“It seems like a good plan, but it would be aboy.” Grace scowled with distaste for little boys.
“I wonder where she heard that phrase?” Charlotte arched a brow at Lady Elizabeth, who looked back at her with mock innocence, not realising that her comments made in jest about boys to Gracie would be taken literally, making the assembled group laugh again.
After a round of well wishes, hugs, and kisses, the family departed for Bennet Fields. The newlywed Elliots sat in the open landau that the Darcys had provided for them, waving to the citizens of Meryton that lined the street outside All Saints as they headed to the wedding breakfast.
Staring into her husband’s eyes, Charlotte thought about how thankful they were that Grace would be going home with the Gardiners to their Portman Square residence so she would be with them and her friend May until they collected her in a fortnight for their return trip to the parsonage at Pemberley.
With a soft whisper from Jane in Elizabeth’s ear as they discussed their friend and how happy they were for her, the Darcys had put Seaview Cottage at their disposal for their honeymoon. Charlotte had never seen the sea before, and after talking with Jane and Richard, she was convinced that it would be the perfect place for them to start their marriage. When her husband had told his patron that they would be returning directly to Pemberley to resume his duties, Darcy had all but ordered him to take a wedding trip of a fortnight, adding that three weeks would make all of the women in their lives happier.
When they arrived at Bennet Fields, the crowd of revellers hushed as the butler announced, “Mr and Mrs Patrick Elliot.” Charlotte felt her stomach flutter with excitement and she smiled. Now she understood why brides smiled so brightly when they were walking into a wedding breakfast. Being married to a man she loved, she realised that there was no place she wanted to be more. Wherever he was, was her place.
Most of the residents of Meryton had been invited to share in Charlotte’s joy. Sir William still had many friends that were merchants in the town, so the guests were an eclectic mix from peers of the realm down to the local blacksmith and his family.
Lady Elizabeth who had known the citizens of Meryton all of her life treated them no differently now that she was a countess in her own right. Her husband, who was still somewhat uncomfortable in company that he did not know, was far better than he used to be, meaning that the disagreeable, proud, and haughty man that they had met a year before was forever banished.
There was an abundance of titled people at the festive meal, but they had intentionally spread out to spend time with the people they had long known. Those who had spent little or no time in the neighbourhood stayed close to the Earl and Countess of Longbourn so no one felt forced to make conversation with those with whom they were not acquainted. The food was sumptuous, the main dishes and desserts were Charlotte’s, Elliot’s and Gracie’s favourites.
As Charlotte circled the room, she found Jane and Elizabeth sitting together and apprehensively sat down. Their husbands had joined a group of men discussing horses. “M-m-may I ask you some questions?” she worried her lip as she met the eyes of each of her friends.
“Do we need to give you ‘the talk’ Charlotte?” Lizzy teased, her smile fading when she saw her friend blush and nod.
“Are you scared based on your first experience?” Jane asked softly and when Charlotte nodded again, her anger descended in a tidal wave wishing she could exact revenge for her friend. William Collins was saved from the wrath of an angry Bennet sister only because he was no longer alive.
“Thank you, Jane, but no,” Charlotte reached out and took Jane’s hand. “Not scared, but some advice will be wonderful,” she paused and then added, “May I tell you two a secret?” Charlotte asked quietly so only the sisters could hear.
“You know you may tell us anything Charlotte.” Lizzy responded on behalf of both.
“After I allowed that man to consummate the wedding, or attempt to as it may be, I kept finding excuses so I was always indisposed in one way or another. Other than the first time, which was enough to put me off marital relations withhimforever, I was not with that odiferous man again.” Charlotte looked ashamed at her admission that she had shirked her duty as a wife. The sisters were far more relieved it was not as bad as they had feared now that they understood the true intimacy, or lack thereof, involved.
“You know we will never censure you for protecting yourself. If his performance in bed was anything like his dancing, then I believe that not one person would dare to condemn you, Charlotte,” Elizabeth promised quietly.
“If they did, they would anger Lizzy, myself, and Mary. I assure you; you do not want to be the one to anger Mary or Lizzy. Just ask William.” Jane looked directly at Elizabeth who burst into bright laughter as she gripped Charlotte’s hand. “As we discussed previously, it is probable that that man never consummated the marriage fully.”
“Thank you, Eliza, and you Jane. I have felt guilty over my actions. Actually, more ashamed than guilty,” Charlotte owned softly. “If what you surmise is true, so much the better!”
“The only advice I will give you, Charlotte, is what Jane shared with me even before mother talked with Mary and me. Always be honest and open with your husband, about what you enjoy and what you do not. It is obvious he loves you as much as you love him. Even more important, is asking that he does the same; good communication between you is critical. I know people like to think ‘anything they want is fine,’ but that is never true. Honesty is key and will lead to happiness you cannot yet fathom.” Lizzy assessed her friend then sighed in frustration. “Let me guess your late husband tried to do what he did and then left, without even caring if you were ready before he accosted you, am I correct?” Lizzy scowled when Charlotte blushed with mortification as she nodded.
“Tell your Mr Elliot how it was before,” Jane advised her. “He had a love match with his late wife as he now has with you; I would surmise that the depth of his love for you caught him by surprise. I promise you that he will understand, and that your first night with one you love and loves you in return will erase the prior one from your mind.”
“Thank you, both of you.” She hugged each of her friends. “I will follow your advice. Eliza, before I forget, thank you on behalf of my husband and myself for not only the use of Seaview Cottage, but allowing us to overnight at Darcy House tonight to break the journey.” Charlotte stood, feeling a lot better about the night to come and hugged both sisters. Charlotte then spied Lady Madeline Gardiner across the ballroom. “I must go and thank your Aunt Maddie as she has agreed that I may retain Miss Watson as my lady’s maid rather than her returning to work at Dovedale.”
The sisters were glad that they had the chance to talk to Charlotte and help her as they had both been helped by their mother; glad that they could help her look forward to her wedding night with anticipation rather than dread. It was not long after that Charlotte went to the chambers that had been designated for her use to change into her travelling attire. The newlywed Elliots made a circuit of the room to thank everyone for attending the celebration in their honour; then they said a very long goodbye to all of the former and current Bennet sisters and their husbands with a special thanks to Lady Longbourn for hosting the breakfast.
Outside they hugged and kissed their family members. Last was Gracie, who charged into her Mama and Papa’s arms with the demand to have a good wedding trip. While she was upset like an almost six-year-old may be when her parents were leaving without her for a fortnight, she forgot to be when May came and promised her they too would be going home and she would share the new doll house her Papa had brought them to play with. The girls hugged with the excitement that they too would have fun.
“We will not forget your birthday, sweetling. When we get back to Gardiner House, we will celebrate your turning a whole six years old! Why it is almost time to ship you off to school,” Elliot teased, laughing when she got the best of him this time by asking to go if May could come. “We will see you soon, Gracie. Mama and Papa promise you.”
With a final hug and kiss for Grace from both of her parents, they seated themselves and the carriage lurched forward as they started their wedding trip.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
As it happens in life sometimes great celebration is followed by great sorrow. The girls had been taken to Greenlake School a few days prior to the arrival of the missive. It was a sennight after the Elliot’s wedding when the letter arrived.
Lord Longbourn opened the black edged missive, certain that he knew what was written within and it was with a heavy heart that he was proven correct.
Janet’s Well
Surrey
