by Lauren King
“Yes, Aunt; a man’s perspective is very interesting.” Elizabeth smiles agreeably; she will not mind conversing with Colonel Fitzwilliam. He was very nice, sounded intelligent, and was good-natured last night which intrigued Elizabeth very much.
“I thank you for the invitation, but are you ladies certain? I do not want to hinder your conversations. I can have some tea in the study.” Richard says frankly.
“Please, Colonel Fitzwilliam, there is nothing to hinder.” Mrs. Gardiner states pleasantly.
“You are sure, Georgie?”
“Yes, of course, Richard.” Georgiana smiles brightly.
“Well, thank you. I would like to stay and have a cup of tea, then.” Richard smiles good-humoredly.
The four friends merrily talk about all sorts of subjects. There is much laughter and teasing. Much personal information is relayed by each person. Elizabeth feels friendly towards Colonel Fitzwilliam, and she enjoys his conversations. He is humorous and fun to talk to, but he can be serious and contemplative. She feels she can talk to him about anything. He is not condescending, and he truly listens to her opinions. She can imagine them having meaningful conversations with each other without feeling awkward.
Richard is impressed with Miss Elizabeth’s eagerness to learn; she wants to know about the military state in the surrounding countries. She shows concern that he is out in the battle fields with his soldiers. She wonders about the living standards of the hardworking military people during war time. She says that she appreciates them for protecting the country. She asks about the current state of the military affairs. She can speak of the state of the current economy as it relates to importing and exporting goods, and then she can turn and have a conversation with Georgiana about the newer high heel dress shoes. She is a breath of fresh air. Furthermore, she is beautiful.
The visit becomes one and a half hours of pleasant conversations to everyone’s delight. However, Mrs. Gardiner sees the time, and she mentions that they should not occupy anymore of Miss Darcy’s and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s time. Mrs. Gardiner, congenially, invites Miss Darcy for a stroll in Hyde Park on Friday at two o’clock.
“Colonel Fitzwilliam, will you have time to join us, sir?” Mrs. Gardiner asks nicely.
“Thank you, Mrs. Gardiner; I would be glad to join you ladies for a walk this Friday if everybody is agreeable to it.” Richard looks at all the ladies and hopes that Miss Elizabeth is not opposed to it.
“We all look forward to having the Colonel with us for the walk; are we not, ladies?” Mrs. Gardiner asks cordially.
“Yes, you should accompany us, Richard. It will be relaxing from your constant military work. And you can protect us from those children running into us again.” Georgiana jokes and everyone chuckles.
“Well then, it is decided. I will escort you ladies so there will be no more falling into the pond.” Everyone laughs comfortably.
That evening Mrs. Gardiner tells Elizabeth that she will invite Mrs. Allston over for tea this Wednesday afternoon, and she would like Elizabeth to be present.
Elizabeth agrees warmly. “Of course, Aunt; I can work at Uncle’s office for a few hours then come home and be ready to have tea with you and Mrs. Allston.”
“I think Mrs. Allston wants to know me better because of you, Lizzy.” Mrs. Gardiner teases, and then they both giggle.
Throughout the next few days, Elizabeth continues auditing the year of Mr. Clarke supposed embezzlement. This takes much time, thus Mr. Gardiner asks if she will mind staying in London until after the New Year. He will ask her Father to allow it. Elizabeth accepts without hesitation. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner greatly appreciate Elizabeth.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 5th
After Mrs. Gardiner greets Mrs. Allston the Gardiner’s foyer, Mrs. Allston remembers that she needs to ask her son, Lucas, to deliver a message to Mr. Harold Allston at the bank.
Hurriedly, Mrs. Gardiner tells her house maid, “Mildred, quickly go outside and ask Mr. Lucas Allston to come in to speak with his Mother.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Mildred answers promptly and rushes out the front door.
Elizabeth comes down from her chambers to greet Mrs. Allston, and a moment later Mr. Lucas Allston enters the foyer to speak to Mrs. Allston. Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth step away slightly so that the Allstons can have some privacy to speak. Quietly, Mrs. Gardiner asks whether Elizabeth will be comfortable if she invites Mr. Lucas Allston to stay for tea with them. Elizabeth says she does not mind; she smiles knowingly at her Aunt who smiles back.
As Mrs. Allston tells Mrs. Gardiner that her son will be leaving, Mrs. Gardiner says, “Mrs. Allston, if the message is not urgent, perhaps Mr. Allston would like to have a cup of tea with us before leaving.”
“No, the message is not urgent, Mrs. Gardiner. That is very kind of you to offer. Are you sure it will not be a bother?” Mrs. Allston asks pleasantly.
“Of course, not; we would enjoy having Mr. Allston join us – if that is agreeable to you, Mr. Allston?” Mrs. Gardiner offers graciously. Since Elizabeth is agreeable to Mr. Allston’s presence, Mrs. Gardiner does not mind letting Elizabeth have time to acquaint herself with him. Who knows – it may turn out to be a good match. If it does not, then they can be friends; there is no harm in that.
“I will be happy to join you ladies if that will not disturb your visit.” Mr. Allston replies most genially with a charming smile. This is exactly what he was hoping for; Mrs. Gardiner has read his mind.
Once again the four people chat about London, the museums, the dinner parties, and Hertfordshire. Mrs. Allston is happy that Mr. Bennet is a gentleman from generations of gentlemen with his own estate. Her son marrying a genteel young lady as nice and smart as Miss Elizabeth is an advantage. Mrs. Allston approves of Miss Elizabeth’s positive attributes; therefore, she will help them along as much as she can, especially when she knows that her son is seriously interested in Miss Elizabeth.
After three quarters of an hour, Mrs. Allston invites the Gardiners and Miss Elizabeth to a dinner party that they will host in two weeks on Friday. She gives Mrs. Gardiner the invitation and expresses her hopes that they can attend. Mrs. Gardiner will let her husband know of the date and reply as soon as possible.
As Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth walk Mrs. Allston and her son to the foyer, Mrs. Gardiner and Mrs. Allston speak to each other a few feet away from the two young people.
Mr. Lucas Allston asks Elizabeth, “Miss Elizabeth, if you are not otherwise engaged, will you allow me to call upon you this Saturday morning?”
Elizabeth is not wholly surprised by Mr. Lucas Allston’s query. “Oh…I am not engaged this Saturday morning, Mr. Allston; you may call upon me at ten o’clock if you like.”
“That will be a fine time. I look forward to talking with you again. I bid you a good day, Miss Elizabeth.” Mr. Allston answers most smoothly and then gives her a poised bow.
“Thank you, Mr. Allston. I wish you a good day, sir.” Elizabeth responds pleasantly and then curtsies.
Needless to say, Mrs. Gardiner teases Elizabeth about Mr. Allston calling upon her this Saturday. Afterwards, she becomes serious and asks if Elizabeth is truly interested in Mr. Allston because she sees that Colonel Fitzwilliam is also a potentially good candidate for Elizabeth’s attentions.
“Aunt I like talking with Colonel Fitzwilliam; he feels like a good friend that I would want in my life. I do not know if I have romantic feelings for him, but you have said that sometimes romantic feelings will slowly develop over time for some couples?”
“Yes, that is true. Love can slowly develop; it does not have to be a blaze immediately from the start of the relationship. For the lucky couples who marry for love, they feel the attraction and love right away from the beginning. Your Uncle and I felt our attraction for each other, basically, from the beginning of our acquaintance.”
“Goodness, I did not know that Uncle was such a romantic.” Elizabeth teases and both ladies laugh.
“So, how do you feel about Mr.
Lucas Allston?”
“He is handsome, obviously.” Elizabeth smiles gaily before continuing. “He is intelligent, speaks well, and is caring from what I can see so far. He is not condescending when he talks to me about his business or anything else, for that matter. He clearly likes to explain to me about the workings of the banking system, and I am glad to learn it. I…could possibly see him beyond just friendship. I know he has shown me his inclination at their ball. I hope he really is who he projects himself to be. What do you think of him, Aunt?”
“I agree with you regarding his attributes. He does not sound overly charming or excessively sweet. I think he is guarded because he wants to be sure about you. I think he truly is very interested in you, Lizzy.”
“Well, we will have to see. I do not want to lead anyone on. I will make it clear right away if I do not see a future with any of the gentlemen.” Elizabeth explains forthrightly.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7th
On Friday afternoon, Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner walk towards the same pond that they had first met Georgiana and Mrs. Annesley in Hyde Park a couple of weeks ago. As they approach the area, they see Georgiana and Colonel Fitzwilliam seated at the bench. All four people cheerfully greet each other and then start their stroll. Mrs. Gardiner speaks to Georgiana about Derbyshire and Lambton as they walk side by side leaving Elizabeth to walk with Colonel Fitzwilliam behind them several feet.
Elizabeth and Colonel Fitzwilliam chuckle and laugh about a number of different topics. Once again, she enjoys talking with Colonel Fitzwilliam; he seems at ease, too. As they walk through the park, they see another party of four people – two gentlemen and two young ladies. The four people look like they are enjoying whatever is being said because the two ladies are happily giggling along with…Mr. Bingley. The taller, staid, handsome gentleman is only slightly smiling. Both Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner recognize Mr. Bingley when his party approaches them. It turns out that Mr. Bingley is with, none other than, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy – Georgiana’s elder brother and Colonel Fitzwilliam’s cousin.
The acquainted people express their cheerfulness in seeing each other, and then all the introductions and pleasantries are expressed by everyone else. Elizabeth unobtrusively observes Mr. Darcy who does not speak much. Goodness, he is very handsome! He has to be the handsomest man that she has ever seen, anywhere. His blue eyes are alluring; his voice is manly and entrancing. Yes, Elizabeth could look at him and listen to him all day. Oh goodness, her little heart is giddy; she has never felt this way or this much, instantly, towards a man before. However, he does not seem to care so that is that. Oh well….at least, she is not forbidden to look at him when they are in each other’s presence – obviously, she would do it discreetly. Elizabeth giggles within herself.
The men ask each other a few questions on the side which leaves the five ladies to talk, but the two young ladies in Mr. Bingley’s group – Miss Annie Winters and Miss Lillian Henderson – only seem to want to talk to Georgiana. They, essentially, ignore Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner; therefore, aunt and niece speak to each other about going to get another gown made for Christmas.
The two young ladies, excitedly, speak with Georgiana about how pretty she looks in her dress and how stylish her hair is done. They ask her which shop she gets her dresses made at because they get their dresses made with Mrs. Ellison on Bond Street who knows all the latest fashions. Georgiana reveals that she and her Aunt, Lady Matlock, usually go to Mrs. Templeton’s. These two young ladies say that Mrs. Ellison knows more of the newer fashions from Paris; hence, it is the better shop to get new fashionable, younger-styled dresses. Georgiana turns to Mrs. Gardiner and Elizabeth and inquires where they get their dresses made; their dresses are from Mrs. Templeton’s. The two young ladies do not seem too thrilled with their reply. They immediately turn back to Georgiana to ask if she will be free to go St. James’ Park for a short while to see the new statues that have been erected for temporary display.
All the while, both Darcy and Richard notice how these two young ladies treat Georgiana, Elizabeth, and Mrs. Gardiner. The two gentlemen do not like what they see. Darcy definitely notices just how beautiful Miss Elizabeth is. He is impressed with her looks, speech, and demeanor. She also sounds witty just like Richard described. How could she be related to Mrs. Bennet? She must take after Mr. Bennet. Mrs. Gardiner also seems sophisticated and looks wealthy in her own right. Even though these two have been ignored by the two younger ladies, they do not seem to be bothered; actually, they seem superior to the other two young ladies. Georgiana seems very partial towards Miss Elizabeth and wants to include her in all the conversations. Darcy hears Miss Elizabeth warmly tell Georgiana to take her time with her friends.
After a short time, Darcy sees that Georgiana is uncomfortable with the two young ladies’ effusions, and she wants to get back with Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner; therefore, he nudges Richard to tell him of her discomfort. When Richard hears this, he approaches Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Gardiner to ask them to wait a moment longer while he retrieves Georgiana so they can be on their way.
“Whatever is comfortable for you and Miss Darcy is fine with us, Colonel Fitzwilliam.” Elizabeth responds congenially, and then she lowers her voice to say, “I think Miss Darcy is getting a little uncomfortable over there. Would you like for me to intervene?”
“Darcy saw the same thing. We both can intervene for her sake?” Richard asks with an appreciative smile. He extends his arm, Elizabeth happily takes it, and they approach the three young ladies.
“Miss Darcy…” Elizabeth begins to speak, but she is gently interrupted by Georgiana.
“We agreed that you would call me Georgiana, Elizabeth.” Georgiana says sweetly with a gentle smile.
“Yes, you are correct, Georgiana.” Elizabeth smiles pleasantly and then continues, “Now, did you not say that you wanted to go to the Petite Pastry shop?” Elizabeth asks warmly; they had no such plans, but Elizabeth just wanted to make an excuse for Georgiana to leave her current, unwanted, eager companions.
Miss Annie Winters and Miss Lillian Henderson both excitedly say that going to the Petite Pastry shop is a great idea; they are both ready to go with Miss Darcy. Georgiana looks to Elizabeth for help; it is evident to Richard and Elizabeth that she does not want to go with these two young ladies. Before Elizabeth could say anything, Miss Winters and Miss Henderson each hold onto one of Georgiana’s arms and lead her away from the group and towards Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley. Richard and Elizabeth look at each other in amazement, and then they chuckle at how oblivious and presumptuous these two young ladies are.
At this point, Mrs. Gardiner comes to stand next to Elizabeth and Richard, and all three of them chortle. Elizabeth sees that Mr. Darcy quizzically looks at Colonel Fitzwilliam, and Colonel Fitzwilliam shrugs his shoulders as he chuckles. All eight of them walk to their carriages, and then Georgiana is commandeered to ride in the carriage with the two young ladies along with Mr. Bingley, and Mr. Darcy. In Mrs. Gardiner’s carriage, Colonel Fitzwilliam apologizes that this walk did not turn out to be what was planned.
“Please, Colonel, do not worry. As long as Georgiana is comfortable then we are fine, right, Aunt?” Elizabeth replies amiably.
“Yes, we will still be able to talk with her at the pastry shop.” Mrs. Gardiner responds considerately.
Once inside the pastry shop, the loudest conversations can be heard from Miss Henderson and Miss Winters. They continue to talk about the current fashions and hairstyles. When asked for her opinion, Georgiana answers politely but not enthusiastically. Elizabeth sees Georgiana’s discomfort, thus she moves over to where Georgiana sits across from her. She asks Georgiana which pastries she thinks are the best so that she can buy some for her little cousins.
Georgiana is putting down her cup of tea when Miss Henderson gets excited about picking out pastries and eagerly grabs Georgiana’s arm causing Georgiana to startle. This causes some of Georgiana’s tea to spill on Miss Winter’s dress. Miss Winters is very c
rossed!
“Oh my goodness! Are you not able to hold onto your cup properly?” Miss Winters is quite upset at the spill.
With alarm Georgiana apologizes and tries to help with the spill. “I am so sorry, Miss Winters! I was startled by Miss Henderson’s sudden grasp. I am sorry, here is another napkin.”
“No, no; leave my dress alone. I will wipe it. You are going to make it worse. I do not understand how you can be startled like that and spill your tea on me. My dress is ruined.” Miss Winters whines loudly and is very concerned for her dress. Clearly, the jolly, buoyant side of her is no longer present; she is very irritated now.
Instantly, Elizabeth tries to help out. “Miss Winters, if you just dab with this handkerchief with water and not rub at the area, then it will not stain as badly. Then when you get home, you should rub some soap on it, and let it soak in water for a while. The stain will come out.” Elizabeth tries to be helpful to prevent further permanent staining.
“I do not need your help. I will ruin my dress more if I do what you say.” Miss Winters is upset and is further annoyed. She sounds plainly rude and ill-mannered.
Georgiana moves away from Miss Winters’ side; Miss Henderson tries to help Miss Winters, and they both look very displeased. They forget that Miss Henderson is the one that startled Georgiana which caused the spill. Yet, Miss Winters is only irritated with Georgiana and with Elizabeth for helping.
Elizabeth stands by Georgiana and gently assures her that it is only an accident. Both Richard and Darcy come over to Georgiana and see how kind and caring Elizabeth is to her. They see how fussy and vexed Miss Winters is at this minor accident. The cousins are displeased, again, to see how Miss Winters acts towards Georgiana and Elizabeth.
How could Darcy have agreed to go for a walk with Bingley and these two young ladies? This incident really emphasizes how young and immature these two young ladies are. There is no way Darcy could ever be with anyone that acts like this. In contrast, Miss Elizabeth is all that is kind, considerate, calming, caring, forgiving, and mature. And she is beautiful. Richard saw her first and now Richard is pursuing her; that is what Richard had told Darcy last time. What bad luck for Darcy!
