Page 10 of Body and Soul (Darcy and Elizabeth Variations #8)

Chapter Ten

November 30, 1811 Longbourn Fanny

“C harlotte!” Fanny stood up, smiling broadly. As Mrs. Bennet, she had often criticized Miss Lucas’s unfortunate appearance. She had straight brown hair that would not hold a curl, a nose too wide for her face, eyes that were too close together, and a broad smile. Mrs. Bennet’s disparaging remarks had most certainly reached the ears of Miss Lucas and her family, yet they still endeavored to treat her with kindness.

Appearing as Lizzy, she was the recipient of far more warmth in that quarter. Fanny now knew the difference between politeness and real affection. Charlotte had always been kind to Mrs. Bennet, but she behaved with more openness and regard to Lizzy than she did to the former. In a few short days, Fanny had learned that Miss Lucas possessed a wry wit and a practical view of the world. She had sound advice and did not indulge in self-pity. Instead, she sought her own solutions to problems.

Now, Fanny felt sad that her new friend would depart for Kent in the new year. She would not have the opportunity to know the lady better as Mrs. Bennet. Not that there was any guarantee that she and Lizzy would change back. It had been three days—today was the fourth—and they were still trapped. Lizzy did as she always had, taking the changes in stride and trying her best in whatever form she possessed. Fanny tried her best to emulate her daughter and found that it was easier to be positive than she had ever imagined.

Lydia remained in the nursery. Elizabeth had sent inquiries for a governess by express, but they had yet to receive any replies. Fanny waited impatiently. Now that she had resolved to pursue help for her two youngest girls, she felt eager to find the right lady and begin. Indeed, she wondered why she had protested for so long. Much self reflection revealed it was because she thought if she hired help it meant she, as their mother, was not enough. Raising five girls was a challenge. There was no shame in admitting extra hands might have made it easier.

“Good morning, Lizzy. I have come to say farewell to my betrothed.” Mr. Collins had announced his engagement to Charlotte last night at dinner. Only Mr. Bennet seemed surprised by the news. Fanny had told Jane about her plan to see Charlotte betrothed to the man and that Lady Lucas had agreed with the scheme. Fanny informed Kitty and Mary about it after the latter had asked about Mr. Collins’ whereabouts the previous day.

“He has been absent for two days,” Mary remarked. “Whatever could be keeping him away? I thought you, Elizabeth, had drawn his attention.”

Fanny swallowed hard. “At first I did. We will not suit, as you well know. Mama was convinced of my view and together we turned him to Charlotte.”

Mary looked a little disappointed, but said nothing more. No matter, Fanny thought to herself. Mary could do better than Mr. Collins. Her third daughter needed someone who would smooth out her rougher edges and help her be less severe.

When Mr. Collins had announced it, Mr. Bennet declared in a loud voice, “I thought your interest lay in another direction, sir. I so looked forward to refusing your suit.”

Elizabeth looked enraged. Seeing the expression on what he thought to be his wife’s face made Mr. Bennet smirk. “What is it, my dear? Have your hopes been utterly dashed?”

“On the contrary, Mr. Bennet.” Elizabeth had schooled her expression admirably and taken a dainty bite of her food. “I am very pleased for Mr. Collins and Charlotte. I assured him the other day that his olive branch has been accepted, and we were happy to have our family whole once more. Charlotte will make him a very fine wife.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Bennet,” Mr. Collins said, attempting to bow from his seat. “My Charlotte and I will be very happy. Know you will always have a place in our home, for you have seen to it that we have our happiness!”

“I believe Papa is disappointed to have his fun curtailed,” Fanny spoke up. She felt angry at Mr. Bennet’s taunts, especially since they were directed at Lizzy and not herself. No one mocked her daughters! It was not to be tolerated, even if Mr. Bennet did not know who exactly he spoke to.

“That is very true, Lizzy. It promised to be an entertaining spectacle. I quite counted on relishing your mother’s hysterics as she demanded that I make you accept his offer.”

Fanny’s heart clenched. She could imagine it now, her husband’s sardonic grin as he declared he would not allow the marriage. She would have succumbed to nervous flutterings for a week.

“And pray, sir, what would you have said?” Elizabeth asked, glancing at Mr. Collins. The man seemed oblivious, steadily consuming his meal and ignoring the surrounding conversation.

“I would have declared that I should never know Elizabeth again if she married Mr. Collins. You, my dear, likely would have said the same, except that you would never know her if she did not.” Mr. Bennet shrugged. “I am quite put out that I shall not have my entertainment.”

“Perhaps you had best save your observations of folly and foibles for our neighbors.” Elizabeth spoke quietly, but there was something dangerous in her tone. Mr. Bennet noted it, too, and looked up in surprise. “Your family does not deserve to be the subject of your jokes, sir. Careless words cause wounded hearts.”

Mr. Bennet laughed as if what she said was the most humorous thing she had ever said. “And have I wounded yours, my dear?” he said, wiping tears from his eyes as he chuckled.

“Yes.” Elizabeth focused on her meal, and Fanny felt certain her daughter spoke for her mama and herself.

Fanny forced herself back to the present. “I am very happy for you, Charlotte,” she said enthusiastically. “Mr. Collins will be here directly. He is…overseeing the last of his packing.” She only felt a little bad for prevaricating, for the gentleman's trunks were packed, and he was still at breakfast.

“I have you to thank for my happiness. And your mother. I do not know how you managed to convince her to give him up! I shall never forget the sacrifice, I assure you.” Charlotte took her hands and squeezed. “At long last, I have an opportunity to make my own way!”

“And you will do very well.” Fanny believed it. Charlotte could do anything she set her mind to. She hesitated before continuing. “Mama has been harsh in the past. I know you have heard her remarks. She will not tell you herself, but she regrets it greatly and hopes you will forgive her.”

Charlotte looked surprised. “I had not thought your mother cared what I thought about her words. But she has my forgiveness.” Her smile was genuine, and it warmed Fanny’s heart. One more thing repaired, she thought happily.

Mr. Collins came into the room and led his betrothed outside. They bid each other farewell, and he climbed aboard a hired coach. Charlotte waved as he drove away before coming inside to say goodbye to Fanny and Jane.

“Jane’s spirits are rather depressed,” she remarked when the eldest Miss Bennet barely moved.

Fanny sighed. “I do hope Miss Bingley is wrong and Mr. Bingley returns.”

“It does not speak well of his character if he does not,” Charlotte said evenly. “I hope he does.” She departed, and Fanny went to find Mary, determined to come to know her middle child better.

Mary played on the pianoforte, attempting to learn a new song. “That sounds lovely,” Fanny said.

A scoff was the reply. “I know how I sound, Lizzy. No matter how hard I practice, I cannot get the notes right. There is something about how I play that makes it sound dreadful! I do not know what I am doing wrong.”

Fanny frowned. She had no experience with music. Suddenly, she had a brilliant idea. “There is a widow in the village, a Mrs. Bates. She is the daughter of a gentleman and knows how to play. Perhaps we can persuade her to give you lessons.” It would be more affordable than a master, and perhaps Mary’s talents would grow with gentle direction.

“You cannot make that decision!” Mary snapped. “I have thought of it before. Mama will not hear of it, and Papa cannot be bothered.” She paused, thinking. “Though Mama has behaved strangely the last few days. If I ask her now, she may agree.”

She would! Fanny wished to shout it to the world. “Let us go to her at once,” she said encouragingly. “Mama is in the parlor sewing.” She took Mary’s hand and tugged her to her feet. Something stirred within her, an unfamiliar feeling she had never felt toward her third child, at least not in the recent years. Affection, her mind named it. Love. Oh, it was a pleasant feeling! Mary had been vexing for so long that Fanny had forgotten what it felt like to bestow love on her.

Hours of self reflection had painted an unattractive picture. Fanny resolved that if she ever became Mrs. Bennet again, she would do everything in her power to show her children how much she loved them, even if it meant bestowing consequences where she deserved.

Elizabeth’s permission to engage Mrs. Bates was quickly granted, and Mary’s face blossomed as she smiled. Fanny saw evidence of her daughter’s loveliness there, more subtle than her sisters’ but evident, nonetheless. “Shall we go there now?” she asked Mary, praying that she would acquiesce.

Mary nodded, and they departed thirty minutes later. On the walk, they spoke earnestly. Fanny listened as Mary quietly told her how she had long wished for a music teacher and could scarcely believe it was now finally to come to pass. “How can I believe it will last?” she asked. “What if Mama changes her mind?”

“She will not,” Fanny promised. “And you will learn everything Mrs. Bates has to teach you!”

Grinning, Mary nodded. They found the widow in her home. The lady had no children. Her husband had died many years ago, leaving her in genteel poverty. She lived on a small income and her situation was one reason Fanny felt such fear of the hedgerows.Mrs. Bates accepted the offer gratefully, promising to come twice a week to assist Mary on the instrument. Fanny and Mary returned to Longbourn, the latter seeming much happier and lighter than she had been in some time.

Jane still sat in the window seat in the parlor when Fanny arrived. Her forlorn look quickly melted away when she noted her sister standing there. “Dear Lizzy,” she said. Fanny could detect a falseness in her cheer and frowned.

“Do not look at me that way,” Jane said. “I am well. It is only… Today is the day Mr. Bingley promised to return. I have tried to have faith, as you said, but with every passing hour, it grows more difficult.”

Fanny’s heart ached for her daughter’s pain. “Anything could have delayed his arrival,” she protested weakly. She came to Jane’s side and hugged her gently. “Perhaps if we both wish him here, he will appear.”

Jane chuckled. “It would not hurt to try.” She leaned back and took Fanny’s— Elizabeth’s hands in her own. “Let us wish together.” She closed her eyes, and Fanny followed suit. I wish Mr. Bingley would come for Jane, she thought desperately. Let this error of mine be resolved!

A noise from the front of the house made them open their eyes, and they turned in tandem to the door. The window where Jane sat did not face the drive, and so it was impossible to see what caused the commotion.

Hill appeared in the doorway, and they turned to look at her as she entered. “Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingley,” she said, stepping aside to admit the gentlemen.

Fanny gaped and looked at Jane. Her expression went from disbelief to hope to a polite mask in a matter of seconds.

“Show him you are happy to see him,” she hissed before they came fully into the room. Jane swallowed and nodded.

“Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy.” Elizabeth came gliding into the room. She made an impressive entrance as Mrs. Bennet, especially in her newly unadorned gowns. Fanny smiled appreciatively, grateful that Elizabeth’s entrance allowed Jane to collect herself for a moment.

“Good day, Mrs. Bennet!” Mr. Bingley stepped forward and bowed. “We have only just arrived from London this morning and hastened over to greet you as soon as possible.”

Elizabeth frowned slightly. “I understood Netherfield had been closed for the winter,” she said coolly.

Fanny almost groaned aloud. Not now, Lizzy! Mr. Bingley needs encouragement, not an inquisition! A moment alone with Jane and Fanny was certain there would be a proposal.

Bingley’s expression darkened. “There has been a misunderstanding,” he said firmly. “I had no plans to spend the winter in town. Why should I wish it? The country holds more attraction.” His gaze strayed to Jane, and she granted him a shy smile.

Fanny breathed a sigh of relief as Elizabeth/Mrs. Bennet relaxed and smiled warmly. “That is good news. We shall have to invite you to dinner, as we discussed. I shall send you an invitation next week.”

“That sounds lovely,” Mr. Bingley agreed.

Fanny beamed happily as she watched the gentleman go to Jane’s side and take her hand. Mr. Darcy’s appearance at her side interrupted her observations.

“Miss Elizabeth,” he said by way of greeting. “How do you do?”

Fanny did not like Mr. Darcy. He had insulted Lizzy dreadfully, and she refused to forget the insult to her daughter. “I am well, sir,” she said, hoping she sounded as coolly dismissive as she wished. “I hope you had an easy journey from London.”

“The roads were dry and free of ruts,” he replied. Fanny looked up into his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as she recognized the particular look a gentleman gave a lady whom he admired. She swallowed.

Mr. Darcy does not dislike Lizzy, she realized. He likes her! Oh, my dear girl! But how could she forward the match? She would have to ascertain if he would treat Lizzy well. Mr. Collins would have crushed her dear child’s spirit. Would Mr. Darcy do the same? Lizzy would cast this chance away without a thought, she mused. Perhaps I can work to discern Mr. Darcy’s true character. If he is worthy of my daughter, I shall then attempt to convince her.

Lizzy’s threat to lock Fanny in her chambers echoed in her ears. It is not as if I shall accept a proposal without her consent. And Mr. Darcy may not propose anyway. He thought of himself as above the locals—one of their daughters might not be good enough for him.

He cleared his throat and looked away. “Bingley was eager to see Miss Bennet again.”

Ah, here was one place she could help. “My sister is scarcely less eager. Miss Bingley’s letter was designed to wound her, I think.”

Mr. Darcy’s brow furrowed. “I do not know the contents of the missive,” he said, “only that she meant to tell Miss Bennet of our departure.”

Fanny frowned. “Then you are not aware she has been promoting your sister as a match for her brother?”

He turned sharply. “Surely you have misunderstood.”

She laughed hollowly. “Do not impugn my intelligence, sir,” she said mirthlessly. “I read the letter myself. Miss Bingley has great hopes that one marriage will bring about another.” She raised an eyebrow as she had seen Elizabeth do. “Tell me, when am I to wish you joy ? ”

“I am not engaged.” Mr. Darcy looked positively panicked, and it made Fanny want to chuckle.

She did laugh aloud and patted his arm. “I did not think you were. I merely wished to convey why I disbelieved Miss Bingley’s letter. Jane’s spirits have been very low.”

Mr. Darcy turned and watched the couple. “I see no sign of distress. She looks much as she ever did.”

“Pray, allow me to know my sister and her feelings better than you, sir!” Fanny knew she sounded very like Elizabeth. Good.

“Forgive me, Miss Elizabeth. You are correct.” He continued to watch them, brow furrowed.

“Will Miss Bingley and the Hursts be joining you?” Elizabeth spoke from the mistress’s chair. She kept her eyes on the sampler in her lap. She had said nothing since greeting the gentlemen, and Fanny worried she behaved differently enough to raise suspicions.

Mr. Bingley looked up. “No, my aunt will be my hostess instead. I expect her next week.”

“Then we must postpone having you for supper until she can join us.” Elizabeth looked up and smiled. Fanny marveled at the change in her appearance. Fewer trimmings and a less frantic expression did wonders.

Will I be able to be so peaceful when I return to myself? Fanny wondered. She resolved to do everything she could to maintain the positive changes occurring around Longbourn, if only because it made those she loved so happy.