Chapter 17

Winter and the time of celebration arrived at Pemberley and the families were settled for the season. The Bennets were tucked safely away at Pemberley along with the Viscount Amestrey and Colonel Fitzwilliam. Miss Anne de Bough spent her time at Brambling Hall with Jane and the new baby.

One afternoon at Brambling, the tiny child mesmerized Anne so that Elizabeth had to pull her from the nursery and draw her back into the merriment downstairs.

Viscount Henry Amestrey awaited at the bottom of the grand staircase of Brambling Hall and Anne de Bourgh’s countenance was that of a woman in love. Lady Catherine remained at Rosings, in no way pleased her only child would accept a courtship without her mother’s approval. As the large party of family and friends descended upon the dining room of Brambling, Jane and Elizabeth stole away to the parlor.

Elizabeth sat before the fireplace with Jane, dreading she must return to Pemberley before long. The one thing that gave her comfort in leaving Brambling to return home with her parents was the fact Jane was stuck with Caroline Bingley. She spoke in hushed whispers with Jane about Mr. Darcy’s recent visit to Rosings and of his words with Mr. Bennet.

Mr. Darcy, much to his chagrin, had allowed Mr. Collins to keep his living at Hunsford on the condition that the entailment of Longbourn be broken. He would not see the Bennet women made to deal with the unscrupulous weasel should they someday be left without Mr. Bennet. Richard Fitzwilliam had come along to teach the man manners and the proper way to treat a young lady.

As to Mr. and Mrs. Bennet, the winter at Pemberley was an awkward time as Mr. Darcy found his anger at their misuse of his Elizabeth returning at the oddest moments. He called Mr. Bennet to his study one afternoon to settle the matter, for the remaining daughters of Longbourn must be carefully matched in their time.

“Mr. Darcy, the butler says you wish to speak with me?” Mr. Bennet took a seat by the fireplace causing Mr. Darcy to rise from his desk and approach. The man had been lessened in stamina by a great degree since his collapse at the Netherfield ball. Mr. Darcy released the anger in his heart and resolved to speak kindly, yet plainly, to his wife’s father.

“Mr. Bennet, as you may or may not know, I have dealt with Mr. Collins on all accounts regarding Longbourn and my wife. He should never show his face in Hertfordshire again. I would offer, nay demand, to be apprised of future inquiries concerning your unwed daughters. I do not believe you must rely upon the judgement of your wife in such matters with Longbourn now secure.”

Mr. Bennet sighed deeply, his face cast down in shame and remorse. The wrong done to his Elizabeth was still a rift between them and he wished he might change what had passed.

“Mr. Darcy, my heart is broken over the terrible night Lizzy was taken. I do not trust myself, nor my wife, to decide rightly for our girls and so it is a great relief to know you would offer aid in that quarter.”

The men remained in the study and Mr. Darcy spoke with Mr. Bennet on how he might make amends with Elizabeth.

Jane smiled when Elizabeth’s news was finished and stood to join the family in the dining room. “It would seem all debts are paid and there is joy for us if we seek it, sister.”

Elizabeth nodded. She could not help but think of the rift between herself and her father, nor the horrible chasm between dear Anne and her mother. What might the year ahead bring for those situations?

On a snowy afternoon at Pemberley a few weeks before another ball, Anne sat in the parlor with Elizabeth, Jane, and Mary, whilst Lydia and Kitty chattered endlessly, giddy over the coming dance. The idea of parading before the eligible young gentlemen of Derbyshire thrilled them. But Lady Anne would not rest until they learned the proper etiquette and comportment necessary to secure their perfect match.

Elizabeth watched the proceedings with much amusement as the great Lady Anne instructed her most difficult pupils in the ways of a true lady. Anne turned to her side and spoke softly to the quietest Bennet sister. “Miss Mary, I cannot say for certain, but it seems Cousin Richard is quite taken with you. Have you the same feelings?”

Elizabeth and Jane covered their smiles and glanced to Mary. They had noted Richard’s attentiveness to their sister and were pleased should the man seek a courtship.

“Colonel Fitzwilliam is a fine and decent man,” Mary managed before smiling demurely while the pink bloomed in her cheeks.

Anne clasped her hands in her lap, her eyes wistful. “I do not wish to bring sadness into this room today, but I must say tis strange to think of myself apart from Rosings. And now, to live at Pemberley, there is the bittersweet memory of my dear Georgiana. All that is missing is the gift of my mother’s approval.”

The ladies nodded and each sat quietly for but a moment, their thoughts on the previous year, memories now smoothed and burnished by time.

Elizabeth took her hand and squeezed tightly, her own sadness at the damage to the bond with her father deep in her heart. “Your own happiness will bring your mother happiness one day. For how could she not wish the blessing of a perfect husband, life, and home upon her only daughter?”

The End