A Royal Bennet (17 page)

Caroline patted Georgiana’s arm lightly. “You are
young, and have had little contact with the world, so it
is understandable that you do not see the sort of
people the Bennets are. And the tradesman’s wife,
your parents would be appalled to have such a person
as a guest. It is a good thing that we arrived when we
did, so I can guide you on how people of our station
would deal with their station. Just follow my
guidance and all will be well.”

Georgiana knew better than to argue, but she was
certain she would never follow the example of
someone such as Caroline Bingley and Louisa Hurst.

The ladies made their way into the music room
and Georgiana was finally able to break free of
Caroline’s grip. The girl made her way to the
pianoforte, pretending to sort through the sheet
music for the piece she wished to play.

As Elizabeth made her way towards the
pianoforte, Caroline spoke. “Miss Elizabeth, I know
you had planned to perform a duet with our dear Miss
Darcy, but it has been such a long time since Louisa
and I have been given such a treat as hearing the dear
girl play. Why, Louisa even mentioned her desire to
hear Miss Darcy as we neared the estate.”

Elizabeth turned her eyes towards Georgiana as
she responded. “As Georgiana is acting as hostess for
her brother, I believe it is up to her to decide. I would
never be so rude as to demand my hostess act upon
my wishes.”

Georgiana’s eyes grew wide with humor as she
listened to her friend put Caroline Bingley in her
place. Georgiana had been shocked at Caroline’s
rudeness at speaking to a guest of Darcy’s in such a
manner. “I wish to play the duet, as my brother has
been waiting all week to hear the entire piece. He has
heard bits of the song, and has been eager to hear it in
its entirety. As I informed my brother earlier of our
intent to play it for him, I believe he would be
considerably disappointed if we did not.”

Letting out a huff in frustration, Caroline took a
seat beside her sister on the sofa. “Of course, I would
not wish to delay any enjoyment Mr Darcy would
receive from the performance. I do pray you will
indulge me and Louisa while we are here, Miss Darcy.
You know how fond we are of you.”

“Of course, Miss Bingley.” Georgiana said softly,
not believing the words coming from Caroline’s
mouth.

Georgiana and Elizabeth sat down together on the
bench before the pianoforte, practicing a little before
the men returned. Mrs Gardiner and Jane took seats
near the pianoforte, chatting about the day and the
letter Mr Gardiner wrote, which had arrived that day.

“The children are excited to make the journey
here, and they are looking forward to learning to ride
horses. When Edward told them of Mr Darcy’s offer
to teach them, Rebecca was thrilled. Your uncle has
even had riding costumes made for the children.”

“Andrew must be excited as well. I remember his
saying how he has always wished to be in the army,
and he would need to learn to ride if he were to
become an officer.” Jane said with a smile.

“Wait until he meets Colonel Fitzwilliam. I am
afraid that the good colonel will never have a
moment’s peace once Andrew meets him.” Mrs
Gardiner chuckled.

Caroline could not believe what she was hearing.
“Mr Darcy has invited your husband, a tradesman, and
your children to join you here? I would have thought
you would prefer to return to Town. You live in
Cheapside, do you not?”

Mrs Gardiner was no fool, nor would she be
humiliated by the likes of Caroline Bingley. “Oh, we
had planned to journey to Lambton anyway, and,
when Mr Darcy learned of our plans, he insisted we
stay here. He is looking forward to meeting our
children, and he plans on taking my husband fishing.
We do live in Cheapside, as it is near my husband’s
warehouses. If I remember correctly, your father was
in trade. Was he not the owner of cotton mills?”

The Bingley sisters nearly choked on Mrs
Gardiner’s words. Caroline and Louisa had gone to
great lengths to forget the taint of trade which was so
close to their lives. Their uncle still ran the mills, and
they still received profits from the mills.

“Forgive me, Mrs … Gardiner, is it? Our family is
one of wealth, and our brother is planning to
purchase an estate.
We
will be part of the landed
gentry, and are already welcomed in society, as you
will never be.” Louisa declared. “Not to mention, my
husband is heir to his family’s estate. So, you can see,
there is a vast difference between our families.”

Caroline held her head high, her nose pointed
upwards, with an expression of someone smelling a
disgusting odor.

Mrs Gardiner laughed to herself. “And Mr Bennet
is a landed gentleman, who comes from over six
generations of landed gentlemen. According to
society, my nieces are gentlewomen, which puts them
at a higher standing than the daughters of a
tradesman, no matter how wealthy they are.”

Elizabeth wrapped an arm about Georgiana’s
shoulders, in an attempt to comfort the girl who was
their hostess. “Aunt Helen, perhaps it would be best
to find a more appropriate subject. I would not wish
to dishonor our hostess.”

“Of course. Miss Darcy, please forgive my rude
behavior. I meant no disrespect to you or your
brother.” Mrs Gardiner said as she crossed the room
to Georgiana, taking hold of her hand and giving it a
squeeze.

“It is not you, Mrs Gardiner, who should be
requesting forgiveness of my sister.” Darcy stated as
he entered the room. “I overheard the conversation,
and I believe Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst have been
out of place in how they spoke to guests in my home.”

Hurst had been behind Darcy as they entered the
room, and he was quite embarrassed by his wife and
sister in law, having heard their words. “Louisa,
Caroline, I believe we must turn in early. All the travel
has made us very fatigued and unable to be in
civilized company.”

“Charles is busy at the moment, and I insist you
come with me immediately.” Hurst’s voice brooked
no disobedience from Caroline.

“Where is Charles?” Louisa asked, concerned with
the fact that Mr Bennet was also missing from the
men.

Realizing that the normally reserved and quiet
Hurst was deeply angered, Louisa stood and
encouraged her sister to join her, pulling on Caroline’s
arm. Finally, reluctantly, Caroline stood and followed
her sister from the room.

“Mr Bennet, I was wondering if Miss Jane has
made an understanding, with any gentleman.” Bingley
inquired.

“At the moment, she has not. Might I inquire as to
why you ask? After you left Netherfield last autumn,
with no word or return, I would have thought you had
given up any interest with anyone in my family.”

“I realize how it must have appeared to you and
your family, Mr Bennet, and I must apologize for my
behavior. My sisters and I journeyed to spend time
with our relations in Scarborough, and I had hoped to
return to Netherfield in the near future.”

“And why could you not have written to your …
friends in the neighborhood to inform us of your
intention? Do you believe my daughter to be sitting
around, waiting for your return, hoping you would
keep your word? To be honest with you, my Jane was
devastated when you left, especially after the letter
she received from your sister declaring your intention
of declaring yourself to Miss Darcy.”

Bingley grew red with anger. “My sister did
WHAT
? Declare myself to Miss Darcy? Miss
Georgiana Darcy is like a young sister to me. I cannot
imagine marrying someone who is a child in the first
place. Which of my sisters wrote this letter?”

“I believe it was Miss Bingley. Jane informed
Elizabeth the entirety of the letter, and Elizabeth
informed me of the crux of the information. But why
are you now wishing to know more of my Jane? What
has changed for you to make you wish to speak to me
of my daughter?”

“Seeing her, makes me realize how dearly my
heart wishes to court Miss Jane. It would be my
greatest joy to have her become my wife.” Bingley
stated sadly. “But now, after what you have told me, I
realize that your daughter must truly despise me. She
must have believed my sister’s words.”

“It is not for me to speak for Jane. If she desires a
courtship, I will agree with allowing it. But if she
decides she does not wish to allow you to court her, I
will ask you to refrain from bringing any further
distress to my daughter. As you are most likely
aware, you are not the only young man who finds Jane
to be perfect.” Mr Bennet watched Bingley closely.

Bingley nodded his head. “I will do as Miss Jane
wishes. If she chooses against me, I will leave as soon
as possible, of that, I will promise you.”

Mr Bennet and Bingley arrived in the music room
to find Bingley’s relations missing. Seeing the puzzled
look on his friend’s face, Darcy gave his friend a smile.
“Hurst insisted your sisters retire early, Bingley.
Come on in enjoy the music. We have been waiting
for you both to arrive, so our song birds can perform
the duet they have been practicing for me.”

“Wonderful.” Mr Bennet announced. “I have been
waiting to hear this performance all week. It is the
reason I have been delayed spending time in your
delightful library.”

Elizabeth laughed. “That is saying a great deal,
Papa, for we all know how much you enjoy Mr Darcy’s
library. I am surprised you have not begun taking
your meals in there.”

Jane joined the teasing. “I do believe I spotted a
pillow and coverlet hidden away underneath the sofa
near the north window. It is Papa’s favorite location
in the library.”

“Yes, my dear girls, tease me all you wish. I admit
that I have left a pillow and coverlet in the library, for
some nights I am in there very late and wish some
comfort. Mrs Reynolds is well aware of the items, and
she has instructed the maids to leave the items there.
And, to be honest, I have taken tea in the library.”

Everyone laughed. Darcy offered his sister an arm
and his other arm was offered to Elizabeth. With the
two holding on to him, he guided them to the
pianoforte. “Now that we are all here, I insist on being
tortured no longer. I wish to hear my song.”

Georgiana and Elizabeth sat down on the bench,
side by side. They began to play the song, with
Elizabeth adding her beautiful soprano voice. Darcy
was hypnotized by the sight and sound. The two most
important ladies in his life, side by side, delighted to
be in each other’s company, and performing
amazingly. Elizabeth’s voice was soothing and
reached the depths of his soul. He knew he could be a
very happy man having such pleasure for the rest of
his life.

When the song ended, Elizabeth bid her family
and friends good night and made her way to her
bedchambers. She claimed she was fatigued, but her
family and close friends knew she was nervous for the
following day.

Awakened after only a few hours of sleep,
Elizabeth prepared for the day. It had been a long and
restless night, tossing and turning in the bed, and she
knew she would not be able to sleep any longer. Her
stomach felt as if it were tied in knots. This would be
the day she met her true mother’s family. This would
be the day she would meet people who had loved her
without even knowing her.

Elizabeth collected her usual treats to take on her
morning walk. Like clockwork, Sadie joined Elizabeth
as she neared their log. “Good morning, Miss Sadie. I
hope you were able to sleep more than I did last night.
My aunt is coming to meet me for the first time and I
will look horrible from lack of sleep.”

Taking her seat, she pulled her treats from her
pocket. She shared a muffin with Sadie, and some of
the ham which the cook had prepared early, knowing
of Elizabeth’s companion in the early mornings. Sadie
smelled the meat and her tongue was dripping with
saliva.

The pair enjoyed their repast before Elizabeth
began speaking. It was of great pleasure to Elizabeth
to be able to talk freely to the dog, and the loving
attention Sadie gave her in return was of great
comfort to the confused young lady.

“I have so many questions I wish to ask my aunt,
so much I wish to know of my mother. All I know is
what my father has told me. My mother was the love
of his life. He was devastated when he was forced to
give her up, and, he told me, he nearly died when he
learned of her death. Papa said that the only thing
that kept him going was having myself and Jane to
love. He may not care for Fanny, but Jane has always
been a blessing. As Papa has claimed, Jane was the
best part of Fanny.” Elizabeth reached her hand over
and scratched Sadie behind the ears, one of the dog’s
favorite rewards. Sadie turned her face and licked
Elizabeth’s hand in return.

“It is too bad you do not come to the house with
me. I am certain Mr Darcy would allow you to come
inside. Having you at my side would be a comfort to
soothe my nerves.” Elizabeth continued to pet the dog,
leaning over from time to time to place a kiss on her
companion’s head.

The two remained at the log for another half hour,
enjoying the peacefulness and each other. Finally,
Elizabeth knew she should return to the house. Sadie
usually walked to the outer area of the gardens, then
returning to wherever it was she spent the rest of her
time. No one was certain where the dog lived, or how
the dog fed itself, as no one, other than Elizabeth, fed
Sadie. It was a complete mystery to everyone at
Pemberley.