Page 52 of The Shades of Pemberley

“That statement proves that you are not,” was Mr. Bennet’s pointed reply. “If you recall, Lydia, when Kitty came out, we allowed you to attend with your sister, as being left home alone would be hard. As a point of fact, however, no one made any mention of you being ‘out.’”

The mutinous glare Lydia directed at her father did her no good whatsoever, but Mr. Bennet did not back down.

All the girl would accomplish was to invite further restrictions, for Mr. Bennet would not allow open insubordination.

Mrs. Bennet appeared to understand this and stepped in on her daughter’s behalf.

“Please desist, Lydia. Listen to her ladyship, for she knows much more about London than we do.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Bennet,” said Lady Susan, still eyeing Lydia.

“As I suggested, spending some time in London this spring is an excellent notion, but you must maintain propriety. While they are in London, Georgiana and Kitty will partake in certain age-appropriate activities, and Miss Lydia can join them.”

“I wanted balls and parties,” grumbled Lydia. “If I am to be denied them, I would much prefer to stay in Hertfordshire and meet with the officers.”

“You like a man in a red coat, do you?” asked Colonel Fitzwilliam, his tone suggesting hilarity.

Lydia eyed him as if she suspected him of jesting at her expense; Elizabeth’s acquaintance with the colonel suggested her misgiving was not amiss.

“The officers are all gentlemanly, interesting men who lead such dashing lives.”

“Then you might consider that these men of whom you speak are militia officers. In London, you would find real men of the regulars.”

The notion caught Lydia off guard, for her eyes widened. That Lady Susan did not appreciate his quip, she did not bother to hide. Nor did he regret it, given his grin.

“I shall not speak about the merits of regulars versus militia, or of the advisability of fixing on any man of the scarlet. Should you have a taste of the activities in which you may participate in London, Miss Lydia, I cannot suppose you would repine your residence there.”

Lydia did not appear convinced, but she refrained from protesting further, knowing it would gain her nothing.

Were Elizabeth to guess, she thought her sister had capitulated, knowing her mother would not miss a chance to stay in London and accepting what she could get rather than missing out altogether.

It would be an interesting time, for not only would Mrs. Gardiner provide a good example and instruction on proper behavior for Lydia, but Elizabeth was certain Lady Susan meant to take a hand as well.

Her interest was not unexpected, for now that the Bennets were connected to the Fitzwilliam family, they would not wish to be embarrassed by the improper behavior of the youngest members of the family.

As Kitty was taking Georgiana’s likeness and changing her behavior accordingly, she would not be so much of a problem.

To influence Lydia, however, one must employ a different tactic, and unless Elizabeth missed her guess, Lady Susan was up to the task.

“Now,” said Lady Susan, turning her attention back to Mrs. Bennet, “you mentioned you have a brother in town. Can you tell me something about his situation?”

To the lady’s credit, she did not bat an eyelash when she learned of Mr. Gardiner’s profession, nor did the earl appear to consider it an unfortunate connection.

As Mrs. Bennet spoke, several others inserted comments, leading to the Fitzwilliams’ learning the truth about the Gardiners, that they were excellent people, even if their status was nothing compared to peers of the realm.

Lady Susan discovered enough of them to understand that Lydia would benefit from staying in their house, approving their plans and offering to include them in their outings.

“Then it is settled,” said Lady Susan when they had discussed this for a time. “If you stay with your relations, we shall ensure to include Miss Lydia in the activities we devise for Georgiana and Miss Kitty.”

Lady Susan then turned her attention to the elder sisters. “I shall assume you will also go to London, especially you, Miss Bennet.”

No one misunderstood Lady Susan’s glance at Mr. Bingley or Jane’s sudden blush. Jane called on her serenity to push such things away, however, and answered the question in the affirmative and with credible composure.

“And what of Miss Mary?” asked the countess.

“I beg your pardon, Lady Susan,” said Mary, “but I have little interest in society.”

Lady Susan offered a kind nod. “Yes, I understand the sentiment, Miss Mary. Given the circles in which your sister will now move, I believe you must learn at least something of it.”

Mary offered a noncommittal nod.

“Then here is what I propose,” said Lady Susan to Mrs. Bennet.

“I shall offer an invitation to Miss Bennet to stay with Georgiana and Miss Kitty at my house, and as Miss Bennet is of age, she may, of course, attend events of the season with us. At some point, Miss Kitty and Georgiana will return to Darcy’s house; when that happens, I propose that the rest of the family join Miss Bennet in staying with my family. ”

“That is a generous offer, indeed, your ladyship,” said Mrs. Bennet, staying in such exalted circumstances filling her with awe. “What do you think, girls?”

“I have no objection,” said Mary.

“Thank you for your kind invitation, Lady Susan,” said Jane. “It would please me to accept.”

“For my part,” said Mr. Bennet, a hint of humor in his tone, “I have even less of a taste for society than Mary. Your offer is all that is generous, and I am pleased for my family to accept, but I shall remain in Hertfordshire.”

Lord Matlock laughed. “I see you are a kindred spirit, Mr. Bennet. Had I the choice, I might also prefer to remain at my estate and allow my family to do as they will in London. It is not a place for the faint of heart to be certain.”

“It is even worse than that, your lordship,” said Mr. Bennet. “You, at least, have two sons to help maintain your sanity, while I must endure the company of six ladies.”

Mr. Bennet smiled at Elizabeth. “Lizzy has done me the singular honor of removing one of those ladies from my house, but as she is the most sensible, I must long for rational conversation all the more!”

The company laughed at Mr. Bennet’s witticism, even as Mrs. Bennet’s cry of “Mr. Bennet!” was not at all unexpected. Mr. Bennet was not at all chastised, as his grin at his wife must attest.

“Then I believe it is all settled,” said Lady Susan. “Miss Bennet, Miss Kitty, we shall depart for London on the morrow; I should think it is best that you travel with us.”

“Of course, Lady Susan,” said Jane. “Kitty and I will prepare our effects tonight.”

“Thank you again for your unparalleled kindness to my daughters,” said Mrs. Bennet, her sincerity unmistakable.

“Not at all, Mrs. Bennet. We shall enjoy their company very much, and yours when the time comes.”

THE DECISIONS MADE , preparations began in earnest for their departure. The Darcys at once decided that they would also leave the next day for Ramsgate, such that both estates became a bustle of activity.

“No, I shall not go to London for the moment,” said Mrs. Darcy when her son confirmed his mother’s plans. “If you will forgive me, a few weeks’ solitude at Netherfield is appealing to me. Perhaps I shall join you in London when you arrive.”

“Very well, Mother,” said Darcy. “We shall inform you when we make our way to the city.”

It was also no surprise that Bingley was anticipating the coming time in London and was not at all put out by his need to depart from Netherfield.

“I might be quite put out if you did not offer an invitation to Miss Bennet to stay with you.” Bingley sported his usual animated grin, but this did not detract from the utter seriousness with which he spoke.

“If she were to remain in the neighborhood, I would have nowhere to stay. Now, if you will endure me at your home, I may visit Miss Bennet whenever I wish.”

Fitzwilliam guffawed at Bingley’s enthusiasm. “That is admirable, Bingley, for you appear no less besotted with a Bennet sister than Darcy here.”

“That is a fair approximation of the truth,” said Bingley. “While my acquaintance with Miss Bennet is still new, I am aware of her excellence.”

“Yes, I saw it for myself. Tell me, old chap—would you be opposed to a little friendly competition?”

“Do not tease Mr. Bingley, Anthony!” exclaimed Lady Susan.

“It is no trouble, Lady Susan,” said Bingley. “If your son wishes to try his hand, I have no objection, for I am confident in my ultimate success.”

“Trust me, Bingley,” said Colonel Fitzwilliam, “you may learn to regret your liberality.”

Lady Susan shook her head. “If Miss Bennet wishes to receive you, Mr. Bingley, I have no objection to your visits.”

“Thank you, your ladyship. I shall anticipate it very much.”

“Pardon me, Lady Susan,” said Elizabeth sometime later when Bingley had departed from the room to attend to his preparations. “I appreciate your kindness to my family. Having said that, my mother and Lydia can be...”

“Do you suppose I have never seen such ladies, Mrs. Darcy?” asked Lady Susan.

She offered a kind smile. “Your mother and youngest sister both appear to have the groundwork of excellent comportment—they only need a little refinement. Your acceptance in society will be much easier if all your family can move in that set and provoke their acceptance, if not approval. Offering such guidance is not at all commendable, for I am happy to do it.”

“You should remember that you are our family now,” added the earl. “I have enjoyed these days with you all, such that I hope we may continue the association. Perhaps we may even lure your father to London once he has had enough solitude in the country.”

Elizabeth laughed. “If you can work such miracles, Lord Matlock, my father’s transformation will surprise us all.”

“Your father will surprise you, I think,” was the earl’s mysterious answer.

The following day, amid expressions of regret and the wish to meet again soon, the Fitzwilliams departed, first traveling to Longbourn to gather Kitty and Jane for the journey to London.

Eager for their brief holiday, Elizabeth and Darcy left for London even earlier than the Fitzwilliams’ departure, reaching Darcy’s house in town four hours later.

Much like Pemberley, it was a far grander edifice than Darcy or Elizabeth was accustomed to, though Darcy’s time at Pemberley had mitigated his awe of such places.

The house was only a block from Hyde Park, something Darcy knew would give his beloved wife much pleasure, and was on the corner of the block, a large house of three floors, boasting a portico, a long drive, a garden in the back, and a ballroom that was spacious, built to accommodate the cream of society.

The Darcy family had not hosted such events in many years, for the previous master had been a bachelor and his mother perished many years before his coming out.

Darcy was not enamored with such things, but he could well imagine his beautiful Elizabeth hosting such an event, charming all those who came within the range of her allure.

Mrs. Mayfield, the housekeeper, and Mr. Monroe, the butler, were on hand when the Darcys arrived, and the servants gathered to make their acquaintance.

Darcy was not fond of such displays, but he followed Elizabeth’s lead as the more open of the pair, greeting and complimenting those they met, and even accepting Mrs. Mayfield’s offer of a tour of their new home.

This house was so much more than the other house he owned in town such as to make any comparison nigh impossible.

So it was with all Darcy had seen as the new master of the main Darcy holdings, for his ancestors’ position in society was far above that he had previously inhabited.

“Well, Elizabeth?” asked Darcy a little later when they had completed the obligations to the staff and the house. “What do you think of your new home?”

“It is an impressive house,” said Elizabeth, “but I appreciate it feels like a home rather than a museum.”

“Aye,” said Darcy with a laugh. “One could not feel comfortable in a house built and decorated for nothing more than to be a display of the family’s power. Shall we host this year, do you think? Do you feel equal to hosting all of London in that cavernous ballroom?”

“I think, my dear husband,” was Elizabeth’s wry reply, “that you are not eager for such things.”

“No, I am not,” agreed Darcy. “Yet I will not deny that the notion of my wife astounding all of society with her wit and vivacity is pleasing.”

“Should I also anticipate all the young maidens who will sigh with regret that an upstart captured such a man of society?”

“Certainly not. I do not suppose you should do anything other than ignore them , for they are of no consequence.

“Now, how do you propose we spend this one night in London before we make our way to Ramsgate?”

As Darcy expected, Elizabeth’s response was teasing. “Perhaps we should explore the wonders of Hyde Park? Or perhaps a visit to the Royal Academy would be preferable?”

Darcy leaned in close. “There is only one problem with your suggestions.”

“And what would that be?”

“Far too many people!”

With that, Darcy scooped Elizabeth into his arms and made his way into their bedchamber.

For what Darcy had planned, all those other people were not only unnecessary but would be quite improper.

Darcy had his wife to himself for that night and the next two weeks, complete, and he meant to make every moment count.