20. Chapter 20

July 17, 2014 – So, just pick a color for Elizabeth's gown. I give you leave to use your imagination.

Chapter 20

Before she knew it, Elizabeth was once again sitting in the Darcy carriage, this time on the way to dinner at Afton House. Any unease Elizabeth may have been feeling was mitigated by her earlier meeting with Lady Matlock on Wednesday. Fortunately for Elizabeth it was a short distance to Afton House and within minutes she was being handed down by Darcy. She was starting to become accustomed to the touch of his hand but it still affected her. Thus she was relieved to let go of his hand and enter the house.

They were ushered into an elegant room that was different from the one she had been in before.

"Uncle Hugh, Aunt Helen, thank you for your invitation to dine with you this evening." Darcy began.

"You are quite welcome here as always, William." Lord Matlock replied.

"Uncle, I would like to introduce my friend, Miss Elizabeth Bennet. Elizabeth, this is my Uncle, Lord Matlock," said Georgiana making the introductions.

"So this is the famous Miss Elizabeth Bennet! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have heard many things about you." Lord Matlock replied with a twinkle in his eye.

Elizabeth laughed and said, "It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance as well and if I may be so bold I believe your wife has been sharing with you details of our visit on Wednesday."

"Indeed she has, Miss Bennet. Do I take it that I am number five or has some other lucky soul usurped my place?"

"No, no, you are number five sir!" Turning to Darcy she explained, "Mr. Darcy, when I was introduced to your Aunt, Georgiana started laughing at her greeting. It was the same as I received from Mrs. Reynolds, you and Mrs. Thomas. I told this to Lady Matlock and she seemed quite amused by it."

"And she told me of it." The Earl continued. "I thought it would be quite amusing to do the same thing. I also felt sorry for you, William."

"How so, Uncle?"

"You were the only male member of Miss Bennet's fan club. I sought to join your company, William!" The whole party chuckled at this.

"Am I to receive the same greeting from any other family members I may meet?" Elizabeth cheekily asked.

"That all depends on the member of the family. But we will leave that for you to discover, Miss Bennet." Lady Matlock answered. "Come and tell us what you have been doing to pass your time in London so far, my dear."

The time passed quickly until it was time to eat. During the meal, Elizabeth was able to learn more about the Earl's family.

"My eldest son, James, and his wife, are currently at Matlock. I expect them back in town next week. My next son Richard is a Colonel in the Army and is currently away on duty. My oldest daughter, Amelia is married to Lord Chesley and they are here in London. My youngest, Helena, is visiting my sister Lady Catherine de Bourgh in Kent." Lady Matlock informed Elizabeth. Elizabeth smiled at Georgiana.

"Elizabeth is somewhat acquainted with Aunt Catherine, Aunt Helen. Her cousin is Aunt Catherine's clergyman."

"Mr. Collins is your cousin, Miss Bennet?" asked Lady Matlock.

"Yes, he is. He is also to marry my good friend Charlotte Lucas in March." Elizabeth answered.

"Aunt Helen, they are to be married on the 15th of March." Georgiana could not resist adding.

Both the Earl and Countess looked on in amazement. "Having met Reverend Collins I would not be surprised if he did not know the significance of that date." Lord Matlock said dryly.

"You have taken my cousin's measure well then, my Lord." Elizabeth replied with a very cheeky grin on her face.

"Georgiana," Lord Matlock said addressing his niece. "I am glad you have made such an acquaintance in Miss Bennet. She will certainly keep things from becoming too dull." Turning to Elizabeth he added. "You are most welcome in our home any time."

"Thank you, Lord Matlock, you are a most gracious host."

When dinner was over the gentleman allowed the ladies to retire to the music room whilst the gentleman shared their port.

"Well, William," the Earl began, "I certainly approve of Miss Bennet. Her lively manners seem to be just what Georgiana has needed. Does she know about Ramsgate?"

"Yes she does. I have no doubt in her secrecy. I was forced to tell her in November when the rascal himself showed up in Hertfordshire near the place where I was staying. He tried his usual lies with Miss Bennet, but she was not deceived by him at all. She came to me to inform me what he was about and it was then that I related my history with Wickham to her. She deserved to know everything since she has been such a help with Georgiana."

"I see, what kind of family does she come from?"

"Her father is a respectable landowner. His estate has been in the family for a long time. Unfortunately, it is entailed to the very Mr. Collins we were talking about. Mr. Bennet has no heir to inherit, only five daughters."

The Earl grew concerned over this. "Miss Bennet is not looking to take advantage of you, is she?"

Darcy smiled, "If anyone is being taken advantage of, it is Miss Bennet. I am certain that her motives for her friendship are pure and honorable. She treats Georgiana almost as a younger sister and her affection for her is sincere. That is why I allowed Georgiana to invite her to come to London to be with us."

The Earl was relieved at this. He liked this Miss Bennet and wanted Georgiana to be able to continue her acquaintance. He had worried for his niece since he had learned of her near elopement with his brother-in-law's late steward's son. Darcy and Richard had come to him asking for advice on what to do about Wickham. Short of kidnapping him and sending him on a boat to another part of the world, he could not find a way to deal with him that would ensure Georgiana's reputation. He counseled them to wait. Someday Wickham would make a mistake and they would take advantage of that. And he had been proven somewhat correct. When they learned of Wickham's entering the militia, Richard had seen to it that his life was made as difficult as possible by arranging Wickham's transfer.

After an appropriate length of time, the gentleman rejoined the ladies. Georgiana was asked to play. She consented and proceeded to play the air her brother had first heard her play just after she had met Elizabeth.

"You have quite mastered that piece, Georgiana," Darcy beamed when she had finished. "Will you play again for us?"

"Elizabeth and I have been practicing a duet. I would like to play it with her now. Elizabeth, will you join me?"

"Certainly, Georgiana," said Elizabeth as she moved to join her at the pianoforte. Darcy was surprised again when Georgiana began the Sinfonia as the prelude to Elizabeth's song. Then Georgiana transitioned to Elizabeth's part and she began singing; he was transfixed.

"But who may abide the day of his coming" *

Her rich voice resonated throughout the room. Darcy was not the only one caught up in her performance. His Uncle and Aunt were enchanted as well.

"…for He is like a refiner's fire." She finished he song and Georgiana played the ending to her selection.

"Miss Bennet, Georgiana, that was magnificent!" Lady Matlock lauded.

"Thank you, Lady Matlock," Elizabeth replied, sensible to the compliment. She turned to Georgiana and smiled. "You were correct, Georgiana, I believe they liked it very well."

"Is this what you have been working on while I have been away from home on business?" Darcy asked, the pride showing in his face.

"Yes, Fitzwilliam, we wanted to surprise you." Georgiana's pleasure radiated from her face.

Darcy was most well pleased. He was elated to see the ease his sister was displaying playing in public, even if it was only his Aunt and Uncle. He had never seen her so at ease playing in the presence of anyone except the evenings at home with Mrs. Annesley and him. And with Miss Elizabeth too, he mused.

All too soon it was time to leave. Darcy, Georgiana and Elizabeth were all pleased with the evening, but for different reasons. Darcy was relieved that none of his admiration for Elizabeth appeared to escape. He never caught his Aunt looking at him in a knowing manner. He was glad his Aunt and Uncle approved of Georgiana's friendship with Elizabeth. He did not know what it might do to her if their Uncle had demanded it be severed. Georgiana was happy her Uncle appeared to like Elizabeth as much as her Aunt did. He would be a major obstacle to overcome in her schemes for her brother and her friend. She also saw the way Fitzwilliam looked at Elizabeth when she was singing. All the eyes had been focused on Elizabeth when she sang and Georgiana's position allowed her to discern the look of pure admiration on her brother's face. Elizabeth was too lost in her song to notice this, though. She was pleased that Lord and Lady Matlock seemed to accept her as Georgiana's friend. She had been nervous about her singing for she knew Georgiana was the superior musician, but it had turned out well.

Mr. Darcy's close presence in the carriage had been mercifully short. One week finished; five more to go.

* G.F. Handel's Messiah, No.6

They attended morning services together and spent the remainder of the day quietly reading in the library. That afternoon Georgiana began a rather disconcerting habit. When the three of them were together in a room, Georgiana manufactured an excuse of needing to check on some item or another. She would leave Elizabeth and Darcy together alone for a while until she returned. Both secretly were very vexed with Georgiana, though neither would show it. Georgiana returned time and time again disappointed to find them exactly as she had left them or with one of them gone upon her return. Elizabeth and Darcy each were afraid letting slip some form of admiration when Georgiana left them in such a manner. Each was relieved when the other would leave or Georgiana would return.

The week passed by peaceably until Friday evening during the night at the Theatre. Elizabeth was excited. She dearly loved Shakespeare and was eager to see this particular play performed, since she had only read it at home in her father's study. She would also be wearing another of the new gowns that had been made for just such an occasion. Each time she had worn one of her new gowns she could not help but marvel at how she now owned such fine things. In preparing her toilet for the evening she had allowed her maid, Sally, to style her hair in a daring new way. Borrowing combs from Georgiana, Elizabeth was extremely pleased with her appearance. She would not shame her hosts by her appearance in public this evening.

Darcy's jaw dropped when Elizabeth came down the stairs to prepare to leave. To him she was a vision of beauty unlike anything he had ever seen before. Georgiana looked at her brother with a slight, smug smile on her face. 'Try not to show admiration for THAT, Fitzwilliam!' she thought.

By the time she made it to the landing, Darcy had composed himself enough to offer an arm to Elizabeth and Georgiana to escort them to the carriage.

"I shall be the envy of every man in London tonight with such visions of beauty on either side of me." Darcy said, betrayed by his tongue.

"I think your friend Mr. Bingley may disagree with you, Mr. Darcy. If not for Georgiana here, I would say he would be correct, for who else can compare to my Jane!" Elizabeth countered.

'You do, Elizabeth,' thought both Darcy and Georgiana.

The Darcys' entrance into the theatre was met with no little amount of interest. Darcy alone would have been enough to draw the attention of the throng but the presence of Miss Darcy, who would soon be fully out, on one arm and the mysterious young beauty on his other was enough to start the tongues wagging. Not much was known of this young lady other than that she had been staying at the Darcys' and had appeared at different places about town with Miss Darcy. Conjecture as to her identity was vast, but all of this was ignored by Darcy. He was used to it by now. When Bingley joined them with another mysterious beauty on his arm and an unknown couple, speculation started anew. The two mysterious women, while very different in coloring, appeared to be sisters. Many wondered if there were any more like them from wherever they came from; the women fretted, the men hoped.

The entire party made their way to Darcy's box. Bingley and Jane took the first seats, followed by the Gardiners. Before he had a chance to react, Georgiana sat down next to the Gardiners and bade Elizabeth to sit next to her. Resigning himself to the inevitable, Darcy sat on the end next to Elizabeth. He produced a pair of opera glasses and handed them to Elizabeth.

"I knew that you did not have a pair and I know how loath my sister can be at sharing hers. You may use these this evening if you would like, Miss Elizabeth."

They were beautiful and Elizabeth gave him her thanks. Soon the lights were dimmed and the performance was underway. Predictably, Darcy missed most of it, his attention drawn to the woman beside him. At first she was conscious of his nearness, but soon lost herself in the performance. Her face shone with joy at the close of the first Act.

The gentlemen offered to fetch the ladies their refreshments between the first two acts. They returned with their drinks quickly, Darcy deftly managing to avoid being waylaid.

Mrs. Gardiner had a chance to comment to Elizabeth about her new gown. "That gown looks lovely on you, Elizabeth! Is it new?"

"Yes, Aunt." Elizabeth decided now was as good a time as any to explain her new clothing. "Georgiana and I went shopping together last Monday. This and the gown I wore to dinner last week are two on the ones she helped pick out. I know you can see how fine they are. I also know that you know my father sent extra funds for me to purchase some new clothing. Mr. Darcy and Georgiana insisted on my ordering them from places Georgiana frequents and bearing the extra cost. I tried to refuse but in the end was forced to relent or risk seeming ungrateful and rude to my hosts. But this is such a lovely gown. I cannot believe I own such a marvelous garment!"

"Mr. and Miss Darcy are very generous. I believe they thought only of your comfort and pleasure." Mrs. Gardiner wisely replied, fully understanding the true extent of their motives.

The second act saw the same seating arrangements. By this time Darcy began to see the advantage of being able to look at Elizabeth without being seen. He could appear to be looking at the stage while needing to move his eyes sideways only slightly to look at Elizabeth. He could not help himself.

Between the next two acts Lord and Lady Matlock came to call at Darcy's box. Introductions were quickly made and Georgiana made plans to spend an afternoon at Afton House the following week. Lady Matlock was much impressed by Elizabeth's sister. She noted that Bingley looked on her adoringly. She was a beauty but she had a quiet strength to her. After meeting Elizabeth, Lady Matlock was not too surprised to find so much in the sister.

Lord Matlock was impressed on how well Elizabeth looked that evening. She was simply stunning! He noticed that his nephew had a difficult time keeping his eyes off her. Her sister was a goddess but he paid her no mind. This was very interesting. He would have to follow any developments on this front. He also knew his wife would be quite keen on hearing his observations. They had both worried about their nephew. They could see he was lonely and began to despair him finding a suitable wife. They had witnessed the two extreme marriages of his two sisters and had come away very much affected by the outcomes. His sister Anne had married a man she respected and admired and the years they had spent together were happy and filled with love. His other sister Catherine had married for more material reasons. She had never loved her husband. He was rich and Catherine now had Rosings, but at what cost? She had become cynical, controlling and vindictive. Poor Anne suffered under her mother's thumb. It was concern for his niece Anne that caused him to send Richard and now Helena to give Anne a respite. If it took a woman like Miss Elizabeth to make his nephew happy, so be it. As long as he truly loved his bride and she loved him in return, without regard for his money or place in society, he would not stand in Darcy's way. Lack of fortune and connections did not matter as long as they loved and respected each other. That was what he wanted for his children and that was what he desired for his sisters' children as well.

The Matlocks returned to their own box for the start of the third act. Jane asked Elizabeth to sit by her and the Gardiners happily moved down to accommodate them. Darcy felt the loss of Elizabeth but was finally able to devote his attention to the performance. The fourth act proceeded as in the same manner as the third. Several of Darcy's acquaintances stopped by between the third and fourth and the fourth and fifth acts. Each time the entire party was introduced and polite conversation ensued. The party was rearranged for the fifth act as once again Bingley claimed Jane's sole attention. The seating was rearranged as it had been during the first two acts. Darcy was pleased and forced to withhold a smile. He had seen enough of the play to carry on an intelligent conversation afterwards.

Both carriages made their way back to Darcy House, where Mrs. Thomas had seen to all of the details and the food was ready for them in a very timely manner. The party enjoyed talking over the play while at the table. Georgiana had determined to have the seating be informal so they were spread companionably around the table. Elizabeth especially had enjoyed the performance. The acting was notable, the company enjoyable and she felt like a duchess in her new gown. What a magical evening. Darcy and Georgina took pleasure in her obvious delight. Georgiana loved being able to give such a gift to her dear friend. She was still very cognizant that she owed Elizabeth a great debt of gratitude, one that she doubted she could ever repay. Not unless her brother could look around long enough to see what was before his very eyes. Day by day Georgiana became convinced that the two of them would do very well together indeed!

At last Bingley ordered his carriage readied and prepared to take Jane and the Gardiners home. He had had a wonderful evening. He was loath to have it end but he knew they must be off. Elizabeth wished her sister a good night and promised to call the next week. Mr. Gardiner once again thanked Darcy for a wonderful evening.

"It was my pleasure, Mr. Gardiner. Thank you for joining us this evening. I very much enjoyed the company of your whole party sir."

With that they were off to the carriage. Elizabeth went to bed with visions of the theatre in her head as well as the delightfully disconcerting memory of the nearness of one Fitzwilliam Darcy.

Monday morning Georgiana was reading through her letters when she cried out happily.

"Good news, Georgiana?" Elizabeth asked.

"Mrs. Annesley's daughter, Rachael Glass, had a baby boy on Saturday. They named him Henry Thomas after his grandfathers. Mother and baby are doing well."

"I am glad to hear it. Please give Mrs. Annesley my congratulations when you write back."

"I will, Elizabeth," Georgiana replied.

The next three weeks passed pleasurably enough. Georgiana and Elizabeth happily spent their days together. They visited museums and lectures together, and when the weather allowed, they enjoyed walking in various parks. During the times they were home, Elizabeth would retreat to the library when Georgiana attended her studies. Sometimes she would join her in the music room when Georgiana was practicing the pianoforte. Georgiana kept contriving excuses to leave her brother and Elizabeth alone. Several times Georgiana had mentioned the possibility of Elizabeth's extending her stay but Elizabeth remained vague. She knew her father missed her. He had written twice! She missed him and she also missed Mary. From her letters, and the ones to Aunt Gardiner, Elizabeth learned the Mary was continuing to improve but that her mother had been a real trial for her. As much as she would have liked to stay, she knew she should not. Besides, the frequent presence of Mr. Darcy continued to pray on her composure. He elicited very strong emotions in her and she was afraid her heart would be totally lost if she did not gain some distance soon.

The actual decision was taken out of her hands by a letter from Mary. It seemed that her mother had somehow gotten her hands on a letter that mentioned Mr. Bingley's courting of Jane. From that point on the house had been in even more chaos than normal. Elizabeth knew that she and Jane needed to return for the sake of Mary and their father. Jane confirmed this with Elizabeth, so plans were made to return to Longbourn. Mr. Bingley had offered to escort them back in his coach, but those plans were quickly cast aside one day when he paid Jane a visit.

Bingley entered the Gardiner's house highly agitated. He did not take long to reveal the source of his agitation.

"Miss Bennet. I received a letter from my solicitor in Manchester. It appears that matters have once again come up there that require my personal attendance. I am sorry to say this, but I cannot return to Hertfordshire with you next week as I must leave for Manchester the day after tomorrow. The nature of this trip demands that I be away for at least a month, possibly two. This is a very critical time for this business and I owe it to all who depend on it for their livelihoods to be there." Bingley took hold of Jane's hand. "I do not wish to leave you again like this but I must. I will send word to Netherfield and your father when I know I can return. I truly am sorry."

"Do not apologize to me for this, Mr. Bingley. You are a man of honor who must see to his responsibilities. I can wait, sir."

"Thank you, Miss Bennet. I will speak to Darcy about providing an alternate mode of transportation home."

"I am sure we can secure seats on the post. My Uncle will send a servant with us."

"Nonsense. That will not be necessary. I will talk to Darcy and we will arrange something more suitable. I will not have it any other way."

"Thank you, Mr. Bingley. I will miss you."

It took all of Bingley's self-control to not drop down on his knee right there and propose. But he would not do that. Jane deserved a proper courtship and he knew where he wanted to ask her to marry him. It could wait.

Bingley called on Darcy and briefed him of the situation. Darcy immediately agreed to see that the Miss Bennets were taken safely back to Longbourn. Bingley thanked his friend and went to make his own arrangements for his departure.

Georgiana was not pleased to discover that Elizabeth would not be staying any longer than planned. She was equally vexed that all of her matchmaking efforts did not appear to be succeeding. Oh it was clear that her brother was smitten with Elizabeth, he just refused to act against what he felt was his duty. Elizabeth had shown signs of being attracted to her brother as well. It was not so much what she said or did but what she would not do. She would no longer engage him in the teasing manner she had at the beginning. She would avoid being alone in his presence. It was not because she did not desire his company. She was always friendly with him when in company. Georgiana could see that she was trying not to show any tender feelings she might have.

It was not without a few tears that Georgiana finally saw Elizabeth off. Darcy had provided his carriage and his most trusted footmen to escort the two sisters home. Elizabeth and Georgiana promised to write and Georgiana promised another invitation to visit in the future.

"I have much to show you at Pemberley. You must promise to come this summer if I can talk Fitzwilliam into it." Georgiana persisted.

"I will have to see, Georgiana. Thank you for everything. I have had a marvelous time." Elizabeth said.

"I shall miss you." Georgiana said, holding back the tears.

"Georgiana, Mrs. Annesley will be back in a few days. You will be fine without me." Elizabeth assured her.

"No one can replace you, Elizabeth." Georgiana could no longer hold back her tears. Elizabeth dried them off, hugged her tight one more time and walked to the awaiting carriage.

"I shall expect a letter soon, Georgiana!" Elizabeth called out as the carriage began its journey to Hertfordshire.