Saving Jane
Page 21
The talk of the wedding prodded John Lucas to further his courtship of Mary and the young couple became engaged only ten days before Lizzy’s wedding to Mr. Darcy.
++**++
As the date of Elizabeth’s wedding to Mr. Darcy approached, a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner arrived at Longbourn that included an invitation for their eldest niece to accompany them on a trip to Lambton after the wedding.
++**++
London
Dearest Jane,
This will be a marvellous summer! Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth have invited us to visit them at Pemberley for the month of August. I have been in regular correspondence with my sister Mrs. Whitley and Mr. Gardiner has arranged our plans in Derby so that I may visit with my sister. We wanted to invite you to accompany us.
Our trip will last from the end of July through the whole of August. Can you be gone from Longbourn for that length of time?
We want to have the children on the trip so they can meet their cousins in Derby. Would it be an imposition for you to aid me when we travel?
Mr. Darcy insists that we make Pemberley the anchor for our trip – he insists that there is ample room for the children. Mr. Gardiner and Mr. Darcy have to travel into Derby on business for one full week but we shall have the grounds of Pemberley to occupy ourselves and children in their absence and I am certain that ‘Mrs. Darcy’ can entertain you when my husband and I travel into Derby to meet my sister and her family.
Your Most Affectionate Aunt
Madeline Gardiner
++**++
Chapter 34.
Jane Bennet’s Future
The wedding of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet occurred on a Wednesday morning. During luncheon the day before, with her husband, daughters and servants gathered in the dining room, Mrs. Bennet announced her certainty that the wedding breakfast would be the talk of the inhabitants of Meryton and the whole of Hertfordshire – she would be able to proudly speak for years of her daughter’s wedding that would be attended by Mr. Darcy’s noble relations, a bishop and various members of the ton.
In addition, Mr. Darcy’s good friend Charles Bingley came to Meryton and stayed with Darcy at the local inn. He would stand up with Mr. Darcy at the wedding and consequently, he was present at Longbourn while Darcy spent time with Elizabeth.
While everyone remained busy preparing for the wedding, Charles found Jane staring out the windows of the parlour across the pasture in front of the manor house. When she heard the door opened, Jane glanced around and smiled seeing Bingley’s smiling face. Turning toward Bingley, the lovely young woman welcomed him to the parlour as her younger sisters finished hems in some of Elizabeth’s new gowns in the opposite corner of the room.
“Good afternoon, Miss Bennet.”
“Yes, Mr. Bingley, it is a good afternoon,” she replied. “Would you care for tea or other refreshment?”
“Yes, thank you and may I have a word?” he asked. Mrs. Bennet was in the kitchens talking with Mrs. Hill; Kitty and Mary ignored them as they worked on the dresses while Mr. Bennet and Elizabeth led Mr. Darcy and Georgiana into the study to look at a large map of England and trace the distance from Longbourn to Pemberley in Derbyshire.
“Have you enjoyed your visit to Meryton, Mr. Bingley?” Jane asked as she prepared a cup for their guest.
“I have indeed,” he answered. Taking the cup of tea, Charles asked, “Are you pleased for your sister?”
“I am – she loves Mr. Darcy deeply,” she replied quickly.
Nodding his head, Charles added, “Miss Elizabeth makes him smile. I believe she will be the making of him.”
Jane turned to look out the window again, across the grounds where in the late afternoon, a small herd of sheep grazed. With her eyes on the land before her, she stated, “Pemberley is a great estate. Lizzy will have a great deal to learn to fulfil her role as mistress.”
“Would you wish to be mistress of such a grand place?” Bingley asked.
Jane’s smile was serene as she answered, “No. From Mr. Darcy’s descriptions, I believe Pemberley would require an army of servants and stewards.”
Now she motioned with one hand out the window at the fields and barns of her family’s estate. “I shall be mistress of Longbourn where I know the tenants and fields well already.”
“Whereas, I know only what Darcy has taught me of estates and tenants,” Charles answered.
“Would you be happy to manage an estate Mr. Bingley?” Jane asked. “The season mandates our days – planting in spring, harvest in summer and ploughing in fall.”
“And what do you do in winter?”
“On clear days, the gentlemen chop wood while the ladies knit socks.”
Charles allowed his face to become serious for a moment and said, “I should like to know more of this future you anticipate. While Darcy takes his bride on their honeymoon, I had thought to remain in Meryton and observe the local estates. I understand that there is a large estate that abuts Longbourn in need of a master.”
Jane’s smile grew warmer and Mr. Bingley found his heart beating faster. “Netherfield has many bountiful farms sir but it has been neglected. With a firm hand, it could prosper.”
“I am glad to hear your opinion, Miss Bennet. May I call on you after the wedding?” he asked. “We can discuss many things.”
“I should like that very much, Mr. Bingley; very much indeed.”
++**++