The Bingleys were looking forward to the little season as it would be the first time that their friends the Darcys and the Fitzwilliam family would be back in town since the Earl was murdered. They had been in contact via correspondence and Martha knew from Anne Darcy that although the Fitzwilliams were healing, there was still a long way to go.
Charles Bingley had enjoyed his grand tour, taking a similar path that his friend Darcy had. He, too, did not go into French territory as the Terror was still ongoing; it seemed that the murder of the King, Queen, and most of their children had not been enough to slake the bloodlust that had been unleashed in that country. Charles believed that he was very much in love with the angel that was Jane Bennet, but he had been disappointed at her tepid reaction to his return. Her welcome had been that of a sister, not someone who looked on him as a potential mate.
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
Jane had been with the Gardiners for just over a week when one morning she took Lilly and Eddy for a walk to Hyde Park, accompanied by the nursemaid and two footmen. As Jane stepped out of the house, Lilly called her, and she turned her head and did not notice the gentleman who himself seemed distracted until she bumped into him.
“Excuse me sir, I was not paying attention. I beg your pardon,” Jane curtsied and then looked up into the greenest eyes she had ever seen surrounded by the most handsome face she had ever beheld.
“I am at fault, madam,” the gentleman bowed to her.“Business drew me to Town at this time of the year and I was preoccupied; I should have been looking,” he stated as looked at the most beautiful women that he had ever had the pleasure of viewing.
“If you will excuse us sir, I am taking my cousins to Hyde Park and we will be on our way,” Jane curtsied again and started to turn when she felt a gentle touch on her arm.
“I am walking that way as well madam; if you will allow it, I would walk with you and your cousins,” he said as he smiled at Lilly and Eddy.
“We have not been introduced sir, it would not be proper,” she returned with a challenging look.
“I suppose that society would fall if we introduced ourselves without a third party to do the honours,” he challenged her right back.
“Possibly it would,” was Jane’s impertinent response. He was becoming fascinated by the beauty as she seemed so much more than just her looks.“Let us test and see if we cause the end of society as we know it. That young lady is Miss Lilly Gardiner,” Lilly curtsied,“next to her is Master Edward Gardiner, Junior,” Eddy did his best impression of a bow, and I am Miss Jane Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire. With whom do we have the honour of speaking?”
“Well met Miss Gardiner, Master Gardiner, and Miss Bennet,” he bowed to each in turn. I am Lord Peregrine Rhys-Davies, the Duke of Bedford.” Jane received a deep bow.“Now that we are introduced, may I accompany you until we reach the park?”
“Your Grace, I have no objection, but you must know that my Uncle Gardiner is in trade in case you do not desire to associate with those connected to trade,” Jane said with her head down not wanting to see the look of derision that she expected. Hearing the man laugh was not what she expected.“Do you mock me, your Grace?” she shot at him her steely resolve coming to the fore.
“Not at all, Miss Bennet,” Perry said as he dried his eyes,“Not only am I in business with Mr Gardiner, but I am myself in trade. We own ships.”
“The Duke of Bedford!” It hit Jane.“You own Dennington Lines and are in partnership with Uncle Edward.” The Duke nodded; his mirth still evident on his face.“Please accept my apologies, your Grace, I am used to the way that many in the Ton disdain anyone connected to trade, and I assumed that would be true for you as well,” Jane responded contritely.
“Does that mean that I am a suitable candidate to walk with you and your cousins?” Perry asked with raised eyebrows.
“Yes, your Grace, I believe that you are.” Jane blushed just a little and it was not missed by Perry, who was finding the young lady more and more fascinating. She had not fawned when she found out she was addressing a duke; she had challenged him. He would have to visit his business partner more often until he returned to Longfield Meadows in a fortnight.
“Have you been to Drury Lane to see a show since you have been in Town, Miss Bennet?” he inquired.
“No, your Grace, I am not out for another year or so,” she responded blushing a little more than before.
“If I invite your Aunt and Uncle there would be no issue with them bringing their niece now would there?” Perry asked with a boyish grin on his face.
“No, I suppose that there would not,” Jane returned. She had a feeling that this man was fascinating, but he would never be interested in the untitled daughter of a gentleman that spent most of his time in the country, could he?
~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~
October 1805
“I do not feel ready to face London society yet,” Elaine told her son and daughters one evening after dinner.“I am still in full mourning and although I would not attend any soirees or balls, it is just too early for me. So Andrew, you and Marie take Anne and Lizzy and go with the Darcys; I will be well here at Snowhaven.”
“If mama is not going, then neither will I,” Elizabeth stated emphatically.
“That goes for me as well,” Anne said.
“Anne you are to come out!” Elaine exclaimed.
“Not without you, mother, I would rather wait and haveallof my family with me. I would not be the first debutante who was twenty,” Anne replied and from her tone no one doubted her sincerity and resolve.
“Just because I do not feel ready to face society it does not mean that you should not. Lizzy, you were looking forward to going to see the new exhibit from Egypt atMontagu House, and you were to finally play a game against Mr Bennet in the flesh,” Elaine protested.
“As the head of the family, I have decided that we will all stay and when we go to London, we will go as a family!” Andrew stated earning a nod of agreement from Marie.
