Page 252

The convoy of carriages with the family arriving from Town filled the circular drive at Longbourn.

Although Longbourn was large enough to accommodate all, with the large influx of guests it was decided that some of the family would join James at Netherfield.

The Fitzwilliams and Bingleys went on ahead of James to his estate.

Lady Sarah was sorry to see her grandson depart with his parents, but she knew that they would all see each other on almost a daily basis.

And she too was thankful that all signs pointed to more grandchildren making themselves known to the world soon.

Given the fact that even without their father’s permission Wes and Henry were suitors of Mary and Kitty, they too would stay at Netherfield but had remained at Longbourn to talk to the Duke of Hertfordshire without further delay.

James had remained at Longbourn too and had asked William for a private interview as soon as he dismounted from his horse.

William had asked if James would not prefer to wash and change at Netherfield and return later, to which he received a very emphatic shake of his brother-in-law’s head.

William knew that there was no more putting it off, so he told James to follow him to the sitting room attached to the Lavender suite.

Once the door was closed, before James could say a word, William pre-empted him, “I know that Richard had granted his permission and blessing, and even though I would have preferred that she wait longer I have no doubt that you two love each other deeply so I will not stand in your way. I grant you both my permission and my blessing.” James’s face showed a broad grin; he had thought that it would have been much harder to convince William to allow him to officially court Georgiana.

“Do not ever hurt her,” William admonished seriously. “If you do, we will be fencing with untipped swords.”

“I swear on my life, William,” James said with all seriousness, “that it will be my mission to make her happy.”

“If I did not believe that, brother, then we would be having a much different conversation right now,” William said as he offered his hand to James, and they shook heartily.

“Now as far as length of the courtship goes, given that she was seventeen in November last year, between the courtship and the betrothal, I want her to reach her eighteenth year before the wedding. Is that agreeable to you, James?”

“It is. I promise you as I have told Richard that you will never repine this decision. Thank you, William,” James said as he pulled his stoic brother-in-law into a hug.

William slapped James on the back and then separated.

Seeing James look at the door longingly, William waved him away.

James needed no further indication that he was dismissed as he took off to go tell his lady-love the excellent news.

Wes and Mark arrived at Lord Thomas’s study door simultaneously. When the call to enter came and once the door was open, each was urging the other to go in and plead his case first. “I know why you two are here,” Lord Thomas said, “so just come in, both of you.”

Once the two were seated Wes started as his uncle had quirked an eyebrow at him. “I have come to request a courtship with your daughter, Uncle Thomas.”

“Which one?” Lord Thomas asked, having some sport with his nephew who should have known better than to give him such an opening. “I do have five daughters after all; although three are married and their husbands may have something to say about your request.”

“You know very well that I am talking about Mary, Uncle,” Wes said, somewhat amused at his uncle’s antics.

“Yes, I suppose that I do,” Lord Thomas said as he stared out of the window behind the two younger men. “Has Mary consented to your request?” he asked knowing the answer to his question already after the missive he received from Lord Matlock.

“She has, and before you ask, I only declared myself after the three months you imposed past,” Wes said before his uncle could ask.

Before he gave Wes an answer, he looked at young Creighton, “I could ask you the same questions, but I know that Kitty has granted your request, and as I have no objection to either of you,” he looked from one to the other, “I both consent and give you my blessing to court Mary and Kitty. I suggest you never give me reason to regret my decision.”

“We will not,” both young men chorused. They then thanked Lord Thomas individually.

“Away with you two,” Lord Thomas waved toward the door.

Neither young man needed a second hint so stood and left the study in as dignified manner that he could.

Once the door was closed the two who were best of friends bear-hugged and slapped one another on the back in congratulations.

The Bennet patriarch grinned as he heard the commotion from outside of the study.

He would have liked to have had more sport with his nephew, but he looked down at Mary’s letter that he received after she had agreed to the courtship and decided that he did not want to incur her wrath.

He had read the short and to the point note a number of times and it amused him each time he did.

12 April 1813

Matlock House

Dearest Father,

Earlier today Wes requested a courtship to which I happily agreed, pending your approval. I would ask that you do not toy with him when he comes for your consent and blessing.

Your daughter,

Mary

Everyone thought that Lizzy had the most fearsome temper among his offspring, but the truth was that it was Mary who held that title. Where Lizzy was verbose and obvious, Mary was quiet until she was pushed over the edge like the hapless Miss Price had discovered at her peril.

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

By mutual agreement, Elizabeth no longer left the second floor where the family wing was located.

Sir Frederick and his nurses had arrived the day before the rest of the family had strenuously recommended that the Duchess of Derbyshire no longer attempt to negotiate steps.

She was not overjoyed at having her movement restricted, but Elizabeth had seen the wisdom in the accoucheur’s recommendation and had accepted it gracefully.

In order that she would not dine alone, a large suite in the family wing was converted into a makeshift dining parlour.

Only a small portion of the family could dine with William and Lizzy, so each meal there were different people to talk to.

Just in case her middle daughter thought that everyone had come to witness the birth of her twins, Lady Sarah reminded her that the plan for a family gathering after the coming out season was long planned.

When her mother pointed this out, Elizabeth gave a mock pout and acted all surprised that the family was not there just to see her.

After mother and daughter had giggled, they hugged, well as much as hug that was possible with Elizabeth’s girth.

William entered the family sitting room not long after his interview with James.

“You were not too hard on him were you, William?” his mother asked.

She did not think that her son would be, but she knew how much he dreaded losing his sister that had been more daughter than sibling to another man’s protection.

“Is my younger brother still in the land of the living?” Elizabeth asked as she arched her eyebrow causing some light laughter among the ladies present.

“Yes, I left him hale and healthy,” William stated, “but I told him that he would not remain in that state if he ever hurt Georgie!”

“If he ever hurts my sister,” Elizabeth said firmly, “then I will act as your second. However, as we all know, James is as honourable as the day is long, and I know that he will do anything within his power to assure Georgie’s happiness.”

“I could not agree more,” Lady Rose stated and then she turned to her sister-in-law, “How is my brother after granting courtships for his two youngest daughters, Sarah?” Before she could answer William left the ladies to their conversation.

He had tried to act nonchalantly but no one was fooled, he was there to reassure himself that his very pregnant wife was well.

“It was hard for him to do,” Lady Sarah confirmed after her son-in-law closed the door, “but he has no doubt that the two young men deserve his daughters and that they will each do very well with one another.”

Amy shifted into a more comfortable position as her babe let her know that it was there. “Lizzy, is it true that you never suffered with the morning sickness?”

“It is, Amy,” Elizabeth confirmed, “I was lucky enough not to experience that malady like my mother did not before me.”

“I envy you so much,” Amy said without any rancour, “it only stopped for me about a fortnight ago. Until the sickness stopped, I was not sure that I would be able to join the family at Longbourn. It pleases me that it worked out as Tom has missed his childhood home more than he will admit to me.”

“What about you, Amy?” Lady Sarah asked. “Have you and my son decided where you will have your confinement?”

“Both Tom and I would like for Sir Frederick to attend me for my lying in,” Amy informed her family.

“To that end, I have written to my mother, and we will go to Ashbury in October. So far, my increasing seems normal, but we would rather not take any chances, and although it is a little further from Town than Longbourn, it is close enough that Sir Frederick will attend me.”

“I know that my namesake is sad that she had not yet become with child,” Lady Anne said with understanding for her niece. “I am glad that Catherine is with her daughter as she took over two years before she attained that state, so hopefully she will help Anne see that it can happen at any time.”