Persistence Prevails, page 13
“Is that why you asked me all the questions when we first started walking? You wanted to see if you thought my behavior and accomplishments would be acceptable to them?”
“Yes, and, of course, the reason I did not want to say anything about this at the table is I did not want you to suddenly decide to behave better than you might normally, and I certainly did not want to tell Lydia why I was here, because she would be upset she was not chosen, even though she is over a year and a half younger and obviously less mature. I was afraid of another of her tantrums. Has she improved any over the time I have been gone?”
“Some, but she is still somewhat uninhibited. Mother, of course, does little to control her; father does nothing; and she will not listen to Mary or Jane. Your letters and the interest you have shown in me have been an immense help Lizzie. For a while, father showed more interest in my art and paid more attention to me than he had in the past. However, now he gives most of his attention to Mary, who has sort of taken your place with him. I am afraid I might be much like Lydia if you were not writing to me and advising me. I do so wish you were here. If I go to London with you, will be able to see you often?”
“Yes, you will. I will make sure you can.”
“Very well, then I would like to go. Do you think Mama and Papa will approve?”
“I think so, when I tell them the advantages you will receive. Let us go talk with them and then, assuming they let you go with us, we will need to get you packed. We want to be gone from here by 2:30.”
******
Shortly after six o’clock the Vollenbrook carriage pulled in front of Darcy House. As the four of them entered the entry hall, Darcy and Georgiana joined them.
“Miss Elizabeth, I see you have a young lady with you we have not met.”
“That is true, Mr. Darcy. Mr. Darcy, Georgiana, this is my sister, Miss Catherine Bennet. Catherine, this is Mr. Darcy and Miss Georgianna Darcy.”
As the two young ladies greeted and visually assessed each other, Darcy said, “It seems your venture was successful, and you were pleased with its outcome?”
“That is true, and I believe Peggy and Roger are willing to add their endorsements.”
“That we are, Darcy,” said Lord Vollenbrook.
“Good.” He then turned to Georgiana and Kitty. “Georgie, will you show Miss Catherine up to her room. Constance has been assigned as her maid. Her luggage will be up shortly.”
“I will be happy to show her where she will stay.” She took Kitty’s arm. As she led her away, she said, “I am usually called Georgie. What may I call you?”
“Please do not laugh, but they call me Kitty. I suppose, as I become older, I will have to change it. It does sound awfully unsophisticated.”
Darcy watched them up the stairs and then turned again to Elizabeth, “I like what I see so far, Miss Elizabeth. Dinner will be at seven, so they will be able to talk for a while and get to know one another.”
“I think you are going to like her, Darcy,” said Margaret. “She is full of life, smiles most of the time, and is not at all shy. We enjoyed talking with her on the way up, and she showed us some of her drawings. She is unbelievably good for one so young who has only had one year of formal training. She started developing her natural talent by reading books Lizzie found for her.”
As they walked up the stairs to the family sitting room, Darcy said, “I have a feeling this is going to work out wonderfully for Georgie, and I cannot believe I did not think of this solution. Miss Elizabeth, I believe I may owe you a huge debt of gratitude.”
“Mr. Darcy, I believe the benefit to Kitty will be even greater than that to Georgie; therefore, no debt is incurred. For years, my younger sisters have been somewhat ignored by my father, and I am so happy that Kitty may have a chance to realize her true potential.”
When the girls entered to dining room for dinner, they were chatting amiably and seemed to be enjoying each other. Once all were seated and dinner was served, Darcy said, “Miss Catherine, do you find your accommodations satisfactory?”
“Mr. Darcy, it is the most glorious bedroom and bed I have ever seen, and the sitting room between my room and Georgie’s is perfect. Thank you so much for inviting me. And please, if I am not being too impertinent, would you call Kitty. Miss Catherine is far too formal for me.”
“I would be happy to call you Kitty. It is a playful name. Are you a playful young woman?”
“I do not think of myself as playful, but I certainly like to enjoy myself. When I was little, I liked it because it made me sound like I was warm and cuddly, but I suppose I should not tell that to a man. It might give him notions.”
Darcy and Lord Vollenbrook chuckled at that. “Quite true, if you are not married or engaged to the man,” said Lord Vollenbrook. “However, I suspect when you marry, your husband will like the picture it conveys.”
“Do you girls think you will be able to live in harmony for a few weeks?” asked Darcy.
“I do not think Lizzie could have chosen a better girl to be my friend,” said Georgiana. “I am already ruing the day she has to leave. Thank you, Lizzie, for thinking of me and suggesting Kitty.”
“I agree,” said Kitty. “I was quite reluctant to come when Lizzie first asked me, but I am certainly glad I did. I think we will become close friends.”
“I am pleased it has pleased you,” said Elizabeth. “However, you do understand, Kitty, I still expect you to work on the curriculum of study I gave you.”
Kitty nodded her head and Georgiana said, “Kitty showed me what you expect her to study, and I want to work on it with her. You are having her learn all sorts of things I do not know about. We think it will be fun to work on them together.”
“So, Lizzie,” said Lord Vollenbrook, “you are not only a matchmaker, but also a governess. What tasks are you intending to give them?”
“I fully expect Georgiana to continue to work with the children at Hope House and Kitty to be there with her. Georgie, do you have more than one sidesaddle horse here?”
“Yes, there are two here – my horse and one for a guest.”
“Good, then it is time Kitty learns to ride. Do you suppose you could teach her?”
Georgiana looked at Kitty with surprise. “You do not know how to ride?”
“No, I have never even been on top of a horse in my life. Jane and Lizzie are the only ones in our house who know how to ride.”
“That is something else I can teach you. Every gentlewoman should know how to ride sidesaddle.”
After dinner, Elizabeth and Margaret were prevailed upon to perform. When they had finished, Darcy said, “You two sound as if you are professionals. I am surprised you have not performed at more functions.”
“We are not well-known members of your society, Mr. Darcy, having just debuted and were not asked to perform at any balls. That may have been because of my lower status, which is well known. The hosts no doubt wish to give preference to young women who they know and are recognized members of high society. But, in any case, it is of no concern to us, because Peggy already has her man, and I am not concerned about attracting one, at least not this year.
“Mama would not like to hear you say that, Lizzie. She thinks we should always be looking for a man when we are old enough.”
“I doubt she is concerned about me, Kitty. Besides, she thinks ‘old enough’ means sixteen, and, for me, I am not sure nineteen is ‘old enough.’ That is why I did not want anyone to call on me this year. Perhaps I will feel old enough next year.”
“I did not feel old enough either,” said Margaret. “But the only man I wanted was Roger, and he obviously thought I was, so we are now engaged. I hope you are as lucky as I was, Lizzie.”
“Yours was not luck, Peggy. Yours was fate. You were obviously meant for each other.”
“I completely agree,” said Lord Vollenbrook. “I have been waiting for her to come out since Lord and Lady Denby held a birthday party for her when she was sixteen and invited a few friends, including me. I was able to dance with her at the party and knew then she was the one for me.”
“And I was already in love with him by then, so it would seem that providence was on our side.”
Soon thereafter, Lord Vollenbrook, Margaret, and Elizabeth prepared to leave. As Darcy was escorting Elizabeth out to the carriage, he said, “May I assume you will attend the ball next Saturday?”
“No, I will not, Mr. Darcy. I will be attending no other balls or parties this Season. I imagine the only ball I will attend during the remainder of this year is Roger and Peggy’s wedding ball in three weeks.”
“May I ask why?”
“The primary reason I debuted this year and participated in the balls and parties was to give moral support to Peggy. She no longer needs it, and I am not going to take any chances I will meet someone like Lord Cotswold again. I will be perfectly happy and busy helping my aunt and uncle, visiting Peggy, working at Hope House, where I can see Kitty and Georgie, and spending more time reading and studying.”
“I am sorry for that. I have enjoyed dancing with you, something I can say about few women. I will see you the next time you visit Georgie and will look forward to a dance with you at the wedding.”
“Thank you, Mr. Darcy. Au revoir.”
He nodded his head, “Au revoir.”
Chapter 15: Margaret’s Wedding
For the next three weeks, until the wedding, Elizabeth maintained her schedule working with her uncle on Monday and Tuesday, with her aunt at the shop on Friday, and with her aunt, Margaret, Georgiana, and Kitty at Hope House on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays she spent with Margaret at Denby House, where they were usually joined by Lord Vollenbrook in the afternoon for a ride. Because Kitty was now living with Georgiana and both worked at Hope House in the morning on Wednesday and Thursday, she did not feel it necessary to make her usual trip to Darcy House on Wednesday afternoon to visit Georgiana and practice music. It gave her more time with Cordelia and Roger, he eldest cousins, and she usually took them to Rosewood House, where they could visit with Sophie and Michael, the Carlsons’ two children. It also gave her a chance to spend time with Lady Inez.
Georgiana and Kitty grew as close as sisters as time passed. Neither of them was concerned that Elizabeth no longer visited Darcy House, because they saw her at Hope House and always had some time to speak with her about their lessons before they returned home. Darcy, however, was dismayed she chose not to visit the girls at Darcy House anymore. He had looked forward to her visits. He had hoped to have some serious discussions and debates with her about literature and poetry. Why was it that the one woman he had met in the past three years with whom he thought his time might be spent in a worthwhile manner was not interested in his company? Should not one of her station in life be seeking to spend as much time as she could with one of his station and intelligence? Of course, that was part of her appeal. She was unlike any woman he had ever met, seeming to care little about wealth and status. Hopefully he would be able to dance with her at the wedding ball.
******
The wedding was a major event, held Thursday, July 18 in a large cathedral and attended by many of the peerage. Lady Denby had bought Elizabeth two gowns to complement Margaret’s wedding dress and ball gown which were the most beautiful gowns she had ever possessed. She was nervous as she waited for her cue to precede Margaret down the aisle, feeling out of place amongst those in attendance. It was not that she felt inferior to them as a person, but she knew they were wealthy and powerful members of society and all would be looking at her, wondering why Margaret would choose an unknown woman, not of high society, to stand up with her. However, once she started processing, all her concerns seemed to disappear as she concentrated on the two men standing at the altar, waiting for the woman who was about to follow her. When Margaret finally came down the aisle, she looked prettier than Elizabeth had ever seen her and Lord Vollenbrook’s face, as he watched Margaret come down the aisle, expressed his happiness and love for her. It was a splendid ceremony, and all agreed it was a magnificent wedding.
The wedding breakfast was held at Willingham Mansion. Elizabeth, sitting at the bride’s table, was able, for the first time, to meet Margaret’s father, brother, and her brother’s wife. Elizabeth sat on Mr. Farnsworth’s right side, with Mrs. Farnsworth on his left. In just the few minutes Elizabeth spoke with Mrs. Farnsworth, Elizabeth could understand why Margaret and her sister-in-law were not friendly. Mrs. Farnsworth was one of the most haughty, sharp-tongued women Elizabeth had ever met. Elizabeth was anxious to escape her company as soon as she could.
Immediately after eating, seeing Kitty, Georgiana, and Darcy sitting with Lord and Lady Matlock, she excused herself from the bride’s table, went to greet them, and sat with them awhile, although she spoke little with Darcy. However, as she stood to leave, he asked if he speak a moment with her.
When they were out of the range of the table, he said, “I have not seen you since the tea party. Are you staying away from Darcy House because of me?”
“Certainly not; I have been busy helping my aunt and uncle and working at Hope House. I see the girls there, so saw no reason to visit them at Darcy House. Why would you believe I was staying away because of you?”
“I know you have forgiven me, but not forgotten my mistake, and thought it might still cause you to not want to associate with me.”
“I assure you, I have forgiven and forgotten. But why does it concern you?”
“Because I wish to ask you for a set at the ball tonight but did not want to trouble you if you have decided I am someone with whom you do not want to associate at all.”
“Mr. Darcy, I will happily dance with you tonight? Which set would you like?”
“The supper set, of course.”
“You are incorrigible, Mr. Darcy. Why do you do this? Why do you insist on asking me for sets which will be noticed?”
“Because I enjoy conversing with you, and I have little opportunity to do so. This would give me an opportunity for a least a brief time.”
“I enjoy our conversations, also, but I am sorry, I do not believe it would be a good idea for us to dance that set. I will be pleased to give you the third set.”
He shrugged. “I expected no more, but I thought I would ask.” Then he bowed and said, “Thank you. Until tonight.”
She shook her head and watched him as he returned to his table. She did not understand him. As she was pondering her exchange with Darcy, she was startled by an unexpected male voice.
“Miss Elizabeth.”
She turned to see Lord Weatherstone beside her. “Lord Weatherstone, you startled me. How are you?”
“I am well. I have two favors to ask of you. First, may I have a set at the ball tonight?
“Of course. I always enjoy dancing with you. Which set would you prefer?”
“I would prefer the supper set, but I can imagine that is already taken.”
“It is not, sir, but I just had a similar request from Mr. Darcy, which I refused. I cannot imagine why a man of your status would want to dance the supper set with me.”
“Because my parents want to have a chance to speak with you again. We are leaving now, but they will be at the ball tonight, so I suggested you might be willing to dine with us at the ball, assuming your supper set was not yet taken.”
“The Duke and Duchess want to speak with me? Whatever for?”
“I am not sure, but I have an idea. I have mentioned having danced with you at the balls, which did not seem to affect them. But this morning, when they saw you walking down the aisle and then walking around here, speaking with others, they were impressed with what they saw, and decided they wanted to speak with you again. It has been over two years since they saw you last.”
“I believe you gave a reason I cannot ignore. I can hardly pass up a chance to see the Duke and Duchess again; therefore, I believe I must grant your request.”
“Thank you. I will look forward to this evening.”
Other men approached her before the breakfast guests began to leave and by the time everyone had gone, her dance card was more than half full. The surprising thing to her was, four of the men were gentlemen she had never met before and two of them were sons of peers.
That night at the ball, Elizabeth, after dancing the first set with Mr. Farrington, who had stood up with Lord Vollenbrook, and the second set with Lord Vollenbrook, she looked forward with some trepidation to the dance with Darcy. She wondered if he would be upset with her; however, when he came to claim her he was smiling and greeted her most pleasantly. As they walked to the dance floor, he said, “I cannot thank you enough for suggesting Kitty as a companion for Georgiana. It seems it was just what she needed. I still wonder why it never occurred to me to find her a companion her age.”
“They certainly have become a pair. It has been just as beneficial to Kitty. She is much more poised and well-mannered now. I thank you for giving Kitty this chance.”
During the first dance most of their conversation was about the girls and how they were spending their time. When the break between dances came, Darcy said, “We will be leaving for Pemberley this coming Monday. The girls wanted me to ask you if you would visit sometime in the fall or winter.”
“They told me yesterday when I saw them at Hope House they wanted me to visit. I was not sure how you would feel about it?”
“I would be pleased to have you at Pemberley. I have still never had a chance to have a serious debate with you about literature or poetry or drama. I remember our short conversation at the dinner at Matlock House and am determined that the next time we discuss a Shakespeare drama, I will require you to state your opinion first, so it will be I who chooses to take the opposite point of view.”
“Mr. Darcy, are you accusing me of defending a view I do not actually espouse?”
