Page 14 of Great Uncle Henry (Pride & Prejudice Vagary)

“There is much talk in the area about Johanna’s behaviour and dishonourable actions, so I would rather you hear it from me.

She began to offer herself to any man, regardless of station,” Wickham related with his head down.

“As many men are incapable of refusing the offers she made them, she was bedded by many, from servants to labourers, to men travelling through who were guests for a night at the Rose and Crown Inn in Lambton. If I could afford it, I would divorce her, but that is not needed now.”

Henry looked at his steward quizzically.

“I suppose I could blame myself for not checking her behaviour. Johanna was away from the house most days, and I did not have the energy to educate George and look after the estate, while trying to rein in my wife. I chose the first two. Thanks to her lying with so many men, she has contracted the French disease, a rather virulent strain of the sickness. Mr Harrison, who cares for the residents of Lambton, Snowhaven, and Pemberley, has seen her a few times and does not think she will live much longer. Her mind is already gone. She no longer recognises me or George,” Wickham reported as dispassionately as he was able.

“According to the doctor, it will not be long before Johanna is no longer alive.”

“Even though her end has been brought about by her own behaviour, I am saddened by it,” Henry reacted. “How old is George now?”

“He was recently eleven. I enrolled him at the boy’s school in Lambton when he was eight.

Although I have not explained what made Johanna sick, he knows that she is ill and will not recover.

” Wickham stared off into space. “For the last five years since I separated George from his mother’s pernicious influence, he has been a much better boy.

Being at school five days a week has kept him from the worst of it.

Under her tutelage, I am afraid he would have become as envious, covetous, and grasping as she was.

I give thanks to God that my son is not like that. ”

“You did not have a gentleman’s education, did you?”

“No, Mr Bennet, I did not. My late father was the third son of a third son of a minor country squire. My late grandfather went into trade because his father could only afford to send his heir to attain a gentleman’s education.

My father did well enough in his trade that I was able to study and eventually read the law.

Had it not been for Johanna’s spendthrift ways and my not checking her, I would have remained as a clerk and eventually become a solicitor.

I am not sorry I came to work for you, and now without my wife attempting to spend us into the poorhouse, I will be able to save for George’s future. ”

“You are not aware of this fact, but the new schools near Lambton, like the boys’ school your son attends, are funded by me.

I will let them know that I will pay for his education.

I only ask that you do not tell him. If there is any of his mother left in him, I do not want him to take it as a sign that he can get more and more from me,” Henry offered.

“That is most generous, Sir, but especially without Johanna’s spending, I am well able to afford to pay for George’s schooling.”

“I am not doing this because you asked, or I feel you are unable to do so yourself. This way you will be able to save as much as possible for your son’s future, and who knows, mayhap you will eventually remarry,” Henry insisted.

“In that case, Mr Bennet, all I can do is sincerely thank you,” Wickham said as he bowed his head gratefully.

“Without mentioning my involvement, I would appreciate it if you made sure all of my tenants know that the schools are there, and none will be turned away because of their inability to pay. I am sure that some of them have not sent their children to the boys’ or girls’ school because they feel like it would be accepting charity if they ask for a reduction in the cost of tuition.

They need to understand that the schools are designed to accept all regardless of their financial position.

You can tell them the truth; the schools are supported by donations from local landowners. ”

Lucas Wickham had an idea that Mr Bennet was wealthy. It seemed he had underestimated his employer’s fortune if he was able to fund the new schools in Lambton. He did not ask, as it was not his place to do so.

They continued their discussion about estate issues before the steward left the study.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

About a month after returning to Sherwood Dale, Henry was handed a letter by his butler.

He recognised the writing as that of Mrs Bellamy’s.

Enclosed with her letter was a letter from Lizzy.

She knew to give any letters she wrote to him to Mrs Bellamy.

He had not told Lizzy why, but he preferred her father not have his direction.

The governess made sure her letters were posted from Netherfield Park.

As much as he wanted to read his great-niece’s letter, he looked at the one from the governess first.

10 April 1797

Lilac Cottage

Netherfield Park

Mr Bennet,

I am very pleased to report that it seems that your nephew is not desirous of breaking the agreement with you. He has kept Mrs Bennet in check and away from the schoolroom. I am aware Mrs Bennet is not happy about either mine or Luke’s presence in her home each day, except for the sabbath.

Not only is Miss Lizzy in the schoolroom for all classes, but surprisingly so is Miss Bennet.

As you know, she is 9, but beyond some rudimentary education to read and do some basic sums, she has had no education.

She is learning, but I can see she is torn.

Her father has ordered her to attend, but her mother makes her displeasure known to Miss Bennet.

Hence, she is half-hearted at best with her learning most of the time.

Henry shook his head. It seemed that his fears that Jane would not think for herself were grounded in reality. He would wait another five or so years, but he was not confident there would be a great change for the better. He returned to the missive.

Miss Bennet seems to only want to see the best in all situations, so she cannot reconcile the disagreement between her parents. To placate her father, she learns, but for her mother she does not do as much as she should.

Thankfully she quite enjoys the harp and is willing to learn how to play it.

Miss Mary, who will turn 4 on the morrow, has joined our merry band of students.

She is also intelligent, possibly not as much as Miss Lizzy (but then what child, including my Luke, is?) and has a thirst to learn.

She is especially happy when we have lessons on the pianoforte (we will need a master soon; Miss Lizzy is almost beyond my abilities), and Miss Mary has just started to learn the scales.

I can see that Miss Lizzy misses you, but she is not unhappy to be with her sisters, and each day I see more and more of the happy sprite I always saw at Netherfield Park.

She will be more than pleased when you come to visit.

The others in the house who have agreed to keep an eye on Miss Lizzy have all reported that they have seen or heard nothing untoward. I pray it will always be that way.

As I promised, unless there is the need to do so sooner, I will write once a month.

Miss Lizzy knows to give me her letters to post.

Your most dedicated employee,

Mrs Veronica Bellamy

Henry placed the governess’s letter aside and happily unfolded the one in Lizzy’s script. It was a pleasure to read a letter from his great-niece.

8 April 1797

Longbourn

My dear Uncle Henry,

How I miss you. I hope you are thinking of me.

Even though I miss you and Netherfield Park, I am happy to have sisters. I have four of them, but so far I have only met Jane and Mary. Catherine and Lydia are still in the cottage with the tenant.

There is something funny I must tell you. Mary told me that the tenant’s children call Catherine, Kitty. She said it is because my sister found a kitten, which she named Cleopatra, and refuses to be parted from it. When Catherine comes back to this house, I hope Mama allows her to have the kitten.

Speaking of Mama, I have seen her a few times. I always sense she wants to say something to me but never does.

I spend some time with Papa in his study each day and play chess against him. I have not beaten him yet. He does say I am a good opponent. I think I will beat him before I turn 10.

When are you coming to visit? I miss you, my uncle, and love you very much.

Your sprite, Lizzy

As happy as he was that she was doing well, and by the tone of her letter he could tell she was settling into life at Longbourn well, Henry missed his great-niece fiercely.

He would begin planning his next visit to the neighbourhood.