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  Elizabeth extended an invitation to her sisters to join them on the return trip to Pemberley whilst Mrs. Bennet was absent from the room and they were excited. Mr. Bennet was applied to for permission in his library and he consented that they could accept the invitation. Mary, particularly, knew that she could continue her pianoforte lessons with Georgiana. The Pemberley library would assist with her studies of literature and she could correspond with Mr. Hendrickson by letter. Kitty was less confident that she could continue quite so seamlessly with her drawing and French in Derbyshire. Ultimately it was resolved that Mary would go to Pemberley, which was Elizabeth’s principle object, and Kitty would remain at home. Elizabeth spoke with Kitty privately to ensure she was comfortable with this decision. Kitty assured her she was and that if she had any difficulties with her mother, she would appeal to her father. Upon re-entering the drawing-room, Mrs. Bennet was less sanguine about the arrangement and wondered if time away from Mr. Gottlieb could be considered time well spent. Following the family visit, the ladies retired to dress for dinner.

  Mrs. Bennet had invited the Lucases including their daughter Maria, who was now out, the Philipses, Mr. Gottlieb, and the Gouldings, which made for sixteen on the whole. The Lucases were always available to accept the honour of an invitation. The others readily responded in the affirmative as well, for the evening would afford the opportunity of novel company and an excellent meal in sharp contrast to the current expectations of their guests of a dull evening at home as promised by the dreary weather.

  Mrs. Bennet was in high spirits for she had received many compliments on her soup and her fish. Sir William remarked that the pheasant and the haunch of venison were as good as any he ever had at St. James.

  Mr. Bennet and Fitzwilliam were seated nearby one another and were able to converse well throughout dinner. Not a word was mentioned between them however about the improvements made to the estate, as that subject had been fully exhausted in the privacy of the library. Mrs. Philips had immediately engaged her well situated niece in order to satisfy her curiosity and hear the particulars of the grandeur of Pemberley House. She wished to know of all the finery and the splendour of the furniture, the carpets, the great chandeliers, and the many fine carriages and was not quite certain she could trust Mrs. Bennet’s often repeated boasts. Elizabeth attempted to soften her aunt’s vulgarity with rational answers which were truthful but focused on her enjoyment of her new home rather than the handsomeness of the furnishings or the elegance of its ornamentation. Mrs. Bennet had contrived to seat Mary next to Mr. Gottlieb and was continually complimenting her middle daughter’s playing on the pianoforte. She disclaimed to all that she took any pleasure in boasting of her own daughter. She could not scruple how to advertise her daughter’s literary lessons as an advantage and so could make no mention of THAT. To admit that Mary spent much time reading so many books and expressing her opinions would certainly harm her middle daughter’s chances with Mr. Gottlieb. Mrs. Bennet spent so much time talking, it apparently escaped her notice how little Mary and Mr. Gottlieb spoke to one another. Mr. Gottlieb had long ago concluded that marrying his boss’ sister-in-law’s daughter, in whom he had no interest, might make for a complicated marriage. He was too polite to engage Mr. Philips in a discussion of their business over dinner. He was though frequently in conversation with the three Lucases, particularly Miss Lucas. And Elizabeth dreaded the day when she would have to hear her mother’s exclamations and complaints about the Lucases having stolen not one, but TWO suitors from her daughters! It was clear to Elizabeth that Mr. Gottlieb’s partiality had been awakened and the direction of his quiet admiration and attention was towards Miss Lucas. In truth however, Elizabeth was relieved, for this meant that Mary would not have to endure the trial of an unwanted proposal which must then be refused. Mary, Kitty, Georgiana, and Mrs. Annesley continued their earlier conversation from the drawing-room, whilst Sir William spoke civilly to everybody. Any opportunity to show his good breeding or to offer attention was taken.

  Following dinner the ladies removed to the drawing-room, whilst the gentlemen were left to their port. Upon their rejoining the ladies, Mrs. Bennet loudly requested that Mary play for the entertainment of everybody. Mary thought this was actually an excellent idea and that Mr. Hogan would approve the opportunity for display in this particular instance. Not only did it allow her to escape from her mother’s schemes that she visit with Mr. Gottlieb, but it freed HIM to converse with Miss Lucas. Mary had noticed his growing partiality for Miss Lucas for some time. She feared mentioning this to her mother however, lest Mrs. Bennet complain to Mr. Philips and cause trouble for Mr. Gottlieb.

  Many cordial farewells were paid at the conclusion of the evening. The evening had been so thoroughly enjoyed that none of the guests minded having to brave the rain in order to make their way home.

  The next morning, they arose early and with Elizabeth’s assistance, Mary was quickly packed and ready to go. The Pemberley party, now larger by one, offered their many thanks for the Longbourn family’s hospitality and departed with both cordiality and relief to resume their journey north to Derbyshire in the continuing rain.

  Chapter 17

  Their travels north were uneventful and sunny weather arrived after a full day on the road.

  “Mary, how long has Mr. Gottlieb been admiring Maria Lucas?”

  “I knew you would notice, Lizzy. Thank you for not saying anything to our mother. It has been some time, possibly since Kitty and I returned from Pemberley. I don’t want her to know because she will likely complain about it to our uncle Philips. And he has already talked of turning Mr. Gottlieb away. I do not want the man to lose his position on my account.”

  “I shall not say anything to Mama. Does Papa know?”

  “He has undoubtedly noticed and observed the situation with great amusement. All the world’s a stage. And all the men and women merely players.”

  “Well said, Jacques!” teased Fitzwilliam and Georgiana laughed.

  Elizabeth acquainted Mary with her adventure in Hunsford in case Mary heard anything about it. Mary was aghast and said she hoped she never had to see Lady Catherine again, but that she would like to meet Miss Anne de Bourgh very much. Mary observed that she sounded like an intelligent and well-read young lady.

  “That is what strikes me as odd,” said Fitzwilliam, upon listening to Mary’s observation, “Mary is quite right, in that unplanned accident Anne DOES sound like an intelligent , well informed, and assertive young lady. Do you suppose she has been malingering for some time as a way to deal with her mother?”

  “It is possible, I suppose. There may be more going on at Rosings than WE are aware of,” Elizabeth replied.

  The happy expectation of their return to Pemberley was soon realized. Mary settled into a new routine with music lessons in the morning with Georgiana and working on her reading list in the afternoon. Pemberley had every book on Mary’s reading list, as Fitzwilliam knew it would. Mary and Georgiana sometimes took a walk together around the lake before dressing for dinner. And Elizabeth insisted that Mary join her on her weekly riding lesson as she was as unskilled a horsewoman as Elizabeth had once been. Elizabeth was now able to spur Artemis into a gallop and could jump obstacles such as the turnstiles found on the estate. Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam rode together on the estate often. Mary was impressed, and though not a seeker of adventure, enjoyed her first riding lesson very much. Elizabeth was fascinated with Mary’s overall degree of improvement. Her father had not overstated his case when he said Mary was more pleasant to listen to on the pianoforte. Her music selections were more suited to her skills AND her skills had improved. Her performance was more elegant. Her taste was more refined. In addition to these named improvements, she no longer had the pedantic and haughty air that she customarily wore. And she had done away with her singing. If Elizabeth had not been so informed that Fitzwilliam and Mary’s music and literature instructors had together contrived to gentrify her person, she still would have suspect
ed it.

  Matlock House, December 3

  My Dear Niece,

  I trust that this letter finds all of you well and safely returned to Pemberley. I cannot tell you how much I enjoyed my visits with Georgiana during your time spent in Hunsford. She is certainly not the same young lady as before your marriage to Fitzwilliam. I shall defer my observations for another day and simply say that Fitzwilliam is not the same person either! Georgiana’s improved demeanor and spirits are clearly the result of your efforts and influence. It is quite apparent she is more relaxed in company. Her diffidence has diminished to such a degree as to make me doubt my prior recollections. She even teased Fitzwilliam about the goings on at White’s! To have her confidence restored will be a tremendous advantage for her coming out. Please call upon me if I may be of any assistance in your planning of her presentation to the court.

  On another equally interesting subject, I’ve heard much gossip lately about events at Rosings Park during your trip to Hunsford which simply confound me. It all paints Lady Catherine in a most flattering light, so I know it cannot possibly be true. But as there is nothing defamatory about you, I must let sleeping dogs lie.

  I’ve conferred with your Uncle Fitzwilliam, and we have decided that after the war is over we may have to send Richard to Hertfordshire to find a wife!

  Yours, etc.,

  Aunt Fitzwilliam

  Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth shared with Mr. Smith Elizabeth’s observations of the beekeeping successes in Hunsford and a description of Mr. Prokopovitsch’s new design for a bee hive. Elizabeth also shared her information from Mrs. Collins relating to the scientific experiment being conducted and that Mr. Collins’ version of the new design seemed to be more productive than those of the other participants’. To further his good impression of their beekeeping abilities, Elizabeth explained all of the flavors being added by Mrs. Collins. Mr. Smith sounded very intrigued and assured them he would talk to Pemberley’s beekeeper and make inquiries with the Beekeepers Society of England to purchase some additional bee hives similar to those at Hunsford Parsonage for Pemberley.

  Soon, Georgiana was describing to Mary, with much enthusiasm, what had transpired at Lambton Parsonage. Mary asked if they could attend church services in Lambton on Sunday. She had already done so at Pemberley Church, and this would allow her to see another church and meet the new clergyman. Everybody agreed it was a capital idea.

  The fine weather continued into Sunday. Mary wore another of her new gowns, a light blue day-dress, her new cloak, and carried a pretty reticule. The Lambton Church was a small tan limestone building of a simple English design with handsome windows whose sashes and glazing bars were painted forest green. Mary was very taken with the altar. The Darcys created a stir upon their entrance, as they normally attended Pemberley Church, but they made their way to the rarely used family pew and were seated in time for the entrance of Pastor Atkins and his approach to the lectern. Elizabeth thought his sermon was quite well constructed and equally well delivered. Following the service, the Darcys waited in the receiving line to greet Pastor Atkins. During their wait, Elizabeth was able to introduce Mary to several of her acquaintances including some of the shopkeepers and their wives. Once they reached Pastor Atkins, Elizabeth gave her compliments on the service. Pastor Atkins was very pleased that the residents of Pemberley had graced Lambton Church with their presence! Mary was admiring the interior of the church which featured several portraits of antiquity when her civility was claimed towards Pastor Atkins by Elizabeth's introduction of him. He greeted Miss Bennet with the utmost cordiality and asked her about her stay in Derbyshire. She thanked him for the fine service and quoted the remainder of the passage of scripture that he had omitted from his sermon, citing it as one of her favorites. Pastor Atkins was quite struck by her knowledge of scripture. Mary wished him much enjoyment in the recently updated Parsonage she had heard so amply about.

  “Would you care to see it, Miss Bennet? Your sister and sister-in-law are forces to be reckoned with, to be sure. Perhaps if Miss Darcy could accompany you, you could visit. She gives a much better tour than I do!”

  “I would be delighted, Pastor Atkins. Georgiana, would to-morrow afternoon be convenient?”

  The arrangements were made and the Pemberley party said their farewells.

  The morrow, after Mary had finished her music lesson and visited with Artemis in the stables, Georgiana, Mary, and Elizabeth set out in the barouche for Lambton. Elizabeth had scrupled that it was an excellent opportunity to see the Parsonage again. She had to admit she had been well pleased with the result and would enjoy seeing it again.

  On their way to town, Mary inquired about one of the outbuildings by the stables she had noticed was having its roof replaced. The new framing appeared to be complete and the new slates were mostly in place. Mary was quite curious about the roof and inquired of Elizabeth where she might have seen that before.

  “Well, if you can recall seeing a partially completed roof with new slates being installed, I daresay you are recollecting Grandfather Bennet replacing the roofs of the tenant cottages at Longbourn. You were very young, perhaps three, when he made that improvement. He did them all during the same summer.”

  “That must be it! It had a look of familiarity about it. So you are making the same improvements here?”

  “Yes, we have done so on a number of the buildings including Lambton Parsonage which you are about to see.”

  “So now the Parsonage will be warmer and less damp for Pastor Atkins!”

  Having heard their approach and arrival, the Pastor had appeared and assisted in helping the ladies down from the barouche. Mary admired the stone Parsonage as the party advanced up the walkway. The Parsonage appeared charmingly flanked between two tall oak trees which actually stood behind the house and had already lost their leaves. The slate roof looked new. The two new front windows were nicely trimmed and painted. Smoke could be seen coming out of the chimney beckoning them to enter. A small kitchen garden was forming along the side of the house. It was framed by palings and bore the evidence of fresh exertion. The soil was turned and two raspberry canes had been planted, but the remainder of the garden plot was a blank canvass waiting for spring planting. Mary thought the scene quite lovely and asked Pastor Atkins how he was enjoying his new home. He said he was highly gratified by all of the work that had been done and invited the trio inside. He deferred to Elizabeth and Georgiana to give the tour.

  The Parsonage was lovely. The drawing-room’s arrangement and new accoutrements were quite welcoming and elegant. Mary liked the room very much. Its brightness and stylishness had been enhanced by unblocking the two windows and adding cambric curtains. The furniture was well arranged with the settee facing the front window and the matching arm chairs placed together directly opposite. The small carpet added softness underfoot. And Pastor Atkins had a surprise for Elizabeth and Georgiana; he had hired the carpenter already on site to build some built-in bookshelves near his writing table which created a focal point in the room. Although nearly full of books, the new table mantel clock that Georgiana had selected was prominently displayed in the new bookshelves. Elizabeth was vastly pleased at how the room had been transformed. She complimented Pastor Atkins on his idea for shelves and owned she wished she had thought of it. Pastor Atkins appeared very satisfied. He explained that he had acquired numerous treasured texts from his time at seminary and was hoping for some manner of storing his books whilst enabling their easy reference when writing sermons. Mary was perusing his titles when she came upon one that she too had read. They shared their opinions on the book and this led to a discussion on two others in the pastor’s collection.

  The tour moved into the dining-parlour which was elegant and inviting with the new wainscoting. The fourth side chair completed the set, which when grouped with the dining table and sideboard, all looked very charming together. Elizabeth and Georgiana exchanged a glance and both laughed at the same time when they realized that one of the several
chandeliers in Pemberley’s attic should have been brought over and hung in the dining-parlour. Oh, to still be learning! Mary paid her compliments to the decorators nevertheless and also praised the painting which had been selected to grace the dining-parlour.

  Missy, the girl of all works, had a small fire going in the kitchen and was preparing luncheon. She was a sweet, hardworking girl and was pleased to have her new job! Pastor Atkins complimented her on her work and then directed the group’s attention to the fireplace which now functioned properly and Missy’s clever arrangement of the all the new crockery.

  Pastor Atkin’s bedchamber had an air of comfort and was well situated. The furniture had elegance consistent with the other rooms and the new bed linens, pillows, and curtains added coziness. He thanked Elizabeth and Georgiana again for taking such an eager interest in his welfare and welcoming him into the neighborhood. He was quite moved. He said that the Church, Parsonage, and town would well please any Pastor looking for a living.

  Elizabeth told him she would make arrangements to send the chandelier and a workman over to complete the improvements and he thanked her again for her kindness. He invited the three ladies to stay for tea which they very much appreciated. As they all sat down to have tea in the drawing-room, everybody admired the coffee and tea service set that Georgiana had selected for the Parsonage. News of Lambton was discussed as were the pastor’s plans for his kitchen garden and the length of Mary’s stay at Pemberley. Cordial farewells were given and received and the ladies departed to return to Pemberley.

  “I am so pleased at how the Parsonage has turned out!” Georgiana exclaimed, “It is better than I ever hoped!”

  “Pastor Atkins seemed very satisfied with it. I’ve never seen him smile so much,” Elizabeth added.

  “It was extremely elegant and very practical for a man in his position. I am impressed with you both! I know I did not observe the original, but the result is very pleasing. And, I daresay, having a servant has made his life more comfortable as well. He was very kind to Missy. I enjoyed speaking with him about his books. Father and I have started doing that, as well.”