Page 98 of New World Tea Company
“There are plenty of gossips in England and their tongues wag over new scandals each day. We shall be a footnote in the gossip columns for a single day, no more,” Anne replied as she waved away the man’s concern. “Then our true lives will begin.”
He pressed, “Anne, will you be satisfied with my home? It is small compared to Rosings.”
The young woman replied, “I am cold and alone in these empty halls and rooms. Mother dictates what I wear, what I eat, and what I read. I want to manage our home as I was taught as a girl.”
“I shall venture to Folkstone tomorrow and visit with the parson,” Clarence assured his fiancée. Then I shall visit a bishop in Canterbury to purchase a common license. Then we do not need to wait on the banns to be called on three Sundays. With the common license, the parson at Folkstone will marry us without hesitation.”
“Only four days then, Clarence. I shall look for you on Friday morning. I shall be your wife that night and we shall return to your home to begin our honeymoon.”
~~~
Chapter 46.Visitors at Netherfield
On a Thursday, Fitzwilliam received a letter from his friend Charles Bingley with an invitation for Mr Darcy and his sister to visit Netherfield beginning as soon as the next Friday or Saturday, and the siblings were invited to remain through the whole of May. A second paragraph from Mrs Bingley was included as a note to Miss Darcy with a particular invitation.
Miss Darcy, We should be ever so pleased if you will visit. I have four sisters who will be pleased to meet you. There will music on the pianoforte, books, sewing, and the thousands of things that young ladies must discuss outside of the hearing of the gentlemen. Your future friend, Jane Bingley
~~~
As the large carriage passed along the only street in Meryton, it caught the attention of Mr Jones, the local blacksmith. The man noticed the coat of arms on the side of the coach, but he paid more attention to the matched teams of bay geldings. He also made note of the two horses for hunting foxes and jumping pasture fences following behind the carriage. Each of these powerful hunters were ridden by a stable boy.
When the carriage stopped at the local mercantile, Mr Jones left the livery stable in the capable hands of his eldest son and hurried up the muddy street to speak to the coachman and check over the horses. A gentleman and a much younger lady descended the carriage step and hurried inside the store. The blacksmith noted the valet and older woman who remained seated in the carriage, but he paid them no heed as he drew closer to the box at the front of the carriage to speak to the coachman.
“Jones! Good to see you man,” the coachman called out before he fastened the reins and climbed down.
“Jasper, you’ve come back to Meryton,” observed the blacksmith as the two men shook hands. They spoke about the team of horses harnessed to the carriage.
The Darcy coachman stated, “I will be bringing the team in some morning this next seven days to have their shoes checked.”
“I’ll give ‘em proper care,” Jones affirmed. “How are the shoes on the hunters?”
The two men spent the remainder of the time the Darcy brother and sister were in the mercantile discussing horses, wheels on carriages, and the state of the stables in the neighbourhood.
George Rockland, the proprietor in the mercantile, did not recognize Mr Darcy – he had met the man only once the previous autumn, but he was attentive to the gentleman and his young charge. The shy, young lady had to clear her throat before she could make her request known.
“A double portion of your best tea leaves please,” Georgiana said.
“Would you like them in a single paper or in two?” asked Mr Rockland.
“One paper please.”
The gentleman paid the cost of the tea leaves but allowed the young woman to carry the small parcel back to the carriage. The coachman quickly climbed back into the box but waited to hear Mr Darcy’s signal of rapping the head of his cane on the roof of the coach to set the horses in motion.
“Netherfield is just over three miles from Meryton,” the gentleman reminded his sister. “We shall be there before noon.”
Watching the carriage and passengers pass down the street with the two riding horses following, Mr Jones smiled. ‘Good to see horses that get proper care and feed. Darcy…yes, I remember Mr Darcy and his fine steeds. I hope he stays more than a fortnight and brings other swells to Meryton with horses that need new shoes.’
~~~
It was early afternoon when Charles appeared at the door of the linen room above stairs. In this space, he found his bride as she revised the inventory of the Netherfield sheets and blankets with the assistance of Elizabeth and Mrs Hobbes.
“My dear, I need you to join me at the front door,” announced the young master. “Our visitors have arrived.”
With a sweet smile, Jane agreed to the request, “Certainly, Mr Bingley.”
Mrs Hobbes lowered her head but there was a smile on her face as well to hear the happy voices of her employers. But Elizabeth voiced her confusion, “Visitors?”
“Yes, Elizabeth,” replied Charles. “Fitzwilliam Darcy has come for a visit. My wife informed me that he brings his young sister, Georgiana, and I hope you will help Jane keep them here for a month complete.”
