Page 3 of Pride & Precipitance (The Victorian Vagaries #1)

Darcy returned to Netherfield after lunch and sought Bingley in his study. “Bingley, it has come to my attention that Mr Bennet does not keep horses just for his carriage, and that Longbourn's horses will likely be wanted on their farm today. This is very common among country gentry, but since it looks like rain, perhaps you should send a note to Longbourn to let them know you will send your carriage and a maid for Miss Bennet this evening. We can take my carriage to dine with the officers.”

“Indeed, what is this you are speaking of about Miss Bennet dining here?” Bingley said as he roused to attention.

“Come man, you were at the breakfast table when your sisters were planning to invite her, for we and Hurst will be dining out. But I do not believe your sisters planned to send a carriage for her. It is not the done thing in any case. When your sisters invite an unmarried young lady to visit they should also invite one of her sisters or other female relatives to chaperone her, and also offer a carriage and a maid to attend them. Sending an unmarried lady an invitation for her to dine by herself is abominably bad manners, and reflects badly on you in the neighbourhood. I am certain Miss Bingley intended it to be a slight to Miss Bennet, but due to her parentage, the neighbourhood will believe your sister does not know how to behave among the gentry,” Darcy replied as he sat across from Bingley.

“Darcy, you know I am no morning person,” laughed Bingley. “Indeed, I cannot think of anything worse to pay attention to in the morning than Caroline making plans for her day.”

Darcy rather thought Bingley to be correct on that count, but held his tongue rather than insult his friend. “You will need to be careful about Miss Bingley here in Hertfordshire, Bingley. She has been growing more and more desperate to return to London. She has no desire to be here, and may sabotage you with the locals in an effort to remove you to town.”

“She can go ahead and go to town if that is her desire,” stated Bingley vehemently. “I refuse to put up with her antics. If she is unhappy here, she is welcome to go anywhere she likes.”

“But she cannot attend events alone in town, Bingley,” Darcy reminded him. “I tell you, she will make you an outcast here in Hertfordshire in order to remove you back to London. And you know she will go nowhere whilst I am in residence here.”

“Caroline makes no sense,” grumbled Bingley. “She demands that I become an estate owner in order to improve her station. But she refuses to be in the country. The only place in the whole world worth being at, other than London, according to Caroline, is Derbyshire. Yet all she wants is to be in London and Derbyshire is a three or four day journey. I chose this place specifically to be in easy distance to London, just to appease her. There is no pleasing the woman.”

“Well, there is your first mistake, Bingley,” groused Hurst as he entered the room. “No man should be jumping through hoops to please his sister, not unless she is a sweet and easily pleased little thing like Miss Darcy. You are supposed to marry off your sister and then please yourself, and later, your wife.”

“I must concur with Hurst’s assessment, Bingley,” said Darcy evenly. "It is time for you to stop trying to please your sister and begin going about your own business. This is your life you are building. Miss Bingley is just here until she finds a husband. She should not be making the decisions. You must settle wherever you like. You are the one who must live in your house once she marries. Regardless of all that, what will you do about Miss Bennet this evening?

“I will go and attend to it now. Let us attend the ladies in the music room,” Bingley stated, rising from his chair.

As they entered the music room, Bingley asked his sister “Caroline, did you receive a reply from Miss Bennet?”

“Indeed, we did. The grasping little thing let no moss grow under her feet there, she accepted with alacrity, did she not, Louisa? I despair at being expected to associate with such low people, but I suppose we must have someone here in this dreary backwater, or we shall go quite mad with boredom.” Caroline sighed and set aside the embroidery she was working on, then crossed the room to where Darcy was standing at the window. She grasped his arm and batted her eyelashes up at him. “I am sure you would not like to see dear Georgiana accept an invitation in such a forward, grasping way, Mr Darcy.”

“I am not even quite sure what you mean, Miss Bingley,” Mr Darcy said flatly as he removed his arm from her grasp and stepped away. “If Miss Darcy received an invitation, I hope that if she were going to accept, that she would do so in a timely manner. I would also hope her hostess would invite one of Miss Darcy's female relatives or companion as well as offer to send a carriage and a maid for their comfort and safety. And indeed, that her hostess would not invite her at all if they thought her low or grasping.”

“Indeed, Caroline, what did they teach you at that dreadful academy for girls?” said Bingley. “Our father sent you there to learn how to behave like a gentlewoman. It disturbs me to think how much was wasted on the tuition if this is the result. I am sure I will never recommend the place.”

“Charles, how can you say that!” shrieked Caroline.

“Sister, you heard Mr Darcy. You have proclaimed to the world that he is the sole beacon of distinction and gentility so he must be correct. You have behaved abominably towards Miss Bennet. There is nothing to be done now about inviting another of her relatives, but you must write her back now, thanking her for her attendance and promising a maid and a carriage to convey her here at the appointed hour. I will review the note before you send it,” stated Bingley firmly.

Amid Caroline’s shrieks of betrayal and indecency, Bingley put up his hand. “I am not to be moved, Caroline. You will behave properly here, and with respect to all. Or I will ship you to Scarborough with Aunt Clara.”

Miss Bingley wrote the letter and, after Bingley approved it, it was sent. That done, Mr Bingley made arrangements with the butler to send the carriage for Miss Bennet. She is an angel, he thought as he sighed. He would not let Caroline make a bad impression on her.

*****

The appointed hour arrived, and Miss Bingley made a distinctly bad impression indeed, which was to be expected since her brother was not there to prevent it. If Charles had not interfered earlier, she was sure she would have been all that was civil. However, since Miss Jane Bennet was the catalyst of her brother’s new resolve, Caroline could not even pretend civility. She needled and peppered Miss Bennet with questions and sad commiserations about Jane’s family in trade and miserable connections in Cheapside. The diatribe was so terrible that even the eternally serene Jane Bennet eventually agreed with Miss Bingley about the low company hereabouts lately, and hoped that Miss Bingley would be able to see London again quite soon.

Unsurprisingly, Caroline Bingley had not the wit to know when she was being insulted, and continued with her line of conversation until the end of dinner. It was then that Jane Bennet announced that she had a headache and would need to go home immediately, rather than continue to visit with her new friends in the music room. Mrs Hurst could not order the carriage quickly enough. She was horrified by Caroline’s behaviour. She never would have agreed to entertain the girl if she knew how her sister meant to behave.

Louisa Hurst went along with her sister mostly because it made life easier, but that did not mean her years of academy training had been wasted. She knew that very soon, the Bingleys were going to be persona non grata in Hertfordshire, no matter their fortune. Charles had made a significant investment here. Surely there was no telling if he would settle here permanently, but even if he did not, that was no reason to waste his investment. Caroline was going too far.

Louisa did not even believe there was much wrong with the little village. To be sure, there was no superior society, but that was rather a relief from all the time they spent in town. While that Bennet woman and her sister, the Phillips woman, had been dreadful at the assembly, they encountered much worse in London. And the location was so convenient. Caroline did not know how tedious it was to constantly travel four days to get to and from your estate. In Hertfordshire, they were an easy four hours from London by carriage. She resolved to speak with Charles either tonight or in the morning. He must do something about Caroline.

*****

Jane Bennet always appeared angelic and perhaps she was most of the time. Really, the only time she was not kind was to her elder sister, which she stopped feeling guilty about many years ago. Jane had never been sure what terrible thing Elizabeth had done to make Mrs Bennet so upset, but she did know that Mrs Bennet was her mother and she must honour her. But numbed as she was to the cruelty her family dealt her elder sister, Jane was not formed for such in the rest of her dealings with life.

When she entered Longbourn’s sitting room to her mother and sisters, her mouth was set in a grim line. “Whatever are you doing home, Jane? We did not expect you for the next two hours!” exclaimed Mrs Bennet as she jumped up from the settee where Lydia was reading to her from a fashion periodical.

“I do not even know why they invited me, unless it was to tell me how very much they dislike me, Mama,” said Jane wearily as she sank into a chair, her father entering the room behind her to hear what was happening. “Miss Bingley refused to speak of anything other than my relatives in trade, and to make sure I understood that no one would ever want to marry me. By the time dinner was over, I could not take any more. I had to come home.” Jane Bennet burst into tears as her family looked upon her with shock and horror.

“Well young lady, you can just go to your room and write an apology to Miss Bingley for your behaviour! I have not taught my daughters to behave in such a way! How can you expect Mr Bingley to marry you if you insult his sisters by leaving a dinner in such a manner!” Fanny Bennet screeched.

“Mrs Bennet, did you not hear what your daughter said?” roared Mr Bennet. “Our gently bred daughter Jane has been insulted by these social climbing women from trade. Jane will not be sending anyone any apologies!”

“She will, or I shall turn her out! I am the mistress here, Thomas! I am at my wits end with your difficult daughters! You have provided them with nothing and will not even encourage them to marry! They will all starve in the streets!” Mrs Bennet screamed hysterically. “She will write the apology, or she will leave tonight!”

Kitty and Lydia both began to object and cry, their wails filling the room. The argument raged on for some forty minutes while Mary slipped from the room quietly.

Kitty and Lydia argued vehemently with their mother, who refused to back down. She turned eventually to Jane who sat frozen like stone, saying nothing, and said, “You know I am correct, Jane. You must save your family from destitution or leave.” Jane burst into tears again and fled the room.

Thomas Bennet laughed. “No one is going to be destitute. Their sister will look after them. She owes me, and she is too well bred to turn away from her family.”

“Well bred! Your daughter spent her early years as a servant in my brother’s house!” shrieked Fanny.

”She was never any such thing. After Elizabeth stole away to be married, Gardiner informed me that Madeleine only let you think that because she knew you would not let her take Elizabeth otherwise, because she disliked your treatment of the girl. They deceived us the entire time, raising her as one of their own. And they allowed her to visit with her uncle, that wretched earl, who apparently paid for her masters and education. Other than growing up near Cheapside, there is nothing ill-bred about Elizabeth. Why do you think your brother never comes here for Christmas any more? I will never trust him again. It was all his fault I did not end up with Elizabeth’s dowry when she married. If I was able to arrange her marriage, it never would have happened. Elizabeth owes me, and it’s about time you began letting her pay what she owes. Go ahead and throw Jane out if you like. Regardless of what Jane does, no Bingley will ever cross this threshold again. Let her go to her sister who will find her some wealthy gentleman. Your resentment has held this family back too long, Fanny,” said Bennet coldly.

“That it has,” said Elizabeth quietly as she stepped into the room unannounced, followed by Mary.

“Who do you think you are to walk in here in such a manner! You have no business here!” shrieked Fanny.

“I am just arrived with all haste because I received an urgent message from Mary, saying that Mama has turned Jane out, and begging me to come take her before she ended on the streets,” said Elizabeth evenly. “And I heard myself referred to quite a bit as I came in, for someone who has no business here. Would anyone kindly explain what has happened?”

Chaos reigned as everyone began shouting their version of events. After a moment, Elizabeth raised a hand and said, “ Enough! I am sorry I asked.” She then turned to Mrs Bennet, “Mama, at this moment I really could not care less what the topic of the family quarrel is, but I only want to know one thing. Are you serious in turning Jane out?”

“Yes! She will apologise to Miss Bingley, or I shall never see her again!“

“And Papa, will you do anything to prevent your wife from turning your daughter out into the streets?” Elizabeth asked as she turned to the coldest and most disinterested man she had ever known.

“You heard your mother, Elizabeth. She is the mistress of this house. Jane must make her decision.”

“Very well. Please excuse me while I speak with Jane.” As Elizabeth turned to leave the room Mary burst out, “Papa, may I please go with Lizzy as well?”

“No you will surely not, Mary Bennet, I forbid it!” cried Fanny Bennet, waving her handkerchief about.

“Or what Mama? Will you turn me out as you have done Jane?” Mary turned to her father. “Please Papa?”

Bennet turned to Elizabeth: “You will not act for me in permitting Mary to wed. Is that understood?”

Elizabeth was amused. “What is the difference? Does she have a dowry hidden somewhere you’d like to confiscate, Papa?”

“Your word, Elizabeth,” said Bennet insistently.

“Very well, Papa. You have my word as a gentleman,” Elizabeth sarcastically bowed with a flourish.

Elizabeth was followed from the room by all of the girls, who were determined not to let Jane and Mary leave without seeing them go. She turned to her sisters at the top of the stairs with a wry smile. “It’s a shame that my word as a gentleman is really quite useless,” she said with a wink to her sisters who all giggled quietly. By this point of the evening none of them had much regard left for their father.

“Now I only have a moment with all of you, but I am glad I have it,” she said. “I need to speak with Jane alone for a moment, but do not distress yourselves. You will all see Jane again, and she will be well. But this is important, so listen, because it is never easy for me to speak with any of you privately.”

She looked from one sister to the next as they paid close attention to their half-sister’s change in tone. “Even if I leave the county or travel, I do not want any of you to think that I’ve abandoned you here. I suspect my father has mischief planned for if any of you marry, because he believes I will give you a dowry, and he will want you to marry someone who will give him a portion of it. That would explain why he does not wish me to assist Mary to wed without his consent. That would not work with Jane because she is of age. But the rest of you are reliant upon him until your majority, and he will never let me take you all at once. I am giving you each some money.” handing each a coin. “I will make sure Mrs Hill always knows where I am. I correspond with her sister, Mrs Nichols, who is the housekeeper at Netherfield. If you ever need me to come for you, as I have come for Jane tonight, have Hill send me an express through Mrs Nichols. You may seek shelter with her if necessary; she will aid you if you need help. If you are unable to do that, this coin is to get you to Uncle and Aunt Gardiner’s in London. Do not spend it on ribbons, Lydia. I suppose you all know the address?”

Kitty nodded but Lydia did not. Elizabeth noticed and met her sister’s eyes. “Memorise it, Lyddie. You may depend on it someday.”

She relaxed her stare and looked at Kitty as well. “I want you all to know that none of my sisters ever need marry for anything other than affection and inclination no matter what your situation is. I do not believe I owe my father anything, but none of you ever asked to have your futures so neglected by him. I have provided for all of you. None of you, or even your mother, ever need starve.”

“La, Lizzy, why would you help Mama after she has always been so horrid to you?” said Lydia in amazement.

Elizabeth spoke quietly, “It is quite simple really, Lydia. She may not have been kind to me, but she is still the only mother I have ever known. No matter what she does, I will always do what I feel is right.”

“Now we only have another moment, then I will go and speak with Jane. Kitty, can you make sure all of Jane and Mary’s things are packed tonight?” The girl nodded. “Very well, but you must do it before you sleep tonight and have Hill take them down at first light. I will send a cart for them in the morning, and Lyddie, do not confiscate their ribbons or bonnets. I know I can buy them more, but Jane has lost enough this night. Now I will see you two as soon as may be. Mary, go and pack what you need for the next day or two and meet me here in five minutes,” said Elizabeth as she hugged her sisters.

As she entered Jane’s room, Elizabeth thought her sister might be frantically packing. Instead she found her sitting as still as a statue upon the edge of the bed. Leaning down in front of her, Elizabeth said, “Jane, I know how you feel about me, but I do not harbour any resentment, and only wish to know that you are safe tonight. I hope you will come live with me, at least for a time?” Jane shook her head silently, tears rolling down her face. "I will not force the issue now, but you must come away from here tonight, and Mary is coming with us,” said Elizabeth gently. “For the time being, I am your only rescue from this situation, and your only haven from the night. If you prefer, we can send you to Aunt and Uncle Gardiner’s for a time, but you must come with me now.”

Jane sat and cried silently as Elizabeth rapidly rummaged through the wardrobe and threw a few gowns, undergarments, and toiletries into a bag. “Kitty will pack the rest of your things. and my servants will retrieve your trunks in the morning. Come with me now, Jane. I am so sorry this is happening to you, but I will help you any way I can. Let us go now.”

Elizabeth pulled Jane into the hallway where all their sisters were waiting in tears. “Come now, I realise this is a shock for everyone, but as I have promised, we will all see each other again,” Elizabeth soothed.

Elizabeth, Jane and Mary made their way quietly down the stairs to the sound of Mr and Mrs Bennet still shouting at each other in the drawing room. There wasn’t really any reason to sneak away, since everyone knew they were leaving, but Elizabeth felt that the younger girls were in shock from the events of the evening and preferred them not to suffer any more from their parents.

*****

As they pulled away in the carriage, Jane continued to cry silently. Mary sniffled in her corner, and Elizabeth was grim. She always knew she might eventually be called upon to rescue one or more of her sisters, but she never expected it to be such a traumatic event. She still didn’t even know what caused such an uproar, but she would be certain to get the story out of Mary when they returned to Lilac Cottage.

Banks was waiting as the carriage pulled up the drive to Lilac Cottage. Elizabeth had ordered a room to be readied when she left upon receiving Mary’s message. She deliberated a moment. Would the girls prefer to share a room for comfort this night? She rather thought Jane might prefer her own space to think.

As Banks assisted the ladies out of the carriage, Elizabeth started giving orders. “Banks, we will be leaving for London after breakfast the day after tomorrow. Please send Jackson at first light to London with all haste with two messages. One which I will have ready in a moment to my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner, and another one which you can write to Mrs Hayes at the London house, instructing her to have all ready, including rooms for my sisters when we arrive. Also, please apologise to the poor maids, but we shall need another room prepared for Mary as well as baths and chocolate and scones or muffins for both of my sisters. Last, please arrange for a cart to go to Longbourn at first light to retrieve my sisters’ trunks.”

“Right away, Lady Astley,” answered Banks competently. When they were in the country he served mostly as a butler and secretary, for it was a small house, and the lady and her young daughter lived simply and were not demanding. While in London, or while travelling, he assisted in the management and execution of much of Elizabeth’s business.

When the note to her aunt and uncle was finished, Elizabeth encountered Sarah in the hall while on her way to check on Diane. “Sarah, my sisters are sorely trampled in spirit tonight. Please see that they each are able to relax with a hot bath and the chocolate I have sent up, and that they are tucked into bed to rest, but first, please ask Mary to attend me in my private sitting room in a few minutes. I apologise for all of the extra work, but we will assign someone to assist them as soon as we can manage it.”

“It is no trouble, Lady Astley,” said Sarah in her stride. "We already anticipated you would want a bath, since you always bathe before bed, and that Miss Bennet may also, so we have the boilers lit in the bathing chambers already. And Ethel has been training as a lady’s maid, so she is ready to help with the Miss Bennets.”

Sarah was very good at anticipating her needs, Elizabeth mused as she peeked into the nursery. Diane was sleeping on her back with her little knees bent up in the air. She always appeared to sleep in the strangest positions, Elizabeth thought as she tucked the child in snugly. But she was the sweetest child and Elizabeth loved her fiercely. Beau slept curled near Diane’s feet. Elizabeth smiled. Strictly speaking, the dog was not allowed on the bed, having his own in the corner of the room. But the two were so close, Elizabeth couldn’t bear to enforce the rule.

Elizabeth felt weary as she made her way to her private sitting room to meet Mary. “Mary, I am sure you are tired and the staff are preparing a room and a bath for you, but can you spare a moment to furnish me with the details of what happened tonight?”

Mary’s eyes were round with distress. “Lizzy, it was dreadful. Jane came home so very upset, more than two hours before she was expected from dining with Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst. She said she did not know why they invited her, unless it was to convey how very much they disliked her and to make sure she understood that no gentleman would ever wish to marry her. Jane said that Miss Bingley refused to speak of anything other than our relations in trade and Jane’s dreadful connections. As soon as they finished dining, Jane cried off the rest of the evening and came home. When Mama heard what Jane had done, she demanded Jane pen an apology to Miss Bingley immediately. When my father objected, Mama said that she has had enough with my father’s difficult daughters. He will not make provision for us or even encourage us to marry, and we would all starve in the streets. She insisted Jane must do it, or Mama would turn her out! That is when I became afraid and sent for you. I am sorry that I invited myself to come and stay with you; it was terribly forward of me.”

“Oh dear,” sighed Elizabeth. “It appears that Mama’s nerves have the better of her. I have tried to convey to her that she need not fear the hedgerows, but she does not want my help after all these years of resentment. I am glad you sent for me, Mary. You did exactly the right thing. And I am certainly glad that you asked to come. I am glad to have you with me, and if I had my way, you would have all begun visiting me years ago.”

“Lizzy, I do not understand why Mama must behave the way she does about you. I have tried and tried to remember what you or anyone must have done to make her so angry with you, and I cannot account for it.”

“Mary, many people would prefer not to be reminded of their spouse’s previous marriage and children. Look at Sir Percival Godwin. He plans to marry me and immediately send Diane to a boarding school. To make matters worse, Papa was always very bitter about my dowry. I am sure it was quite easy for Mama to be convinced that he was indeed used shamefully. Of course, it could not be my fault, but people do not always see things that way,” Elizabeth explained.

“Of course, this creates a disaster in the neighbourhood,” Elizabeth observed. “The Bingleys will be quite ruined in Meryton after this, which is a shame because it is clear to me that Miss Bingley’s dreadful behaviour is a clear sign that her brother has an interest in Jane.”

“Do you really think so, Lizzy?” Mary asked.

“I do, however I cannot imagine it adding up to much now. Jane is not formed for such cruelty and resentment. I do not know if she would allow Mr Bingley to court her, if she were to be exposed to such a sister.”

“Lizzy, I am surprised you can see Jane that way, after the way she, and indeed all of us have treated you. Jane has never been kind to you,” Mary said quietly while looking down at her hands. “I am not much better. I followed Mama’s dictates, and ignored you as well. And you were always kind to me. I do not deserve your notice.”

“Mary, I have never held any resentment against my sisters for honouring their mother. You did as the Bible teaches us. Indeed, are you feeling well? I am surprised you have not sermonised once all night. It is not typical for me to be the one bringing up the Bible,” Elizabeth teased.

“I feel I have not the stomach for it lately, I suppose,” said Mary wistfully. “Since you returned to the neighbourhood, I have been watching how our family behaves toward you, and I feel that it is wrong. It is hard to quote Fordyce when you know that your family has no Christian kindness. And I have noticed since I stopped, that people speak to me more. John Lucas even asked me to dance at the assembly.”

“Oh Mary, that is wonderful. Yes, people will speak to you more often if you are not lecturing them about wickedness. Most people are not truly wicked, in any case, or at least they do not mean to be. And also, if I may say so, it would be very pretty if you dressed a little more softly. You do not need to change much if you do not wish to. Perhaps a less severe hairstyle or a few new gowns might make you feel more like talking and dancing and less like speaking of Fordyce,” Elizabeth laughed.

“Lizzy, can I tell you a secret?” asked Mary. “I never really disliked gowns or lace. But when Lydia left the school room and Mama began buying her more clothes, Lydia would get jealous whenever it was my turn for a gown. Then she would cry to Mama that it was not fair that gowns and lace were wasted on me when I was so plain. You know Mama never said no to Lydia. Eventually I just acted like I did not want the ribbons or lace and pretended to be severe because I was embarrassed that no one thought me pretty.”

“That grieves me to hear, Mary. Hopefully we can help Lydia to improve this behaviour one day. But in the meantime, we are going to the modiste. And indeed, my two favourite things to spend money on are horses and clothes. Be prepared to be spoiled terribly, because I am so happy you have come to live with me. I cannot wait to bring you out as you deserve! And for the record, I do not believe you are plain at all. You just need a little attention and help learning what colours and styles suit you best, and Mama never bothered to help you. Indeed, I never enjoyed shopping for clothes until I no longer had to go with Mama, who made it quite miserable. Once you can afford whatever you wish and have only to please yourself, the activity becomes quite enjoyable. But let us leave any more conversation for now. I need to go and speak to Jane. When I tried earlier, she indicated that she will not come to live with me as you have. If she does not change her mind, we will take her to Aunt and Uncle Gardiners when we go to town the day after tomorrow. We will stay at least a week and bring Diane with us.”

“Oh, I finally will get to properly meet my niece!” exclaimed Mary. “I have seen her with you a time or two, but Mama has never let us have a proper introduction.”

“Well you will meet in the morning. I spend much of my day with her, and as her aunt, you will be allowed to spend as much time with her as you like,” said Elizabeth as they got up to leave the sitting room. “Go ahead and enjoy your bath and chocolate, Mary. I will see you in the morning, dear.”

They parted in the hall in front of Mary’s bedchamber, and Elizabeth went to her own rooms and sunk into the bath Sarah prepared. She usually preferred to take care of herself in the evenings. Sarah only set out what she needed and retired for the night. Elizabeth would have enjoyed a good long soak, but she went about the bath and dressed in a nightgown and dressing robe quickly, then stepped out into the hall in her house slippers.

Elizabeth stopped and knocked lightly at Jane’s door and then entered. Jane was in a nightgown and robe in front of the fire with her chocolate and plate of scones, her damp hair plaited down her back. “I will not impose myself upon you for long, Jane, but I wanted to speak for a moment,” Elizabeth said gently as she sat in the chair across from Jane.

“I have made arrangements for us to travel to my house in London the day after tomorrow,” said Elizabeth as she watched Jane carefully. “We will stay in London for one week, while Mary visits the modistes and obtains what she needs for her new wardrobe, since she will be staying with me for the foreseeable future. You may take that opportunity to spend some time with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner and determine where you would like to live from now on. You are welcome to stay with Mary and me permanently, Jane. Aunt and Uncle Gardiner will be very happy to have you as well, I am sure. I will not pressure you. But I hope you will come downstairs tomorrow and meet your niece, and spend some time with us before you go. If you choose to stay with the Gardiners, it may be some time before we see each other again.”

Jane nodded silently. Elizabeth’s heart broke. She wished so much to take her sister in her arms and comfort her, but Jane was like ice, and Elizabeth knew she would not allow it. “I am sorry for what happened to you at the Bingleys, especially since I fear it has ruined what may have been a lovely courtship for you, Jane.” “Whatever can you mean?” asked Jane bitterly. “The Bingleys think I am a country mushroom. A nothing, with relatives in trade and bad connections. A filthy chamberpot that ought to be hidden away for shame.”

“Oh Jane. You cannot believe that, can you?” Elizabeth said in surprise. "To begin with, it is simply not true. You are a true lady, the daughter of a gentleman whose family has owned his estate for more than three hundred years. Your eldest sister is a lady, and the granddaughter of an earl. You have connections aplenty if you choose to acknowledge them. And even if you do not, they are still yours, and you are even more well bred for not drawing attention to them. I have spent time among the greatest ladies of the ton, Jane, and they behave nothing like the Bingley sisters. In fact, the best of them behave more like you. Caroline Bingley has seen that her brother likes you, and is determined to drive you away so that she can force her brother back to London.”

“If only that could be true! I liked him at the assembly, I felt it in a moment, and he is so attentive when he calls, but he could never like me if his sister hates me so!” Jane cried. “How can I believe it when it is far more likely that he does not like me and never could!”

“It can be true and it is true,” said Elizabeth firmly. “I received a call from Mr Darcy this morning in which he indicated that Bingley liked you exceedingly, and then he fished around quite cunningly for information on how you felt about his friend. Of course, I only replied that I was not in your confidence and that you only just met, but that there was certainly cause for the gentleman to hope. I do not know what happened at the Bingley household before you arrived yesterday, but Mr Darcy informed me that Mr Bingley would take it upon himself to send a carriage and a maid for you, since Caroline did not make the offer. Of course, it is too soon for anyone to speculate what could possibly happen between you and Mr Bingley, because your acquaintance is still quite new. But I believe his sister is spoiled and selfish, and she behaved the way she did because she saw reason for you to hope.”

“But even if he liked me, Lizzy, how could he pursue me after this terrible night, and how could I allow him to do so, with such a sister?” Jane wailed and began pacing the room, quite agitated at the thought that there may have been hope for Mr Bingley to like her, and now all was ruined. “Even if he still wanted to, could I let myself be subjected to that woman again?”

“Jane, I admit this has all been a complete disaster, but it is pointless to speculate about anything further now when anything could happen tomorrow. Mr Bingley may take steps to manage his sister, or he may leave the neighbourhood and never return. All that can be done now is for you to move forward, and see what your future holds,” answered Elizabeth. “Please try to get some sleep. I am sure your path will feel more clear to you tomorrow.

“I cannot live with you, Lizzy. You know that I cannot. This is the first time I have ever disobeyed my mother, and I do not like it,” said Jane as they rose from their chairs.

“I understand Jane. but know that I am still here for you, always,” said Elizabeth gently as she slipped out the door.

*****

When they returned to the house, Elizabeth began working in her study as Diane and Beau settled into the small adjoining room that Elizabeth selected as a play area for Diane.

She preferred to keep the child near her at least in the early parts of the day.

She didn’t know of any other mothers who kept play rooms near their offices but she didn’t think much of fashionable parenting practices either.

What was the point of having children if you were only going to pay others to raise them? When Diane was a little older, perhaps nine maybe, Elizabeth would begin allowing Diane to attend her as she went about her household duties.

She also hoped that if she ever did remarry, that her husband might not mind teaching Diane about estate matters.

If not, Elizabeth would teach the child herself.

After all, Diane had inherited an estate in Kent from her father, and might need the knowledge someday, if she did not marry young.

Elizabeth did not hold with girls being kept useless.

Anything a boy should learn should also apply to a girl in her opinion, and vice versa.

Elizabeth and Diane passed the morning pleasantly, with Elizabeth attending to her correspondence and various business matters as Diane played quietly with the spaniel. About an hour before lunch, Mr Banks informed her that Mr Percival Godwin had called. Not wanting to disturb Diane, nor remotely concerned for fashionable appearances, Elizabeth removed to a small sitting area in the corner of her study, and received Mr Godwin there.

Mr Godwin entered the room as Elizabeth rose and exclaimed “Why Lady Astley, I am surprised at you receiving guests so informally!”

Elizabeth greeted the gentleman and replied “Mr Godwin, I routinely spend a portion of my day with Miss Astley, and I am loath to upset her routine. She is quite happy here with me as I attend to my duties each morning.”

“I can see why your stepmother is so desirous of you being taken in hand, my dear. Your late husband must have been quite indulgent of you, but no matter, once we are married, I will see to your education. You have no need to worry, my dear. We will soon set everything to rights.”

“And what education would that be?”

asked Elizabeth, her temper already beginning to sizzle. She was beginning to lose patience with this particularly thick-headed gentleman.

“Why your education as a gentleman’s wife of course!”

exclaimed Mr Godwin as he attempted to leer down her decolletage.

“Mr Godwin, I understand that you are confused because my stepmother was not raised as a gentlewoman, but I quite assure you that my own mother was the daughter of an earl, and her family saw to my education in London. After being married to Sir Astley, my education as a gentleman’s wife is quite acceptable.

“But your husband was a physician, and your mother was half Italian, so your nobility barely applies, really,”

prattled Mr Godwin. “Of course you wouldn’t understand the difference but not to worry, my love, we will soon set all to rights. Once we are wed, and Miss Astley is enrolled in Miss Mayfield’s Academy, I am sure you will learn all that is expected of a gentleman’s wife with ease. All shall be well.”

“That is another thing I must address, Mr Godwin,”

seethed Elizabeth. "It is quite inappropriate for you to repeatedly refer to our future together as a settled matter or plan to enrol my child in school without having ever asked me for my hand, or received my consent. I must insist that you cease this at once!”

“But my darling!”

he cried. “Surely you must see that–”

“Mr Godwin, I have not given you permission to address me so informal!”

Elizabeth insisted firmly. “I am not your darling, your dear, nor your love. I have not even given you permission to call me by my given name, and I have no plans to do so. You will address me as Lady Astley or you may not address me at all.”

“But your stepmother assured me!”

spluttered Mr Godwin, his mouth opening and closing like a fish.

“My stepmother has no right to assure you of anything,”

Elizabeth stated evenly as she rose from her seat and rang for Banks. “I am well past my majority, and have no need to consider the wishes of my stepmother or even my father regarding any aspect of my life. I have warned you before not to take any promises made by them seriously. Now, I believe the time for a polite morning call has lapsed, Mr Godwin. Thank you for your visit, I hope you have a pleasant afternoon.”

Banks arrived to show the gentleman out, his face set in stone.

He did not like these gentlemen who imposed themselves upon Lady Astley.

Mr Godwin may think Lady Astley was not well protected by the deceiving appearances of her lame steward.

He would do well not to push the matter or he would encounter the sword hidden in Mr Banks’ cane as well as the implacable anger of the sturdy footmen and grooms in her employ, all of whom were seasoned veterans of Her Majesty’s army.

Not even to mention Miss Laura Carmichael, Lady Astley’s mistress of arms or the skills of Lady Astley herself.

Not many households employed even a master at arms any more.

No one had even heard of a mistress of arms.

When Lord Hexham asked Elizabeth when she was ten what she would like to learn, he laughed out loud when she said “Fencing and boxing, Uncle.”

His laughter ceased abruptly when he learned the reason for her request. Two years before, a young lady of gentle birth had been attacked and raped in St Albans, which was only an hour and a half from Meryton by carriage. As Elizabeth recounted the story to her uncle, how the attackers were not content beating and raping the girl but also scarred her face badly with a knife, and how the lady was cast out from her family and community, and no one knew what happened to her, he understood her request. She wanted to learn how not to become a victim.

Lord Hexham was intrigued by his niece's request, and curious about the girl who was attacked. After some investigation, he learned that she had taken a position as a downstairs maid in a small house in Manchester, for an eccentric tradesman who took pity on the girl, and amused himself by allowing his footmen and also his sons to train her in fencing and self defence.

Lord Hexham contacted the girl and told her about his niece who was so affected by her story.

He offered her a new job.

Elizabeth at ten was still too young to learn fencing, so for two years, Miss Laura Carmichael trained with the best fencing and boxing masters that could be found, and they were paid so much they never even thought to complain about her sex.

She also trained with a number of veteran soldiers and naval men, who Hexham used to train his footmen in defence of his house.

By the time Elizabeth was twelve and ready to begin her own lessons, Miss Laura Carmichael knew more ways to kill or cripple a man than most of the spies of Her Majesty's military.

Miss Carmichael was now responsible for managing the security of Elizabeth’s household, and training for all who lived and worked there. Even the seasoned veterans in Elizabeth’s employ trained for hours each week with Miss Carmichael and each other to hone and improve their skills. Elizabeth even offered bonuses to any of the female staff who wanted to train, many of whom accepted. Lady Astley did not employ servants. She employed her own army.

Elizabeth had barely regained her temper when Mr Banks entered the room again to announce Mr Darcy. She ordered tea and again repaired to the comfortable chairs in the corner of her study where she could observe Diane as she played. She rose to her feet as Mr Darcy was announced to the room.

“Mr Darcy, I hope you do not mind if my daughter plays quietly during our visit,”

Elizabeth said as she welcomed him to her home. “I usually spend most of my morning with Diane when possible.”

“Of course, I am delighted to make Miss Astley’s acquaintance,”

replied Darcy easily as he sat in the comfortable chair. “While it may not seem fashionable to keep children in sight, my mother did the same when I was young. She also encouraged my father to begin taking me along on his business with the estate quite young.”

“That is exactly what I should like to do with Miss Astley,”

said Elizabeth. “I have always believed that a girl should learn everything a boy should learn and also the other way about. So often a man or a woman is left widowed, and must assume their spouses’ duties, and Diane has inherited an estate of her own. It would be so much easier if everyone was properly educated to begin with.”

“I agree wholeheartedly, Lady Astley,”

said Darcy. “My mother died when I was twelve, but if I had learned more about her duties at Pemberley, it would have made it much easier when my father passed. I have seen to my sister’s education quite assiduously. She took up much of the reins at Pemberley and Darcy House when she was thirteen, although I have not trained her in all of the matters of the estate as I ought. Perhaps I should do so soon.”

“Tell me about what I missed when I left the Assembly last night,”

Elizabeth requested. “Did Jane dance with Mr Bingley again?”

“I believe she did, and my friend enjoyed the experience immensely,”

said Darcy easily.

“And your dance with Miss Lucas? I hope you enjoyed her company, she is much like a sister to me.”

“Miss Lucas was rather severe in the beginning of our dance, but I believe we parted with goodwill at the end. I must thank you for the introduction, you are right, she seems to be an estimable lady,”

Darcy replied. “After Miss Lucas, I danced with your sister Miss Mary, and Miss Edwina Long. It was pleasant to learn something about the neighbourhood from them.”

“I am glad you saw the value in getting to know the neighbourhood, Mr Darcy,”

Elizabeth said. “I always feel safer and in better company in the country. I have very good connections in town of course, but there are so many unpleasant situations to be avoided there. Country folk perhaps have less sophistication, but they often have far better morals, and rarely mean any true malice. We have an estate in Kent, which Miss Astley has inherited from my late husband, but I have so few friends there. I am sure if I expended the effort I would have many friends in no time, however, there is a great lady in that county that does not approve of me and much of the society there has avoided me per her dictates in order to avoid her ire. I have decided to return to Meryton for a time. When my husband lived, we spent much of our time in town by necessity, but I feel that Diane would be better raised in the country, and I have missed my friends here in Hertfordshire.”

“A great lady in Kent you say?”

asked Mr Darcy with an eyebrow raised. “That would not happen to be Lady Catherine de Bourgh? What could you have done to earn her ire?”

“Apparently I am not to be forgiven for my late husband’s knighthood,”

replied Elizabeth, laughing. “ I have not met the lady, but she seems to believe I had no business quitting the sphere in which she believes I was raised.”

“That sounds very like my aunt,”

Darcy chuckled. “I must beg your forgiveness again, it appears. My aunt likes the distinction of rank to be preserved.”

“You certainly have nothing to apologise for, Mr Darcy,”

Elizabeth observed in her merriment. “Indeed, we all have relations who make us blush.”

“I suppose we do, Lady Astley. I must tell you that my experience last night among the ladies of Meryton, and your words just now on the society of the country feeling safer has made me think about my sister, Georgiana. At fifteen she is cripplingly shy, and I have attempted to shield her from the false friendships of society unsuccessfully. Early this year I removed her from school after she heard her friends, laughing about how they were using her to get close to, and compromise me. They further planned that as soon as one of them accomplished the first compromise, they would force a marriage between Georgiana and one of their brothers to keep her dowry in their family, and were all wishing each other luck in their endeavours.

“One of her teachers requested to come with her to be her governess. Before long, we learned the governess was using her position to victimise us as well, in partnership with an old family friend who wanted my sister's dowry. Poor Georgiana feels that she has nothing worth offering in a friendship and has no value other than her dowry and her proximity to me. It occurred to me that Georgiana could find estimable and trustworthy friendships among ladies like Miss Lucas and yourself, and other ladies here in Meryton and also Derbyshire. I know all my neighbours of course, but we have not socialised much in our home county since my mother died. I always thought my wife would take it up when I married, but now I am realising I have done my sister a disservice. I am wondering how I should begin to repair the situation,”

Darcy confided.

“What a terrible experience for your poor sister, Mr Darcy!”

Elizabeth exclaimed. “I can see now why you are so reserved. I suspected you had experienced being hunted in the ton, but your sister's experience has been too cruel!"

Darcy sighed. "I have struggled since the summer to find ways to increase Georgiana's confidence, with little success. You have many younger sisters, Lady Astley. What would you recommend, to revive her spirits?"

"The way to give her confidence in herself is to prove that you have confidence and trust in her," observed Elizabeth. "She is much younger than you. I presume you have been more of a father than a brother."

"I had not thought about it that way, but yes, to some degree you are probably correct, especially considering the difference in our ages," replied Darcy.

"That was all to the good when she was still a child, as she needed a parent then," explained Elizabeth. "What she needs now is a sibling and a confidante. I realise that being privy to her private thoughts and baring your own struggles to her must seem rather alarming to you. Regardless of her youth, Miss Darcy is your sister. A gift from God to be your lifelong friend, much like your cousins, if you have any close ones your age. The most important thing your parents left you was each other. By confiding some of your troubles or fears to her, you will gain her trust in return, as long as you are open minded and not too stern about it.

“Consider this. If you were in troubles ten years from now, would you like to be able to turn to your sister, or she to you? If the answer is yes, you must begin laying the groundwork for that now. You may even learn something from her that you never knew, and it might help you in the future. For indeed, you must admit, you have certainly never been a young lady and you must plan to court one someday. Miss Darcy could help you with a better understanding of the way we think about things."

"I never considered it in such terms. I cannot begin to think what I could share with a young lady so many years my junior. What could I confide in her that she would understand?" asked Darcy, perplexed.

"Ah, that is the design. You are not confiding concerns you might share in common, but rather any concerns at all,”

pointed out Elizabeth. “In this way, you educate Miss Darcy about the world and about society, and she will be more prepared when she ventures out into it. It does not matter the topic. Anything that is worrying you. A matter on the estate, family dramas, or a matter concerning a lady. Or gossip from town, even the slightly inappropriate bits. There is no need to be explicit, but consider this, society expects young ladies to be vigilant of their virtue, but does not educate them on their enemy. By understanding the true dangers posed by gentlemen, Miss Darcy will be better prepared to avoid compromises or malicious intent when she enters society. And by showing her that you trust her with your confidence and that you value her thoughts enough to seek her counsel, she will gain confidence in herself."

"Indeed,”

admitted Darcy. “This is all sound advice, Lady Astley. And rather ironic. It makes me think of the situation earlier this year where a previous and untrustworthy former family friend imposed their friendship upon Georgiana in a dishonest way, while she was residing in Ramsgate for the summer. I have blamed myself, because if I did not try to protect her from knowing about the dispute that caused the break, she would have been better armed against the false friendship,"

"Poor Miss Darcy! It is no wonder she is so unsure of herself!”

exclaimed Elizabeth.

“I agree. My poor sister has been much imposed upon by her friends and I must help her to find her confidence now,”

said Darcy. “She is visiting with one of my aunts. When I return to town, I will speak to them both about Georgiana participating in more society in the country. I wish I could invite her here right away, but I cannot bring myself to subject her to Miss Bingley’s attentions.”

“I met the lady only briefly last night, but she does seem to have an abundance of confidence,”

observed Elizabeth.

“She does, but it is entirely the wrong sort of confidence, I am afraid. Her plans match those of Georgiana’s school friends in all aspects,”

said Darcy grimly.

“How appalling! I can see why you would want to shield her from such behaviour!”

Elizabeth exclaimed. “At the same time however, she will never learn to manage such situations if she is constantly protected from them. It is rather early yet. Let her engage in a bit of society in Derbyshire. I am sure there are many families there who have lovely daughters. Then when she’s feeling a bit more the thing, she can be eased into society such as Miss Bingley. I am worried for you at Netherfield. Are you certain you are safe from her machinations there? I would hate for Miss Darcy to be forced to accept her as a sister.”

Darcy smiled. “I believe I will be quite safe, though I thank you for your concern. I give her no encouragement, and Bingley has been warned that if she attempts a compromise, I will not marry her under any circumstances. I will, however, admit that I sleep with a chair under my doorknob. In any case, Bingley and I keep ourselves occupied apart from the ladies much of the time, although I believe he and his sisters are calling upon Longbourn today."

"I am sure my stepmother and sisters will be very gratified by their call. Is your grandmother well enough to be of assistance to Miss Darcy?”

inquired Elizabeth. “I have met her but once, in the company of my friends Lady D____ and Lady O______ in London. She is certainly a force to be reckoned with in society. I hope she is well?"

"She is, although she travels to London but rarely. She has mostly kept up with other widows and dowagers of her age in the county, as I was not yet ready to spend much time in society there at this time. She and Georgiana are close, for which I am grateful, but the company of a loving but ageing grandmother and governesses cannot replace the company of trustworthy young people her own age. I was lucky to grow up close to my cousins, but sadly we are all much older than she, and she has felt it keenly."

"Has your party been invited to the party at Lucas Lodge next week?" Elizabeth asked.

"We have, and Bingley has accepted for us all. I am looking forward to it. If I am to guide my sister in country society, I must brush up on my rusty manners." responded Darcy.

When twenty minutes passed, Mr Darcy stood and took his leave, bowing to Elizabeth as he thanked her for her insight regarding his sister, and returned to Netherfield. The next three weeks passed quietly, the party at Lucas Lodge was a success, and Elizabeth enjoyed the company immensely. Mr Darcy called two more times, once accompanied by Mr Bingley and his sisters, a distinctly unpleasant visit, during which Miss Bingley monopolised most of the conversation with speculation regarding how Lady Eliza's fortunes must have fallen for her to be renting a dower house in the countryside. Elizabeth gracefully ignored all overtures to be explicit regarding her personal affairs. She had nothing to prove to an ill mannered social climber such as Miss Caroline Bingley. The woman could think what she liked about Elizabeth’s situation.

During Mr Darcy’s third call to Lilac Cottage, after a lengthy discussion of books, Mr Darcy spoke of his and Bingley’s latest plans to avoid Miss Bingley. "Tonight we will dine with a Colonel Forster, who is new to the area. I believe he is scouting the neighbourhood for his regiment. I believe Miss Bingley and Mrs Hurst have sent an invitation for your sister Miss Bennet to join them for dinner while we are out.”

“Oh dear. I had better send a note over to Jane. My father does not keep horses just for the carriage, and I am sure they will be needed for the farm today. Mrs Bennet will be sure to send her on the family riding nag, and it has looked like rain all morning.”

Elizabeth worried. “I will send them an offer to use my carriage, but Mrs Bennet may not allow it. As I am sure you have noticed, my stepmother does not approve of me.”

“No need to worry, Lady Astley. I will mention to Bingley when I return to Netherfield that it would be polite to send his carriage for Miss Jane this evening. Miss Bingley should have offered it in any case, as well as invited one of your other sisters,”

Darcy replied. “We can use my carriage when we dine with the colonel. I am sure your stepmother will appreciate the compliment of Bingley’s solicitude.”

“I am sad to say that Mr Bingley could treat my sister with all the solicitude due a man on trial for murder, and my stepmother would not care as long as he married her,”

observed Elizabeth drily. “Mrs Bennet’s only concern is to get her daughters married, and anyone would do. I am grateful none of the tenant farmers have expressed any interest because Mrs Bennet will marry her daughters to anyone. That will have no effect on Jane’s reception of his suit, however.”

“Do you believe she likes him?”

inquired Darcy.

“As the acquaintance is still so new, I could not be sure one way or the other,”

Elizabeth replied. “And I will admit I am not in Jane’s confidence although even if I were, I could never break it. But either way, I do not think Jane would ever accept him unless her heart was engaged. She vowed years ago only to marry for the deepest love. But despite the fact that I am not in Jane's confidence, I can safely say that I have never seen a more promising inclination.”

"Of course, you must have superior knowledge of your sister's character, but I must admit I have seen no evidence of it. Miss Bennet is all aloofness," replied Darcy.

"Jane is exceedingly shy and reserved. She has been singled out and called attention to by her mother all her life, and is therefore very careful to be perfectly proper in her behaviour. As she is all that a lady ought to be, she would never expose her feelings before Mr Bingley declares himself. She is very careful not to expose herself to the gossip of the village. This does not mean that I am correct about my observations, but I do see evidence of her enjoyment of his attentions. You should have no fear that she will accept him for any other reason than her own inclination. I have never known my sister to be mercenary."

“I am glad to hear that. Bingley is a truly kind person who would be wretched in a marriage of unequal affection,”

Darcy said.

“I assure you, sir, whatever my stepmother’s ideas may be, none of my sisters ever need marry for anything other than affection and inclination,”

Elizabeth said quietly.

At that moment, Banks entered the room. “I beg your pardon, your ladyship, but Mrs Byrd is wondering what she should do about lunch.”

“Oh heavens! I have kept you much longer than a polite call. And lunch will be over by the time you return to Netherfield. Please join us, Mr Darcy, that is if you do not mind dining with young Miss Astley,”

Elizabeth said as she scooped up the pretty blonde child.

“Indeed, thank you for the invitation, Lady Astley. I am terribly flattered to be invited to dine en famille,”

Mr Darcy replied happily.