The little season was approaching its end as the weather turned cold, wet, and miserable. The unseasonably warm autumn gave way to rain and even occasional sleet.
As Christmas was only a few weeks away and the Bennet sisters were planning to return to Longbourn for the festive season, they made the most of their remaining time in London.
During a visit to the theatre, the party became the subject of considerable scrutiny as word had spread that Darcy was courting Elizabeth. People wondered what was so special about the lady to have captured the interest of the elusive master of Pemberley.
Apart from attending various parties, the sisters spent several days shopping for Christmas presents for their family and friends as well as their staff and tenants. As they now were aware that Netherfield was part of Aunt Mary’s legacy, they even purchased gifts for all at that estate, to be delivered by Mr Phillips. In previous years, Mr Gardiner had arranged for those gifts when the estate was without a tenant.
~T~
During that time, Darcy received a visitor. Charles Bingley came to say goodbye. ‘I am going to take Caroline to York and help her get set up. Afterwards I am going to return to Scarborough.’
‘What will you do?’
‘I expect that I will work in the family business.’ Bingley smiled and squared his shoulders. ‘I am also going to stop pretending I am a gentleman. It seems that there are unwritten rules of which I am ignorant which caused me to harm those ladies. I am going back to a society which I understand and instead become a well-mannered and considerate tradesman.’
Darcy was astonished but pleased to see that this decision had brought about a new level of maturity in his friend. He held out his hand. ‘I wish you well. Write and let me know how you get on.’
‘Perhaps it will be better if I get one of the clerks to write the letter. Then at least you will be able to read my news,’ Bingley replied with a weak chuckle as he shook his friend’s hand. ‘I thank you for everything. Goodbye.’
~T~
Their plan to return to Longbourn caused some dismay amongst the gentlemen until the duchess approached Mr Gardiner.
‘Am I correct in thinking that you are the man I need to see to lease Netherfield?’
‘Yes and no, Lady Isabella. Yes, I and my brother-in-law Phillips administer the estate, but there is no need to lease it. I was thinking of offering it to you and any guests you might wish to invite.
‘Excellent. But in that case, might I reimburse your nieces for the Christmas gifts they bought?’
‘You will have to take that up with them.’
The sisters refused that offer but suggested a compromise. The duchess would buy treats in Meryton for all the tenant children of Netherfield and Longbourn instead.
~T~
Mary was disconcerted. When she had met Colonel Fitzwilliam, she had experienced something she had never believed could happen as it was the stuff of novels and she had been certain that it could never happen in real life.
She had fallen in love at first sight.
Mary had denied that occurrence even to herself. Deciding that a man like Colonel Fitzwilliam could not possibly be interested in her as anything other than perhaps a friend, she could not possibly be in love with him.
But the more time she had spent with the gentleman, she had come to recognise that she had been wrong. For a while it had also appearedthat she was wrong about the Colonel’s interest. He seemed to be quite taken with her and there was nothing platonic about his interest.
Mary had rejoiced and tentatively opened her heart… until he suddenly started to withdraw. He was still attentive when they were in company. They still conversed easily, but there seemed to be a barrier between them. And at times she thought she saw a flicker of pain in his eyes.
~T~
The duchess and the gentlemen had come to tea at Gardiner House to discuss their sojourn to Meryton.
Since the duchess was to be the hostess at Netherfield, she was leading the conversation.
While the discussion flowed, Mary looked around and saw Richard standing by the window furthest from the group looking pensive. She wanted to speak to him but wondered how she could make the approach look natural.
Inspiration struck. She fixed a cup of coffee the way he liked it and carried it to the gentleman. ‘I thought that you might like some coffee, Colonel.’
He took it with a small smile. ‘Thank you, Miss Mary. You are most considerate.’
‘I am also concerned and curious,’ she replied and on the spur of the moment, threw caution to the wind. ‘You have not been quite yourself lately. Can I help in any way?’
