CHAPTER ONE
AN UNFORTUNATE BEGINNING
London
The Gardiners’ Carriage
Monday, 3 June 1811
“Aunt Gardiner,” Elizabeth said with enthusiasm, “I cannot believe how many splendid events I have attended with you and Uncle since coming to Town! This week will be no exception, with tea at Gunter’s this afternoon, the theatre tomorrow, an assembly on Wednesday and Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner party on Friday. My head is spinning, and we still have more outings next week before Lady Eleanor’s charity ball on Friday. I pray that the new gowns you ordered for me will not require too many adjustments.”
“Lizzy, you must not fret. My dressmaker is one of the best, and I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised during our appointment today.”
“Of that I have no doubt.” Elizabeth smiled, but became serious as she continued, “Aunt, there really was no need to purchase two gowns for the remainder of the social season; one would have been sufficient. New laces and ribbons would haveeasily improved the ones I brought from Longbourn. It is way beyond what Papa can afford, and I hate being a burden to you and Uncle after you have done so much for me these two months.”
“My dear, you are never a burden. The Demings have seen to Jane’s attire, and I shall continue to see to yours. That was our agreement when your parents sent you and Jane here to take part in society.”
“You are both far too generous, and I know Jane feels the same way.” She smiled affectionately. “I love you and Uncle and the Demings all the more for wanting to look after us, given Papa’s illness. It was kind of Lady Deming to invite us to Gunter’s, and it will be good to catch up with Jane and Eleanor and Eliza after our appointment. I have not heard from Jane since last week and cannot wait to find out if Mr. Bingley has called again.” Elizabeth let out a little giggle. “I believe she is quite taken with the gentleman.”
“Mr. Bingley would be a fine match for your sister. His father and Edward were partners in several ventures at one time. ‘Tis unfortunate the elder Bingley is no longer living. Edward says he had an excellent head for business, and I suspect his son is much the same. I only hope Mr. Bingley will not find it too difficult to leave behind his roots in trade and become a landowner. It was one of his father’s greatest wishes.”
“I was not aware. Surely he has considered the fact that Jane is the daughter of a gentleman.” Elizabeth shrugged, saying, “Even with her lack of portion, Papa’s status as a country squire would certainly be beneficial if they were to marry. Hopefully Mama will not distress Mr. Bingley with her enthusiasm when she comes to Town next week. She is quite determined to see all of us engaged as soon as possible.”
“I understand, and I shall do what I can to hold back her ‘enthusiasm’with regard to Mr. Bingley.”
Elizabeth smiled at her aunt’s remark. “Thank you, Aunt Maddie. Mama thinks highly of your opinions. I know she would not wish to spoil Jane’s chances with the gentleman.”
Earlier in the year, Mr. Thomas Bennet suffered a collapse that was deemed heart-related by the local physician. At that time he was not expected to live long. Although he did rally some, Mrs. Bennet was beside herself with worry over five unmarried daughters and her husband’s estate being entailed to a distant cousin.
Mr. William Collins, eager to claim his inheritance, came directly to Longbourn on hearing of Mr. Bennet’s troubles and continued to make regular visits in order to keep abreast of his benefactor’s condition. Although one might expect it, no olive branch was offered to the women of the house. Mr. Collins was a poor clergyman, holding only a pittance of a land glebe and very little sustainable tithe from his parishioners.
“Mrs. Bennet,”he had said,“I am not an unreasonable man, but having suffered in my chosen position, you cannot possibly expect me to support a full house of women upon inheriting. If anything, it will be necessary for me to seek out a woman with a substantial dowry to run my household and be my future companion in life.”
Several years back Mr. Collins had the prospect of being the prestigious rector of Hunsford Parish in Kent. That position, however, was given to another at the recommendation of Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s new son-in-law. To this day, Mr. Collins remained disgruntled over his loss. Moreover, because of his suffering, he would never allow himself to be taken advantage of by needy relatives who would infringe upon his inheritance.
Knowing this not only caused Mrs. Bennet more grief, but prompted her to send out pleas for help to her closest relatives. To her relief, Lady Deming had offered to sponsor Jane for the current season and the Gardiners had done the same forElizabeth. Lady Deming was the twin sister of Mr. Bennet and had married very well in her youth. Her husband, Lord Walter Deming, had been a wealthy baron with property not far from London. He was a widower with a small son whom she had grown to love as her own. Sadly, Lord Deming died unexpectedly a little over a year ago. His son, Nicholas, having graduated university some two years prior to his father’s death, was currently managing the estate. As young Deming was now in search of a wife, it was no burden for him to escort his stepsisters and Bennet cousins to many popular events during the current season.
Eleanor, the eldest of the Deming girls, was a few months older than Jane and similar in deportment and in disposition. She was named after her mother’s good friend Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam, the countess of Matlock. Her younger sister, Eliza, was surprisingly quite the opposite. She and Elizabeth had been given their first names in honour of the Bennet matriarch, Grandmother Elizabeth Rose. Because the two cousins were born within mere days of each other, the coincidence in name did not surface until later. So as not to confuse the girls, Elizabeth Deming was called Eliza. Interestingly, the girls looked remarkably alike and from a distance might have been mistaken for twins, were it not for their characters. Where Elizabeth was clever and informed, Eliza was often foolish and full of mischief.
“Elizabeth,” said Mrs. Gardiner, “with Jane having a potentialbeau, and with Mary having recently entered into a courtship with your Uncle Philips’ clerk, I hope you do not feel discouraged with your prospects.”
“Not in the least, Aunt. I am very happy for Jane and Mary. While Jane has not known Mr. Bingley long enough for him to make a proper declaration, Mary is fortunate to have found aman she respects and who is willing to court her considering our current difficulties.”
Mary, the middle sister of the Bennet five, had formed a friendship with Mr. Edmund Barton some months before Mr. Bennet’s collapse. In spite of the impending gloom, he had asked Mr. Bennet if he could court Mary. Even though a clerk’s salary would not be enough to support Mrs. Bennet or any of the other girls once Mr. Bennet was gone, Mrs. Bennet was pleased at the prospect of having one daughter happily settled.
“I am glad to hear you remain optimistic, Lizzy. In truth, I had high hopes for Mr. Bastable. ‘Tis a pity he could not overlook your lack of portion when he has such a thriving business.”
“Yes, a great pity,” Elizabeth said playfully. “Actually, I found Mr. Bastable quite knowledgeable about many things and he often enjoyed discussing a good book. Surprisingly, he was also willing to share many insights about his business. Still….” She shrugged. “Even if he was to offer for me, I felt nothing here.” She lightly placed her hand over her heart. “He did not stir my sensibilities in the least. Aunt, while it is unlikely, I do wish to marry for love or at the very least for the possibility that love might someday grow between me and my intended.”
“I understand.” Mrs. Gardiner squeezed her niece’s hand.” You are passionate about many things, and it would be hard not to marry someone who can share in your unique gifts. Perhaps Lady Gwendolyn’s dinner party will prove to be promising. I understand there will be many guests in attendance who are of like mind, and several gentlemen who are not married.”
Elizabeth chuckled saying, “Yes, I am well aware.”
Madeline Gardiner, being one of the leaders in the trade community, had often assisted with many of the same charities which were sponsored by Lady Eleanor Fitzwilliam. It was through Her Ladyship that the women first met LadyGwendolyn Talbot at a lecture sponsored by several of her bluestocking friends.
“My dear, Lady Gwendolyn has been quite taken with you ever since we were first invited to one of her gatherings. I cannot help but feel encouraged about her upcoming dinner.”
“Aunt, you give me far too much credit. I am nothing more than an impertinent woman who is not shy when sharing her opinions.”
