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HOME AGAIN

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As the carriage began its return journey to Longbourn, Elizabeth gazed at the London landscape.  Watching out the window, she remembered, with pleasure, the outing with Lady Matlock on the previous day.

They had traveled together to get Mrs. Gardiner.  Elizabeth noted with satisfaction that it was not long after their introduction before the ladies were talking and laughing like old friends.  At the shop, Lady Matlock had praised both Elizabeth and Jane’s wardrobe choices, complimenting them on their excellent taste.  Afterward, she had insisted on treating everyone to tea at her favorite shop.  There, the countess had proudly introduced Elizabeth to several of her acquaintances.  Elizabeth’s heart filled with relief and joy as she remembered. 

“Where are you, my Elizabeth?  You seem far away.”  Darcy’s warm breath on her ear sent a shiver down Elizabeth’s spine.

“I was just reflecting on my outing with Aunt Elaine.  I never dreamed I would receive such easy acceptance nor earn her affection so quickly.  She is a remarkable lady.  I hope she will be willing to help me learn my way around the ton.  She has such grace and ease of manner.”

“Very much like you, Elizabeth.  Your relaxed, happy manners and graceful ways were the first things I noticed about you.”

“I know that not to be true, Mr. Darcy.  I believe your first notice of me was that I was merely tolerable and not tempting.”  Her teasing smile and sparkling eyes removed any sting from her words.

“I see that you shall frequently remind me of my poor behavior.”

“Of course, for if I cannot tease you, who can?”

“It is certainly more enjoyable when you tease me than when Richard does.”  They both laughed.  The colonel had been relentless teasing Darcy and Bingley about their loss of freedom.  “However, his day will come, and under your tutelage, I shall be an expert in teasing when it does.”  Again, they laughed softly.

“I hope my mother’s requests for items from London were not too excessive.”  Elizabeth’s expression showed embarrassment and trepidation.

“Do not worry, Elizabeth.  I was happy to provide them, for you deserve only the best, my love.”

“Thank you, William.”

They moved on to speak of other things and the journey passed swiftly.  As they prepared to turn into the inn yard where they would break the trip for luncheon, they barely avoided another carriage, which was driving much too fast for the sharp turn onto the main thoroughfare.  Darcy glanced at the vehicle, intending to complain to the driver, but he caught a glimpse of the crest on the door and quickly turned away.  When the carriage was again on the larger road, he glanced at it once more.  The crest was that of his aunt, Lady Catherine.  She appeared to be heading for London, and Darcy prayed she had not been at Longbourn.  A visit from his demanding aunt could cause a setback in Mr. Bennet’s recovery—or worse. 

It was Darcy who was a bit preoccupied as they continued the trip after they dined.  Eventually, Elizabeth pulled him from his reverie.  Though he did not wish to cause her unease about her father, he told her of his suspicions. 

“I am sure Mr. and Mrs. Hill managed the situation quite capably.”  Though she spoke with conviction, Darcy knew she was trying to convince herself as much as him. 

Just before teatime, the carriage arrived in front of the manor house.  The Bennet sisters were thrilled to see their father waiting for them in the open doorway.  Mr. Hill, with the assistance of Darcy’s footmen, quickly had the trunks unloaded and distributed to the correct rooms.

Upon seeing her father, Elizabeth released Darcy’s arm and hurried to embrace him.  “You look much improved, Papa, but are you sure you should be out of bed?”

“I received permission from both Dr. Munroe and Dr. Lennox and am enjoying my second day of freedom, Lizzy.  The walls of my bedchamber felt like a prison, and the light is not nearly as good as in my study, so reading was not something in which I could indulge myself.”

“Were you able to comfortably rest while we were away?”

“Very much so.  Your mother spent most of her time either in Meryton or at Netherfield, and Mrs. Hill took it upon herself to spoil me in her absence.  With the amount of time your mother spent there, I do hope Mr. Bingley pays his staff well or he may find himself short a few servants.”  The grin on her father’s face brought tremendous joy to Elizabeth. 

Seeing the housekeeper beyond her father’s shoulder, Elizabeth smiled and mouthed, “Thank you.”

“Let us all go inside.  Mrs. Hill has tea almost ready and has baked everyone’s favorite biscuits to celebrate your return.”

Lydia and Kitty moved up to take their father’s arms and lead the way inside.  As they walked, they took turns speaking to him about all the things they had done while in London.  The bemused look on their father’s face was not one of indulgent humor, but rather surprise at the polite and mannerly way in which they conducted themselves.

“He looks very well,” Darcy whispered to Elizabeth.  “He certainly does not appear to have been affected by a visit from my aunt.”

“The quiet apparently agrees with him.  We shall have to invite him to visit us frequently,” Elizabeth whispered in return.  “He can enjoy the peace of the library to renew his spirits.”

The group enjoyed a pleasant tea.  Before they could return to Netherfield to change for dinner, Mr. Bennet asked Darcy and Elizabeth to join him in his study for a brief conversation.  After Darcy and Elizabeth each took a seat, the older man said, “I met a relation of yours, Mr. Darcy.  She and my cousin, Mr. Collins, paid an unexpected visit.”

“I apologize, Mr. Bennet, for I know the experience cannot have been a pleasant one.  Allow me to assure you that nothing my aunt said regarding a prior engagement was true.”

“There now, Mr. Darcy.  You need not apologize, and you did warn me she might attempt to disrupt things if she heard about it.  I was easily able to toss my cousin from the house, which gave me great pleasure.  Not only that, my conversation with your aunt was most entertaining.  It was easy to understand why she selected Mr. Collins.  They are the perfect pair.”  Mr. Bennet’s laugh was deep and rumbling, and his eyes glinted with mischief.  The look was reminiscent of one Elizabeth often employed.

Darcy looked at his future father-in-law, his mouth agape.  After a moment he shook his head and responded with a grin.  “I have heard my aunt called many things over the years, but never ‘entertaining.’”  At the younger man’s words, Mr. Bennet could not contain his chuckle.  Soon Darcy and Elizabeth joined him.

Settling more comfortably into his old, worn desk chair, Mr. Bennet recounted the conversations.  Elizabeth was greatly annoyed at Lady Catherine’s attempted interference but kept those feelings to herself as she watched for Darcy’s reaction. 

“She actually offered you fifteen thousand pounds?” Darcy asked.

“Indeed, she did.  However, I told her that you and Mr. Bingley would take care of any family who might need it, so her money was not necessary.”  Mr. Bennet grinned as he recalled the lady’s look of astonishment.  “She was silent for almost a full minute.  I was halfway up the stairs before she recovered from her disappointment.

“We passed Lady Catherine’s carriage as we broke our journey at an inn for lunch.  She nearly ran us off the road.  Fortunately, I noticed the crest before speaking my mind to her driver.”

“I am glad you did.  I would not have wished my Lizzy to have to listen to her mean-spirited nonsense.”

“I am not sure my aunt would have won such a confrontation.  Miss Elizabeth was well able to hold her own against my aunt’s impertinence when she visited at Hunsford.  We were in company on a few occasions, and Miss Elizabeth was able to deflect the worst of my aunt’s rude questions.”

Mr. Bennet chuckled again.  “I should like to hear about those encounters when you have time, Lizzy.”

“Certainly, Papa.”

“Well, I am pleased to know that not only am I gaining an intelligent new son with whom to converse and play chess but an assortment of relatives whose company will undoubtedly provide many hours of unparalleled entertainment.  Now, off with you both.  I plan to rest before dinner.  I will see all of you later.  Please have Mrs. Annesley join us, too.”

“Thank you, sir.  We shall see you later.”

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The Earl and Countess of Matlock were enjoying tea together when loud voices interrupted their peace. 

“It seems your sister has finally arrived, and by the sound of things, her mood is worse than I expected.”  Lady Matlock cast a look of resignation at her husband.  “And it had been such a pleasant day so far.”

“You do not have to face her if you do not wish to, my dear,” the earl offered gallantly.

“Though she will not listen to a thing I say, I am happy to support you, dear husband.”  Lady Matlock quickly kissed his cheek as he patted her knee. 

When Lady Catherine burst through the drawing room door ahead of the butler, Henry and Elaine Fitzwilliam ignored her.  The butler was on Lady Catherine’s heels, but the barest flick of the earl’s wrist sent him on his way without the necessary introduction. 

“Would you care for more tea, Henry?”

Before he could answer, Lady Catherine pounded her walking stick on the floor.  “How can you sit there calmly drinking tea when our nephew is about to disgrace the family?”

The earl turned to his sister, his face registering surprise.  “I did not realize you were here, Catherine, since you did not allow Winslow to announce you.”

Her younger brother’s voice contained a note of reprimand, but Lady Catherine was too angry to recognize it.  “I could not wait for the doddering old fool you call a butler to announce me.  We must stop Fitzwilliam before he makes a fool of himself and the entire family.”

“William is the most sensible young man I have ever known.  I cannot imagine him doing anything that would cause disgrace.”  The earl delivered his words in a slow, deliberate tone. 

Lady Catherine banged her stick on the floor again. 

“Please desist in damaging my floors, Catherine.”  Lady Matlock glared at her sister-in-law.

“You should leave, as I must discuss this situation with my brother.”

“You shall not dismiss me in my own home, and if you continue in this manner, I will have you removed.”  The ladies glared at each other, but neither would relent.

“Stay if you wish, but you will keep your opinions to yourself.  You are only a Fitzwilliam by marriage, so this does not concern you.”  Lady Catherine threw the words at her sister-in-law. 

“That is where you are mistaken.  William and Georgiana are as dear to me as my own children, and I have cared for them as such since before Anne’s death.  I care greatly about anything that affects either of them.”

Lady Catherine opened her mouth to speak, but the earl cut her off.  “That is enough, Catherine.  Now sit down and tell me what has you so up in arms.”

“An insignificant, fortune-hunting country girl has bewitched Fitzwilliam.  She has managed to turn his head so far that he has engaged himself to her when you know he is already engaged to Anne. I went to see the young woman to remind her that Darcy was already engaged, but she was away from home.  I spoke with her father in her place and even after I offered him money to break off the engagement, he refused.  That family—with five unmarried daughters—will empty the coffers of Pemberley.”

“That should not matter to you as long as Rosings' accounts are full,” said the earl dryly. 

“Henry!  If he marries this girl, Anne’s heart will break and the family will be disgraced.  She is not of our circle, and she has connections to trade.  It will be the ruin of us.”

“I find Miss Elizabeth Bennet to be a delightful and intelligent young lady.  She will be a lovely addition to the family.”

“I agree with you, Henry.  Elizabeth is precisely what Darcy needs.  She will be the making of him, and the Darcy name shall shine in the years to come.”

Except for the animosity in her eyes, Lady Catherine ignored the countess’ words and looked at her brother in dismay.  “You knew of this situation and did nothing about it.  How can you allow Darcy to hurt Anne in this manner?  Anne and I engaged them at birth.”

“No, Catherine, it was your wish and yours alone,” the countess said.  “I have heard from both William and Anne that they do not desire to wed one another.  I also know that William informed you at Easter that he would not be marrying Anne.  The fact that you failed to believe him is your fault, not Darcy’s.”

“How could I imagine that he would dishonor his mother’s most cherished dream?  I would not have believed him capable of such disrespectful behavior.”

“That is enough, Catherine!  I do not wish to hear another word.  You will not be getting your way in this matter, and that is the end of it.  It is not William and Elizabeth’s marriage that will embarrass this family but your disgraceful behavior!  You attempted to bribe the bride’s family.  If word of this should become a topic of gossip, you will be a laughingstock.”

“No one would believe such gossip about me,” Lady Catherine sniffed. 

“Of course they will,” the countess said.  “You have made no secret of your wish for William to marry your daughter.  Since you rarely come to London, you do not hold the sway over society's opinions that you think you do.  Your behavior will reflect poorly on Anne.  People will believe she cannot attract a husband on her own, and you will have to buy her one.” 

Lady Catherine’s eyes nearly bulged from her head. 

“Perhaps we should invite Anne to join us for the season next year, Henry.  She will have a better chance of making a match with us should there be gossip about her mother.”

“That is an excellent idea, Elaine.  I would enjoy the opportunity to spend more time with Anne.”

“She is a dear girl,” the countess added.

Lady Catherine could not believe what she heard.  Finally, her temper exploded.  “How dare you say such things about me and talk about me as if I were not present?  This is not to be tolerated.”

The earl cut short his sister’s rant.  “I will tell you what we will not tolerate, Catherine, and that is your selfish ways.  You have no right to dictate to William whom he will marry.  And though Anne is your daughter, she is of age and more than capable of making her own decisions.  She is tired of your dictates stifling her.  If you are not careful, you will find yourself in the dower house, to which your husband’s will relegates you.  Anne is aware of the terms of her father’s will, and I will help her take her rightful place if you continue to push your desires on everyone around you.  Now, I am ordering you to return to Rosings Park.  You are not to speak one disparaging word about Darcy’s choice of bride.  Elaine and I will be in attendance at the wedding and will sponsor Elizabeth next season.  If you do not wish to find yourself cut off from the family, you will drop this matter and wish William and Elizabeth well.  As you were leaving the inn yesterday, you nearly struck Darcy’s carriage.  He recognized you and spoke to Elizabeth’s father upon arriving at Longbourn.  I received an express from him late last evening.  William is furious with you, and if you were to speak ill of Darcy's wife, you would find yourself no longer welcome at Pemberley or Darcy House.  By the way, I expected you last evening based on William’s letter.  What delayed you?”

“We had not gone far when one of the horses threw a shoe.  By the time it was repaired, it was too late to safely travel farther.  I was forced to spend a second night in the most dreadful accommodations.”

“If you had stayed at home where you belonged, you would not have had to suffer so.” 

The large sniff the lady made at this remark left no one in doubt about her umbrage at her brother’s words. 

“Because it is late in the day, I will have a room prepared for you, but you will be returning to Rosings early in the morning. 

“My parson traveled with me; he will require a room in the servants’ quarters.”

“I am sure we can find a place for him,” said the countess.  “Have you left him waiting in the carriage all this time?” 

Lady Catherine nodded.

Lady Matlock pulled the bell cord.  When a footman appeared, she requested that he invite the gentleman in Lady Catherine’s carriage into the house. 

“Now, Catherine,” said the earl, “if you are prepared to leave this subject aside, you are welcome to dine with us this evening.  However, at the first word against William or Miss Bennet, you will be finishing your meal in your room.  Knowing this, what is your desire?”

“I shall take a tray in my room.”

“Very well then, we shall see you in the morning.”

As their conversation concluded, the trio had moved into the hallway.  The earl and countess turned when they heard footsteps rapidly approaching.  Before them, a sweaty little man with greasy hair was bowing so low, he looked like he would topple over.

“It is a very great honor to meet the relations of my esteemed patroness, Lady Catherine.  My most humble apologies for the disgustingly forward behavior of my cousin.  I myself made her aware of the engagement between Mr. Darcy and Miss de Bourgh.  I spoke of it often during my visit last fall.  She first tried to lure me into her trap, as I am the heir to her father’s estate, but I was able to see her for the temptress she is.  I shall do all in my power to assist my patroness in making the situation right again.”  The words were a bit difficult to understand, as Mr. Collins delivered them to the floor as he remained bent forward.

“Stand up, man,” remarked the earl.  “Am I to understand you know Mr. Darcy and his betrothed?”

“I had the extreme pleasure of meeting Mr. Darcy last fall in Hertfordshire and again at Rosings this past Easter.  I met my cousin, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, last fall, also, when I met my relations for the first time.  Hoping to prevent them from being homeless upon their father’s demise, I intended to offer for one of my fair cousins.  However, I could see that none of them, with the exception of the eldest, perhaps, was worthy of the position of my wife or to be permitted into the influence of my illustrious patroness.”

The earl and countess looked at one another, unsure what to make of the ridiculous man before them.  “There is no need for you to be concerned, Mr. Collins.  I have given my blessing to William and Miss Bennet.  We are delighted to welcome her to our family.”

“But, but . . .” Mr. Collins looked between the earl and Lady Catherine.  She was obviously displeased with her brother’s announcement, but how was he to argue with a peer of the realm?

The man looked as if he would say more, so the earl forestalled him.  “I will tell you the same thing I told my sister,” said the earl.  “If I learn that anyone has spoken out against Miss Elizabeth Bennet or her marriage to my nephew, I shall be very displeased and will personally ensure that the person’s life becomes very uncomfortable.”

Mr. Collins’ face paled at Lord Matlock’s words.  Still, it galled him to think that Miss Elizabeth would prosper after turning down his most generous and eligible proposal. 

Fortunately, the housekeeper appeared to direct the guests to their rooms.  Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins followed Mrs. Reid up the stairs and down a hallway.  When the others were out of sight, the earl offered his wife an arm and they ascended the staircase on the way to their suite. 

“Do you think that man actually had the temerity to offer for Elizabeth?”

“Could it have been any other?” returned the countess.

They shook their heads in disbelief as they continued to their rooms.

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The church service was a repeat of the first Sunday of the reading of the banns.  As Reverend Carter stood to make the announcement for the third time, Darcy and Elizabeth sat with intertwined fingers.  When they heard no objection to the betrothal, they each released a breath that neither realized he or she was holding.  Their simultaneous exhalations made them both chuckle as they smiled lovingly at each other.  After the service, the group divided themselves between the Bennet and Darcy carriages and went to Netherfield Park for Sunday dinner. 

The next day was Elizabeth’s birthday.  The cook fixed all her favorite breakfast items.  Later in the day, Darcy, with the help of Bingley and Jane, arranged a picnic lunch on Oakham Mount for the two couples.  They spoke of their upcoming wedding and hopes for the future.  The only disappointment for Elizabeth and Jane was the distance that would separate them. 

Dinner was a celebration of Elizabeth’s birthday.  Again, the cook had fixed all her favorite dishes.  After the meal, the family gathered in the parlor to watch Elizabeth open her gifts. 

Her three younger sisters had saved some of the funds set aside for their new dresses and bought Elizabeth a selection of ribbons for her hair.  Many of them would match her new gowns.  Jane and Bingley gifted her a set of lovely hairpins, and Georgiana bought her a fur muff and hat for the cold Derbyshire winters.  Mr. Bennet gave Elizabeth a new book and her mother gave her several handkerchiefs stitched with her new initials.  Darcy’s gift was a set of personalized stationery and a seal showing her initials above the Darcy crest.