With Just a Little Guidance Chapters 31 and 32

Chapter 31

Since the Nelson’s ball was given in honor of Jane and Bingley, they both arrived before any of the other guests. Jane was there to greet Bingley as he arrived at the ballroom, having arrived some ten minutes prior. His reaction upon seeing her was all that she desired. He gasped, “Oh my, what a vision you are. Do you like the pearls? They look so well with that dress, but of course, they do not compare with you.”

“Thank you. They are quite lovely. I am glad you approve.”

“As I told Darcy, you are truly an angel and appear as such today. No one can deny that.”

He greeted the Nelsons and Elizabeth and stood visiting with them until it was time to start greeting arriving guests. Lord and Lady Nelson, Jane, and Bingley greeted each just outside the doorway to the ballroom. There were a number of people Bingley had not met in the past from among the aristocracy, and for a fleeting moment, he was grateful that Caroline was not there to fawn over them. He was grateful to see those he had met at Lady Stanford’s. He was very happy to see Darcy who arrived with his Fitzwilliam relatives. They were followed closely by Kitty and Lady Stanford. Finally, Bingley escorted Lady Nelson while Lord Nelson partnered Jane to open the ball. Darcy was quick to seek out Mrs. Raynor for his promised set.

Just before the dancing began, Kitty was visiting with Elizabeth as Darcy approached with Colonel Fitzwilliam and another gentleman. He introduced the stranger as his cousin, Captain Andrew Fitzwilliam, of the Royal Navy.

While Colonel Fitzwilliam requested a future dance with Elizabeth, Captain Fitzwilliam asked Kitty if she was available. Since she was free, they moved away to start the first set together. Kitty began her standard questions in becoming acquainted as the set began. “When did you first join the navy?”

“I went to sea as a midshipman when I was but twelve. I am now five and twenty, so it has been some thirteen years.”

“Have you seen much action in the war?”

“Yes. It is how I have managed to be promoted post-captain so quickly. War provides faster options for promotion and reward than peace time.”

“Reward? I am afraid I do not understand.”

“Prize money when we capture enemy ships is the reward. I am the third and youngest son of an Earl. While Richard and I have inherited small estates from our grandmother, in neither case is it enough for a lifestyle we desire after retirement. I invest my prize money and, as both the prizes and investment grow, I hope to be able to purchase a comfortable life when I retire.”

“Oh, that makes sense. I see now.”

“So, Mrs. Raynor is your sister. Have you others?”

“Yes. Mrs. Nelson is my eldest sister. She is the guest of honor for this ball. Between Mrs. Raynor and myself is my sister Mary, now Mrs. Ainsley. My youngest sister is Lydia. She is home in Hertfordshire with our father. My aunt is sponsoring my Season in town, and I am living with her this winter and spring.”

“So, five of you. Your mother and father must have had their hands full.”

“Just Father. Mother died when I was four. My aunts have assisted him as have a couple of wonderful governesses. We were not too much of a challenge when we were small, but seeing us come out and find husbands is the real challenge, I think. Father leaves all of that to Aunt Stanford to manage. He does not like society very much.”

Captain Fitzwilliam laughed at that. “That sounds like my cousin Darcy. He doesn’t care much for society. However, since I am not so eligible, I find it more enjoyable than he does. He does not appreciate being hunted.”

They had a pleasant set during which Captain Fitzwilliam asked for the supper dance if it were still available. It was, so he would return then.

Darcy enjoyed his first set with Elizabeth. “Miss Bennet was kind enough to pass on some of the instructions of Lady Stanford on how to engage people. Both Georgie and I feel it will be very helpful to us. So, I am taking your suggestion to practice to heart.”

“I am so glad Kitty could assist you and Miss Darcy.”

“We think it will make her Season next year that much easier. I think it will also help me be a little more sociable at events such as this ball.”

“Does that mean you plan to dance more?”

“I fear that it does.” Both chuckled at his response.

They continued to chat until Elizabeth was claimed by her next partner. Darcy watched her leave for her next set. He found it hard to see her dancing with other men. Richard sought him out after his dance with her. “Have you made any progress?”

“Well, I have determined that I would like to court her. However, I have also determined that she is not ready. Therefore, I am working at being friends. And, after her mild rebuke the other night, I am working on my skills at small talk. It is as stifling as a cravat tied too tightly.”

“It is not that bad. You just do not yet have the skill.”

Andrew joined them after releasing Kitty to her next partner. “Miss Bennet is very nice. I am also dancing the supper dance with her. Since you seem to know them, what can you tell me about the family?”

Darcy gave him a short description of the family, the estate in Longbourn, and the friendship between three of the daughters and his sister. He gave no indication of his interest in Mrs. Raynor. Richard asked, “Are you thinking of becoming better acquainted with Miss Bennet?”

Andrew replied, “Perhaps. Our conversation was not as insipid as some I have experienced. She seems a nice young lady. And of course, she is quite attractive. What about dowry?”

“According to Bingley, it is acceptable. If you want to know more than that, ask him.”

“The amount is not important. Acceptable is enough. It is nice to know that one is wanted for himself and not for his fortune. The same holds true for women.”

Richard laughed, “True enough. And you are well on your way to making that fortune you will need while I am not.”

Andrew shrugged, “We made different choices. I think the navy offers more scope than the army.”

Richard said, “Not enough horses there for me, though. I guess I will just need to find an heiress or get very lucky in an investment or two.”

Darcy said, “We shall see when you finally decide to start looking instead of flirting with everything in skirts.”

“Well, that will not be for some years, I fear.”

As part of his social skills practice, Darcy did dance more frequently than he had at the Netherfield ball. However, to protect himself from the matchmaking mamas, most of his partners were married women, wives of his friends, with the exception of Jane, Kitty and Elizabeth. When he danced with Kitty, he asked about her impression of his cousin. Since Andrew seemed interested, he would do what little he could to further Andrew’s cause with Miss Bennet.

“Miss Bennet, first, I want to thank you for the instruction you gave Georgie and me. It has already been most helpful.”

“You are most welcome. It is only that Aunt Stanford has helped us learn these things. I am happy to share with you.”

“So, my cousin Andrew has asked for a second set. That looks a little promising.”

Kitty smiled. “I suppose it does. I guess it was lucky for him that no one had already asked for the supper set. Had he waited for another set, he would have been too late. My dances have now all been claimed. You cousin seems like a good man.”

“He is a very good man. He is happy to be on land this Season. He seldom has an opportunity to socialize with the rest of us since he is usually at sea. I must confess that I truly enjoy his company.”

“He mentioned that their grandmother left both him and Colonel Fitzwilliam small estates. Our dance ended before I could find out more about it. What can you tell me about it?”

“It is similar in size to Longbourn. Lord Matlock’s steward oversees the tenant who leases it. Richard’s is similar. They are currently enjoying saving and investing most of the rents while the land and house are occupied.”

“That is very prudent for both of them.”

“They are both very forward-looking. They are my friends as well as cousins and I am quite proud of them.”

The Nelson ball was quite a success. Bingley appreciated his warm welcome by the extended Nelson family. He had never set his sights on entry to such a level of society and was gratified that they were willing to accept him as a gentleman in spite of the money coming relatively recently from trade. If some were slightly cool and distant, the others were far more warm and welcoming and more than made up for the few. It was obvious that Jane was a favorite of the family for which he was very grateful.

During the opening set with Lady Nelson, Bingley said, “Once again, I want to thank you for your acceptance and this lovely ball. Mrs. Nelson is truly an angel. I look forward to sharing her family. You have all been so welcoming.”

“We just want Jane and the girls to be happy. You are very welcome to join our family.”

Jane said to Lord Nelson, “Father, thank you so much for the warm welcome to Mr. Bingley.”

“Jane, he seems to be just the thing that you and the girls need. You were not meant to be alone. We are all pleased you found someone so amiable.”

Darcy had made an effort to visit with others as well as Elizabeth, and as they talked at supper, she said, “Sir, I can see you have taken the discussion about practice to heart. You are talking more than I have seen in the past. Is it becoming any easier?”

“Only slightly, but I am still a novice. I fear it will take more than a few days for me to show any true improvement. However, I do see the worth in doing so, and therefore, I will persevere.”

Colonel Fitzwilliam, sitting with them, laughed and added, “Then I expect on my next leave to see you a veritable social butterfly.”

“You will be sadly mistaken if you expect that. However, I should be easier in company than I have been.”

Elizabeth had noticed Kitty sitting with Andrew and asked, “Can you tell me something of Captain Fitzwilliam? I see Kitty is getting the opportunity to know him better.”

Richard replied, “Andrew is a good man. He has been successful in the navy and is a dedicated sailor. He has done well with prize money and will be quite well on his way to being independent. A younger son, you know, must be inured to self-denial and dependence unless he has an avenue such as Andrew has.”

Elizabeth replied with a smile, “In my opinion, the younger son of an earl can know very little of either. Now seriously, what have you ever known of self-denial and dependence? When have you been prevented by want of money from going wherever you chose, or procuring anything you had a fancy for?”

“These are home questions, and perhaps I cannot say that I have experienced many hardships of that nature. But in matters of greater weight, I may suffer from want of money. Younger sons cannot always marry where they like.”

“Unless where they like women of fortune, which I think they very often do.”

“Our habits of expense make us too dependent, and there are not many in my rank of life who can afford to marry without some attention to money. This is why Andrew is fortunate that he has made a fortune in prize money. It affords him a greater degree of choice. However, we are both very lucky that our grandmother inherited and left us small estates when she passed. Father’s steward manages them for us now, and both are leased, but when we are ready to retire, we will be able to have our own homes. Our investment efforts are to provide the capital needed to improve the estates and maintain a more prosperous lifestyle. Andrew is ahead of me there.”

Darcy added, “Andrew is also fortunate that he has interests beyond the navy and reads widely. I always enjoy my conversations with him.”

Richard said, “Yes, he might have gone to university and become a professor instead of to sea but the sea called too strongly. I, on the other hand, had little choice. I must be around horses, so the army and cavalry for me. We have each enjoyed some success.”

Elizabeth looked over at her sister again and ended this particular discussion with the comment, “Kitty has had a couple of admirers come calling after the dance at Almack’s. I wonder if the Captain will soon join them?” With a smile, they turned to conversation about the ball and the upcoming wedding.

The evening was a great success. By the time he left, Bingley’s head was swimming with the number of new, high-ranking acquaintances who had issued invitations for after their return from the wedding trip. More formal invitations would be coming in the days to come. It was the sort of entrée to higher society that Caroline had always sought. In the early hours of the morning, all finally took their leave expecting to sleep late the following day.

Caroline Bingley was still angry that she had been unable to attend the ball. News of the rift with her brother had spread widely, resulting in a significant diminution of invitations to other upper tier events. She had actively cultivated invitations to the remaining events and redoubled her efforts to find someone to replace Darcy in her marriage hunting. The morning following the ball, she read the gossip columns to see how it was reported.

Lady N gave a most spectacular celebration for her widowed daughter’s future marriage to Mr. B last evening. The guest list included a glittering array of the upper echelon of the Ton, and the soon-to-be Mrs. B simply sparkled on the arm of her betrothed. It is obvious that he is welcomed most warmly. Conspicuous by her absence was his sister, Miss B, who has reportedly been cut from his family and was not invited. His other sister, Mrs. H is retiring to the country rather than be ignored, but word is that she was not as bitter in her opposition to the match. It is obvious that Mr. B is a welcome addition to Lord N’s family circle.

While Caroline was unhappy when she read the paper, Louisa was pleased for her brother. After Caroline left the table, Louisa said, “It looks like the ball was a success. I am happy for Charles. Are we still planning to leave tomorrow?”

Hurst looked up from his portion of the paper and said, “Yes. Does your sister need any help moving her things out today?”

Louisa shook her head. “She says she has everything organized. A cart will be calling for her things in about an hour. She should be settled in her flat by this afternoon.”

“Will she attend this dinner with us tonight?”

“She plans to. She says she will be here to go with us and we can drop her at her flat on our way home. We can leave as early as you want to in the morning.”

This particular dinner would be the last time the sisters were together. Although they did not realize it at the time, they would both head in opposite directions. This future separation would greatly benefits the Hursts.

Caroline knew she would need to work quickly to find a way to maintain a semblance of acceptance in the upper reaches of society if she were to find the kind of match she desired. She found her new flat barely adequate and her companion just acceptable. She was still angry that her sister was leaving for Sussex and bypassing the Season.

It was fortunate that one of Caroline’s friends arrived immediately after the ball. Elizabeth came on an annual visit each March through April. This friend was not interested in the rift with Bingley as she had never bothered to know him. She felt her own circle was lofty enough, and she was only interested in gentlemen with titles.

Caroline spent far more time with Elizabeth than she had on former visits. They were together almost daily. Elizabeth helped Caroline become more comfortable in her new establishment. This constant closeness resulted in Elizabeth’s father developing an admiration for Miss Bingley. He was looking for someone handsome and well dowered, and she was looking for someone distinguished. Since he was a baronet, both were satisfied in the budding relationship, and by the middle of April, Miss Bingley had become his Lady, and they returned together to Somerset.

She and Elizabeth remained friends after the wedding, as Caroline had no intention of trying to be a mother to her friend or her friend’s sisters. Elizabeth was sorry to have to give way to her friend, but they had so many similarities, they actually enjoyed one another’s company. None of Caroline’s family attended the wedding which was held in London at the end of March. Mrs. Hurst sent her congratulations from Sussex, while Bingley did not even acknowledge the event. Elizabeth’s sisters were not brought to the wedding. They remained at home or school. Caroline and her new family remained in town for half of April before returning home to Somerset.

Bingley and the Hursts never heard from Caroline again after she sent her brother and sister notice of the wedding. Although Louisa occasionally sent letters, Caroline never bothered to answer them. Since they had not provided what she wanted, she thought herself well-rid of the family. 


Chapter 32

Late in the morning the day after the ball, Kitty was pleased to have Captain Fitzwilliam call upon her. After the usual greetings, she asked, “I know absolutely nothing about rank within the navy. What exactly does it mean that you are a captain?”

Andrew smiled and replied, “There are two types of officers who are called captains, Commander and Post-Captain. Commander is in command of smaller vessels. Post-captains usually command a larger vessel such as a frigate. I was promoted to Post-captain last year before assuming command of the frigate that is now under repairs in Portsmouth.”

“It sounds like this is a very important promotion.”

“Yes, it is. As long as I remain with the navy, I will continue to move up the list of captains. Above captains are admirals of various types. You are promoted admiral once there is an opening and you are at the top of the list. It assures that I will have a very clear career path in the navy, at least if I don’t die.”

“Of course, no one plans to die. So, if you continue to do well, you just move up the list waiting for the next promotion?”

“In some respects that is true. However, I can also receive more important assignments or commands even while still captain if I show I deserve them.”

“It sounds very exciting. You must truly love the sea to want to spend your life this way.”

“Yes, I do. Once one is caught by the sea, one never loses the love. There are some who do not feel that way, but I am not one of them. I never tire of watching her changing features. I love the sound of the waves, the smell of the salt water, the view of the horizon. I never experience those sensations when I am on land.”

“I have never even seen the ocean, only rivers. I cannot imagine something so expansive.”

“Perhaps you will have an opportunity at some time in the future. For now, there are some paintings at the British Museum that are not a bad depiction. Could I interest you in joining me there, perhaps tomorrow, to view them together?”

Kitty was surprised at the invitation and glanced over at her aunt who replied, “We would love to see them. We shall meet you at the main entrance at 1 tomorrow, if that is acceptable.”

Andrew’s smile became even wider as he answered, “That would be perfect. I believe my mother was planning to go, so perhaps we can join her?”

Lady Stanford answered, “That would be lovely. I have not seen Lady Matlock in, it must be, about two or maybe three years. I look forward to it.”

Captain Fitzwilliam arose and bade the ladies farewell. As no one else was in the room, Lady Stanford asked Kitty, “After your dance at Almack’s, you expressed that none of the young men interested you even though a couple have visited regularly. Does the Captain? It is quite promising that he came to call upon you so promptly after dancing twice with you last night.”

“I have enjoyed our conversations so far. As I said, I know nothing of the navy and his explanations have been helpful. We have also talked of our families and books, and I find myself enjoying his company. I would like to know him better.”

“It is a good sign that he wants his mother to meet you. The Countess is a lovely woman, very warm and friendly. The museum is easier than meeting at a ball. In fact, I am surprised she was not there last night. She and Lady Nelson are friends.”

Shortly thereafter, other callers came and visited, including one of the young men introduced at Almack’s. He had called at least twice weekly since the dance although he was not receiving a great deal of encouragement from Kitty.

Bethiah and Rachel came later in the day to hear about the ball. As they were unacquainted with the Nelsons, and of a slightly lower circle, they had not been invited to the ball. Both were excited to hear of Kitty’s potential new suitor. As the girls spoke, Lurinda visited with Lady Stanford. The better acquainted they became, the more Lady Stanford found she enjoyed Lurinda’s company. During this visit, Lurinda and Lady Stanford moved to a first name acquaintance, with Lady Stanford asking Lurinda to call her Bess. Both were pleased at their growing friendship.

Jane and Elizabeth spent a much quieter day together. As usual, Bingley called for a brief visit. Miss Darcy and Mrs. Annesley came by to hear of their evening after having first called upon Kitty and hearing her version. Darcy had been unable to join them, much to his chagrin. He had business that must be conducted and could not wait any longer. As Kitty and Georgiana had moved to a first name basis, so did Elizabeth and Jane, although Elizabeth asked to be called Lizzy. Georgiana was pleased to comply. When she told her brother of this deepening of the friendship, he too was pleased.

The next day, Kitty dressed with care for her excursion to the museum. Although she wanted to wear more fashionable shoes, she chose instead a pair of sturdy walking shoes such as she often wore at Longbourn. She knew they would be comfortable and did not want to be distracted by sore feet.

They arrived at the museum just moments before one o’clock to see Captain Fitzwilliam assisting Lady Matlock from her carriage. By the time he turned, the footman had already helped both Lady Stanford and Kitty. They moved to meet at the base of the stairs where Captain Fitzwilliam introduced them. Once greetings were complete, Lady Stanford took Kitty’s arm allowing the Captain to escort his mother up the flight of stairs.

Once inside, partners changed as Lady Stanford took Lady Fitzwilliam’s arm and said, “Constance, it is so good to see you again. I was surprised I did not encounter you at the Nelson’s the other night.”

“It is good to see you, too, Bess. I had planned to attend, but George felt quite poorly throughout the day. I felt it was better that I stay with him.”

“That makes perfect sense.”

As the Ladies spoke, Kitty allowed Captain Fitzwilliam to escort her toward the paintings he had wished to show her. The Ladies trailed behind them continuing their conversation. They spent an hour reviewing the artwork as he explained what was accurate and what was not in the depictions of life at sea. They then moved on to the collection of antiquities from Egypt and Greece. Soon thereafter, Lady Fitzwilliam remarked, “Andrew, I think it time we treated ourselves to a little tea. I believe there is a lovely shop just around the corner from here. Could you escort us there?”

“Of course, Mother. Sorry if my enthusiasm was a little much. I can spend hours here.”

Kitty replied, “It is so interesting. I know my older sisters have been, but I had never been here before.”

Lady Stanford added, “We would have come soon and will be back again. With Jane’s wedding, my plans for your Season have had to be modified somewhat.”

They continued their progress toward the tea shop chatting amiably. Inside, they found a comfortable table and ordered tea and sweets. They enjoyed their repast and conversation for another half hour before Lady Stanford announced that she and Kitty would need to be going. Their carriage should be arriving any moment. As they parted, Captain Fitzwilliam announced his intention to call upon her soon.

Once they were alone again, Andrew said to Lady Matlock, “Did you enjoy yourself?”

“You know I did. I always enjoy Lady Stanford’s company. She has done well by those nieces of hers. Miss Bennet is a fine young lady. What more would you have me say?”

“Your honest appraisal would be good.”

“She is still young, but she is as I said a fine young lady. She is willing to admit her ignorance, seems to appreciate her opportunities, has a great deal of poise for one so young, and I liked her. Have you finally found someone you wish to court?”

“I believe I have. I think we have a great deal in common, excluding the sea of course, and could make one another happy.”

“Are you one that would have your wife travel with you?”

“I think not. While I know I would miss her company, my worry for her safety would distract me.”

“Until you are settled permanently, your wife would have a welcome at Matlock.”

“Thank you; I am not surprised. I am sure she would have one at home or with her sisters or aunt as well. My real question is, do I opt for a quick courtship so that we marry before repairs are complete and I am back at sea, or do we go more slowly and marry after my next tour-if she will have me.”

“That I cannot answer for you. You must decide for yourself and then verify that decision with Miss Bennet.”

Meanwhile, in the Stanford carriage, Kitty said, “Aunt, that truly was interesting. Can we return again after the wedding? There is much we did not see.”

Lady Stanford laughed and replied, “Yes, my dear. We will do so. Perhaps we can bring your friends and Mrs. Williamson or maybe Lydia.”

“Oh yes, I think they would all enjoy it.”

“Then perhaps we will plan to come more than once. And did you enjoy your conversation with the Captain?”

“Yes, I did. I find him very easy to talk to. I do not need to think hard about what to say. It seems to flow easily.”

“Well, I think it a very good sign that he included his mother. If she approves, you can expect to see much more of him, I think.”

Kitty answered this with a smile and a dreamy look to her eye. They were silent the remainder of the ride home. When they arrived at home, they found Jane and Elizabeth waiting for them. They were all to visit the modiste for final fittings at four that afternoon. Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at her aunt who smiled after looking in Kitty’s direction. Lizzy asked, “Did you have a pleasant afternoon?”

Kitty blushed as her aunt answered, “Captain Fitzwilliam and Lady Matlock toured some of the British Museum with us, and then shared a brief tea. It was very pleasurable.”

As they left for the modiste, Kitty was the recipient of much teasing and conjecture from Elizabeth. Jane merely wished her well and hoped she had a pleasant courtship to which Kitty replied that things had not yet progressed to a courtship. The fitting resulted in all women pleased with their gowns. Gowns were packed away, along with accessories, for transport to both homes in preparation for the wedding.

The museum visit was the last social event that week as Mr. Bennet, Lydia, and Miss Bosworth arrived from Hertfordshire for Jane’s wedding. With only a couple of days left, it was time to finish preparations for the celebration. Lydia was pleased that this time, she could enjoy the trip to London rather than having to spend her time working as she had on her last trip. She appreciated staying with Lady Stanford as, until now, she had usually stayed at the Gardiners. With no children at Stanford House, it was much quieter than Gracechurch Street.