A Royal Bennet (16 page)

She handed the dog another piece of meat, and
then tore off a piece of the roll with preserves. It was
difficult to say which of the treats Sadie preferred.
She gladly accepted each morsel which was offered to
her. It was not long before Sadie had nuzzled up next
to Elizabeth’s leg, lovingly befriending the young lady.

Sadie was a perfect friend, Elizabeth determined.
She was a good listener, and she appeared to be fond
of Elizabeth. And it would become a morning ritual
for the two of them to meet in this location, sharing a
bit of food before beginning the day. Elizabeth found
it easier to speak of her feelings with Sadie. All of the
fears she was attempting to hide from her family were
easily shared with the beautiful collie. And Sadie
seemed to find Elizabeth to be the perfect
replacement for her lost owner.

Several times over the following weeks, Darcy
would come across Elizabeth and Sadie in their
personal spot, so he decided to give them their time
without interruption. It pleased him to see Elizabeth
building a bond with the dog, and it appeared she was
able to confide in Sadie in a way she could not with
the people who cared for her.

The week following the arrival of the Bennets and
Mrs Gardiner at Pemberley was spent relaxing as
much as possible. Letters were written to many
people, including to Elizabeth’s aunt in Scotland, and
members of the royal family in Brunswick and to
Princess Caroline.

Darcy had a book of the royal families of Europe
and was able to assist Mr Bennet in informing
Elizabeth where she fit in the ranks of royalty.
Though she was considered a minor member, she was
still royalty. Elizabeth’s mother, Constance, had been
the great granddaughter of Ferdinand Albert and
Antoinette Amalie, the parents of Charles I, Duke of
Brunswick. He was the father of Charles II, who was
father of Princess Caroline. Charles I had siblings, one
of which was Albert. Though Albert died young and
before he was married, he had been in love and had
anticipated his vows with his beloved Elizabeth. She
died while giving birth to a son, James Albert, named
for his late father. Orphaned, James was taken in as a
ward by Charles I. James later married to Sophie, and
remained close to Charles II, who had been his
playmate and close friend as a child. James and
Sophie had three daughters and a son, Margaret,
Amalie, Constance, and Albert.

Amalie had died as a child, which was devastating
to the couple. Margaret had married and moved to
Scotland, while Albert was living in Italy. James and
Sophie had both taken ill during an epidemic, dying a
few days apart, when Constance was in her early
teens. Charles II and Princess Augusta saw to the care
of the children, and were especially fond of Constance.

When Constance died giving birth to Elizabeth, the
family discussed the future of the newborn child. It
was a difficult decision, but they felt it best for
Elizabeth to have her remaining parent in her life.
Margaret wrote to Mr Bennet, remembering the child
of her dear sister and wishing to have some
connection with the girl. But she honored Mr
Bennet’s decision to keep the news from his daughter
for the time being, not wishing to complicate
Elizabeth’s life by telling her the truth.

An express arrived one day, as the end of a
fortnight neared since the arrival at Pemberley. The
express was addressed to Elizabeth. With shaking
hands, Elizabeth opened the message.

The letter was from Margaret Walters, informing
Elizabeth of her plans to arrive at Pemberley within
two days of the letter. Margaret was bringing her two
youngest children, a son and a daughter, who were
near Elizabeth’s age. Margaret and her husband,
Robert, had four other children who were grown and
had families of their own. They wished to plan a
holiday for all of their children to meet their cousin.

The following day, a letter arrived from
Elizabeth’s uncle, Albert, welcoming her to the family.
He would not be able to journey to England for some
time, but he looked forward to the day when he could
meet her in person.

When the letter with the royal seal of Brunswick
arrived, Elizabeth’s hands were shaking. Though
Charles II had died several years previously, Princess
Augusta sent a letter declaring her joy in knowing
Constance’s daughter had finally learned of her
heritage. Princess Augusta also stated that she had
informed her children of the news, including Princess
Caroline. Princess Caroline’s daughter, Charlotte, was
living in England, though Caroline rarely had any time
with her daughter.

The staff at Pemberley had no difficulty preparing
more rooms for the new arrivals which were
expected. Darcy had informed Mrs Reynolds of the
possibility shortly after he had returned home. Guest
rooms were prepared and kept readied.

One set of guests Darcy had not expected was the
Bingley family. Charles Bingley and his sisters,
Caroline and Louisa, and Louisa’s husband, Gilbert
Hurst, all arrived the same day as the express from
Margaret. This was not only unexpected, but
undesired. Caroline was determined to become the
next Mrs Darcy, and Mistress of Pemberley. As soon
as she arrived, she began ordering the staff about as if
she was already their mistress. Georgiana was far too
timid to stand up to Caroline, which only confirmed in
Miss Bingley’s mind that she was doing what was
expected of her.

What angered Miss Bingley the most was learning
of the Bennet family and their relations, who were in
trade, staying at Pemberley. Caroline Bingley had a
suspicion that Mr Darcy had feelings for Elizabeth
Bennet, and she would not allow the country nobody
to usurp her as Mistress of Pemberley.

Charles Bingley was shocked, yet pleased, to be
reunited with his dearest angel, Jane Bennet. He had
been extremely disappointed when he left
Netherfield, as he wished to begin courting Jane. But
his sister had convinced him that Jane did not return
his admiration, and that it would be disastrous to not
only Bingley, but his entire family. Caroline insisted
that their parents had worked hard to improve their
family, and they would be disgraced by having Jane
Bennet as part of the family. Reluctantly, Bingley had
allowed his sisters to guide him, as they quickly
removed him to Scarborough, visiting their aunt,
Velda Bingley. They remained there through the
holidays and now, were heading to Town for his
sisters to do their shopping before the season began.

Finding Jane Bennet at Pemberley was a blessing
to Bingley. He was determined to make the most of
the visit at his friend’s estate, and make his feelings
for Jane Bennet known to the young lady. He was
certain she shared his affection. Nothing his sisters
said had truly convinced him of Jane being a fortune
hunter. And no one had ever touched his heart as
Jane had.

The only obstacle Bingley could see was Colonel
Richard Fitzwilliam. Having been together over the
past fortnight, and no prior arrangement with any
other man and Jane Bennet, Richard allowed himself
to enjoy spending time with Elizabeth’s sister. He was
thrilled to find someone who was naturally sweet
natured and good, as Jane was. And she enjoyed
spending time with him.

Jane was also reserved with her feelings towards
Bingley. Though she liked him, she was distrustful of
someone who would allow his sisters to convince him
against his own feelings. If he was so easily swayed to
go against his own beliefs, Jane was unsure if she
wished to enter into marriage with him. For the first
time in her life, Jane was determined to do what was
best for her.
~~ ** ~~

As everyone gathered to dine the evening of the
Bingley family’s arrival, Miss Bingley latched on to
Darcy’s arm with a grip like an octopus holding its
prey. Without checking with Georgiana as to the
seating arrangements, Miss Bingley claimed the place
to the right of Darcy. Elizabeth chuckled to herself as
she took the seat which Georgiana had reserved for
her, which was on Darcy’s left side, with Georgiana on
the left side of Elizabeth.

In the time Elizabeth had been at Pemberley,
Georgiana had taken to the young lady who held her
brother’s heart. Elizabeth was kind to Georgiana,
honestly caring for the girl rather than using the girl
to become close to Darcy. And Georgiana appreciated
the ease which she felt when in Elizabeth’s presence.
Having Elizabeth at her side, Georgiana was certain
she could withstand anything Caroline Bingley had to
dish out.

“Miss Elizabeth, I am surprised to find you staying
here at Pemberley. Mr Darcy had not informed us of
your family being invited here.” Caroline stated.

“The invitation was issued recently, while we
were in Liverpool at the same time. Mr Darcy made
the invitation personally to my family.” Elizabeth
stated calmly.

“I am grateful to not require an invitation to visit
Pemberley, as our family has such a close connection
with the Darcy family. Mr Darcy has always
welcomed our family to his home, have you not, Mr
Darcy?” Caroline reached her hand over, touching
Darcy’s arm.

“Your brother and I have been close since our days
at the university.” Darcy replied sharply. “Charles is
always welcome to visit my homes.”

Elizabeth picked up her napkin and dabbed at her
lips to keep anyone from seeing the mirth she was
feeling at Darcy’s response. It was clear to everyone,
except Miss Bingley, that Darcy was not pleased, nor
did he offer an open ended invitation to Bingley’s
sisters.

“And, as everyone knows, Charles always has me
along, for he knows how important it is to me. I
cannot tolerate being away from the Darcys for very
long, and it has been nearly two months since we
were together. Scarborough has nothing to hold my
interest, not when the likes of Pemberley and the
Darcys are close at hand. Dear Georgiana is so
precious to me, and I long to have a sister such as she.
Louisa and I were speaking just the other day of how
fine it would be to have such a sister as Georgiana.
Charles is quite fond of her as well.”

Elizabeth glanced down the table to where her
sister sat, in private discourse with Bingley.
Oh, yes,
Miss Bingley, I can see how enraptured he is with
Georgiana Darcy. It is clear that he hold no interest in
my sister.
The thought brought a slight chuckle.

“No, no, I was just thinking of something
unrelated. As you were saying, you and Miss Darcy
are quite close?”

“Lizzy, I told you to call me Georgiana.” The girl
said, her voice strong and clear. She was wishing to
make a point to Caroline Bingley.

Caroline did not appreciate the direction the
conversation was taking. She had never been given
consent to refer to Miss Darcy as Georgiana. How was
it that this nobody was now treated so informally?
She glared at Elizabeth, forcing a fake smile on her
lips.

“Yes, well, I would think it to be inappropriate to
refer to Miss Darcy so informally, when she is of a far
superior position to the rest of us. I cannot imagine
referring to the granddaughter of an earl by her given
name.”

Suddenly, Darcy began to laugh aloud. This
quickly turned into a cough, causing Darcy to choke.
A servant stepped closer to the table, though Darcy
held up a hand, motioning the man to hold still. After
several moments, Darcy was able to speak. “Please
forgive me, everyone. I believe I swallowed
something wrong.”

It had been decided to not speak of Elizabeth’s
birthright to the Bingleys. Darcy had hoped to send
them on their way before Elizabeth’s aunt arrived,
though he was certain that Bingley would not leave
without being asked to do so. As good a friend as
Bingley was, Darcy was not prepared to hurt his
friend’s feelings. And seeing Jane’s happiness in
speaking with Bingley, Darcy was not prepared to
separate the two. He knew that Bingley was
concerned of Richard’s behavior, and Bingley would
take being asked to leave as Darcy preferring his
cousin for Miss Bennet.

Dinner finished and the men separated from the
ladies. Miss Bingley stepped over to Georgiana, taking
hold of the girl’s arm as they walked into the music
room. “I cannot wait to hear you play this evening,
Miss Darcy. You are far superior to anyone I have
ever heard play. Your years of training with the very
best masters shines through when you play.”

“Lizzy and I plan to perform the duet we have
been practicing for my brother. He recently
purchased the sheets for me and Lizzy has been
practicing with me.”

“Well, I know you will be the far superior in the
performance, as I have heard Miss Elizabeth play
before.”

Georgiana gasped at the rudeness of the lady. “My
brother has described Lizzy’s performances as some
of the most delightful he has ever heard. She plays
and sings with such feeling.”

Leaning closer to Georgiana, Caroline whispered
to her. “I am sure your brother was being polite, as it
is clear he did not wish to be rude to guests in his
home. But you are far superior, in every way. It must
be difficult having such people staying in your home.
Your brother was far kinder than necessary, after
such a brief acquaintance when we stayed at
Netherfield. He should not be forced to endure such
terrible manners as the Bennets have, not to mention
having the wife of a tradesman in your home.
Obviously, he had no notion they would force their
relations upon you.”

“Miss Bingley, the Bennets and Mrs Gardiner are
our guests. My brother insisted they come here, and
they are welcome to remain here as long as they wish.
They have been very pleasant company and I have
enjoyed coming to know them, especially Lizzy.”