Chapter 43
The day of the wedding dawned as a sunny, beautiful spring day. At the Hurst’s, Caroline woke early and stayed quietly in bed for a while, contemplating this change in her life. Although she had expected to make an excellent match ever since starting seminary, she had never considered what her life might be like after marriage. She was grateful for the advice Findlay had given her to just be herself. It had opened up so many friendships and given her this opportunity for a very happy future. She was also pleased that now Louisa’s marriage also seemed happier. With Charles’ marriage to Jane, he would have someone to assist him as he also began the process of moving into the landed. Their father would be so proud of the three of them.
Preparations at the Hurst house proceeded with little drama or upset. Bingley was more nervous than Caroline. He was unable to eat more than toast. She had more of the breakfast although she ate lightly knowing of the feast that was in store at the Findlay home following the ceremony. Hurst, of course, ate heartily and teased Bingley the entire time. “Here Bingley, have some kippers. Or would you like an egg or two? They are not at all greasy today.”
Bingley looked bleakly at Hurst’s plate. “I think not. What if she changes her mind? What if I cannot make her happy? What if I trip when we go down the aisle together?”
Caroline frowned at him. “Really, Charles, do not be ridiculous. Jane would never change her mind. You make her very happy. You will not trip. You will see; all will be well. Have some tea and calm down. Well, I am going to go dress. Charles, you should do likewise once you finish your tea.”
At the Gardiner’s, it was considerably noisier. All except Mrs. Bennet and Jane had a small breakfast together. Jane was too nervous to eat, so she had tea and toast in her room. After they ate, her sisters all came to her room to help her dress. Although the maid did her hair, her sisters helped with the dress and accessories.
Lydia looked at Jane as they finished and said, “Jane, you look so beautiful. You could be a princess even if Mother would rather there was more lace.”
Elizabeth added, “I think it is just perfect.”
Mary said, “Now, we four must finish up our accessories, and we will all be ready to leave.”
Just then, a wail came from Mrs. Bennet’s room. Kitty shook her head as they listened to their mother’s fears about ever being ready, her dress not looking correct, and the poor state of her nerves. She said, “Poor Mama. Her nerves certainly do trouble her.”
The girls moved down to the parlor where Mrs. Gardiner awaited them. “Jane, you will travel with your mother and father. I will go with the rest of you now. Our carriage will return for the children and Mr. Gardiner. Sorry to leave you behind Jane. I am sure it will be fine.”
Jane smiled, “They cannot start without us, so I will not worry.” She carefully sat on the settee and began to embroider. “I am sure Mother will be ready soon.”
As the others left in the carriage, Mr. Bennet joined Jane in the parlor. With a smile he asked, “Are you ready?”
“Is anyone ever truly ready for this change? I am as ready as I can be, I believe. I am a little nervous and a little excited. How is Mother?”
“Another ten minutes or so and she should be ready. I expect by the time the carriage returns for your uncle and Rachel and John she will join us.”
Mr. Gardiner, Rachel, and John entered the parlor during that statement. Rachel exclaimed, “Oh, Jane, you look like a princess! I hope I can look as nice someday.”
Jane smiled at her little cousin. “Thank you. I imagine you will look quite beautiful when you wed.”
John chuckled at the thought of his little sister being grown up and wedding. “Not for many years yet, though. She is right, though, Jane, that you look very pretty.”
Jane replied, “And I thank you too. I am glad the two of you could join us.”
John answered, “At least we are old enough to behave properly. The little ones will miss quite the show, I imagine.”
The Gardiner carriage returned, and the three Gardiners headed out the door just as Mrs. Bennet began to descend from her room. “Mr. Bennet, I declare, I can hardly think straight.” Mr. Bennet and Jane joined her as she arrived at the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, Jane, you really do need more lace. The dress is just too plain. I suppose there is nothing to be done, though, is there?”
Mr. Bennet nodded to the butler who opened the door for them. He offered Mrs. Bennet one arm and Jane the other. “Shall we, ladies?” he asked nodding toward the awaiting carriage.
“Yes, please, Father.”
Jane took the proffered arm while Mrs. Bennet looked indecisive. “Yes, I suppose so,” she finally concluded as they slowly made their way down the stairs. Mrs. Bennet continued to complain and fuss as they settled into the carriage and made their way to the church.
The Bingleys arrived shortly after the Gardiner carriage’s first trip. Both Caroline and Bingley were led to a small chamber to wait until it was time for the ceremony. Bingley was too nervous to wait at the front of the church.
“Charles, relax. In just a short while, you will be wed and starting this new chapter. Father would be so pleased.”
Bingley smiled nervously. “I think he would be pleased with all of us. You two will have estates to manage, and I am marrying gentry as well. Soon, I will also have an estate. I would never have imagined this when I was little. I think both Mother and Father would like the people we’ve chosen.”
“Yes, I think I agree. Of course, how could anyone not like Jane? She must be the sweetest person I’ve ever met. Mr. Findlay is very entertaining, so I believe our parents would be happy for us. Thank you for giving me this season in London. Imagine how different it would have been if we had not come.”
“I don’t even want to think about it.”
Once Jane finally arrived, Bingley moved to a different chamber where he found Findlay waiting for him. Thus, the two brides waited together as did both grooms.
When Findlay saw Bingley, he chuckled. “I must say, you seem to be a bit nervous.”
“Well you don’t.”
“There is nothing to be nervous about. Your sister is a fine woman, and I think we will be very happy together. Why are you nervous?”
“I guess I’m afraid she will change her mind or I will trip and look a fool.”
“You know she will not change her mind. As to looking a fool, well, that would not be the end of the world. Years from now, it will probably make a funny story. Try thinking about something else. They should be coming for us soon so we can wait for our ladies at the altar.”
The church filled quickly, and finally it was time for the ceremony to begin. Everyone prepared for the brides as Mrs. Bennet was the final person escorted to her pew. She stood next to the rest of her daughters as the processional fanfare announced the arrival of the brides. As the music began, Mrs. Bennet pulled out her handkerchief and applied it to her eyes as tears began to leak down her cheeks. “My beautiful little Jane, all ready to go off and leave me forever. Whatever shall I do?”
Elizabeth squeezed her mother’s arm and whispered back, “You can take pride in a job well done.” Privately, she thought, well at least Mother is focused on Jane and not on speculating who might be a match for me.
As the music began, Wentworth reached over and took Anne’s hand in his. He whispered, “I know Findlay and Bingley would disagree, but I think I am the luckiest man in England.” Anne blushed and squeezed his hand in return.
Caroline had ultimately asked Hurst to escort her down the aisle. At the start of the season, there was no way he would have been her choice. A lot had changed. They preceded Jane and Mr. Bennet. The two grooms stood nervously at the front of the chapel as their brides walked down the aisle to them. Once they were handed over, Hurst and Bennet moved to stand next to their wives. Finally, the congregation sat and the ceremony began.
A short time later, Mr. and Mrs. Bingley and Mr. and Mrs. Findlay signed the register and stood to receive congratulations from all their friends and family. Soon, many of them joined together once again at the Findlay townhouse for a sumptuous breakfast. Jane did her best not to wince at some of the comments her mother made as she surveyed the breakfast.
Upon entering the dining salon and seeing the table laden with delicacies, Mrs. Bennet commented, “Well, at least it looks pretty. The china and crystal are quite lovely, maybe not as nice as Longbourn, but still decent enough. However, it seems to me there are not enough courses planned. It would have been much better if Jane had let me do the planning as we had always expected. What a travesty today is.”
Mr. Bennet stepped quickly to her side. “Mrs. Bennet, I must ask you to please keep your negative comments to yourself. We do not want to insult our hostess nor either bride. It seems to be exactly what they wanted. If you feel an attack of nerves, perhaps I should take you back to the Gardiner’s.”
Mrs. Bennet quickly responded, “That will not be necessary. Very well, I will keep my thoughts to myself.” Although he knew that would not last very long, he nodded his head as he steered her toward her seat.
Both couples took time to visit with all their guests. As they approached the area where Darcy, the Fitzwilliams and Wentworths were sitting, Jane said, “Major Fitzwilliam, I am so glad you were able to join us. I understand you are leaving shortly for the continent.”
“Yes, if you had delayed even a day, I would have had to miss the happy occasion. The army is on the move and we should arrive on the continent sometime in the next few days.”
“Will the navy follow suit?” asked Bingley.
Wentworth replied, “It is likely. Anne and I had planned to visit Portsmouth in any case to look into things. However, with troop deployment occurring, both Fitzwilliam and I expect to be recalled to service soon.”
Anne added, “And I should have an opportunity to see if I am a decent sailor.”
Caroline said, “Well, we must hope for the best. I am pleased you were all able to join us today. It is lovely having so many friends share our happiness.”
Findlay agreed. “Indeed it is. Should any of you find yourself in Sussex, be sure to look us up. Any mail can always be sent here and forwarded on to us. We must ensure that we do not lose touch.”
The Bennet girls sat together in order to decrease any speculation about suitors for Elizabeth. She found it was surprisingly pleasant to visit with Kitty and Lydia. They had matured so much in the previous three months. Lydia asked, “Now, I know you don’t want to talk about suitors, but, have you really none?”
Elizabeth smiled at her. “No one has declared anything, so really, no. There have been some possible ones that we discouraged because I realized they would not suit. However, I have made many new friends. If none of them becomes more, perhaps they will introduce someone who does. Jane met Mr. Bingley because he was a friend of Mr. Darcy who is a cousin of Captain Fitzwilliam who is a good friend of Captain Wentworth. Mr. Findlay is a good friend of Mr. Hurst. So, you see, a good candidate may be someone who is a friend of a friend. That is why Mama wants us to marry well-so that you might have a chance to meet other men of wealth. Aunt Gardiner has an excellent circle of friends, so when your time comes, I am sure you will have plenty to choose from.”
Kitty asked, “But aren’t you afraid the season will be over and you won’t have attached anyone?”
“Well, only a little. I will not even be eighteen for a few more weeks, and most of our friends do not marry until they are nearer twenty, so there is plenty of time. Aunt says I may return again next year if I wish. Perhaps I will come with Mary when she has her presentation and season. Who knows? Most are not as anxious for their daughters to marry young as Mama is.”
Lydia looked around at those celebrating the breakfast and sighed. “It is nice that some of the friends are in uniform, but really, there are not enough of them. I do love a uniform.”
Elizabeth smiled. “At least there are a few. Perhaps you will have better success when your time comes.”
Finally, both couples had visited their guests and were ready to leave for their wedding trips. The Findlays were going to a lovely cottage in Kent. The Bingleys were going to Wiltshire. Before deciding to have her sisters join them at Ambleside, they had planned to go north to meet Bingley’s extended family. However, they decided they would do that the following winter for Christmas instead.
After the two couples left, other guests began to follow suit. After her initial comments, Mrs. Bennet had indeed managed to keep her comments to herself. As they prepared to leave, she said to Mrs. Findlay, “Thank you so much for making this such a lovely occasion for Jane. I know she will always appreciate what you have done.” However, once they were in the carriage, she again criticized all of the arrangements and food. The rest of the family ignored her.
The Bennets left Elizabeth behind with the Gardiners. They would follow shortly. As they waited, she was able to greet her friends who had carefully avoided contact due to Mrs. Bennet’s speculations. To Major Fitzwilliam, she said, “I am sorry we will miss you the rest of the season. I hope all goes well for you.”
“I thank you, Miss Bennet. It seems most of us will be deserting you as our naval compatriots expect orders at any time, and Darcy is off for the annual visit to our Aunt Catherine.”
Elizabeth said, “Oh, we will be significantly depleted, won’t we?”
Darcy explained, “I make a trip each spring to assist my uncle Fitzwilliam with his assessment of the estate. Aunt Catherine manages it for our cousin who inherited it when our uncle de Bourgh died. My cousin’s health does not allow her to take an active role in the management, so her mother does it for her. I offer a little advice and inform my uncle about how things are going. I will be back at the end of May as I travel to Bath to collect Georgiana. Then, I am off to Pemberley. I expect I will see you and Miss Mary again when you arrive at Ambleside if I don’t see you when I pass through London.”
“I hope you have a nice visit.”
Major Fitzwilliam laughed. “That is highly unlikely. I often accompany him. The best we can hope for is for it not to be excruciating.”
Darcy shook his head. “It is not quite as bad as that, but it will definitely not be as pleasant as London has been.”
Then, the Gardiner’s carriage arrived, and Elizabeth bade them all farewell. “I expect to see you tomorrow Anne,” was her parting comment.
As she and the Gardiners rode to Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth said, “I think today was lovely. Both brides were beautiful, and the breakfast was very nice.”
Mrs. Gardiner agreed. “Yes, in spite of what Fanny may think, it was very successful. I am very pleased for Jane.”
Elizabeth sighed. “I hope I may be as lucky someday.”
Mr. Gardiner replied, “You will be, my dear. Do not despair. The time has just not been correct for you yet.”
Rachel and John sat quietly listening until John said, “You know, Lizzy, I think when the time is right, you will find someone who is just right. You are too smart to want a fool, and so many of the men seem to be somewhat limited. I may be wrong, but that it what it has seemed to me from a distance. Most of the ones we saw today were nice, but some of the others, well, they seemed a little dim.”
“I suppose you right. Some are a little limited. I am not truly worried.”
Back at Gracechurch Street, once all had changed and were seated in the parlor, Mrs. Bennet said to Elizabeth, “Well, no one even came near you. It is as I have always said, your tongue will keep you from attaching any eligible young man. I hope Mary has learned to keep her thoughts to herself or her odd thinking will alienate as many as you have.”
Elizabeth looked over at Mary who was suppressing a smile at her mother’s comments. “Mother, I do not think I have alienated anyone. I just have not found someone who will make me happy.”
“What does that have to do with marriage? It is all about finding a suitable situation, nothing more than that. I hope you have not actively discouraged anyone who was eligible. Now have you?”
“No, Mother, I have not. I will keep your advice in mind.”
Mr. Bennet interrupted. “Tomorrow, I would like to take Lydia and Kitty to the museum. Would anyone else like to join us?”
Mrs. Gardiner said, “I think John and Rachel would enjoy the trip.”
Mrs. Bennet said, “Well, I certainly won’t. I plan to do some shopping.”
Mary said, “I would like to join you and my sisters.”
Elizabeth said, “I am going to visit with Anne. There will not be many more chances to see her, perhaps for a very long time.”
Mr. Gardiner said, “I have tickets and a box for the theater tomorrow night. Of course the children are not coming, but would Lydia and Kitty like to attend?”
The girls held their breaths as their father looked at them. He then said, “Yes, I think they would. Thank you for thinking of them. It should be very enjoyable.”
The family spent a quiet afternoon and evening at home together. Fanny managed to stop complaining about the wedding after they had been home for about an hour.
The four girls spent a little time in the nursery, then excused themselves to sit in the library together. Mary and Elizabeth read to the others from one of the French novels they had enjoyed. They would stop to translate when it was apparent that either Lydia or Kitty had not understood. After they finished a chapter, Kitty said, “You know, it is much more fun to read together. Lydia, do you think we could do that when we get back home?”
“Yes, I think it would make it more interesting. This story seems interesting. Can we borrow the book?”
Mary answered, “Yes, you can. We hoped you might be ready to enjoy it. Write to us about your feelings. I like it better than Lizzy does. It has been so much fun to read together.”
Lydia added, “I can see why. Can we have another chapter?”
They ended up reading four chapters before it was time to join the rest for supper. Both Elizabeth and Mary were pleased at how much fun they could have with their younger sisters.
At supper, the girls continued to talk about the novel while Mrs. Bennet once again began complaining about the wedding. Mrs. Gardiner tried to divert her while Mr. Bennet tried to ignore her. After the first course, he finally said, “My dear, if you are that upset, perhaps you want to retire to your room? Your nerves are causing upset to everyone else’s digestion. You cannot possibly be enjoying your meal if you are that unhappy.”
She looked at him sharply before replying, “There is no need for that. You have no appreciation for my nerves and all that I have been through.”
He said, “On the contrary, I have every sympathy for your nerves-they are our constant companion. That is why I suggest a rest so that you might master them.”
“I will be fine.” She then added, “So, why are you interested in taking the girls to the museum? They would do much better to shop with me.”
“They can shop any time at home, and often do. However, there are few opportunities to see the interesting artifacts on display at the museum. When they are older, it will also give them more interesting topics of conversation which the men will enjoy.”
“Oh, that is fine then. I had not realized it would actually help them in the future.”
Mrs. Gardiner agreed, “Oh, yes, Fanny, it definitely will. In our circle, the men expect the women to be able to hold intelligent conversations.”
Mrs. Bennet shook her head and said, “How very unusual.”
The girls continued to converse quietly ignoring their mother. It was something to which they were all well accustomed.
Chapter 44
Late the next morning, Mr. Bennet, three of his daughters, Rachel, and John left for the museum. Miss Switzler accompanied them to assist with the younger ones. Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet left to shop. Shortly after the departures, Anne arrived to visit with Elizabeth.
After greetings she said, “Well, it is as we thought. Both Frederick and Captain Fitzwilliam received orders yesterday to report to Portsmouth as soon as possible, no later than next week. We will travel together and expect to leave day after tomorrow. Our new life together is beginning.”
Elizabeth asked, “Are you excited?”
“Some. I am also a little worried. However, I know all will be well.”
“Do the orders say where they are headed?”
“Captain Fitzwilliam will be going to the Baltic. Frederick and I will be going to the West Indies. It should be very different from England.”
“You will write as often as you can?”
“Yes. I will write from Portsmouth with a direction so you can send letters as well. I will want to hear when you finally decide who will capture your hand,” Anne said with a smile.
Elizabeth smiled in return. “Well, should it ever happen, you can be sure I will write you. I know Mary and Jane will want to correspond as well. We will always think of you as a sixth sister.”
“Thank you. I feel the same about you as well. You are all certainly a great deal closer than my own sisters.”
After visiting for a while, they went to see Lady Harriet together. Luckily, she was alone with no other guests. “Oh, Anne, I am so glad to have a chance to visit with you. There was no time to talk yesterday.”
“Indeed, it was quite busy. I thought it was a beautiful ceremony and breakfast. Well, Frederick has received orders to report. We leave day after next and ultimately head to the West Indies. He has been there before and tells me I will quite enjoy the shore leaves. It is quite different from England.”
“You must be sure to write me and tell me all about it.” She then turned to Elizabeth, asking, “So, I take it no suitors have declared themselves. I saw no evidence of such yesterday.”
“No, no such luck, which my mother finds expected and quite terrible.”
“You are popular enough that I am sure you will find the right person at the right time.”
“Thank you.”
“You and Mary must continue to visit me until you leave for Ambleside. I am sure you will find it quite different being Miss Bennet instead of Miss Elizabeth.”
“When I am addressed as such, I find myself looking for Jane. It will take a while to become accustomed to the change. Of course we will come. After all, we are coming for cards tomorrow, are we not?”
“Yes, you are. It will be a little different with all my brothers gone, but there are still some eligible young men to entertain you. I hope you will enjoy yourself. At least Anne no longer needs to pretend to enjoy herself at my parties.”
“Come now, Harriet. I enjoyed myself, just not the cards.”
After a suitable time, Anne and Elizabeth went to visit other friends. Anne finally dropped Elizabeth back at Gracechurch Street later than afternoon. Everyone else was still out, so Anne asked her to relay her farewells. She would be too busy preparing to leave to visit again the next day.
Mr. Gardiner joined Elizabeth in the parlor shortly after her return. They visited until the others arrived. Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Bennet arrived home before the museum-goers returned. Elizabeth viewed all her mother’s purchases and gave suitable compliments for the selections. Shortly before tea, the rest arrived so that they could all eat together. Rachel and John were quite worn out and sent directly to the nursery with Miss Switzler.
As the others sat at the table, Mr. Bennet asked, “Well, did everyone enjoy themselves today?”
Mrs. Bennet was quick to reply. “I certainly did, although I would have appreciated more pin money. I do not know why you will not allow me to purchase on credit. However, I still managed to get some lovely materials. I also got new gloves, two hats, and a shawl. I am very pleased.”
Kitty said, “I am sure we will want to see them tomorrow before we pack. There were so many interesting things to see at the museum, I had a wonderful day.”
Lydia added, “I did too. Whoever would have thought that seeing old things could be so fun?”
Mr. Gardiner asked, “Are you all ready to enjoy a night at the theater?”
In chorus, all the girls agreed that they were. Mrs. Bennet continued to speak of her day of shopping while the girls shared the details of their day with Elizabeth. Mr. Bennet watched the separate conversations with some bemusement since it appeared Mrs. Bennet was holding a monologue rather than a conversation. Once they were done eating, Mrs. Gardiner directed, “It is time for everyone to dress for the theater. There is no time to dally.”
Two carriages transported the large family group. Lydia and Kitty rode with their parents, Mary and Elizabeth with the Gardiners. Because it had been a number of years since Mrs. Bennet had attended a performance, she must take in all those in attendance, noting their fashions and manners. Mr. Bennet had her on his arm attempting to keep her moving toward their box. Lydia and Kitty followed in their wake. A few moments later, the Gardiners and other girls also arrived. Elizabeth was better known and frequently greeted as they moved toward their seats. As she was already seated, Mrs. Bennet was pleased to see all the attention Elizabeth received. It was gratifying that she was more popular than Mrs. Bennet had expected.
The four girls sat in the front of the box; the adult couples sat in the back. As the girls sat down, Mrs. Bennet exclaimed, “Now, before the show begins, you should be noting fashions and all that is going on around us. I noted that a number of people greeted Elizabeth, both men and women. I am pleased that you have managed not to discourage everyone with your manners.”
Mrs. Gardiner answered for Elizabeth. “Fanny, she is quite popular. Her manners are everything that is proper. You have nothing to complain of.”
“Surely you jest. She must give her opinion on everything, and we all know that men intensely dislike a woman who has opinions. It is very off-putting.”
Mr. Bennet answered, “Intelligence is not off-putting to someone who is also intelligent. I hope that anyone interested in Lizzy, or Mary for that matter, appreciates their intellect and opinions.”
Mrs. Bennet replied with a, “Hmmph. Ridiculous.”
Just then, the lights flashed, and the unseated crowds rushed to prepare for the raising of the curtain. They enjoyed a very pleasant, light-hearted comedy. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Bennet braved the crowds to obtain refreshments for the rest during the intermission. Mrs. Bennet spent the intermission criticizing the performance and commenting on the dresses of everyone she could see. Elizabeth spent it wincing at her mother’s shrill comments. She was grateful when intermission was over and the play resumed.
As the lights dimmed, Elizabeth looked over at Lydia and Kitty. Both were enchanted at the opportunity to attend the theater. It was not an outstanding performance, but it was very enjoyable. The girls obviously enjoyed seeing the spectacle of the theater. Kitty, in particular, seemed to be studying the women’s outfits. Lydia was more interested in the play than Kitty.
As Elizabeth thought about all her mother’s comments, she was grateful that none of their friends had stopped by the box to visit during intermission. How impossible it was to try to fit in when her mother would say something inappropriate. Really, it was sad that mother was unable to understand her daughters.
By the time they returned to Gracechurch Street, Elizabeth felt quite exhausted. She realized that her mother’s inability to control her tongue made a social evening with her a gamut of embarrassment. She was again grateful that she could have her Season in London away from her mother’s watchful eye and critical tongue. As she fell into bed that night, she thought, “I love my mother, but seem to love her better from a distance. I am grateful Aunt Madeline is available to provide this haven for us.”
The next morning, Lydia and Kitty viewed Mrs. Bennet’s purchases before everything was packed away for the return to Longbourn. Shortly after breakfast, the Bennets were ready. It took some managing to get everyone into the carriage. As he prepared to enter, Mr. Bennet said to Elizabeth and Mary, “Enjoy this month in town and then your summer with your sister. Lizzy, I will understand should you decide to stay. Mary, I hope you will come home for a while. I miss you both even though both of your younger sisters are learning to hold an intelligent conversation.”
Elizabeth replied, “I miss you too, Father. Take care.”
“I will. I might even write, at least occasionally, should you choose not to return to Longbourn.”
Mrs. Bennet’s farewell comment was, “Well, girls, do your best to find someone. I know Mary isn’t really looking, but you never know. And Lizzy, just keep your opinions to yourself and maybe someone will finally declare himself.”
Mary and Elizabeth both required tea and biscuits to get composed again after the farewells. After the sustenance, Elizabeth said to Mary, “Well, that could have been much worse.”
“Yes, it could. Now we can have some fun again.”