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  “I never considered that before.”

  “Well, you should always consider the possibility that others may be uncomfortable. Now, who shall I be next, how about Miss Bingley!?”

  They spoke for some time about which subjects of conversation were appropriate during a social call and which were to be avoided. And Elizabeth challenged Georgiana to issue several dinner invitations to her whilst pretending Elizabeth was their Uncle and Aunt Fitzwilliam, Mr. and Mrs. Hurst, the Gardiners, and the Crenshaws. Her delivery became more relaxed as she repeated it. Fitzwilliam heard their laughter from the hall and came in to see what was going forward in his saloon.

  “Ah, Aunt Catherine, how wonderful to see you! Will you not be seated?” Georgia gaily cried out.

  Fitzwilliam did not understand her joke or the ensuing hilarity, but he sat down and waited for the ladies to compose themselves. They explained their exercise at which he himself laughed and immediately induced them to repeat one final scene ere they withdrew together for luncheon.

  Georgiana was much gratified by Elizabeth asking for help where she needed it as well. Elizabeth would benefit much from instruction on the pianoforte and this Georgiana could give! She also needed to achieve a competency as a horsewoman in order to carry out her responsibilities as mistress of Pemberley, although she had never spent much time riding horses at Longbourn, always preferring to walk. This was the only time Fitzwilliam had insisted. Not only would it save Elizabeth much time in carrying out her duties, Fitzwilliam explained that he also felt it would protect her from any risk of feeling isolated from their neighbors and tenants. One could only walk so far! And many times, taking a carriage and using the roads was not the most direct route to travel where one was going. So Elizabeth acquiesced and Georgiana had another subject to teach her much beloved new sister. Georgiana bloomed in the role of teacher and the two spent many hours together. They played duets on the pianoforte, sometimes singing with just the two of them in the music-room. Georgiana, and sometimes Fitzwilliam, accompanied Elizabeth when she met with the riding instructor in spite of the cold winter weather so that Elizabeth could become comfortable with her horse Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, wild animals and the wilderness. Such a strong name for a filly of such easy temperament! Elizabeth was learning the basics of communicating with Artemis and slowly progressing from a walk to a trot to a run on the long front drive. She was not yet comfortable however with jumping on horseback and would not attempt it during the winter months. And she was learning to ride both side saddle and astride as a man rode. The two young women could often be seen on the front drive between the house and the lodge, and when the weather permitted, undertaking longer rides into Lambton. Georgiana also taught Elizabeth how to drive the little phaeton and this was also practised on the long drive. Georgiana was proud to witness Elizabeth’s improvements. Soon they were using the phaeton to pay visits to some of the local shops and to some of the acquaintances Elizabeth had met through her Aunt Gardiner.

  During their first year of marriage, one of the many discussions had by Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam concerned their sisters’ well-being and futures.

  Chapter 7

  Gracechurch Street, January 3

  My Dear Niece,

  I hope that you had a wonderful first Christmas at Pemberley and have grown accustomed to the colder weather and sheer volume of snow! Your uncle finally recovered from his fit of illness in time for our annual Christmas visit to Longbourn. Perhaps next Christmas we shall be able to venture to Pemberley. This year’s visit was not the same without you there. Of course it was delightful to see all of the family including Mr. Bingley. He and Jane appear to be very happy together! However, your intelligent conversation was greatly missed. After our arrival in Hertfordshire, a delinquent letter was received by your mother from the Wickhams with their apologies and regrets for not being able to come to Longbourn after all. Whether this news might have been viewed with some relief by others of our party, I know not. But your mother was in such a state, as I am sure you can well imagine. Her disappointment and exclamations went on for several days which were well longer than the news required. Mr. Gottlieb was invited to two dinners. I do not know if that was the plan all along or if the absence of the Wickhams was partially the cause for his presence. Your mother is clearly in a match making frame of mind and hopes he will do well for Mary, which was certainly not MY observation during our visit. By the time your mother was finally able to regain her composure, it was determined it was time for us to return to London. We have been returned home in Gracechurch Street for three days now and your uncle, the children, and I are all well. We look forward to your next visit to London and the opportunity to visit together. If we can contrive a visit to Derbyshire, I will let you know. Please convey our warmest regards to Fitzwilliam and Georgiana.

  Yours, etc.,

  Aunt Gardiner

  In February Fitzwilliam was obliged to travel to London on business that could not be deferred. He eagerly called upon the Gardiners following his arrival in town and was pleased to see that Uncle Gardiner had indeed recovered from his cold and a fever. A most enjoyable visit was had by all. Fitzwilliam had detoured from his route whilst returning to the north to visit Longbourn. His visit at Longbourn made an impression on both sides. Fitzwilliam had quietly been able to convince Mr. Bennet to review the estate and household ledgers of Longbourn with him. Neither gentleman was surprised that Fitzwilliam was able to suggest changes and improvements which would make the estate more profitable. Mrs. Bennet and Mr. Collins would have been quite in raptures over the planned increase in the estate’s income except that neither of them would know anything about it. The improvements at Longbourn were not discernible to the untrained eye, which saved Mr. Bennet from the exertion of restraining his wife from splurging. Another source of the increase in income was the diminution of the Longbourn family. With his intimate knowledge of the family’s expenses, Fitzwilliam noted that the loss of Mr. Bennet’s two eldest daughters by marriage should result in savings of one hundred and eighty pounds a year, as long as Mr. Bennet laid by that sum each year before it could be spent. Lydia was not included in this calculation as her father was still allowing her financial consideration of one hundred pounds a year. Fitzwilliam had advised his father-in-law that some of the increase in income should be settled on Mary, Kitty, and Mrs. Bennet herself and some of it could be invested into business ventures that Fitzwilliam knew about. Upon his return to Pemberley, Elizabeth had been quite proud to learn that Fitzwilliam had befriended her father to such an extent that he could offer advice without causing offence.

  Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam both felt that enough had been done for Elizabeth’s sister Lydia whose botched elopement had required significant financial outlay to induce Wickham to marry her. Between the settling of Wickham’s debts in Meryton, Brighton, and London, the purchase of his commission, and the purchase of a small annuity that was settled directly on Lydia; Fitzwilliam had spent around four thousand pounds. However, they knew that the Wickhams would not necessarily feel satisfied with this.

  “From my experience with Wickham, I can say that he relies on his happy manners in public and secrecy and manipulation in private. He has no compunction about seeking assistance from numerous people, at the same time, and for the same expense! If his potential benefactors do not communicate amongst themselves, Wickham then finds himself with enough funds to pay the bill with money to spare and no one is the wiser. We must discuss what requests for money are being received and respond with one voice,” said Fitzwilliam.

  “I understand your point and I agree. They will simply contrive to beg for relief from many different people. If I recall correctly, even without secrecy, Wickham attempted to persuade you to compensate him for the living at Kympton twice! He truly has no shame, which is why he is so well matched with Lydia. She certainly has no shame either! Every time the Wickhams move, there are monies due. I should die of mortification to be continually pressing all
of my acquaintance for money and yet they think nothing of it. I will admit to you that it is less unpleasant to privately comply with Lydia’s small requests from my pin-money without your knowledge. But you are right, and I will do as you ask and tell you when I receive requests for more money. I think we should include my father and my sisters in this. Even if we cannot all agree on what should be given, I would like to know what money is being expended from Longbourn to satisfy the Wickhams. Why cannot my parents see that dowries for Mary and Kitty should be a higher priority than saving the Wickhams from repeated overspending?”

  “Your father has been persuaded, I think. According to his information there have been no extravagances or additional giving to the Wickhams as a result of his improvements to the estate or laying by the savings resulting from your and Jane’s absence. I think thus far the financial improvements have all benefitted the Longbourn family. It’s going better than I had dared hope. And I would imagine that we shall agree with the Bingleys on what should be given to the Wickhams as well,” he replied.

  “I am sure the Bingleys are also receiving requests from my mother on what should be given to the Wickhams. I’ve received so many requests; I no longer enjoy reading her letters!”

  “Indeed. But we should also discuss the future.”

  “In what way, sir?”

  “Jane is well settled. Lydia is married and not our primary concern. We shall attempt to make the Wickhams accountable for living within their means by moderating our charity, but that is all. Their imprudence and extravagance must be their own burden. Georgiana has blossomed with you here and has the benefit of much time with us, without having to navigate the Peerage as of yet. I want to discuss Mary and Kitty.”

  “Very well, sir. I am both hopeful and worried for them and would very much like to discuss their future.”

  “As you know, my recent visit to Longbourn had a beneficial effect on your father. But it opened my eyes as well. My dear, Mary and Kitty will experience the most upheaval at the time of your father’s eventual passing, if they are still unmarried. I do not wish to see them married too quickly; I am not suggesting that we attempt to outdo your mother in rushing them into matrimony. However, I would like to suggest how we can improve their prospects. First, I would like to settle five thousand pounds on each of them for their dowries.”

  “Fitzwilliam, that is most generous and unexpected. Just when I think I have you fully sorted, you surprise me again!”

  “It’s consistent with what was done for the Wickhams. And your sisters have caused no scandals. I can have my solicitor draw up the papers with a copy to your father and Haggerston, so that it is irrevocably settled. But I would like to do more because I think it’s appropriate to reward proper behavior. Jane says Kitty is already improving due to Lydia’s removal to the north and spending time at Netherfield with the Bingleys. Based upon my own observation, I agree with Jane’s assertion. And Mary has never been improper. She is a bit misguided and the sooner we broaden her literary interests by removing Fordyce’s Sermons from Longbourn, the better! But Mary has always conducted herself as a lady. I want to hire Masters for both of them to provide instruction at Longbourn. Mary needs musical and literary instruction. You will tell me she also needs to meet with a dancing instructor. I would like to purchase for her some new gowns and Kitty can help her with the selections. I’m not sure about what instruction would most benefit Kitty. I am interested in your suggestions. And I would like to hire someone to continue the improvement in their comportment.”

  “This is most charitable of you my dear. I cannot but express my gratitude for your care and concern in the name of all my family. Just when I think I can love you no more than I already do, you astonish me with your liberality!”

  “There is no exertion too great to ensure your happiness, Elizabeth. But perhaps you exaggerate my virtues, in this one instance.”

  “Only this one instance? I am gratified that my perception of your character is now without fault!”

  “Indeed, in my estimation, you are without fault.”

  At this Elizabeth had to laugh. But Fitzwilliam did convince her that the benefits of two affectionate and responsible brothers-in-law far outweighed the exertion and cost of improving her sisters.

  “I expect that with Lydia gone, Kitty has far more opportunity for pursuing accomplishments.”

  “I think we should ask Kitty about her other interests when we tell her about her dowry.”

  “Do you think we should tell them?”

  “Yes, I do. Mary, especially, because I think she can be trusted. But I think you can determine how best to explain it to Kitty so that she does not tell your mother or Lydia about it. And of course your father will know everything. But there is more I would like to share with you. I know it is customary to appoint a guardian for children who have not yet reached their majority in their father’s will. I am assuming your father has selected Uncle Gardiner and your mother. I would like to ask your father to change that. If he insists it should be Mr. Gardiner, I will acquiesce. But I think it should be me. And I do not think your mother should retain guardianship. I think it should be you.”

  “Oh, Fitzwilliam, do you really think so?” she cried.

  “I do. Your mother has only taken the few months that we have been married to show she is still desirous for quick marriages for her daughters and even marriages that they might oppose. I still do not understand her scheme with regard to Mr. Philip’s clerk, Mr. Gottlieb. Mary holds him in no affection that I could perceive. There is no reason to force such a match. Perhaps your mother wants to keep at least one daughter close to Meryton for her own convenience? The only adjustments your mother seems to have made to your and Jane’s marriages is in bragging to her neighbors and demanding money from you both, for the Wickhams. Your unmarried sisters are now secure in token of your and Jane’s marriages. We should do everything in our power to encourage advantageous matches for both Mary and Kitty as now they have the time and opportunity to make such matches. And just as I wish for Georgiana, I hope that your sisters shall be able to marry men of stable character for whom they have affection. The guardianship provision in your father’s will may not matter at all. Your father may outlive your mother. Both of your sisters may get married, with your father’s consent, before they reach their majority. I am only trying to protect them in the event that your father passes before they have reached their majority or married. They would be at your mother’s mercy. Mr. Gardiner cannot always be at Longbourn. And she would contrive to solicit money from us for the Wickhams or marry off your sisters if we refuse.”

  Elizabeth gasped. “Oh my dear, I had not thought—I had simply not thought of that!”

  Elizabeth felt her eyes fill with tears and Darcy took her hands and then wrapped his arms around her. Elizabeth knew they were trying to prevent mistakes that would have long term consequences. They were trying to defend those they loved who could not defend themselves. To imagine one of her sisters forced into a marriage to someone as revolting as Mr. Collins simply horrified her. Fitzwilliam caressed her cheek and she felt soothed. Elizabeth heaved a heavy sigh and looked up at her husband. He was wonderful. He protected her, but she also felt respected. He could have just approached her father, but he came to her instead to solicit her opinion and help. For that she was grateful.

  The Gardiners had been able to arrange for a visit soon after the conversation above mentioned. This was the first of what would become many visits to Pemberley following the marriage of their favorite niece. They rejoiced at being able to visit the estate again now with family connections to the Darcys of Pemberley. Staying at the house with their beloved niece and continuing their acquaintance with Fitzwilliam and Georgiana answered all their hopes of seeing Elizabeth so happy and well settled. They were most gratified by their continued intimacy with Fitzwilliam and were on such good terms with him that they viewed him quite as their own nephew. Georgiana, they soon noted from the effort of very little obser
vation, was already starting to show some improvement due to her time spent with her new sister. Much enjoyment was had enjoying touring around the park in the carriage and viewing the lake and much of the countryside.

  With such an opportunity to hear and communicate, there was much discussion of the current news of the Wickhams. The Gardiners had yet to hear from the newlyweds directly and were receiving much of their information from Longbourn. What was received from Mrs. Bennet rarely coincided with what Mr. Bennet had to relate. They were not at all surprised to learn from Fitzwilliam and Elizabeth that the Wickhams were regularly asking for money from some of their relations. That they had apparently returned to a state of some indebtedness was also a disappointment, but required no great leap of imagination. Fitzwilliam had written to General ------ in Newcastle advising him that word should be spread of Wickham’s difficulty in settling debts of honor. If none of his brothers in arms would gamble with him, Wickham would be hard pressed to incur such debts.

  Mr. Gardiner had no qualms in agreeing to Fitzwilliam’s suggestion of asking Mr. Bennet to change the guardianship provision in his will. The incident with Lydia and Wickham had been a trial to the Gardiners. Her stay in their home in Gracechurch Street had not been a pleasure scheme, but rather a brief imprisonment. It had rather been designed to keep the fugitive out of public view during the weeks following her elopement but before the marriage had taken place. By the day of her wedding Lydia had been so very vexed with her aunt and uncle as to refuse to listen to anything they had to say. With four young children of their own, the Gardiners were loath to consider what scrapes Mary and Kitty could get into even with the idle supervision of their father.

  The Gardiners were highly gratified to learn of the arrangements being planned for both Mary and Kitty by the Darcys. For the girls to have dowries of such a size was immediately in their favor. And to add to this advantage the opportunity of formal instruction in areas of their own choosing would certainly improve their chances of making good matches. The Gardiners departed from Pemberley to return to town both in a very good frame of mind.