The Pemberley Chronicles (25 page)

"How many more times will I hear that! Oh Jane, I do not mean to upset you, but that is what all of us think; in truth, however, Caroline has grown up before our eyes, and we have not noticed it. I believe that Colonel Fitzwilliam, arriving as he did last Autumn, seeing Caroline after three and a half years, saw the blossoming of a young woman, while we had all been seeing only the child." Jane's eyes widened, "You are quite right, Lizzie; unlike most other people, he has treated her quite differently; he kissed her hand and paid her compliments, like she was a young lady, which she is. Our Mama was engaged at fifteen." Elizabeth agreed but did not wish to be distracted from her cause.

"That may be so, dearest Jane, but our present concerns are rather different. As far as we know, neither our aunt nor our uncle is aware of the situation. They are probably doing as we did, thinking of her as a mere child. Furthermore, we have no notion of Fitzwilliam's feelings in the matter. Does he realise that Caroline's emotions are so deeply engaged? I think not. If he did, would he welcome it?"

"Do you not have any indication of his feelings, Lizzie? I confess I have not paid as much attention to these matters, since having Emma. She takes up most of my time, when she is not asleep. But Lizzie, what about you and Mr Darcy? Have you not observed them more closely? Was there no hint of his feelings?" Jane asked. Elizabeth took some time with her answer, explaining her own inclination to treat some of her observations lightly and adding to that Darcy's reluctance to interfere in his cousin's life.

"We must assume, since our aunt has said nothing to us on the matter, that he has not approached them--and that would explain why he has said nothing directly to Caroline."
Jane looked troubled, and when she spoke, her voice was gentle with sympathy born of her own experience only a few years ago.

"Oh Lizzie, if only Caroline could be spared this sorrow and at such a tender age too." Her kindness and concern were a reflection of her own gentle nature.
The sisters spoke no more about Caroline's unhappy situation, because Mr Bingley returned with young Jonathan, who immediately demanded the attention of both his mother and his aunt, so precluding any further discussion of the subject.
After luncheon, Jane had to go to Emma, and Bingley insisted on showing his sister-in-law-the beautiful display of Spring flowers in Ashford Park. Since moving from Netherfield, he had become far more interested in the grounds and was proud of his success.
As evening approached, Elizabeth grew anxious. Darcy was to join them for dinner. She hoped and prayed that his approaches to Fitzwilliam had not been misunderstood or rebuffed. That would be disastrous. When he did arrive, Elizabeth was surprised by his light-hearted manner. Indeed, Jane pointed out that he seemed perfectly cheerful. "Could it be that all is well, Lizzie?" she asked, hopefully. Elizabeth was impatient to discover the results of his efforts, but Darcy was never one to be hurried, and on this occasion, he was helped by the fact that it was not a matter they could speak of while the servants were about serving dinner. It was, therefore, only after they had withdrawn to the drawing room and Jane had sent the servants away, that he was able to enlighten them.
First, he spoke quietly with Elizabeth, taking the opportunity of Bingley's absence from the room. He told her his meeting with Fitzwilliam had been a good one and there was some news, which he thought they should all hear. Darcy felt it was not fair to expect Jane to keep it from her husband. He had Fitzwilliam's permission to tell them. Jane and Elizabeth could hardly wait to hear what he had to say. Bingley, unaware that that there was anything to be concerned about, returned to the room remarking cheerfully that this was very nice indeed, very much like old times at Netherfield Park.
Darcy waited until his brother-in-law had sat down with his coffee and port, but before he could speak, Bingley asked if anyone was going to sing or play tonight. He wondered if Lizzie could be persuaded. Jane, unable to bear the suspense any longer, touched his arm and said gently but very firmly, "Dearest, Mr Darcy has something important to tell us," and when her husband looked a little surprised, she added, "it concerns Colonel Fitzwilliam."
"Fitzwilliam? Why, what is the matter? Is he unwell, Darcy?" Bingley asked, genuinely concerned.
Darcy confirmed that Fitzwilliam was very well. "He is at this moment at his farm, having his house refurbished. That is where I have spent most of today, and what I have to tell you concerns a matter dear to his heart." Now, even Bingley was interested. Darcy went on, "It also concerns someone for whom we all have great affection--Miss Caroline Gardiner." Bingley was quite taken aback. Darcy revealed that he had visited his cousin and, having apologised for interfering in his personal affairs, had questioned him about his feelings and intentions towards Miss Gardiner. Even as he spoke, Darcy could see the astonishment on the faces of Jane and Bingley. Elizabeth, at least, had been prepared for some of what followed.
After the initial surprise of Darcy's approach, Fitzwilliam had conceded that Elizabeth, as Caroline's cousin and confidante, was entitled to ask what his intentions were towards her. He appreciated that her age and innocence made her vulnerable, though he had immediately asserted that she was in no danger from him. Darcy found it difficult to express Fitzwilliam's concern, except to say that he had not sought such an assurance from him; he was confident of his cousin's honourable conduct.
Fitzwilliam had confided that since last Christmas, he had found himself falling in love with Miss Gardiner. Afraid at first to even admit it to himself, he had feared he would offend her parents, for he recognised that they regarded her as a child--as did everyone else. Jane and Elizabeth exchanged knowing glances as Darcy told of Fitzwilliam's unhappy and largely unsuccessful efforts to suppress his feelings. To make matters considerably worse, he began to suspect that Caroline reciprocated his undeclared feelings; it was apparent on every occasion, every time they met, each time they sang or danced together; all their conversations seemed to make it increasingly obvious, though neither spoke openly of their feelings.
Soon it was clear that it would not be possible to keep it from Mr and Mrs Gardiner. While he feared their disapproval, he had felt a strong sense of duty to be open with them. Fitzwilliam then determined to lay his cards on the table, whatever the consequences. While Caroline was at Pemberley after Georgiana's wedding, he visited the Gardiners and opened his heart to them. Darcy went on, "He says he promised he would do or say nothing without their permission, assuring them that in all things concerning their daughter he would be guided by them. He asked for no marriage settlement, promising rather to settle a part of his own fortune upon her, as soon as they were engaged. He promised also not to press for a marriage date until after her sixteenth birthday. He told me, as he had told them, that he had never loved any other woman as deeply and with such pure affection and begged to be allowed to speak to her, if only to declare his feelings."
By this time, Jane had become quite tearful and held tight to her husband's hand. Elizabeth asked, "What did they say?"
Darcy looked solemn. "They were understandably cautious, because she is so young, and wanted some time to think about it. Meanwhile he has promised not to speak of it to Caroline."
"Oh poor Caroline," said Jane, her voice almost breaking, "and poor, poor Colonel Fitzwilliam, how terrible he must feel." Darcy added that it seemed to him his cousin was relieved that he had been able to confide in him. He had lived with his secret for too long.
Elizabeth broke the silence. "Were my aunt and uncle surprised at his approach?"
Darcy shook his head. "Not entirely. I gather they had had some intimation of the situation. We are not always as successful at hiding our feelings as we may think, Lizzie. I believe, from what Fitzwilliam tells me, that in spite of their reservations, which are entirely on account of their daughter's very tender age, they have assured him of their regard and affection for him. They appreciate very much the discretion he has shown in his behaviour and the honesty and openness of his approach to them. He is convinced that they would make no objection were it not for her extreme youth. They worry about letting her become engaged so young." Jane, despite her tender feelings, was reasonableness itself.
"Surely, there can be no other objection. I cannot see how my aunt and uncle would object to the match, especially as they truly love each other." Darcy replied that he could certainly vouch for Fitzwilliam.
"I have known him all my life; he is undoubtedly very much in love. Every aspect of his behaviour in this matter confirms it." Bingley intervened to say how much he respected and liked Fitzwilliam.
"An absolutely honourable fellow, a perfect gentleman," he said. Darcy smiled, modestly acknowledging the praise heaped upon his cousin, pointing out that there had always been a very good relationship between Fitzwilliam and the entire Gardiner family, with whom he had corresponded regularly for three years while he was away in the East. He was now, in addition, a valued partner in Mr Gardiner's company. Should they be permitted to marry, Darcy said, he felt they would have an excellent foundation for a successful and happy marriage. Elizabeth spoke again. "How soon does Fitzwilliam expect to receive an answer?"
"He is to call on Mr and Mrs Gardiner on Sunday. Lizzie, I have taken the liberty of saying that we will be delighted to invite Misses Caroline and Emily over to Pemberley. We shall have to send a note to Mrs Gardiner tomorrow."
Elizabeth assured him she could find an excuse for an invitation, quite easily, and then asked, almost in jest, "And what of this nonsense about Fitzwilliam joining the Radicals?"
"He did say he had volunteered to assist with the petitions. As you know, he feels very strongly about the lack of leadership from the Parliament, and the petitions are demanding reform. Fitzwilliam has agreed to help with mustering support. I cannot see any danger in that." Darcy laughed and added, "As for being involved in anything more perilous, you can set Caroline's heart at rest on that score; he has no intention of putting his life in any danger. He has much pleasanter plans in mind for the future."
On the long drive back to Pemberley, through the woods that were now dark and silent, Darcy was quite clearly tired, and Elizabeth decided not to return to the subject. He was, for the most part, thoughtful, saying little. She was surprised, when he took her hand and asked in a low voice, so as not to be overheard by the coachman, "Elizabeth, are you pleased with me?"
"Pleased with you, do you mean generally?" she teased, and then, seeing his disappointed expression, she relented and assured him of her complete approval. "I cannot believe that it would have been easy to ask Fitzwilliam all those questions without offending him, yet you've done so well. Of course I am pleased with you, my love. I cannot tell you how glad I am to know that my aunt and uncle are aware of and able to deal with the situation."
"And to deal with it so well, as Fitzwilliam tells it," said Darcy. "For my part, I was concerned to know that my cousin was doing the right thing. I have only the greatest respect and affection for your aunt and uncle and their children. Caroline is especially dear to you, and I was unwilling to leave the situation as it was, without satisfying myself that all was well."
"And do you think all will be well, in the end?" she asked, anxiously. He nodded, "I certainly hope and pray it will," he said, putting an arm around her and drawing her close. And to that prayer, Elizabeth could only say "Amen."

J

Emily and Caroline arrived early on Sunday, looking forward to being back at Pemberley. Emily promptly retired to the gallery. When she grew tired of reading, she liked nothing more than to go out into the long gallery and gaze at the paintings, especially the fabulous Italian collection that was housed in a special place where the light would show the paintings to advantage.

For Caroline, the treasures of Pemberley lay, not in the furniture and accessories, but in the people. She loved hearing the stories of the men and women who had lived there from anyone who had time to tell them. Mrs Reynolds enjoyed telling her stories of three generations of the Darcy family she had known. Fitzwilliam had been amused by her interest, but Darcy encouraged it, happy that some member of the younger generation was interested in the past. He told her all about the eccentric Darcy ancestors, those about whom Mrs Reynolds did not know much or was tactfully silent.

After a very pleasant day, during which both girls had enjoyed being spoilt, they had dressed for dinner and were about to go downstairs, when Elizabeth's maid Jenny hurried upstairs to say that Colonel Fitzwilliam had arrived and was waiting in the sitting room. Darcy went down to him, while Elizabeth had to prepare Caroline for the encounter. She had already reassured her about his intention to help with Mr Cobbett's petition, but now she had to reveal that he had been to see her parents.

Caroline was aghast. She could not have known that there had already been an approach made and so trembled at the thought that their disapproval may mean the end of her dream. "Oh Lizzie, what do you think he has said? Would Mama have been very angry?" she asked, fearful of what may lie in store.

Elizabeth reassured her, "You need have no fears of your Mama; she is the kindest, wisest person I know. Now, come along with me, we must not seem to be dawdling for no good reason."

They went downstairs, and as they reached the door of the sitting room, Darcy appeared and said, "Elizabeth, Caroline, there you are. Fitzwilliam is waiting for you." He said no more, but Elizabeth thought he looked pleased and took that to be a good sign. Caroline almost ran away but, taking her cousin's hand to give her confidence, composed herself quite creditably, before entering the room.

Fitzwilliam was standing at the window, looking out over the West lawn. He turned and smiled, and Elizabeth knew then there would be no heartbreak for young Caroline. Having greeted both of them, he begged her pardon and asked to have a word to Elizabeth. After they had spoken, he returned to Caroline, who was sitting by the fire, and held out both hands to her. Elizabeth left the room, indicating she would be close at hand, if they needed her. She had no desire to intrude upon the moment of joy she knew would follow.