“I received a note from Aunt Hildebrand which I think you should read. What say you we swap them and we can each see the news the other wanted to impart?” Louisa suggested.
Bennet agreed and after he joined his wife on the settee between the windows, they gave each other the missive they had.
While his wife exclaimed with pleasure at the news in Phillips’s message, Bennet read the one from his new aunt.
31 October 1811
Netherfield Park
Lulu and Thomas,
An epistle arrived fromformerColonel Fitzwilliam yesterevening.
He made a request that his parents, brother and sister-in-law, and his cousin, Miss Anne de Bourgh, along with her companion, be hosted at Netherfield Park.
According to the now Mr Fitzwilliam, they are all very keen to meet the lady (Mary) who inspired him to resign from the army.
I assume they will arrive later today. If you two are willing to attend, I am planning a family dinner to welcome them on the morrow. I know that it is only a day more than a sennight since you married, so if you two chuse to remain sequestered at Longbourn, I will understand.
I must take this opportunity to tell you how it did my heart so good to see how happy you two aretogether. When I saw you at St Hugh’s, I did not want to intrude on the cocoon of your love in any way. It is why, other than to greet you, I said nothing else.
My prayer is that you two will have many years of making one another happy. If He grants you children, then so be it.
If I do not receive a reply from you, I will assume you have chosen not to go out into a larger group yet.
With warmest regards,
Aunt Hildebrand
“I assume this means that Fitzwilliam has requested a courtship from Mary and has been accepted. If it was more than that, Phillips would have communicated it. I wonder if Darcy has taken the bull by the horns yet or if he is still holding back,” Bennet stated.
“It is a good thing that Mr Darcy does not assume that Lizzy will fall at his feet because of his wealth and position in society. What say you about the dinner, Thomas? Can you stand being in the company of others for a few hours?”
“As long as you would like to go as well, I will agree. Lulu, as much as I like being sequestered with you, I do not object to seeing our daughters or any of the rest of those who will be present.” Bennet saw the way his wife arched her eyebrows at his saying ‘our daughters’. “Do not look at me so. The day you married me, you became their stepmother, even if they will not address you as Mama.”
“Yes, I suppose, technically you are correct.” Louisa beamed at her husband and then became more subdued. “Do you think I should wear a veil?”
“Absolutely not! There is no reason to hide your beauty. Do not forget, you will be among family, and I am sureFitzwilliam has told his family you have a birthmark. Besides that, should they insult you, they insult me and all of my daughters. That being said, I do not believe it will be an issue. These are people of class and education. If the reactions of the Darcys and Fitzwilliam are a predictor, there is nothing for us to be concerned about.”
Louisa could not but kiss her husband languidly. She had not imagined she could love as deeply as she loved Thomas. “I will write a note accepting the invitation for dinner, and if you have completed your work, I think we should retire.”
Bennet would never deny his Lulu anything, especially not when her desires aligned so closely with his own.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
After being greeted by Miss Bingley, as well as Darcy and Anna, except for Fitzwilliam, the new arrivals followed the housekeeper up to their suites. Although he needed to wash and change, the former colonel could not go to his chamber until he saw Mary.
On entering the drawing room, he saw Bingley sitting in close conversation with Miss Bennet; Darcy made directly for Miss Elizabeth, his face suffused with joy when he saw her. Based on what he was seeing, Fitzwilliam was certain that Darcy had worked up the courage and asked for, and been granted, a courtship with Miss Elizabeth. Miss Bingley had returned from welcoming the guests and sat down again and resumed her sewing. Two of the companions, Mrs Dudley and Miss Jones, were acting as chaperones in addition to Miss Bingley.
He did not see Mary or the younger girls; even Anna, whom he had seen minutes before, was not present. Then, he heard the sound of the pianoforte from the music room accompanied by some string instruments. He saw Miss Bingley cock her head in the direction of that room, but by then,Fitzwilliam was already on his way there.
Mary was not playing, rather she was assisting Anna with a piece the latter was learning while Miss Kate and Miss Lydia were readying their cello and violin respectively. Mrs Annesley was seated close by with her knitting. Fitzwilliam smiled at the picture before him.
He grinned when he realised he had not told Father or Andy about Miss Lydia’s prowess at chess. His thoughts were interrupted when Mary looked up and saw him, and her face shone like the rising sun as she smiled widely. All thoughts of his father and brother connected to chess flew from his head at that moment.
The other three girls ceased their playing of their respective instruments as they watched the courting couple close the distance between them.
Had Fitzwilliam not caught himself, he would have pulled Mary into a hug and kissed her soundly. Now that he knew he loved this woman, he would have proposed to her then and there, but he did not want to pressure her and be excessively hasty. After all, since she accepted his request for a courtship, this was the first time he was again in her company.
