Chapter 34 - House Party

"Jane," Elizabeth rose from her position at Darcy's side to greet her sister. They'd been quietly talking, enjoying this time alone. Anne and Richard would come down stairs for dinner and stay an hour or two. Mrs. Fitzwilliam's sudden fatigue worried all at Leighwood House. They prayed she would not return to the sickly creature before her recent marriage. "I am glad you have come. With all the time we have spent with Darcy in the last weeks, I was sure my aunt and uncle have quite forgotten me."

"Oh, Lizzy," Jane quickly hugged her sister. "You know that could never be so. Aunt Gardiner sent your blue gown so you could change before dining." Moving to greet the others in the room, Miss Bennet curtseyed. "Thank you for your kind invitation, Mr. Darcy, Georgiana. I am only sorry it took more time than I had anticipated preparing."

"You are always welcome," Darcy bowed with civility, even going as far as sharing a smirk. "Leighwood and Pemberley are to become your home soon, Miss Bennet. I would not wish you or your sister to feel uncomfortable under my roof. Beside, Georgiana has been anxious to see you again and wishes to know of your outing with the Gardiner children today."

"We took the carriage to a wild little park," Jane enthused. "Little William and Alexander ran and played all day. I am quite exhausted from the effort. Sarah and Emma were very much the young ladies."

"How I wish I could have been with you," Georgiana came forward to greet her soon to be sister.

"I believe we will have our work cut out for us over the summer at Pemberley," Jane smiled with delight. The expression warmed Elizabeth's heart. To see her dearest sister so happy and carefree, if only for an instant brought joy. "The children are eager to explore the grounds and visit the famous chestnut tree. I fear we will always be asked to go into Lambton."

"Then we shall have many a picnic," Georgiana giggled, "just as William and I did. Cook will pack the basket and we may explore the woods as much as we please. There is more than enough room for little boys to stretch their legs."

"I confess," Jane suddenly coloured with embarrassment, "I look forward to the peace of the country and the ability to wander aimlessly outdoors. I have enjoyed the amusements of Town but own to feeling hemmed in on occasion."

"I understand you sentiments," Mr. Darcy suddenly agreed. "Pemberley will always remain my home. Georgiana, would you call for a fresh pot of tea before the ladies retire to change."

"First, I will speak to McFadden and have the trunks sent to the usual rooms Jane and Elizabeth use," Georgiana glanced at Miss Bennet before asking, "please say you accepted my invitation to stay."

"I could not see my sister parted from her betrothed for an entire day," Jane teased lightly. "Oh, do not look so shocked, Lizzy. Do you wish to spend the whole of Sunday without seeing Mr. Darcy? Beside Mama, Papa and our sisters are to arrive on Wednesday week and our Aunt will not allow you to visit Leighwood once they are in town. We have engagements every second night until your wedding. I should use the time to rest for the coming festivities."

Darcy, watching the byplay, smiled happily. This would be the last time he had Elizabeth's undivided attention until they married. He had chosen the date carefully. Darcy wanted at least two or three days with only his new bride before traveling to Pemberley with a large party. He might own a very grand estate but even the house would be crowded with upward of twelve adults and four children. The newlyweds would scarce have time to themselves for the first months of their marriage.

To that effect, Darcy chose Saturday to wed. Most of the servants had been granted an absence for the following day, leaving Darcy and Elizabeth free run of Leighwood. They would leave for Pemberley on Tuesday. Even if the journey took a full five days, the party would arrive, at latest Saturday night. Darcy intended to display his new wife at the Pemberley Parish church and spend the Lord's Day in their new home among family and friends.

"Am I to have any say over my life?" Lizzy demanded, glancing between the three standing before her. Yet, the sparkle in her eyes stated she jested, at least a little.

"In a fortnight," Darcy swooped in, taking her arm he led the Bennet ladies from the music room into the main parlour, "you will vow to obey me. I am merely practicing for that day. I wished for your company and I know Georgiana and Miss Bennet are fast becoming the best of friends."

"The ends justify the means, then dearest," Elizabeth teased.

"Do be serious, Lizzy," Jane tried to hide her serene smile, "you would not wish it any other way."

"Once again," this time Darcy elected to tease, "you choose to misunderstand me."

"For that unforgivable speech," Lizzy pulled away, turning to her sister, "I shall impose on my sister. I noticed you received a letter from Longbourn as I left this morning."

"Yes," Jane happily told of the occurrences at home. Mrs. Bennet improved daily. She now spent more time below stairs than in her chamber. Still there were days she felt weak and could not leave her bed. Lydia had recovered almost completely. It appeared she had more sense or at least hid her flirtatious personality better. Surprisingly she'd taken over the duty of visiting the tenants, understanding of their condition in life after her cottage sojourn. Kitty and Mary, spending so much time together become fast friends. While Mary instructed her sister on the pianoforte, Kitty acted as a tutor for embroidery and painting. The activities closing the previous distance between sisters, Mrs. Woodward spent more time as a nursemaid to Mrs. Bennet. Still, Theodosia did not completely trust Lydia's more docile nature.

"Do you think Mama well enough to travel to town?" Lizzy asked, uncertainty lacing her expression. "I am ashamed we have not returned to Longbourn since hearing of her affliction."

"What is your opinion, Mr. Darcy," Jane enquired.

"Miss Bennet, we are to be brother and sister soon. Will you not call me Fitzwilliam, or Darcy?" He enquired.

"I will be happy to, Sir," Jane blushed, "but only if you will return the favour and address me as Jane."

Nodding, Darcy explained, "I have been back to Meryton on business several times in the last month." Sharing a moment with Elizabeth, she understood his expression. Only this afternoon she'd learnt of this purchase of Netherfield and the reasons why. "Your mother seemed a little out of spirits as I remember her from my acquaintance last year. However, I would not call her ill looking. Your sisters behaved in a most lady like manner and you father joined the party for tea. I believe these changes are due to Mrs. Woodward's guidance rather than any issue. Being a Friday, I had to remember my German."

"Oh, dear," Jane tried to hide her chuckle behind her hand. "I had quite forgotten about French and German days."

"You removed to London," Lizzy attempted to tease in that language, "before you could become a truly accomplished woman."

"I think," Georgiana replied in flawless German upon entering the room, "we shall have to introduce that custom at Pemberley. All accomplished young ladies should have a thorough understanding of the modern languages."

Elizabeth glanced at her betrothed. She could not help it. Darcy obviously remembered the conversation at Netherfield with Miss Bingley. They both burst into a fit of giggles. Jane and Georgiana looked on with astonishment. At the same moment the butler announced their final guest for dinner.

"Sir," Jane curtseyed, trying to give her sister and Mr. Darcy a few seconds to sober. "I had not realised you would be joining us for dinner this evening. I am happy to see you gain."

Taking her hand and applying a light kiss, the man offered, "Miss Bennet, it is always a pleasure to be in your company. As you are to be my cousin in law very soon, would you do me the very great honour of calling me Henry? All these Fitzwilliam's are so confusing, why even your soon to be brother shares the name."

"Thank you," she blushed and hid her face from the three onlookers.

"May I call you Jane?" Henry pushed his luck.

"You may not," the red stains on Jane's cheeks turned from embarrassment to resentment. Holding her head high, she pulled her hand from his grasp and announced in a somewhat cold tone, "the only man, apart from my direct family, who will ever call me by my Christian name, Sir, will be my husband."

"Then," he watched her reaction and felt his anticipation rising, "I shall endeavour to convince you that I am worthy of such an exalted position in your life, Miss Bennet."

"Brother," Richard called to his wayward twin. Hearing the servants moving about in the rooms across the hall, he knew the Miss Bennet's would be residing at Leighwood once again. It seemed Darcy took every opportunity to have impromptu house parties, and thereby, keep his betrothed at his side. Richard hurried down to greet Miss Bennet, entering in time to hear his brother's very forward words.

"Brother," Henry removed his attention from the lady before him. "Where is that stunning wife of yours?"

"Anne is above stairs," Richard frowned. "I believe she will be down shortly."

With that, the ladies removed to dress for dinner. Before entering her room, Lizzy pushed Jane in before her. Closing the door, she leaned on it and allowed one eyebrow to rise. Jane paced, agitated. Elizabeth waved away her maid, requesting the girl give them a few moments.

"What am I to do," Jane Bennet demanded, stopping suddenly and imploring her sister to answer. "Lord Henley cannot mean to have me for his wife. I am but a country girl, not of his circle."

"Yet, I am marrying Mr. Darcy in but a fortnight," Lizzy played devil's advocate.

"But he is a Viscount," Jane whined. Elizabeth had never heard her use that tone. "He will be the Earl of Matlock, titled. I do not fit into that sphere."

"The question is not if you can, but if you wish too," Lizzy responded, carefully watching for Jane's reaction.

"I wanted so much to marry for love, but Henry Fitzwilliam offers respectability," she attempted to console herself. "My heart is no longer broken, merely bruised and I fear it will never be as it once was. I have become disillusioned. I do not ever want to feel like I did after Mr. Bingley. Yet, Aunt Gardiner tells me the Viscount may not be a completely principled man, that many of his social status are not wholly honourable. I do not wish to excite his anticipation, that he might one day gain my heart, nor do I wish to align myself with an immoral man. Tell me what I am to do, Lizzy."

"I cannot tell you what to feel, dearest Jane," Elizabeth went to her sister and wrapped her arms around her. "Henry Fitzwilliam has made great changes in his life these last weeks. I have seen his interest in you, as has Darcy. We both believe him in some danger of falling under your spell. But," she warned, "only you can make the decision on whom you choose for your life partner."

"Then you think I should encourage Henry," Jane asked confused. "If I had made more of my feelings for Mr. Bingley known, perhaps he would have stayed and made an offer."

"Oh, Jane, you cannot think so. Mr. Bingley left without taking his leave, which brings to light his inconsistence. No, it is my opinion that you go on as you are," Lizzy counselled, "and come to Pemberley. I have a feeling your heart will reveal itself in time."

"I am almost three and twenty, Lizzy," Jane cried, tears running down her face. "Soon I shall be considered an old maid. I know you have lifted our fortunes by marrying very well and I need not be concerned. Yet, Mr. Darcy will have to bear my presence for the rest of my life if I do not take the opportunity now."

"Please," Elizabeth begged, "for me, promise you will do nothing until you come to Pemberley."

"Why," Jane finally understood her sister kept something from her.

Taking in a deep breath and then exhaling sharply, Elizabeth confessed, "both Mr. Bingley and Viscount Henley will be visiting for the summer, among others. Mr. Bingley is currently in Scarborough, seeing to his businesses there, as well as Miss Bingley's marriage settlement so he may have the opportunity to become reacquainted. Perhaps, with both men in residence, you will be able to know your heart completely."

Nodding her understanding, Jane Bennet fled to her own room.