Page 44

CHAPTER 44

Many Happy Returns

15 NOVEMBER 1811 - LONDON

A fortnight later, the Darcys returned to Netherfield.

Bingley’s Aunt Horatia had invited them to visit whenever they liked since her nephew would be in the north for several weeks.

While they could have stayed at Longbourn, both Darcy and Elizabeth decided that they would prefer a little distance from her parents at this time.

Additionally, Longbourn was full.

The Livesays had returned to Hertfordshire with Bennet and planned to stay there for several weeks.

Bennet and Livesay had agreed to return together, once the matter with the earl was settled, although Bennet had pleaded for a few extra days to explore his new son’s library first. Livesay had granted the request with a laugh, but by Thursday, they all boarded the carriage for the journey back to Hertfordshire.

Lady Matlock had also returned to Hertfordshire with her younger son and Georgiana although she would soon travel north to Matlock under the guise of caring for her husband.

When the word of his “sickness” was made public, she would withdraw from society for a time to help her elder son and his wife settle in as master and mistress of the estate .

With their arrival back in the area, Aunt Horatia, together with Mrs. Hurst, Mrs. Bennet, and Lady Matlock, had decided to hold a ball in celebration of the wedding.

“A ball is unnecessary,” Darcy complained, sitting in Netherfield’s drawing room while they waited for the meal to be announced.

It was then that his aunt and Bingley’s told them about the plans they had made.

“Elizabeth’s neighbours will appreciate the opportunity to celebrate her marriage,” Lady Matlock said, her tone scolding as she glared at her nephew.

Elizabeth laughed, laying her hand on her husband’s arm.

“Surely, Lady Matlock, you realise how little Fitzwilliam enjoys socialising,” she teased.

“He is fortunate that my husband’s ‘illness’ will prevent me from spending the Season in town,” Lady Matlock retorted.

“I would have hosted a grand ball to celebrate your nuptials and to introduce the two of you to all my friends plus many who are not, but who are useful connections.”

She pinned her nephew with another glare.

“You must spend at least a month in London, if not longer, and allow you and your wife to be seen by society. There is enough speculation about your marriage, and you will only add to it if you do not appear. I will insist on this, even if I must drag you from Pemberley myself.”

Leaning forward, Elizabeth gave her new aunt a reassuring look.

“I will see to it, Aunt,” she said with a laugh.

“Fitzwilliam knows that I fully intend to enjoy all the amusements the Season has to offer this spring, including visits to the theatre and the museums. I am sure we will attend a few balls, but I will write to you so you may tell me who to befriend and who to avoid.”

Their mirth was interrupted by the announcement of several additional guests who had arrived for dinner that evening .

Elizabeth and Darcy, along with the rest of the party, stood to greet her family, who had just arrived with their guests, the Livesays.

“Welcome, everyone,” Aunt Horatia said.

For several minutes, the entire company remained standing as they exchanged greetings with those they had not seen in several days.

Elizabeth and Jane hugged each other for several long moments before being joined by Mary and Catherine.

Mrs. Bennet stood back for a few moments, allowing her daughters several moments to themselves.

Bennet and Livesay approached Darcy, and the three quietly spoke of matters related to the earl and his punishment.

While few details had been made public, whispers that several had been arrested in and around Liverpool for smuggling had made their way to London.

Likewise, the viscount had withdrawn further from society and apparently was no longer a threat to the earl or his family.

“I do not know much,” Darcy admitted, “but Richard paid him a visit and let drop a hint of what we knew. He did not tell me all of what was said, but he was convinced that the viscount would not trouble our family further. The viscount does not have a son, merely a nephew whom he cares little for, and he would not risk word of his daughter’s ruin being made public. He fears the nephew, and now I believe he fears Richard as well.”

Bennet and Livesay both nodded before turning the conversation.

“Amelia believes there will be another match between our families soon,” Livesay said, indicating his son, who was standing in the outskirts of the group of Bennet daughters.

In the days between Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding and their departure to London, Jane had spent a great deal of time with Amelia Livesay.

Often, they were accompanied by her brother Frederick, and the three found much in common .

When Amelia recognised her brother’s fledgling interest in the lady, she began to find excuses to leave the two alone for short periods of time.

By the time they left on Monday for London, the two had the beginnings of an attachment.

Upon the Livesays' return to Longbourn, Jane and Frederick were able to further their acquaintance, and by the time Darcy and Elizabeth returned, matters were progressing quickly towards something more.

Frederick was twenty-four and had inherited a modest estate of four thousand pounds per annum from his maternal grandfather just a year before; he had travelled south with his father and sister, hopeful of attending at least a few events before the Season started. He was now comfortable with his estate and had desired to find a wife to make it a home.

He had been struck by Jane Bennet’s beauty as soon as he saw her, but he soon found that she was also kind, reasonably well read—not surprising, given who her father was—and had the accomplishments necessary to be the mistress of his estate.

“That is an interesting development,” Darcy said to Bennet, watching as Jane released her sister and moved to stand next to Frederick while her younger sisters greeted his wife. “Has she forgotten Bingley so soon?”

“I asked her the same question,” Bennet admitted. “She appreciated Bingley’s interest, but in all the time she and Bingley knew each other, they truly talked very little. Jane said that talking to Frederick was very different for his conversation tended towards things of substance and not merely superficial matters. I do not believe her heart was ever touched by your friend, and while I cannot say for certain she is in love with young Frederick, I think their relationship has progressed much faster because their conversation has been weightier.”

“He is not decided yet, either,” Livesay added, then laughed at his friend’s affronted expression. “They have known each other for a little over a fortnight, old friend. Unlike Darcy here, Frederick needs a little more time to fall in love and to see whether the lady suits him, or whether he suits her. We must allow them to take things at their own pace.”

Bennet sighed. “I am turning into my wife, wishing to see all my daughters married before I die,” he admitted, laughing ruefully at himself.

Their conversation was interrupted by the butler’s announcement that the meal was served. Darcy moved to his wife, taking her hand and placing it on his arm, grinning down at her.

Livesay and Bennet took a moment to watch their families enter, before they, too, turned and joined rest of the party.

As the last to enter, Bennet and Livesay ended up sitting next to each other near the end of the table. From their positions, they could see all of their children in attendance.

Most of the younger girls were seated together near the middle of the table. Mary, Catherine, and Georgiana, with their companions nearby, chatted happily as they had oft done whenever they were in company. Bennet was pleased to see that friendship forming and judged it to have been good for all three girls.

At the far end of the table, Elizabeth and Darcy sat together with Colonel Fitzwilliam at Elizabeth’s other side. Across from them were Frederick, Jane, and Amelia, while Horatia Bingley presided from the head of the table. The group conversed easily—sometimes breaking into smaller discussions, but more often engaged in lively debates that drew the attention of everyone at that end. Although Jane and Amelia were the quietest among them, even they found moments to contribute meaningfully to the conversation .

Ever the instigator, Colonel Fitzwilliam set down his glass with a grin as he recalled an incident from the previous week. “As I rode down Bond Street last week, I passed a curious little carriage—something like a chaise, but fitted with wheels unlike any I have seen. Slender spokes of metal, so fine I thought the thing might collapse. I was astonished to see it.”

Setting his fork aside, Frederick nodded, “Yes, it is the tension-spoked wheel. It is a relatively new invention, just a few years old and ingeniously simple. The tension in the spokes supports the rim, rather than the wheel relying on the bulk of wood.”

Darcy offered a rare smile. “They are surprisingly strong despite their lightness. I read an article suggesting the design may soon be used in more than carriages—perhaps even in personal conveyances. I have invested a little in the project, and I am anxious to see what comes of it. I even saw a prototype at The Royal Institution last year.”

Elizabeth, seated beside him, tilted her head thoughtfully. “So, it is not the strength of the material, but how it is arranged that gives it power? There is a certain elegance in that.”

“Trust you to find poetry in wheel construction, Mrs. Darcy,” Colonel Fitzwilliam teased.

Amelia leant forward, her eyes alight with curiosity. “It sounds revolutionary. If the wheels are so light, perhaps travel might become easier, especially for ladies, and faster, too.”

The colonel, who had scarcely taken notice of her until now, found the lively expression in her eyes unexpectedly compelling.

“And likely safer as well—carriages so often falter on poor roads when the wheels are worn,” Jane added.

“Perhaps, under the right conditions,” Frederick tentatively agreed. “But they remain highly experimental and have yet to be tested on the deeply rutted roads common in the country. ”

Darcy glanced at Elizabeth, his tone contemplative. “If such improvements become widespread, travel as we know it may change entirely. Imagine something quieter and faster. Someday, it will not be a trip of days to get from Pemberley to London, but mere hours.”

Elizabeth gave a soft laugh at this. “Do you mean to suggest a lady might someday be permitted to travel entirely on her own? Such a shocking idea, Mr. Darcy.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam grinned. “What a sight it would be—independent young ladies racing about the countryside, giving the gentlemen a run for their money. Aunt Catherine would be aghast”

From the head of the table, Horatia Bingley gave a sharp sniff of disapproval, although she softened it with a slight smile. “Let us hope such nonsense remains in the realm of speculation. I do not trust such modern contraptions.”

Darcy suppressed a smirk while Elizabeth lifted her brows and replied, lightly but with unmistakable warmth, “Yet it is often from speculation that the future takes shape. Without innovation, we would not have got as far as we have.”

Elizabeth offered her husband a gentle smile. “Our children will see the fruits of this. Just imagine what the world will be like when they reach our age—and again when they have children of their own.”

Darcy gave a fond shake of his head and murmured, “Wed less than a month, and already you have us as grandparents, my love?”

Elizabeth laughed softly, her eyes dancing. “Well, someone must plan ahead, Mr. Darcy. I cannot have our grandchildren riding about in carriages with outdated wheels.”

Darcy leant closer, his voice low and wry. “Then I shall take it as my sacred duty to ensure the future of transport is properly secured—for their sake, of course. Have you seen the new steam engine, my dear?” he said, in an attempt to turn the conversation .

Colonel Fitzwilliam, who had caught just enough of their exchange to be intrigued, raised a brow. “Are the two of you drawing up a family legacy already? I was under the impression you were newlyweds, not scientists. What is this talk of steam engines?”

Elizabeth turned towards him with mock solemnity. “We like to be efficient, Colonel. If we plan now, then there will be fewer questions later.”

“Terrifying,” he muttered with a grin, reaching for his glass.

Amelia, amused, leant towards Jane. “I daresay if we remain here much longer, they will have named the grandchildren and plotted their education.”

Darcy smirked but said nothing, content to let Elizabeth take the lead in the repartee.

“I believe I shall leave the names to my husband,” she said sweetly. “Provided he does not suggest anything too dreadful like Archibald.”

“That,” Darcy said gravely, “is my uncle’s name.”

A beat of silence.

“Oh.” Elizabeth paused, lips twitching. “Then perhaps a middle name.”

That end of the table burst into laughter once again.

Bennet and the elder Mr. Livesay watched their children with amusement. Near to them, Lady Matlock, Mrs. Bennet, and Mrs. Hurst were engaged in quiet conversation about the plans for the Netherfield Ball, but the gentlemen tuned that out.

“I have never seen a couple quite like your Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam Darcy, Bennet,” Livesay said after a few moments of watching.

“Nor I,” Bennet admitted. “I have rarely seen a couple more suited to each other. I suppose some might laugh at them, but I confess, I envy them. ”

“Few would not envy such devotion,” Livesay replied. He was quiet as he once again watched the exchanges at the other end of the table.

“I know we spoke about one possible marriage, but perhaps there may be two in the future, if my eyes do not deceive me. I doubt my son or the colonel will work as quickly as Darcy though,” Livesay said softly.

Bennet turned to his friend, then glanced down the table to see what he had noticed. “The colonel?”

“He is transfixed with my Amelia,” Livesay said quietly. “I am not sure what she said, but something has caused him to look at her differently this evening.”

Bennet watched the pair for a moment, before nodding. “Perhaps,” he said finally.

“Still, I believe he may wait some time before making any decisions,” Livesay replied. He was thoughtful for a moment, then he asked, “I know I am not from this area, Bennet, but has much been said about the suddenness of the wedding between Darcy and your Lizzy?”

Bennet shook his head. “I explained to a few the reason for the haste and the secrecy. No one has said anything, and since Elizabeth and Darcy intend to remain for a few weeks longer, they will no doubt convince the neighbourhood that nothing is amiss with their marriage. Besides, ‘for what do we live, but to make sport for our neighbours, and laugh at them in our turn?’ It is simply the Bennets’ turn.”