Page 84 of Roses from Pemberley
He looked thoughtfully at her, his expression softening. “Yes, I understand…perfectly. Thank you.”
She gave him a small smile then stepped back and joined Jane on the sofa.
Presently Bingley returned, assuring everyone that his sister would no longer bother them. However, since Mrs. Bennet had become quite drained by then, they decided to take their leave. Not long after that, Elizabeth found herself standing with Darcy at the front drive of Netherfield as the rest of her family boarded the carriage.
“Thank you for what you said to Miss Bingley earlier,” she said softly. “It must have been difficult to acknowledge Wickham in that manner.”
“You know there is no need to thank me.”
Elizabeth smiled faintly. “I know.”
He assisted her into the carriage then closed the door.
But before it drove away, she leaned out and said (so that only he could hear), “Perhaps Fletcher should sleep in your rooms tonight.” He looked taken aback and she continued, “The mistress has all the keys you know…”
He laughed as understanding dawned. “Did Diana tell you about this?”
“She did.”
“Well then, I shall have Fletcher sleep in my rooms tonight.” He kissed her hand. “I shall see you in the morning, Elizabeth.”
“Until then.”
The following morning, Elizabeth sat with her family in the drawing room of Longbourn. Their mourning dresses hadarrived earlier that day and they were now all dressed in black. Mrs. Bennet looked wan, but composed, and Elizabeth was proud of her mother and her new found strength.
“Do you think there will be enough food, Lizzy?” she asked absently.
“I believe so, Mamma. I have tasked Cook with making several different kinds of cakes…”
“But what is the point of any of it,” asked Kitty, “when no one ever comes? We may as well have stayed upstairs and not bothered.”
“But do you not remember?” said Mary. “Mr. Darcy shall bring his relatives. And there is also Mr. Bingley and our Aunt and Uncle Philips.”
“Yes, but…is that enough?” asked Kitty, tearfully. “It was our friends in Meryton who knew Papa.”
“I know, dear Kitty,” said Jane, coming to sit beside her. “And I feel the affront as much as you do.”
“Do you, Jane? I sometimes think that nothing ever bothers you.”
Jane smiled wistfully. “I was only trying to protect you…in the past. But I feel that you are both more mature now. So I shall allow you to see my weaknesses…as well as my doubts.”
“You are very good, Jane,” said Mrs. Bennet, again dabbing at her eyes. “I never realised how much you have contributed to the harmony of our family these past years - a task which really should have fallen upon me - and I thank you for it.”
“I did not mind, Mamma,” said Jane softly.
“But you too have changed, Fanny,” said Mr. Gardiner. “I see how composed you are despite all the trials that have recently beset you. Indeed, I have not seen you call for your salts the entire time I have been here! And I am proud of you for having developed such strength of character.”
“Why, thank you, Brother. I am trying. And it is not easy…”
Presently they were interrupted by the sounds of a carriage at their front drive. Everyone assumed it would be Darcy and Bingley so no one bothered to look out the window. Therefore they were surprised to see Sir William and Lady Lucas and their daughter, Maria, being shown into the drawing room by Mrs. Hill.
“Mrs. Bennet,” said Sir WIlliam with a courtly bow, “my wife and I would like to offer you our deepest condolences.
Lady Lucas took a seat beside Mrs. Bennet, while Sir William positioned himself next to Mr. Gardiner, and Maria went to sit beside Kitty and Mary. Conversation began. They talked of Mr. Bennet and his many fine qualities. Sir William reminisced about the books they had discussed in his friend’s library, and the games of chess they often played. Elizabeth looked on and saw her mother’s features soften as she received sympathies from her once closest friend. She had no doubt that the arrival of these people had somehow been brought about by Darcy. And she wondered again to what lengths he would go to ensure her happiness and wellbeing.
Soon, other neighbours called - the Gouldings, Mrs. Long and her two nieces, their Aunt and Uncle Philips and many others. Darcy came, of course - tall, somber and handsome - with a softening of the eyes reserved only for Elizabeth. With him were Bingley, Georgiana, Richard, Anne and Diana. At one point the drawing room became quite crowded, but the guests continued to speak in hushed voices, most of the local gentry in awe of the elevated guests from London. People came and went. Food was served, the tea service refreshed. Mrs. Bennet sat in the midst of it, pale and dignified, often weeping but occasionally smiling. Elizabeth walked from group to group ensuring the comfort of their guests.
By late morning the final guests were announced and there was a sudden silence as they walked into the room - The Earl and Countess of Matlock and Lady Catherine de Bourgh. People made way for them as the countess and Lady Catherine sat on either side of the grieving widow. Mary and Kitty also remained poised, perhaps influenced by the exquisite behaviour of Georgiana Darcy. They spoke in low voices with Maria and Mrs. Long’s nieces, occasionally asking their mother if she needed their assistance, and being referred to as genteel, well-behaved girls by Lady Matlock.
