A Kindly Aunt Chapters 17 and 18

AN: I am glad you are enjoying the relationships. I am not sure if there is sufficient romance, but at least we move forward.
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Chapter 17

With the presentation behind them, attention at the Gardiner household now turned whole heartedly to the social whirl of the London Season. Anne was a little worried when she found out her aunt planned for all three to attend the Season.

“I did not come to be a burden. I needed a home and wanted to assist as I might. You were not planning on hosting three of us. You should not have to do this.”

“My dearest Anne, you are no burden. You do help me with the children just as you suggested. However, just because Walter chose not to give you a proper season is no reason you should sit on the sidelines this time. Please, just enjoy yourself. If something further comes from a certain relationship, you will still have had a fun time while waiting.”

Thus, all three would assist each other in preparing for each of the events. Immediately after the presentation, they attended a dinner party. As they entered, they were pleased to see a number of their friends. While Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner chatted with their hostess, the girls drifted over to talk with Lady Harriet. Shortly thereafter, Captain Fitzwilliam and Captain Wentworth joined them.

Anne smiled broadly upon seeing Captain Wentworth. “Captains, it is so nice to see that you were also invited this evening. I had hoped to see you here.”

She continued to smile at Captain Wentworth as greetings were exchanged. He remarked, “I hope the presentation went well for your cousins.”

She replied, “They are quite relieved. The anticipation has been quite high, and it met everyone’s expectations.”

He looked his question at her as the conversation continued, and she nodded her head slightly with an even larger smile. When he nodded in reply, she took a deep breath. At some point they would need to talk, but it seemed they were in agreement.

A few moments later, Mr. Darcy, Mr. Bingley, and Miss Bingley arrived. When Mr. Bingley noticed Jane, he immediately headed to her side. Introductions were made to Miss Bingley as greetings were exchanged. Once she was introduced, Caroline made an effort to impress these quite personable young men with her wit and charm. However, it was a little difficult since they were actually talking of the progress, or rather stalemate, in hostilities on the continent, a subject about which she knew very little. She noted with surprise that both Jane and Elizabeth, whom she had mentally dismissed upon their first meeting as simple country girls, both had intelligent comments to share. They must be more knowledgeable than she had supposed.

After a few moments, Lady Harriet noticed that, although she tried to contribute, the subject was not one that offered Miss Bingley ready participation. Taking pity on her, she changed the subject to the Season’s festivities. “Miss Bingley, is this your first Season?”

“Yes, it is. I attended a seminary in town until last spring. Many of my friends are also making their debuts this year. I expect we will have a splendid time.”

Lady Harriet answered, “I always enjoy London during the Season, but Mr. Alleyn is not as fond of the social scene as I am. He is one of those who often sits in the card room for the entire evening.”

Bingley laughed and said, “My other sister’s husband does the same. He likes cards well enough, but music and dancing are completely uninteresting.”

Captain Fitzwilliam added, “I expect to see Darcy retreating to the card room someday as well. He does not seem to enjoy most of the festivities.”

Darcy laughed. “It is true that I find it trying. I will admit it was more fun before Father died, but only slightly. There is an element of the chase in many events that I do not enjoy. However, it is what is expected. Andrew, I doubt I will opt for cards anytime soon. Perhaps when I am old and settled.”

They all chuckled. Anne, Lady Harriet, and the captains switched again to talk of the war. Darcy asked Jane and Elizabeth how their presentation had gone. “I expect that Major Fitzwilliam and I will need to help Georgiana prepare for it in a few years. Although my aunt and cousins will surely help, I think I would like to be somewhat prepared.”

Elizabeth laughed. “I do not know how you can truly be prepared. There are some weeks of practice required since taking a curtsey in a dress like that is not something any of us would normally do, nor is walking in it.”

Jane added, “Indeed, the practice was invaluable. Another benefit of it is that it is so much easier now to manage in our usual clothing. I never expected that.”

Darcy smiled. “It helped you acquire a new sense of balance, perhaps.”

Elizabeth continued, “Perhaps it did. It was definitely a spectacle. Will your aunt be your sister’s sponsor?”

“I expect she will. If she cannot, for some reason, I am sure one of my cousins would manage for us.”

Jane added, “Is your sister now settled in her new school? It is nice you are back in town.”

“Yes, she is well settled. There was no real excuse for not returning, so I am back again. Perhaps it will be more enjoyable since both Andrew and Richard are in town for at least part of the Season. Miss Elliot, I met your sister at the school. Thank you for writing her asking her to assist Georgie in settling in. I am sure her help will be invaluable. She was quite welcoming.”

Anne replied, “Those girls that helped me after my mother’s death are still good friends. It never hurts to have a friend or two in the older girls. It can be quite helpful.”

During this conversation, Caroline began to smolder. To think that these country nobodies were presented to the queen, while she had no one to sponsor her, was completely unfair. She had no family to turn to, since Hurst’s mother had never been presented either, and of course her own family had no one to call upon. Finally, she could bear the humiliation no longer and, at a lull, asked, “Are you planning to attend many balls this upcoming week?”

Jane agreed to the change in subject and answered, “A few. How about you?”

They fell to discussing upcoming plans and comparing when they would be together and when not. Bingley was pleased to note that Jane would be present at most of the events he was required to attend as escort to his sister. As they prepared to go in to dinner, he quietly asked Jane for the supper dance at two balls they would be attending to which she readily agreed.

Meanwhile, Captain Fitzwilliam saw a friend arrive and left to greet him. Lady Harriet also removed herself, leaving Anne and Wentworth comparatively alone for a moment. She said quietly, “Your note gave me so much happiness. Does this mean you have forgiven me?”

“I am still unsure about that. However, it does mean that my feelings for you have not abated, as I will admit I had hoped they would. We need to be able to really talk, without fear of interruption, to see what it all means. May I call upon you tomorrow and perhaps escort you to the park?”

“As long as the weather cooperates, you may. In fact, I would love it.”

As they stood looking at one another, they were joined again and conversation continued until they were called to the table. Anne was not seated by Wentworth, but found her companions interesting nonetheless. Wentworth had been placed by Caroline Bingley. Miss Bingley attempted to impress him with her sophistication and charm.

“Are you often in London, Captain?”

“This is the first time I have spent much time socializing in town. Of course, I am usually at sea. Captain Fitzwilliam asked me to join him for our leave, so I have this chance to enjoy London in a more leisurely fashion than usual. You said you attended a seminary here. Will you continue to live in town?”

“My sister’s husband has a house in town. When we are here, we live with him. We hope that my brother will find an estate where we can spend more of our time. It was my father’s fondest dream. Of course, the Season could change plans for both my brother and me. I am excited at the opportunity to extend our acquaintance. Mr. Darcy has been a good friend to Charles and has introduced him to a number of interesting people.”

“Your brother seems an amiable sort, a little less reserved than Darcy.”

“Yes, that is true. Charles is very easy going.”

“Have you known our hostess long? I have only just met her. The family seems quite nice.”

“Charles has known them these three years. I too just met her. The family is of the first rank, which is what is of most importance. It was kind of her to include me when she invited my brother.”

“Oh, they are of the first rank, are they? How interesting. I have little knowledge of the Ton. It is not what is important when one is at sea.”

“Yes, they are. It is best to have a number of friends from the upper tiers as one begins the Season if one wants to attend the best events.”

“I guess it is lucky for me that Fitzwilliam’s father is an Earl. That seems to give us entrée to many an event that a mere captain might not merit.”

At that reminder that he had no important family, Caroline began to direct more of her conversation to the man at her other side. Wentworth smiled at the defection. He had no wish to capture her attention. His other companion was an older married woman. They found a great deal to talk of through the remainder of the meal.

Jane was seated between Captain Fitzwilliam and Bingley. The three readily conversed on many topics, ending with a discussion of a book the men had recently both read. Their opinions were somewhat different, and Jane found she was more sympathetic to Bingley’s opinion than she was to Fitzwilliam’s. Elizabeth sat between Bingley and Darcy. She found herself completely ignored on one side, with minimal conversation coming from the other. Darcy equally talked minimally with his companion to the other side, so she did not feel he was purposely slighting her.

Finally she asked, “Mr. Darcy, forgive me if I presume, but it appears to me that you do not enjoy making small talk.”

He gave a small smile and answered her, “I am afraid you read me correctly. I certainly have not the talent which some people possess of conversing easily with those I have never seen before. I cannot catch their tone of conversation, or appear interested in their concerns, as I often see done."

"My fingers do not play piano in the masterly manner which I see so many women's do. They have not the same force or rapidity, and do not produce the same expression. But then I have always supposed it to be my own fault—because I will not take the trouble of practicing as much as I should. It is not that I do not believe my fingers as capable as any other woman's of superior execution."

Darcy smiled and said, "You are perfectly right but I do not find your performance lacking in any way. How does one learn to practice small talk? Although I have an education, that component was completely missing.”

“My aunt has been giving us some instruction in the art. I will admit, sometimes it is quite amusing.”

“How so?”

“Keep in mind that her instruction is for a young woman. Much of it has to do with truly listening to your companion. You may begin by asking about the young man’s home. I suppose you could do the same for a young woman.”

“What do you ask?”

“So, Mr. Darcy, tell me about your home. What is it that you like about it?”

“It is called Pemberley. It has absolutely lovely vistas from every window in the house. Miss Elizabeth, where do you live?”

“Very good. I live in Hertfordshire on an estate called Longbourn. It is near a little market town called Meryton.”

“That is easy enough, but how do I know what to ask next?”

“I asked you what you liked about Pemberley?”

“Fair enough. What is it about Longbourn that you particularly like?”

“We have numerous woods nearby where I can ramble and enjoy the outdoors. So, you have heard that I like the outdoors. From that you might ask, what do I enjoy about the outdoors. You see, if you listen closely to the answers, they can direct you to the next question. It should work with either men or women, although some will not have real answers to give to some questions. This is true if you ask something that actually calls for reflection. Save that for a closer acquaintance. Asking about home, hobbies, favorite foods, that sort of thing will work with almost everyone.”

Darcy smiled again. “I see. So, you like walking in the woods? What about it do you enjoy?”

“I love smelling the fresh air, seeing the flowers and ferns, the changing colors, and glimpses of beauty so often hid from the rest of the world.”

“Then there are many places at Pemberley you would particularly enjoy. There are hidden little glades in the woods that are just filled with wildflowers. Do you like wildflowers?”

“I actually love them better than cultivated ones. You see, Mr. Darcy, it is not that hard to find things to talk about. It just takes listening closely.”

“Miss Elizabeth, I must truly thank you. I have wondered how Bingley can so easily make acquaintances but now understand. He is a very good listener and has done this almost instinctively. I think perhaps my position, and its relative isolation, has caused me to lack that skill. Now I have something tangible to remedy that lack, and it is thanks to your advice. Perhaps this should be added to our list of qualifications for being deemed accomplished.”

“You are most welcome. I would think that dinners like this, or similar evenings, will make practice easier than balls would. That seems to be my aunt’s thinking. She is having us attend a few small gatherings first, as well as making calls on some of her friends, to improve our skills before the larger festivities.”

“I will remember that for Georgiana.” As the women were preparing to leave, he added, “I look forward to seeing your progress through the Season.”

“You are staying in town?”

“Yes. Now that Georgiana is settled in school, I have no real excuse for not attending. My aunt made it clear that I should be here, so here I am, at least for as long as my cousins are home.”

While the men enjoyed their port, the ladies settled to coffee, tea, or conversation in the withdrawing room. Miss Bingley made some effort to become acquainted with some of the other younger women. Mrs. Gardiner introduced her three nieces to many of the other matrons. As Anne was the best listener of the lot, she quickly became very popular with these older women. Since many had daughters already out, and not yet married, Jane was less popular because of her beauty. Elizabeth was deemed less a threat than Jane, but all three were found to be perfectly acceptable.

As far as Mrs. Gardiner was concerned, this was important, as she wanted all three invited to parties these matrons would be hosting. They were not necessarily of the highest rank, but they were popular hostesses and would provide multiple opportunities for her nieces to extend their acquaintance. Unfortunately for Caroline, she concentrated on meeting the other debutantes rather than the matrons. It would take her longer to be invited to more select events due to this omission.

When the men rejoined the women, Elizabeth smiled to notice Darcy attempting to make small talk with one of the matrons who did not have a daughter to marry off. She supposed it was better to practice on someone who did not have him an interest in him for a daughter or niece. As he passed by her after the effort he murmured, “You give very good advice, Miss Elizabeth. My thanks.”

“You are indeed welcome, sir.”
 
Chapter 18

After breakfast the next morning, Anne asked to speak privately with Mrs. Gardiner. They went to the library to be undisturbed. “You know of my disappointment two years ago. I am not sure you are aware that it was Captain Wentworth to whom I was engaged although you may have guessed. We have managed to have a little discourse and realize that our feelings are still much as they were. He has asked to call upon me today and escort me to the park, weather permitting, so that we might talk freely. May I have your permission?”

“Your feelings are unchanged?”

“If anything, they are even stronger than they were. I gave him up because I thought it was the proper thing to do for his career. I hoped to get past those feelings, but I find that he still fills my heart.”

“A footman must attend the two of you.”

“Of course.”

“Very well, yes, you have my permission. Are you prepared for your father’s disapprobation should you become betrothed again?”

“I have that whether or not I marry Captain Wentworth. Father cares only for the Elliot name, not for me as a person. Since I do not think you will cut me off, I care not what Father says.”

“And what of Lady Russell? You write her regularly and are still close. Was she not also against the match?”

“I think she will accept it, should it come to pass. She wanted safety and security for me and could not see that with the Captain. However, she knows I have little with my family either.”

“I see you have thought it all out.”

“It is all I have been thinking of for some days. I would be very happy if he would offer for me again.”

“I wish you luck, my dear.” Mrs. Gardiner gave Anne a hug as both moved back to the parlor to await callers. Mary practiced the piano as the others sat at embroidery talking about the dinner the previous evening. As Mrs. Gardiner and Anne returned, Jane and Elizabeth smiled at them but were polite enough not to enquire about what had required privacy.

A short time later, Captain Wentworth was shown into the parlor. After greetings, he asked Mrs. Gardiner, “I wonder if I might steal your niece away for a walk in the park?”

“Yes, of course you may. Our footman will attend you in case either of you need anything,” answered Mrs. Gardiner. Although Wentworth was surprised at the chaperone, he nodded agreement. As Anne went for her wraps, he awaited her in the lobby. She took his arm as they descended the steps followed discretely by the footman.

Inside, Elizabeth asked, “Does this mean what I think it means?”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Lizzy, what do you think it means?”

“That he is paying court to Anne, of course.”

“Perhaps it does. He did ask to call upon her to talk privately as they walked. I am sure we will know soon enough.”

Jane added, “How exciting for Anne if he is seriously interested. He seems a very nice man.”

Elizabeth added, “Yes, he does.”

Mrs. Gardiner said, “And he meets your uncle’s criteria. Now the question will be, does he meet Anne’s?”

Soon other visitors called upon them, and the next hour was filled with small talk and some gossip. Neither Elizabeth nor Jane cared for the gossip, but they did enjoy becoming better acquainted with both the matrons and their daughters who had called.

As they strolled down the street toward the park, Anne said, “I am glad the sun decided to shine today. It would have been hard to wait to have this conversation.”

“Agreed. I did not want to wait any longer. Miss Elliot, as I wrote, I find my feelings for you as strong as they ever were. But, I really need to understand your reasoning two years ago. I know you tried to explain, but I was simply too angry to listen. Well, now I am ready to hear.”

Anne was silent for a moment gathering her thoughts. “As you know, my father was very opposed as was my sister. Their arguments were unimportant as they were all about name and connections. However, Lady Russell had what I thought was a good argument about it being for your good that we postpone our marriage. Her arguments about it being hardly capable of success, I discounted. I knew she wanted what she thought best for me, and someone yet to make his fortune would not meet that requirement. However, she did argue that, since you would have to return to sea soon, if not immediately after our marriage, and that you would be constantly worrying about me, to the detriment of your concentration and ability to perform, well, and that worried me. I always knew you would be successful. To be so, you would have to take risks. What if worry for me caused you to be more cautious, too cautious, and thus caused you or those you commanded more risk? We needed more time which we did not have in order for us to ensure that these sorrows would not come to pass. This was what I was trying to say. I did not want to break off the engagement, but merely to wait to marry until after that tour. Also, now that I am of age, Father’s opposition becomes irrelevant. I believe that since Lady Russell wants me to be happy, she would ultimately come to appreciate you.”

“You were not asking to break if off, merely to postpone the wedding?”

“Yes. However, I hurt you, so you were unable to understand what I was asking.”

“So, if I were to ask you to resume the engagement, you would say?”

“Yes, without hesitation.”

“Anne Elliot, would you do me the very great honor to consent to become Mrs. Wentworth?”

“Yes, I would, most happily.”

“I guess we are both fortunate that Captain Fitzwilliam asked me to join him in town this leave.”

“We both owe him a debt of gratitude. So, now what?”

“I am not sure. Would you prefer to marry here in London or from Kellynch?”

“I would prefer here. I will, of course, invite Father and my sisters, but I do not even know if they would attend. Lady Russell would. It is probable the Musgroves would too. I correspond regularly with both Lady Russell and Mrs. Musgrove. My grandparents will want to meet you.”

“I look forward to meeting your grandparents. Do you want a long engagement? My preference is for a short one. I want some time with you as my wife before I return to sea.”

“A short engagement will be preferable.”

“I would like to get a special license, in part to show your father and Lady Russell that I am on the way to success.”

“If we marry soon, where would we live?”

“I would like to take you on a wedding trip. I believe Lady Fitzwilliam would allow us to remain with her after our return until I go back to sea. A bigger question is, would you like to travel with me as my sister does with her husband?”

“I think I would prefer that. I would worry about you if left behind.”

“So, how about three weeks from today? Would that be sufficient time?”

Anne blushed. “I think it would be more than sufficient. Shall we go talk to my aunt?” They turned back to the Gardiners with the footman following discretely behind.

As they entered the parlor, Anne was relieved to see that, for the moment, all the visitors had departed. The others rose and curtsied upon greeting Wentworth. Anne cleared her throat and said, “I have news. A couple of years ago, Captain Wentworth and I were betrothed. Although the betrothal ended, the attraction never did. I am happy to announce that we will be married three weeks from today. I would ask for your assistance in making that happen.”

All hugged Anne and shook hands with the Captain in congratulations. Mrs. Gardiner went out for a moment to indicate that they would receive no more visitors for the remainder of the Captain’s visit.

Elizabeth said, “Anne, how fortunate that we encountered the captains at the bookstore.”

“Yes, it might have taken much longer to come to agreement if we had not been so often in company together.”

Jane said, “I am so happy for you both. Of course, we will be happy to help you make this happen.”

Mrs. Gardiner returned and said, “Captain, do you want to join us in planning?”

“Not particularly. I would rather go for the special license, reserve the church, and begin making arrangements for a wedding trip. I will be asking Captain Fitzwilliam to stand up with me. Is there anything else you need of me?”

Mrs. Gardiner smiled. “Just your presence at the event. You do not need anyone’s permission other than Anne’s, but I think my husband would appreciate a word. Would you like to join us for dinner today? It is a family dinner. We have a soiree to attend this evening. You may join us if you like.”

“Then, I will agree to both.”

“I will send a note to my parents who will want to meet you as soon as that can be arranged.”

“I will make myself available. I can speak with Mr. Gardiner when I join you later today.”

After he left, the women set to planning. Anne indicated that she would prefer that her grandfather walk her down the aisle although she would invite her father to attend. Since he and Elizabeth would likely be in town anyway, she thought they would probably attend. However, Mary would probably be unable to get leave from school.

After the basics were completed, Anne turned to Mary. “Mary, would you do me the very great honor to be my attendant at the wedding? I know you are not really out yet, but you could be if you really wanted. It would make me very happy if you would.”

Mary was speechless for a moment. “Are you serious? Why would you want me?”

As both Jane and Elizabeth smiled at her response, Anne answered. “Because you are one of my closest friends. It would make me very happy to have you help me on that day.”

With a big smile, Mary said, “Then I would be most honored to stand up with you. I can hardly believe you would want me.”

“Thank you.”

By the time Wentworth returned for dinner, a general plan for the big day was in place. He affirmed that they had the church on the designated morning, so once Mr. Gardiner joined them, all plans were finalized for the wedding. Mr. Gardiner and Wentworth spent a few minutes in private conversation with Gardiner providing his approval even though not required. Anne determined that she did not want a new gown for the day but would wear one of her current favorites. Over dinner, they discussed those plans so both men would be aware. Captain Wentworth would accompany Anne and Mrs. Gardiner to the Stevenson’s home the next day to secure approval of the grandparents.

On the ride to the soiree, Wentworth sat across from Anne. “Miss Elliot, would you and your cousins attend me tomorrow morning and help in selecting a ring after we visit your grandparents? I have found one I think you would like, but I need your approval. And I am given to understand that women enjoy such an activity.”

“I think I speak for my cousins when I say yes. I know we have no other engagements in the morning.”

Wentworth and Anne savored the evening. None of the Fitzwilliams were at the event, nor were Darcy or the Bingleys, so none of their closest friends were there to share the happy news. However, when Wentworth returned home that evening, he updated his hosts about his news. As he suspected, Lady Fitzwilliam was quick to offer to host the happy couple after their wedding trip for the remainder of the season or until his return to sea. Captain Fitzwilliam was proud to be able to stand up with his friend at the wedding.