Alias Thomas Bennet (18 page)

Elizabeth wondered what Lady Catherine was about with these pointed questions but formulated a courteous response she hoped would end the inquisition. “Perhaps she was a relative of my late parents,” said Elizabeth. “They died when I was but a babe, and then I became a ward of the Bennets.”

“Indeed? My old friend was the aunt of my nephew, Colonel Fitzwilliam. He will be coming to visit me in a few weeks, and you shall meet him. He is a great admirer of Rosings Park, is he not Anne?” She barely paused for her daughter’s silent nod to go on with her soliloquy.

“On his last visit, he remarked, ‘Lady Catherine, you must not consider a visit to Matlock until my father has seen fit to improve the topiaries. They are nothing to those of Rosings Park, for yours are truly much more ornate and embellished than those of many of the great houses of Derbyshire. You would not be pleased with them, I am sure.’

“Now, I grew up at Matlock, and although there is widespread praise of the house, I have made it my purpose to improve upon its splendour with my exceptional taste in decorating Rosings Park. Imagine that Colonel Fitzwilliam would notice that my topiaries are superior to those of Matlock! He is not one to compliment with frivolity.”

“I admired your topiaries as I came up the drive, Lady Catherine,” said Sir William, and Maria nodded to agree with her father.

Elizabeth was relieved to have been usurped as the topic of interest by the greenery of Rosings Park and tried to attend to the owner’s ongoing speech regarding her excellent ability to select and instruct the very best of gardeners in achieving the perfection that her outstanding tastes demanded. The conceited panegyric was interrupted by none other than the great lady herself, who decreed that there was no better entertainment than a game of quadrille, and thus, two tables were set for the duration of the evening.

Evenings such as this were enjoyed twice weekly, and between times, Elizabeth was content to mingle with the inhabitants of the parsonage and take walks in the park. She noticed Maria Lucas one day near the grove and asked if she would like to join her, but Maria declined, saying she was no great walker.

***

Elizabeth was pleased to receive letters from Jane and Mary soon after her arrival in Kent.

Gracechurch Street, Tuesday March 10

My dearest Elizabeth

I am hoping to find you well at Hunsford and enjoying your visit to our Dear Charlotte. Mary and I have been enjoying the social engagements that our aunt and uncle planned for us. We have been to the theatre, where we saw Miss Cedric in “As You Like It,” which I know is a favourite of yours. We are hoping to see some other Shakespearean plays when you are again in Town.

Mary and I attended a private ball at Miss Morris’s home, and it was all that was spectacular. The ballroom was the largest I have ever seen, and the candles were so brilliant that the room was almost as bright as day. The ladies were in beautiful dresses and held lovely fans. I cannot do justice to describe them. Many of the ladies wear turbans with feathers so tall! The fashion for gowns continues with the high waistline, and the fabrics of dotted muslin overdresses are so lovely. The gowns would set our Kitty in raptures! Some are generous with lace and of the finest silk, with incredible detail in the fabric roses, pin-tucking, and embroidery. Many have sleeves with overlays of caped fabric. Mary reminds me to tell you that every colour imaginable is seen, including in the gloves and slippers worn by the ladies.

We were fortunate to reacquaint ourselves with Mr. Bingley, who had just returned to Town a fortnight ago after visiting relations in Hampshire, and he favoured both of us with a dance. He asked after you, and we told him you are well. Miss Bingley was also in attendance and as lovely as ever. The Hursts were at another engagement that evening. Miss B. called the next day with her sister, but they were not able to stay long.

Since writing the above, dearest Lizzy, something has occurred of the most unexpected nature. Mr. Bingley came to call and then went to Hertfordshire to ask my father for permission to pay me court! Papa consented, and Mr. B. has been calling every day since. We have enjoyed walks in the park near Gracechurch Street, and yesterday, he took me to Hyde Park in his curricle for the fashionable hour. Many people know Mr. Bingley since he is a good friend of Mr Darcy and a very amiable fellow, and he introduced me to a number of illustrious members of the ton. Lizzy, I am so very happy!

Mary and I hope that you have found the Collins family in good health and that your trip with Maria and Sir William was enjoyable. We are looking forward to hearing from you about the countryside of Kent and your own personal opinions of Hunsford and Rosings as compared to those related to us by Mr. Collins. I am sure it is all that is lovely, and you will find some agreeable park to walk in, as you are so fond of the exercise. God bless you—I have a great deal of love to give from everybody.

Your very affectionate Sister,
J. Bennet

***

Gracechurch Street, Thursday March 12

My dear Elizabeth

Your letter was truly welcome, and I will endeavour to write a few lines to amuse you in return. London has many diversions that Jane and I revel in. We have gone twice to Hatchard’s, and I have purchased a new book of poetry and one of history, plus a scandalous novel, which I will share with you when you return. I had to assure Uncle Gardiner that Papa would approve of my reading such a book. I would love to debate with you the relative merits of the work of Lord Byron, whose new tome is considered to be radically different from anything we have read before.

The little Gardiners are charming and keep all of us busy, even with the help of the nurse. I have been assisting Emma with her letters, and Audrey has tried to read some histories. Aunt G. was uncertain regarding the reading material I selected, but I assured her that I would discuss the works with Audrey and see to it that her understanding of the stories was without want. The children are eager to please and intelligent enough to reach beyond the traditional schedule and scope of learning, such as we did when we were young. I am hopeful that, in a few years, I can teach them some mathematics.

We have attended a ball since you left us. Jane was most sought after for dances; however, I was not in want of partners and quite enjoyed myself. A Mr. Bradford asked if he could come to call, and I was obliged to accept, though I will not encourage his attentions. (You know where my hopes and wishes lie!) I have not heard from Longbourn as of late, and I am hoping that Mama will write with word of the family from Lucas Lodge. I am sure they are still missing Charlotte even though they are presumed to be happy with her being so comfortably settled in Kent.

Jane is excessively diverted with Mr. Bingley’s calls, and I am their dependable chaperon, thus the need to take along a book to entertain me whilst they speak quietly to each other in the fashion that lovers do. I know you will agree that Papa would not have granted his consent easily, knowing as we do that Mr. B. took his leave rather abruptly after having paid enough attention to Jane to raise the hopes of all of her friends. But Mr. B. is such an obliging man, and I do suspect his regard for Jane is long-standing and endured the period of time they were apart in the winter. He does not attend to her at the expense of all others, however, and my aunt and uncle are finding his company quite as enjoyable as I have. He is very much an agreeable gentleman, and I am happy for Jane that he is now courting her openly.

Lizzy, I must tell you that you were right about Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst and their intentions regarding their erstwhile friendship with Jane. The very day after we met Mr. B. and Miss B. at the ball at Miss Morris’s home, Miss B. and Mrs. H. came to call. Although it was nearly three weeks after we called on them in Grosvenor Square, Miss B. declared Jane to be her dear friend once again and said that she had missed her dreadfully while they were apart. I suspect Mr. B. is behind the ladies’ visit since, given their conduct towards us in the past, they would not have otherwise made the call. They did not remain long, and I have my doubts it was for propriety’s sake, but I do not say this to my sister. She is deserving of the happiness she is enjoying with Mr. B.’s courtship, and I do not wish to diminish it. I reckon she is sensible of their insincerity; she is too intelligent a creature to think otherwise.

Please send my best love to Charlotte, and challenge Mr. Collins’s opinions as frequently as I would were I the one visiting. I send Jane’s love.

Yours ever sincerely,
M.B.

***

23 March 1812
Hunsford parsonage

One morning, while walking in the gardens of the parsonage, Charlotte suggested that Elizabeth keep her daily promenades within sight of the house for her safety. Elizabeth laughed and said she did not think any harm would come to her in such a bucolic country. Their conversation was interrupted by Mr. Collins bringing the news that Mr. Darcy and his cousin Colonel Fitzwilliam had arrived at Rosings as expected and were about to call on the parsonage. The ladies quickly returned to the parlour to await their visitors. Elizabeth smoothed her skirts and hair in nervous anticipation. She had not seen Mr. Darcy in some months and was not sure what to expect on their re-acquaintance. When he was very formal upon his greeting, she decided he was as proud as ever.

Elizabeth was delighted to meet the colonel, who was less handsome than Mr. Darcy but proved to be much more amiable. She was gracious to Mr. Darcy but reserved because she still recalled his slight of her at the Meryton assembly and his contrariness whenever she joined his discussions with her father. She was relieved to be unburdened by conversation with him while he silently sat by and observed her tête-à-tête with the colonel, which was proving enjoyable to both.

“I was surprised to find someone here other than our family who knows Darcy,” the colonel said to Elizabeth in a congenial manner.

“Yes, he was in Hertfordshire last autumn with his friend Mr. Bingley and his relations.”

“You must have made an impression as Darcy spoke warmly about you and your father when we were apprised you were in Hunsford.”

“Yes, Mr. Darcy was a regular visitor to our home. He enjoyed spending time conversing and playing chess with my father.”

“And who was the victor? Darcy has a great mastery of the game.”

“Oh, they were well-matched. My father was somewhat peeved as, prior to Mr. Darcy’s visit, he was able to boast about being the best in the neighbourhood, although my sisters and I provided ample competition. But I think, inwardly, my father enjoyed the challenge Mr. Darcy provided.” Elizabeth spoke with amusement and admiration for her father.

“He speaks fondly of his visit to Hertfordshire and quite liked the townspeople he met there.”

“He was well-liked by my father but did not generally make himself known to the rest of the neighbourhood.” Elizabeth was astonished that Darcy had even noticed anyone outside her family to comment favourably.

“I recall Darcy telling me he enjoyed your company as well,” the colonel said. “I have heard much about your lively debates.”

“I do not know why he says so. He never seemed pleased when we were in conversation and always contradicted me. He certainly liked my father’s company, but I do not think he was comfortable with my presence in their intellectual discussions.” Colonel Fitzwilliam offered no response but appeared slightly confused.

Elizabeth noticed that Darcy scarcely spoke whilst she and the colonel were in conversation, and although he sometimes attended to questions from Charlotte, he frequently appeared to be watching her. She was unnerved by it and questioned the colonel.

“I have noticed that Mr. Darcy looks upon me a great deal. It makes me quite self-conscious. Is he finding fault with me?”

His response was to chuckle and say teasingly, “I do not believe Darcy is disapproving so much as he is admiring you, Miss Elizabeth.”

This puzzled Elizabeth a great deal, and she made no response but instead instigated a cheerful repartee on safer subjects.

When the call had been long enough to require a polite end, Charlotte pulled Darcy aside while the colonel was saying his goodbyes to the others.

“Mr. Darcy, I hope you do not think me too forward, but I have a matter of concern to mention to you,” she said softly. “I have seen an unsavoury character lurking in the woods near Hunsford and I am worried for Elizabeth’s safety when she walks out alone each day. I have tried to convince her not to walk alone, but she laughed off the notion, saying she will take care to stay on the paths near the parsonage.”

“I will see to it that the woods are scoured for gipsies and the like,” Darcy suggested, “if it would ease your mind, Mrs. Collins.”

“I thank you, Mr. Darcy, but gipsies are not what I am afraid of. I think I saw Mr. Wickham.”

“Wickham? Here in Kent? Miss Elizabeth and Miss Lucas are not safe anywhere near the rake!” In his alarm, Darcy had trouble keeping his voice to a whisper.

“I cannot say for certain it was him, but just in case, I would ask your favour on this matter. Maria keeps to the gardens of the parsonage, but I am worried about Elizabeth. Since I cannot convince her to curtail her daily walks, would you object if I send a servant to you at Rosings when she walks out, so that you could escort her? If you happen upon her in the park, she will be none the wiser for it.”