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Chapter 10 ~ Turning Orange With Envy, Part II
The whole room, even Mrs. Hurst, who silently echoed her sister's sentiments, was quite shocked by Caroline's demonstration of such unladylike manners. Bingley blushed for his sister's lack of tact, the Colonel and his cousin Georgiana discreetly hid their smiles, Darcy stalked over to the window, whilst Elisabeth followed him with her eyes, thus noting that his shoulders were shaking with the effort of keeping his laughter in check. The Countess met her daughter's gaze as it was returning from William and they exchanged a look of amusement and dismay, for even all of their wit put together did not help them think of something to say that would not be as rude as Miss. Bingley's remark. Luckily for them, they were spared the necessity of replying.
"I assure you it is quite true, Miss. Bingley," said Janet, who had at last found her voice and, as Bingley was still much surprised by the revelation and Caroline's behavior, he was no longer staring at her in that adorable, dreamy manner of his.
"I cannot believe it! I will not believe it!" Caroline Bingley's astonishment, and resentment for Elisabeth being now related to 'her Mr. Darcy', had made her lose what little control she had ever had over her tongue.
"What is there that is so hard to believe?" asked the Countess, her smile sweet but her voice icy.
"That... That they should be of the Quality!"
A collective gasp rose from all assembled and the temperature in the room appeared to cool considerably. Richard, his mother, William and Elisabeth glared at Caroline, Georgiana shrank into her seat, Janet felt crushed as this confirmed the fact that Miss. Bingley did not care for her at all, and Bingley blinked repeatedly trying to convince himself that he had not heard correctly. Mrs. Hurst was the one who salvaged what was left of her sister's reputation.
While being in complete agreement with her sister, Mrs. Hurst was aware that it would do no good for either of them to offend such people at the Fitzwilliams. Also, considering the wish of Caroline's, that she would one day be the mistress of Pemberley, it would not do to insult Mr. Darcy's family, with such a show of impropriety.
"Caroline," said the lady's sister. "I think we had better be going. Remember we are to call at Mrs. Woods', this morning."
"I don't want to see Mrs. Woods!" sulked Caroline.
"Come, dear. I am sure you do." Mrs. Hurst stood up, while dragging Caroline to her feet, bade good-bye and curtseyed to the company, leaving Caroline with no other option but to follow suit. Smiling sweetly, Mrs. Hurst grabbed Caroline's hand and walked briskly from the room with her sister in tow. They practically forgot their brother was still in the room.
"I say! I am most heartily sorry for that, must have been the shock and all," cried Bingley, looking dreadfully uncomfortable, and trying to think of some way he could put things right.
"It is quite all right, Mr. Bingley. We shall not turn you away should you come call at our home," the Countess said in a teasing tone that she hoped concealed her from any possible accusations of matchmaking. After all, she was only trying to secure her daughter's happiness, and were she a true 'matchmaking Mama', she would have done everything to get her daughter to marry better than Mr. Bingley, whose fortune had come from trade. At least, this was how she rationalized her hint that Mr. Bingley could call at their house anytime he chose... To see Janet.
Bingley fairly beamed. "I thank you, Countess! I shall be sure to call before long." He then delivered a tender look at Lady Janet, who flushed prettily under his gaze. With that he bid farewell and exited the room.
As if Bingley's sisters were not already stunned, the scold they received from their normally placid and unruffled sibling on their way back to the townhouse was enough to leave them speechless - for a full minute. Once recovered from this, however, they immediately set out to 'lord it over' their various acquaintance, for they had discovered the truth. Well, to say that they set out to do this is not quite the truth of the matter - Mrs. Hurst babbled on about what they had learned, her sister merely sulked and was bitter and discontented throughout all their visits, although Caroline found she could rouse herself enough to add one or two disparaging remarks about the Fitzwilliam ladies.
Since Bingley and his sisters' had now departed from the Darcy Townhouse, the remaining occupants in the room were at last able to let their laughter loose. There was one, however, who did not laugh. Janet was happy that Mr. Bingley was treating her the way he had in Hertfordshire. However, that did not excuse the fact that Mrs. Hurst and Miss. Bingley had been made to look like fools, even if it did prove that Elisabeth had always been right about their characters. Janet failed to see the amusement in the situation.
"I'm sorry, Janet," whispered Elisabeth, moving to the seat beside her sister. "I know they are your friends, but I could not help myself, and I doubt their reactions would have been any different had we told them 'nicely'."
"Oh, Janet dear. I did not know they were your friends. Should I have known I would have behaved myself," cried the Countess, stopping mid-laugh and feeling rather horrible about what she had just done.
"It is all right. I now see what you saw all along, Lizzy. Yet, I don't understand why they should act that way now. Before, we were considered beneath them, but now we are even above them. They were always conscious of rank. I don't see why Caroline or Mrs. Hurst should still shun us..."
"I can't think why either, my dear," lied the Countess, although she had the strong suspicion that Caroline Bingley had noticed William's interest in Elisabeth. Thus her actions could be explained as her jealousy of Elisabeth. Caroline could even be jealous of Janet, a friend who was now above her in the social classes. "Anyway," continued Lady Fitzwilliam cheerfully. "Shall we be on our way to the shops? That should cheer you up, my dear."
Janet, Elisabeth and Georgiana nodded eagerly, and without further ado the Fitzwilliam ladies said their good-byes to William and Richard, while Georgiana went to get her pelisse, bonnet and gloves. Before long they were settled comfortably in the Fitzwilliam carriage and on their way to Bond Street. Darcy and the Colonel left the Townhouse with the ladies but they headed in the direction of Darcy's club, before they were to grace the fencing parlour with their presence.
The ladies had made it to Bond Street in very good time. Each one was looking forward to the shopping, however, the Countess and her niece were more eager than Lady Janet or Lady Elisabeth. The people dressed in the newest fashions, who were wandering along the street with the intent of finding something to make their outfit even more pleasing, suddenly discomfited Janet and Elisabeth more than either liked to admit.
They knew their clothes were out of fashion, and they somehow felt as if they were suddenly a disgrace to their mother and cousin. Janet and Elisabeth may have been born into that life, but twenty years living a quiet and sheltered existence in the country made them feel rather unequal to their new situations. Matters were not at all helped by the inquiring looks and whispering that ensued as soon as anyone realized they were, indeed, accompanying the Countess of Matlock and her niece.
Walking into one of the elegant shops all four ladies heard one young lady whisper to a friend, "They must be the ones staying with the Earl and Countess. I should never have believed it! Look at them! Look at their clothes! I should be disgraced to wear such a thing!"
Helen Fitzwilliam wisely chose to ignore the remark, but it was all too obvious by her daughters' blushes that they were suffering from the callousness of it.
"Once they discover who you are, they will come groveling. Then you can take delight in being barely civil to them!" whispered the Countess mischievously to her girls.
Janet was not put at ease, for she could not support the idea of refusing to be sweet and kind to someone who had been so uninformed of their situation when such a remark had been made. Elisabeth, however, smiled at the idea and her former vivacity righted itself. Therefore she was able to laugh at their opinions, much as she had once laughed at her cousin Darcy.
The four of the ladies had spent a wonderful hour indulging themselves with many purchases of numerous items. Janet had been very quiet at first but, when she was subtly pulled into the great fun of shopping, she soon forgot the cruel remark she had overheard and heartily enjoyed herself. Lady Janet Fitzwilliam also discovered that she was now the owner of a rather large and expensive wardrobe, her mind boggling in an effort to keep track of all that had been purchased for her. As a result she gave up trying to count and, instead, she set about thanking her mother profusely.
As soon as her spirits had been restored by her mother, Elisabeth had eagerly pursued the contents of the shops they frequented. Elisabeth was thrilled by all the tasteful dresses, bonnets, gloves, shoes, etc. that her mother had ordered for her, but thoughts of the Bennets, and a nagging concern of not wanting to appear too enthusiastic to accept gifts that would cost so much, made her check her feelings. Afterwards, she reluctantly accepted anything her mother gave her, and her enjoyment of the day seemed to have disappeared.
The Countess sadly saw the change in Elisabeth's demeanor, and shrewdly guessed the reasons for this change. Therefore, when Janet and Georgiana where safely ensconced in one corner of a shop, Helen took her daughter aside and whispered, "I know what you are feeling, and you mustn't, you know."
Elisabeth blushed and bit her lip unhappily. "Am I that transparent?"
"To your mother you are... Elisabeth, I see you are fearful of appearing... mercenary. I didn't want to make you feel that way, I just wanted to spoil you and Janet today. I have missed twenty years of buying my daughters dresses and other little trinkets."
Elisabeth smiled, "I can see that, but..."
"But you are worried about the Bennets?"
Lady Elisabeth stared at her mother. The Countess's power of perception was so strange, it was almost as if she could see into her daughter's heart and look at all the turmoil and uncertainty that was within.
"Yes, the Bennets. I feel as if I am being..."
"Unfair? Disloyal?"
Elisabeth nodded, unable to meet her mother's gaze.
"Dare I guess that this stems from the fact that they always provided for you as best they could, but they never could provide you with the type of dress that I am now doing, thus the reason for your feeling mercenary?"
"Yes, and I know that is foolish. The Bennets are the ones who have been unfair to me. They took me from my real family!"
"Quite right, but they have been your parents for twenty years. I can understand why you feel the way you do." There was a small catch in her voice. She did not want to discuss something this important in a dress shop but there was no time like the present, so the Countess continued. "May I confess a fear of mine to you?"
Elisabeth looked up, surprised. The Countess appeared to be so assured that it really hadn't entered Elisabeth's mind that her mother might be suffering under just as many apprehensions as herself. "Yes." She answered her mother's question in a whisper.
"I fear that you and Janet will think that I am trying to buy your affection with all of these gifts, and in buying all of these gifts comes the fear that I might drive you away from me..."
"How could you think you would drive us from you?" cried Elisabeth, clearly demonstrating that her affection for her parent was already secured.
"Simply by the fear you expressed, my dear... Not wanting to appear mercenary. I didn't want either of you to believe I could think that of my own children."
"Oh, I'm sorry."
"Don't be. I am glad we have that out in the open but, please, let us go finish our shopping. Then we can discuss this in greater detail in a much less public place!" the Countess said with a teasing smile. She was rewarded by the sound of laughter coming from her daughter.
Chapter 11 ~ Alexandra the Artful
"Why, my dear Lady Matlock, I thought I saw you from the street!"cried a lady upon entering the shop. "In fact, I said to my dear Alexandra, 'I do believe that is the Countess of Matlock'. Did I not say so my dear?" asked Lady Mellor of her daughter.
"Indeed, Mama."
"Lady Mellor, Miss. Mellor. How nice to see you," said the Countess with a forced smile.
Lady Mellor and her daughter curtsied and smiled sweetly. Elisabeth raised an eyebrow in amusement. Were they that blind to the fact that her mother was anything but sincere in her joy at seeing them? Across the shop, Georgiana whispered in Janet's ear.
"That is Lady Mellor and her daughter, Alexandra. My aunt does not like them, but she is forced to be civil as they live very near to you and they do meet quite often in company."
Janet looked at the two ladies standing near her mother and sister. They seemed pleasant, and she said as much to her cousin. "I am sure they cannot be as bad as that, Georgiana."
"Well, I could not really say. I have met them only once and they both quite frightened me."
Janet smiled reassuringly. "Meeting someone unknown to you is always a little disconcerting at first, but I always find that most people improve when you know them better. Perhaps you will quite like them this time."
"Yes,"answered Georgiana in a whisper as she saw her aunt was beckoning her and Janet over to the little group.
"You remember my niece, of course," said Lady Matlock, indicating Miss. Darcy who was hiding slightly behind Janet.
"Oh yes, you have grown taller since we last met, I do believe. How are you my dear Miss. Darcy?"
"Very well, my lady," murmured Georgiana.
"Good. Lady Matlock, I simply must ask! Who are these ladies with you, two other nieces?" Lady Mellor desperately tried to remember all she could of the Countess's family tree. She knew the Countess had a sister but, to her knowledge, that lady did not have any children of a marriageable age.
"No, they are not my nieces. This is Lady Janet, and Lady Elisabeth." The Countess smiled before saying, "They are my daughters. Girls, this is Lady Mellor and her daughter, Alexandra."
Alexandra Mellor's mouth dropped while her mother said in suspicious accents. "I beg your pardon?"
"They are my daughters," repeated the Countess.
"But your daughters... They... but... They disappeared years ago!"faltered Lady Mellor.
"Yes, and now they are returned. They were taken and raised by a family in Hertfordshire. Janet and Elisabeth only found out a few days ago of their connection to the Earl and myself. They have just come to live with us, as I am sure you know."
"Indeed," gasped Lady Mellor, whose mouth had gone very dry.
"You must be very happy, Lady Matlock," smiled Alexandra.
"Indeed I am, Miss Mellor."
"Yes, you must be..." muttered Lady Mellor before changing the subject. "Well, Alexandra and I were just looking for a new dress for her to wear to the Eastleys' ball in three weeks. Will you be bringing your daughters to that event?"
"I do not know. It is uncertain whether we shall remain in town for the remainder of the season."
Gasping dramatically, Lady Mellor clutched the Countess's hand and drew her away from the others. "Before you know it my dear, they shall be old maids and no man will want to marry them! You must stay in London! You simply must! How do you expect to get these girls married if you hide them away in Derbyshire?"
"Indeed," said the Countess ambiguously, trying to extricate herself from this woman's irksome presence.
Alexandra Mellor was a very handsome girl of eighteen who was greatly enjoying her first season in London and was in high hopes of making a good match before it ended. She had already set her cap at many a young gentleman, but Viscount Allington was the one she really wished to catch, for not only was he rich - he was very handsome. Alexandra was not the most intelligent creature in the world but she was well aware that it would be to her advantage if she befriended the sisters of the one she wished to marry. With this firmly fixed in her mind she drew nearer to Janet, Elisabeth and Georgiana and whispered, mostly to Janet,
"What do you think of that bonnet that you and Miss Darcy were looking at when we first came in?"
"I can't say that I like it," admitted Janet, sadly
"Oh I agree! It is utterly hideous!" giggled Alexandra. She was quite surprised, for she had positively fallen in love with the dreadful thing the moment she entered the shop, however she determinedly put any thoughts of buying the bonnet from her mind. If Lady Janet did not like it, neither would she. Then, smiling sweetly at Georgiana and Elisabeth, she linked arms with Janet and dragged her over to further investigate the aforementioned fashion disaster.
Elisabeth rolled her eyes at Georgiana and whispered wickedly, "It looks like something Miss. Bingley would wear!"
"If only the colour were orange," sighed Georgiana, slyly.
Elisabeth clapped a hand over her mouth, but her laughter still came, drawing the attention of the Countess and Lady Mellor. The Countess smiled fondly, wondering what was so amusing to her daughter. Lady Mellor, on the other hand, found such displays of emotion quite offended her sensibilities of what a proper young lady should be. Therefore she glanced disdainfully at Lady Elisabeth, an action that caused Elisabeth to laugh even more and for Georgiana to join her in her merriment.
"And what are you two laughing about?" asked the Countess, excusing herself from Lady Mellor, hoping that her retreat had not been too hasty.
"Nothing," whispered Elisabeth, sharing rather shame-faced looks with Georgiana.
Lady Matlock raised a suspicious eyebrow, saying, "It didn't sound like 'nothing' girls. I'll just rescue Janet and we can be on our way home."
They soon made their way out of the shop and to their waiting carriage, now laden with packages. Once inside, Lady Matlock asked,
"Well, did you all enjoy yourselves?"
"I did. I don't think I have ever had a more enjoyable outing. We shall have to do this regularly," suggested Georgiana.
"That sounds like a wonderful idea, Georgie,"smiled the Countess. "And, what did you think?" The Countess addressed her daughters.
"Oh, I loved it! Thank you ever so much, Mother, for all the dresses and such. I fear I have almost lost track of it all," Janet said as her Mother chuckled delightedly.
"It was wonderful, with the one exception of a certain Lady Mellor and her daughter," cried Elisabeth, laughing ruefully.
"Oh Beth!"sighed Lady Matlock. "You take after me in my dislikes in an alarming number!"
"Did you not like them?" asked Janet of her sister.
"Oh no."
"Lady Mellor is perhaps a very little annoying, but Alexandra seemed to be pleasant. I quite like her."
Elisabeth would have said more had not she caught her mother's warning glance. The Countess was still feeling guilty over her treatment of Miss. Bingley and Mrs. Hurst. The last thing she wanted was for her eldest daughter to think that they would always disagree with her in decisions of who was worthy of her friendship.
They remained in a companionable silence until the carriage pulled up in front of the Darcy Townhouse where they let Georgiana off and said their good-byes. Elisabeth asked Georgiana to join her on the morrow so that they could discuss in greater detail some of the new music that Georgiana had barely had a chance to show her cousin earlier on in the day. Lady Matlock smiled at this, for it showed that her daughter was growing easy with her whole family when she was able to invite Georgie to the townhouse without asking for permission. Also, it warmed her heart to see that, under the influence of her youngest daughter, her niece was gaining confidence and showing wit that the Countess has always suspected lay beneath her shyness.
The Fitzwilliam's Townhouse
After returning to their home, Janet and Elisabeth, along with their mother, had set about organizing the new wardrobes of each lady. They saw that their mother wanted them to basically dispose of their clothes and the like that they had from their 'previous lives'. From what Janet and Elisabeth had seen of their mother and things she had said, they knew that this need to be rid of the aforementioned items did not stem from an embarrassment of her daughters wearing them, but rather the want of not having the reminder that the Bennets had provided her daughters with these garments. It was understandable that she would not want to face the nagging memory of her daughters' pasts, anymore than she already had to. There were some dresses that the Countess did not see fit to remove, for she knew they were still fine clothes and in particular the one dress that had spurred Elisabeth to mention dancing with a 'certain someone' obviously had some sentimental value. Lady Matlock would not and could not be so cruel as to ask her to dispose of it.
"There is still so much to be done," sighed the Countess as she closed the door to Janet's closet and leaned against it.
"Such as?" asked Janet.
"First of all, we need to set about hiring a maid for each of you. Margaret has been my maid for years, but I dare say the two of you need a maid that is closer to your own ages."
"Do each of us really need a maid?" Elisabeth asked, thinking once more of the great extravagance that it seemed.
"Well, it certainly makes things easier if the both of you should require her services at the same time."
"But it is surely too much," Janet added in her quiet way.
"Not at all, dear. Your father can well afford the expense. It would be no different had you never been taken."
Janet blushed at the mention of money and the kidnapping, stammering in reply. "Lizzy and I do not want to be any trouble, Mother."
"Janet, your sister and I have already discussed this and, as I told her..." A knock at the door interrupted the Countess. Lady Matlock bade whoever it was to come in and the door opened to admit her aforementioned maid, Margaret. "Yes, Margaret?"
"I beg your pardon, Ma'am, but I thought that you might like to know his Lordship has returned, as has Master Thomas."
"Thank you, Margaret. We shall be down directly." Margaret made her curtsey and left the room.
"Mother,"asked Elisabeth. "May I go down and see them?"
"Of course! Tell your father and Tom that we will be joining them soon."
Elisabeth smiled at her mother and sister. As she disappeared through the door she heard her mother saying gently to Janet. "My dear girl, you need not look so frightened. I am not going to scold you. I will only tell you exactly what I told your sister."
Elisabeth paused a moment outside the door, looking around. Once remembering which way to go, she headed for the stairs and soon found herself presented with another problem. She did not know where to find her father and brother. Sighing, she glanced around and her eyes came to rest on the housekeeper. Biting her lip, she tried to remember what the lady's name was.
"Mrs. Patrick?" she said tentatively.
"Yes, ma'am."
"I... Where may I find his Lordship and the Viscount?"
"I believe they went to the library, ma'am," smiled Mrs. Patrick, regarding the lady in front of her. If the rumours were true, that these girls were indeed the Master and Mistress's two daughters, she could well believe it, for the lady standing in front of her had a certain look about her that reminded one of the Countess.
"Thank you... Which way is the library?"
Hiding a small smile, Mrs. Patrick directed a rather flustered and embarrassed Elisabeth to the library.
Once more thanking the housekeeper, Elisabeth quickly set off for the library. After knocking on the door, and being asked to come in, she was able to see that both her father and her brother were rather surprised that it was she who was at the door.
"Ah, Beth, returned from being dragged thither and yon by your mother, I see," chuckled the Earl.
"I don't think you should let my mother hear you speaking so, Father!" cried Elisabeth, settling herself in one of the chairs, giving the appearance of one who was entirely at ease.
Thomas laughed from behind his book as his father grinned wickedly. "Perhaps not. Did you enjoy your outing?"
"Very much so."
"I'm glad to hear it, my dear. Do you have any idea where your mother, Janet and Richard are?"
"Mother and Janet are upstairs, talking. I do not know where the Colonel... Richard is. I believe he went to the fencing parlour with Mr. Darcy... I mean, Cousin Darcy." Elisabeth dropped her gaze onto the carpet.
Lord Matlock, laughed. "Beth. Tom and I know whom you mean, and all of us harass Richard by calling him 'the Colonel', so don't feel as if you are any different."
"But you do not call Cousin Darcy; Mr. Darcy," whispered Elisabeth, smiling slightly at the idea of annoying her brother by calling him 'Colonel'.
"No,"agreed the Earl. "I have no reason to call him that, as he is my nephew. Would it not sound ridiculous if I were to address him as 'Cousin Darcy'? Besides, we all use 'Darcy' or 'William' when addressing him."
"I do believe he would rather I not call him by either of those names. 'Tis too informal."
The Earl shook his head. "I don't think he would mind in the least..."
Elisabeth glanced quickly at her father. There was an all-knowing look in his eyes that made her realize he was not blind to the previous level of acquaintance between herself and her cousin. Her composure fled and she once more returned her gaze to the floor, this time with a blush spreading over her features. It would have unnerved her further had she known that both her father and brother were regarding her curiously.
"Do you... Do you harass Thomas with any names that I should be aware of?" asked Elisabeth, trying to ease her discomfort.
Tom groaned, put his book on his head, slouched in his chair, and pouted. The other two in the room laughed at him as the Earl informed his daughter that they called him by the childish, 'Tommy'.
"Tommy?" Elisabeth said with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes!" he cried defensively. "Do you have a problem with the name, Bethy?"
"No! None at all, but I will make you a promise. I will never call you 'Tommy' if you promise to never address me as 'Bethy'!"
"I swear! That name will never cross my lips!" exclaimed the Viscount, pulling the book from his head.
A short time later they were joined by the Countess, Janet, and Richard, who had just returned from the Darcys'. Until the time that dinner was served, they all enjoyed recounting the day's events. After dinner, the Earl and his sons enjoyed a game of billiards, while the ladies of the family discussed the dresses that had been purchased. It was not as though they were frivolous, it was just a fact that dresses and fashion were basically a safe subject.
Chapter 12 ~ Storytelling
The following morning at breakfast it was agreed upon amongst the Fitzwilliam family that an announcement would be placed in the papers telling of the girls' return to their family. Once this agreement had been formed, the Earl and Countess asked for all their servants to assemble in the main hall. It was there that rumours were either confirmed or dispelled, depending on what one had originally believed. The servants were told who the mysterious young ladies were and they were reminded to treat Lady Janet and Lady Elisabeth with the utmost respect. They were also informed that they would not be at home to anyone, excluding family members and any people they chose to bring with them. Lady Matlock hoped that, if Mr. Bingley came, the last part would gain him admittance into their household.
As may be expected, Mrs. Hurst's, Miss. Bingley's and the Mellors' news about the exact identities of the two young women staying with the Fitzwilliams had found a ready welcome at every important house in the great metropolis of London, as any surprising news was wont to do. All that some wanted, in order to be able to call and find out for themselves what the Lady Janet and Lady Elisabeth were like, was the confirmation of their identity from the Fitzwilliams themselves.
Gossips, burning with an intense curiosity, flocked to call on Miss. Bingley and her sister. Even more went to call on the Mellors in the hope that they would catch a glimpse of the much speculated upon ladies. For these people, it was all they could do until such time as it was made apparent that the ladies were ready to receive guests. There were some, however, who were a trifle more bold than others. As such, the Fitzwilliams soon found that they had not been at home to a ridiculous number of calls.
As Helen Fitzwilliam watched yet another group of ladies depart their house and get into an awaiting carriage wearing rather disappointed expressions, she sighed and turned to her family who had taken refuge in the drawing room,
"I do not like the idea that they think we shall be parading ours daughters about as if they were some sort of freak show."
"Perhaps you might charge some sort of fee?" Elisabeth teased her mother, joining her at the window regarding the carriage rolling away just as another approached in the distance.
"There would be many fool enough to pay it!" exclaimed the Earl, laughing at Elisabeth's suggestion.
"We'd make a fortune." Thomas and Richard Fitzwilliam said in unison.
"But, surely these people would not be so curious as to interfere so much in others' lives." Janet pointed out.
"Oh, I wish I could have but half of your faith in humanity, Janet," her mother said, smiling sadly and taking a seat next to her eldest daughter. "Believe me, there are a great number of people in town who feed upon something such as this. They laugh openly at others' misfortunes and try to befriend the same people when they gain greater connections or something occurs to make that family worth visiting, just so they can say they have seen what others have not."
"Well, our girls shall not be made to meet the ton until they're ready to do so. They can be a very disconcerting set of people." The Earl smiled fondly at his daughters.
"Oh, but if we are hidden away, surely they will think you are trying to 'uncountrify' us," cried Elisabeth to her father in mock horror.
"Indeed they will but, when the Lady Janet and Lady Elisabeth take London by storm, they shall merely think what a wonderful job we have done of it. They can really be very unintelligent."
The family then enjoyed a good laugh at the expense of society. Even Janet took the rare opportunity to laugh at the expense of others. Their laughter was cut short by the opening of the door whereupon the butler informed them they had guests.
"We are not at home to anyone." The Countess answered firmly.
"Oh, for goodness sake, Helen! I should think you would make an exception for me!" A lady swept into the room, smiling cheerfully. The lady's husband and two young children followed.
"Sophia!" gasped Lady Matlock rushing forward to embrace her guest. "Why did you not write of your coming?" By now all other occupants of the room were on their feet, smiling and greeting their surprise visitors. Elisabeth had moved to stand beside Janet. They stood together as if to protect themselves from the guests.
"Helen, given the nature of your express I thought we should come down here as fast as we possibly could. I also thought we would be welcome." The lady called Sophia answered teasingly.
"Oh, Sophy!" laughed Helen, squeezing her visitor's shoulders affectionately. The Countess then turned to face her two daughters who were standing before the fireplace wearing slightly confused expressions. "Girls... This is my sister, Lady Sophia Landon, and her husband, Sir Charles Landon." She pointed to the gentleman who smiled gently at them. "And your cousins; Samuel and Agnes." For some unknown reason the two children seemed to regard them in awe. Lady Matlock was pleased to see her daughters visibly relax when they realised they were in the presence of family.
"Well, I always knew they would be beauties!" Lady Landon said, smiling continuously before turning to her brother-in-law and saying, "Hugh, you shall have to lock them away or some wicked young men will think they are in need of being carried into Scotland!"
"The idea has already given me much uneasiness, I assure you."
"Oh, but you must know that we are of such excellent breeding that the thought would never enter our heads!" cried Elisabeth, pleased to discover she was now in the possession of yet another group of amiable family members.
Lady Landon smiled as she drew near to her nieces and gently hugged them. Turning to Elisabeth she said. "And I am very pleased to see that you have been blessed with a remarkable wit, Elisabeth!"
"How do you know I am Elisabeth?"
"Oh, easily. Janet would always have turned out to be the tall, willowy, golden haired beauty, while who in the world has such beautiful eyes as you? Undoubtedly Beth, you will make, and may already have made, many a young man fall for you with one look into your eyes."
"Hmm... We'll have less of that talk, Sophia!" Lord Matlock said, directing his brother-in-law to a seat while they both laughed.
Lady Landon beckoned her children closer to her, saying to them. "These are your long lost cousins! This is Janet and this is Elisabeth." The children nodded their understanding but remained respectfully mute. "My son, Samuel Landon, and my daughter, Agnes Landon." Janet and Elisabeth smiled at each of them and were further mystified by the quiet they maintained.
The family took their seats, Samuel and Agnes being the last amongst them. They sat down where they afforded a good view of their elder cousins and they continued to stare at them until their mother's discreetly raised eyebrow made them concentrate on the wall. Samuel and Agnes were twins at the age of seven. Each had the same dark hair and eyes that made them look nothing like their fair father, rather showing they took after their mother's side of the family. Lady Landon's looks were much like that of her children, her sister and her youngest niece, with one slight exception; she had the same sweet, angelic countenance that Janet Fitzwilliam often wore.
Tea was brought in and the family continued to talked animatedly. The talk was obviously proving to be rather boring to the young Landons, for they were looking around the room in a manner that spoke of their need for more interesting topics than those being currently discussed by the rest of their family. Elisabeth, not having a very active part in the conversation at the moment, took the opportunity to look toward her cousins. She was quite surprised to find that their seats had been abandoned. Discreetly glancing around the room, Elisabeth was about to alert her Aunt Sophia to their absence when she noted a slight movement at her elbow.
Samuel and Agnes had somehow managed to slip unnoticed to this side of the room where they were now regarding her with eyes that bespoke their curiosity. Elisabeth smiled at them and the action was returned, but they still remained silent. "What is it?" she whispered conspiratorially. The rest of the room had ceased talking and Sophia looked from her children to where they had been seated in some confusion.
Agnes was much emboldened by the manner of her cousin, thus she asked bluntly, "What were the kidnappers like?"
"Agnes!" Lady Landon hissed as she and her husband moved to take the children from the room. They were much surprised by Elisabeth, her eyes twinkling mischievously, answering,
"Oh... Evil, of course!"
Elisabeth was aware that a number of astonished faces had turned to regard her. Yet, in spite of this fact, she continued unabashed.
"They were even worse than all the witches, goblins, phantoms and dragons in the land, combined. They were cruel and unfeeling." Sophia released Agnes's hand, her husband released Samuel's and each reclaimed their seats, smiling when they realised their children had met a storyteller like no other. Agnes and Samuel moved to sit on the floor before Elisabeth, watching with wide scared eyes as Elisabeth went ahead with her tale.
"They lived in an old castle that had been in that family for years. The castle was a large rambling building that was set dangerously upon a huge, rocky mountain where no one ever dared to venture for fear of their lives. Sunlight never penetrated the dead land... Almost as if it were afraid to shine and shed even the smallest bit of warmth into the lives of those who lived there."
Samuel and Agnes listened, further awed by the story being unfolded before them.
"One captor..."
The butler chose this untimely moment to open the door and announce in his unemotional voice, "Mr. Darcy, Miss. Darcy and Mr. Bingley."
Samuel and Agnes turned toward the unwelcome interruption and hissed, "Shhhhh!"
"Children!" gasped their mother, much embarrassed by their conduct which was growing worse by the minute as far as she was concerned. Lady Landon smiled uneasily at William and Georgiana and nodded to Mr. Bingley, whom she had never met before.
The Countess indicated to the newcomers that they remain silent and waved them into chairs. Janet's hand strayed to her forehead as if to ward off the headache this whole situation seemed likely of producing. However, one or two calming breaths set her to rights and she looked up to smile at Mr. Bingley. Elisabeth also smiled at the new guests, in particular her 'Cousin Darcy'.
"Can you continue?" asked Samuel.
"One captor," Elisabeth repeated. "Had a mean old dragon named, 'Nellie'. Every time one of the girls went near her she would snort and make such a fuss, sometimes even breathing fire upon them. In this frightening old castle there also lived a ghost that haunted the landing right outside the girls' bedrooms. They learned at an early age that to leave their chambers at night meant they would be frightened out of their wits. This ghost did not approve their being there, that much was obvious. It even when so far as to lock them out of the house one evening!"
The twins shuddered appropriately.
Sighing dramatically, Elisabeth moved on with her story. "To add to the sadness of the beautiful young ladies named Janet and Elisabeth..."
"Oh Lord!" muttered Thomas, rolling his eyes heavenward. He then found himself being reprimanded by black looks from his young cousins and from his sister, the storyteller.
The Darcys and Mr. Bingley had been quite surprised by the conversation they seemed to have stumbled into. None of them had expected that Elisabeth would so easily be able to make an entertaining and silly children's story out of something so very serious, but she appeared to be succeeding remarkably well.
Clearing her throat, and with one more regal glare directed at her brother, Elisabeth said with a tremble. "Janet and Elisabeth were cursed with three 'sisters'..."
"Were the sisters older?" Samuel asked with genuine interest.
"No, but that does not make them any less scary. One of them had a way of snorting, much like that of her mother's dragon."
"Oh, because she was raised with the dragon!" Samuel realised wisely.
"Yes, Samuel... because she was raised with the dragon." The corners of Elisabeth's mouth twitched as she fought against laughing.
"All of them lacked good common sense. In short, they were three of the silliest girls in the country. Mary read only the most serious of books to be found and insisted on quoting constantly from them. The others, Kitty and Lydia, were spoiled beyond belief and nothing could interest them but a gentleman in a red coat, a new dress, or a new bonnet. Also, their mother held a similar weakness for fashion and poor Janet and Elisabeth were forced to pretend they were just as interested."
"How horrid!" exclaimed Samuel and Agnes.
"How did you escape?" asked Samuel, hoping for a daring feat of arms and a dragon slaying or two.
"Janet and Elisabeth did not escape by such means as scaling the huge walls that surrounded the castle, slaying the miserable dragon, nor escaping in the middle of the night - you must remember they could not leave because of the spirit that lurked on the landing at nighttime. However, one of their captors passed away, leaving them nearly free. Their other captor was far to preoccupied with herself and her real daughters that Janet and Elisabeth were quite forgotten, and that was how they came to leave that wicked place. However, they still had to get past that dragon, for their captor may have forgotten about them but the dragon had not. Nellie knew that Janet and Elisabeth were to stay in the castle so she always barred their way whenever they attempted to leave."
By now, Mr. Bingley and the Darcys were wearing extremely bemused expressions. Darcy even had to clap his hand over his mouth a few times to keep himself from bursting out laughing.
"What did you do?" asked Agnes.
"There was a man in the village who was, to all appearances, a very good and honourable gentleman. However, he was a very evil person, masquerading as an officer in Colonel Forster's regiment."
Colonel Fitzwilliam and Darcy were now further interested in the story Elisabeth was weaving. Darcy was wondering how she would dare to allude to that man after all he had told her, although her description of him had been accurate. Still, Darcy was worried for his sister's feelings, but he need not have feared what Elisabeth would say. She concealed that name effectively enough so that his sister, who was greatly enjoying the fairy tale, did not notice.
"What does this man have to do with anything?" asked Agnes.
"Well, it was to him that Janet and Elisabeth sold the mean old dragon. Wickedham, then took Nellie back to the person who had asked him to buy her a dragon. This very bad man was a servant to a mean old witch from Kent."
The Countess made a rather indiscernible strangling sound - a laugh that had burst forth just before she could stop it, was then cut short. Helen Fitzwilliam immediately excused herself and left the room momentarily, breathing a number of calming breaths. Lord Matlock was involved in a similar endeavour of seeking composure, but he found that calm breathing and staring at the ceiling was enough to restore his equanimity.
"The witch took an unusual amount of delight in trying to frighten Elisabeth, but Elisabeth was invulnerable to her meanness..."
"Good for Elisabeth!" Samuel said, his faith in the opposite sex growing. 'Maybe not all were silly and romantic!'
The Countess, much restored, slipped back into the room.
"Once the dragon moved into Rosy Place, she effectively eliminated the servant who had brought her there, to the relief of many. Also, she did the world another great service... She ate the witch's horrible clergyman for dinner and promptly burnt all his stupid beehives to a crisp with the fire she breathed."
Yet again, Darcy found himself stifling laughter and was quite shocked to see his sweet, innocent sister pressing her lips firmly together to stop her giggling.
"That is very good that the dragon is out of the way but what became of you? Did two charming princes rescue each of you while the captor was ignoring you and the dragon not stopping you?" Agnes asked eagerly. Darcy's and Bingley's interest in the story increased, although Darcy told himself he would not likely have a part in the whole thing.
"But of course! There are always charming princes! And as you pointed out, in this case, there were two." Elisabeth said matter-of-factly.
Agnes sighed happily. "What did they look like?"
Elisabeth was aware of Janet watching her apprehensively. It was clear Janet expected, or hoped, that her sister would not go that far.
"Well, Janet's prince was tall, handsome, with blonde curly hair and blue eyes. He was rich, of course, as all princes must be."
Janet looked very uneasy. She could not look any of the guests in the eye and therefore gave into blushing. However, the rare wicked streak in Janet soon came through and she smiled a smile that showed she was plotting sweet revenge.
"He also had a similar temperament to Janet's, thinking there was good in everyone, and he was also very generous."
"How sweet!" sighed Agnes. "And what of your prince, Elisabeth?"
Before Elisabeth had a chance to go on, Janet said, "Elisabeth did not like her prince, for he seemed to her to be another villain in her life that was already teeming with people and creatures of the very worst kind! She found that his manners were not to her liking, and that is understandable for he even had the daring to say, within her hearing, that he thought she was not at all handsome."
Darcy, who had been engaged in twisting his ring around his finger, stopped suddenly. 'She heard that! Oh, dear Lord... No wonder she hates me!'
"Well, that is true, but the prince is not all that bad." Elisabeth added.
Darcy looked at Elisabeth, his jaw ready to drop.
"Elisabeth eventually realised that she had been very wrong about the prince, for he was a very good sort of person deep down, just a little proud to outside appearances," Elisabeth said quickly before Jane could make matters worse.
Sadly, Jane continued. "He made Elisabeth see the truth about a villain and she was very grateful." Jane looked at her sister with a smirk.
"Was he handsome?" demanded Agnes.
Not giving Jane the opportunity, Elisabeth answered, "Oh yes! Tall, dark and very handsome. Also, as we have already agreed, what every prince must be; rich."
'She's talking about me!' was the only coherent thought running through Darcy's head. By now he was staring quite openly at Elisabeth. Darcy saw her direct the tiniest of glances at him while a secretive smile spread over her face.
"And did they live happily ever after?" Agnes had to know.
"That is not yet known, Agnes. For you see, the story has yet to be finished, but you shall be among the first to know the outcome."
"Will it be happy?"
"That is for the future to decide."
Elisabeth was very startled by the loud and enthusiastic round of applause that greeted this answer and the conclusion of her narrative. She smiled a little self-consciously but, all the same, she was glad that everyone appeared to have enjoyed it.
This time the interruption of the butler was met with a little more welcome from the children. He informed the group that their noon meal was ready. The Countess asked the Darcys and Mr. Bingley to stay, for she had had cook make extra. This was happily agreed to.
Presently they all made their way to the dining room, Lady Landon and the Countess walking on either side of Elisabeth. Darcy, with an almost protective air, followed behind with his sister.
"I am sorry for going on as I did, Aunt Sophia. I hope I have not frightened them." Elisabeth said, feeling a little guilty over some of the things she had said.
"Oh, don't worry, my dear. They are a fearless pair. If you did anything, it was to entertain them more than they ever have been by such stories... Elisabeth, there was one thing that interested me. It was obvious who you meant when talking about Janet's prince but I was curious as to who is your prince."
"Yes, I must say that quite intrigued me as well, Beth," the Countess said, looking at her daughter with a knowing smile.
"My prince?" echoed Elisabeth, who suddenly seemed quite at a loss for words.
Chapter 13 ~ Fairy Tale Truths
"Yes, your prince, Beth." The Countess smiled somewhat wickedly. "Who is he?"
"Well... My prince!" Elisabeth stuttered, very well aware of Darcy's gaze on her. "It was just a fairy tale... I... I do not h-have a prince."
"Oh," sighed Lady Landon sadly. She had noticed from her sister's questions that there was more to the story than either of them knew, thus she said. "I had thought, since it was obvious that Janet's prince was a real person, yours was also."
"Yes, certainly he must be real, cousin Elisabeth. It seems sad that you had to invent a gentleman for yourself," Darcy said innocently. He was rewarded with a rather startled look directed at him from his cousin. 'Didn't think I knew how to tease - Is that it?' thought Darcy.
Much flustered, Elisabeth exclaimed. "He is real!" She promptly blushed from her rather brazen admittance. "That is... I do not... You are insufferable!" Elisabeth glared at him but her eyes twinkled in spite of her supposed anger.
"I thank you for the compliment. It is not everyone who can discomfit you, cousin." Darcy stepped forward and offered her his arm. "Allow me to escort you into the dining room."
Elisabeth looked at him, an amused smile tugging at her mouth. "I think not, for you, Cousin Darcy, do not possess good enough manners to escort a young lady anywhere."
"I assure you, I do have impeccable manners." As if to prove a point, Darcy bowed over her hand, saying. "Do allow me?"
"Oh! Anything for a quiet life!" Elisabeth consented with a delighted laugh as she allowed him to take her arm. She had never felt so at ease with him as she did at that moment. The two of them walked off in the direction of the dining room, leaving the Countess with as good as confirmed suspicions, Lady Landon with a dreamy smile on her face and Georgiana considering the possibility of Elisabeth Fitzwilliam as a sister.
The family's noon meal passed pleasantly away. Janet and Mr. Bingley sat side by side, talking as if they had never been apart and completely oblivious to all around them save each other. The Earl, his brother-in-law and two sons enjoyed a conversation on the family estates with the occasional remark added by Darcy, who was far more interested in the talk of music between his sister and Elisabeth.
Georgiana had been asked to stay for the remainder of the day so that she and Elisabeth might finally have the chance to pursue some of her new music. With his sister thus engaged for the day, Darcy excused himself from the company on a matter of important business following the conclusion of the meal. Bingley followed his example, and so it was that they reluctantly left the welcoming home and went on their way. In truth, it was Bingley and his future happiness that were Darcy's top priority at the moment. After this visit to the Fitzwilliam home Darcy was left in no doubt of Janet's feelings for his friend. However unpleasant the task would be, Darcy was going to confess to his friend the part he had played in separating him from Janet.
The gentlemen in the Fitzwilliam household continued their conversations from the meal in the Library. It was there that they remained for a large part of the day, and it was also where Sir Charles and the Earl engaged in teasing Thomas and Richard about finding brides and actually settling down. That plan did not go over quite well, for the brothers were confirmed bachelors with no intention of committing themselves to the matrimonial state at the present time.
While all of that was transpiring in other parts of the city and the house, Janet, Elisabeth, Georgiana, Agnes and Samuel were tinkering around with the pianoforte. Elisabeth and Georgiana tackled some of the more complex songs and were laughing quietly at the small mistakes they made. Janet, although not a greatly accomplished player, knew enough to play a few basic songs, so the children were quite delighted by the simple pieces she played.
Some time later, with sounds issuing from the music room signaling that the young performers had given up any attempt to play from the sheet music, the Countess and her sister engaged in one of their sisterly tete-a-tete's.
"Oh, Helen!" said a smiling Sophia as she took a seat in her sister's private sitting room. "Janet and Beth are such sweet creatures! I am so happy to see them settling in so quickly."
"They are sweet. I'm just sorry that I can't take the full credit for their upbringing..."
"Helen!" cried Lady Landon, moving to wrap an arm around her sister. "Don't think of that. You have them back now and that is all that matters. Try not to think of the past."
"Sophy... I couldn't be happier to see them already so at ease with us, but I can't help thinking of the twenty years we were without them and that if they hadn't been taken, none of us would have had to adjust to them being back in our family!"
"It is all right now..."
"No. No, it isn't. Sophy, I have tried to feel remorse over Mr. Bennet's death but I can only feel gladness! I never knew it was possible to hate anyone as much as I hate the Bennets. I try to feel even the smallest goodwill toward them for not harming the girls and for raising them as their own daughters but I can't, and God knows I have tried to think well of them."
"Don't distress yourself Helen." Lady Landon soothed her sister. "If you must dwell on it, think of all the years you were without them, not knowing anything, and compare that to what you have now. Is not what you have now infinitely better?"
"It is much better, but you cannot honestly tell me that you would not be bitter if Samuel and Agnes were taken from you for twenty years and raised as two entirely different people."
"You're right, I couldn't say that. And none of us, no matter how much we may think we do, know what all of you are going through. Helen, just promise me that you won't dwell on the separation. Instead, concentrate on the time you have been given with them, for it is likely that they could marry quite soon."
"Yes... and probably sooner than either Hugh, or I, want and expect. Especially if this morning is anything to go by. Janet will soon be Mrs. Charles Bingley and, unless I am much mistaken, Elisabeth will be Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy!"
"Indeed, Bingley and Darcy seem quite taken with the girls."
"That is putting it rather mildly, don't you think, Sophy!" The Countess looked at her sister teasingly, having shaken off her sad mood. "Charles is head over heels in love with Janet and William is crazy for Beth, although he hides his feelings better than Charles."
"You call that performance of getting her to take his arm 'hiding it', do you?" exclaimed Lady Landon, laughing at the memory.
"It was the effect of Beth's tale. It emboldened him. Before that, he had always been like a stuttering schoolboy in her presence. Today, however, the tables were quite wonderfully turned on the poor girl. William was the one to reduce her into a 'state of the stutters', as we used to call it."
"That should most effectively teach her not to play with fire!" Sophia Landon laughed, remembering the look of surprise that registered on her niece's face when Fitzwilliam Darcy quite left behind his usual reserve.
"Indeed, but Beth enjoyed his attentions, even if she pretended she was merely being civil."
"Yes, she looked quite pleased with herself, as did he. Is she really in love with Darcy? I mean, do you have proof or her own admission?"
"I'm not exactly sure of Beth's feelings but I think she is in love with him, Sophy. She just doesn't know to what extent she loves him. Elisabeth undoubtedly is telling herself that she thinks well of him but as to actually being in love - Beth likely thinks it is too soon to tell. And no, I do not have an 'admission' out of the girl. We are not yet that easy with each other. I could not ask, nor would she tell."
"True, and what of Janet? Do you know of her feelings?"
"Although contrary to what you may have seen earlier today Janet is the more open of the two but, even so, I have not had a discussion with her on the subject of Charles Bingley."
"Well, with Janet and Bingley, their feelings are even more obvious than the affection between Beth and Darcy."
"Indeed, Sophy! As that is the case I wonder you ask me at all about their relationships since you seem as well informed as I."
"Helen, you are their mother. I had both hoped and wished that they would confide in you, perhaps seeking some wise advice from their mother on the matter of love."
"Wise advice, really! You make me sound ancient, Sophia."
"Well, you are my older sister," began Lady Landon, playfully. "You are ancient to me!"
"Oh, am I? I thank you very much for your honest revelation, Sophia!"
"You are quite welcome."
The sisters laughed before the Countess said seriously, "Sophia, if I must part with my girls soon, I suppose I could hardly complain over either of their possible choices in husbands." Lady Landon nodded in agreement. "I have known William all of his life, and I have known Charles for a good ten years. It is not as if Hugh or I would have to question their principles for marrying the girls."
"In that case Helen, don't fret over it. All will turn out well. Now," Sophia stood up and motioned her sister to follow her. "Shall we go see what they are doing to that poor pianoforte of yours?"
Chapter 14 ~ Drawing Room Tete-a-tete.
The Following Day
The Fitzwilliams and Landons assembled for breakfast, the family members at various stages in their meals. Thomas and Richard had just entered the room and joined Elisabeth who was at the side board filling her plate when their father raised his head out of the paper, saying with firm disapproval.
"Those scoundrels!"
"Who?" asked Lady Matlock and her sister, much surprised by the forceful tone Hugh Fitzwilliam had employed.
"These people," he indicated the paper in disgust. "They have already put our announcement in the paper."
Moving to read over her father's shoulder, Elisabeth laughed. "Well, I suppose they would reason that delicious gossip must be told."
"And we did mean for it to be printed, Father." Janet pointed out in her calming way.
"Yes, dear," her mother said. "We just mean that it is does seem a tad vulgar of them to print it so quickly - as if they had no consideration for our family's feelings."
"Should not have given it to them just yet, then," Sir Charles Landon put in. "Were I in that business I wouldn't let a piece of news like that sit there."
The Earl raised an eyebrow in begrudging agreement. "Perhaps we should not have announced it so soon."
"The longer we waited the more anxious all of London would have become. It is perhaps best we got it out of the way quickly," Viscount Allington, suggested.
"I agree, Tom. Either way, we would still have had anyone who was anyone in London on our doorstep - queuing up for a look at Janet and Elisabeth," said Richard, taking a seat at the table.
Her brother's words somewhat frightened Janet. "Will there be a great number of callers do you think?" Janet asked with some trepidation. She was a little frightened at the prospect but at the same time she did not think it was something she would be unable to face.
"Very likely, my dear." The Countess patted her daughter's hand reassuringly. "But as your father and I have said, you and Beth shall not be forced to see them until you are fully prepared to bear the brunt of their curiosity."
"We shall not be at home to any calls today, if that is the way you want it," the Earl told his children.
"No, I think we should perhaps listen to Tom..."
"Well, it is about time someone did!" The Viscount laughed, as did the rest of the family.
"As I was saying," Elisabeth continued. "Janet and I should just face all of those who will come to call rather than hiding away."
"So you are saying, Beth," Lady Matlock asked, "that you would rather start accepting visitors rather than waiting?"
"I'd rather not prolong the agony, but it is down to Janet."
"I agree, Lizzy," Janet admitted, seeing the sense in her sister's words. "We should make our way through the first meetings. Besides, they might think we are very haughty if we do not see them immediately."
"And is that bad thing?" asked Elisabeth. "They might leave us alone if they thought we were very arrogant."
"I think you have been spending too much time with you cousin, William, Lady Elisabeth Bernadette Fitzwilliam! What are we going to do with you?" The Countess laughed.
Blushing at the mention of her cousin, but trying to ignore it, Elisabeth said, "I do not know what you will do with me... Bernadette? That is my middle name?"
"Yes, it is. Your name is rather a mouthful, but that is what comes of you being named after my mother and your father's mother; Elisabeth Walton and Bernadette Fitzwilliam."
"What is my name?" Janet asked eagerly.
"Janet Sophia Catherine Anne Fitzwilliam. Yet another mouthful and you can blame it on the fact you have three aunts who could not be ignored!"
Elisabeth laughed. "I thought my name was long!"
"Well, you must admit that the 'Fitzwilliam' on the end of your names does not exactly shorten it!" Lord Matlock said.
"Indeed!" Janet and Elisabeth agreed simultaneously.
The family quieted for a minute, all absorbed in their breakfasts. Lady Matlock dabbed at her mouth with her napkin before saying,
"We are agreed, then... you are prepared to receive the ton which is likely to descend upon us in an hour or so?"
The sisters nodded their heads in agreement.
"You impetuous fools!" teased their mother as she and her sister made to leave the breakfast room. Janet and Elisabeth soon excused themselves from the rest of their family, following their mother and aunt into the drawing room.
Five Hours Later
Leaning on the arm of the settee, Elisabeth stared into the fireplace. "Will it never end?" she asked, laughing ruefully as she enjoyed the momentary respite from strangers flooding her home. Elisabeth rubbed her temples, trying to push away the headache caused by all the high-pitched chattering she had been subjected to.
"I declare!" gasped Lady Matlock. "If I have to have one more cup of tea I will start to look like one!" Elisabeth laughed harder at this.
"It is not so very bad," Lady Landon and Janet said, each showing their much more giving dispositions than the other two ladies.
"Well, in that case... Mama and I will just leave you two to talk with them all, shall we?" asked Elisabeth, unconsciously using a more familiar form of address for her mother. Lady Matlock noticed how her daughter addressed her and smiled, knowing that she could now easily face another five hours of pointless conversation.
The family had barely broken up from breakfast, Janet and Elisabeth had just changed into more appropriate attire, when they became aware of the bell echoing through the house. It had been Lady Mellor and the supposedly charming Alexandra. Miss Mellor immediately engaged Janet in conversation, thus, when two other women and their daughters were announced, it became clear to Elisabeth that Alexandra was attempting to show the young ladies what great friends she had already become with Lady Janet.
Elisabeth was wondering at this false display from Alexandra while she was forced to talk with the two young ladies who were also attempting the appearance of feigned friendship with her as existed with Alexandra. The ladies' mothers were at the moment harassing Lady Matlock with their confidentially indelicate remarks on her daughters. It became suddenly apparent to Elisabeth why she and Janet were being subjected to this behaviour when all three young ladies asked at once,
"And how is your brother, the Viscount?" Elisabeth could see the three girls each held their breaths in anticipation of the answer.
It was all Elisabeth could do to keep herself from saying sarcastically, 'Oh yes - Tom! He is engaged you know!' 'What are they expecting? No, he is still available? Or, better yet, he is madly in love with 'you' (whoever 'you' might be), but given his natural reserve he is too unsure to ask you. So he gave his sisters the task of ascertaining 'your' feelings although they have never before met 'you'?'
"He is in good health," Janet answered obligingly, completely unaware of the plots being hatched to snag her eldest brother in marriage. Elisabeth was not so very giving. She smiled her agreement, desperately wishing the whole dreadful experience to soon be over.
The next hours had continued in much the same manner, group after group of curious, matchmaking, and 'proper' ladies flooded the townhouse. Elisabeth began to think she may not remember half the names, but that was until she realised that each one had a different annoying quality by which she might be able to remember them. For a moment, about two hours earlier, they had been spared callers. However, the second duration of arrivals had come to bother them just after they had paused to draw breath.
Once more, mothers and their daughters flocked to their home. The routine was now firmly established as far as Elisabeth was concerned; be introduced, take on a half hour of pointless talk, meanwhile trying to be convinced that 'we' could be the best of friends, then follow up with a blatant (although it was hidden in talk of fashions) question about Viscount Allington.
Lady Elisabeth would not have been surprised to learn that when her guests rushed to their homes the older ladies immediately informed sons, who might have been in the habit of spending more than they ought, what beauties the Fitzwilliam daughters were and what a large fortune was likely given to each girl. The sons either received the news gladly, or indifferently, given their opinions on marriage and the amount of money they had at present.
"Was that the bell?" asked Elisabeth, turning her attention from her recollections.
"Yes," sighed her mother. "I believe it was." The room fell silent as they heard the steps of more guests approaching.
"The Countess of Bramley and Lady Edith Laurence," announced the butler to the room.
"Lady Bramley, Lady Edith," Lady Matlock said, curtseying while trying to keep the frustration out of her voice. She had been wondering when the Countess of Bramley would descend upon them. "May I present my daughters; Lady Janet Fitzwilliam and Lady Elisabeth Fitzwilliam. I trust you remember my sister, Lady Landon."
The Countess of Bramley stepped forward to warmly shake hands with Janet and Elisabeth while saying how pleasant they must find it to be with their real family. With that accomplished she placed herself on the settee and promptly launched on the topic of what a difficult task it was to get her daughter married and how she hoped Lady Matlock would have better luck. Elisabeth, sitting beside Edith Laurence, could not suppress a sigh as it seemed very likely that she was in the presence of the same kind of women with whom she had spent the last hours attempting to converse.
Janet and her Aunt Landon had been roped into Lady Bramley's conversation, leaving Edith and Elisabeth to entertain each other. It came as something of a surprise to Elisabeth when Lady Edith remained silent, prompting Elisabeth to wonder if perhaps there was a young lady in London who took as little pleasure in these visits as Elisabeth.
Lady Edith soon became aware that she was under the scrutiny of Lady Elisabeth. Edith found herself wondering at this and felt not a little unnerved. She did remind herself that she and Lady Elisabeth were of the same age and, with neither one of them inclined to talk, Edith dwelled for a short time on the possibility that her companion was just was fed up as she. Frustrated by her lack of usual spirit, she began tentatively waiting to ascertain Lady Elisabeth's reaction before continuing.
"I mean no offense to you or your family's company but I had much rather be outside in the park than in a drawing room. On fine days like this it seems a crime to remain indoors."
Elisabeth laughed. She knew without a doubt that her impression of Lady Edith had not wrong. "I know precisely what you mean. Although in light of recent events I believe that Janet and I could hardly put a foot out of doors without being set upon by a great many people wanting to introduce themselves to us."
"Indeed!" Lady Edith laughed.
The two young ladies regarded each other for a moment before smiling broadly, confirming what each suspected; they had each found a kindred spirit and they would, indeed, be great friends.
"I must admit that I half expected to find you shocked or offended at my remark. There are no other ladies of my acquaintance who would prefer the outdoors to the safety of a drawing room."
"You refer to, I suppose, the ladies who live in constant fear of ruining their complexions, thus they remain cooped up in a drawing room recoiling from almost any sort of exposure to sunlight?"
"The very ones! They have no concept of what they are missing."
"Lady Edith, we must not try and convince them of what they are missing... for our walks would then be spoiled by their company!"
"Oh, certainly!" laughed Edith, drawing the attention of her mother. Smiling at her parent she turned to Elisabeth and with a wicked gleam in her eyes and asked. "Do you play, Lady Elisabeth?"
Elisabeth, seeing what her new friend was up to, played along, saying, "A very little. I make no claim to being a great performer."
"Ahh. I play very ill, and..." The Countess of Bramley took her eyes off of her daughter and turned her attention back to the others. "Thank you, Lady Elisabeth!"
"Oh, you must call me Elisabeth if we are to be friends, and I do believe we shall be."
"Very well, Elisabeth, but you have to agree to call me Edie. I hate the name Edith. My father and brother call me Edie."
Lady Matlock had been keeping a discreet ear on her youngest daughter's conversation and was very pleased to see that the two girls appeared to be striking up quite a friendship. Edith's mention of her brother made her turn to Lady Bramley, asking,
"How does your son, Viscount Hamerton do? I have not seen or heard of him around town of late."
"Hamerton is visiting a friend in Sussex. Lord Scott just purchased a new estate in that part of the country and they went down to have a look at it. Hamerton is planning on returning to town in two weeks time but who knows what these young men are about! He could be here tomorrow, or in four weeks!"
"Indeed."
Turning away from listening to the conversation between their mothers, Elisabeth said,
"Viscount Hamerton? The name is familiar."
Scoffing, Edith replied, "That is hardly surprising! My brother is notorious, for all the wrong reasons, of course. Sadly, Mama approves of anything and everything he does. While Papa is never pleased by a single thing Philip does."
"Oh, I'm sorry I said anything," apologized Elisabeth.
"Elisabeth, you would have heard plenty of tales of my brother soon enough. I prefer to be the one who tells a new acquaintance of him, rather than letting them find out from other sources that the scandalous Viscount Hamerton is my brother!"
"I see. I don't think my own brothers are that bad!"
"Oh no! Viscount Allington is looked upon with favour by the young ladies because of his good looks and fortune and he is regarded as a great catch by their mothers because of his aforementioned good looks and fortune. Also, they are well aware that he is perfectly honourable where young ladies are concerned!"
"And my brother, the Colonel?"
"He's handsome, witty and wears a red coat! Need I say more? Those qualities immediately make him the epitome of greatness - he is always charming and just as well-behaved around the ladies as your other brother."
Elisabeth laughed delightedly. "I am very pleased to hear it... Well, not that they are pursued in such a fashion, but that they are such good gentlemen."
"Elisabeth, I was wondering; have you been invited to the Eastley's ball? I am certain you have been. Sadly, I know we have." Edith leaned forward whispering, "Mama would never miss the chance of getting me married and she has heard from her sources, who are distressingly never wrong, that a great many of London's eligible bachelors shall be there."
"I do not know if we shall be going as we have only just started receiving guests. A ball may be a bit much. That is how Janet and I feel now, however, there is no telling what shall happen by that time. And I do not know that we have been invited, it was only announced today who we are."
"I am sure you will be. Come to think of it, they are out of town at the moment and will not be back until next week. So, even if they are told who you are they will not likely extend the invitation to include you and your sister until they return. However, will your parents want to give the both of you a coming out ball, before you attend some of the functions in town?"
"Perhaps. We have not discussed anything of the sort, Edie. We shall just have to wait and see."
"Indeed. I do hope you can come for it shall be a dreadful bore if you are not there to speak with. I think I should go mad!"
"Surely it is not that bad!"
"Oh, but it is!" cried Edith, laughing.
A short time later the Countess of Bramley and Edith took their leave. Edith and Elisabeth promised to meet up the following day - Janet and Elisabeth were invited to take tea at the Bramley townhouse. Janet sadly declined the invitation, saying she was already to go to the Mellors. Elisabeth did not like to hear this, but as she could not really say anything on the subject she kept quiet and bid a cheerful good-bye to Edith, saying she was looking forward to the next day.
The rest of the day continued with the stream of callers declining slightly as the hours passed. All of those who came were the same senseless, plotting women who had been calling for most of the day. Finally, evening settled over the Fitzwilliam home and the family was allowed to eat dinner in peace. The young Landons still regarded their cousins with some awe, after all they had been forced to live with that terrible dragon, therefore they were even more silent at the dinner table.
The Landons retired early that evening, leaving the six Fitzwilliams to entertain one another. It was then that Lady Matlock broached the subject of a coming out ball held in the girls' honour.
"Elisabeth, I happened to overhear you and Lady Edith talking about the Eastley's ball earlier. You also talked about the possibility of a coming out ball for you and Janet, before either of you accepts any invitations of that sort. What do the two of you think of it? A ball could easily be arranged within two weeks time, and then you would really be accepted as members of the ton."
"That is assuming you want anything to do with London society after today!" muttered Thomas.
"I don't know how Lizzy feels on the subject, but I won't object. I found almost everyone I met today to be very charming people. I should imagine I would be quite easy in their company at a ball," Janet said happily.
"And you, Beth? What is your opinion?"
"I'm in agreement with Janet, but for slightly different reasons. After a good number of people have met us, if we sort of cut ourselves off by not somehow showing that we are out in society, they might wonder what is wrong with us. Although I don't know if I will enjoy the company as much as Janet. I always do like to study the ridiculous in characters and the town certainly provides me with such an opportunity."
"Well, then," the Earl said with a smile. "Helen, I think you and the girls had best start planning this ball, while we gentlemen of this household think of ways we can escape!"
Elisabeth laughed, saying to her father. "That is not fair to the ladies of the household, Papa!"
"Oh, it sounds wonderful to me," Thomas said, grinning at his sister.
"Richard," Elisabeth said with a warning glare. "You had better support me on this."
"I'm afraid I cannot do that, Elisabeth, for in matters such as this I am neutral. I do not take sides."
"You are just so very helpful!" exclaimed Elisabeth.
Once the family agreed that they would hold the ball in two weeks time, so they would be able to attend the much talked of Eastley ball, they bid each other goodnight and went to their beds.
Meanwhile, at the Darcy Townhouse
"Bingley, I thought you were going to propose today," began Darcy, regarding his friend worriedly. He feared his confession on his part in Janet and Bingley's separation had come too late.
"I meant to, Darcy. I went to the house but I saw that there were many people visiting. It was not an ideal time. You know that it was announced in the paper who they are." This evening, Bingley was most certainly not his usual self. His shoulders slouched in dejection and the gentleman who was always jovial and smiling was no where in sight - there was no trace of a smile on Bingley's face.
"Yes, I know, but why are you so cast down? This was one day you were unable to propose, but tomorrow you can."
"No, Darcy." Bingley sighed heavily. "I love your cousin Janet very much, but I cannot marry her. When I went to that huge townhouse today, when I saw how many people of fashion and standing were there to meet them, I knew I could not ask Janet to marry me. Darcy, it proved to me that I am now in no situation to propose to your cousin. Her station is far above mine, even if she does want to marry me as you say, your aunt and uncle would surely refuse their consent." With a grumble of displeasure, Bingley cradled his head in his hands.
'Bingley!' Darcy thought with much frustration. 'Don't be such a fool! For crying out loud these are things I would have and did, think of at one time. Janet loves you and where true love comes into it; money, standing and connections should have nothing to bloody do with it!
Sighing and thinking of a way he could but the best case to his friend, Darcy said, "My aunt and uncle would not refuse, Bingley. If Janet wanted you for her husband, I can guarantee they would not refuse your suit. You must understand that my aunt and uncle are of the few parents whose concern is their children's happiness, not titles and connections. They would want for Janet to be happy." Darcy stood and began pacing.
"Darcy, I am resolved on this. At this time I cannot ask her to marry me, but if I can see with my own eyes that she does love me, that her parents would be pleased at our marriage, I will then ask her, but not before." Bingley's tone and look was one of sad determination. Although it was apparent the decision pained him and he would have loved to have taken a different course, it was equally clear that on this matter his mind was made up and, not even Darcy could sway his thinking.
Darcy looked at his friend, feeling more guilty than ever. Running a hand through his hair, he thought in exasperation; 'Of all the times for Bingley to become stubborn!'