“Of course you may,” she said as she walked over to him. “It is so good to see you again. It has been so long since we last saw you at Pemberley.”
“I think it has been twelve months, at least. I can hardly believe so much time has already passed. You have grown, I think,” he teased her.
Georgiana laughed, “I have not grown one inch,” she told him. “I am exactly the same as I always was.”
“No, that is not true,” he shook his head. “You have grown into a beautiful young lady,” he complimented her. “You make me feel rather old. You are no longer the little girl who used to chase after Colonel Fitzwilliam and me when we came home on leave.”
“Yes, I am afraid my days of chasing after you both are long over with now,” she assured him. “But look at you, I heard from your father that you have done very well and that you will be settling in at Welborn place before too long.”
“Yes, I am looking forward to being back home on a more permanent basis,” He told her. “So, why are you out here in the chilly evening air, and not inside chatting away with the other ladies?”
Georgiana looked back over to the window. She could see Richard was still talking with Kitty. “It was very warm in the house this evening, so I thought to come out here for some fresh air. My aunt likes to keep the fire going, she always complains of drafts.”
“I found it to be rather warm myself,” John told her.
Georgiana smiled, “So tell me, how have you been? My cousin said you had been abroad helping us to defeat Napoleon.”
He laughed, “I do not know how much I have been helping to defeat him, but yes, I have been away. Most of my duties have taken me abroad, but I am very glad to be home now.”
“And do you plan to return to Pemberley soon to see your father?” she asked.
“I have been to see him, actually,” he told her. “He told me all about Mr. Darcy’s marriage, and he commented on how lovely and agreeable Mrs. Darcy is.”
“Did he tell you he has had one of his very best apple seasons ever?” she laughed. “The last I spoke with him, he was delivering some apples to the house, and he stopped to tell me all about his apples this year. I must admit, after he left that day I went straight away to the kitchen to have one, and as always they were wonderful.”
“I shall have to remember to tell him so when next I see him,” he said.
Just then, a gust of wind came up causing Georgiana to shiver a little, “I think perhaps it is time for me to return inside. I find myself feeling rather chilly now,” she told him. “If I stay out here much longer, I may end up with a cold, and I do not think that I would like that very much.”
Captain Hathaway extended his arm, “Well then, please allow me to escort you back inside.”
“Thank you, Captain,” she said as she allowed him to lead the way.
Chapter Six
Jane sat sipping her morning tea, “Lizzy, did you notice how well Caroline seemed to be getting along with Mr. Fitzwilliam?” she asked her. “Even Charles commented to me last night that he was surprised to see how long the two spent in conversation with each other.”
“I did see that Mr. Fitzwilliam was very attentive to her. Why even Lady Fitzwilliam took notice of the fact that he escorted her into dinner. Of course, we have no way of knowing if Caroline likes Mr. Fitzwilliam or not,” Elizabeth said.
“Charles said that he could not recall ever seeing his sister so at ease as she was last night,” Jane told her. “When I asked him if he thought Caroline might like Mr. Fitzwilliam, he said he could not be sure. He did say that it had been a very long time since he had seen his sister smile the way she did whilst she was talking with Mr. Fitzwilliam.”
Elizabeth chewed her bottom lip, “I wonder if we should invite Mr. Fitzwilliam to dine with us here at Windham House?” she asked Jane.
Her sister smiled, “Lizzy, I know you want to help me by finding someone for Caroline,” she said. “But do you truly think Mr. Fitzwilliam would be a good match for her?” she asked. “Better still, would she be a good match for him?”
Elizabeth took in a small breath and nodded her head. “I am sure they would make a very good match. Mr. Fitzwilliam is a man who has connections, he has a title, and he is wealthy. What more could Caroline ask for?”
“Yes, but what about poor Mr. Fitzwilliam?” Jane asked. “Does he not deserve to find love again?”
Elizabeth considered her sister's words. “Of course he does, Jane,” she told her. “But there is no reason to think he could not fall in love with Caroline or she with him.”
Jane shook her head. “Lizzy, I do not mean to speak ill of anyone, but I do at times wonder if Caroline could ever truly love another besides herself. Mr. Fitzwilliam seems a very nice sort of man, should we do anything that might encourage him to seek Caroline out? He has already suffered so much heartache in his life. I would feel very bad if our meddling were to bring about more sorrow.”
“I am not suggesting we try to persuade Mr. Fitzwilliam into marrying Caroline,” she assured her. “I was merely thinking to give them the opportunity to spend time together, nothing more. If Mr. Fitzwilliam does not wish to give his attention to Caroline, then we will continue our search. However, if he should decide to seek her out, then perhaps it is meant to be.”
“Very well, Lizzy,” Jane agreed. “But what if we do invite Mr. Fitzwilliam to dine with us, and he does decide that he wants to marry Caroline; do you think Lord Fitzwilliam and Lady Fitzwilliam would approve of the match? After all, I did hear her ladyship say that Colonel Fitzwilliam would have to marry very well if he hoped to have a living without working,” she told her. “Do you believe Lady Fitzwilliam would think less of Caroline because at one time her father was in trade?”
Elizabeth sipped her tea, “I do not think she would object to Caroline,” she began to say. “Lady Fitzwilliam seemed very tolerant of our family connections.”
“Yes, but Lizzy, we are already married,” she reminded her. “If Lady Fitzwilliam wishes to keep the peace in the family, it would not be to her advantage to disapprove of either you or I, would it?”
Elizabeth thought about the conversation she had with Lady Fitzwilliam. “You are right Jane, I had not thought of that,” she admitted. “While we talked, I did think Lady Fitzwilliam was very amiable. However, I do not believe she would approve of a match between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Kitty. She made mention of how very tirelessly she has been working to find a proper match for her son. One that would provide a living for him.”
Jane sighed, “I did notice that the colonel was spending much of the evening talking with Kitty and he was very keen to hear her sing again. Do you think the Colonel has developed feelings for Kitty? They have been together much over the past few weeks; it would be only natural if he did.”
Elizabeth shook her head, “I cannot say. I only know that William has told me on a number of occasions that the colonel must marry wealthy. Colonel Fitzwilliam told me himself when we were together at Rosings that he is expected to marry wealthy,” she told her. “I do not believe he is the sort of man to play with Kitty’s heart. He does like to share conversation, and he is very amiable, but whether he has grown fond of Kitty, I do not know.” Elizabeth finished her tea and thought about her younger sister. “Tell me Jane, has Kitty said anything to you about the colonel?”
“No, at least nothing that would give me cause to believe she has feelings for him,” Jane said as she finished her tea.
Before Elizabeth could respond Darcy came into the room, “I have a note from your father,” he handed it to her.
Elizabeth furrowed her brow, “That is odd. I hope all is well,” she said as she opened it and read it.
Lizzy,
I am writing to inform you that your mother, sister, and I have arrived earlier than was expected. As you may have guessed upon receiving this letter; your mama is most eager to speak with you and Jane about the planning of Mary’s upcoming wedding. I thought it best to write
and make it known that if you do not wish to have her show up on your doorstep unannounced, you may wish to pay her a call as soon as you are able.
Lydia is eager to go shopping as well. Although how she plans to come up with the money to do so, I have no idea. I begin to wonder how many creditors in Newcastle remain unpaid?
I remain blissfully content in my brother-in-law’s library until I see you and your sister.
Your beloved Father,
William Bennet
Elizabeth handed the note to Jane and smiled at her husband. “May we have the carriage this morning?”
Darcy furrowed his brow, “Of course, but is everything all right?”
“Oh yes, everyone is well,” she informed him. “Only my mother has arrived at Gracechurch Street an entire day earlier than was expected and my father writes to tell me that if I do not come to call upon her, she and Lydia will call upon us here at Windham House.”
“I will go and inform James that you will need the carriage and to be ready within the hour,” Darcy said without hesitation.
Elizabeth’s smile broadened as she tried to keep from laughing, “Thank you, William,” she said as he turned to go. Once he was from sight, she turned to Jane and began to laugh, “I am always amused to see the kind of response Mama’s impending visits provoke from Mr. Darcy.”
It was just past noon when Elizabeth and her sister arrived at their aunt and uncle’s home. It did not take long after they all were welcomed for their mother to begin questioning them as to what warehouses they had been to and what gowns had been chosen for Mary’s wedding. “I hope you made sure to tell the dressmaker that Mary’s gown must be from the finest fabrics even though she does not want to have too much lace,” Mrs. Bennet said as she sat down to have some tea.
“Mama, Lizzy, and Jane, along with my aunt, were very specific with the seamstress, and only the best fabrics were chosen. The dress will be very beautiful,” Mary told her.
Mrs. Bennet shrieked with delight, “Oh, I am so happy to hear it!” she said as she grabbed a biscuit and took a large bite. “And what color have you chosen?”
“I decided on a very pretty deep blue gown with some gold and white lace trim on the sleeves and around the bottom of the skirt,” Mary told her.
Mrs. Bennet shook her head disapprovingly, “Oh heavens no child, that will not do; you must be married in a lovely pale green, or perhaps yellow gown. Or maybe a nice white dress would do. Mary, you have always looked so much prettier in pale colors!”
“Mama, Mary wished to be married in the dark blue, and it is a very lovely fabric,” Jane assured her.
Mrs. Bennet sighed heavily, “I suppose since it has already been chosen you will just have to make do.”
“Mama, Mr. Godwin prefers darker colors on me. He has often said he likes it very much when I choose the darker colors,” Mary told her. “And he particularly likes it when I wear blue.”
Mrs. Bennet smiled, “Oh, well then, you should have all your dresses in the darker fabrics,” Mrs. Bennet changed her mind upon learning this new information. “Of course, I have always preferred you in the darker colors myself, especially blue.”
Elizabeth tried not to laugh at how easily her mother was persuaded to the choice in color of the gown Mary chose. She sipped her tea as her mother continued questioning Mary.
Mrs. Bennet furrowed her brow and asked, “The wedding is to be held at Saint Georges, is that right?”
Mary nodded her head, “Yes, Mama,” she told her. “We have special permission to be married there. Mr. Godwin has taken me to see the church, and it is very lovely.”
“Oh wonderful,” Mrs. Bennet seemed delighted with the news. “I suspect it will be very grand. Of course, I invited Lady Lucas and Sir William to attend, along with Maria.”
“I do hope you have not asked too many people to attend Mama,” Mary said. “I do not want to overwhelm Mr. Godwin’s mother when her health is just beginning to improve.”
“Oh yes, Mary, I had quite forgotten about Mrs. Godwin’s health. How is she? Have you met with Mr. Godwin’s parents yet?” Mrs. Bennet demanded to know.
Mary nodded her head, “Yes Mama, Lizzy, and Jane came with me to meet them but two days ago. Both Admiral Godwin and Mrs. Godwin are very kind, and I found I liked them very much.”
Elizabeth smiled, “Mama, you should know that both the Admiral and Mrs. Godwin were very taken with Mary. I dare say they look upon her as their own daughter.”
Mary blushed just a little, “They are very affable,” she said.
Mrs. Bennet took another bite of biscuit, “Of course they like Mary. Why would they not? After all, she is a very agreeable girl,” she said just before she took another sip of tea. She grew quiet for a moment then said. “Now, as for Mary’s bouquet, I believe she must have real flowers?”
Jane shook her head, “Mama, it is almost winter. We cannot have real flowers at this time of year,” she told her.
“Why ever not!” Mrs. Bennet demanded to know. “Mary must have a bouquet.”
“Because Mama, real flowers at this time of year are too expensive to have for my bouquet,” Mary told her. “Mr. Godwin and I do not wish to be frivolous. The special license cost enough money as it is. We will make do with artificial flowers and some lovely herbs. It will be very pretty. Kitty has offered to make my bouquet for me.”
Mrs. Bennet shook her head, “No Mary, that will not do!” she cried out. “You must have real flowers for your wedding. You simply must! Besides, £5 is not so very bad; after all, Mr. Godwin is rich!”
Mary sighed, “Mama, Mr. Godwin is not rich,” she corrected her. “At least, not like Mr. Darcy.”
“Yes, he is Mary, he will one day be worth £4000 a year,” Mrs. Bennet reminded her as she shrieked with delight. “You do not realize how rich you will be.”
For the first time all morning, Lydia chimed in, “And he will have £8000 a year when his uncle dies.”
Mary looked over at her younger sister and sighed heavily, “Well, Mr. Godwin does not have that inheritance now, therefore we will be using artificial flowers,” she said firmly.
Elizabeth was proud of her sister. “I think Mary is right,” she told her mother. “Using real flowers makes little sense, besides the cost. It will be very difficult to keep them looking pretty for the wedding. Kitty suggested dried flowers and artificial ones, and I think it will look very nice.”
“Thank you, Lizzy,” Mary said as she smiled at her sister.
Mrs. Bennet took in a deep breath and rolled her eyes, “Fine. If you insist on not having real flowers, then I guess it must be so,” she said sounding annoyed. “However, I think it a very big mistake, and I am sure you will regret it.”
Jane sighed, “It is Mary’s wedding, after all,” she told her mother.
“Very well!” Mrs. Bennet said somewhat indignant. “What of the wedding breakfast? We cannot have it here,” she said. “We must have the wedding breakfast at Windham. Lizzy, you must speak with Mr. Darcy and ask to have it there.”
Before Elizabeth could respond, Mary spoke up, “Mama, Mr. Godwin has asked that we have the wedding breakfast at Pembroke park,” she told her. “Mrs. Godwin and the Admiral would very much like for us to have it there.”
Mrs. Bennet arched her brow, “Why that is very kind of them, I must say,” she said. “However, I wonder; is Pembroke as nice as Windham House? I promised Lady Lucas that Mary’s wedding would be very grand.”
Mary took in a sharp, deep breath and did her best to keep her temper under control, “Mama, Pembroke is very beautiful. It will be a perfectly lovely place to have my wedding breakfast,” she assured her.
Jane nodded her head, “Truly Mama, it is very beautiful.”
“Mama, if Mary wants to have her wedding breakfast at Pembroke, then we should be happy to join her there. Mrs. Godwin makes a very generous offer in doing this for Mary and Mr. Godwin,” Elizabeth told her.
Mrs. Bennet seemed somewhat appeased after
both Jane and Lizzy assured her how lovely Pembroke was. After considering for a moment, she acknowledged it was a very kind gesture on the part of Mr. Godwin’s parents to show such a kindness to Mary on her special day. “Very well, I will say no more about it,” she said as she grabbed another biscuit and began eating. “Now tell me, Kitty, what you have been up to since coming to London? Have you met any gentlemen in whom you might have a particular interest in?”
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