Beginning, Section II, Next Section
Chapter 7 ~ Getting to Know You
Elisabeth had followed her sister down the stairs to the sitting room where they had rejoined their newfound family and the Gardiners. It was at that point that reality had well and truly set in. Elisabeth realised that her new life was beginning and it would do her no good to continue distrusting her real family, therefore, in the time it took them to leave the Gardiner's home and enter their carriage, Elisabeth had resolved to learn to love and trust her new family. This resolution was made easier by the fact that she would not have to share a carriage with one Fitzwilliam Darcy, after all, she would be meeting with him soon enough when they reached the Fitzwilliam's townhouse.
The only drawback to the entire Fitzwilliam family travelling back to their townhouse together was that the carriage was rather crowded, what with the Earl and Countess and their four fully grown children.
Lady Janet Fitzwilliam was in jovial spirits and already completely satisfied with her new situation. Well, if the truth were to be told, she was almost satisfied. She lacked a certain gentleman with blonde curly hair, a ready smile and deep blue eyes to make her life absolutely perfect, but she would not think of that. In an effort to hide the disturbing thought, that had for a moment disrupted her peace of mind, Janet remarked. "Is it just my imagination, or is it rather hard to move in here?" Janet linked arms with her mother and brother, the Colonel, to make more room.
"It's just your imagination!" exclaimed Elisabeth with a teasing smile, followed by a laugh as she moved closer to her father so her poor brother, Thomas, a rather broad shouldered young man, had room to draw breath.
This change in Elisabeth's manner did not go unnoticed, but they all had the sense to know it was better not to comment upon it.
"Thank you, Beth!" said Thomas, laughing. "Being crushed against a carriage wall does not enter anywhere into my definition of fun."
"I can't understand that," cried Elisabeth, playfully.
Thomas shook his head and one of his infrequent jolly smiles burst through his calm front that he showed to most of the world.
"Helen, I do believe Richard was right when he said this young lady reminded him of his Aunt."
Before she could stop herself, Elisabeth turned to her brother saying, "I hope you do not mean Lady Catherine!"
Thomas turned to stare at his young sister, amusement written in every feature. The Colonel valiantly fought against the urge to laugh out loud. Janet gasped in shock. She could not believe her sister had said something so very improper. Elisabeth wished that she could suddenly become invisible. Insulting her father's sister was certainly not the way to win favour. However, Janet and Elisabeth's worry all came to naught. The Countess clapped a hand over her mouth in an attempt to keep her laughter in check, while the Earl was engaged in a similar endeavor. It was not long before all, save Janet and her most embarrassed younger sister, where indulging in boisterous laughter.
Elisabeth looked around her at her family. She had thought they would be so angry at such a thing. Instead, they took it as a wonderful joke.
"Yes, indeed!" gasped the Countess. "Very much like her Aunt Catherine and her Aunt Anne! Honest to a fault."
"No, no! Like mother, like daughter!" exclaimed the Earl, who received a good-natured glare from his wife.
Elisabeth, accompanied by Janet in her confusion, looked from face to face, wanting an explanation. This was obvious to both parents.
"By the by, I did mean that in the best sense, Elisabeth," said the Countess, struggling to regain her composure as they were nearing the townhouse. "Perhaps that quality does not come through at its best with your Aunt Catherine, but the quality in your Aunt Anne was very charming. As it is in you, Beth."
Elisabeth smiled under her mother's loving gaze and nodded her understanding.
"Who is our Aunt Anne?" asked Janet, her brow wrinkling in concentration as she tried to guess for herself.
"My youngest sister," explained the Earl. "William and Georgiana's mother."
"Oh. Is Lizzy very much like her?" asked Janet.
"Oh yes, your sister is very like your Aunt Anne, Janet," answered the Earl, smiling at his daughter. "In fact, not only are they alike in manner and, as your mother pointed out, honesty," Here Lord Fitzwilliam directed a teasing glance his youngest child who had yet to entirely regain her composure. "Elisabeth resembles Anne in looks."
"And... Who is Janet like?" asked Elisabeth of her father.
"Why you mischievous little thing!" cried the Countess in mock horror. "I do declare that you want your father to say she is like Catherine de Bourgh!"
Elisabeth met her mother's laughing gaze and said sweetly. "I would not wish that on anyone, especially my beloved sister." On this occasion Janet and Elisabeth joined in the merriment that ensued, although Janet was far from inclined to believe that this lady could be as bad as her family seemed to think.
"I had forgotten that you have met your aunt," exclaimed the Countess. "That was back in March, was it not?"
Elisabeth blushed, as she always did when her visit to Kent was mentioned, for it never failed to bring the memory of Mr. Darcy's proposal to mind. "Yes, indeed... I... I was staying with my good friend Charlotte Lucas, now Mrs. Collins, at the parsonage."
"I remember my sister telling me about her parson's wife. For once in her life, Catherine did not find fault with someone. It was most extraordinary."
"And pray, what does my aunt think of Mr. Collins?" asked Elisabeth, smiling at her brother, Richard. Both of them quietly chuckled as the Earl replied.
"Knowing Mr. Collins, and knowing your aunt, I leave it up to you to decide."
"Father, if I may say so, that is not a satisfactory answer. From what I have observed, Mr. Collins is inclined to belittle himself, or grovel, if it will earn him the notice of someone such as my aunt. Whereas Lady Catherine appears to like obsequious behavior from those who are considered beneath her, yet at the same time it would seem to infuriate her."
"I see we have a studier of character amongst us," said Lady Fitzwilliam to her husband.
"And an apt studier of character at that," answered her husband, who was much impressed by the accurate description his daughter had made. "Well, in view of your observation, Elisabeth, allow me to give you a better explanation. Your aunt Catherine says that I should find a clergyman like Mr. Collins for our parish at Matlock. However there are other occasions when she complains about every aspect of him. Therefore I think it is safe to say that you really answered your own question."
"That I did," smiled his daughter as a somewhat comfortable silence had settled over the merry group in the carriage. The quiet persisted until the carriage drew up in front of the huge house in a 'good area' of London.
Stepping out of the carriage with the help of their father, Janet and Elisabeth looked around themselves in wonder. It was not as if they had never before seen such large expensive houses, but they had never looked at them with the knowledge that one of those great houses was to be their home. It was, at the same time, exciting yet disconcerting. They were so absorbed in observing their unfamiliar surroundings that they did not see Fitzwilliam and Georgiana join their group. As it was, that was a blessing for Elisabeth, who already had much on her mind and did not need the added guilt of her behavior towards her honourable cousin, to bother her at the moment.
"Come along girls," chirped the Countess happily, leading the way up the steps. They stayed rooted in the spot for a moment but when their father offered each an arm they allowed themselves to be escorted into their new home and their new lives.
Chapter 8 ~ Home
Wordlessly the Fitzwilliams' butler opened the door to the townhouse, he made no sign of the surprise he felt as he beheld the two unknown young ladies who accompanied the family. There had been some strange happenings of late, not one of the servants could glean any information about the Fitzwilliams' sudden return to their townhouse, the sudden visit of Lady Catherine de Bourgh and her daughter was equally difficult to explain, and now the arrival of two young women struck him as a most strange event, but it was not for him to reason why the gentry acted the way they did.
The Earl greeted his butler with a smile and a nod before turning his attention back to his daughters. Janet and Elisabeth looked around themselves, awed by the sight that greeted them. The Fitzwilliams' townhouse was everything that was elegant and comfortable, quite unlike that of the home of Lady Catherine de Bourgh. Rosings Park's baroque and preposterous embellishment was a shocking contrast to just the hall in the Fitzwilliam townhouse. One could not even begin to imagine what the rest of the house would be like.
Once relieved of their coats and the like, the whole family moved to the sitting room.
"How do you like the house so far, girls?" asked the Countess, directing them towards the settee.
"It's beautiful," answered Elisabeth looking around her, admiring the taste that had obviously decorated the room in which they now sat.
"Indeed, it is!" exclaimed Janet enthusiastically. "Did you choose everything yourself, Mother?"
"A little. Your father and brothers helped as well. Georgiana did, too. It was she who chose the colour for the walls." The Countess pushed her uncertain nephew into the seat exactly opposite Elisabeth. 'That should give him a good view of another ornament this room has to offer!'
"You have very good taste, Georgiana," Elisabeth congratulated her young cousin, who had taken a rather timid seat beside her.
"Thank you, but I really do not deserve such praise. My aunt merely asked me, out of two colours, which I liked best. She agreed with my choice and the next thing I knew the walls were covered in it," said Georgiana with growing confidence.
"All the same, it was a wonderful choice." Elisabeth paused and directed a teasing glance at her brothers, before saying. "But do you not find it hard to believe that my dear brothers could have lent a hand in the decor! Who would have thought they could boast of having good taste!"
"Indeed!" giggled Georgiana as the two gentlemen protested against this abuse from their sister.
"Elisabeth speaks nothing but the truth," Darcy put in, with a rare grin directed at his unfortunate cousins. He was determined not to let his and Elizabeth's previous conversation cloud the rest of the day, and maybe even the rest of his life.
The Earl and Countess laughed joyously. The day was going much better than either had expected. Of course there were still some moments of unease when they all quieted, but for the most part the family had discovered they could be at ease in one another's presence.
"Well," said the Countess. "Before you start teasing your poor brothers unmercifully, let us show you and Janet the rest of the house while a luncheon is prepared. And Darcy," the Countess warned him teasingly. "Don't encourage her to torment her brothers!"
With these words the Countess and Earl lead the way out of the room.
"Where shall we start?" asked Lady Fitzwilliam, looking at her daughters.
"I wouldn't mind seeing the library," suggested Elisabeth.
"The library it is!" Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam set off in the direction of the room, their children, niece and nephew following after them.
Opening the door to the room, the Earl let his daughters walk into the room. As was the case with the sitting room, the library had such an air of elegance. The dark mahogany bookshelves and furniture, the cream walls and deep red curtains gave the room a very sophisticated air. Surprisingly, the sophistication was not overpowering. Rather, it was contrasted by a cozy feel that was created by the slight disorder of books piled on the small tables and left in the chairs. The deep and welcoming armchairs, the soft settee and the large window seats just beckoned for one to come and enjoy an evening with a book. It was all so welcoming and homelike.
"It is lovely," Janet and Elisabeth whispered, trailing around the room picking up the occasional book or pausing to read the titles on the shelves.
The rest of the family soon joined them in the room. Lord Fitzwilliam settled himself in his favourite chair, content to observe his children and Helen, who hovered around her girls protectively. His nephew came to take the seat beside him, obviously not comfortable enough to converse with either of his long lost cousins as their brothers and his sister seemed inclined to do.
Darcy's joining him distracted the Earl from observing his wife talking with their eldest daughter and eldest son, for he saw his nephew staring fixedly at Elisabeth with such a look of undisguised longing that the Earl was caught quite off his guard. Elisabeth, too, was surprised, as she chose that very moment to glance towards them. Thus she found she was being watched carefully by her father, and her cousin was staring at her with a look that she now knew was not searching for fault. Quickly she turned her blushing countenance from them and focused her attention on the volume Georgiana was showing her, but it was no use, for the Earl's suspicions as to the degree of acquaintance that existed between his nephew and his youngest had already been formed.
"Well," said the Earl, getting up from his chair. "Shall we continue to show you all the delights this house has in store for you? Lady Janet." He offered an arm to his daughter. "Lady Elisabeth." He offered his arm to his other daughter. Both girls accepted with pleasure, yet it seemed strange to be addressed as 'Ladies'. Janet and Elisabeth knew they would have to get used to this new form of address.
The next hour took them all over the first floor of their new home. They were introduced to the breakfast room, the dining room, the music room, the ballroom and the lovely conservatory. They took a moment to walk in the small garden while the stables at the back were pointed out to them. Janet and Elisabeth were even allowed a quick peek into their father's study. There were so many rooms that Janet and Elisabeth remarked they would never be able to remember where each one was located. By the time their luncheon was ready the whole family was extremely grateful for the refreshment as the long walks through the house had proven rather exhausting, and they had yet to venture to the second floor.
Once the servants had finished their duties in the dining room the Earl dismissed them and Elisabeth was able to ask Lady Fitzwilliam, "Mother, why do the servants continue to look at Janet and I as if they are trying to unravel a great mystery?"
"Simple," stated Lady Fitzwilliam. "They have no idea who you are to us. Although we are fairly trusting in their discretion, we could not risk having the truth running rampant throughout London, especially as we did not know how well you and Janet would react to moving into your rightful place. Also, we couldn't very well risk having all of society turn up on our doorstep, poking their noses in, trying to see if they had heard correctly, not when we are just so recently reacquainted. Do not despair, it will all come out soon enough."
"Oh, I think it is a wonderful plan," Janet chimed in and Elisabeth smiled her agreement.
Their meal was soon over. The Earl excused himself for a moment and went to have a carriage sent to Gracechurch street to pick up the girls belongings before rejoining the group that had started their exploration of the second floor. Thomas, Richard, William and Georgiana opted out of one part of the tour of the upstairs apartments when the girls were shown around their prospective bedchambers and dressing rooms. There was one set of rooms that caught their attention more than the others. It was the two bedchambers connected by a dressing room.
"These belonged to your Aunt Anne and your Aunt Catherine. I can remember before balls that they would be in here for hours trying on gowns and trying on gowns and trying on gowns!" The Earl said with a smile, before addressing his youngest. "Although it may be hard to believe, Elisabeth, your Aunt Catherine was once a giddy young girl!"
Elisabeth laughed. She like her father's sense of humour, it was so much like her own.
Janet and Elisabeth looked at one another. It was already silently decided between them. These would be their rooms. The Countess observed their glance and said, teasingly,
"I do believe the both of you have decided which rooms you will choose."
"You believe correctly, Mother!" laughed Elisabeth, looking appreciatively around the room.
"You have seen just one apartment!" exclaimed the Countess, opening the door to the dressing room. Elisabeth stepped eagerly into the room, followed by Janet. They surveyed it happily; this would be a wonderful setting for many sisterly talks.
Lady Fitzwilliam then showed them the other chamber, asking as she did, "Well, which bedroom shall each of you take?"
"I will take this one," answered Elisabeth, looking happily at the decorations that were already in place; the huge bed, the lovely bedside table, the elegant dressing table, the writing desk and she absolutely adored the deep cream colour of the walls.
"And I will happily take the other room," said Janet, walking back to it. "Blue is my favourite colour!"
"True, and you look so well in it, Jane." Elisabeth paused once she realised she hadn't said Janet, but her parents didn't seem to mind so she continued. "It is a lovely room, but may I ask..." Elisabeth turned to her mother. "Why is the furniture all the same?"
"It was a little whim of mine when I redecorated. Actually, that was some twenty years ago, when I was expecting you, Elisabeth. I was certain I was going to have another little girl and I always thought that these rooms would be ideal for two sisters. After all, Catherine and Anne had inhabited them for years. With that in mind I decorated it as I did."
"You were certain I was girl?" asked Elisabeth. It was sweet to learn all these things.
"Certain! Good Lord! Your mother was adamant. She practically bit my head off when I said there was no way we would know for sure until the baby was born!" exclaimed the Earl, laughing at the memory of Helen telling him the baby was a girl and he should not disbelieve her judgement.
"I did not bite your head off!" his wife said icily before dissolving into laughter. In front of Hugh Fitzwilliam she had never been able to keep up any kind of ruse; he had a way of seeing right through her, a circumstance that never failed to make her laugh.
They quickly completed their inspection of the upper floor before returning to the drawing room. Helen paused a moment to talk with the housekeeper, Mrs. Patrick.
"Please have someone clean those two front bedchambers as soon as possible."
"As you wish, Ma'am... Are the young ladies staying? I wouldn't ask, only cook is wondering about the menu."
"Oh! I had forgotten. Yes, the young ladies are staying and we expect two more guests this evening. They are also bringing their four children, so ask cook to prepare a meal that is appropriate for a child's appetite."
As Lady Fitzwilliam watched Mrs. Patrick walk away, only slightly wiser as to the goings on of the family, she giggled quietly. It was all too obvious that the servants were bursting with curiosity. It was really quite amusing, but they would find out soon enough.
Sadly, the Darcys soon took their leave after their aunt rejoined them in the drawing room. William had some business to attend to before coming to dinner and Georgiana was to have her music lesson in half an hour and needed to practice a piece. They parted regretfully with their family, yet it was a comfort to know that they would soon be seeing them when they came to dine that evening.
For the next hour, until the arrival of the girls' belongings, the family talked on neutral subjects, mostly the townhouse. Janet and Elisabeth were allowed to ask many questions about their home. They were also told a great deal about the estate in Derbyshire, Matlock House. Janet expressed her desire to see the place and Elisabeth did the same, but with a small amount of reluctance. She did not wish to quit London, and mainly the close proximity of the Gardiners, so soon. Although the afternoon spent in their presence had lessened her discomfort, she was still not able to carry on as normal.
When they were informed by the housekeeper that the rooms had been cleaned and the trunks had been moved to the rooms, Lady Fitzwilliam whisked her daughters upstairs to help with the unpacking in what ever way she could.
"Well, where shall we start, my dears?" asked their mother, taking a seat on one of the chairs in the dressing room.
"As we have no way of knowing which trunk contains what we might as well just work through them all," said Elisabeth, surveying the things in front of her.
"Good!" exclaimed the Countess, standing up and clapping her hands together, showing that she was determined to be efficient and her daughters would not have a chance to rest until everything was in its rightful place.
At first they were mainly employed in opening trunks and ascertaining whose gowns, undergarments, shoes and other such accessories were where. With all this activity there was not much time for talk but, once they had begun settling everything into the wardrobes and dressing tables, Lady Fitzwilliam said,
"I want the both of you to know, from the start, that your father and I want to make you as comfortable as possible." Lady Fitzwilliam abandoned the clothing and motioned her daughters to the settee. Once they were settled on either side of their mother, she continued. "I know things will not be easy, it is not the way things work. Yet, in time, I hope that we will become as if we were never apart. Feel free to ask or discuss whatever you want with your father and I, and your brothers for that matter. Even though I tease them greatly, they do have much good sense. Also, you are not to act as guests in this house. It is your home and you are to treat it as such. Understood?"
"Yes, Mother," Janet and Elisabeth answered together, allowing their mother to pull them close to her.
"I love you girls very much, and I hope that in time you can come to love me as much as I do you."
Surprisingly, it was Elisabeth who answered first. "I love you too, Mother. Already. I don't know how it is, and I know it is not out of a sense that I should. I just do... It... It is almost as if somewhere inside of me there is a small memory of my life with my real family, before we were taken."
"You have no idea how lovely it is to hear you say that, Beth," said Lady Fitzwilliam, giving both her daughters a watery smile.
"And I feel the same way, Mother," whispered Janet.
Drawing a deep breath, that was expelled just as quickly as the tears from her eyes were banished, the happy mother stood up, saying, "Come. Let us get these gowns put away, then we can relax."
The next few minutes passed without much conversation, except for the apologies followed by giggles when certain articles were reached for at the same time.
"Oh! I do like this dress!" exclaimed the Countess, holding up the cream-coloured muslin belonging to Elisabeth.
"It is one of my favourites," answered Elisabeth, with a faraway look. "I wore that at the Netherfield Ball when I danced with Mr. Da..." She stopped suddenly, coming back to earth and flushed deeply, refusing to look at either Janet or her mother.
Lady Fitzwilliam was not blind to this. Nor did she miss the startled expression that crossed Janet's face when Elisabeth mentioned dancing with whoever the young gentleman was, although Helen Fitzwilliam was not without an idea as to the young man's identity.
"Netherfield Park. Was not that the house that William stayed at when he first met the both of you?" Lady Fitzwilliam ignored her conscience that was upbraiding her for being so nosy.
"Yes," mumbled Elisabeth, who was almost hiding in her wardrobe as she hung up another dress.
"I thought so. And what did you think of your cousin when you first met him?"
The Countess observed Elisabeth sending Janet a pleading look and was not surprised to hear her eldest daughter answer the question she had really directed towards her youngest.
"When the only times you meet are in company, it is difficult to form a proper impression of someone."
"Oh, but I had understood that the two of you spent a few days at Netherfield, while Janet was ill."
"We did!" Elisabeth answered much too quickly, before resorting to another blush. "But... That is... We were still in the company of others..." She finished off lamely and turned to open the window, hoping the air would cool her blushing face.
Helen knew when she should not ask further questions. Therefore, she gave great relief to both of her girls when she changed the subject to the forthcoming dinner party.
"I hope the dinner this evening will be to the Gardiners' liking."
"I am sure it will, Mother." Janet answered, well aware that Elisabeth had yet to achieve the composure she was striving for over by the window.
"I like the Gardiners. They seem to be quite understanding, in view of this rather strange situation."
"Indeed," whispered Elisabeth, rejoining them. "Mr. Gardiner is really quite different from... From his sister."
Lady Fitzwilliam smiled, grasping Elisabeth's hand. "Don't feel uncomfortable to mention the Bennets in our family. It is not as if we are trying to keep it a secret. We already know what happened. We know that for years you looked upon them as your family. It is something that we have to accept and we cannot forever be tip-toeing around the subject."
"Thank you, Mother."
"Well, I must admit I am curious. What are the girls in the Bennet family like? I understand from William that there are three girls."
"Yes," Janet answered. "Mary, Kitty and Lydia."
"Do you really wish to know what they are like?" asked Elisabeth, her eyes twinkling. Once more her past discomfort was forgotten.
"I think I do," replied her mother in a similar mischievous manner.
Elisabeth broke into a smile and said cheerfully. "What can be said about them? Mary is very studious. I have lost count of the number of times I have seen her intently reading Fordyce's Sermons..."
"She would quote from it all the time! Especially, when Kitty or Lyddie were acting in a rather foolish manner." Janet continued. "Mary would make the ideal wife for a clergyman."
"Mary Bennet is quite serious, then?" questioned the Countess.
"Yes, although not always." Elisabeth went on to explain. "I think she likes to give the impression that she is not like Kitty or Lydia. As a result she acts in a manner that is an exact opposite of theirs, but I have seen her forget herself at times and laugh at something ridiculous."
Helen smiled encouragingly. It was surprising to her that it was not painful to hear of the Bennets.
"Kitty follows Lydia's example much too closely. Although I believe that if she were to be removed from Lydia's influence, and put in the way of someone who was willing to take the time to remove all her silly notions, she would turn out to be rather intelligent and sensible."
"I agree," stated Janet. "Kitty really is a good girl, but a little too easily lead."
"Hmm. Well, perhaps she shall change, as you wish her too," suggested the Countess.
"I hope so," admitted Janet.
"And what of Miss Lydia?" asked the Countess.
"Lydia is a boisterous girl of fifteen but, sadly, she is rather spoilt." Janet went on to say.
"Oh, yes. Lydia shows great intelligence and enthusiasm, but 'tis for the wrong things. Her intelligence was centred around every detail of Officer Denny's life, or what details he was willing to communicate to a flirtatious girl of fifteen. The enthusiasm was for anything that moved in regimentals. I dare say it is quite fortunate that she never met my poor brother, as he would never have been able to dislodge her."
"Dear me!" cried the Countess laughing. "Perhaps she will calm down in the years to come and turn out to be quite sensible."
"I'm afraid I somewhat doubt that," put in Elisabeth sceptically.
"Well, there is no way of knowing what will happen in the future," said Lady Fitzwilliam as she and her daughters turned their full attention on the remainder of clothes that needed to be stored in the wardrobes.
A short time later, just as the last of the clothes had been put away, save the dresses kept out for the girls to wear later in the evening, the sound of a carriage drew them to the window where they were able to observe the arrival of the Gardiners. Lady Fitzwilliam excused herself to go dress while Janet and Elisabeth did the same.
"What do you think of Mother?" asked Janet, sitting before the mirror pulling some loose strands of hair away from her face.
"I don't know what I think. I hardly know her well enough but from what I have seen I am thrilled that she is so calm and sweet. Much like you!"
"Me!" exclaimed her sister, turning from her pursuit in front of the mirror to regard Elisabeth with a look of surprise.
"Yes. Why does that shock you?"
"I thought you were like her! After all, Mother is mischievous and witty!"
"Oh, I don't know!" cried Elisabeth, throwing up her hands in defeat. "As I said, we have hardly had the time to get to know her very well."
Janet smiled. "Indeed."
A knock at the door some five minutes later alerted them to their mother's presence. After she had complimented her girls on looking so well, and noting that Elisabeth was wearing the cream-muslin, they walked down to the drawing room to greet the guests.
Janet and Elisabeth were happy to see the Gardiners. Mrs. Gardiner smiled in relief as she saw the both of them were looking more at ease than they had earlier in the day. Having the Gardiners near, and seeing how well they got on with their parents, was a great comfort. Until the arrival of the Darcys a short time later, Thomas and his father discussed many a topic with Mr. Gardiner, while Janet and her mother entertained Mrs. Gardiner.
Mrs. Gardiner would have been concerned that Elisabeth had not joined in the conversation had not she observed the Colonel take a seat beside his sister.
"I have not had a chance to talk with you all day. How are you Elisabeth? Really." Richard smiled at his sister.
"I am well," she sighed. "I have a lot to get used to, but I am well. I must confess that I hope I do not get lost in this house."
"It isn't the Townhouse you have to worry about. It's Matlock House. Poor Janet got lost in it, once."
"She did!" exclaimed Elisabeth.
"Yes, technically she was not really lost. She was in plain view all the time, but everyone was so worried they didn't see her."
"Where was she?"
"Asleep in one of the chairs in the Library. Mother was frantic, mainly because she was not able to help in the search."
"Why ever not?"
"She was in her confinement with you!"
"Oh no!"
"Oh yes! I am convinced, that was the day Father's hair grayed! There he was, alternating between worry about his wife and unborn child, searching for Janet, trying to keep Aunt Catherine from offering her advice and services, and asking Aunt Anne to tell Mother all was going alright and to not distress herself further."
"How did Mother take that?"
"Ahh! I see you have discovered Mother's temperament already. She was not best pleased. I heard her asking, in a rather angered tone, how she was to relax when she was concerned about two of her children, and not able to do anything about one of them. Also adding, how was one to relax when Catherine de Bourgh was barking advice and suggestions in the middle of the room and interfering with the Doctor?"
Elisabeth laughed merrily, drawing the attention of her parents who looked at them both for some sort of explanation as they suddenly wore extremely innocent expressions. Once they returned to their conversations, Elisabeth leaned closer to her brother, asking,
"Who finally found Janet?"
"Uncle George."
"He is..."
"George Darcy."
"Ahh..."
"He was the only one able to remain calm during the entire incident. Consequently, when order was restored he was able to tell the most amusing tale of how we were all running this way and that searching for Janet, while he was calmly searching the house room by room."
"I can almost see it!" laughed Elisabeth.
Richard would have told her more, but it was at that moment that the butler announced the arrival of the Darcys. Upon their entry to the room, Georgiana immediately rushed to hug each of her new cousins. It was clear she was already quite attached to these long lost members of her family.
"I see I am no longer considered a favourite cousin, Georgie!" Richard teased, as he watched her already talking excitedly with Janet and Elisabeth.
"That is not it at all!" cried Georgiana before she realised she was being teased.
Darcy, as usual, found himself drawn to Elisabeth, so it was not long before he and the Colonel had entered into conversation, to which Elisabeth contributed the occasional remark when she was not occupied in trying to solve the mystery of Darcy's character.
Elisabeth supposed he was still in love with her, even though there was no way to be certain, but one thing she did know was that she was seeing a great change in him. She recalled Richard's remark at Rosings concerning Darcy and how 'he was lively enough in other places'. Certainly, amongst his own family and friends this must hold true, but he had been amongst family at Rosings, and with friends at Netherfield, and he had never been so at ease. Little did she know that most of Darcy's afternoon had been spent in forming the resolution to show her that he had changed, that he had taken her words to heart. He lived with the hope that he might still have a chance to win Elisabeth by convincing her that he was not so bad as she had been led to believe.
Recovering from her reverie, Elisabeth quickly looked in the other direction as she realised that Darcy had noticed her staring at him. She only hoped that no one else had noticed, but that was not to be the case.
To distract the attention of most of the room away from her blushing youngest daughter and nephew who had been smiling rather goofily under Elisabeth's gaze, Lady Fitzwilliam said to Janet,
"I believe you said that you have some memories of your life with us before you were taken."
"Yes."
"Do you, by chance, remember what you used to call William?"
Janet, wrinkled her brow in concentration. Then with a gasp she cried out, "Did I call him 'Itzwilliam'?"
Lady Fitzwilliam laughed. "Yes you did! For some reason you could not say the letter 'F'. You were always calling yourself Janet Itzwilliam. And you even further abbreviated poor William's name by calling him Itzwill."
"Janet! You didn't!" cried Elisabeth.
"Oh yes she did. We all thought it quite adorable. Even William enjoyed being called Itzwill," said the Countess.
Darcy smiled at this point before saying, with a hint of merriment in his voice, "However, Lady Catherine did not share in the belief that it was sweet and that you would eventually grow out of it. When she first heard you call me Itzwilliam, she then spent the next half-hour telling you that your name was Fitzwilliam." Darcy paused as a laughing Janet buried her blushing face in her hands. "Every time, she would emphasise the 'F'." Darcy changed his voice to imitate his aunt. "Janet, you should not call Fitzwilliam that. He is your older cousin and he deserves more respect than to be called by such an unusual name. After all, 'Itzwilliam' sounds as if you are saying: 'It is William', when you should say, 'He is Fitzwilliam'."
Darcy was very startled to find Elisabeth laughing at his story. Once she calmed herself, she said, smiling at him, "I'm sorry, but I must say your imitation of Lady Catherine is frighteningly accurate!"
Enjoying her happy mood, he answered, "Should I take that as compliment or an insult?"
"Both, I believe," replied Elisabeth enigmatically, smiling at her cousin as their eyes locked.
The smile was returned and everyone else in the room looked the other way, feeling as if they were intruding on a private moment. The spell was soon broken by dinner being announced.
The evening with the Gardiners was a success, partly because their company took the strain off of the whole family. It was comforting for Janet and Elisabeth to have them near. As Lady Fitzwilliam had said, the dinner was quite an informal affair. The Gardiners' children were welcome to join the grown-ups at the dinner table, an honour that the children were well aware of, as they were on their best behaviour.
"So," said the Earl, striving to create a conversation that included his daughters. "You have met that clergyman of your aunt Catherine's, Lizzy."
"Yes. Actually, both Janet and I have."
"Really!" exclaimed the Countess. "I thought only Beth went to Hunsford... Oh, but you said he married your good friend!"
"Yes... In truth he is Mr. Bennet's cousin. The estate of Longbourn was entailed upon him. He came for a visit, or, more accurately, looking for a bride amongst the young women of Longbourn," explained Elisabeth.
"Tell me it isn't so!" cried Richard in horror, voicing the thought that his cousin Darcy was too embarrassed to venture.
"I'm afraid that was very much the case," said Elisabeth, smiling.
"Who was so unfortunate as to attract his attentions?"
"Janet..."
"Only for the first evening!" cried Janet in her defence. "Then his attentions changed to you, no matter what you did to deflect them."
"Yes, but," Elisabeth floundered.
"Forgive the question, Beth," asked Thomas. "But did this man actually propose marriage?"
Elisabeth looked down at her plate while Janet, showing her rare teasing side, happily informed the family. "Good Lord, yes! He was immediately refused, of course, but not without a great deal of confusion and fuss."
Although he was seething with jealousy Darcy was sensible of the fact that even though he didn't have Elisabeth, Mr. Collins didn't either, and, with this thought, he had to cover his mouth with his hand to hide the smile that spread across his face. However, some may say that it looked more as if he was trying to prevent himself from being sick.
"Please," cried a flustered Countess. "There has to have been another proposal that was not so injurious to one's self-respect as that? Someone who had something to recommend himself. Looks... even money, although it sounds shockingly mercenary!"
Elisabeth's darting glance at her cousin Darcy was indeed very quick, but the Countess was a keen observer. Even if she had missed that small glance she could not have missed the expression her nephew wore. He looked as a man who had just foreseen his own death.
"No," squeaked Elisabeth, making it plain to all that she had in fact received a proposal from such a gentleman, one who might even have both looks and money.
Once more Helen's conscience irked her as she watched her daughter and nephew. Usually she was a paragon of virtue, but this time her curiosity was refusing to give her a moment's peace. So many circumstances pointed towards the fact that there was something more in the relationship between Elisabeth and Darcy. She knew she was not the only one to notice it; her husband was regarding his nephew inquisitively, as was Richard, but he was so subtle it was it was easy to overlook his interest.
After a slight lull, the conversation became light and amusing. The Gardiners discovered many a shared interest with the Earl and Countess of Matlock and they were able to discuss or even argue their points without the fear that they might cause offense. The Earl and Mr. Gardiner discovered they had to cover every possible aspect of the wonderful sport of fishing and did so with alacrity. Lady Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Gardiner discussed plays they had seen. Occasionally Janet, Elisabeth or Georgiana joined into this conversation as they had seen a couple of the plays being discussed. Thomas and Richard contemplated Elisabeth's marriage proposals, of which there seemed to be a few. This caused the protective instinct of the elder brother to kick in. Darcy merely remained quiet, considering how lucky he was that no one suspected anything of his feelings for Elisabeth, or so he thought.
Following dinner, Elisabeth was able to convince Georgiana to play for them all, but not without some difficulty as Georgiana extracted a promise that if she played Elisabeth had to as well. It was agreed to but not without some misgivings, for this was the first time she would play before her parents and she did not want to disappoint. After all the praise her brother had given her she felt she might not live up to their expectations. However, her performance was declared delightful and she was applied to, by them all, to play again. When she agreed, the Earl was presented with the chance to observe his nephew. Darcy sat mesmerised by the fair performer and Lord Fitzwilliam suspected that his daughter's talent as a musician was not the only object under admiration. Had he not felt extremely protective of his child, he might not have minded so much, and had he not be so preoccupied in watching Darcy, he would have noticed that Elisabeth was having a difficult time keeping herself from staring at Darcy.
The Gardiners did not stay much longer following the coffee and music after dinner as they were unwilling to intrude upon a family that had been apart so long. Therefore, with some sadness, they parted from the pleasant evening. Mrs. Gardiner hugged each girl, smiling reassuringly before her children monopolised their attention begging for good-night hugs and the like.
Subsequently, the Darcys soon took their leave. Having spent almost all day with the Fitzwilliams they knew they could not delay their leaving any longer, no matter how much they might have wished to stay. Georgiana sadly bid adieu to Janet and Elisabeth. They had become such good friends over the course of the day, but Elisabeth reminded her that the Fitzwilliams were to visit them at the Darcy Townhouse the next day and, as it was already late in the evening, it was not far off. This cheered Georgiana up immensely but it did not have the same influence on her taciturn brother, to whom the prospect of watching Elisabeth all day was a mixture of pain and pleasure. He knew her opinion of him too well, yet there had been times during the day when he thought he had reason to hope. Even if that hope carried in the look or the word was fleeting - it was hope all the same.
The family did not remain awake much longer after the departure of their guests. They stayed up only long enough to discuss what a delightful evening they had just enjoyed. The countess and her husband were in agreement over their delight in their second meeting with the amiable and sensible Gardiners. It was obvious that they had made a good impression on all the Fitzwilliam family. Then, bidding each other a good night, they all went their separate ways. Thomas and Richard made for the library for a relaxing port and a discussion about their sisters, who they found to be quite agreeable and certainly nothing like the twittering girls their friends were so-called 'blessed' with for sisters.
Lord and Lady Fitzwilliam spent a long two hours talking and deciding what would be done when it came time to announcing the girls' relation to themselves, and also making further plans about the earl speaking with his solicitors the next day about settling quite a handsome fortune on each of the girls. The countess expressed a wish that they might hold a ball in honour of their daughters, but they both knew they would not force the point until Janet and Elisabeth were ready for their great launch into London society.
Janet and Elisabeth talked into the wee hours of the morning about the day they had just experienced and their more than favourable impressions of their family. They went on at length about certain instances of the day, what they thought of each member of their family, and Elizabeth told Janet the story with which Richard had entertained her earlier. One topic, however, was avoided like the plague. Neither one of them mentioned the two certain gentlemen who occupied their thoughts with an alarming frequency.
Chapter 9 ~ Turning Orange with Envy
Lady Mellor was a lady who derived great pleasure from delving into the affairs of those around her, especially those of her neighbours, the Earl and Countess of Matlock and their fine, handsome sons. It was a favourite pastime of hers to sit and look at the comings and goings of that house. However, that only took place when she was not too busy throwing her daughter into the path of any eligible bachelor, shopping and gossiping, or complaining about her numerous and assorted ailments.
However, the last few days had presented her much on which to speculate and circulate around the town. First of all, there had been the sudden, and late night return, of the Fitzwilliam family to their townhouse. Even more intriguing was that they had not been at home to any of the calls that she and her daughter, Alexandra, had attempted to make. It must be said that it was a great wish of Lady Mellor (and of her daughter) that Alexandra would attract the notice of the young, handsome and very rich Viscount Allington, eldest son of the Earl and Countess. Lady Mellor never missed a chance to bring the two together and, for the time being, it appeared that her plan had been met with some success. After all, Allington had danced with Alexandra twice at Almack's.
With these strange and diverting thoughts in her head, this lady had been even more surprised when she beheld none other than the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrive at the townhouse with her sickly daughter in tow. They had been in the house half an hour before the Fitzwilliams returned from an outing. Not twenty minutes later, the lady had swept disdainfully out of the house and stomped into her carriage, almost driving off without her daughter.
The following morning, a carriage bearing the Darcy crest had drawn up in front of the house and, a short time later, the aforementioned carriage, along with the Fitzwilliams' splendid carriage, had set off. Lady Mellor had been practically driven into a fit of nerves waiting for their return; she was saved from this horrid fate when she heard the carriages drawing up before the neighbouring house. Once she, accompanied by her daughter, had rushed to the window to have a look and quite a sight greeted them.
Out of the Earl and Countess's carriage stepped two unknown young ladies. One lady was a beautiful blonde with a sweet angelic face - Lady Mellor noticed this with some fear, for she knew that her own daughter was not an equal to this beauty. The other lady was a brunette who looked rather uncertain of herself at the moment, and in Lady Mellor's disapproving eye she was promptly put into the category of nothing special and not a threat to 'dear Alexandra's' chances. The young ladies were not dressed in the height of fashion, in fact their clothes seemed (to a keen follower of fashion) to be shockingly 'countrified'. It was also noted that they seemed to be looking at their surroundings with something akin to wonder. To Lady Mellor this offered all the proof she needed that these were unimportant country girls. Then again, if they were so unimportant, what did they have to do with the great Fitzwilliam family?
As soon as the family had disappeared into their house Lady Mellor and her daughter had dressed themselves with their usual care and within an hour they had set off to pay numerous calls on the many ladies of their acquaintance. As they had left the house when they did, they missed the arrival of a carriage laden with trunks, and the arrival of another carriage bearing a couple and their four children. However, it was of little matter; what news they did know was communicated and received with as much excitement as it was given.
It was in this manner, and a good deal more embellished, that the information reached the ears of one Caroline Bingley the following morning when Mrs. Hurst came to deliver it into the hands of her sister's safekeeping. They speculated wildly as to who the young ladies were and, when it was announced by their brother Charles that he was off to call on Darcy, they jumped at the chance of visiting 'dear Georgiana'. As it concerned her aunt and uncle, Caroline and Louisa were in great hopes of finding out the truth to spread around London. What a great surprise they were about to experience!
Breakfast in the Fitzwilliam household was a cheerful affair, though a trifle taxing as they still did not have the complete comfort of a close family, but it was a joy all the same. Following the meal, the Earl excused himself for his meeting with his solicitors as there was much to be done. First and foremost was the settling of £40,000 pounds on each of the girls, a fortune that the Earl knew would draw all sorts of young men, bargaining for a bride. It was at this time that he sincerely wished his daughters had not been blessed with quite so much beauty. After all - beauty and a large fortune would attract just the kind of attention he did not want his daughters to have. Hugh Fitzwilliam considered, with a small amount of candour, that having all his pistols in the best of shape had become an absolute necessity, just in case.
Viscount Allington, or Thomas, as his family knew him, took himself off to his club in the hopes of finding something more entertaining with which to occupy his time, rather than wandering aimlessly through the townhouse for the day. His club was a place that he never could avoid for more than a day upon first entering town. Unless he had been cursed with a particularly taxing day, one visit would last him a week, for it was a family trait that he had inherited from his father which prevented him from being very fond of company. It must be understood that his dislike of social gatherings caused many a young female heart to cry out in horror, for he was such a fine catch, and for him to ask one to dance was deemed quite an honour.
With his father and elder brother thus engaged, the job of escorting his mother and sisters to the Darcys' fell to the Colonel, not that he minded. Mother, daughters and son were in complete agreement that it would be a most delightful visit. Little did they know how delightful, especially for Janet who would get to see Mr. Bingley, but not forgetting the fun Lady Fitzwilliam, Richard and Elisabeth would have at the expense of Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. For those ladies were, understandably, disliked by the aforementioned members of the Fitzwilliam family.
The Darcy Townhouse
Upon their arrival, Richard made for William's study in the hope that they could arrange to go to Darcy's fencing master later in the day. Meanwhile, the Countess and her daughters were greeted by a Miss Georgiana Darcy who, in spite of the servant standing beside them, gave each a hug saying how happy she was to see them again, for it seemed like forever since last evening.
The ladies had just comfortably installed themselves in the music room when Richard and William entered. William, upon hearing that a 'certain person' had arrived, had suggested to his cousin that they join the ladies.
The Countess smiled as they entered the room, saying to her nephew. "William! Just the gentleman I wanted to see. We were wondering if you would allow Georgie to accompany my girls and I on a shopping trip this afternoon?"
William saw nothing particularly wrong with the plan for he knew how much his sister already loved Janet and Elisabeth. On the carriage ride home the previous evening he had heard nothing but what Janet had said and what Elisabeth had said. Then breakfast that morning had been passed in a similar manner. He only wished he could have the level of ease and intimacy that his sister was so easily granted by Elisabeth, but it did no good to dwell on that problem, so he said cheerfully,
"Of course! After all, I can see I could not have refused because you have already asked my sister and I would have to be a great ogre, indeed, if I refused my consent to this plan when Georgie is so obviously set on going."
Georgiana smiled, "Thank you, William!"
Meanwhile, Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam was looking at her cousin Darcy with something resembling wonder. Never before has she heard to him speak so many words, voluntarily. 'He really has changed... but perhaps he was always like this. I was just too prejudiced to notice this side of him...' She quickly looked away when she realized William had once more caught her staring at him.
Much to the relief of Elisabeth, it was then that Georgiana pulled her over to the pianoforte placed near the window to look at some music that Georgiana had promised to show her cousin. They were thus engaged when Elisabeth happened to look out the open window to the carriage that had just pulled up outside the Townhouse.
Elisabeth gave a small gasp as she realized who had come to pay a call. The fact that he had brought his sisters was something of a disappointment, for she had yet to consider what fun she could have tormenting them with the truth of her and Janet's identities. Georgiana followed her cousin's gaze and smiled, turning to her brother she said,
"Mr. Bingley and his sisters have come to call."
With a touch of unease, Elisabeth and William looked at one another, each remembering the last time Mr. Bingley had been mentioned by them. Then wearing rather perplexed expressions, turned to regard Janet. The Countess saw her daughter's eyes had fleetingly met William's before they had both quickly looked away, blushing and glancing at Janet.
Lady Janet Fitzwilliam, upon hearing the above information, had started in surprise as the colour drained from her rosy complexion.
"Are we going to tell them?" asked Elisabeth of her mother, though she was still looking with concern at her sister.
"Yes." The Countess smiled wickedly as she imagined Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst's response to the news.
Janet was vaguely aware of what had been agreed, but for the moment she was engaged in staring at her feet in an attempt to regain her composure that had vanished so quickly. This was basically achieved, with a heightened colour in her face, just a moment before the door was opened to admit Mr. Bingley and his sisters.
Mr. Bingley stopped at the threshold as he beheld Janet sitting on the settee, a becoming blush settling over her beloved features. Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst, greatly unprepared for Charles' halting in front of them, nearly trampled their poor brother.
Everyone made their bows or curtseys, thus Mr. Bingley's 'charming' sisters were, for a short time, prevented from seeing what had caused their brother's preoccupation.
"Ahh... Mr. Bingley, Miss. Bingley, Mrs. Hurst, it is always a pleasure." Lady Fitzwilliam, smiled sweetly while her observant eyes took in the look of surprise and love that crossed Bingley's face upon realizing Janet was in the same room as he. Nor was she blind to her daughter's feelings. Feelings which to some might have been masked but to her mother showed such a devotion and love for Mr. Bingley that she wondered why the two had not already exchanged their vows.
"My dear Jane!" cried Miss. Bingley insincerely, her eyes wide open in shock. Mrs. Hurst was too stunned to utter anything more than a faint 'oh'.
It was at this moment that Elisabeth stepped into the centre of the room while Georgiana half cowered behind her (Miss Darcy was not fond of these ladies). This time neither lady could say a thing, instead they gaped at Elisabeth. Mrs. Hurst was merely surprised to see Elizabeth Bennet, while her sister was seething with jealousy - That Miss Eliza Bennet should know where Mr. Darcy lived was a thought that well-nigh overwhelmed her.
William was having too much fun looking at the expressions on the faces of Bingley's sisters, but he was also noting with much regret how wrong he had been about Janet's feelings for his friend. With these observations, and some resolutions to set things to right, William could not behave as a proper host should.
Elisabeth took this opportunity to smile reassuringly at Georgiana, and it was here that her young cousin realized she was not alone in her dislike of the two ladies. Bearing this in mind she was able to play the part of hostess extremely well and she began by offering her guests a seat. Mr. Bingley immediately strode across the room and took the chair closest to Janet, smiling absurdly as he did so. His sisters, still in a daze, were well pleased with the chance to sit down and gather their scattered wits, thus they moved to the chairs closest to them.
"Would you care for some tea?" asked Georgiana.
"Yes," Mrs. Hurst and Miss. Bingley squeaked in unison. Their brother nodded whilst staring dreamily into Janet's eyes.
The Colonel looked away, rolling his eyes. It was embarrassing to see Janet and Bingley looking at each other so, but his protective nature took over and he glanced back, unsure whether he liked a 'gentleman' looking at his sister in that manner. He was going to keep an eye on Charles Bingley. If Bingley slipped up, Richard Fitzwilliam was confident in his proficiency with pistols.
Georgiana served the tea to her guests. She noticed, with well-concealed amusement, that Miss. Bingley took a rather unladylike gulp of the scalding liquid, a gulp that brought tears to her eyes. Lady Fitzwilliam and Elisabeth hid their own smiles in their cups.
"How... How do you come to be in town?" asked Miss. Bingley. It had finally dawned on her that there was no reason she could think of to explain Jane and Elizabeth Bennet calling at the Darcy's townhouse. How could they be on such terms with them? A second and rather disturbing thought struck Miss. Bingley - Surely, the Bennet girls were not the ones staying with the Earl and Countess of Matlock!
"We live in London now. That is, when we are not on our estate," answered Elisabeth taking a calm sip of her tea, an action that infuriated Miss. Bingley beyond reason.
"You do!" exclaimed Bingley. This welcome piece of news was enough to distract him, for a moment, away from Janet.
"Yes, Bingley, they do." William noticed what fun Elisabeth and his wicked aunt were having, and he was not about to miss the chance of helping torment his friend's sisters. He and Elisabeth exchanged a conspiratorial glance, one that seemed to draw them closer to each other. That glance communicated to each other the similar turn of their minds.
"I did not know the Bennets owned a townhouse," Mrs. Hurst said.
"They don't. We are staying with family," answered Elisabeth, looking to her mother. Helen Fitzwilliam smiled encouragingly to her daughter, clearly saying with her eyes: 'Go ahead! Reel them in.'
"Oh, are you staying with your family in Cheapside, then?" asked Miss. Bingley, emphasizing the word 'Cheapside', while her eyes twinkled with evil intent.
"No, we are not staying with the Gardiners." Elisabeth paused and held her breath, along with Georgiana, William, Richard, and the Countess. Caroline and Louisa raised their cups to their lips, and sipped. "We are staying with the Fitzwilliams."
The sound of convulsive choking filled the room. The sisters tried to remain dignified, whilst gasping for breath, and the others tried not to laugh. Bingley looked at his sisters in dismay before saying to Darcy;
"I did not know you were related to the Bennets!"
"Oh, I'm not."
Extremely puzzled expressions then graced the countenances of Bingley, Caroline, and Louisa. Janet looked on, stunned into silence when she realized what the rest of her family was trying to achieve.
"I thought you said you were staying with family. You are staying with the Fitzwilliams?" Mrs. Hurst inquired.
"That is what Beth said, my dear Mrs. Hurst," replied the Countess, adopting a mockingly serene air.
"I have not the pleasure of understanding you," Miss. Bingley cried, her agitation apparent in the high pitch of her voice.
"It is quite simple," Richard interposed. "We are not related to the Bennets, I fail to see what is so hard to understand."
"But, you said that you are family! I know who Jane and Elizabeth are! They are Bennets... So, if you say you are related to them, then you must be related to the Bennets!" exclaimed Miss. Bingley, angrily.
"Who must be?" asked Darcy, with feigned stupidity.
"Jane and Elizabeth, Darcy!" said Bingley, wondering if his friend had been drinking.
"Well, that is just impossible!" said Darcy with such an air of superiority that, had not Elisabeth been greatly enjoying his performance, she might have slapped him.
"How?!" cried Mrs. Hurst, feeling a headache coming on. Such things happen when you were not in the habit of thinking so much in one day, let alone ten minutes.
The Countess decided it would be the right time to put them all out of their misery, besides she was finding it just a little hard to have her daughters addressed as 'Bennets'.
"There is something you should know. I am well aware that these young ladies are known to you as Jane and Elisabeth Bennet, but those are not their real names. Just a few days ago we, my husband and I, received a letter from a man, James Bennet. It was written a few days before his death." Mr. Bingley and his sisters stared in shock at Janet and Elisabeth. There was something very strange about their cheerful behaviour, considering their father had passed on.
"The letter was to confess the part he and his wife had played in the grievous injury done to my family twenty years ago. They had been residing in Ireland for some time, and it was there that they had the misfortune to lose their two daughters to illness. I understand that their deaths occurred two weeks before the Bennets were to return to England. They were passing through Derbyshire when their carriage broke down. As they waited for it to be repaired they took a walk onto the Matlock estate. It was there that they saw two little girls on the front lawn... They... They took those two girls to raise as their own, in place of the children they had recently lost."
Lady Fitzwilliam was surprised that she found this task so very hard, but she was much comforted when she felt Elisabeth squeeze her hand.
"The two children they took were none other than my own daughters, Janet and Elisabeth Fitzwilliam. Do you see? Who you knew to be Jane Bennet is really my daughter, Lady Janet Fitzwilliam, and who you knew to be Elizabeth Bennet is really my daughter, Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam."
Mr. Bingley stared in surprise before saying how wonderful it must be for them to be together again. He cheerfully offered his congratulations, but he could not think of anything to say about Mr. Bennet's demise as there was really nothing suitable given the circumstances.
Mrs. Hurst's eyes bugged, most unbecomingly, out of her head while her mouth flapped open and closed as she tried to form some sort of proper response.
Miss. Bingley, for a moment, looked as if she would faint from the shock. She then turned a most unbecoming shade of red, but really, with her complexion it looked almost orange and it clashed horridly with her dress. Upon recovering herself, however, she managed to choke out a strangled, and not altogether proper, "What!"