Page 40 of An Interrupted Proposal
The Bingley siblings awaited them, and everyone settled in the drawing room once they had removed their outerwear. Miss Bingley’s voice rang a bit louder than the rest as she repeatedly expressed her pride in hosting Lord and Lady Matlock and their son, who had arrived approximately an hour prior. They were expected to join the party shortly, after they refreshed themselves.
Mrs. Gardiner began to wonder if the couple would join them before dinner was called when the door finally opened and a face she had not seen in years appeared. “Sille?” she breathed.
The countess looked about, smiling when her gaze met the widow’s. “Livvy?”
The ladies met in the middle of the room and grasped hands. “Whatever are you doing here?” Mrs. Gardiner asked. “Not that it is not good to see you after all these years.”
“I believe my nephew is marrying your granddaughter,” Lady Matlock replied. “Is it not a small world?” She turned to her husband. “Olivia and I grew up in the same village. As there were very few girls, my parents allowed us to entertain one another. She would even join me in my lessons as it is easier to learn foreign languages when you have someone with whom you can converse.”
Her Ladyship was introduced to the rest of the party, greeted her niece, and then sat beside her childhood friend to learn all that had passed in her life until dinner was called. Mrs. Gardiner called Elizabeth over to join them and the three ladies had a pleasant conversation until Georgiana stole her away to discuss music.
“Your granddaughter is an unusual young lady. I can see why my nephew was drawn to her. She does not flatter and seek approval.”
“No, Eliza will never change who she is simply to be accepted, especially if she does not respect the person or people who are desirous of making her something she is not.”
Lady Matlock smiled. “I see you in her, Livvy. I am sorry that we lost contact.”
“Your father was always reluctant regarding our friendship. Society demands that we maintain ranks, but we are all people. Some just have better educations and more money.” She winked and looked about the room. “This is an unusual gathering: anearl, three gentlemen, a colonel, and a tradesman’s son. All we are missing are a footman, a groom, a tenant farmer, and a beggar to have representation from every level.”
“Henry is constantly saying society is changing. The aristocracy is losing its position due to sloth and gluttony. It is the Mr. Bingleys of the world who will rejuvenate it.”
“I do not doubt the truth of your words, Cille, but I fear it will be an up hill battle for many years.” She met her friend’s gaze. “And I would hate for my girl to be alone in her fight.”
“Ah, you wish to know how she will be accepted in Darcy’s circles.” Lady Matlock looked at the couple and a soft expression covered her countenance. “I have never seen my nephew so relaxed and simply happy; well, not since his father passed. Maybe even before that.” She turned back to her friend. “The woman who makes him so happy will always have my support. She will not be rebuffed or censured.”
“And the rest of your family feels the same way?”
A laugh escaped the lady’s lips. “Henry’s sister has long wished for Darcy to marry her daughter, though no one in the family ever believed he would. She has been informed of the engagement and has been told, in no uncertain terms, that any interference from her will lead to a family breach that no one wants.”
Mrs. Gardiner nodded, but dinner was then called before more could be said. As they passed into the dining room, Mrs. Gardiner caught a glimpse of Miss Bingley’s displeased frown but paid it no mind. If Cecilia Fitzwilliam was to be Eliza’s relative, she knew her granddaughter would be well accepted in society. Sille would never allow anyone to look down on her girl or attempt to intimidate her. Not that Elizabeth was easily intimidated, but it still allowed Olivia to release the last of her reservations regarding the couple’s future happiness.
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Happy was the day when the eldest Bennet daughters resigned their surname in favour of those of their husbands. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bingley left the wedding breakfast and journeyed the brief distance to Netherfield Park, while his siblings, the Darcys, and other guests including the Widow Gardiner returned to London. Instructions were given to the staff that the Bingleys were not at home to visitors, even family members, and they spent the first week of their marriage in wedded bliss. At the end of the week, they returned to Longbourn to see how everyone had fared in their absence—as no one had attempted to invade their privacy—and discovered a peaceful atmosphere with Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Annesley sipping tea while giving discreet directions to the three youngest Bennet sisters and Miss Darcy. The youngest Bennets were practicing their French to varied degrees of success, while Miss Mary and Miss Darcy were discussing a passage from Mrs. Wollstonecraft’sA Vindication of the Rights of Woman.Mr. Bennet sat nearby with an amused smile tugging at his lips as he nodded at their interpretation and reasoning.
“Jane!” Mrs. Bennet cried when she saw her eldest daughter. “Whatever are you doing here? I thought you and Mr. Bingley would wish to be alone for at least another week.”
Jane gazed at her husband who returned her bemused expression. “We missed you and thought we might join you for tea, Mamma. Would you prefer we leave?”
“No! Goodness, no!” Mrs. Bennet drew her into the room and pushed her into the chair nearest her own. “I would ask if you were well, my dear, but you are fairly glowing.” She turned to her new son and smiled. “You are taking very good care of my daughter, sir.”
“I did promise to do so, Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Bingley said with a bright smile spreading across his features.
“Have you heard from Lizzy?” Jane asked her mother.
The woman exchanged an amused smile with her companion before saying, “The morning following the wedding I received a missive stating only that they had arrived safely in London. I suspect she will write again when they are returning this way before going to Pemberley.” She frowned. “Or perhaps you will hear from her instead. I am certain they will prefer to stay at Netherfield.”
“Surely they would stay at Longbourn, Mamma, if you wished them to do so.”
“Oh, to be near Georgiana. That is true.” Mrs. Bennet tipped her head to the side and gave a light laugh. “We will have to see what they prefer.”
Jane exchanged another confused look with her husband before accepting a cup of tea from Mrs. Annesley. “How have you spent your week?” she asked no one in particular.
“Kitty and I have been learning French—though I find it odd that everyone wants to speak the language when we are at war with the country,” Lydia shook her head and took a dainty bite of her biscuit, something quite surprising since the girl normally shoved the entire thing into her mouth. “Maman, cesbiscuitssont très bons.”
“Ce sont des biscuits,”Mrs. Annesley gently corrected, “and you are correct. They are very good.”
Lydia smiled, “Biscuits.”
