Page 66 of Master of Netherfield
“Has something happened?” Elizabeth asked. “What is the matter?”
“This day I have received a most interesting letter from Mr Darcy,” he announced and waited a moment though neither daughter said more.
Finally, Elizabeth asked, “Will they return to Netherfield soon?”
“Not to Netherfield immediately, but they come to London this week. Mr Darcy has several obligations with Parliament and the ton he must meet. In his letter he made a suggestion that your mother and I have just discussed at some length.”
“It is an important matter,” Mrs Bennet added.
“What is it, Papa?” asked Jane.
Mr Bennet gazed steadily at his two oldest daughters before he sighed as though these facts caused him pain.
“You know I put little value on the parties and pageantry of the ton in town. But with our connection to the Darcy family now, there are many more avenues open to you both. With Mr Darcy’s position in society, Miss Georgiana will be presented at court in four or five years, and she has expressed the wish that Catherine and Lydia join her that day.”
To be presented at court was the first step for all young women of quality to being accepted into the higher ranks of society. The ceremony required a particular style of gown, and the sponsorship of a lady already accepted in society.
“Mr Darcy believes that to lay the foundation for this future event, the two eldest Miss Bennets should be presented to the queen next month. In another year, Mary will have her presentation and then two years on, Catherine and Lydia will join Miss Georgiana when she is presented to the queen.”
“Presentation at court?” asked Elizabeth. She immediately continued, “We must have a sponsor, Papa. Who do we know that would provide such services?”
“Mr Darcy has corresponded with several connections in London, and he has prevailed upon Lord and Lady Liverpool to sponsor you both for presentation in April.”
“Lord Liverpool?” asked Jane.
“His lordship is Robert Jenkinson, and his wife is the daughter of the Earl of Bristol. They have an impeccable social pedigree.”
“Mamma, what do you say?” asked Jane.
Mrs Bennet smiled as she assured her daughters of her approval. “Mr Darcy is being most generous girls. You will be introduced to many young men with good fortunes.”
“We do not want either of you to rush into marriage but if you meet more young men, you may meet with someone who interests you.”
Elizabeth frowned before she said, “We have small dowries Papa. Why would a lord or rich man want one of us as a wife?”
“Are you without charm or beauty?” Mr Bennet asked seriously. “You are each a virtuous woman who would bring honour and health to your marriage.”
“And now you bring a connection to Mr Darcy,” Mrs Bennet said. “From what your father and other gentlemen say at supper, the King’s ministers will call on Mr Darcy when he is residence in London.”
Jane was deep in thought while Elizabeth worried.
“I should like to be presented Papa,” Jane finally announced. “I have been out in society for five years and have yet to meet an interesting man in Hertfordshire. I do not want to be on the shelf like Miss Lucas or elope with just any young man.”
“You are the loveliest girl in all of Hertfordshire, Jane. I have often told you so!” Mrs Bennet insisted.
“But no young men come to call,” the eldest daughter replied. “I think they are afraid of Mr Darcy.”
“Afraid of Mr Darcy?” asked Elizabeth. “There is no kinder man in the kingdom than Mr Darcy!”
Mr Bennet’s mouth twitched with humour to hear his daughter defend the gentleman. He caught his wife’s eye, and her mouth was firmer than his–she feared her daughter would suffer a broken heart when Mr Darcy had to marry the daughter of a rich lord.
“We shall impose upon Mr and Mrs Gardiner to take you to the modiste and other shops for all the items necessary for presentation at court with Lady Liverpool. I understand that Mrs Gardiner has already made an acquaintance with the lady. The carriage will take you to Gracechurch Street tomorrow and Lady Liverpool will call the following day to begin her preparations.”
“Papa, do we have the funds for these gowns and...” asked Elizabeth.
Mr Bennet’s face grew sour as he explained, “Miss Darcy has insisted that her brother provide the funds necessary. Apparently, Miss Darcy is an extremely wealthy heiress now and her brother intends to indulge her every wish.”
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