An Accident at Pemberley, page 19
"Sometimes I wish we never had to return," said Kitty in a soft voice.
Before answering Lady Anne's question, Jane looked at her sister, who had the decency to blush at her unkind remark. "We have no fixed date for our return. We do hope to delay until just before the Netherfield ball and would love to attend the wedding, if possible."
"Have you a calendar handy, Mrs. Gardiner?" asked Lady Anne. Mrs. Gardiner stepped over to her writing desk near the window and pulled a calendar from the drawer. Handing it to Lady Anne, she returned to her chair. "Now, Beth, when did you say your birthday is?"
Elizabeth looked at Jane. "The twenty-second of November?"
Jane nodded.
"Would you care to make that your wedding day as well?" Elizabeth and Darcy exchanged a look, but before they could speak, Lady Anne continued. "That would allow you a couple of days to enjoy being newlyweds before we return to Netherfield. Perhaps it could be arranged that we dine with your family on the evening before the ball, thus not causing a disruption during Mr. Bingley's ball."
A knock sounded at the door, followed by a rumble of voices in the hall. Before the butler could announce him, Bingley bounded into the room. "My dearest Jane, we have your father's blessing and permission to marry," he exclaimed. "Oh, I beg your pardon," he said as he noted the others in the room. "Darcy, Lady Anne, Miss Chamberlayne. How lovely to see you. What are you doing here?"
Those present exchanged looks. Elizabeth nodded at Darcy.
"Bingley, why not join me for lunch, and I will tell you a fascinating story,” Darcy said. “There is not time now, as the ladies have an appointment with a modiste as well as plans to do some shopping."
"Happy to, Darcy. Perhaps after your story, you might advise me on the things I should include in a marriage settlement."
"Certainly, Bingley, I am at your disposal."
Mrs. Gardiner offered, "May I suggest we all gather for tea here at four this afternoon?"
"That is an excellent suggestion, Mrs. Gardiner," said Lady Anne. "Now, if you gentlemen would care to assist us into the carriage, we do need to be on our way." The butler helped the household residents with their outerwear, and the gentlemen took turns handing the ladies into the Darcy carriage. Darcy untied his horse from the back of the carriage, which pulled away from the curb.
Darcy mounted, and he and Bingley took off in the direction of White's Gentlemen's Club. Once settled at a quiet corner table in the dining room, Darcy explained Elizabeth's accident, illness, and recovery.
"So she is not your cousin?"
"No, Bingley. Mother and I thought it best to create a story to explain her presence at Pemberley. Further, I experienced concern about the disdain with which your sister would treat her if she were aware of Beth's history. It did not work as I had hoped, for I believe she still saw Beth as competition. Your sister's obsession with me is baffling, as I have never given her encouragement."
"She does not need any, Darcy. Pemberley and your position in society are encouragement enough. That does not explain why you were at the Gardiners’ home. How do you know them? You did not meet any of the Bennets during your brief stay."
"Beth and my mother did meet both Miss Bennet and Miss Kitty while at Netherfield. Did you know that Miss Bennet had a sister who disappeared several months ago?"
"No, I did not. Wait, do not tell me Miss Chamberlayne is her missing sister!"
"Keep your voice down," Darcy said with a scowl. "It would seem so. Apparently, when the ladies were retiring on our first night at Netherfield, Miss Bennet recognized her sister's voice. They met the next morning and talked for quite some time." Darcy told Bingley all the things they discussed, including Mr. and Mrs. Bennet’s reactions at the time Elizabeth disappeared and their feelings should she return now. “It was Miss Bennet who suggested we leave the area to protect Beth from her parents."
"I cannot say I am surprised to hear about their reactions. Mr. Bennet made sure to apprise me that Jane had no dowry and that I might need to care for the rest of his family if his heir did not marry one of his daughters."
"Are you sure you want to take on so much, Bingley?"
"Rest assured, I do not intend to take any of the remaining Bennet ladies, except for Miss Kitty, into my home. Instead, I shall offer to fix the dower house at Longbourn so his wife can live there should it be necessary. My agreement is to provide a place for them to live and a small income, but they will not live with Jane and me."
"Well, as Beth and I plan to marry on the twenty-second of this month, perhaps I can assist you with that, but I do not wish anyone to know of my participation."
"Congratulations, old man! During your short visit, it was obvious you cared for your cousin."
A warm smile appeared on Darcy's face. "She is the most remarkable woman of my acquaintance. Although she has no recollection of her family, she is warm, intelligent, well-read, and witty. Her beauty is undeniable. She even managed to give Mother a new reason to live after the loss of my sister. By the way, I believe the Bennet sisters plan to stay through the wedding before returning to Longbourn. Perhaps you would stand with me at the wedding. Then you could escort the ladies home."
"That sounds like a marvelous plan, Darcy."
The gentlemen ordered lunch as they continued their discussion before it moved on to the items in a marriage settlement.
After two hours with Mrs. Gardiner's seamstress, the ladies enjoyed a cup of tea and refreshments before doing more shopping. Jane was very pleased with the gowns she had ordered, and Mrs. Gardiner had insisted on purchasing a ball gown for Kitty as well.
"Your modiste is excellent, Mrs. Gardiner. Her styles were equal to any offered by Madame Delacroix, and her fabric selection is outstanding,” Lady Anne said.
"Mrs. Griffiths' husband was a friend of Mr. Gardiner's. She always loved to draw and often sewed lovely gifts. When her husband passed away, she showed us several sketches she had made over the years as well as some items she sewed for herself and her family. She even showed us some exquisite lace she had made herself. The quality was impeccable. We helped set her up in a shop of her own. She has living quarters upstairs, and a maiden aunt lives with them and helps care for and teach her children."
"That was very kind of you and your husband."
"It is a mutually beneficial deal, as she provides me with a dozen gowns per year at no charge."
"Do you think she can handle additional business? I would be delighted to use her services," inquired Elizabeth.
"She would be ecstatic to be of service to such distinguished clientele."
"Do you think she would accept my business, as well? I would also like to have her make my gowns in the future," said Jane.
The ladies finished their refreshments and continued with their shopping, searching for the perfect accessories for the items currently being made. Elizabeth also required a fitting for the next batch of dresses to be completed. They arrived back at the house on Gracechurch Street moments ahead of the gentlemen. As he entered, Darcy was delighted to hear Elizabeth's melodious laugh.
The gentlemen strolled into the sitting room. Darcy remarked, "I take it from the good humor that your shopping was a success."
"It was, indeed," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"However, it was the delightful company and the new friendships that made the day truly a pleasure," said Lady Anne with a smile.
"How was your afternoon, William? Were you able to complete your business?" Elizabeth asked.
"I did and even managed to help Bingley with his." Darcy gave Elizabeth a warm, reassuring smile.
Mrs. Gardiner called for refreshments as everyone made themselves comfortable. Conversation flowed smoothly. After everyone had received a cup of tea and a biscuit or two, Darcy turned to Jane. "Miss Bennet, I wanted to congratulate you. Bingley mentioned he had received your father's permission for you to marry."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy."
"He mentioned you would announce it at the ball."
Jane smiled at Bingley.
"Indeed, my dear, your father did agree to allow us to announce it at that time,” Bingley said. “He also asked me about a date. I know the only thing we spoke of was having it soon, so I requested that it take place in five or six weeks. I thought to bring you to London to celebrate the holidays if that meets with your approval."
Before Jane could answer, Darcy spoke. "Might I make a suggestion? We would be delighted to have you and Jane join us at Pemberley for the holidays. If possible, we would like your family to join us as well, Mrs. Gardiner and Miss Kitty."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy. I will speak with my husband and let you know if he will be able to get away from his business long enough to permit us to do so."
Exchanging a look with Jane, Bingley said, "I believe Jane and I would be pleased to join you. I shall not tell my sisters where Jane and I will be spending our honeymoon so we may enjoy the holidays without Caroline's presence." Darcy and Lady Anne laughed softly at his words, while Elizabeth attempted to hide her smile.
"Aunt, I believe we shall need your calendar again," Jane said with a laugh. Taking the requested item from her aunt, Jane examined it. "If we set the wedding for December fifteenth, Mama will have about a month to plan."
"That also allows us time to travel to Pemberley, even if the weather is uncooperative," said Darcy.
They discussed the letters they needed to write immediately and the arrangements necessary for the wedding of Darcy and Elizabeth.
"Miss Bennet," said Darcy. "Please be sure to request that your mother host dinner on the night before the ball. If we are to handle the matter discreetly, it will be important that their first contact with Beth not be in front of a large crowd."
"I shall try to arrange things as you request, sir."
As the tea wound to a close, Mr. Gardiner's voice sounded in the entryway. The group moved to the hall, where they exchanged greetings and farewells before the Darcys and Elizabeth took their departure. The Gardiners invited Mr. Bingley to remain for dinner.
The Fitzwilliams Learn the Truth While the Viscount Plots
A few days later, Elizabeth spent the morning visiting the Gardiners while the Darcys enjoyed a morning at home. Drake announced Lord and Lady Matlock, interrupting the quiet.
"Henry, Elaine, what a pleasant surprise," said Lady Anne as the Darcys rose to greet their guests. "Please join us and I shall ask Mrs. Drake to send in refreshments."
Regaining their seats, Lord and Lady Matlock chose the sofa across from Lady Anne. The group made general conversation until the servants brought in tea and biscuits and departed, closing the door behind them. While Lady Anne prepared a cup for everyone, Lord Matlock cleared his throat.
"Anne, I am well aware that James had no remaining relatives. The last one died childless. Would you like to tell me why you are introducing this Miss Chamberlayne around town as a Darcy connection?"
William spoke before his mother could. "We are introducing her as such as she will be my wife in a few days."
The earl and countess exchanged a surprised look.
"She is a delightful young lady, and apparently an excellent match for Darcy, but why the deception?" questioned Lady Elaine.
"Provided she did not intrude upon the family for nefarious purposes, we will support your choice. We would simply like to understand the situation," said Lord Matlock.
Darcy and his mother repeated the oft-told tale of Darcy’s discovery of an injured Elizabeth upon his return to Pemberley and all that occurred thereafter.
"She occasionally remembers skills, or lines from books, and politics, but not who she is?" asked the earl, his tone skeptical.
"Indeed, uncle. Dr. Moreton indicated that would not be unusual particularly if her home situation were unpleasant. He said the mind would block from its memory things that caused pain or anguish," insisted Darcy.
"Beth gave me new purpose and is a great help as well," added Lady Anne. "She assisted me in making items for several tenants in need and brought music back into the house."
"Are you not concerned that those at Pemberley who know the truth will not somehow let slip her true background?"
"No. With the exception of the few who worked at Pemberley before my husband's time, the others all believe the story we provided. As for the rest, you are aware of how loyal my servants are about family matters. It would not matter in any case, for Beth won the hearts of all those she encountered at Pemberley. Her sweet nature and innate kindness endeared her to everyone."
"That still does not explain why you made her a long-lost Darcy," said the earl, frustration in his voice.
"To protect her, of course!" Darcy's tone was fierce as he continued. "We are all aware of the way people respond to those they believe beneath them. With no knowledge of Beth's past and with the certainty she was gently born, it seemed the best way to accomplish that goal. It also went far in explaining her presence."
"Yes, the story you created is quite plausible."
"When we accepted Bingley's invitation to visit the estate he is leasing, it seemed an even better idea. We hoped Miss Bingley would behave in an appropriate manner to a relation, as she craves my good opinion."
The countess laughed, and even the earl quietly chuckled. "I would guess," said Lady Matlock, "that Miss Bingley viewed this connection as too close for comfort and saw Beth as competition."
"You are quite right, Elaine, but Beth was more than capable of handling the woman's snide comments,” Lady Anne said.
"After enjoying Beth’s wit at dinner the other day, I would like to observe her handling of that so-called lady," said the earl with another chuckle.
Darcy scowled before continuing. "However, we faced a bigger challenge in Hertfordshire than Miss Bingley. Also in residence was an ill neighbor, who turned out to be Beth's sister."
The earl and countess appeared surprised. "If you discovered her family, why is she still residing with you and going by Miss Chamberlayne?"
Darcy explained all they had learned in Hertfordshire and the further information they had gleaned from the Gardiners and the Misses Bennet since their arrival in town.
"Shameful" was the earl's comment after hearing about Elizabeth’s family.
"How could a parent fail to love such a delightful young woman?" said the countess, indignation evident on her face and in her tone.
"Fortunately, Beth comes of age in a few days. We plan to marry while we are here in town and will be returning to Hertfordshire to attend Bingley's ball. We will confront Beth's parents the night before the event."
"Darcy, I hope you will allow us to host your wedding breakfast."
"That is a very kind offer, Aunt. Let me confer with Beth and send you a note tomorrow."
"Where is Beth today, Anne?"
"The two sisters she met at Netherfield are in town staying with the relatives with whom Beth traveled to Derbyshire. Her elder sister is engaged to Bingley, and her Aunt Gardiner was formerly Helen Harding from Lambton. Her father, Mr. Harding, served as vicar of Lambton for many years. Mr. Gardiner is a successful importer and exporter, but they could easily be mistaken for the gentry. They are well-educated, well-spoken, and very fashionable."
"It is possible I have invested with Mr. Gardiner, as the name is familiar," remarked Lord Matlock. "The return was excellent, as I recall."
"Perhaps you might introduce us to Beth's family."
"Would you care to join us on Saturday for a walk in St. James Park? We will be joining Bingley and the Bennet sisters, as well as the Gardiners and their children. Then we will be having lunch at Darcy House."
Lady Matlock looked at her husband, who nodded his agreement. "We will be delighted to do so. I will see if Matthew and Richard are available to join us. Perhaps such a large group will keep the matter from the gossip columns and keep Catherine from learning about Darcy's relationship."
The ladies squeezed in another day of shopping before the outing to St. James Park. However, on the designated day, the carriages dropped each of the parties at the park entrance closest to Buckingham Palace. As each new group arrived, they repeated the introductions. With everyone's presence, they naturally paired up as they walked along the water towards the Whitehall end of the park. Richard was quick to offer his arm to the lovely Miss Kitty Bennet, and as Mr. Darcy still had Elizabeth's hand tucked into the crook of his arm, the viscount offered his arm to his aunt, Lady Anne.
The viscount questioned his aunt regarding Miss Chamberlayne's connection to the family. She wondered at his behavior since his parents knew of Elizabeth's true situation. However, if they had chosen to not relay it to him, she would not correct his impression. Consequently, she gave him the story the public knew.
"I assume as a Darcy she has a respectable dowry, as I recall all branches of the family are rather wealthy."
"Shame on you, Matthew. Discussing money is gauche," said Lady Anne. Despite her absence from London, she was aware of the somewhat disreputable reputation her nephew was gaining. "Besides, she is a country girl at heart. Though she has enjoyed the experience of visiting London, she looks forward to returning to Pemberley. In fact, we will be leaving very soon for Hertfordshire to attend Mr. Bingley's ball and then his wedding to Miss Jane Bennet."
Thinking that Miss Chamberlayne's preference for the country would play nicely into his plans, Viscount Lockhart smiled. The viscount wondered how to accomplish his tentative goal of capturing the attention and fortune of Miss Chamberlayne before she left town, and the word “marriage” caught his ear. Bingley and Jane walked alongside Elizabeth and Darcy just in front of the viscount and Lady Anne. Knowing Bingley was engaged to Miss Bennet, Matthew assumed the wedding was under discussion.
The viscount knew he would have to find a wealthy wife soon or his father would learn of his mounting debts. He devised a plan that would force Darcy to release the lovely Miss Chamberlayne. The group was about halfway along the path when the viscount requested that they stop. "May I suggest we change partners? For, if I am not mistaken, we just passed one of the gossip columnists from the paper. Of course, you know, Darcy, if he should see you with the same woman on your arm for an extended period, he will report his speculations and word may reach Aunt Catherine of your interest in a young lady who is not her daughter. Surely you would not wish to subject Miss Chamberlayne to our aunt's disapprobation."
