Hello, hello, hello! I hope everyone had a beautiful weekend and I am so pleased to help you start your week. This weekend was a whirlwind for me as I had three overlapping events (one that I just had to skip completely in order to make it through the others) and homework that was due (philosophy is over 🙂 and now I’m on to World Mythology – so much less stress!).
For those of you just joining us, I have returned to school and am unable to do the research that I like for my monthly posts, so instead I am sharing my current WIP (unedited). If you want to get caught up or reread the prior posts, here are the links (in the proper order):
What if?, What if? Part II, The Letter, Elizabeth’s Perspective, A Walk at Rosings, A Walk at Rosings Part II, What to Do About Wickham, Return to London, Meet the Gardiners, Meet the Gardiners Part II, Meet the Gardiners Part III, Return to Hertfordshire, The Problem with Wickham Part I, The Problem With Wickham Part II, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part I, Elizabeth Arrives in London Part II, A Walk in the Park, After the Park, A Trip to the Museum, Darcy House, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part I, An Audience with Mr. Bennet Part II, Mrs. Bennet’s Reaction, and A Walk to Meryton.
Now, for this month. Our gentlemen have returned to London in time for the promised trip to the theatre. I did actually go down the rabbit hole a bit for this brief scene to find out what plays were on the stage in April of 1812. In all honesty, the show I picked probably closed a week or so before our couples attended, but I know you will give me some leeway. (If you ever need to know such things, or are just curious, I highly recommend The Adelphi Calendar Project.) Enjoy!
“And you truly want my youngest sister to live with us?” Elizabeth looked at Darcy as though she were questioning his sanity.
“As I told Lydia, I believe it will be beneficial to both her and Georgiana.” Darcy smiled and laid his hand over hers where it rested on his arm.
The Gardiners had allowed Bingley and Darcy a few minutes alone with the sisters after they finished telling everyone of their journey to Longbourn the previous day. Darcy had taken the time to tell Elizabeth of his conversation with her sister.
Elizabeth took a deep breath and released it slowly before saying, “But I fear Lydia will lead Georgiana astray as she has done with Kitty.”
Giving her hand a gentle squeeze, he leant closer and whispered, “My darling, you are forgetting a few points. One, you and I will not ignore poor behaviour as your parents did; two, Mrs. Annesley will not stand for poor behaviour; and three, Georgiana is not an insecure follower like Catherine. She is merely shy in public.”
“If you believe it is wise,” Elizabeth replied before biting her lip. She shrugged. “I suppose I must trust you. Your belief in my sister’s ability to change is impressive.”
Darcy raised her hand to his lips. “I can testify that desire to obtain a prize makes change a bit easier.” He kissed her fingers. “Your sister wishes to be out in society, so she will do what is required to gain a London season.”
“You do realize she will continue to negotiate for an earlier date for that season? Lydia is nothing if not tenacious.”
“And Georgiana will continue to negotiate to delay her season. Between the two of them, we will keep their debut firmly at eighteen.”
“Yes, but when Georgie is eighteen or when Lydia is eighteen? My sister’s birthday is not until July, which is at the end of the season.”
Darcy considered this a moment before saying, “When we are certain they are ready and not before.”
A doubtful look flickered across Elizabeth’s countenance but was quickly replaced by a sweet smile. “Tell me of the performance we will see this evening. Have you seen the play before?”
“We shall be seeing The Vizier’s Son, the Merchant’s Daughter, and the Ugly Woman of Baghdad at the Adelphi Theatre,” Darcy replied with a chuckle. “It is a comic operetta, and I believe you will enjoy it. Have you read Arabian Nights?”
Elizabeth nodded. “My father read parts of it to me when I was younger, and I read it myself once I was deemed old enough to do so.” Her eyes shimmered as she looked at him. “My mother was quite shocked that my father would read such a thing to me, let alone allow me to read it. I am not certain what she believed it contained.”
Before more could be said, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner returned to the parlour with Georgiana and her companion and announced a light dinner was ready to be served. They would enjoy supper at Darcy House following the performance. The party followed their hosts to the dining room and, a short time later, entered the carriages to journey to the theatre. Though Darcy would have preferred to travel with Elizabeth, Mr. Gardiner had assisted both of his nieces into his carriage, and Darcy found himself in his own carriage with a disappointed Bingley, a smirking Georgiana, and an obviously amused Mrs. Annesley.
“Would you like me to ride home with the Gardiners, Brother?”
Bingley’s eyes lit with hope. “Do you believe they will agree?”
“If I were speaking to Mrs. Gardiner when the carriages arrive, it would only appear natural for us to finish the conversation within.” She lifted her shoulders slightly, her countenance a vision of innocence.
Darcy laughed. “Did you spend the day with Elizabeth? I begin to fear her influence on my impressive younger sister.”
“Oh, we had a marvellous time. We accompanied the Gardiner children to the park and created stories about the people we saw. Rose was certain every couple was married or soon to be, and Thomas declared the young men on their way to join the Regulars or the Navy to aid the battle on the continent. Elizabeth and I agreed that several of the individuals looked a bit shifty and could well be spies, which caused Thomas to become overly cautious and insisted we return home sooner than we had planned so he could tell his father of the dangers.” Her smile grew wider. “Of course, upon arriving there, we discovered the Gardiner’s cook had promised the lad his favourite treat and the suspicious individuals were quickly forgotten.”
They all laughed, being able to picture the boy’s exuberance as Georgiana related the details of their excursion. Soon the carriage drew to a halt as they joined the queue of those waiting to disembark before the theatre. Once they reached the front of the line, they waited for the Gardiner carriage and the gentlemen claimed their ladies’ hands as they assisted them from the equipage.
Darcy took a fortifying breath before leading Elizabeth inside the Adelphi Theatre. Several heads turned their direction and Darcy nodded to those he knew but kept a steady pace to discourage any from approaching them.
He felt a slight pressure upon his arm and looked down to find Elizabeth smiling up at him. “Are we late, sir? Will the performance begin soon?”
Feeling a bit chagrined, he shook his head. “I fear it is a habit of mine to find my seat quickly upon arriving. Would you prefer to mingle, my dear?”
“I believe a few of your acquaintances would like to speak with you, but if you prefer to avoid them, I will bow to your greater understanding.” Her lips pursed in such a way that he anticipated the tease which followed. “Although, if you feel the need to practise conversing more easily with others, I will not discourage you.”
Unable to suppress his amusement, Darcy slowed his pace and smiled. “I suppose we have a few minutes and, though I believe I practised just yesterday, the activity is never wasted.”
“Just so,” Elizabeth agreed, “and I believe the first subject is approaching.”
Darcy followed her gaze and saw an acquaintance from university walking towards them. As he introduced Elizabeth to the gentleman and his wife, he noticed Bingley introducing Jane and the Gardiners to friends while Georgiana stood slightly behind Elizabeth with Mrs. Annesley, speaking to a young lady whose gaze consistently turned towards Darcy. He was certain that the entire theatre would be aware of the engagements before the curtain rose on the performance.
Indeed, the crowd about Darcy’s party ebbed and flowed until the bell was wrung to announce the performance would soon begin. Darcy felt odd after being engaged in conversation with so many. Normally, he would have been irritated or possibly overwhelmed, but Elizabeth had directed the interactions in such a way to quickly end those which made him uncomfortable and encourage those that were truly interesting. The dreaded tiresome discussions never fully developed, and he found he had enjoyed speaking to some individuals whom he had previously avoided. His gaze fell on the lady at his side, and his heart swelled with love and contentment.
**********
“Darcy,” Mr. Gardiner said as he approached. “Might I have a private word with you?”
After glancing about the sitting room and ensuring his guests were happily engaged in conversation, he nodded and led the gentleman to his study.
Once they were both settled by the fire with a sifter of brandy, Darcy asked, “I hope you enjoyed the performance this evening.”
“Mrs. Gardiner and I both thought it well done.” He took a sip and settled back in his seat. “I hope you will forgive my forwardness and accept it for what it is: friendly advice. Elizabeth told me of the plans you and Bingley have discussed regarding the younger Bennet sisters. Though I appreciate what you wish to accomplish, it is not your responsibility. That falls to my brother and sister. You, Lizzy, Jane, and Bingley should be focused on starting your own lives, not raising someone else’s children.”
Darcy considered Gardiner’s words and sat in silence; his gaze focused on the flames. Finally, he nodded. “I do understand your concerns, but do you believe Mr. and Mrs. Bennet are capable of making the changes in their daughter’s lives?”
It was Gardiner’s time to consider, and he sipped his brandy before replying. “Perhaps not, but if a companion were hired to prepare them first, you, Bingley, and my nieces would be able to spend at least some time to yourselves. If Lydia and Kitty master specific accomplishments, they will earn the opportunity to stay with their older sisters for a few months in preparation for a coming out.”
“I see.” Darcy set his empty glass on the table and leant forwards. “Perhaps Mrs. Annesley would accept the position at Longbourn. I have considered that my sister will not have need of a companion once Elizabeth and I have wed.”
Gardiner chuckled and laid a hand on Darcy’s shoulder. “It has not been so long ago that I was a newly wed man, my son. Trust me when I say that you will not want your sister with you immediately following your wedding, nor for several months afterwards. Have you considered where she will reside and if she will need her companion then?”
A blush warmed Darcy’s cheeks. “I have not discussed it with her, but expected she would stay with my aunt and uncle.”
“I am certain she is comfortable with them.” He set his glass beside Darcy’s. “Or you might consider allowing her and Mrs. Annesley to stay at Longbourn. It would allow my sister and her younger daughters to see what is expected of a lady of the ton.”
Darcy nodded. “I will speak to her and Mrs. Annesley, as well as Elizabeth, to gather their thoughts before we make a decision.”
“Wise man,” Gardiner said as he rose from his seat. “You will do well to remember to include Elizabeth in matters. Meredith has saved me from making many errors, once I learned to ask her opinion.” He straightened his waistcoat and smiled. “Shall we return before they come searching for us?”
“Indeed,” Darcy replied and followed his guest back to the others.
Poor Darcy. He has been his own master for so long, he’s accustomed to just doing. He might still be a bit high-handed at times, but he is learning to be open to others’ opinions.
For those of you in the States, I wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving! See you in December.
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