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Road to London - Elizabeth

A s the carriage rattled along the dusty road, Elizabeth gazed out the window, watching the familiar countryside give way to unfamiliar sights.

The anticipation of their London visit mingled with a sense of unease about her impending marriage to Mr Collins.

She glanced at Jane, who offered a reassuring smile, both of them silently enduring their mother’s ceaseless chatter.

Mrs Bennet’s fingers drummed an incessant rhythm on the carriage seat, her eyes darting from one daughter to the other as she prattled on about their prospects.

“My dears, we must make the most of this trip,” Mrs Bennet talked nearly the entire way to London, first of how kind Mr Bingley was for including them in Mr Middleton’s ball.

Then of her concern for Mr Bennet, how difficult it would be if he were to die before Elizabeth and Mr Collins were married. She could not see any reason for delaying the wedding in fact there were several reasons to hasten it. Neither Elizabeth, nor Jane asked what the other reasons were.

As Mrs Bennet’s head lolled to the side, her breathing deepening into soft snores, Jane and Elizabeth exchanged glances. Elizabeth’s shoulders visibly relaxed, and Jane let out a quiet sigh.

“Finally,” Elizabeth whispered, a small smile playing on her lips.

They spoke quietly so as not to wake her, neither of them said anything about their father, nor did they mention Mr Collins.

As so much about the future was uncertain, both sisters knew that Elizabeth’s fate as well as the rest of the family were very much dependent on how long their father would live.

It was easier not to talk about it. No, their conversation was confined to how their time in London would be spent.

The carriage pulled up to a modest but well-kept town house on Gracechurch Street.

As they alighted, Elizabeth inhaled deeply, the scent of London-a mix of coal smoke, horse manure, and humanity-filling her nostrils.

Mr and Mrs Gardiner stood at the door, warm smiles on their faces as they welcomed their guests.

* * *

Friday 3rd of January 1812

Gracechurch Street - Elizabeth

The next morning was spent unpacking and being entertained by their young nephews and nieces, which simply caused the unpacking to take longer.

Elizabeth laughed as her youngest cousin, Thomas, attempted to ‘ help’ by emptying her carefully packed trunk onto the floor.

“Thank you, darling,” she said, ruffling his hair.

“You’re being such a big help.” She caught Jane’s eye across the room, both of them stifling giggles at the chaos around them.

Despite the commotion, Elizabeth felt a sense of freedom here, away from the suffocating expectations of Longbourn.

“Oh, my poor nerves!” Mrs Bennet exclaimed, pressing a hand to her forehead as Thomas knocked over a vase. “Children, please, I cannot bear this commotion a moment longer!”

Mrs Gardiner took pity on her sister-in-law and the two of them went out to a shop Mrs Bennet had been wanting to visit. Mr Gardiner went to his study as he had some letters to which he needed to attend.

Elizabeth and Jane had just finished and were playing in the parlour with the children when there was a knock at the door.

The knock at the door echoed through the house, causing Elizabeth and Jane to freeze mid-action.

The muffled voices from the hallway grew clearer, and Elizabeth’s heart began to race as she recognised Mr Bingley’s jovial tones.

She and Jane exchanged panicked glances, hurriedly straightening their gowns and attempting to bring some order to the room and children.

Elizabeth’s mind whirled with questions.

Why was Mr Bingley here? And who was with him?

Jane rose to her feet, hastily picked up some toys.

Elizabeth looked to the children, “Andrew, go quickly to your father and tell him we have guests,” she said to the elder of the boys.

He nodded and ran out of the room. The remaining children arranged themselves around Jane who picked up a book, while Elizabeth sat down near them and picked up some work.

Hardly a moment later the door opened, the servant entered and announced the guests, “Lady Rowena Fitzwilliam, Mr Darcy, Miss Darcy, and Mr Bingley. ”

Elizabeth’s eyebrows rose as she caught Jane’s questioning glance. Lady Rowena? The name was unfamiliar, and Elizabeth found herself leaning forward slightly, eager to learn more about this unexpected visitor.

Their guests entered the room and were introduced to the ladies, Mr Bingley all smiles, Mr Darcy’s posture stiffened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides.

As his gaze flickered between Elizabeth and Lady Rowena, the colour drained from his face, leaving him ashen.

He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing, a visible crack in his usually impenetrable facade.

Lady Rowena was a young lady of a similar age to Elizabeth. She was not as handsome as Jane, but there was something about her. She was dressed very finely in the latest fashion.

Her conversation and manner of address indicated a degree of sense and understanding that other fashionable ladies, such as Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst, lacked.

Her manners were open and friendly. She was one of the daughters of the Earl and Countess of Matlock and the cousin of Mr Darcy and Miss Darcy.

Elizabeth had heard that Miss Darcy was exceedingly proud; but the observation of a very few minutes convinced her that she was only exceedingly shy. She found it difficult to obtain even a word from her beyond a monosyllable.

Miss Darcy was tall, and on a larger scale than Elizabeth; and, though little more than sixteen, her figure was formed, and her appearance womanly and graceful.

She was less handsome than her brother, but there was sense and good humour in her face, and her manners were perfectly unassuming and gentle.

Elizabeth, who had expected to find in her as acute and unembarrassed an observer as Mr Darcy had been, was much relieved by discerning such different feelings .

They were invited to sit, as Mr Gardiner arrived with his son and the tea was called for. Lady Rowena who was sitting with Elizabeth and Miss Darcy began the conversation, “I understand from Mr Bingley that you have just arrived and that you are to remain in town for a few weeks?”

“Yes we arrived yesterday,” Elizabeth replied as Andrew came and sat with her.

“And do you often come to town?” Lady Rowena said with a smile, “Georgiana lives at her brother’s house most of the year and is often in need of more female companionship. Aren’t you Georgiana?”

Miss Darcy blushed but did not answer.

“I would not say it often, but I do come to stay with my aunt and uncle every now and then.” Elizabeth said, “You are not often here then?”

“We come nearly every winter, as my mother is very fond of London’s society; my father loves a good play, which he says he can only find in London.”

“Do you enjoy the theatre, Miss Darcy?” Elizabeth asked her. Miss Darcy blushed again, observing her brother’s eyes on her. “Yes, very much so,” she answered simply.

Elizabeth observed Miss Darcy’s slender fingers twisting the delicate lace of her handkerchief, her knuckles whitening with each turn.

The young girl’s eyes remained fixed on the intricate pattern of the carpet, her shoulders hunched slightly as if trying to make herself smaller in the crowded room.

With a gentle smile, Elizabeth leaned closer.

“Miss Darcy, I understand you play and sing very well?”

“I do enjoy playing, but I do not play very well.” Miss Darcy replied.

“Georgiana you are too modest, your playing is charming.” Lady Rowena declared. “Even our aunt Lady Catherine can not find fault with it.”

“I would love to hear you play rather,” returned Miss Darcy to Elizabeth.

“I play very ill indeed,” Elizabeth smiled in return.

“My brother says he has rarely heard anything that gave him such pleasure.” Miss Darcy blushed, realising that she might have said too much. Elizabeth’s cheeks flushed, and she found herself suddenly fascinated by the intricate pattern of the carpet, unable to meet Mr Darcy’s gaze.

“Does he indeed,” Rowena laughed, glancing at Mr Darcy who had suddenly taken a great interest in studying the fireplace. “Well the matter is settled then, you both must play for us one evening.”

Jane and Mr Gardiner were speaking to Mr Bingley, Mr Darcy was seated between the two groups.

He was watching the conversation between his cousin, sister and Elizabeth with a great deal of interest. He had been surprised when Rowena had come to see his sister and had asked if she could join them on their morning call.

But he found himself unequal to joining in their conversation.

“And I understand that you are engaged to be married to a Mr Collins?” Lady Rowena said with a warm smile. “May I congratulate you?”

Elizabeth felt heat creep up her neck and into her cheeks. She lowered her eyes, fidgeting with the fabric of her dress as she mumbled her thanks. The weight of her impending marriage to Mr Collins suddenly felt heavier than ever.

Their visitors stayed with them above half an hour, and when they arose to depart, Lady Rowena warmly invited them to dine with them one day, she said that she would send Elizabeth a note when she had checked with her mother what day would suit them best. Mr Darcy had barely said a word the entire visit.

The visitors left before Mrs Bennet and Mrs Gardiner returned, they were very surprised to learn who had come to call on them.

“And you said that Lady Rowena was a very pleasant woman, Lizzy?” She asked her daughter. “What a compliment, yes indeed. You must return the call of course. Oh dear, what on earth shall you wear? Jane, my dear, you must wear your blue gown.”

Later in their room Elizabeth and Jane discussed their visitors.

“I do not know what to make of it, Mr Darcy hardly ever says a word.” Elizabeth exclaimed, “but to have said such a thing to his sister!”

“It is very odd,” Jane agreed, “maybe we have been too quick to judge him?”

“Considering the source of our information, I do not think that at all likely.”

“But remember what he told you of Miss Darcy? That she was so proud and yet the young lady we saw is not proud at all, just very shy.”

“That is true, but no it cannot be. He can be forgiven for being mistaken there, but Jane there are too many details that tie in with information we have had from others.”

“What of Lady Rowena, did you like her?” Jane changed the subject.

“Yes I did, there is a straightforwardness about her that I like. I hope we shall see more of her. What did you think?”

“She seemed a very nice person and quite the gentlewoman, I did not hear much of her conversation as I was engaged by my uncle and Mr Bingley.” Elizabeth smiled, “Yes, I believe I will be wishing you joy very soon my dear sister.”

“Lizzy!” Jane blushed deeply and changed the subject again. “We must call on Caroline Bingley while we are here.”

“But we must wait for her to call on us first, that is how these things are done. You sent word to her that we were coming to town did you not?”

“I did.”

“Then we will wait for her to come to us. But we must return the call on Miss Darcy and Lady Rowena.”

* * *

Gracechurch Street - Darcy

Lady Rowena smiled as they were leaving Gracechurch Street. “What charming people, Miss Bennet is indeed very pretty.”

“She is an angel,” Bingley said with a smile.

“Miss Elizabeth Bennet was very charming, was she not Fitzwilliam?” Lady Rowena said to her cousin.

“She looked very well,” Darcy said simply, he had hoped that this would be the end of the matter but his cousin continued. “And she was so attentive to dear Georgiana.”

“I liked her very much, she is also very pretty,” Georgiana said, “I do hope I can hear her play soon.”

Darcy’s jaw tightened as he watched Georgiana’s eyes light up while talking to Elizabeth. He had hoped… but no. Of course Georgiana would be charmed by her. His hand clenched around his walking stick, knuckles whitening as he forced himself to look away.

And he did not like the way Lady Rowena was smiling at him. It made him very uneasy.