35. Chapter 35

July 2, 2014 - There is a bit of a cliffie at the end of the chapter, but not as bad as the one at the end of chapter 30.

Chapter 35

Elizabeth was pleased, and Georgiana disappointed, to see Darcy back in Hertfordshire late the next afternoon. Georgiana had greatly enjoyed her one night at Longbourn and was disappointed to leave so soon. She had been invited to the eldest girls' nightly chat the evening before.

"So, Georgiana, when did you first think your brother would be so perfect for me?" Elizabeth asked as the four ladies sat in their nightgowns in Jane's room.

"The second day you were at Pemberley."

"Really!"

"Yes. I do not know how best to explain this, Elizabeth, but it seemed as if you belonged at Pemberley from the moment I began to know you. Seeing you leave was one of the most heartbreaking things I have experienced, for I knew not if you would ever return."

All four of them were affected by this speech. Mary was the first to speak. "Miss Darcy, please tell us more about Pemberley. I have gleaned as much as I can from Elizabeth's recollections but I know you can tell us so much more."

"I will, but only if you will call me Georgiana, as your sisters already do."

"Of course, and you must call me Mary for we soon will be sisters!"

Georgiana laughed, "I have always wanted a sister, it appears that now I will have five!"

Georgiana proceeded to answer all of their questions. Elizabeth was fascinated with all she was learning about her soon-to-be new home.

"Elizabeth, the only person to whom I am afraid to tell the news of your engagement is little Nicolas Clark. He will be quite angry with my brother for taking you off the marriage market," Georgiana teased as they were leaving to go to their rooms to sleep. "In all seriousness, you and your sisters will greatly miss these times together at night. They will soon be over."

"Yes, it is the one thing I find difficult to be giving up to be married. But it was bound to happen someday. Jane is much too good to have ended up an old maid. I, on the other hand, always felt that I would be very fortunate to find a man who would love me enough to take me for a mere £ 50 a year and not be out of his wits!" Elizabeth said with her eyebrow raised.

With such happy recollections of the evening before, Georgiana was ecstatic with the offer to remain one more night at Longbourn. Elizabeth was curious to discover the results of Darcy's meeting with Lady Catherine.

"How did Lady Catherine take our news, Fitzwilliam?" Elizabeth asked Darcy when they had some privacy.

"As well as I expected."

"That poorly, then?"

"Yes. It was not easy to leave Anne in such a difficult situation, but it had to be done for now. I do not believe Lady Catherine will be attending our wedding." Darcy then gave Elizabeth all of the particulars of the meeting as well as the reasoning behind the decision to leave Anne in Kent.

"Do you believe we will have a triple wedding?"

"If my Aunt's reaction is any indication, yes."

"I do not believe we should tell anyone, especially my mother, about this. Only Jane, Mr. Bingley, Georgiana, my father and possibly Mary should be told. The less who know, the more likely we will be able to keep it secret."

"I agree. I shall speak about it with Bingley tonight and your father tomorrow. But enough about that. Did you miss me Elizabeth?"

If they had been alone, Elizabeth would have kissed him soundly. As it was, they were not, so she had to settle for a smoldering look instead. Darcy was delighted to see such passion in her eyes.

The week passed by quickly with a succession of visits to the entire surrounding neighborhood broadcasting Elizabeth's good fortune. On Friday evening, the officers gathered one last time at Longbourn before they departed for Brighton. Lydia returned to Meryton with the Forsters so that they would be able to leave early the next morning. Her mother was the only person truly sad to see her go. Elizabeth and Mary were still worried about her, but had resigned themselves to their father's decision. Kitty, of all people, was pleased to be rid of her sister's presence. When Elizabeth asked her about her mood, Kitty was only too willing to explain.

"All Lydia ever talks about is officers, officers and more officers. Whilst I do prefer a man in a red coat, that is not the only kind of man in the world. You and Jane have made fine matches with men who have no need to wear red. And since Mary decided to abandon her sermon books and began to spend more of her time with you, she has been content. You treat her as an equal, Lydia takes me for granted."

With this last statement Kitty began to cry. Once again, one of her younger sisters had surprised Elizabeth. She led her out of the drawing room and into the hall for some privacy. Darcy was about to follow until Elizabeth caught his eye and silently implored him not to. Once in the hall, Elizabeth guided Kitty into the dining room for the added privacy. She held her sister for the longest time as the tears washed over Kitty's face. Finally, after some ten minutes of uncontrollable sobbing, Kitty began to regain her composure. Elizabeth stroked her hair, much as she used to do when Kitty was a very little girl, and spoke soothingly to her. At last Kitty was able to speak.

"Lizzy, I am so sorry. I do not know what came over me."

"You are feeling lonely."

"How do you know that?"

Elizabeth gave her a wry smile. "Kitty, a great many things have changed at Longbourn these past six months. We all have changed, even you. Before, you had Lydia as your ally against Jane and me. When Mary sought us out, you became out numbered three to two. Lydia is too selfish to care about your feelings and you felt as an outsider amongst your other sisters. Am I correct, Kitty?"

"Yes, you are. Though I have not taken the time to consider the motivations for my feelings before now."

"Kitty, come join your sisters tonight in Jane's room."

"Truly? I would be welcome?"

Elizabeth put her hand on Kitty's knee, "Why would you not be, Catherine?"

Kitty smiled at the use of her given name. Usually, its use was reserved for a very vexed parent in addressing her. But somehow Elizabeth's use of it now made her feel more… like a lady.

Elizabeth continued. "Go and wash your face and come and rejoin us. It should be much quieter now that Lydia and the officers are gone."

"I will join you shortly. Thank you, Elizabeth."

"You are welcome, Catherine."

Darcy was quick to gain Elizabeth's attention when she returned. "I believe you are beginning to work your magic on another sister, Elizabeth. Was Miss Kitty very distressed?"

"Miss Catherine, Fitzwilliam. Yes, she was, but I believe it will all turn out well now. Perhaps Lydia's removal to Brighton will be of a benefit to Catherine after all. Lydia cannot get much worse, but Catherine will become much better if Jane, Mary and I have anything to say about it!"

"That is another example of why I love you and how much of a fool I was to ever doubt you, Elizabeth. Every day you prove that I am the one who is not worthy."

When Kitty returned, Mr. Bennet immediately noticed the change in address by Elizabeth and Darcy. As astute as he had become in recognizing Elizabeth's methods in dealing with Mary, he quickly picked up on this new development with Kitty.

"Catherine, my child, would you please come here?" he asked gently.

"Yes, Papa?" said the startled Kitty.

"I was interested in knowing what you proposed to do with your time now that your younger sister and the regiment will no longer be in Meryton."

"I had not considered it, Father," she replied truthfully.

"Well then, perhaps you will come and see me in my study tomorrow morning after breakfast. I would like that very much, Catherine."

Amazed, Kitty replied quietly, "So would I, Papa."

Mr. Bennet gave her an affectionate smile and left to go speak with Darcy and Elizabeth. Elizabeth beamed at her father and gave him a kiss on his cheek, whispering, "Thank you" as she did.

Later that night, Kitty shyly knocked on the door of Jane's room. Instead of bidding her to open the door, Jane came and opened it herself. Mary and Elizabeth were already there and they looked at their younger sister with affection. Jane grabbed her hand and led her to the bed to sit next to her. No one spoke, but all eyes were looking on Kitty with amusement. When Kitty could no longer take the silence, she asked what she most longed to hear.

"I have long wondered what you talk about at night."

Elizabeth laughed and said, "Many things, Catherine, but never about red coats!"

"Thank goodness!" Kitty replied and the awkwardness she had felt began fading away. Elizabeth brought up the subject of names.

"Kitty, we have always called you Kitty, but for some reason tonight, I sensed Catherine to be more appropriate. How would you have us address you?"

"I must confess I believe I desire a change. Would you please address me as Catherine?"

"Oh yes, Catherine. I would be pleased to do so. You have such a lovely name." Jane replied in her gentle manner. Mary nodded and Elizabeth smiled in her encouraging way. The four sisters spent the remainder of the evening discussing the events of the day.

The next week saw Longbourn fall into a familiar pattern. The mornings were reserved for planning the wedding. Elizabeth and Mary had to adjust their scheduled outings to before breakfast. This limited the extent of their ramblings, but they were happy to sacrifice that for the continuation of their fellowship. Jane spent that time with Kitty, who was now being called Catherine by everyone except her mother. Mr. Bennet was delighted by Kitty's improved manners in the short time Lydia had been gone. After breakfast, he more often than not, asked both Mary and Kitty to attend him in his study. He decided to begin reading a novel with the two girls and chose, much to their surprise, the latest by Mrs. Radcliffe.

The party from Netherfield arrived before lunch and Elizabeth and Jane would inform them of the progress made that day in the wedding preparations. After lunch everyone was free to do as they chose. Often Elizabeth would take Georgiana out for another walk as Darcy would retreat into Mr. Bennet's study to work or to spend time getting to know his future father-in-law better. Darcy quickly learned from whom Elizabeth had acquired her wit.

Darcy, Bingley and Georgiana often stayed through dinner into the early evening. The only exceptions were the nights when they dined in other houses in the neighborhood and on Sundays. Sundays were the days reserved for Bingley to host them at Netherfield. He took great pleasure in anticipating Jane assuming the role as hostess and mistress of that house.

Several days after Mrs. Annesley arrived at Netherfield, she requested an interview with Darcy. "Mr. Darcy, I wish to speak with you about the future of my position."

"Mrs. Annesley, rest assured that I am very content with the service you are providing my sister."

"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but the fact is that you will be married soon and the new Mrs. Darcy will be a wonderful sister and companion for Miss Darcy. You will not be needing my services any longer."

"But we do not wish for you to leave us."

"Mr. Darcy, you know, as I clearly stated when you hired me, that I do not need this position. I was seeking a way to be useful after my daughter had married and settled. To own the truth, I felt as though I was intruding in her life and I wished for a change. However, now that little Henry is five months old, Rachel finds that she would like my help. I have decided to accept her invitation to come and live with her family. I have given this much thought and I believe the ideal time for this transition would be after your wedding. Miss Darcy is to go to Matlock with her Aunt and Uncle. I will remove myself to London and the Glasses at that time."

"I see that I will not be able to change your mind on this matter and I agree with the wisdom of your choice. Elizabeth will indeed be a fine guide for Georgiana. Very well, it shall be as you propose. If ever I may be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to ask. Georgiana and I will never forget the service you have rendered to both of us. May God bless you, Mrs. Annesley. But please tell me, do you wish to be the one to inform Georgiana of your decision?"

"Yes, I believe such news should come from me."

Georgiana was understandably distressed at the news, but she soon became sensible to the logic of Mrs. Annesley's choice. She determined to enjoy the last weeks of her presence. Many, many things were going to change when Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth married. This was just but one of them.

It was approaching the end of May and plans were being made for Elizabeth and Jane to travel to London to purchase their trousseaus. Darcy insisted that he and Georgiana would accompany them to town. Bingley quickly voiced his desire to be in Town at that time as well. Elizabeth and Jane would stay with the Gardiners and Mrs. Gardiner would help them with their purchases whilst Mrs. Bennet would stay in Hertfordshire to continue the wedding plans. Elizabeth was of two minds on the matter. She was very relieved that she and Jane would not have to fight against her mother's idea of fashion. Mrs. Gardiner had already proven she was of similar tastes as her two nieces. However, Elizabeth was mortified to consider all of the changes her mother could wreak in the wedding plans with Jane, Bingley, Darcy and her away from Longbourn at this time. Only after her father spoke to her was she persuaded to continue with the set arrangements.

"Lizzy, it is my decision to keep your mother here at Longbourn."

"But why, Papa?"

"I have two reasons. First, I wish for you and Jane to enjoy your time in London. This will be the last time you two will have this opportunity before you marry and assume your new responsibilities. Second, I am afraid your mother will be unable to contain herself and overspend on your wedding clothes allowance. Your Aunt would never do such a thing. In the end I am only thinking about the money I shall save."

"Papa!"

"Run along now, Elizabeth. My mind is made up, it shall not be moved. I will stay with Kitty, I mean Catherine, Mary, and your mother whilst you and Jane travel to London. Let me do this for you, child."

"Thank you, Father."

Anne de Bourgh had spent a very lonely month alone with her mother at Rosings. Lady Catherine had been in a foul mood ever since she had learned of Darcy's engagement and of her brother's support of the match. After a sullen few weeks, Lady Catherine began making plans.

"Anne, I am taking you to London. You shall visit the finest modistes and will be in possession of an entirely new wardrobe as soon as possible. If Darcy will not have you, then we shall show him that you can do much better than a simple farmer with no title! I shall see you wed to an earl at least! I suppose I will have to let you go to Matlock, though. When you return I will see that a suitable match is in the works. Never fear, Anne, you shall be married before the end of the year if I have my way."

Anne was mortified. She now knew her mother would not be amicable to a marriage with Richard. With a heavy heart she sat down to write her Aunt of her mother's plans. A wedding in Hertfordshire looked more and more like a certainty. With such emotions surging over her, Anne wept for the loss of the dream of being married from her own home.

As Jane and Elizabeth were making their final preparations to leave for London, Mary received another letter from Mrs. Gardiner. She rushed to find Jane and Elizabeth who were walking together in the garden.

"The Gardiners have invited me to go on a tour of the Lakes with them this summer! They propose leaving two days after you wedding. I thought the invitation would never come, but then Aunt Gardiner did inform me that it would."

"That is wonderful news, Mary, though I think Papa will be loath to let you leave him alone with Mama and Catherine." Elizabeth replies sagely. "Then again, Catherine is no longer the Kitty she once was. Perhaps that will be enough for him."

Mr. Bennet was reluctant to part with Mary so soon after he would lose Jane and Elizabeth, but he was sensible to realities of Mary's situation. To deny her such a journey after the last six months would indeed be cruel and heartless. She, too, would someday leave his house and this was a good as time as any to start accustoming himself to the idea. Before long, he knew he would find himself alone again with just his wife, as he had once been 23 years before. So much had happened since then; perhaps this was a chance to begin again.

Bright and early on the first Monday of June, the Darcy carriage pulled in front of Longbourn to collect the eldest Miss Bennets. Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley were in the carriage awaiting their traveling companions. Darcy and Bingley were riding their horses abreast. Most of Jane and Elizabeth's things had been collected the night before, so that there were only a minimum number of items to be loaded and soon they were off on the road to Town.

Georgiana was disappointed Jane and Elizabeth were not to be staying at Darcy House, but she understood Elizabeth's motives. Georgiana thought it romantic that Elizabeth refused to return again to stay as a guest. The staff already loved their soon-to-be new mistress and could not wait to welcome her as such. As it was, Georgiana would be spending much of the next two weeks in Elizabeth's and Jane's company. Each had many, many things to buy. Darcy had already talked to his sister about her role in the shopping excursions. When Georgiana saw Elizabeth admiring something, but refusing to buy it because of the cost, Georgiana was to make a note of it and inform her brother. She had a very sneaking suspicion that most of those items would find their way into Elizabeth possession.

Bingley, meanwhile, had the same sort of discussion with Louisa in their exchange of letters. He had long since forgiven her for her role in the affair with Caroline and had come to feel protectiveness over her now that she was with child. Despite her condition, Louisa insisted she was still able to accompany her soon-to-be sister-in-law on her shopping excursions. She too, would make note of the items Jane admired but refused to buy for lack of funds. Bingley would be doing much as Darcy would, though not to the same extent, as he was still feeling the financial ramifications of the November fire. All the same, Jane would be very, very surprised.

Jane, Elizabeth, Georgiana, Louisa and Mrs. Gardiner thus spent four lovely days preparing Jane's and Elizabeth's trousseaus. That Friday evening the Darcys, Hursts and Bingley were invited to dine at Gracechurch Street. In the middle of the meal they were startled when Mr. Bennet was announced. One look at his brother's troubled countenance was enough to excuse Mr. Gardiner to take Mr. Bennet to the study. Ten minutes later, a visibly shaken Mr. Gardiner returned and asked Darcy and Bingley to join him in his study. Elizabeth looked at her sister and Aunt with concern. What on earth had happened?

So ... Bingley would not have hosted Miss Darcy without a hostess, but it's my story and I'll bend the rules if I want to! lol