Chapter 3
Three hours. Lizzy yawned. In truth it was not yet four of the clock, but she was exhausted. She sat on Kitty’s bed and Mary on Lydia’s.
“We need to refresh our appearances. I will fix your hair,” she told her younger sister, who nodded in acceptance. There was no point in Mary offering her the same service, as they both knew she had little talent in the area. Elizabeth merely brushed out her own hair and re-pinned it as best she could. Then led the way downstairs to join her mother and Jane in the drawing room.
Mrs Bennet made the introductions and with that service completed Elizabeth and Mary joined Jane on one of the settees.
“I have sent a footman on to London. The Prince Regent will need to have his men of business here,” Mrs Fitzherbert said. “A second footman has returned to Brighton, the Prince Regent’s secretary, Captain McMahon, was to follow us tomorrow. The Prince Regent cannot disappear for however many days it takes for him to recover his health,” she explained.
Mrs Bennet frowned, “how many men,” she asked.
Mrs Fitzherbert immediately understanding her concern, gave her a gentle smile. “Do not concern yourself Mrs Bennet, we will not need to impose further on your household. Mr Talbot, and Mr Briggit, and the Captain, can be housedin the local inn,” she told her. “They will merely need to be available to the Prince Regent during day light hours. Any matters of business can be arranged then.”
Mrs Bennet’s face cleared, and she looked up expectantly as the door to the drawing room opened. Mr Bennet entered the room, made a bow to the lady and called the doctor in behind him.
“I am sure you wish to have an update from the physician,” he said. “My family and I can excuse ourselves,” he said, raising his eyebrows to indicate to his family that it was time to exit the room.
“No need at this point,” Mrs Fitzherbert said forestalling their leaving. “Dr Montgomery may give me an update with you all present, for it will greatly affect your family and home. If there is any details that he feels are inappropriate to share he can indicate and inform me separately,” she explained.
The physician nodded, “the Prince Regent is comfortable,” he confirmed. “I have given him some medicine, and I can assure you that although the illness came on him suddenly he is in no danger.”
Everyone in the room relaxed on hearing this pronouncement. Their relief showed in various ways. Elizabeth herself, let out a breath, which she had not been aware she was holding. She noticed a tension, which she had not heretofore observed, leave Mrs Fitzherbert’s body. Her father smiled for the first time since the carriages had pulled up outside of Longbourn. And Elizabeth realised, that he had a thought they might be witness to the Prince Regent’s death bed.” Elizabeth was glad that the thought had not crossed her own mind before now. And looking to Jane she knew that her sister would not have been able to present her usual calm front if she had considered this outcome.
The doctor finished with his update, indicated that Mrs Fitzherbert could now visit the Prince Regent. No one was quite sure of the protocol, so everyone was relieved when the physician offered to go with her to the Prince’s chamber.
“I shall have a light repast ready in the morning room when you all return,” Mrs Bennet confirmed. Mr Bennet opened the drawing room door to allow the physician and Mrs Fitzherbert to exit. Hill arrived at the door at the same time and started in surprise to find herself face to face with the master.
“You have an update Hill? He asked.
She bobbed up and down and spoke so everyone could here. “The guest chambers are now ready master,” she confirmed.
Mrs Fitzherbert looked to her companion. Mrs Cavendish raised to her feet. “Mrs Hill, If you would be so kind as to direct me to my room and send my ladies maid to me. Mrs Fitzherbert’s ladies maid should be instructed to meet her Mistress when she has finished the Prince.”
Once the guests had all left the drawing room Mr Bennet sank into a chair. “Well my dears,” he said, looking at his wife and three eldest with an unusual weariness. “I think we have all passed this first test admirably,” he said, a twinkle of mirth coming back to his green eyes, the very match of Elizabeth’s own.
“Indeed,” Mrs Bennet agreed. “The Prince Regent and Mrs Fitzherbert staying at Longbourn,” she said, her eyes wide. “I shall outdo even Sir Lucas with this piece of notice,” she said. Then noting her husband’s frown continued, “after he has departed the area,” she confirmed. Her husband smiled at her and patted her shoulder.
“Of course you shall my dear,” he said.
“What have you been up to Papa,” Elizabeth asked, knowing that her mother had been hosting Mrs Fitzherbertand Jane had been liaising with Mrs Cavendish. Mary and herself had been assisting Hill in the re-arrangement of the family rooms.
“I was banished to the barn,” he said, in a voice of mock seriousness.
“Banished to the barn you say,” Mrs Bennet questioned. “In your own manor?” Then noting the smirk his face now held, she continued. “Oh you, how you delight in vexing me,” she said. “Do you have no compassion for my nerves? Have you no idea what I have suffered?”
Her husband took her hand and in a rarely seen sign of affection he raised her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers. “Oh you,” she said blushing. Elizabeth suppressed a laugh, and Jane and Mary both blushed like their mother.
“Well girls, what accommodation have you left for our poor family?” Mr Bennet questioned. Both parents were well pleased to be informed that they would each continue to have a bed chamber to themselves.
“Well done girls,” Mr Bennet praised, looking at each daughter separately to acknowledge each one’s contribution. Elizabeth saw him notice Mary’s smile at the recognition and she saw how the smile lit up her often-serious countenance.
Each took one more moment to relax before Mrs Bennet got to her feet. “Well, I for one cannot sit around chattering,” she said. “I must arrange a repast,” she said. “And oh dear,” she placed a hand on her chest for a moment.” There is not a thing in the house which would be a suitable dinner for the Prince Regent.”
Mr Bennet likewise got to his feet and patted her back. “Do not concern yourself my dear. I am sure that the royal household is far from expecting the distinction of rank to be available in the dining room of our modest estate. He will not expect the equal of the royal court,” Mrs Bennet lookedmortified for a moment, but her husband continued. “And you have oft been famed for having the most bountiful table in all of Hertfordshire,” Mrs Bennet seemed modified by this confirmation.
