30. Little Surprises

To all of the faithful readers who have been with this story from the beginning: As someone (I have to go back and find the message) pointed out, the regency of the prince began in February of 1811, so Queen Charlotte, who went with her husband, would not have been involved in affairs during that year and never again thereafter. This means that that part of my story suspends disbelief entirely too much. For this reason I will be going back and reducing all of the year-dates by one year, so that the events of this chapter will take place in December of 1810.

It saddens me when I read the story of George III. I would imagine that it was the hardest on his queen. Many years ago one of my professors, perhaps the smartest man I've ever known, began having issues. Hewas eventually diagnosed with a brain disorder which killed him, but it was a long, grueling decline for a man whowas celebrated for his brilliance and insights.

Chapter 30 – Little Surprises

Catherine and Elizabeth watched with a mixture of bemusement and concern while Bingley paced the ornate rug in the second drawing room at Archer House. The sisters could tell from his mannerisms that he was not preparing to offer marriage, but other than that...?

Taking a deep breath, Charles finally started speaking. The sisters listened in silence as he talked, pitying the poor man as he revealed Caroline's mad intentions. Finally, when he seemed set to have an attack of nerves to rival Fanny Bennet, Catherine stood and stopped him with a gentle hand, "Mr. Bingley, please relax. I believe that I can safely say for both my sister and I that we do not hold Caroline's condition against you." She looked over at Elizabeth, who nodded solemnly in agreement. "I have known for quite some time that she is and has always been her own person, determined to do as she chooses, completely without regard for you or your sister.

"I do not..."

Fanny Bennet, having just learned that her fourth daughter was sequestered in a room with Charles Bingley, hurried down the hall and burst into the room, determined to have her say, "Stop right there, Mr. Bingley! And Lizzy! I am most grievously vexed with you! Have you no compassion whatsoever for my nerves? Kitty, you listen to me: you have two sisters who are now in the nobility. You have access to the very highest of circles in which to catch a husband. Surely you are not considering giving your hand to a man who doesn't even own an estate?! I will not have it!"

Mr. Bingley was pulling away from Catherine, but she wrapped her hand around his arm, "Mama, enough! We already had this discussion and I made myself clear. Mr. Bingley is a good, caring, and true-hearted man. He is everything noble and honorable, despite the fact that he bears no title. Above that, he is the man I love! I would marry Charles Bingley this very moment if he would ask me!"

Catherine colored and everyone else in the room was in shock at this blatant declaration. Fanny's mouth worked like a fish. Elizabeth smiled beatifically. Catherine tried to step away, but this time it was Charles who held on. "Do you truly mean it, Miss Catherine? Despite the truth in your mother's words? You could marry anyone you wanted now."

Sheepishly, Catherine nodded, but then she found her voice and her boldness returned, "You might be right. I could marry anyone... and I choose you."

Fanny moved to intervene, but a strong male hand clasped her shoulder. She watched in horror as the man she had just disparaged turned and knelt before her daughter, "Miss Catherine Bennet, I have long been in love with your beauty, your lively, brave spirit, your talents, and your kind heart. Will you make me the happiest of men and become my wife?"

With tears in her eyes, Catherine beamed as she answered, "Yes, Charles, I will."

"Well then," Mr. Bennet's deep voice interrupted, "I believe that you and I should find a private place in this mausoleum to talk about details, don't you think?" He smiled at his newly-engaged daughter, "Don't worry, my dear. I shall return him to you in one piece... if a little worse for wear."

oOo

Queen Charlotte listened to Reginald's summary of events without comment, never batting an eye at the omissions in his report. She had other sources, sources which had informed her of the sudden and clandestine removal of Sir Hubert Hurst's troublesome sister-in-law... and sources who knew where she had been removed to. With her own husband's issues, she could hardly judge, though there was no comparison. Her George's dedication to duty and his kindness were something she would always remember, while that shrew's blind ambition, biting comments, and petty cruelties were legendary.

There was another, far more nobly born, who had similar traits and who, if reports were accurate, was also seeking to incite strife and petty cruelties. And while she still had the power to insert herself, the Queen intended to do something about it.

Her Majesty knew that the Lords were even now working up the courage in their clubs and smoky back rooms, preparing to take the dangerous step of removing her husband due to his persistent and pestilent mental degeneration. It broke her heart to see her husband so. Theirs had been an arranged marriage, naturally, yet they had worked side-by-side for many decades. He deserved better than this, but she knew that it was not to be.

And so, Queen Charlotte would make two more demonstrations of power before following her husband into what would amount to exile, one private, and one public. "Thank you Reginald. We are gratified that all turned out well in the end. Now, We have two more tasks for you...

oOo

Jane and Elizabeth hugged their sister Mary and then smiled down at her very obvious protrusion, "I'm so happy for you both, my dear sister, and you as well, Ezekiel. Even with my pending wedding, Mama has not stopped speaking of her next grandchild."

Jane gracefully invited the couple to ascend into her home while Elizabeth held her sister's arms in an exaggerated show of support for the pregnant woman. "Catherine and Lydia will be here soon. We didn't expect you until this evening, so they are spending time with Georgiana this morning."

Dr. Ezekiel Jones took on his doctor's persona instantly, "How is she doing? Smoke inhalation can actually be quite dangerous." Nobody had yet shared the truth of the events of that evening, feeling that such matters did not belong in a letter. Elizabeth intended to tell them this evening, though she had no intentions of allowing the information to taint this moment, "Georgie will be fine. Bosun Toliver had the greater exposure, yet he will certainly also recover. When the wedding breakfast is over tomorrow, we are all heading to the a cottage by the sea to enjoy the air."

Mary squeezed her arm, "We suspect that there is more to your story, but we will wait until you are ready. For now, I would like to see your wedding gown." Her sisters, who had known Mary since her birth, were surprised to hear this. Obviously marriage had a softening effect on their younger sister.

Lord Archer met them at the top of the stairs and cheerfully greeted the newest arrivals. When the ladies continued up the stairs, he pulled the doctor off towards his office, "Ezekiel, how is your pharmaceutical enterprise coming along? The Admiralty might just be interested in exploring a standing order with you..."

oOo

That evening, the final night before the wedding, the Archers, Bennets, Gardiners, Fitzwilliams, Jones, Bingleys, and Hursts dined with the Duke and his sister at Darcy House. Darcy had offered to change the venue for the sake of his beleaguered staff, but they seemed quite offended at the notion, so he desisted. Despite all of the discombobulation brought on by multiple relocations and the fire, The staff of Darcy House set a fine table that night, with Georgiana as hostess. If she said little that night due to her aching throat, it was not too apparent to the others.

The Hursts had arrived early, dressed with greater care than the others had seen before and, as soon as Elizabeth arrived, had requested a private meeting with the Duke and the Countess. Once alone in Darcy's office, Lady Hurst smilingly extracted a velvet box from her bag and handed it to her husband. Sir Hubert Hurst, with shoulders thrown back ceremoniously, stepped forward to the couple and extended the box to Elizabeth. With Darcy's assistance, she opened the box and gasped at the exquisite ruby and emerald pendant inside.

"Countess Longbourn," Hurst intoned with great ceremony, "Their Royal Majesties are aware that there are some who still question your elevation and your worthiness to take on the role of Duchess. Therefore, Her Majesty had requested that you accept this pendant and that you wear it during your wedding, at any official functions, and when you sit for your portrait." He paused for effect before continuing, "It was given to her by her brother, the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, in appreciation for her assistance when he first assumed the title. Now she wishes you to have it as a show of her regard. The Strelitz Jewel is well known and will be recognized by those in the highest circles... as will its meaning."

Elizabeth's hands actually shook as she reverently touched the jewel. Her first instinct was to protest that it was too much, but she knew that was impossible. Darcy covered her hands with his and met Hurst's eyes, "We are grateful... and we will ensure that each generation understands the significance of this jewel.

"In addition, Her Majesty has decided to host a gala at St. James House, in two weeks time, and you are requested to attend. She realizes that you intended to be off on your own for at least the next month, but feels that your attendance of this event is important." Not in a position to demure, Darcy and Elizabeth of course agreed.

Once the jewel was safely locked away, the two couples went out to enjoy dinner with their guests.

That night even Fanny Bennet controlled her tongue, mindful of the fact that her most troublesome daughter had elevated her family into the highest of circles. She fully intended to gloat once she returned to Meryton, but here, in this auspicious crowd, she felt overwhelmed. It was, perhaps, for the best. The Earl of Matlock, a man who took great interest in the management of his own properties, began a conversation with Elizabeth about all of her properties. Fanny was never the quickest person, but over the course of the dinner she finally realized who owned Netherfield, and Longbourn, and now properties in another county... none of it made sense. After all, how could Lizzy own all of those properties? And yet...

Mr. Bennet, having heard the same conversation and having watched his wife's growing disquiet, could only smile. Perhaps now Fanny would finally cease her endless complaints about her second daughter and her "hoydenish" ways.

OOo

Whatever introspection might have prompted Fanny's silence during the dinner, on the morning of the wedding there was none of it in evidence. With so many ladies feeling that they had a personal interest in Elizabeth's wedding, she was almost pleading with the clock to move and reach the hour of departure.

Fitzwilliam Darcy, the Duke of Carlisle did his best not to fidget as all eyes shifted back and forth from him to the rear door of Saint Paul's Cathedral. Finally, a signal was given and the huge double doors opened. There she was, his Elizabeth, dressed in a manner that made her look positively angelic as she walked down the aisle on her proud father's arm.

Darcy could not have described the gown that Elizabeth wore, but many others certainly could and did. In fact, the dress was one of the talks of the season, it was described in such detail and so often. All that Elizabeth knew was that it was lovingly designed by her sister and just as lovingly sewn by the Bousette sisters. Even Mama couldn't find anything about it to criticize.

The other talk would be about the very large, spectacular, but still fashionable pendant that the Countess of Longbourn wore, along with several pieces of Darcy jewelry. Those in-the-know recognized it as a piece often worn by Queen Charlotte. Before Elizabeth ever reached the front of the large cathedral, the news had spread to every corner of the vast room. Those inclined to denigrate the match began to re-think their position. Perhaps the Countess was more closely tied to the Crown than they realized? It would be better to remain silent.

Darcy and Elizabeth noticed none of this. They did notice the encouraging and happy gazes of their close family and friends, but all of the remainder of their attention was quite fixed on each other. Their vows were the simple ones provided in the Book of Common Prayer, which was good, because it didn't actually require much of their attention. Darcy did hear when it was time to kiss his bride. Elizabeth later admitted that he did that quite well, though she did encourage further practice.

It was when they moved to depart that the celebration took a turn. Standing in two neat rows stretching from the door and down into the street, sailors dressed in their finest uniforms lined their way. At an order from Commodore Lord Archer, a deep and familiar voice barked, "At Arms!" Swords slid from scabbards and pointed up and in, forming a shining arch. Elizabeth, startled, turned to her husband, who seemed unsurprised. He smiled proudly down at his bride and said, "Shall we, Your Grace?"

With nothing left but to comply, Elizabeth nodded and walked proudly beside her tall, handsome husband underneath the gleaming tunnel of swords. When they reached the end, however, the final two swords lowered, touching together and blocking the couple's way. The Bosun, pushing through the pain of his throat, sang out, "Three cheers for the Her Grace, for the honor of the Fleet!"

Suddenly the air was rent with "Huzzah! Huzzah! Huzzah!" and from the volume, Elizabeth realized that there were many more sailors standing in the street among the watching crowds. The Bosun and his mate returned their swords to the arched position, and Elizabeth would swear that her dear guard dog looked as proud as any father. The Duke untied a hefty pouch full of coins from under his coat and handed it to Archer, then, with a voice loud enough to be heard by all, he said, "These sailors all look too dry, My Lord. I would like them all to raise a glass to my lovely bride, on me."

It is difficult to say which cheer was loudest after that.

oOo

The wedding breakfast, as agreed, was held at Matlock House, and their cooks did them quite proud, though neither the bride nor groom truly noticed. They had to endure endless congratulations from noble and common alike, though all that they really wished for was the chance to depart.

Two notable congratulations should be mentioned, however. The first was the arrival of the Prince, who, with his pending elevation to the highest seat, was both gracious and well-behaved... though he did spend a little too long in kissing the hands of each of the beautiful Bennet (or former Bennet) sisters. He did not linger long, however, and the air seemed somewhat easier to breath on his departure. The other was a couple from Meryton, Sir William Lucas and his lady.

"Capital, capital," Sir William declared in his usual boisterous manner, "Knew that you two belonged together from the very first assembly. As it should be. As it should be." Lady Lucas met the Duchess' eyes and added, "Yes, Your Grace, it is as it should be. I am only sorry that it wasn't always so."

Elizabeth smiled at her best friend's mother and squeezed the contrite woman's hand, "For every season, Lady Lucas. We won't be in Meryton much for the next few years with all that we will need to do... so please take care of Meryton for me. I feel safer knowing that our community is in the best of hands with you and Sir William on-hand. Please send my love to Charlotte."

Any bad feelings from the past were erased in that moment. Elizabeth was confident that, should anything need her attention, Lady Lucas would let her know.

Through the gracious intervention of the dowager and current Lady Archer and Lady Matlock, the way was made clear for the newlyweds to depart. They would spend two days alone in Margate before they would be joined by the others. There was little concern about privacy, as Darcy had leased a house with two floors and fifteen rooms.

oOo

Elizabeth Darcy, Duchess of Carlisle, Countess of Longbourn, lay on her side in the chill morning air, snug in her thick blankets, and contemplated the handsome, sleeping visage of her husband. She remembered well the very first time that she had seen him, at the auction, and then all of the subsequent moments. Then she remembered that horrible moment when she had seen the smoke and heard the gunfire. Yet here he was, only a few months after that first sighting, her husband.

He had been the first man who had ever inspired more than a common interest from her. In fact, he was the first who had ever made her heart race. Even that first time, from a distance. Others might jealously accuse her of fortune-hunting, but in truth she didn't care if this man didn't have a farthing. He was the only man she could ever love and marry.

"It is not considered lady-like to stare," an amused growl came from the direction of her focus.

Elizabeth giggled, "and what of our other activities since we arrived. How might those fit into the idea of lady-like?"

Darcy growled again and suddenly sprung up so that he was above her. Their eyes met and darkened with desire. "Oh, that was all quite lady-like... and even biblical." He leaned down and kissed her hungrily, then pulled back, "Yes, quite biblical."

Any further discussion on etiquette was postponed then until much later.