22. Chapter 22

June 19, 2014 – Road trip! Time for Elizabeth to go to Rosings. Now, in case you were wondering, Darcy is not going to blow it on his first proposal. He'll have a very willing listener when that time comes. But it won't be this chapter. Or the next. Or … well, it will come when it is the right time for them both.

Chapter 22

One week before Elizabeth was due to depart for Kent, Mr. Bennet received another letter from Mr. Bingley. After a half hour's examination, he sent for his eldest daughter.

"Jane, I have received another letter from your Mr. Bingley. Are your cryptography skills up to deciphering it or would you rather just have me summarize what I think he said?"

Jane blushed slightly as she answered her father. "Please tell me father, I would rather not wait to read it myself."

"Very well then. Mr. Bingley says that his business would be completed in the next few days in Manchester. From there he will travel to Lincoln to visit his sister, Miss Bingley, and their Aunt. He is unsure if he will be there more than 2 days, but he will definitely not stay more than four. After that, he must travel to London for a few days and then he will come to Netherfield. So then I think we can safely say that we shall be seeing the gentleman in around ten days' time." Jane was very pleased with this news. "Why not wait to tell your mother about this until closer to the time of Mr. Bingley's arrival?" Mr. Bennet asked, his eyes filled with mirth.

"Whatever you wish, Father."

But Jane was happy to keep this news to herself as well. The one person she would share it with was Elizabeth. Jane went in search of her and found her with Mary at the pianoforte.

"That was excellent, Mary. You played that with much more feeling this time. Remember, after you master the basic fingering you must ask yourself what feeling and emotions does the piece stir in you. Identify those and concentrate on them as you play. They will begin to influence how you play the notes and the song will become much more personal to you and your performance more pleasing to yourself and to others."

When Elizabeth was finished Jane sat with them and told them her news. Mary was honored that her eldest sister would trust her with keeping this secret.

"Mary, why not play this piece through several times whilst Jane and I go out into the Garden. I think that solitude right now will allow you to concentrate on hearing the soul of the music better than if I stayed with you. When you finish come and join us outside. It is a lovely day!" Elizabeth suggested.

Mary agreed to the wisdom of this. In fact she was eager to try Elizabeth's suggestion. She already felt the music begin to stir her and she was anxious to explore it more deeply.

Jane and Elizabeth progressed to the garden. It was April now and the countryside had come out of its slumber. The early flowers had begun to bloom. Tulips, irises and daffodils exposed their delicate faces to the sun. Spring had begun and the air was heavy with its perfume. Elizabeth breathed in deeply before turning to her sister.

"There are new beginnings in the air, Jane. Soon you will be beginning a new life just as these flowers. I do not think Mr. Bingley will wait too long before declaring himself. Are you prepared to give him your answer, Jane?" Elizabeth asked very seriously.

Jane was taken aback by this speech from her sister. Rarely was Elizabeth this thoughtful and serious when talking about their lives. She usually saved her most insightful comments for discussing books with their father.

"I have thought it over very carefully and I know my heart and mind, Lizzy." Jane finally replied.

"Good, Jane. I will not be here when he returns. I know you feel much more comfortable discussing things with Mary now, but she still does not know you as I know you, Jane. As long as you are confident in your decision, then I can leave for Kent in good conscience."

The answer to Elizabeth's question hung in the air. Elizabeth was not going to press Jane for an answer. If Jane wanted to tell her she would listen, but they both knew what that answer would be.

Finally Elizabeth broke the silence. "The choice of a marriage partner is the most important decision we will ever make. A husband will have complete power over us. Our father will not be able to protect us. We leave our home and make another. I know you will make a wise choice, Jane." And Elizabeth said no more on the subject.

They continued to walk in silence, each lost in their own thoughts, allowing their surroundings to draw them in. They came upon a bench and Jane asked Elizabeth if she remembered the time they used to play at that very bench.

"Yes I do, Jane. We used to pretend it was the seat of a curricle and we would take turns 'racing the horses' from Longbourn to Netherfield. Those were wonderful times. Jane."

"That they were, Lizzy."

They continued to remember times from their childhood. Mary found them laughing over another one of Elizabeth's escapades from her childhood. Soon Mary began supplying her point of view from many different events. Mary knew more than either woman suspected about their (mostly Elizabeth's) past indiscretions and the various punishments their father was forced to pass out.

"I remember the day you came in after being caught in the rainstorm. Papa was so worried about you. He tried not to show it but I could tell. When he finally allowed you to go out again you were very relieved, though you hated having to tell someone where you were going."

"I wonder how you ever found out about that, Mary? I only ever told Jane." Elizabeth asked.

Mary appeared sheepish at this question. "I overheard Papa talking to you."

"But we were in his study."

"There was no one in the hall so I listened through the key latch." Mary admitted.

Both Jane and Elizabeth looked at Mary incredulously until Elizabeth's mouth twitched and she began to laugh. Soon Jane and Mary joined in.

"I certainly hope you did not do that very often, Mary. I do not believe you were ever caught in the act." Elizabeth finally replied. "I probably should not ask this, but what else did you discover by eavesdropping on Papa like that?"

Mary then started reciting the different conferences she overheard with different sisters.

"You mean Papa actually ordered Lydia to stop chasing after Samuel Jenkins!" Elizabeth cried. Samuel Jenkins was a young man who had stayed at Lucas Lodge four years ago.

"Why else do you think she left the poor boy alone? What sixteen year old wants or needs an eleven year old following him around." Mary said.

"Well that certainly explains a few things. Like the fit Lydia threw over not being allowed out of the house for three days!" Elizabeth concluded.

The rest of the afternoon was spent in more reminiscing. When it came time to get ready for dinner, the three sisters were weary from their afternoon of laughter.

The day before Elizabeth was to leave, her father asked her to join him in his study.

"On pleasure bent again, Elizabeth?"

"I think you know I would not be going but for my eagerness to see Miss Darcy again and my faith in Mary to support Jane." Elizabeth answered.

"At least this time you need not be ashamed of your wardrobe!" Mr. Bennet teased.

"You never mentioned anything about it to me. You must know that the Darcys helped pay for it. We could never have afforded such beautiful things."

"Yes, and I believe I can guess a motive for their generosity. They did not wish you to be uncomfortable, did they, Lizzy?"

"Yes, in the end I was forced to relent because I could see the reasonableness of the offer and because I knew Georgiana was not trying to buy my favor." Elizabeth replied.

Mr. Bennet marveled at the daughter who sat before him. She was beautiful, intelligent, humble and wise. She was a remarkable woman. Soon someone worthy would recognize that and take her away. Jane would soon be gone, of this he was certain. Mr. Bingley had done nothing to disprove his worthiness of his eldest's affections. There was a man in Elizabeth's acquaintance who was her equal; unfortunately he was also her superior in wealth and connections. Mr. Bennet doubted whether such an obstacle could be surmounted. Finally he answered his daughter.

"Elizabeth, I shall miss you. I always do when you are gone. Please enjoy your time away. I believe Longbourn will be even more chaotic when you return. I am counting on your bringing some sense back into the house! Please give my greetings to my cousin and his bride, and to Mr. & Miss Darcy."

"Thank you, Papa, I will."

Then they launched into a discussion of a new book Mr. Bennet had just read.

Later that day Elizabeth took advantage of the opportunity to take a stroll in the garden with Mary. She had some very important things to discuss with her in private.

"Mary, I want to talk with you about Jane and Mr. Bingley. He should be arriving after a few days and this will be a very important time for Jane. I have no doubt that he is coming to finally make an offer to Jane and I do not think he will tarry too long. Jane is terrified that Mama will leave her in some awkward situations and she will be counting on your help, Mary." Elizabeth began.

"What would you have me do, Elizabeth?"

"First of all I want you to promise me that you will not tell Jane what I have said."

"If you think it necessary, Elizabeth, then you have my word."

"Good! Now, the first thing you must know is how to be a proper chaperone. When you are indoors, do your very best to not let Mama leave Jane alone with Mr. Bingley."

"But…" Mary tried to say before Elizabeth continued.

"No, Mary, Jane would be mortified if Mama did that. You must be diligent and have your wits about you to successfully circumvent Mama. Now then, when you are chaperoning them out doors you must do all you can to give them as much privacy as allowable."

"But you just said…"

Elizabeth interrupted Mary again. "I never said to leave them entirely alone! Just make sure you are well out of hearing distance. And an occasional five minutes out of your sight will not hurt either. But most importantly, if Mr. Bingley suggests a walk to a certain place or in a certain direction then you must do everything in your power to assist him."

"Why, Elizabeth?"

Elizabeth smiled most mischievously, "I think the only reason Mr. Bingley has not already made Jane an offer is because he has a certain place in mind in Hertfordshire where he wants to ask her."

"Oh!"

"And if Mr. Bingley does wish to walk to a certain place then you must seek out ways to provide him the privacy he requires to open up his heart."

Mary smiled at the pleasure of such thoughts. "I will do my best, Elizabeth."

"I am not finished yet! After Jane has accepted Mr. Bingley, then you may begin to give them more privacy, even indoors."

"Just leave them alone?"

"A few minutes here and there are perfectly acceptable, Mary," Elizabeth answered. "And when your time comes, Jane and I will do our best to do the same for you!"

The next morning found Elizabeth's trunks loaded in the coach and her on the way to Hunsford with Sir William and Maria. Elizabeth had stayed up much too late with Jane and Mary the night before. It was as if all three knew this would be the last time they would have together like this. Jane would still be there when she returned regardless, but it would be different with her formally engaged.

After exchanging pleasantries and polite conversation in the beginning of their journey, Elizabeth quickly fell asleep. The rocking rhythm of the coach and the lack of sleep conspired to make an invincible team. When she finally awoke they were in a country with which Elizabeth was unfamiliar.

Noticing Sir William was awake, Elizabeth asked, "Do we have much further to go, Sir William?"

"I believe we should be at Hunsford in about an hour, Miss Elizabeth."

An hour later did indeed find them pulling up to the parsonage, greeted by Mr. Collins and Charlotte. With all the flourish he could muster Mr. Collins addressed his father-in-law.

"My dear sir, it is an honor to welcome you to our humble abode. Maria, Cousin Elizabeth you are most welcome as well."

Elizabeth had been prepared to meet him in all of his glory but she still struggled to maintain her countenance as she rose from her curtsy. Fortunately she looked upon her friend Charlotte and was able to contain the evidence of her amusement.

"Charlotte! It is so good to see you again. You look very well," Elizabeth greeted her friend.

"I am well as you see, Elizabeth. Come, let us go inside and I will show you to your rooms."

As they entered the house, Mr. Collins could not help but point out all the fine aspects of 'his humble abode'. Charlotte was relieved when he finally offered to show Sir William his garden. The women declined to join them, claiming a need to refresh themselves from their journey.

"It is a comfortable house, Charlotte." Elizabeth offered when she was alone with Mrs. Collins.

"Yes it is, Elizabeth. I believe Lady Catherine did a great deal to the place before Mr. Collins came."

"I see."

"I am quite content, Elizabeth, do not mourn for me. I am making my own life here and I want for nothing," Charlotte said, trying to put her mind at ease.

"I am sure you are. Now tell me about Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Is she everything you expected?"

More at ease with Elizabeth's impertinent remarks, Charlotte laughed and began to inform Elizabeth about her 'noble patroness'.

"You will meet her Sunday. We have an invitation for tea on Palm Sunday. You may meet Miss de Bourgh earlier, though. She likes to drive around the park and she sometimes stops by to call. I have to admit she was not what I was expecting when I came."

"How so, Charlotte?"

"What impression do you have of her from Mr. Collins' descriptions, Elizabeth?"

"I received the impression of a spoiled woman dominated completely by her mother."

"Yes, I thought the same thing, but that is not Miss de Bourgh," Charlotte claimed.

"Then what is she really?"

"She is a young woman who has long lived under the shadow of a domineering parent. She has built up a facade of infirmity as a protection against the whims of her mother. I believe she is bright, witty and very observant, despite her attempts to hide behind a wall of indisposition. Lady Catherine is too vain to see her subtle defiance, but it is there if you look."

"That appears to be a very perceptive observation, Charlotte. What does your husband think about her?"

Charlotte gave her a look before saying, "Mr. Collins sees what he wants to see. He finds her lovely and amiable, but that is because he thinks Lady Catherine wants him to think that. The fact that he is perfectly correct is lost because he came to the proper conclusion for all of the wrong reasons."

"I suppose I must meet Miss de Bourgh and judge for myself. Now then, tell me why there are shelves in my closet?"

Charlotte laughed and told Elizabeth about all of the improvements Lady Catherine had suggested to Mr. Collins. Every room marked some particular attention to detail that Lady Catherine was infamous for. Once again Elizabeth said a word of thanks that she was not forced to be in Charlotte's place right now.

Elizabeth indeed did have a chance to be introduced to Miss de Bourgh before Sunday when Miss de Bourgh stopped by the parsonage on her ride. Elizabeth was delighted in her greeting.

"So this is the famous Miss Elizabeth Bennet! It is a pleasure to meet you finally. I have heard many things about you." Miss de Bourgh said, her voice filled with amusement.

"I see my reputation proceeds me Miss de Bourgh." Elizabeth replied.

"Both Georgiana and Aunt Helen wrote of it to me. My cousin is looking forward to see you again. Did you know that she has not told her brother you will be here?"

Sudden thoughts of Mr. Darcy intruded into her consciousness. Miss de Bourgh noticed her slight discomposure at the mention of Darcy and decided to explore that further in the future.

"I did not know she was keeping it a secret. I hope he will not find my presence here an impediment to your family party." Elizabeth finally replied.

"I can assure you Miss Bennet, that will not be the case. Any excuse to escape from my mother will be a profound relief to William, Georgiana and Richard."

"Do you mean your other cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam?"

"Yes, have you met?"

"No, but I learned of him from Lady Matlock when we visited Afton House." Elizabeth explained.

"My cousin Richard always comes to Rosings with William for Easter. They have been doing so for years. You will like him Miss Bennet. He is a very amiable man."

"Having met his parents, I am sure he is. Thank you for calling, Miss de Bourgh. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last." Elizabeth said.

"The pleasure was all mine, Miss Bennet. I shall see you again Sunday." Miss de Bourgh responded as she bade the horses to be off.

'It certainly should be an interesting month' thought Elizabeth as she walked back into the house.