William kissed the top of her head and continued driving his curricle. “It was a good day. You will have many more ‘best days’ in the future, I promise. I will have my own adventures during my Grand Tour and I will miss you but I will write to you often. You must save all of your adventures by writing them down for me and we will have more together when I return. Sleep, dear one. I will wake you when we are home.”
Lizzy slept, leaning against her dear friend, and dreamt of the exciting day she had all over again.
~*~
“Did you have a good time, Lizzy?” Mr. Bennet asked her daughter while Mrs. Bennet was preparing for their theatre outing.
Lizzy grinned, “Yes, papa. I had read about horse races before but it was incredible to be there myself and see all of the exciting activities all around me.” She hugged her father and kissed his cheek. “Thank you for allowing me to go, papa. I know girls are not allowed at such a place but dressed as a boy, I was able to walk anywhere I wished and no one guessed that I was in disguise.”
Mr. Bennet chuckled, “Your mama nearly fainted when she saw you and even with such a costume, you could not fool your own mother, but you did pass well enough with that hat that William found. Did you see many ladies there?”
“Oh, yes, there were ladies finely dressed with large hats and beautiful dresses but they were very quiet and did not cheer like I wished. I did yell out and everyone looked at me but Will laughed and said I was a silly boy. I hope we have another outing again before Will returns to Cambridge. He will be at school for his final term and then head to Donwell Abbey to Mr. Knightley’s home in Highbury. He will be gone for years and I will miss him so much, papa.” Lizzy pouted.
“He will have a fortnight at Netherfield before heading south, my dear. And then you will be off to Ramsgate with the Darcys this autumn. Your adventures will not cease and I am certain he will write you as often as he can and you can continue writing your book.” He smiled. “You will be kept quite busy and time will pass.”
Lizzy sighed, “I hope so. I enjoy Will’s company above all others and I will be dreadfully sad without him. He is my friend and teacher and the only one who allows me the freedom to do what I want. I wish I could go to the theatre with you and mama. I don’t understand why girls have to wait until they are out.”
Mr. Bennet smiled and kissed her temple. “Those are the rules of society, unfortunately, but perhaps we might consider having you out earlier so we can take you when you are older. Jane is insistent that she wishes to be out at seventeen because she does not wish to think of marriage until she is older. But you, Lizzy, since I know you are not interested in the marriage market, would you be willing to be out at fifteen with Jane? Your mama will have to agree but if we have you out earlier, you will be able to attend balls and parties and theatres with your sister. Jane will be comforted with having you near her and you will enjoy seeing what entertainments are offered to debutantes.”
“That would be wonderful, papa!” Lizzy exclaimed. “I think fifteen is too early to be out but since I will never marry, I am eager to attend outings and not worry about being in disguise.”
“Let us decide when we are closer to that age.” Mr. Bennet laughed. “We still have two full years until then! How about if I take you to the docks tomorrow? I will be returning home in three days and we will have our entertainment to amuse us for months, and I will even allow you to dress in your new clothes tomorrow. I promise we will make more adventures together after William leaves for his tour. I know you will miss him dearly but with Jane and Georgiana and your younger sisters to entertain you, you will have much to do.”
Lizzy jumped up in excitement and clapped her hands. “Thank you, papa! I love going to the docks to watch the ships come in and out and being dressed as a boy will be far more fun. Thank you!” She kissed her father’s cheek and ran off to tell William all about her plans with her father.
Chapter 18
April 1806
Easter arrived and a grand dinner was held at the Darcy’s residence, with the Bennets, the Fitzwilliams, and the Gardiners gathering together. Lord and Lady Matlock were impressed with the Gardiners, as they had known Madeline Gardiner previously as Georgiana’s governess, but they were especially pleased to meet Edward Gardiner. Being a shrewd businessman, Lord Matlock had desired to invest with Gardiner Enterprises and to increase the number of Mr. Gardiner’s ventures with recommendations to his own friends.
“Thank you for seeing to Rosings, George. I am glad we found someone to lease it so quickly.” Lord Matlock commented while the gentlemen separated from the ladies.
The children had joined the meal but had departed for the nursery after dinner and the ladies jubilantly gossiped about the latest news from the ball they attended.
“Mr. Bingley was ecstatic to see the estate. He praised the beauty of
