The Harvest Ball

by Lily Bernard

  “When the final guests departed, Elizabeth and Georgiana went up to bed. Mrs. Winters told me then that Lady Catherine arrived when the party was well under way. She pushed her way into the house and began spouting her usual venom. She was screaming that my marrying Elizabeth would ruin Georgiana’s chances to make a good match. Thankfully when she entered, she was drowned out by the music in the ballroom. Following my orders, several of my footmen picked her up despite her trying to strike them with her cane, carried her outside, and put her back into her carriage. Uncle, I come here today looking for some help. I believe Aunt Catherine has lost her mind and is obsessed with destroying my family. You understand that I will do everything necessary to protect the people I love.”

  Lord Matlock shook his head in disbelief. “I did not realize how serious this situation has become. What can be done? Must she be sent to Bedlam? My own sister, treating Anne’s children so badly. What can we do?”

  “Uncle, you are the head of our family and I trust you will do whatever it takes to insure the safety and well-being of all of us.”

  “Let me think about this for a few days. I will go to see Catherine myself and confront her with the information you have shared with me today.”

  “Be prepared to hear insults and condemnation as you have never heard before. She will start by condemning Richard for throwing her out of Rosings. She neglects to remember that he offered her the dower house which she refused.”

  “When I do see my sister, I believe I will bring some of our more muscular footmen with me. I do not want to seem vulnerable to anything she may say or do to me. Thank you for coming today. I am relieved that Catherine failed to achieve her goal last night.”

  “Thank you, Uncle Hugh. I look forward to hearing about the results of your meeting. Farewell until then.”

  After several more days of callers, Georgiana asked Elizabeth if they might speak privately in her sitting room. As soon as they were seated, her sister began the conversation. “So many of the men I danced with at my party have continued to call on me.”

  “Yes, and for the most part, I thought they were all quite nice. Has anyone special come to call on you? Is there someone you would like to know better?”

  “Lizzy, how did you know that you were in love with my brother?”

  “Before I try to answer your question, I would like to remind you of one thing. You are very young and there is no reason to rush into marriage. You may not find someone you wish to marry this year or next year or the year after that. When you meet the right man, you will know it.

  “How did I know I loved William? I fell in love with him while we were together in Hertfordshire. We walked together almost every day and we talked about everything; books, music, our love of nature and so many other things. As I got to know him better, I began to think about him more and more every day and I looked forward to seeing him whenever I could. On the days we could not be together, we were both in foul moods.

  “We were separated for a long time while he was in Scotland recovering and I did not know he was alive. When Richard came to Longbourn to tell me the bad news, he gave me William’s signet ring. I put it on a chain and wore it close to my heart where no one could see it. I mourned him for many, many months and eventually I came to realize that somehow I had to move on with my life. I had worn his ring for a year; one morning I woke up and I knew it was time to put it in my jewelry box.

  “I allowed myself to grow fond of someone else when we thought…well, you know what we thought. I did enjoy spending time with David Brooks but in my heart, I did not feel for him what I felt for William. I was living at Birchwood and I was very sad and lonely; every day I saw how happy Jane and Charles were. I suppose I just wanted to have someone care about me the way Charles cared about Jane. I accepted Lord Winthrope’s proposal in the hope that I would eventually come to love him.

  “When your brother came back into my life, I knew I could never marry anyone else but him. Whenever I thought about the future, I could not see myself with anyone but William. I told Brooks that I could not marry him and he took the news better than I expected. Perhaps he did not love me as much as I thought. When he was introduced to my sister, Catherine, at the Bingley’s Summer Ball, they felt an instant attraction which has only grown stronger every day since the day they met.”

  “Why did you fall in love with William? What did my brother do that made you love him?”

  “Everyone is different, but I think there are certain feelings you experience when the potential for love is there. One of the things I liked most about your brother is that he listened to me. He thought about what I said and treated me as an intellectual equal. We also laughed a lot about some of the silliest things. Did we always agree? No, but we respected each other’s opinions.”

  “I hope that someday I can love someone as you love William.”

  “I am certain you will. You will know when you meet the right man. Do you think you have met anyone special?”

  “Did you meet David Arlington? I danced the supper set with him at my party and he escorted me into the dining room. He even asked me for a second set, but my dance card was already full. He was very nice, and we seemed to have many things to talk about, but he has not come to call on me. I suppose he was not really interested in getting to know me better.”

  So, there is someone special. I knew she would not have made that statement about enjoying some dances more than others if there was not someone she wanted to spend more time with. “It may have been necessary for Mr. Arlington to attend to some pressing matters of business or perhaps he had to go out of town before he could pay a call. Do not fret, my sweet sister, if you are meant to be together, you will see each other again.

  At his wife’s suggestion, Darcy spent a few hours each day at his club. He needed time away from the constant stream of eager young suitors and he knew Georgiana was safe in Elizabeth’s hands. While at his club, he had spoken to several friends who had been to the Frost Fair and they could not control their enthusiasm. The weather had turned so frigid for so long that the River Thames was frozen over. Darcy thought the idea of being able to walk across the Thames was an experience not to be missed. They could also partake of various amusements as well as enjoying hot food and beverages.

  Even with the frequent callers, after Georgiana’s debut the Darcys were all more relaxed. One morning as they ate breakfast together, Darcy looked up from his newspaper. “How would you ladies like to attend the Frost Fair?”

  “What is the Frost Fair?” Both Elizabeth and Georgiana asked at the same time.

  “I am not surprised you have not heard about it. You two have had no time to think about anything except the party. Now that it is happily in the past, I thought we could all use some amusement. Although it is still frightfully cold, if we dress properly, we should be fine. For the first time in anyone’s memory, the River Thames is frozen solid. At the Frost Fair there are tents on the ice where you can purchase food and drinks, booths selling toys and trinkets, various performers, as well as skating. Sometime this week, someone is planning to walk an elephant across the Thames near Blackfriars Bridge.”

  “Is it truly safe? It sounds fascinating, but I have no wish to fall into the freezing water of the Thames,” said Elizabeth.

  “Since you weigh considerably less than an elephant, I feel confident that the only water you will be in that day is your bath!” Elizabeth joined them as they laughed at her fearful response. She was usually the first one to try something new and exciting but when she heard that the Thames was frozen, she thought about perishing in the icy river. How can I consider doing something that could prevent me from ever holding Bennet again? I will never do anything to leave William without a mother for his son.

  “William, do they hold the Frost Fair every year? Perhaps Bennet will be able to experience a Frost Fair when he is old enough.”

  “It is difficult to say. There are plans in place to erect a new London Bridge which will allow the
water to flow more easily. A new bridge will be less likely to allow the ice to build up, but that construction is still in the planning stage. The other factor is the weather; no one knows when we will have another frigidly cold winter.”

  “Well, I cannot wait to go! I shall be able to tell everyone that I saw an elephant walk across the Thames!”

  “Yes, Georgie, it will be quite the story to tell. Shall we plan to go tomorrow?” A gleeful Georgiana Darcy clapped her approval of her brother’s suggestion while Elizabeth forced a smile.

  That night, as Elizabeth and Darcy prepared for bed, he took her hand and led her to the settee in front of the fireplace. The fire was roaring, and the room was quite comfortable despite the frigid temperature outside.

  “Elizabeth, what is it that has you so ill at ease? Is it the Frost Fair or something else? You have not been the same since we spoke about tomorrow’s excursion at breakfast.”

  “I read the article in the newspaper and I know that hundreds of people are walking on the frozen river every day. I do not know why but my first thought was what would happen if I fell through the ice. I could only think about never seeing the people I love again.”

  “Every day we are all together is a gift. None of us knows what day will be our last and so we must live every day to its fullest. I would never do anything that could possibly put you or Georgiana or Ben, in any danger. I would give my life and all I possess to keep the three of you safe. Do you believe me, my love?”

  “Of course I believe you and I do not know why I am reacting this way. You should not be surprised to hear that I was the most adventurous of my sisters. I suppose now that I am married and have a child, my only thoughts are to be here to care for and love you and our son as long as possible. I am looking forward to going tomorrow and I am glad that Georgiana will have something new to speak to her callers about.” Elizabeth and Darcy smiled and when they got into bed, she clung to her husband with increased urgency. She could not fall asleep, all she thought about was never returning home from the Frost Fair. I love my son more than I ever realized I could love anyone. Ben is a baby and he needs his mother every day. William is the most wonderful husband and we are so happy together. How can I think about enjoying myself when I could lose everything important to me by falling through the ice? Elizabeth Bennet Darcy, you are a strong woman and William will never allow anything to harm you. If I return safely, I will have lots to write to Jane about it. I must think positively, and all will be well.

  The following afternoon, when the Darcys returned from the Frost Fair, they were talking and laughing and gesturing about all the astonishing sights they had just seen. They were all amazed at the many wonders on the ice, the variety of foods for sale and the crowded drinking tents where you could purchase rum or grog. They stopped into a tent to warm up and purchased hot chocolate and tea. As they walked around the Fair, Darcy had not been surprised that his wife held onto his arm with both hands. Of course, the highlight of the day was the thrill of seeing an elephant walk across the River Thames. A story they would all retell many, many times over the following years.

  Chapter 16

  Unlike his usual feelings of dread before attending a party, Darcy was actually looking forward to attending the ball at the home of Lord and Lady Townsend. He had gone to school with the Townsend’s eldest son, Viscount Paxton, and was looking forward to seeing his old friend for the first time in many years. On the afternoon of the party, Georgiana asked that she be excused from attending, she was not feeling well and was still tired from the weeks leading up to her big night. Elizabeth and Darcy assured her that they would be more than willing to send their regrets, but she told them that all she needed was some rest. They understood her feelings and went to the party without her.

  As he had promised his mother, Richard also attended the Townsend’s party. He was standing with his cousins when he noticed that Lady Emily was also there, looking very unhappy. He and the Darcys walked over to speak to her and they could sense that she seemed uneasy.

  Their conversation was superficial and meaningless, and Richard was frustrated. He had dreamt about encountering Lady Emily in London and here he was, standing before her and unable to speak about anything except the weather. A moment later they understood why she was not more forthcoming when they were approached by two people whom Emily introduced as her parents. When Mrs. Carter heard Emily introduce Richard Fitzwilliam, she looked up and asked, “are you related to Lord and Lady Matlock?”

  “Indeed madam, I am delighted to say that they are my parents and aunt and uncle to the Darcys.”

  Emily’s mother was suddenly much more interested in meeting Richard, she smiled coyly while asking “are you the viscount, sir?”

  Her mother is the most obvious social climber I have ever seen and that includes Caroline Bingley. She seemed impressed by the Darcys because she knows of their wealth, their enormous estate and their connections to my family.

  “My older brother, Arthur, holds the title of Viscount Ashford; he and his wife are not in attendance this evening. They are currently residing at Matlock House where his wife is entering her confinement.” Richard made it clear to Mrs. Carter that his older brother was not on the market for a wife. When she heard that the Viscount was already married and about to have a child, Mrs. Carter’s face immediately showed the disdain at meeting the second son. Her disappointment at hearing that another young, wealthy man with a title was not in need of a wife was easy to read on her face.

  Looking down her nose she asked, “and where is it that you reside, Mr. Fitzwilliam.”

  “I have a large estate in Kent called Rosings Park which was left to me by my cousin.” He did not want Emily’s parents to think he was without assets.

  “I met Mr. and Mrs. Darcy and Mr. Fitzwilliam several times in Derbyshire while I was staying at the rectory. Mr. Darcy bestowed the living at Kympton to Peter,” Emily offered as a way to explain her acquaintance.

  Despite his connection to the Darcys, Mr. Carter quickly surmised that a gentleman farmer was clearly not good enough to waste spending another moment with. “It was nice meeting you all, pray excuse us.” Emily’s father said as he led his wife and daughter away from Richard, Elizabeth and Darcy. Her father’s firm hold on her arm did not permit her from doing anything other than being pulled away from a group of people she knew she might enjoy speaking to. Although she knew her father would brook no argument as he led her away, she looked back over her shoulder and smiled at Richard and the Darcys.

  “Well, now I understand how she wound up married to that good for nothing Howard,” Richard said dejectedly.

  “Lady Emily is a grown woman of independent means. She is now old enough to make her own decisions and marry whomever she chooses. Although you are not the viscount, you are a wealthy man in your own right, and you would make any woman you chose a wonderful husband.”

  “Thank you for the recommendation, Lizzy. I just wish it was that easy.”

  She teasingly asked, “have I seen you ask her to dance yet? Remember how we spoke about courting her?”

  “I would like to ask her to dance but I fear her mother might bite my head off if I come near them again.”

  “You will never know if you do not try,” Darcy suggested. “Are you not the man who bravely fought the enemy to within an inch of his life in Spain? Where is that courage now?” Darcy tried to sound light hearted, but Richard knew his cousin was encouraging him to confront his new enemy, Mr. and Mrs. Carter.

  He turned away from his cousins and walked directly toward where the Carters were standing. Richard bowed before her and asked, “Lady Howard, may I have the honor of dancing the next set with you?” Her mother had already warned her not to refuse any gentleman’s request for a dance. She knew very well that if she refused one man, she would not be able to dance with anyone else. Her mother had told her several times that day that there would be many titled young men in attendance who might be looking for a wife.

&nb
sp; Lady Emily did not look at her parents as she placed her hand on Richard’s arm. “I would be very happy to dance with you, Mr. Fitzwilliam.” She smiled at her parents as they walked to the dance floor. Many other couples were lining up to wait for the music to begin and Richard and Lady Emily stood opposite each other smiling. They were both hoping that their dance partner could not hear or feel how quickly their hearts were beating in anticipation of their first dance together.

  When the music began, they started moving with the other couples, but they uttered only a few meaningless words to each other. When Richard garnered the courage to look into her eyes, he thought Lady Emily was looking back at him with some affection. Does Emily have feelings for me or am I imagining things? I will not say or do anything to promote our relationship tonight, not with her mother watching us like the vulture she is. How did my dearest, sweetest Emily come from those horrible people? I will call on her tomorrow and ask her to take a walk with me. I must have some time alone with her, so we can speak honestly with each other without being observed by her parents.

  Lord and Lady Matlock were standing near the dance floor when they saw their son dancing with Lady Howard. “Well, Hugh, perhaps you were correct when you said Richard reacted strongly to the mention of Lady Howard’s name. She is a lovely young woman, yes, very lovely indeed.”

  “Patricia, do not get involved. I know that look on your face; I will acknowledge that perhaps I read Richard’s reaction to hearing her name correctly, but I do not think we should interfere in any way.”

  “I suppose you are correct, my dear. Richard appears to have the situation well in hand.” Lord Matlock smiled at his wife, kissed her hand and told her that he was going to speak to Darcy about Catherine.