two walked to the rock and took a seat, looking to the east just as the first rays of the new day’s sun broke above the horizon. As tempting as it was, William regulated himself when his beloved leaned against his side as they sat. She opened the serviette Cook had handed her, and they shared the two warm rolls and a raspberry pastry.

Once the sun was above the horizon, hand in hand, fingers interlaced, they made their way down to where Zeus waited for them.

“I am marrying you tomorrow,” Elizabeth said when they reached the stallion.

“It will be the best day of my life so far. Once we are married, every day we are together will be my best day,” William said in his deep baritone voice.

They separated before the manor house came into sight. It had been decreed that the grooms could not see their brides for the full day before the wedding. William stood and watched until he could no longer see his beloved Elizabeth.

When Felicity saw the way Elizabeth floated into the breakfast parlour with a dreamy look on her countenance, she had a very good idea her niece had just seen her nephew. It was not intelligence she would share, except with her beloved husband. Looking at her Reggie, she believed he had come to the same conclusion.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Once the aunts had corrected all of the nonsense Mama had told her during the wedding night talk, Elizabeth was extremely grateful.

Even though she had promised herself she would not listen to what Mama said, the talk of submission, pain, and enduring the unpleasant act had made her very worried.

Thanks to Aunts Felicity and Maddie, she had discovered that the only thing that held a kernel of fact was regarding some little pain experienced. Unlike what Mama had told her, the aunts had made sure she understood that each time they had marital relations, it would become easier, and there should not be pain after the first time.

Hence, after a long conversation with Jane, who was spending the night before the wedding with her sister, Elizabeth had eventually fallen asleep in anticipation of her wedding night, not dreading it as she would have had she taken what Mama told her as fact.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

The ceremony was held at St Alfred’s in Meryton for two reasons. The church could seat more than double the number of congregants that the Longbourn Village Church could, and of secondary concern, it was a mile closer to the wedding breakfast.

William arrived at the church with Richard and the men standing up for them—Bingley and Andrew, respectively—about a quarter hour before the time the rector had told them to arrive. They were shown to a retiring room just off the rear of the church, behind the altar. Both grooms were pacing back and forth like caged lions at the menagerie in London, while Bingley and Andrew remained silent but could not but grin at the two who were acting just like they had on their own wedding days.

Bingley decided to attempt to introduce a subject which would distract the two grooms. “Darce, did your father inform you he heard from Mr Chalmers about an estate for sale to the east of Pemberley just over the border in Nottinghamshire?” Bingley enquired.

William stopped, as did Richard. “How many miles is it from Pemberley?” William asked.

“Less than twenty. It is called Sherwood Dale. The owner is the last of his line and has no heir. Your steward said he is willing to sell it for far below the price he could get if he approves of the buyer. It produces over seven thousand pounds per annum. Thankfully the owner is a good friend of your father’s steward, so he will not advertise the estate for sale until we see it. Jane and I depart with your father directly from the wedding breakfast,” Bingley reported.

The distraction worked as before the two grooms could start to pace again, the parson stuck his head in and told them it was time to take their positions before the altar. Both men had to make effort to appear composed and notrun to where they were to stand.

It was a very good sign that the church was full, including the Bennets, Fitzwilliams, and Lucases. The two families with daughters marrying sat on the side opposite where their daughter would stand. A sign the ceremony was about to begin was the inner vestibule doors being closed. The door opened, and Maria Lucas began her walk up the aisle. Bingley’s eyes locked onto those of his wife as Jane followed Maria. He had missed her greatly the previous night and hoped they would never sleep apart again. Then the door was closed once again.

Richard held his breath when both doors opened and the clergyman signalled the congregation to stand. Charlotte entered on Sir William’s arm, and he had never seen her looking better.

When he first saw Elizabeth on Bennet’s arm, William thought that everyone in the nave would be able to hear his heart beating like a drum. She was resplendent in a cream-coloured satin dress with an empire waist and matching gloves which went above her elbows. The train was a few feet behind her as she walked towards him. Her hair was swept back, with some of her curls arranged down either side of her face. Rather than a wedding bonnet, Elizabeth wore a very delicate lace veil.

As soon as Richard collected his bride, William took his place and waited until Bennet raised Elizabeth’s veil, and kissed his daughter’s cheek before lowering her veil once again. Bennet then placed her delicate hand on William’s forearm. They turned and climbed the four marble steps and came to stand across from Charlotte and Richard, before the parson, who was standing in front of the altar.

The rector gave the signal for everyone to be seated, and he looked at the two couples indulgently. He opened his well-worn copy of The Book of Common Prayer , and began the service. As had been agreed, it was a single service except for the question about objections and the vows.

Everyone present who knew about the two women in the asylum in Scotland was grateful they were far away. Regardless of their claims having no validity, they were sure one or both would have attempted to disrupt the wedding.

Charlotte and Richard said their vows, and next it was Elizabeth and William’s turn. Time seemed suspended for the young lovers as they exchanged vows, then it was over and they were proclaimed married. In a joyous fog, they and their witnesses signed the register making it irrevocable. The two couples did not dally in the registry and joined their families in the nave of the church, where congratulations and wishes for happy abounded.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Felicity sat next to her beloved husband as she watched her son and new daughter and her nephew and niece go from table to table to thank the guests for celebrating the day with them.

She leaned over to the only man she could have ever loved. “You know, it is thanks to William’s insult and arrogance that we are here today. Without it, I may have waited longer before coming to Longbourn,” Felicity mused. “If I had, where would our nieces be? William would have tried to interfere between Jane and Charles, and mayhap Charlotte would have been engaged or married. I am sure things would not be as good between William and Lizzy as they are now.”

“You arrived at exactly the right time. I know things are not perfect at Longbourn now, but at least our brother and sister-in-law have shown a willingness to better their ways. Without your timely arrival, it would not be so,” Reggie opined.

“I was heartened by the letter Thomas received from Durham recently,” Felicity stated. “It seems Lydia has finally realised that until she changes her behaviour, her life will be very hard,” Felicity reported. “It will take her some time, but I am hopeful.”

“Kitty’s trunks are loaded onto one of the coaches,” Reggie related.

After the wedding, Kitty would be travelling to London to join her school. She was very excited to finally receive formal instruction in sketching and painting. Bethie and Anna would travel with them as well, while Darcy and the Bingleys went north to see the estate in Nottinghamshire.

Felicity lifted her eyes to the heavens. “I am sure Anne is looking down on this day with pleasure.”

Reggie could not but agree with his wife.

Soon enough, the two couples separated, and the new wives went to change for travel. The crowd to see them off was large. Felicity and Reggie were among the last to hug their son and new daughter, and Lizzy and William, before the couples entered their respective coaches.

They were the last two to head back into the manor house, now Richard and Charlotte’s house. It was with supreme satisfaction that Felicity thought how spectacularly Reggie’s father and her own father had failed. It was the last time she ever thought of them.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

That night, when she lay in bed just before Morpheus claimed her, after coupling with her new husband more than once, Elizabeth understood Jane’s cryptic statement.