Page 42 of Saving Jane
“Macbeth is a political play,” Mr Darcy said as Mr Bennet nodded in agreement.
Elizabeth argued, “I cannot believe that the play was written to curry favour with King James.”
“It was a very different time then,” Darcy responded. “The king’s power was almost unfettered, and men could be imprisoned for their writings or religious beliefs.”
“It took civil war and revolution to begin the ascension of Parliament over the crown,” Mr Bennet added. “My direct ancestor, Captain Malcolm Bennet received this estate from the hand of Charles II for services during the restoration.”
He glanced at Darcy and asked, “You say your estate is named Pemberley. How long has your family held the land?”
“The d’Arcy family came over with the Conqueror, served in the crusades and held different estates. We received the lands around Pemberley from the hand of Henry VII in 1497. It was my grandfather who built the current house sixty years ago.”
“And what are your ambitions, sir?” Mr Bennet asked, noticing Elizabeth’s face when he asked his question. “Do you intend to live on your lands?”
Darcy considered his answer carefully. “I want to help build Great Britain. Once the French are settled with, I must do my best to leave the kingdom stronger for my children and grandchildren.”
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Just as the tea was finished, Georgiana sat up and said, “Forgive me, Mr Bennet, Mrs Gardiner but I must speak with my brother.”
Pulling Mr Darcy to the door, Georgiana whispered into his ear, and he nodded before stepping into the hall.
“Where has Mr Darcy gone in such a hurry?” Mrs Gardiner asked.
Georgiana smiled, “I had forgotten that we brought gifts.”
“Oh Miss Darcy, that is not necessary,” Mrs Gardiner replied but she joined in the delight when Mr Darcy and his footman carried in a large box that held sacks of candies, oranges and a few wrapped gifts.
“Where are your children?” Mr Darcy asked Mrs Gardiner. “My sister picked out gifts for your daughter and babe, while I selected a book of folk tales for young Edward.”
Georgiana had sheet music for Mary, a pretty box for Jane to use for jewellery, and a similar gift for the missing sister. For Elizabeth, Georgiana had a pair of books with the plays of William Shakespeare and a new novel by an author her brother allowed her to read.
“Oh Georgiana, thank you,” Elizabeth replied. “But I have nothing for you today. I sent my gift in the post the other day.”
“Your company today is the best Christmas gift I could receive,” Georgiana replied. “And I was happy to conspire with my brother to arrange this visit.”
“Your brother?”
Nodding her head, Georgiana whispered, “He spoke to your uncle claiming that he worried that my spirits would need to be lifted, and this surprise would please both me and you. But I believe he wanted to see you as much as I did.”
Elizabeth caught Mr Darcy’s eyes just as Georgiana confessed her brother’s role and her smile triggered his own with a wink that left her blushing once again.
Mr Bennet caught the eyes of his brother and sister at different points during the visit but they both smiled serenely and confidently in return at each of his glances, so he sighed and played the role of host and father.
Young Edward and Emily were summoned to receive candies and oranges, as well as the book for Edward and dolls for Emily and the baby. Georgiana was pleased by the gratitude of the children to be remembered.
When time for the tea to end came about, and the guests were bundled up to return to their carriage, Mrs Hill provided heated bricks for the well of the carriage and a basket with biscuits and tarts to last them until supper at an inn hours later along their road.
“We shall write this winter,” Mary assured Georgiana. “Elizabeth and I shall master these new pieces before spring and when next we meet; we shall have that concert you mentioned.”
“Miss Darcy, will you allow me to escort you to your coach?” asked Mr Bennet in his most charming manner. Smiling with delight to benoticed by her friend’s father, Georgiana replied and took Mr Bennet’s arm.
“Lizzy, will you walk out to the carriage with Mr Darcy, so his arm is not bare this afternoon?” her father asked again.
Glancing only at Mr Darcy who smiled and offered his arm, Elizabeth took it and followed her father and Georgiana out into the cold.
“Your family has been most welcoming this afternoon, Miss Elizabeth. I believe I can enjoy the rest of Christmas just remembering today.”
“Your visit is a Christmas gift I shall cherish, Mr Darcy,” Elizabeth replied.
