Page 129 of Shields and Roses

"Good, that is all that is needed. We will leave my sister here to lie in state and solitude while we adjourn to Anne and Martin's room for our meal. Richard, make sure you speak only to Mrs. Hill about bringing up the food," Peter looked warningly at his son, who responded with a cheeky grin.

"Of course, Father. I have performed covert campaigns before, you know. Mrs. Hill is our best operative in the household."

Peter waved his son towards the door. "Off with you boys," he said with a slight chuckle. "Take Mary down and go play your parts. Thankfully, all the deceptions will soon be unnecessary."

"I will talk to Martin," Darcy volunteered as Richard gestured for Mary to precede them.

They found a small crowd waiting at the bottom of the stairs with Bingley at the forefront. He came halfway up the steps to meet Mary and offer her the support of his arm for the remainder of the descent.

As Darcy joined Lizzy and Martin, who were also among those waiting, he heard Mary reply to an inquiry, "She was clearly stung by bees, so I brought Mr. Jones the tincture he prepared in case I was ever stung again. Now, please, I would prefer not to say anything more." Bingley led her away before the questioner could press for additional information.

One of the guests asked Darcy how matters stood with Lady Catherine. He offered Lizzy his arm as he replied, "Mr. Jones is doing everything he can for her. Thank you for asking." With a polite nod, he quickly turned away, indicating to Lizzy and Martin that they should step away from the main group of people with him.

As soon as he felt it was safe, he whispered to Martin, "Anne would like you to go up and join her in your room. She will explain everything."

Martin thanked Darcy quietly and quickly headed for the servant's stair, the better to avoid notice. Watching him go, Darcy wished he had thought to suggest that. Fortunately, Martin appeared to realize some secrecy was needed.

"What has happened?" Lizzy asked, distracting him from his thoughts.

"Aunt Catherine has died of a reaction from the bee stings," Darcy replied very quietly. "We do not wish to announce it until after the guests have enjoyed their meal so they do not feel they must leave before then."

"I like that she is not even allowed to disrupt dinner," Lizzy whispered back, reminding him of Anne's comments. "Are you well?"

"It is a surprise," Darcy told her. "I hardly know how I feel about it. There is too much else to think about now."

"True," she said in a more normal tone. "Mama wants us to join the celebration. After all, our betrothal is one of the reasons for this gathering. Shall we return to the garden and the guests still out there?"

"Yes, I think that would be best," he said. "I have little appetite, but I will be better satisfied in the open air."

"Let us first quietly notify my father," Lizzy suggested, dropping her voice again.

"That would be wise," Darcy agreed. They headed off to find Mr. Bennet.

Chapter 59: Announcements

From their place outside, Darcy and Lizzy kept an eye out for the progress of the meal. The group who chose to eat in the garden was smaller than originally expected. This change, no doubt, was prompted by Lady Catherine's earlier unfortunate accident and perhaps a fear that more insects might be about. Darcy noticed that, while some people frequently looked at the damaged rose bush and talked with their neighbors about the event, others steadfastly avoided looking in that direction.

A few men who considered themselves wits came over to Darcy and commented that it was a good thing he had been no nearer to Lady Catherine when it happened. When asked why they replied that people might suspect him of throwing his aunt into the thorns just as he had done to that Wickham fellow. Knowing how the gossip flowed in Meryton, Darcy was not really surprised to subsequently learn it was common knowledge Wickham had been shot and killed after his escape. What interested him more was some speculation he overheard that a few of Wickham's fellow officers had helped him on his way out of the camp. The first theory was that they did so in a bid to push him to the very end he found without embroiling the unit in the fuss of a court-martial and possibly exposing wrongdoing by others. The other was that he had promised his accomplices a substantial sum of money for their help. That seemed more likely. All the same, he found the first speculation possible as well and determined to talk it over with Richard when he next had the chance.

Finally, the diners had reached the stage where, during a normal dinner party, the ladies would have withdrawn while the men enjoyed their port. Richard came outside and told Darcy, "It is time. We are gathering people together inside and think it best to bring those outside in as well."

"You have the louder voice," Darcy teased, "and that military air of command. Put them to good use, cousin."

Richard lifted an eyebrow questioningly at Lizzy. She nodded. With a smirk, he turned and in his loudest, most commanding tones he asked if the guests would please return inside to hear a number of announcements.

"No, not just the news of who is recently betrothed or married," he added after someone off to the side of the crowd called out, "We already know you married Charlotte Lucas, Colonel!"

Not without a few more good-natured comments, the guests headed inside. Darcy and Lizzy trailed in at the rear of the group, following to where the guests gathered just inside the doors of the sitting room, music room, and dining room, as well as spilling out into the hallway between them.

Mr. Bennet stood on a chair at one end of the hallway so he could be easily seen and heard by all. Gradually, those assembled quieted so he could speak.

"My friends, I hope you have enjoyed your dinner and the company whether you chose to take your meal in the dining room or in the garden."

He paused for the obligatory comments from the back of the rooms. Fortunately, they were all compliments on the food and company. Mrs. Bennet, who stood next to her husband's chair, smiled broadly at hearing that her meals were always an experience to which her neighbors looked forward.

"Yes, yes. I thank you all," said Mr. Bennet as things quieted again, "and I am glad to hear you think so. Well, as you know, our family has much to celebrate, and I feel I must repeat our blessings, although I am certain you already know most of them." He chuckled a little at a comment that Mrs. Bennet had already made certain everyone knew.

"First off, I want to recognize the recent marriage between my godson, Richard Fitzwilliam, who my wife and I consider a part of our family, and Charlotte Lucas, the oldest daughter of our dear friends, Sir William and Lady Lucas. Though the wedding may have seemed rushed to some, Sir William, Richard's father and I have all been waiting for the last decade to see it come about. Congratulations to the happy couple!"