If Only In His Dreams

by Schertz, Melanie

  All was packed and the ladies were on their way the following morning. Georgiana was excited, as she seldom travelled anywhere. Being only fifteen, the girl was not out in society, and therefore remained home. And as Lady Anne did not travel often, it was natural that Georgiana remained home with her. Along with the ladies were Lady Anne’s maid and Georgiana’s governess. There were four men who rode outside the carriage for protection, as Lady Anne’s cousin had been traveling in her family’s carriage when highwaymen robbed the carriage at gun point. Lady Anne refused to travel without guards to protect not only her, but her children as well.

  The first night of their travel was spent at an inn that the family had used previously. It was not the comfortable environment that home was, but, for an inn, it was pleasant enough. The dinner was eaten in the sitting room, as Lady Anne preferred the seclusion rather than the dining room of the establishment.

  The next morning, just after sunrise, the Darcy carriage was on the road again, continuing the journey to Hertfordshire. After the second night in an inn, the ladies arrived at the estate which Lady Anne had requested, Longbourn. It was near three in the afternoon, and she prayed that her son was not visiting the Bennets.

  An elderly woman opened the door, showing Lady Anne Darcy and Georgiana inside the house before stepping to the drawing room door to announce the guests.

  “Miss Lizzy, Miss Jane, Lady Anne Darcy and her daughter have arrived and Lady Anne has requested a private talk with you, Miss Lizzy.” Hill announced. The look on her face told of her concern for the young lady who was like a daughter to her.

  “Of course, Hill, show them in.” Jane stated as she glanced at her sister. Seeing Elizabeth nervous, Jane requested refreshments prepared for their guests.

  As Lady Anne entered the room, she instinctively determined Elizabeth from her sister. “Miss Elizabeth Bennet, if I am not mistaken.”

  Elizabeth stepped forward after giving a quick curtsey. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Anne. And this must be your daughter, Miss Darcy.”

  “Indeed, my daughter, Georgiana Darcy. And is this your sister as well?”

  Elizabeth turned towards her sister. “Yes, this is my sister, Miss Jane Bennet.” Hearing footsteps coming towards the room, Elizabeth guessed that Hill had made Alex aware of the guests who had arrived. Alex walked into the room after a moment. “Lady Anne, may I introduce you to my brother, Mr Alex Bennet. He is the Master of Longbourn. Alex, this is Mr Darcy’s mother and sister, Lady Anne Darcy and Miss Georgiana Darcy.”

  Alex greeted the ladies properly. “Is Mr Darcy not with you?”

  Lady Anne shook her head. “We came here first, as I wished to speak with Miss Elizabeth before we settle in at Netherfield.”

  “Very good, would you prefer to speak with my sister in my study or in the rear sitting room?”

  “I believe the use of your study would be appropriate enough. Miss Elizabeth, would you lead the way there?”

  Once the study door was closed by Elizabeth, she turned to see Lady Anne had seated herself behind Alex’s desk, poised as if she were the queen of England.

  “Miss Elizabeth, you can be in no doubt as to why I am here.” Lady Anne began.

  “I assume that you are here at your son’s request so that we could spend time to become acquainted with each other.” Elizabeth stated clearly.

  “Please, Miss Elizabeth, we are both ladies. We know the reason a young man of my son’s status in life would consent to marry someone so far lower and having no connections, and that reason is you have used your arts and allurements to confuse him. You have made him forget what he owes to his family and to future generations. You are a country nobody, what do you have to offer my son other than your comely figure and pretty charms?”

  “Lady Anne, if you continue to insult me in this manner, I will ask you to leave. I was not pleased when my brother made the agreement with your son for me to marry Mr Darcy, and I have only gone along with the agreement after speaking with your son at great length to know him better. But I have insisted that we have a long engagement, so that I may know him better. If you will always look down your nose at me and think so ill of me, I believe it is better that you inform your son of our agreement being dissolved and take him home to your estate so the likes of me do not poison his mind any further. I will not be treated so disrespectfully, and in my own family’s home, by someone I only met a few moments ago.” Elizabeth began to return to the door to open it for Lady Anne when she heard clapping coming from behind her.

  “What is the meaning of this? Have you an addle mind which causes you to be cruel to others and you take delight in it?”

  Lady Anne smiled. “My dear girl, I was checking to see the sort of mettle from which you are made. My son was correct, you are unlike any other woman I have ever met or seen my son with. I am a very protective mother, Miss Elizabeth. Many young ladies would give anything to be in your position, though you would give up my son for a perceived insult to you. Other ladies would have endured my behavior and groveled at my feet to continue a relationship with William.”

  “As I said, I was furious at first when I learned of my brother and Mr Darcy making the agreement, for they did not consult me at all. Only after Mr Darcy and I spoke at great length did I reluctantly agree to it. I had chosen to marry for only the deepest love, so this agreement goes against my wishes. But I will abide my brother’s wishes, and I will attempt to be the best wife to your son.”

  “And once married to my son, I am sure you will wish to spend a Season or more in Town, enjoying the delights that society has to offer.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “I have visited my uncle and his family in London, and other than the cultural exhibits at museums and performances at the theater and opera, I found no delights in the city life. I am fond of long walks in nature, so you can understand why Town has no draw for me.”

  Lady Anne was beginning to warm to this young lady. Perhaps William had chosen with his heart and mind rather than his desires. “And wealth? Do you foresee yourself shopping on a constant basis?”

  “Lady Anne, I do not wish to sound impertinent, but I must tell you the truth. I care not for your family’s money and connections. I am content here at Longbourn in spending my time making clothes for our tenants’ children and taking food to those who are ill or disabled. You are more than welcome to investigate the truth of my words with anyone, our tenants or my family. My brother has given me a generous allowance, which, most of it, sits upstairs in my drawers. If need arises that someone takes ill, I have taken it upon myself to ensure that they have proper care from the local apothecary and food to aid them on their recovery. And that is done from my allowance, for I have no real need of it. My sister and I have new gowns made twice a year to replace ones which are worn or in too bad condition to be used, though some of the material has been used to make doll clothes and such for the children.”

  “This is a practice I have done at Pemberley since my marriage, though it is becoming more and more difficult for me due to my health.” Anne Darcy stated. “Since you have stated I may do so, I will speak with others to find out the truth of your words. Now, as you are to be my future daughter, I wish to know you better.”

  Shocked, Elizabeth finally sat down in a chair across from Lady Anne. For the next hour, the two ladies spoke openly on many subjects, and only stopped when Alex knocked on the door to announce that refreshments were available in the drawing room if the ladies would care to join them.

  “Some refreshments would be delightful at the moment.” Lady Anne stated with a smile. “Your sister and I have discussed so many issues that I am quite parched.”

  Chapter 8

  Darcy and Bingley made their usual visit to Longbourn only to find one of Darcy’s carriages in front of the main house. Upon being shown inside the house and into the drawing room, Darcy was both pleased and surprised to find his mother and sister there.

  “Mother, I had not realized that you would be comin
g directly here rather than Netherfield. And you have arrived much earlier than expected, for I estimated your arrival to be later this evening.” Darcy stated as he kissed his mother’s cheek. “And Georgie, my how you have grown in such a short time; I believe you have grown at least a foot in these few weeks.”

  Georgiana embraced her brother as she giggled. “William, you are a silly man. We had a wonderful trip here, and Mamma was so excited to arrive that we started out this morning much earlier than usual. The scenery on the trip was beautiful.”

  “My goodness, I do not believe I have ever heard so much come from you at one time.” Darcy hugged his sister tighter and kissed her lightly on the forehead. “And how do you find Hertfordshire? I know it is not the rugged terrain of Derbyshire, but it has several wonderful places to explore. And I am quite sure that we could persuade Miss Elizabeth in showing us some of them, as she is quite an explorer of the great outdoors.” He looked at Elizabeth carefully, afraid of seeing pain in her eyes in case his mother had been harsh to her. Finding only a kind and loving smile gracing her face brought her favorite dimpled smile from Darcy.

  Seeing for herself the way her son reacted with this young lady, Anne Darcy had no further reservations towards the young lady who had stolen her beloved William’s heart. “Miss Elizabeth, I know it is far too soon for you to refer to me as Mother, but I would be honored if you were to call me Anne or Mother Darcy.”

  Elizabeth blushed as she took hold of Lady Anne’s outreached hand. “It will be an honor for me, Mother Darcy. And I wish for you and Miss Darcy to use my name. My family refers to me as Lizzy, or my Christian name is Elizabeth.”

  “Lizzy, I am truly honored that my son has found you. And I ask your forgiveness to our initial moments in the study. It was done with the best intentions.”

  Nodding her head, Elizabeth agreed. “Mother Darcy, there is nothing to forgive. You only knew that your son had declared his desire to marry me. It is natural for you to defend your child.”

  Darcy was confused at the conversation, though neither of the ladies wished to discuss it at the moment.

  The ladies returned to their seats as the men joined them; Darcy sat in a chair next to Elizabeth, while Bingley sat on the sofa next to Jane. The hour which followed was quite pleasant and enjoyed by all who were in the room. Though reluctant to leave Elizabeth, Darcy knew that it was time to make their way to Netherfield.

  “Mother, I am sure that you and Georgiana must be weary from your travels. Perhaps it would be best for us to travel to Netherfield so that you might refresh yourself and rest before dinner.”

  “Alas, I do find myself fatigued.” Lady Anne stated. “I do so hope to have more time with you soon, Lizzy.”

  Jane stepped to her sister’s side. “Lady Anne, I would like to invite all of you to dine with us tomorrow night. The Darcys and the Bingleys are all welcome.”

  Anne Darcy looked first to her son and then to Bingley. Both men nodded their agreement, allowing Lady Anne to accept the invitation. She leaned in and gave Elizabeth a slight embrace. “Thank you, Lizzy, for your kindness to me today; you are a remarkable young lady.”

  “I am pleased that we have had the chance to know one another better. And I look forward to spending more time with you as well.” Elizabeth returned the embrace. Darcy watched the two most important ladies in his life becoming close friends, smiling at them as he felt the bond that was beginning to grow.

  As the carriage arrived at Netherfield, Darcy and Bingley dismounted the horses that they had ridden to Longbourn. Darcy handed down his mother while Bingley assisted Georgiana and the other ladies. Caroline Bingley approached the ladies, welcoming them to Netherfield.

  “Lady Anne, it is such a pleasure to have you stay with us. And Miss Darcy, I believe you have grown a foot since the last time I saw you. What a handsome young lady you are.” Caroline stated with a voice which made Darcy cringe. It was quite obvious that she was fawning over his sister and mother in an attempt to garner their favor.

  “I thank you Miss Bingley for allowing us to stay here.” Lady Anne stated. “As we have had a long day, would it be asking too much to be shown to our rooms? A hot bath and some tea would go a long way towards rejuvenating me.”

  “Of course, allow me to show you to the rooms we had prepared and then I will have the staff draw you a bath.”

  As Caroline led the Darcy ladies upstairs, Darcy turned to his mother. “When you have refreshed yourself, send word and I will join you for a talk.”

  Lady Anne turned her gaze back to her son and smiled. “I will meet with you in an hour. Thank you for sending for Georgiana and me. I believe I will enjoy this holiday greatly.”

  An hour later found Darcy knocking on the door to his mother’s suite of rooms. He entered after hearing his mother’s voice call to him to come in.

  “Mother, it is so good to see you. I am pleased to have you here.” Darcy stated as he placed a kiss on his mother’s cheek. “Are you well? I know that travel causes you to be weary, do you have any ill effects from the trip?”

  “William, do not fuss over me. I am quite well. And I was pleased to have some time to speak with Lizzy before you were there.” Lady Anne smiled at her son.

  “Yes, I was planning to speak with you in regards to that very subject. Why did you stop at Longbourn before coming to Netherfield?”

  A laugh from his mother surprised him. “My dear boy, I wished to know what sort of lady you had attached your feelings to. I was concerned that she was a fortune hunter. And I was able to see for myself that Lizzy is not. She told me I could verify her statements, though I do not see the reason to bother. I am certain that all reports I find throughout the neighborhood will confirm what I already know of her. Miss Elizabeth Bennet is exactly what she appears to be. There is not artifice about her, and it is quite refreshing to know that there are still people like her in the world.”

  “It pleases me to know that you and Miss Elizabeth can be on good terms. I was worried that perhaps you would not be able to, due to her lack of connections and not being of the same level of society as us.”

  “I admit that at first I was greatly concerned. I feared that you had been taken in by her arts and allurement. Now I see what attracted you to her, she is so different from the ladies of the Ton. Does she truly visit the tenants and aid those who are in need?”

  “I have seen her do so myself. And the people all seem to favor her efforts. They were ever so grateful for her personal touches. One elderly woman, who I later learned was recently widowed. Miss Elizabeth had taken some gingerbread to the woman, which was the widow’s favorite. The lady was ever grateful for Miss Elizabeth having remembered.”

  “She will do the same at Pemberley, as I have done for years. I will be proud to have her as my daughter. And I am so very pleased that you have found her. William, I have feared for many years that you would never find someone due to your dream lady. Now I see that it was worth the wait.”

  “Mother, did you tell Lord Matlock why you were coming?” Darcy was nervous.

  “I thought it wisest to inform my brother that we were traveling to spend a holiday with you, nothing more. If he had known the true reason, he would have come here and insisted that you break the agreement.”

  “Why does he demand that I marry my cousin? Anne does not wish to be married to me, and even Aunt Catherine has accepted this. And it is not even his daughter that Uncle Henry wishes an attachment with me. Anne told me in her latest letter that she has been enjoying her visits from a Mr Collins, the new clergyman at Hunsford. At first, Anne thought he was a fool. But she came to know that it was an act that he puts forward when necessary. He is kind to her, sees to Aunt Catherine and Anne, as well as the needs of the congregation.”

  “I am pleased to learn this. Though Anne has been ill since she had scarlet fever as a babe, she is quite intelligent and is nearly as wonderful a musician as our Georgiana.”

  “I know it is wrong to say such things, bu
t Uncle Lewis dying so many years ago was the best thing that he could have done. Since his death, Aunt Catherine has been a completely different person. And sending for masters to instruct Anne was such a blessing to my dear cousin. Even though it would be too much for Anne to endure to spend a great deal of time in Town, she at least was not lacking in her education.”

  “Catherine is much calmer now. Henry was wrong in forcing Catherine to marry Lewis; and Catherine paid the price for that marriage with every injury she sustained. I must say that my sister has never forgiven our brother for his behavior.”

  “I wondered for years why Aunt Catherine never remarried, though now that I know what she endured, I understand the reasoning. She never wished to give another man control over her life.”