All the Comfort and Elegance of Their Family Party

By Tracy

Jump to new as of January 31, 2000

Chapter 1

Posted on Saturday, 19 June 1999

On the occasion of the marriage of Miss Elizabeth Bennet to Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy I am sure that all my readers join me in feeling the deepest sympathy for the old ladies of Meryton. If Jane's engagement had been cause for conversation Elizabeth's had surpassed that a thousand-fold!

It had taken two whole days for Mrs. Phillips to go from exclaiming her surprise to saying that she had always foreseen it. Compared to the situation before the marriages the future looked dull indeed. Mrs. Bingley must be visited and that would be news, but the Darcys were leaving for Pemberley immediately after the wedding breakfast and it would be three months before the Bennets would visit them, longer before they could bring back any news.

But, whatever sympathy my readers feel for the old ladies of Meryton, feel none for Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy as her husband attends her into her new carriage for the first stage of their journey. To be released from all the bustle of the wedding breakfast was no small source of pleasure, but to be seated next to and alone with her new husband left her in a flutter of nervous happiness.

I shall skip over the details of the Darcys' wedding night. Between two such inexperienced lovers the best that can be hoped for is that the awkwardness is balanced by affection and good humour. In this case it was, and if their first breakfast was eaten in self-conscious silence, the alarm and bustle of a broken carriage wheel soon did away all such feelings. The carriage wheel was quickly fixed and the Darcys settled down to all the pleasures of good conversation and of each other company that could be had in a winter journey.

If their engagement had enlivened the conversation in Meryton it had had no lesser effect in Lambton and its surroundings. Those lucky people who had met Elizabeth during her and her aunt and uncle's brief visit were scarcely left in peace. And when Lady Hamilton*, Miss Wright and Mrs. Wilson met for tea there was one topic of conversation, for Miss Wright had some news.

"You will never believe this!" she said, after being thoroughly settled in and plied with tea and cake by Lady Hamilton. "But Susan has just sent me a letter from town and it appears that the Miss Bennets have only one thousand pounds apiece!"

"One thousand a year?" asked Lady Hamilton.

"No, complete! Just imagine that. No wonder Lady Catherine is appalled. I hear that she cannot bear to hear his name spoken."

"I am not surprised, to have her nephew taken in by a fortune hunter, it must be very embarrassing." Mrs. Wilson said.

"I cannot believe that Mr. Darcy would be taken in," said Lady Hamilton. "Why, do you not remember how Miss Mathesion? She spent a whole year in determined pursuit, turned down several eligible offers, played the piano most beautifully, even contrived to get her carriage overturned in front of him, and still it all came to nothing. And then she married Sir Edward Hobson so it is not as if you can say she was completely lacking in charm. And Miss Bingley! The poor woman has been chasing him for years, and still nothing despite the fact that Mr. Darcy is her brother's great friend. Mr. Darcy has avoided so many that I cannot believe that any country girl could trick them. There must be something else in Miss Bennet. Indeed, I cannot believe it."

Miss Wright, finally able to get a word in, said "Oh, all that you say on other women's failures is true, but still, every man can be caught. Sir Edward Hobson himself swore several times that he would never marry, and yet he was caught. Why should Mr. Darcy be any different?"

"Hopefully she will make him happy anyway." Mrs. Wilson said. "And it must be a great relief to the poor girl to be so well settled."

"Oh, and to her parents." Lady Hamilton replied. "No brothers, I am told, and the family estate entailed on another family. What good luck for them to have two daughters settled so well. I shall go and see her as soon as possible. And we shall hold a ball for them when my husband and Richard get back."

* I am sorry about this name, since I know it may lead to
confusion with Lady Hampton, as featured in several very enjoyable stories. However ever since I first met Lady Hamilton she has had this name, and she refuses to change it.

The Darcys finally turned into the road that led to Pemberley late on Friday afternoon. Elizabeth gazed out the window intently, feeling how different everything was from the last time she had travelled this road, uncertain of Mr. Darcy's feeling for her and bracing herself for Miss Bingley's company.

"What are you thinking, Elizabeth?" Mr. Darcy asked, and she felt a small thrill at the sound of him speaking her Christian name.

"Of how different this time is to the last time I came here" she replied. "I understand that I am now expected to completely redecorate the house and send half the servants into apoplexy. What would you say if I painted every room pink?"

Mr. Darcy smiled. "Well if you have your heart set on it, you may. Lady Hamilton will be coming to visit you shortly and she will give you all the assistance you require. When I was last her she was just finishing the last room in her house and she must be looking for a new project by now."

"Oh yes, I shall have to meet all your acquaintances. And I must call on my aunt's friends soon. How many shall we have to endure?"

"It is a small neighbourhood. There is Sir Richard and Lady Hamilton, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and the Misses Wrights, Mrs. Wilson and Mr. Rawson. There is also our parson, Mr. Stevens. Plus whatever members of the Hamilton family who are at home at the moment. When summer arrives there shall be more."

"Still there are plenty already to occupy my mother when she arrives." Elizabeth paused. "Shall we ask Kitty to stay on? I am sure that a change of scene will be good for her, it must be hard on her with all of us from home. At least Mary has her books and music, but Kitty never had many internal resources."

"Yes, of course. And we must invite Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner in the summer, if they can spare the time."

"And before we do we must find a phaeton and a pair of ponies. Will you show me all the paths of the park? I was most disappointed not to be able to explore further when I was here."

"If you are willing to wait until tomorrow we shall," Mr. Darcy replied, as he looked out the window. "But we have just arrived and doubtless Mrs. Reynolds has a fine dinner prepared."

The carriage came to a halt and Elizabeth accepted Mr. Darcy's arm as she stepped out to look at her new home. Pemberley was as imposing as she remembered it but Mrs. Reynolds was there as they stepped into the hall, greeting them with homely pleasure. A maid took their coats and Mr. Darcy accompanied her to her new room with a footman following with one of her cases.

"My room is just through this door" he said. "And here is the bell for your maid. Is there anything else you require?"

Elizabeth looked around at the comfortable, pleasant room. "No, just to refresh and dress for dinner. It would not do to keep everyone waiting on my first evening here. But there is one thing. Will you help me change?"

"Of course, Elizabeth."

Mrs. Darcy was first seen by the local families in church two days later, accompanied by her husband into the Darcy family's pew. But although this confirmed the report of her being a very pretty girl, and Mr. Darcy being most attentive to her, it could not sate anyone's curiosity. Lady Hamilton was of course the first to pay her respects. She was not intelligent and inclined to talk too much, but she was a good-natured woman, devoted to her family and with a lively interest in everything around her.

She was showed into the drawing room where Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were sitting and enjoying each other's company. After the introductions were made and she had complimented Mrs. Darcy on her dress, Mr. Darcy enquired after her family.

"Oh, so kind of you to ask. And I have such good news since you were here last. James has been promoted! He is now a captain!" And after their congratulations she continued.
"Oh, you are so kind. Let me see. He does not yet know what ship he will have. He has been given leave and shall be with us until well into the summer. And I think he deserves it. The poor boy, the last ship he was on, they had a terrible time. Caught in a bad storm, three men lost over board, including the captain, and he must have had a terrible time bringing her back to port. Though he makes light of it. I shall be glad to see him again.

And Sir Richard and Richard (our oldest son, Mrs. Darcy) are currently attending to our property in the Lakes, but they shall be back here soon too. Oh, I do miss them. And dear Henry and David are still at Oxford. It is a pity they should all be so far away. When Richard and James return I shall hold a ball for you. Alice is currently staying with our old friends the Whittards, in London. And Mary and Bridget and Michael are all still at school."

Elizabeth began to feel lost amongst all these names.

"And how is your family? Are we to meet them soon? We have all been most curious. When Mr. Bingley was here last he spoke so well of you and your sister that it was no surprise to hear of his engagement."

"They are all coming in three months time," Elizabeth replied. "Both my parents, Jane and Mr. Bingley, and my two younger sisters who are still at home."

"Oh, how wonderful. I am sure it will be a relief to you to see your family again. Though I was so happy to marry Sir Richard I missed my family greatly at first. I reckon it takes a good year to build firm attachments to a new place.

Which reminds me, Mr. Darcy, how is Miss Darcy? When will she be joining you?"

"She is staying with our Aunt Ellwood and will join us in two weeks," Darcy replied. Mrs. Annersley was intelligent enough to give the young couple a couple of weeks alone before bringing her charge to join them.

"Well I expect James, Captain James, in three weeks, so I shall hold my ball when he returns and Miss Darcy can join us as well. And then I must have another one for your family, Mrs. Darcy.

Oh, how good it is to have you here. Our neighbourhood has been most thin. Miss Susan Wright is in London and all my children are away. And Darcy, I must tell you, Mr. Stevens is a marvellous preacher. Several of the sermons he gave while you were away were very moving. And he is so attentive to dear old Mrs. Gilbert (she was my housekeeper, Mrs. Darcy, and very capable and so good-hearted), checks on her health quite regularly. But enough, I have prattled on too long about the little details of my life. We have all been agog with curiosity about you, Mrs. Darcy. Tell me, how did you and Mr. Darcy meet?"

And with a continuation of such talk Lady Hampton's fifteen minutes passed off quite comfortably. She went away with a comfortable conviction that her opinions on the subject of Mrs. Darcy's affection for Mr. Darcy were correct, although in truth she would have refused to have seen anything to the contrary. The Wrights and Mrs. Wilson, when they in their turns called, were too intelligent to hint at their opinions on the matter. Elizabeth guessed at it however but had already expected to encounter such. It amused her that they did not even hint in case it offended Mr. Darcy, who saw their natures as well as she did.

She soon returned the visits and discovered Lady Hamilton as eager on the subject of redecorating Pemberley as Mr. Darcy had predicted. She had to repeat herself several times before Lady Hamilton was convinced that she had no desire to change much at Pemberley and the good woman was disappointed on the issue. However Lady Hamilton's mind was busy about the ball and the arrival home of her husband and two of her sons and she soon regained her good cheer.

Mr. Stevens, Elizabeth was happy to discover, was an well-informed, amiable man. She was seated next to him at one of Lady Hamilton's dinners and had the pleasure of a good deal of pleasant conversation. He could not compare to her Mr. Darcy of course, but the souls of Lambton were in good hands. She had the pleasure too of calling on Mrs. Gardiner's friends, who felt honoured to receive such an attention from Mrs. Darcy so soon.

Georgiana arrived safely and Elizabeth was glad to see her. While Mr. Darcy was always attentive the business of Pemberley called on him considerably in the mornings. He had not neglected it in the last year, but it had not received his normal thorough attention and he felt he had much to do. To spend the mornings with Georgiana in rational conversation and useful work was a great pleasure. And then there was Lady Hamilton's ball to prepare for.

Chapter 2

Posted on Tuesday, 22 June 1999

Elizabeth smiled as, all dressed for the ball, she walked down the stair to her husband.

"You look well tonight, Mr. Darcy" she said, with a glance at a nearby footman. "Will I be able to persuade you to dance, or is Lady Hamilton's one of the places you do not pay such compliments to?"

"Do you not remember that the purpose of this evening is to convince not only you but our neighbours of the civilising effect you have had on me, Mrs. Darcy? I promise I shall dance with every young woman at least once."

"Including me?"

"If you will do me the honour," he replied with a bow. "By the way, how did you hear of that disgraceful comment of mine?"

"Charlotte Lucas was standing nearby and told me. She especially appreciated your comment about polished and unpolished societies."

Georgiana coming down the stairs heard them talking and blushed. She did not see how Elizabeth dared to talk so freely to Fitzwilliam or how he could receive it with such good humour. But the affection between them obvious and Elizabeth, intelligent and good-hearted, was all that she had longed for in a sister.

Elizabeth turned her head at the sound of Georgiana's steps on the stairs. "Here you are, Georgiana," she said merrily. "You will never become a proper fashionable lady if you persist in being on time."

Georgiana smiled uncertainly, hesitant as to how much she should reveal of her emotions. "Do I look as I should?" she asked timidly.

"Exactly," Mr. Darcy replied. "You do the Darcys proud." He offered her his arm and Elizabeth the other and they left for the ball.

Lady Hamilton had been on the lookout for her guests of honour and greeted them with pleasure the moment they entered her house.

"Mr. Darcy, Mrs. Darcy, Miss Darcy, how wonderful to see you all! Did you have a safe journey? I was worried that the weather would turn bad and the clouds looked very threatening this morning but it has turned into such a clear night. Mrs. Darcy, this is my husband Sir Richard, and my oldest son Richard and my second oldest, the new Captain Hamilton! Now you must open the ball, Mrs. Darcy, oh this reminds me of what it was to be a bride! Oh, Mrs. Wright, Mr. Wright, how wonderful to see you here."

Sir Richard bowed to Elizabeth. "May I have the honour of the first dance with you, Mrs. Darcy?"

"Of course," Elizabeth replied. Sir Richard bowed again and left to where several other older men had gathered. His sons proved more voluble.

"It is an honour to meet you," Mr. Hamilton said. "I am sorry that my father and I were out of the country when you first came here. Father had some business with our lands in Sussex and I went along to learn the details."

"And I feel that way too," Captain Hamilton added. "I am very glad to get leave now. I had feared that I should go for years without meeting Mr. Darcy's new bride, and be driven mad with curiosity by my mother's letters about you. And Miss Darcy, it has been years since we met, how old were you when I saw you last?"

"I think I was ten," Miss Darcy said cautiously.

"That sounds correct to me. Whenever I had leave and came here you were in another part of the kingdom. And now you have completely grown up. Since my father has claimed Mrs. Darcy, may I engage you for the first two dances?"

"Oh, yes, I would . . . I would be pleased to dance with you." Georgiana replied, unable to avoid blushing again. James Hamilton had just been a blurred memory of hers, but here he was grown tall and handsome, and he must have such exciting tales to tell of navy life.

"And I must have my turn," Mr. Hamilton said, "and dance with you and Mrs. Darcy both. Mrs. Darcy, may I have the two dances after my father?"

Elizabeth assented gracefully, as did Georgiana when Mr. Hamilton made a similar request to her.

"Lady Hamilton tells me", she said to Captain Hamilton, "that you had a narrow escape at the end of your last voyage."

"Yes, it was an alarming situation. It seems to be the way of the world, to pass through all sorts of dangers completely unharmed and then, within sight of safety, be hit with a disaster. We had hoped to outrun the storm and reach our harbour safely, but it caught us a good twenty miles from shore. Captain David Howel had refused my suggestion that he tie himself to the boat, and the first large wave that hit us swept over him and flung him from the deck. I had to spring immediately to take his place, and all was in such confusion that it was not until we had arrived in port that most of the men realised he was lost. We easily could have all been lost but the wind was blowing us to shore and I knew the sea around there, and with a good crew that did not lose their heads I made brought the ship back in."

"I can see why Lady Hamilton was frightened," Elizabeth said. "It must be very hard on a parent to have a son exposed to such danger."

"But what else is a second son to do?" Captain Hamilton replied. "I am not cut out for the clergy or law. I am sure my parents prefer to see me happy and useful than idle and discontented. Let Richard prepare to run the family property and Henry bury himself in law books. I can better serve my country on a sailing ship than any other way."

And in pleasant conversation they passed the time until the music began and Sir Richard appeared to lead Elizabeth to the dance floor. She smiled to see the rows forming below her. Lady Hamilton had found ten couples and Mr. Darcy was leading Miss Alton to the floor.

The ball passed most successfully. Sir Richard proved himself to be no conversationalist but he could at least dance. Mr. Hamilton was much better, both as a dancer and a talker. While he was not as skilled at story telling as his brother he displayed a considerable depth of intelligence and taste. Captain Hamilton, in his turn, spoke happily of life on ship and enquired after Miss Darcy. He was most happy to hear that her home was now fixed with at Pemberley.

At the supper Elizabeth was seated near Captain Hamilton. Their part of the table was well entertained by him, full of tales of naval campaigns and daring adventures. Georgiana was seated by him and listened with great interest.

After the supper Miss Wright, her spirits high and courage increased by the plentiful refreshments of Lady Hamilton, approached Elizabeth where she was taking a rest from the dancing.

"Now, Mrs. Darcy," she said, "we will have a chance to talk. I must congratulate you on your marriage to Mr. Darcy."

"Thank you."

"Now, what does your father do?"

"He has an estate in Longbourn."

"I see. And your uncles?"

"My Uncle Gardiner is in business in London."

"I see. And your other uncle?"

"Miss Wright, to what purpose are these questions tending?"

"Oh, dear Mrs. Darcy, I just wish to learn all about the woman who was so successful in catching Mr. Darcy. Every woman in the room wonders the secret of your success. Now who was your other uncle?"

"Mr. Philips, my mother's brother-in-law, is an attorney in Meryton. And now I must return your curiosity. Who are your uncles?"

"My uncles?"

"You cannot expect me to remain at a disadvantage in our relationship, Miss Wright. Who are your uncles?"

"My Uncle Wright is a lawyer. And my uncle Alton has an estate in Sussex."

"I see. Mr. Darcy mentioned that your mother has two brothers. What does the other one do?"

"He ... he lives in Havelock, in Cheshire."

"And what does he do, Miss Wright?"

"He is a surgeon."

"I see."

"Excuse me, Mrs. Darcy. ... I must go and speak with Sir Richard. It was lovely talking to you."

Elizabeth could not resist replying "I hope we have a further chance to continue our conversation." Miss Wright fled.

Mr. Darcy then approached. "Mrs. Darcy, may I have this dance?"

"Of course, Mr. Darcy."

When they were dancing Mr. Darcy looked at Elizabeth seriously. "How did you enjoy your conversation with Miss Wright?"

"Oh, it was most interesting. We exchanged details of our families. Tell me, are her and Miss Bingley in any way related?"

They both laughed, and a subtle tension flowed from Elizabeth's body. It was a pleasant ball.

Chapter 3

Posted on Monday, 28 June 1999

The next four days were dominated by a dull, miserable rain, which never let up and made walking impossible. By the fourth day Elizabeth was restless from lack of exercise and the only thing that made the fifth day bearable, when it became obvious the weather was determined to remain the same, was the arrival of letters from Jane and Charlotte.

Jane's, begun after her return from the honeymoon to Netherfield, was entirely as to be expected. She spoke of her felicity, expressed her wonder that she should be so lucky and so happy, said her only sorrow was missing Elizabeth and filled up the spaces with all the little news of Meryton. All of which goes to prove that it is very difficult to write interestingly about happiness.

Charlotte's letter had more to tell, and after reading the first sentence Elizabeth exclaimed "Oh, what news! Charlotte has had a son!"

Mr. Darcy looked up from where he was reading some of his letters.

"A son?"

"Yes, just four days ago." Elizabeth read on. "Both her and the baby are well. He is to be called Lewis.". She smiled. "Mr. Collins must be beside himself. Oh, and Lady Catherine and Miss De Bourgh are both well. Lady Catherine has been most attentive during Charlotte's confinement."

"I am sure she was. This is good news for the Collinses though."

"Mr. Darcy, you should write to Lady Catherine again."

"I shall not."

"There is nothing to be gained by arguing with her and it must be hard on her and Miss De Bourgh."

Mr. Darcy did not reply and Elizabeth was intelligent enough to drop the matter and return to Charlotte's baby.

The next day was dry and thus Sir Richard and his two sons spent the morning shooting with Mr. Darcy. Then they were joined by Lady Hamilton to dine with the Darcys and spend the evening there.

Georgiana was prevailed on to play, despite her shyness. Another author has spoken on the attraction of a pretty girl seated at her instrument, and I doubt not that my readers can easily transfer the idea to a man who had spent much of his adulthood at sea. Captain Hamilton's attention, caught at the ball by Miss Darcy's looks and grace, was more fixed.

When Lady Hamilton distracted Mr. and Mrs. Darcy with conversation he took the chance to approach the performer and congratulate her on her performance.

"You are very kind," Georgiana softly replied.

"You are kind, to play to one who has been so long at sea, where there are no pianos."

Georgiana was unable to think of a reply and he was forced to continue alone. "I have not heard such playing since we were in Venice. Now that is an incredible city, I hope that you see it one day."

And Georgiana listened to his descriptions of the wonders of Italy.

With no greater events than these the next two months passed away. From letters Charlotte and Lewis continued to be well. Georgiana became more accustomed to her sister-in-law's treatment of Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Annesley, no longer required as Miss Darcy's home was fixed with her brother and sister-in-law, found a position taking care of the Darcys' cousin, granddaughter of the Earl of ----. The Hamiltons continued as close friends. Lady Hamilton had begun on a scheme for renovating the local parish school and Mrs. Darcy found sufficient amusement in assisting her. Captain Hamilton was still at home and visited frequently, for sport with Mr. Darcy, to entertain Mrs. and Miss Darcy in their walks and everyone at dinner. He was even able to talk Georgiana into losing some of her shyness with him. Elizabeth saw the attentions he was paying to Georgiana and was pleased by it.

She said so to Mr. Darcy as they were sitting in one of the drawing rooms enjoying each other's company.

"I am glad to see Captain Hamilton being so attentive to Georgiana", she said. "He is an intelligent man who has obviously proved his courage time and time again."

"Captain Hamilton paying attention to Georgiana?" Mr. Darcy paused, turning over his memories. "You are right, he is paying entirely too much attention to her."

"Too much attention? Fitzwilliam, what on earth do you mean?"

"I do not, I cannot think it a good match for her. Were it Mr. Hamilton then that would be one thing, though it is hard to be a Hamilton at the moment, but Captain Hamilton? There is such a difference in fortune between the two."

The colour started in Elizabeth's checks but she forced herself to speak lightly. "Hardly such a difference as there was between Jane and Mr. Bingley, or you and me."

"But there is a difference. Mr. Bingley's and my fortunes are easily large enough to support a family, I never had any thoughts on that issue. But Captain Hamilton? A captain's salary is very low, what has he accumulated in prize money? Nothing, as far as I can tell."

"Georgiana has thirty thousand pounds. They shall hardly be forced to beg in the street," Elizabeth replied.

"But enough to raise a family on?"

"Many have married on a third of the income, and I feel sure that Captain Hamilton will continue to be lucky in war."

"But such a narrow income for Georgiana, compared to what she has been raised to? And Captain Hamilton making prize money is another thing. To be married to a sailor is a hard fate. I know a number of woman, who were pretty and healthy, worn pale and thin by the constant worry and alarms of their life."

"And I have known many women married to perfectly land-bound gentlemen, ministers, lawyers and even merchants, who have grown pale and thin," Elizabeth cried. "Life is dangerous and risk cannot be avoided, whatever you do."

"Still it is hardly the life I could wish for my sister. To have no home of her own, to be constantly on the move, either on board ship or to lodgings in one port or the other. Captain Hamilton may be a great leader of men, but that does not mean he will be a great husband."

"If Georgiana loves Captain Hamilton she will be better off bearing whatever trials may be thrown her way as the wife of a sailor than living without him."

"Then I must hope that Georgiana does not love Captain Hamilton."

"How could you say such things? Captain Hamilton is a fine man."

"Elizabeth, I am sorry. Who can tell how Georgiana's heart will go? I cannot think it a great match for her, but you are right. If she truly feels deep affection for him then they will be happier together and I would not stand in their way. I still must think it a hard life for any woman. I could not wish the exposure to such sorrows as the wife of a sailor must face on my sister. But I cannot face a quarrel with you either."

"Nor I with you," Elizabeth replied with a certain passion in her voice. "And there is no point in us arguing about it. Georgiana must make up her own mind as to the advantages and disadvantages of a match."

And she then turned the conversation to preparations for her family's coming visit.

Chapter Four

Posted on Thursday, 29 July 1999

At last the Bingleys' and Bennets' carriages rolled into sight, and her family was stepping down from their carriages.

Mr. Bennet, who had missed his daughter very much, was the first to step down from his carriage and even greeted Elizabeth with some warmth and Mr. Darcy cordially. He then turned to assist Mrs. Bennet down from the carriage, saying to her "Now Mrs. Bennet we have finally arrived at Pemberley. Does it meet your expectations?"

Mrs. Bennet, who had spent the last few months speaking of little but Mrs. Darcy, the size of Mr. Darcy's income and the splendours of Pemberley, might reasonably be supposed to be inured to them by now. But no, the house and grounds by themselves revived all the awe she had felt for the man at the beginning of her daughter's engagement, and she barely dared to greet her daughter and complement her son-in-law on "such a house, I didn't expect."

Jane, who had by this time left her carriage, ran to Elizabeth and the two embraced one another with all the warmth that long-separated sisters are capable of. The glow of her face showed that her letters did not err in her description of perfect happiness.

"Lizzy", she exclaimed, "It is wonderful ..."

"My," Kitty interrupted, as she exited from the carriage. "What a place. How on earth do you find your way around, Lizzy? I am sure I would be lost within a couple of seconds."

"It is a very well-designed home," Mary said, exiting behind her. "A most pleasing proportion of height and shape. I am glad to see you so well situated, Lizzy."

"And I am glad to see you all again," Lizzy replied, giving an expressive press to Jane's hand. "And you too, Mr. Bingley", she continued, turning to her brother-in-law who had just finished greeting Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Bingley returned her greeting in an affectionate matter and they all entered the house since March was still too cold to spend much time standing around outside.

For two days Mrs. Bennet's spirits had been awed by Pemberley but soon the natural strength of her character began to show again. On hearing that Mr. Hamilton had just returned from London not only with his sister, Alice Hamilton, but with the Honourable Henry Winmer, oldest son of the Viscount of ---, she could barely contain her excitement.

"You must invite him, Lizzy, to the dinner you are having tomorrow, I insist. It would be intolerably rude not to invite him."

"Of course I am inviting him, mama. I can hardly have all the Hamiltons and not their guest."

"Oh, I knew that you would, you are always so good and obliging. Tell me, is he handsome? What income does he have?

"I do not know, mama, I have never met Mr. Winmer. I assume that he is everything a young man should be. Lady Hamilton speaks well of him and he has visited them before apparently."

"Well he must be a very good man. And Mr. Hamilton and Captain Hamilton are coming too? Kitty, sit closer to the fire, I do not want you catching cold. Well I do declare that this is a lovely neighbourhood and I so look forward to meeting Lady Hamilton tomorrow. Will Miss Hamilton be too tired from her voyage to come?"

And in such vein she continued. I cannot hold Mrs. Bennet's hopes in utter contempt however. Considering not only her successes with her already married daughters, but how each engagement had improved over the earlier, surely a future Viscount was not that extraordinary? And Kitty was pretty, not as beautiful as her two oldest sisters, but still a beauty of Meryton.

However foolish or prescient her hopes were Mrs. Bennet spent the whole of the next day in a flutter of nerves. The arrival of the Hamiltons brought no improvement. On one hand Mr. Winmer bowed deeply on his introduction to Miss Kitty, on the other Mrs. Bennet suffered agonies whenever he dared to speak to Miss Hamilton, which he did despite her disapproval. It had not escaped Mrs. Bennet that a long trip from London may result in some affection between a man and a girl, despite the presence of the girl's brother. And Miss Hamilton did nothing to lighten her fears, instead cruelly smiling at Mr. Winmer and even on several occasions having the temerity to address a remark to that young gentleman.

Elizabeth and Mr. Bennet watched the conversation of Lady Hamilton and her mother with interest.

"Mrs. Bennet," Lady Hamilton began, "I am delighted to meet you and your family. We have heard so much about you from Mrs. Darcy. Mrs. Bingley is as beautiful as her reputation. You must be very glad to have two daughters so well settled."

"Thank you," Mrs. Bennet replied. "It was such a great relief to me. Why, at times I was convinced that they would never marry. But when Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy hired the house at Netherfield I was sure that they would make fine husbands, and I was right. It is such a comfort to a mother to have her daughters well married."

"I am sure. I am so glad that James, my second son, over there, is doing well in the Navy. It is a great pleasure to have as many children as I do but you do worry about how the younger sons will be provided for. But James has just been promoted to Captain, and so young. He is just waiting for a ship at the moment, and we have high hopes of hearing something within a few days."

"Pemberley is a lovely house, is it not? It has been in the Darcys for generations. The lands are very extensive. Unfortunately Mr. Bingley does not have a home, he is currently renting a house near my home, but he tells me he is looking for an estate now."

And thus they continued.

Elizabeth had prepared herself for a dull meal with Mr. Darcy at the opposite end of the table and the taciturn Sir Richard seated to her right but Mr. Winmer seated himself on her other side and began by telling her of a great piece of acting in Macbeth he had seen before leaving London, and soon involved her in a deep discussion of the powerful actors they had seen and attempting to pin down what made for a great performance, a futile mission but a fascinating one.

Mrs. Bennet and Lady Hamilton were agreed in finding each other a pleasant, intelligent woman and who am I to criticise the skill of their judgements? They passed the evening talking at each other most contentedly. Mrs. Bennet was at the heights of happiness, able to show off her daughter's home and speak of two other daughters' marriages, to which sources of pleasure Lady Hamilton had added by commenting on Kitty's good looks. And Lady Hamilton had the joy of talking at great length of the doings of her sons, especially her beloved James.

With the Hamiltons, Mr. Stevens, the Bingleys, the Wrights, the Darcys and the Bennets the conversation in the drawing room was very varied and very complicated, I shall restrict myself to giving snatches.

"A very safe trip, ma'am, not fatigued at all . . . my other sister is in Newcastle, she is married to George Wickham . . . My first sea voyage was at fourteen . . .well Mr. Collins proposed to Lizzy first, but I told her, he would do very well for a Miss Lucas but you can do better . . . George Wickham! . . . Miss Catherine, yes she is very pretty, not as good-looking as Mrs. Bingley, . . . lost my temper, only way to make midshipmen take you seriously . . . heard a heavenly concert by . . . very wild, marriage was patched together . . . I am glad to see you have been treating my daughter well, Mr. Darcy . . . Caroline and Louisa are still in London, and are thinking of going to a friend's house for the spring . . . apparently Miss Catherine was as bad . . . Miss Darcy, will you play for us later? . . . so I piled on all sails and gave chase . . . How did the older two become so well-bred . . . I knew Mr. Darcy at Cambridge, gave me the living when it came free, very good of him . . . his father allows him 1000 a year, which I would consider too much for a young man but he carries it well . . . and Mary is very accomplished, adores the piano . . . excellent wine . . . Alice, tell Mrs. Bennet what the latest London fashions are . . . caught her after a good run, boarded, a lovely ship, and . . . Georgiana, will you make the coffee?"

Afterwards Miss Darcy was prevailed on to play, to Mary's vexation, and Miss Hamilton, after whispering firmly to her brother, Captain Hamilton, was requested by him to join Miss Darcy and give them a duet on the harp and piano. Miss Hamilton was not as skilled a player as Miss Darcy but she had taste and intelligence. Mrs. Bennet had cause for concern, Miss Hamilton had become interested in her brother's high-born friend well before the trip back from London. Her mother had cordially invited Mr. Winmer to stay for the whole summer and he had committed himself for the next month at least.

After Miss Darcy and Miss Hamilton had finished their music Mary was content to meet the requests for country dances and the evening was finished with an impromptu dance. To Mrs. Bennet's exasperation Mr. Winmer insisted on dancing first with Elizabeth, then Miss Darcy, then Miss Hamilton, before finally doing his duty and requesting Kitty's hand. However Mr. Darcy established himself forever as a saint by inviting Mr. Winmer to come over the next day to see a new horse that was being trained. She went to bed quite happy with the success of the evening.

Chapter Five

Posted on Friday, 13 August 1999

The next day Georgiana took a solitary morning walk. As she was returning to the house she was surprised to see Captain Hamilton ride up hurriedly. She waited for him and he dismounted beside her.

"Miss Darcy," he said, with a hasty bow. There was an edge to his bearing, a hint of irritation, and Georgiana learnt the reason for this as he continued.

"I have bad news. The navy, after letting me cool my heels for months, suddenly turns around and demands my presence at the other end of the kingdom last week. I must leave tomorrow, and at that I shall have to make a good pace. Typical behaviour."

A groom came running up from the house and Captain Hamilton handed the reins of his horse over.

"Have they given you a ship, Captain Hamilton?"

"Yes, at least that is good. The Thisbe. About time too. You would think that they would want to make full use of all their officers and men at the moment. A 6th rate frigate and a beauty, by all accounts." He paused, and gained some more control over himself.

"The worst of this hurry is that I must cut my acquaintance with you and Mrs. Darcy short. I hope that it will not be another six years before I see you again. Do you expect to go to London in the winter?"

"I think so. I am not sure of my brother's plans but I think so."

"I hope you do. I must be at sea for several months but hopefully I will be able to spend some time in London in the winter. Maybe we shall meet there."

"I would like that," Georgiana ventured.

"You would?" Captain Hamilton stopped before the entrance to Pemberley and turned to her. "Miss Darcy . . ."

"Captain Hamilton," Mr. Bingley's voice rang merrily out. "What a surprise to see you here!" Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy had just walked round from the side of the house. "Have you come to see the new horse?"

Captain Hamilton soon left after. Georgiana watched him go, unsure of her feelings in the matter. There was something to be said for an adventurous life compared to the idleness most young men she knew lived in. But the danger was terrible. Lady Hamilton did not seem to think much of it but Georgiana hoped that he would be alive to come to London. She was still gazing out the window after him when Kitty joined her.

"What a pity Captain Hamilton had to go! He is very handsome, do you think? I wonder what he looks like in a uniform. I am sure that a sailor's uniform is twice as smart as a soldiers."

The next few weeks passed away with no greater events than this. Elizabeth ventured to hold her first ball which was a success in all eyes but her mother's. Mrs. Bennet had quite given up on Mr. Winmer and regarded Miss Hamilton with barely veiled loathing. Captain Hamilton had left and Mr. Hamilton, who was nearly as good as Mr. Winmer once you thought about such things, dared to sprain his ankle two days before the ball.

However even though she had nearly given up on the young men of the country she was willing let Kitty remain when the Bennets would return in a week's time. Possibly, when the younger Hamiltons returned from Oxford, they would be more pleasing. The Bingleys were also to remain a while longer. Mr. Bingley still planned to purchase an estate and he wished to look over some places in the neighbourhood.

Kitty was willing to stay. Life at home had become very dull with first Lydia and then her two older sisters gone away.

On the last week of the Bennets' stay Mr. Darcy lured Elizabeth out for a walk before breakfast together alone.

They walked for a while, not speaking but just admiring the spring flowers and enjoying each other's company. Eventually Mr. Darcy broke the silence.

"Elizabeth, do you still think I should write to Lady Catherine again?"

"She is your aunt."

"That does not excuse the way she spoke of you."

Elizabeth smiled at him. "Did we expect anything different? She injured no one but herself. But she is your family. We must put up with our families. If nothing else it teaches patience."

"There are limits however."

"I am sure your mother would have wanted you to stay on speaking terms with her sister."

"Now you are attacking me through my weak point."

"If I had not already convinced you would you have taken me for this walk?"

Mr. Darcy sighed. "You know me too well. But if I write to her then she will come to visit us."

"A hard fate, but we must bear it with fortitude. I trust I have not polluted the shades of Pemberley too much?"

"No, not too much," Mr. Darcy replied. He caught Elizabeth in his arms. "In fact," he went on, his voice slightly muffled by her neck "I hardly notice you at all."

"Brute," Elizabeth replied with a laugh.

Chapter Six

Posted on Monday, 23 August 1999

Eventually Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and Mary left. Mrs. Bennet was glad to go, while Pemberley was nice, telling Mrs. Philips and Lady Lucas all about Pemberley would be even nicer. And Mary left with several books that Mr. Darcy had loaned her so Mr. Bennet had the hardest leave taking.

A few days later Mr. Bingley returned to Pemberley full of a house that he had never actually seen but had been described to him as perfect in every conceivable way. He entered the drawing room where the ladies were sitting with Lady Hamilton and after making his greetings started into a description of Amis Hall, a place in a nearby parish. Amis Hall had been until recently the home of an old, reclusive widow. On her death it had passed to a nephew who was heavily in debt and wished to sell the place.

"And a large, fine park," Mr. Bingley wound up. "Plenty of good shooting, I am assured, and some of the finest views in Pemberley. Mrs. Bingley, is not this exactly what we have been looking for?"

"It sounds pleasing," Jane replied. "But I would like to see it first. Lady Hamilton, have you been there?"

"Oh yes, but not for many years. Poor Mrs. Peterson, after her husband and son died, within five years of each other, she would not see anyone. Never even invited her nephew to the place, only would see the parson and the doctor. Poor woman, when I came here as a bride her and Mr. Peterson held a ball and we danced till six in the morning, and I could have danced longer, it was such a delightful ball. The late Mr. Darcy was there, and Lady Anne too. Ah, it was such a pretty sight."

"But what do you know about Amis Hall itself?" Kitty asked.

"It has been so many years. I doubt if Mrs. Peterson has decorated for fifteen years, so the inside would be very old-fashioned. It did have lovely grounds though, and a lovely river running by the house, I remember such a grand picnic there one summer. But I do not recall much details, it was so long ago."

"Then we had best go to see it," Elizabeth said. The local school had been very thoroughly renovated and local poor were not providing enough cases of sickness and desperate suffering. She was restless and highly in favour of a visit to Amis Hall.

Her idea was met with immediate approval and in a short period of time it was settled that all the Pemberley party and the Hamiltons would go there in three days time.

The day of the trip arrived and the Hamiltons and Mr. Winmer came to Pemberley for breakfast and then the whole entourage set off for Amis Hall. Amongst all the bustle of leaving Kitty wound up organised into the same carriage as Sir Richard and Lady Hamilton and Mr. Winmer. She would have much preferred to have been in another carriage. Mr. Winmer had not been unpleasant the few times they had danced together but Sir Richard never said a word and Lady Hamilton would talk continuously for the entire trip. It was as she had expected. Sir Richard settled in a corner and never spoke a word while Lady Hamilton babbled on. Kitty leaned back into her corner and left Mr. Winmer to make the few comments that Lady Hamilton required. Eventually she fell into a trance-like state. However she did hear these words.

"Did not Miss Darcy look very well today? Has she not grown since you were here last? James remarked on it very much when he was here. They had not seen each other for six years before that and they were so delighted in each other. And she does play extremely well. Oh, I hope that James will ask Miss Darcy and she will say yes."

"You expect Captain Hamilton and Miss Darcy to marry?"

"Yes, it would be such a good match. You were hardly here, of course, when James was here, so you did not see them together. He left just a few days after you arrived. It was such a pity to see him go, but that is the longest he has been home for years. When he is in England he so seldom comes north but just stays in town. It was such luck that he should be here when Miss Darcy was. I do hope she likes him, he spoke so highly of Miss Darcy to me. It would be such a good match. Miss Darcy has 30,000 pounds as you know. And . . ."

"Miss Darcy has 30,000 pounds?" Mr. Winmer interrupted.

"Yes, of course she is a Darcy. I wish Sir Richard could do so well by our girls but of course it is easier when you only have two children instead of eight. And we are hardly poor, they will have 10,000 apiece. But 30,000 is very nice, of course I would never have James to marry for money, but young couples must have something to live on. It would be very foolish to marry without money on either side, do you agree?"

"Indeed," Mr. Winmer replied.

Lady Hamilton continued on the advantages of the match and Kitty, who had heard similar things from her mother for years, turned her attention to what was out the window.

Eventually the carriages reached Amis Hall. It was a large, old house set at the bottom of a valley. The grounds which they drove through towards the house were rich and green in contrast to the building itself which lurked in a shaded spot.

The caretaker was there to meet them and open up the house. Stepping from her carriage Elizabeth suspected that the inside would also be a disappointment. She resolved to walk through the gardens anyway, wondering that the two would have such a different aspect.

The house was entered and proved not to be perfect in every conceivable way. Even Mr. Bingley's enthusiasm was dampened. The smallness and confusion of the lower rooms lowered it even more. Lady Hamilton admitted the decorations to be ancient and the rooms disorderly but talked long and eloquently on what a skilled renovator could do. She detailed what she would do to every room to remove its disadvantages and listed the very names of the craftsmen to be called upon. If the Bingleys had attempted to carry out half her proposals they would have spent the purchase price of Amis Hall over. However when the clear signs of rising damp were sighted even Lady Hamilton admitted that not all could be solved by a little ingenuity. Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy and Jane were now fully united against it. Mr. Bingley would never had held up long against one of them so when all three of his closest friends were advising him against it he dropped the idea immediately and expressed some mild surprise at his informant for having such strange opinions as to what made a good house. His proposal that they view the gardens before leaving was greeted with more enthusiasm. All had seen the grounds from their carriages and wished to explore more thoroughly, apart from the relief of some exercise before the long journey back.

For a while they walked in a loose group through the shrubbery. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy walked together, as did Mr. and Mrs. Bingley. Sir Richard took what happiness he could from the day by striding rapidly ahead and talking business with his son. And Miss Hamilton soon gained Mr. Winmer's arm and walked slowly, dragging them behind the others. Thus Kitty and Georgiana were left to Lady Hamilton's company. She was engrossed in telling them all she could remember of the Petersons. This left Kitty with plenty of time to her own thoughts. She had seen the ballroom in which a much younger Sir and Lady Richard Hamilton had danced and the rooms in which Mrs. Peterson had lived out her pained and lonely widowhood and even Kitty could not avoid thoughts on the passing of time and how it changed all that was young and gay.

Eventually they reached a break in the surrounding hedges shown a fine view spread before them down the valley, with a snug little village with its steeple nestling in the distance. Lady Hamilton after admiring it briefly called Miss Hamilton to her to point out all the details of the view and Kitty and Georgiana were released. Kitty, still slightly subdued, moved to talk to Mr. Hamilton and Georgiana was left to her own devices.

As it was with Kitty so it was with Georgiana. She too had been caught by the thoughts of the life and love that Mrs. and Mr. Peterson had shared. The sorrow with which Mrs. Peterson had shut herself away with her husband's death was solemn proof of what place he held in her heart. Georgiana wished for the moment to be alone and to think of such favourite poems on the strength of love and the hurry of time that came to mind. A look around her showed an interesting gate leading to a promising looking path and she swiftly took it. Mr. Winmer noticed her heading in that direction. Since the carriage journey he had desired a moment to talk alone with Georgiana. Miss Hamilton was firmly engaged by her mother. His first thought was to follow her at once. But if Miss Hamilton marked that he had gone to follow Georgiana she would leave her mother and hurry after him at once. So he paused, spoke of some small matters to Mr. Hamilton and Miss Bennet and then excused himself, "to explore through that gate there, I wonder if there is a river for fishing."

It took some time for him to sort through the muddle of paths but fortunately he had a good sense of direction. He caught up with Georgiana when she paused in a small glade with an old statue, half covered by ivy.

"Miss Darcy," he said. "What a surprise to meet up with you."

"Mr. Winmer," she replied, bowing her head in return.

"Will you walk back with me?" Mr. Winmer asked. "We should return to the house now."

"Yes," Georgiana answered in a soft voice.

Mr. Winmer offered her his arm and they turned to retrace their steps.

"Are you well, Miss Darcy?" he said. "You seem pensive."

"I am quite well, thank you, sir."

"I am glad Richard persuaded me to come to Derbyshire with him. I have seen Amis Hall. The house is poor but the grounds are very handsome. Almost as fine as Pemberley's."

"They are beautiful."

"It is also pleasant to be with the Hamiltons again. Including Captain Hamilton, although that was brief. I knew him quite well when we were younger." He paused, considering how much he should say. He wanted to say just enough to plant some doubts, not enough to spark Miss Darcy into resistance against him. Start by flattering him, that was the best way.

"I was in company with Captain Hamilton for a while in town, although he was a lieutenant of course then. A very good leader, popular with the men and with that certain charisma that will charm one into ignoring any offence. But not the easiest of men to be always with. A bit arrogant in his ways, incline to have everything arranged to suit him. And if charm did not get him what he wanted then he could be quite short. A habit that stands him well in the navy. Sometimes the only way of getting what you need. But it could make him unpleasant. But that was years ago and he must have grown since then. I see no sign of it now. At least, I did not in the short time between my arrival and his departure."

Georgiana made no reply, her shyness stifling her again. But she heard every word and turned them over in her mind. Mr. Winmer could not look at her face as it was turned downwards. He thus did not dare to say more but turned his conversation to the beauty of the gardens and the skill of the gardeners. He hoped to have said enough to shift her thoughts about Captain Hamilton into a less affectionate course.

They returned to the house to join the others waiting there. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, the last stragglers, eventually joined them. They were greeted by Mr. Bingley with the amused comment: "Did you two find yet another lane to lose your way in again?" and the party departed.

Chapter 7

Posted on Monday, 31 January 2000, at 4 : 27 a.m.

A few days later Kitty sprawled along a couch in one of the drawing rooms and looked around for amusement. Georgiana was practising the piano, Jane was busy with some sewing and Elizabeth was away consulting with the housekeeper.

"What on earth is there to do, Jane?" Kitty complained.

"You could help me with this sewing, Kitty. Miss Darcy would appreciate someone turning the pages for her too as she practises. Or you could read to us when she is done?"

"What book?"

"We are reading Goldsmith at the moment."

"How dull. I don't know how you can get through such a thing, Jane, I'm so sick of books. Why don't the Hamiltons come and visit? Or even the Wrights? Why didn't father let me go to Newcastle? There is absolutely nothing to do."

"Why not come with me, Kitty?" Elizabeth said, having walked into the room in time to hear Kitty's last wail. "I need to visit the poor in the parish today, and I would be happy to have your company."

"That's just as dull as staying here. And the wind's cold today, though it is May. Play me at cards, please Lizzy? Jane, would you join us? Please?"

"I must go, Kitty", Elizabeth said. "Come with me. It will not kill you. And you will have something to do. Plus you will help some people who truly need it. Surely you will like to do that?"

As it happened Kitty would rather not. But it was impossible for her to say so, even to her sisters. She tried another tactic.

"But I can't find my cloak or my boots," she exclaimed. "And my hair would need to be redone."

"I saw a maid brining up your boots when I came down this morning," Jane said, "and your cloak is in your bottom left hand drawer where you put it when we returned from Amis Hall."

"And I can send my maid to redo your hair," Elizabeth added. "Or do you wish to stay and read Goldsmith?"

That did it. Kitty expressed, although in disgruntled tones, her acceptance of her sister's offer and then left the room in search of her boots and cloak. Elizabeth and Jane looked at each other and then laughed before Elizabeth called for her maid and sent her to attend Kitty then went upstairs herself to change. Elizabeth had invited Kitty to come with her not for the pleasure of her company but because she thought it might do her rather silly sister some good. Mrs. Bennet seldom visited Longbourne's poor, preferring to leave that duty to Jane and Elizabeth, and when she had she never required her two youngest daughters to join her. Elizabeth thought that if Kitty saw something of the life of the poor perhaps it would distract her from her own selfish woes and tendency to be peevish when the world did not exactly go her way. Elizabeth was still young.

Kitty eventually reappeared, still sulky, and the two left in the carriage for the village clustered around Mr. Stevens' vicarage. Their journey was enlivened by Kitty's complaints about the jolting of the carriage and the unkindness of their friends not coming to visit them and requests that they do and visit someone, anyone, of their own class. Elizabeth summoned up all her patience to bear this. Eventually they arrived and with some relief she stepped into the open air, gathered her baskets and dispatched the carriage to wait for them at the inn, where the horses could be fed and watered. Kitty, once actually about and exercising, lost much of the irritation she had been suffering from before and to Elizabeth's relief grew more calm and reasonable. Their final visit even made her happy. It was to Mrs. Hudson, an old woman who had, many years before, been a maid at Pemberley and who happily listened to Kitty's minute descriptions of the latest fashions and since her husband had been a tailor, even asked intelligent questions. To be listened to at great length on our most favourite topic makes even the most clear-eyed person warmly inclined towards the listener, and Kitty's heart was completely turned.

When they eventually left the Mrs. Hudson's home the weather had changed and both could feel the closeness of the clouds threatening rain.

"We will never make it back to our carriage in time," Elizabeth said. "I think that cloud will burst any moment. Mr. Stevens' parsonage is that building there, his housekeeper will give us some shelter."

"We had better run," Kitty replied. Elizabeth nodded and the two hurried up the lane to the parsonage. The rain caught them just as they were running up the driveway.

Not only was Mr. Steven's housekeeper there but Mr. Stevens himself was home and had seen them from his study window. They were ushered inside and brought to the study where a small, bright fire was burning. Tea was ordered, a servant sent for the carriage, chairs were brought up close to the fire and Mr. Stevens settled down to entertain them.

The first topic of conversation was what had brought them there and Elizabeth and Mr. Stevens exchanged details of how the villagers were doing.

"Mrs. Hudson is much weaker than when I saw her last," Elizabeth said.

"Yes, she has not moved from her bed for a week. She is growing steadily weaker. I do not expect her to last much longer. Four weeks at the most."

"You mean Mrs. Hudson is dying?" Kitty asked

"Yes," Mr. Stevens replied. "But she is very old and hopes to join her husband," he added, in an attempt to comfort Kitty.

"Oh!" Kitty exclaimed, and then was quiet. The others looked at her with some admiration that the fate of Mrs. Hudson had caught her attention. Kitty herself thought for a moment of Mrs. Hudson's interest and spirits and then restlessly looked around the room for amusement. Eventually Elizabeth exerted herself and asked how Mr. Steven found Walter Scott's Marmion. His reply would have delighted the author and he was soon requested to read some to them.

With an eye to Miss Bennet Mr. Stevens of course read "Young Lochinvar". As he began with the famous verse -

"O Young Lochinar is come out of the west,
Through all the wide Border his steed was the best;
And save his good broadsword he weapons had none,
He rode all unarm'd an he rode all alone.
So faithful in love, and so dauntless in war,
There never was knight like the young Lochinvar" -

Kitty's attention was captured, and by the end of the poem she quoted after Mr. Stevens breathlessly "So daring in love, and so dauntless in war,
have ye e'er heard of gallant like young Lochinvar?"

It may seem odd that Kitty had never encountered it before but Marmion had distressed Lydia and her by its length. They had avoided it with all the industry and eagerness that young girls are capable of. Therefore it should not surprise anyone that Kitty now did a complete revolution, questioned Mr. Stevens at length and was only dissuaded from borrowing most of his poetry collection by Elizabeth pointing out that Mr. Darcy had an eminently respectable one of his own.

The carriage had been waiting for a good time before they eventually left, Kitty shining with enthusiasm for Walter Scott and all his works. Mr. Stevens watched them go, thinking that Kitty was a pretty young girl and her excitement about the discovery of a new author very amusing.

It was misfortune that Kitty should be called from re-reading Lochinvar and thinking of the romantic warrior by a letter from Lydia. It meant that as she read it Mr. Stevens was lurking in the back of her mind.

Dear Kitty, the letter ran,

I am having such fun here. There are balls every week and multitudes of officers here at Newcastle. How horrid that papa should not let you come. Please beg him, and make him let you come. I am having so much fun here, Wickham is so good and kind and he is the handsomest officer there is and all the other wives are jealous of me that I should have such good luck, but I can't help it.

I have a new blue dress and went to a ball last week and danced so much with all the officers. I am sure that if you came I could get you a husband in a fortnight. You will never get one without my help at this rate. What a laugh to think that I am married and soon to be a mother and I am only seventeen, and you are older and can't even get a beau!

Oh, I let my secret out. And I shouldn't have. But why shouldn't I? I went to Mrs. Harvey, who is very old and horrible, but my dear friend Sally said that she was such an expert and I must go to her, and she says that I am expecting. I am sure it will be a son for me and Wickham, and if he is half as handsome as his father twenty years from now all the women will be dropping themselves at his feet. But don't tell anyone, it's to be a deep secret, until later.

I didn't tell you about the blue dress. It is of the loveliest muslin and I have trimmed it with dark red ribbons and added a new sash in the same colour. I wore it with the bonnet I brought last year in Longbourne. What an age ago that was! Davidson said I was the prettiest woman at the ball.

Davidson is such a dear and I must find someone good for him to marry. Come and visit me, Kitty, Papa will surely let you come if you beg him often enough. You will never be able to find a beau in Pemberley, I am sure. You need me to help you and guide you. Make Papa understand. Otherwise you'll be an old maid like Mary.

Your loving sister,

Mrs. George Wickham.

After reading this letter Kitty threw it aside angrily. Slowly she was growing up and becoming independent of her sister. And these constant references to her inability to catch a man made her furious with her sister. She stormed around the room angrily muttering to herself. "As if I'm washed up at eighteen! Lydia only got married because Uncle Gardiner made Wickham marry her, and she would have married the first man that asked her. I'll show her. I'll make a hundred men fall in love with me and reject them all until some high duke, or even a prince, asks me. And then I'll wear a tiara every day and I'll go and visit Lydia and show her I don't need to take the first man who comes along like she did."

She stopped in front of a mirror.

"It's not like I'm not pretty. I don't have Jane's blonde hair, but neither does Lizzy and look what she managed. If Lydia can get a husband, surely I can."

There was a knock on the door. Kitty hastily gathered up the tossed aside books and letter and called out "Come in."

"Excuse me, ma'am. Mr. Stevens is here, and Mrs. Darcy thought you might like to meet him."

Kitty was about to respond angrily, but then smiled. Who better to start with than Mr. Stevens? That bookish man should be easy to make fall in love with her.

"I will come down immediately," she told the maid.

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