826Hi all. Sorry for such a long delay. So much has happened. I've trying to write as much as I can between the chaos. I hope you enjoy.
The ladies took turns playing and turning pages for one another. Those listening spent their time sewing. Once they had their fill of music, they adjourned to the parlor. A discussion soon ensued about parlor games.
"We never played anything but cards at Rosings." Anne shared.
"I played a few at school." Georgiana said. "But since then I usually play the piano-forte after dinner or read when William is home. We played cards when I was staying with my aunt and uncle."
"Well then we should arrange to play some games so you become more familiar with them." Elizabeth said. "We often had some parlor games after dinner."
"Sometimes we spent an afternoon at parlor games for the simple fun of it." Mrs. Collins remarked.
Elizabeth chuckled, "Indeed we did."
"So what shall we play?"
The suggestions were made and it was decided that a list should be made. Mrs. Annesley fetched some paper and a list was quickly written. Anne asked questions about several games. The other ladies explained each one.
"What is your favorite game, Lizzie?" Anne asked once the list was complete.
"I enjoy Consequences." Elizabeth replied. "Or riddles."
"What about you, Charlotte, what is your favorite?"
"I like Hunt the Slipper or Jacob, Where are you?" Mrs. Collins remarked.
"I played Hunt the Slipper with the girls at school." Georgiana said. "I think it would be difficult to play with gentlemen."
"We played it with a handkerchief when we played it with my brothers or on a picnic."
"So the players were tailors instead of cobblers. How delightful." Mrs. Annesley said.
"We should play that this evening. Do you think the others would like it?" Georgiana asked.
"I sure we can convince them." Elizabeth replied.
When the gentlemen returned, the ladies had already moved upstairs to dress for dinner. They hurried upstairs to their own preparations. Once dressed, Mr. Darcy moved to his wife's room. His knock went unanswered. Opening the door, he looked in to see if his wife had gone downstairs without him. Elizabeth sat at her vanity looking at a paper in her hand.
"Elizabeth." he said stepping in.
When she did not answer, he moved closer, "Elizabeth."
She startled, dropping the paper in her hand.
"William, I did not hear you come in." she remarked bending to retrieve the page.
She folded it and laid it on her vanity.
"I noticed. Is everything well?" he asked crossing to her.
"Of course. Are you ready to go down?"
"Are you sure you are well? You did not hear my knock or when I spoke."
"I was simply lost in thought."
"What captured your lovely mind so thoroughly, if you do not mind sharing."
"Old memories and new challenges." she replied. At his concerned look she elaborated, "Charlotte issued a challenge to me and it reminded me of youthful pursuits."
"Youthful pursuits?"
Elizabeth explained the challenge issued from her friend.
"When I was young, I dreamed of being the best player and artist in Hertfordshire." Elizabeth said with a laugh. "Charlotte knows about my silly childhood dreams. She often said I should spend more time at practice but I have long since put such silliness behind me."
"There is no need for you to put aside pursuits you enjoy because we married."
"I put aside those pursuits long before we married."
"If you wish to pursue such things I see no reason for you to not to."
"There are so many things to tend to..."
"We have a very competent staff. Pemberley has been without a Mistress for many years. While I am sure everyone will be delighted that the position is no longer vacant, it will survive if you wish to take time each day to do something that brings you joy."
"And if it does not bring me joy?"
"Then I insist you give it up immediately." he said with a smile.
Elizabeth returned the smile then looked at the page folded on the vanity.
"I have accepted the challenge already so I shall not give it up." she replied looking back to her husband, "As to after, I suppose we shall have to wait and see."
The couple walked downstairs together. The rest of their party were already in the drawing room. They all chatted happily until dinner was announced. The conversation at dinner was cheerful. Georgiana announced the plan for parlor games. Colonel Fitzwilliam was happy to join in any game the ladies planned.
"What games do you have planned?" Mr. Darcy asked.
Several games were listed.
"Not Consequences." he said quickly when the game was mentioned.
"Do you not like Consequences, Brother? It is one of Lizzie's favorites."
"I do enjoy it, but I am considering the...talents of the players."
Mr. Bingley laughed, "He means to say he does not wish to embarrass his host whom has no imagination."
"I do not mean to offend, Bingley." his friend remarked.
"I know my faults well and I own them. I always have trouble with games that require me to conjure up imaginative phrases."
"We can forgo that game for tonight." Elizabeth assured. "Are there any other games that you gentlemen dislike or make a poor showing of."
With no further objections, dinner soon finished and the group moved to the drawing room.
The evening was filled with merriment. Mr. Darcy successfully captured Colonel Fitzwilliam in a rousing game of "Jacob, where are you?". The colonel had less success in the next round trying to capture Mrs. Collins. The lady evaded and shook the bell behind other players causing him to capture the wrong person twice. After a third miss, capturing a giggling Georgiana, he was relieved of his position of seeker. Georgiana happily took his place. She caught Anne fairly easily when the latter backed into a chair. Tea was brought in soon after, during which a humorous game of riddles commenced. The game lasted until they retired for the evening.
At breakfast, Elizabeth mentioned her desire to return calls as well as stop in the village.
"I need to go to the village to speak to Mr. Philips so I will ride along with you if you do not mind, Lizzie." Mrs. Collins stated. "I will get a ride back from someone."
"I would be happy for the company. I will collect you after my visits. I am sure my aunt would be happy to entertain you until I return."
"I wouldn't want anyone thinking I am disrespecting my late husband by making visits."
"You have business with my uncle. My aunt will hear of it and insist you visit with her so the visit is inevitable."
"True."
"Then you can join me at the shops."
"Perhaps I should come along." Mr. Darcy commented. "Bingley plans on calling at Longbourn. There is no need for me to go along."
"I thought you wished to show Richard the other side of Netherfield." Elizabeth replied.
"It can wait."
"Do not allow me to interfere with Darcy playing the mother hen." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked with a smirk. "I can find something to keep busy with."
Mr. Darcy scowled at his cousin, "I am not being a mother hen."
"So you are looking forward to conversations about the weather and lace with Elizabeth's friends?"
"I am happy to make visits with Elizabeth."
"But I fear you will find it exceedingly dull." Elizabeth remarked. "I am sure there will be a great deal of talk about dresses and fashion. There is no need to subject yourself to such things when you could be enjoying yourself on a ride."
Before Mr. Darcy could reply Anne spoke up.
"I will go with Lizzie, William. You need not worry about her then." his cousin said. "I wish to see the village anyway."
"Wonderful. Do you wish to come along Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked.
"No. I wish to work a bit more on the piece I am learning. I wish to play it for everyone soon."
"We look forward to hearing it."
Breakfast finished and the ladies collected their outerwear. Mr. Darcy assisted them into the carriage. An extra footman was sent along at Mr. Darcy insistence. The gentlemen then mounted their horses. Mr. Bingley set off toward Longbourn while his friends headed off on their ride. Mrs. Collins was delivered to Mr. Philips office. Mrs. Philips spied them from the window and invited them in.
"We have a few calls to make but we will come up when we return for Charlotte. Do keep her company if she finishes with Uncle before we return." Elizabeth replied.
"You can be assured of it." Mrs. Philips replied then waved as the carriage departed.
The calls passed quicker than Elizabeth expected. All were ladies that had called at Netherfield so Anne had been introduced previously. The conversations focused mostly on fashion. Most were eager to hear about what new dresses Elizabeth had purchased in London since her marriage. Many commiserated with Elizabeth over her perceived disappointment after hearing that she had not been able to visit the shops due to her injury. Anne mentioned her aunt's intentions to see to Elizabeth's wardrobe as soon as they returned to London. This brought about animated conversations of the latest fashions. They returned to take tea with Mrs. Philips. When they entered Mrs. Philips' parlor, they were surprised to find it full. Mrs. Bennet, Jane, Kitty, and Lydia were sitting with Mrs. Philips and Mrs. Collins.
"Come, Lizzie, Anne, you must join our celebration." Lydia remarked from her seat.
"Celebration?"
"Mr. Bingley has proposed to Jane."
"Congratulations Jane." Elizabeth said hugging her sister.
"Thank you Lizzie." Jane replied blushing at the attention. "We were just discussing the wedding date. We do not wish to wait too long and have decided to purchase a license instead of waiting for the banns to be read."
"How soon do you plan to marry?"
"A week from Friday." Jane replied then turned to Mrs. Collins. "We hoped you would be able to attend, Charlotte."
"I would love to but I have to return to Hunsford to collect my things and say my goodbyes. Anne has decided to give the living to the current curate. I do not wish to delay long so he can be settled."
"You could return to settle things in Hunsford then return here for the wedding." Elizabeth supplied. "It would not be any trouble to send the cart with your things ahead. You could depart after the wedding breakfast. The days are long enough that you would have several hours of travel before it became too dark."
Mrs. Collins was thoughtful for a moment then nodded, "It is a sound plan."
"Wonderful. It will be lovely to have all our friends gathered about for the occasion." Mrs. Bennet said happily.
After a bit more talk about the wedding, Elizabeth remarked on the need to visit the shops. Her mother stayed behind to talk more with Mrs. Philips but her sisters asked to join her. The younger ladies bid them goodbye then headed to the shops. As they crossed the road a voice called to Lydia. Turning they spied Mrs. Forster coming toward them. Lydia looked to Elizabeth.
"Go ahead. We will catch up with you in a moment." Elizabeth told the group.
The others moved on while Elizabeth and Lydia waited for Mrs. Forster to reach them.
"Lydia dear. It is so good to see you again so soon." Mrs. Forster gushed. "I hope you did not call only to find me out."
"No, I was visiting my aunt with Mama and my sisters."
"Oh, well, it is good to see you all out and about. Doing a bit of shopping? I thought you remarked yesterday about saving your pin money for something special." She glanced at Elizabeth. "I suppose your sister has pin money to cover you now though. I always shared my pin money with my sister. I have often heard many speak of your kindness, Miss Elizabeth...I beg your pardon, Mrs. Darcy."
"Thank you." Elizabeth said. "We should join the rest of our party."
"Before you go. Did Lydia discuss my own plan for a kindness to our mutual friend with you?"
"Which friend do you mean?"
"Mr. Wickham, I know he was a great favorite of yours before you went away."
"Lydia mentioned you were trying to help the scoundrel escape the consequences of his actions. It is a fool's errand and a waste of money. Neither she nor I will be assisting your cause."
"But surely you would not want to see your favorite in such circumstances, in prison."
"He is not a favorite of mine and is where he deserves to be." Elizabeth replied. "I am a married lady, Mrs. Forster. The only one man who I claim as a favorite is my husband."
"You would turn your back on your friend..."
"No friend of mine would run up debts with no intention of paying, putting the livelihoods and families of my neighbors at risk. Nor would they tell lies about a good man to gain sympathy and attention."
Mrs. Forster looked to Lydia.
"I must decline your invitation to Brighton." Lydia stated. "I should join my sisters."
She gave a curtsy then headed into the shop.
"Good day, Mrs. Forster." Elizabeth said then followed her sister.
Harriet Forster knew that she was being watched by the villagers milling about. Pasting on a smile, she turned from the shop. She started down the road towards her home, nodding to those she knew as she went.
"Mrs. Forster, how lovely to see you." Mr. Lucas said as she passed. She blushed and greeted him. "I see you were speaking to Elizabeth and her sister. Was the conversation not to her liking?"
"Want do you mean?"
"It is just that she did not seem so pleased with the conversation."
"Well...it is a troubling topic."
"Really? What is so troubling? Perhaps I could help. I always try to help my good friends."
"I do not think I should speak about it. It could cause trouble for my friends."
"You can count on my discretion, madam. The Bennets have been long time friends of my family."
Mrs. Forster glanced around. There was no one close enough to overhear.
"Did you ever meet Mr. Wickham?"
"I believe we were introduced in passing when I was at home for Christmas."
"You have heard, I am sure, that he was arrested for some of his debts."
"I have heard a bit about it, yes."
"Well you may not know that he was a favorite of the new Mrs. Darcy before she went to visit her friend." Mrs. Forster shared quietly. "He had become engaged to another young lady just before she left. The engagement was broken off as the lady's guardian did not approve of his niece marrying a lowly soldier. I do not think Mrs. Darcy would have married Mr. Darcy if she knew Mr. Wickham was once again free."
"Mr. Darcy is quite wealthy. I am not sure she would have passed him over for a militiaman."
"She was quite set against Mr. Darcy before she left. You can ask anyone."
"I heard a bit about that too."
"She was quite upset when Mr. Wickham turned his attentions to another. She knew there was animosity between the two. It is likely she married Mr. Darcy simply out of spite."
"I heard there was bad blood between Mr. Darcy and Mr. Wickham."
"Indeed. Mr. Wickham's father worked for Mr. Darcy's father. Mr. Wickham was the godson of Mr. Darcy's father. They grew up together and were friends. As they grew older, Mr. Darcy became jealous of the attention his father gave to a mere steward's son. Once his father passed away, Mr. Darcy cut Mr. Wickham from his acquaintance. Even denying him the inheritance left by Mr. Darcy's father."
"Was it a large inheritance?"
"A valuable living and several thousand pounds."
"Did Mr. Wickham not protest?"
"What could he do against a man of Mr. Darcy's status? He was a poor steward's son." Mrs. Forster replied then lower her voice a bit more. Mr. Lucas leaned closer. "When Mrs. Darcy returned and discovered what happened to Mr. Wickham, I believe she was very upset. She spoke to me just yesterday about helping to get him released."
"She is married now though so his release could not benefit her. It could not sway him to pursue her."
"It is simply troubling to her to think of him in prison. For him be married to another is one thing but to be locked away is different."
Mr. Lucas nodded thoughtfully, "Perhaps she is regretting her hasty marriage."
"I would not be surprised if you were right on that mark, sir. She has asked for my help as she wants to assist her favorite but must be careful her husband does not find out for he would certainly not be pleased."
"Certainly."
"She is trying to get some funds together to pay for Mr. Wickham's release. I told her that Mr. Wickham has many friends and I would see if any could donate a bit to assist."
"Have any others offered their assistance?"
"They have. Knowing that Mrs. Darcy is assisting has inspired others."
"Do you have enough to secure Mr. Wickham's release?"
"Not yet. Mrs. Darcy is having trouble getting the funds without her husband's notice. She said she has some jewelry that could be sold to raise funds but she could not sell them herself."
"Indeed. Many would wonder why a newly married lady is selling her jewelry especially in Meryton where she is known."
"Quite right. I could sell the pieces for her but Meryton is a small village and it would certainly cause gossip if I am seen doing so. Also I do not believe the local jeweler would have the funds for the pieces she has."
"The pieces would have to be sold in London. You could visit several different jewelers."
"That is my thought as well but I have no way to get the pieces to London."
"I see." Mr. Lucas replied nodding. "Perhaps I could help you. I have many friends in London presently. It would not be strange for me to travel there to visit them. It would be no trouble for me to carry the pieces for you. I could make the sale for you."
"That would make things simpler." she replied thoughtfully.
"Would you want me to take the funds to the courts to see about Mr. Wickham's release?"
"No, I shall have my husband take the funds. As Mr. Wickham's commanding officer, it is only right. I shall tell him that I was approached by members of the local gentry who wished to assist but wished to remain anonymous. He could then secure Mr. Wickham's release and return to the regiment."
"A sound plan." Mr. Lucas replied with a nod. "How soon do you believe Elizabeth will be able to give you the pieces?"
"She is to send them to me this evening."
"I could meet you here early tomorrow morning though I must ask you not to tell her I am helping you."
Mrs. Forster studied him for a moment, "Why would you not want her to know?"
Mr. Lucas glanced around, "I hope I can count on your discretion, Mrs. Forster."
"Of course, sir. Mrs. Darcy and her sisters are my dear friends. I would do nothing to harm them."
He nodded then gave her a sorrowful look, "I do not think my friend, Elizabeth, is happy in her marriage. I believe she thought she would be able to manage Mr. Darcy as her mother does her father. Mr. Darcy has a much stronger will than Mr. Bennet though."
Mrs. Forster considered this with a nod.
"I do not wish to discredit my friend," he continued, "But I know marriages in the upper set are different than those for people in our sphere. She is in a position now that she could help her favorite prosper and gain some pleasure from it herself. I would not deny her that happiness. I know if anyone found out, she would be mortified. Her husband would not be happy about it either. He could be cruel to her. I would not want her to suffer."
Mrs. Forster nodded, "I shall keep your involvement in the closest confidence."
"Thank you, Mrs. Forster. I should be going." he replied. "I shall see you tomorrow."
He gave a bow and departed. Mrs. Forster smiled at his departure and continued on with her plan.
After completing their shopping, Elizabeth returned her sisters to her aunt's before returning to Netherfield. As the ladies traveled back to Netherfield, their calls were discussed.
"You will have to write about every dress you purchase." Mrs. Collins remarked. "All the matrons of Meryton will be eager to hear about them."
"I have promised Lydia I would. She is eager to hear about my wardrobe." Elizabeth stated. "She has always been interested in such things."
"The bonnet she assisted me with turned out very well." Anne commented. "She does have a very good eye for colors."
The carriage rolled to a stop in front of Netherfield. A footman opened the door. Mrs. Collins and Anne were assisted out first. As Elizabeth stepped out a wave of dizziness overcame her. She stumbled a bit and her friends were quick to her side. They steadied her.
"I am well." Elizabeth remarked as she swayed. "I am just a bit dizzy."
"Is Mr. Darcy at the house?" Mrs. Collins asked. The footman nodded. "Fetch him at once."
The footman rushed inside.
"That is not necessary, Charlotte."
"William would certainly think it necessary." Anne stated. "He would be cross if we did not send for him."
"I will be fine in a moment."
Footsteps could be heard from the doorway. Mr. Darcy appeared a moment later. The other gentlemen were close behind. Mr. Darcy hurried to his wife.
"I am well." Elizabeth said as he lifted her off her feet.
"That is not what I was told." he replied carrying her inside.
He started toward the stairs.
"The front parlor will be fine." she remarked. He stopped and studied her face. "I was just a bit dizzy. I am well enough to sit in the parlor."
He gave a nod and carried her into the parlor. She was placed on the settee.
"Should we send for the doctor?" Mr. Bingley asked as everyone followed the couple in.
"No doctor." Elizabeth stated. "I am fine."
"The footman said you nearly fainted." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked.
"I was merely a bit dizzy, likely brought on from all the stopping and going in the carriage as well as climbing in and out. It has happened before when I made too many visits in one day. Charlotte and Anne are just being overprotective. There was no need to disturb you."
"William would have been an absolute bear about it if we had not called him." Anne commented.
"How are you feeling now?" Mr. Darcy asked, ignoring his cousin's comment.
"I am well though I believe I will have some of my tea made up. So many visits still causes my throat to give me trouble." Elizabeth replied. "You may go back to what you were doing before we disturbed you."
"We were toasting Bingley." the colonel put in.
"Oh yes. Congratulations, Mr. Bingley." Mrs. Collins said. "I am sure you and Jane shall be very happy."
The other ladies offered their congratulations as well.
"Thank you all. I thought you might hear before you returned."
"Lydia was quick to share the news when we arrived to retrieve Charlotte. Mama mentioned an engagement dinner tomorrow." Elizabeth shared.
"Are you sure you will be feeling up for that?" Mr. Darcy asked quickly.
"I would not miss it. I do not wish you to worry so I will not do anything more strenuous than my promised practicing for the rest of the day."
"And you will stay home tomorrow until we leave for the dinner at Longbourn."
"Of course."
"And you will not walk in the gardens without me."
"As you wish." she replied. Mr. Darcy nodded. Elizabeth stood. "Then I shall be off to the music room."
"I will escort you." her husband said quickly.
Elizabeth gave him a smile as she lay her hand on his offered arm. The rest of the party followed them out of the room.
Once Elizabeth was seated in the music room, Mr. Darcy rejoined the gentlemen in the hall before adjourning to the billiard room. Georgiana had been practicing when the group entered. She joined the ladies in the small sitting area. The events of the day were discussed as tea arrived.
"Are you sure you are well, Lizzie?" Georgiana asked.
"I am. It was just a bit of dizziness."
"Well you have your tea and rest for a bit then you can practice." Mrs. Collins said. "Perhaps a bit more work on the duet you played with Georgiana yesterday."
"That would be lovely." Georgiana remarked.
"I am eager to see what you choose to draw today." Anne stated. "The flower you did yesterday was lovely."
"Thank you, Anne."
Thank you for all who have stuck with me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.