“Another challenge, Mrs. Darcy?”
“Why, yes my dear husband,” she laughed. “Another challenge!”
Gunter’s Tea Shop
After finishing their excursion through Hyde Park, William drove on to Gunter’s Tea shop as planned. Entering the shop, Elizabeth whispered to William, “Is that not your aunt and Lady Gwendolyn sitting near the window?” Just then the women nodded in their direction, as though they had been waiting for the Darcy family. Elizabeth murmured with a bit of amusement, “I wonder how they happen to be here at the same time we are?”
“Indeed,” was all William dryly said before acknowledging the women with his own nod. “Apparently I must never underestimate the abilities of my aunt.”
The table was large enough to accommodate five, and almost immediately the host directed the Darcys to join the two women.
“Nephew, Mrs. Darcy, it is so good to see you this afternoon,” said Lady Eleanor. “Do be seated. And dear Anna, my lovely niece, how nice of your Mama and Papa to bring you here with them today.”
“Aunt, Lady Gwendolyn,” William formally greeted the women while Elizabeth and Anna gave a slight curtsey. As soon as they were all seated, he continued, “Aunt Eleanor, to which of my servants do I owe your presence here today? I had thought our outing was to be a somewhat private affair.”
She waved her hand as though dismissing the notion. “Nephew, you should know that nothing is private, especially when it concerns family.” Her smile was patronising. “Nevertheless, now that you are here, it will give Lady Gwendolyn and me an opportunity to quell any gossip which may be lingering from certain onlookers who would like to disparage your rushed wedding.” To that end, there was another table of women who were obviously engaging in gossip behind their opened fans while looking on in their direction. Withoutacknowledging them, Lady Eleanor continued, “Our meeting here today will make a very good beginning. Do you not agree?”
“Aunt, as you know, I care little for gossip, but I do appreciate your efforts on Elizabeth’s behalf.” He candidly took her hand under the table and squeezed it. “After what my wife has endured over the past weeks, she is deserving of much.”
“Yes, she is.” Lady Eleanor smiled lovingly at her new niece. “Now that we have that little bit settled, let us place our order and continue on with a few preliminary plans for your ball and Lady Gwendolyn’s celebratory dinner.”
“As you wish, Aunt.”
For the next hour, William willed himself to be patient as he listened to Lady Eleanor and Lady Gwendolyn put forth their plans while asking many questions of Elizabeth. It was decided Lady Gwendolyn would host her dinner later in the week and that Lady Eleanor would continue on with preparations for the ball which would take place a week later. Lady Eleanor informed Elizabeth that she had already sent round a note to her Aunt Gardiner and had an appointment scheduled for the three of them to meet with her dressmaker in two days. Though the time would be short, Her Ladyship was determined that Elizabeth’s attire would not be neglected for her grand event. In addition, she expected Elizabeth to spend at least one day with her making calls on various women of importance, and in turn Her Ladyship would be available to receive calls with Elizabeth once William put the knocker on door. Even though they were newly married, she insisted that he not wait too long.
While the adults continued to chat, from time to time Elizabeth would make an effort to interact with Anna, who was perfectly well-behaved enjoying her strawberry ice. The little girl was particularly delighted when Lady Gwendolyn remarked about her pretty dress.
“My dear, it is such a lovely shade of pink.”
Anna smiled sweetly and demurely replied, “Thank you, Your Ladyship. Pink is my favourite colour.”
Lady Eleanor was also pleased, saying she knew the dress would look endearing on her little niece when she had sent it over. By the time they had finished their tea, ices and sweetmeats, much had been decided and Lady Eleanor was satisfied.
“Aunt, Lady Gwendolyn, I thank you for your hospitality,” William cordially said when they were ready to depart. I should like to invite a small party of friends, including the Gardiners, to join us for an evening at the theatre or perhaps a musical event at St. James before we depart for Longbourn. I hope you will both be available, and I shall send over the particulars once the arrangements have been made.”
“Very good, Nephew. I should think a small party of ten or twelve would be delightful, would it not?”
“Yes, Aunt,” he nodded in compliance. “I shall make it so.”
Darcy House
Later That Evening
The Music Room
After finishing their evening meal, William, Elizabeth and Anna settled in the music room for a bit of relaxation before going up to bed. To begin with, since Anna was eager to sing her new song for her Papa, she and Elizabeth happily performed the Welsh ballad,All through the night.Elizabeth sat at the pianoforte and periodically added a bit of harmony to Anna’s angelic voice as she stood poised before her father, singing the lullaby her mother had taught her.
Sleep my child and peace attend thee, All through the night.
Guardian angels God will send thee, All through the night.
Soft the drowsy hours are creeping, Hill and vale through slumber sleeping.
I my loving vigil keeping, All through the night….
All Through the Night ~ Ar Hyd y Nos
Musical Relicks of the Welsh Bards1784
