- Home
- Shana Jefferis-Zimmerman
By Charm or by Choice Page 2
By Charm or by Choice Read online
Page 2
“She ran rings around you in conversation, cousin! But if you hope to be married to her, you must first be able to converse with her. You cannot send her another letter. It’s too great a risk. If it is discovered, she shall be forced into the marriage and you will never win her forgiveness much less her heart.”
“What are you suggesting, then?”
“You must think about what to SAY to her. Write it down, if necessary, without her name on it, of course. But you must think of what you want to share. And you must soften your manner toward her. You will not outwit her in conversation; that much is apparent! But you have not shared much of yourself with her. You haven’t exerted yourself. You have not even really taken the trouble of being civil. You have been silent and foreboding. From just a few days of observation I could see that she had no idea of your regard for her. Why do you think I was trying to help? It is most telling that she remembers your first meeting was at a ball where she was forced to sit down and you declined to dance for most of the evening. You would never give your consent to a suitor who acted thusly toward Georgiana.”
Fitzwilliam looked defeated. “Perhaps it is a hopeless case. How can I make amends for my behaviour? Whenever I am in her presence my feelings overrule my expressions.”
“I believe it can be done, but it will not happen in a day. What do think military training is? We practise our maneuvers so that when we are tested in battle our training overpowers our natural inclination, which is to run. I can see that your feelings for her are sincere and honourable. You must prepare to see her again so that you may show her. Your weapons are your civility, propriety, gentleness, and having topics of conversation at the ready. Don’t forget that she has made mistakes, too. She was completely taken in by Wickham. She may partially blame herself. Perhaps you both need to be forgiven. You criticized her family, whilst completely ignoring your own ridiculous relation, namely Aunt Catherine. You can apologise for your hypocrisy. Elizabeth would make a wonderful friend for Georgiana. You can ask if you might introduce them. What kinds of books does she read? What books have you read lately? What music does she play? Tell her about a concert you attended recently. Does she enjoy travelling? Tell her about Pemberley, not the house, but about what you are doing on the estate. I’d wager she would enjoy hearing about the path from the stables that leads to the overlook of the valley. Tell her about your parents. I understand that her mother is quite insensible, but you said her father was intelligent though eccentric. Take some time to get to know those members of her family that you can tolerate. The point is you must speak and you must conduct yourself properly. Silently staring at her is never going to work!”
“Cousin, do you really think I can win her over?”
“I do. And I think it will be well worth the considerable effort it is going to take. The fact that this has been such an awkward business tells me everything I need to know about the state of your heart.”
It was a quiet journey back to London with each gentleman deep in thought.
The Colonel had had no opportunity to verify his cousin’s letter to the lady following their return to London. But by happy accident, he had been in London when Wickham and Miss Lydia Bennet had run away together from Brighton. The Colonel had leapt at the ensuing opportunity to assist his cousin in locating them and bringing about their marriage. Wickham was more fearful of the Colonel than he was of Fitzwilliam and had been so since they were boys. Whilst both the Colonel and Fitzwilliam adhered to a strict code of honour as gentlemen, the Colonel was not above using some very persuasive methods to carry his point whilst dealing with a scoundrel on the run with a sixteen year old girl. The Colonel had been most astonished and delighted to learn that Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth were together in Lambton with her uncle and aunt where they were visiting and becoming acquainted with Georgiana when the news about the elopement had reached them. His cousin was fighting the good fight!
The Colonel’s gentlemanlike behavior, easy manners, and good conversation had initially recommended him to Elizabeth. Soon after their engagement however Fitzwilliam had confided in Elizabeth much of what had been said and done by the Colonel to bring about their present understanding. This disclosure was so highly in the Colonel’s favor and bringing forward his disposition in so amiable of a light as to produce a fresh motive within her of good-will. That his generous nature was not merely confined to his concern for his own cousin’s happiness, but was extended so far as to be of use to her family created in her mind a sense of obligation. She wished that there was some way in which she could step forward and reciprocate his unexampled kindness to herself and her family. Elizabeth had understood from their first acquaintance that the Colonel’s financial situation was modest. Although as the younger son of an Earl, he had superior connections, spent time in lavish homes, and had fine clothes; he had no independent means. He could sell his army commission, but only if he was not promoted higher than his current rank. He also had several rich relations. Of course there was his aunt, Lady Catherine, and his cousin Miss Anne de Bourgh. His older brother, George, The Viscount Cromford, would inherit their father’s title, the estate at Matlock, and the town house in London. His sister, now The Lady Helen Carlow, had been generously dowered. Lady Matlock’s dowry, according to the Fitzwilliams’ marriage articles, was to be split betwixt all the daughters, although there ended up being only one. There was not much left however, for the Colonel. Given his father’s political connections and his brother’s lack of interest, the Colonel also might have an easy time of standing for Parliament on behalf of Matlock after his retirement from the military, as the Earl could simply gift him his seat, but such a position would generate no ready income. In spite of these many circumstances in his favor, the Colonel still did not have the means to purchase a home and support a family. Fitzwilliam wanted to give the Colonel an estate in Derbyshire that was not tied to Pemberley and Elizabeth readily concurred with this plan. The Colonel did not like discussing this. He was an independent man who did not like having to rely on others. How he could be persuaded was a question for which they currently had no answer. Another option for the Colonel, with his noble name and distinguished military service, was to marry an heiress. But Elizabeth thought the Colonel disliked the prospect of his having to marry entirely for money. She too hoped that a man with such a generous heart for others ought to be able to marry with affection!
Chapter 4
Even before the wedding had taken place, The Earl and The Countess of Matlock had agreed that hosting a ball for the newlyweds at Matlock House was in order. The damage that could be done by a vindictive Lady Catherine to their new niece’s reputation was not doubted. Lady Matlock had written to Elizabeth to tell her about the ball and include her suggestions about selecting the date. They had carefully chosen the date for three weeks following the wedding so that work could commence immediately on the invitations. It was a flurry of activity, for although Lady Matlock always kept a ready supply of printed invitations to Matlock House, there would be three hundred guests invited. So much for the four and twenty families near Meryton! Lady Matlock was determined to introduce Elizabeth to select members of the ton and pave her way into London society and had designed the guest list to that end. The invitations and the guest list were dispatched to the calligrapher’s shop so they could be completed and delivered as quickly as may be.
The Darcy’s time in London had begun by spending some time in seclusion as they eagerly commenced their married life. Elizabeth still smiled and blushed in thinking of her first days with Fitzwilliam. He was tender, thoughtful, patient, and enthusiastic! In short, everything a new bride could wish for. The Darcy’s wedding trip to London had been longer than originally planned. They were impatient to rejoin his sister, Georgiana, at Pemberley due to her lingering diffidence. But there had been much to do whilst in town. Georgiana had written her brother and new sister and assured them of her contentment in waiting for them at Pemberley. She hoped they would take the opportunity to
enjoy themselves in London and return to Pemberley with many stories to share about the balls, parties, and shopping.
After all of Lady Catherine’s predictions to the contrary, Elizabeth had received a very cordial welcome from Lord and Lady Matlock in London and a special friendship was formed. Elizabeth was not sure whether her husband or the Colonel was to be thanked for this. Elizabeth was introduced to many society ladies whilst she and Lady Matlock visited several fashionable tea rooms. Lady Matlock had confided in many of her acquaintance about all of their upcoming plans. Lady Matlock had also taken Elizabeth, who was not a prodigious shopper, to Mayfair to shop at all of the best linen drapers, modistes, and milliners so she could be fitted for all manner of attire for life in London and Pemberley. Elizabeth purchased ball gowns, dresses for every conceivable occasion, riding habits, pelisses, cloaks, muffs, spencers, shawls, slippers, half boots, gloves, and bonnets. Elizabeth hoped rather than believed that she may never shop again! Although it was a vulgar extravagance she could do without, Elizabeth was also fitted for her presentation gown to be worn only once during her presentation at St. James’s the following spring. Lady Matlock had discreetly submitted her application to the Court ensuring herself of the role of sponsor and Elizabeth had acquiesced upon learning of its acceptance, as she knew it could only eventually help Georgiana. After all, it was only one day! And Fitzwilliam had reassured Elizabeth that Lady Matlock’s well placed confidences, being seen with her whilst shopping in all the best establishments, and having her sponsorship for the upcoming presentation would contradict any reports circulated by Lady Catherine of a family rift resulting from their marriage.
Lady Matlock would not let Elizabeth do any of the work related to the upcoming ball, but she wanted her to observe how such an event was planned and hosted in London. She had kept every printed menu from the many balls she had hosted at Matlock House over the years and the two women looked through the more recent menus before making any decisions about this ball. Elizabeth accompanied Lady Matlock to Gunter’s for tastings and to order the food and drink which was quite a treat. She observed the design of the decorations and the ordering of extra candles and lamps. A floor polisher was hired to wax the floor of the ball-room at Matlock House. Lady Matlock hired an impressive string quintet following their audition, which Elizabeth had enjoyed hearing immensely and hoped to hire for her own town parties and balls. The schedule for the dancing was determined and the musical selections were made for each of the twenty dances. Music was also chosen for the portion of the evening when there was no dancing planned. Lady Matlock showed Elizabeth the engraved double cards with pencils and the numbered tickets used at all of her balls. The double cards enabled each attendee to keep track of who their dance partners were for the evening. Elizabeth knew that these cards were to be distributed in the cloak room with the numbered tickets so that all guests could easily retrieve their coats and wraps at the end of the evening. Lady Matlock was puzzled to observe that whilst looking over the invitations, double cards, and numbered tickets, Elizabeth took one of each and put them in her reticule. Elizabeth, noticed the Lady’s confusion, and explained that she was going to show them to Georgiana. They would be discussing the ball upon her return to Pemberley and any little assistance that could be provided to make a ball seem less intimidating was to be offered. Lady Matlock was most pleased. That her nephew’s new bride would be so thoughtful towards her insecure young niece was very reassuring! It met all her hopes as it contradicted nearly every syllable that had been uttered about Elizabeth by Lady Catherine. Elizabeth’s newly ordered ball gowns were ready in time for the ball and she selected a pretty celadon silk with a very becoming neckline and beading about the bodice for the night of the ball. From amongst the Darcy family jewels, she had selected a diamond necklace, bracelet, and tiara. She felt like royalty!
The day of the ball was a swell of anticipation. Belying her nervousness, Elizabeth had calmly assumed her position with the others in the receiving line and begun greeting the arriving guests. The names and faces began to run together. But the biggest surprise of the evening was that Colonel Fitzwilliam himself had been in attendance! The two cousins had embraced warmly and the Colonel had bowed very low over Elizabeth’s hand and kissed it twice. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s attendance and cordial greeting to Elizabeth was a compliment of the highest kind and could not be misconstrued. It could only improve her reception at the ball and in town. Unbeknownst to the Darcys, the Fitzwilliams had called in several favors with the War Office to get their younger son back to London for the night of the ball. The Darcys rejoiced in the unexpected opportunity to visit with the Colonel. He was well dressed and clean shaven, but appeared tired and haggard. The Darcys were eager for the war with France to end and the Colonel to come home to England and sell his commission. They worried for his future.
The attendance of Colonel Fitzwilliam at the ball had been a surprise to all and many stepped forward to pay their respects to the well regarded and well connected Army officer. Elizabeth was also busy with introductions and greetings as almost everybody in the room was new to her. She had a few minutes to visit with the Colonel and quickly ensured that invitations to both Darcy House and Pemberley were extended. The Colonel confirmed that she and Fitzwilliam should continue to send their correspondence to his commanding officer in London and it would be forwarded to him. Elizabeth encouraged the Colonel to continue writing letters when he was able, for his correspondence assured them of his safety, was always entertaining, and sometimes was much more insightful that what they could read in the papers. But alas, they would not be able to speak with him at length that night.
The guest list had included The Viscount and The Viscountess Melbourne. Lord and Lady Melbourne were known for their adultery, illegitimate children, and debts, so Elizabeth was cordial, though not impressed. Both Lady Jersey and Lady Cowper and their husbands had been invited as they were seen as the most affable of the Patronesses of Almack’s and vouchers would soon be needed for Georgiana’s coming out. It was never too early to plan, apparently, Elizabeth noted wryly. She found them both witty and charming. Lord Alvanley, whose infamy for hosting exclusive dinner parties and gambling to excess was always a highly sought after guest. Lord Brodrick, a wealthy and eligible bachelor from Lancashire with many business interests in both Liverpool and Ireland was also in attendance. A decided rake, Elizabeth concluded. Mr. and Mrs. Crenshaw whose London house was just three doors over from Darcy House were introduced to Elizabeth although she had heard Fitzwilliam speak well of them for some time. They were somewhat older than Fitzwilliam but were friends with Fitzwilliam and both Lord and Lady Matlock. Elizabeth liked them immediately. The Duke and Duchess of Eldenderry were also included in the guest list. They were society darlings and it was quite the coup that Lady Matlock had secured their attendance before Parliament was even seated. Several of the ladies Elizabeth was introduced to she had found very witty and appealing. She had promised to call upon Lady Jersey and Lady Cowper as well as Mrs. Crenshaw as soon as she was at liberty to do so. Colonel Fitzwilliam had promised to keep the Darcys abreast of his whereabouts as best as he could. Much to Elizabeth’s exhausted relief; the ball was declared a complete success and was featured on the society page in the paper. Named as merely ‘ED’, Elizabeth read the description in the article of her manifold attractions and this made her laugh. Mrs. Bennet would not have recognized it for her own daughter amidst all the members of the Peerage!
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam spent the remainder of their wedding trip in London with a busy social calendar. What became very clear to all who saw the Darcys about town was that Fitzwilliam Darcy was hopelessly besotted with his new wife from the country. There was a consensus that he may have married one of the only women of his acquaintance whose lively manners and quick wit could counteract his deeply ingrained reserve. Whether by his wife’s perceived influence or his own suspected efforts to win her heart, Fitzwilliam’s public manners were altered. His haughtines
s and fastidiousness were thus softened. Formidable reserve and coldness became politeness and quiet amiability. It was much talked of and Fitzwilliam was occasionally teased about it.
Elizabeth paid many calls with Lady Matlock including to Lady Jersey and Lady Cowper and received many calling cards whilst she was out being seen in Bond and Oxford Streets and in Piccadilly. She also insisted on inviting Lord and Lady Matlock to Darcy House for luncheon to meet her Uncle and Aunt Gardiner. Fitzwilliam was skeptical but Elizabeth prevailed. In issuing the invitation to Lady Matlock, she acknowledged the difference in standing of her and Fitzwilliam’s families, but she made clear the importance to her of Mr. Edward and Mrs. Madeleine Gardiner. The luncheon was a rather formal affair and though somewhat stilted, had in its favor the commonality of two aunts and two uncles who loved their niece and nephew. The Fitzwilliams and the Gardiners would meet again and remain on friendly terms. Richard was absent from London during almost all of these weeks as his time was fully occupied by the Army. But he was sure to get a full report from Lady Matlock about Elizabeth’s introduction to London society. Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth received one letter from Richard during this time. He joked that he has something else in common with Wellington besides just their service in the Army. They were both broke or at least out of gold. Richard had begun being paid with depreciated currency rather than guineas, but he admonished them not be concerned for him. His men would not take paper currency and therefore were not currently being paid at all. Richard was quite worried for his men. He had additional responsibilities as a liaison with the Commissariat and was lately hearing unusual gossip about the financing of the war effort. What if England ran out of bullion? He and his men were on the move again and he would write when he could.