Acknowledgement:
This is an AU story of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice; as such all of the canons belong to Miss Austen. As for the setting instead of Regency England, this version is set in Civil War America. Whereas the canons are concerned, the following are portrayed as OOC. Those would be Jane Bennet, Elizabeth Bennet, Mary Bennet, Kitty Bennet, and Lydia Bennet. The minor character Caroline Bingley is unmarried in canon, however, for the purpose of this story, she is a widow by the name Mrs. Caroline Yarborough. As for the characters, Mr. Denny and Wickham are portrayed as OOC with different names. The character known in canon as Mr. Denny will be a Cherokee Indian by the name Unaduti and Mr. Wickham will be a Black slave meaning he will have no actual surname instead he will simply be known as George.
The latter two are supposed to my main characters, while Jane and Elizabeth Bennet are important side characters. In canon, Jane Bennet is the oldest Bennet sister, but for the purpose of this story, she's not. She's a few years younger than in canon, somewhere around 16 and 20 but not actually decided
Elizabeth Bennet oldest, Mary the second oldest, Jane the middle sister, Kitty the second youngest, and Lydia the youngest.
As for Mr. Collins, he is Mr. Bennet's nephew in this story as opposed to his cousin.
The title for this Austen AU story is Nephews and Nieces and the story begins in April 23rd, the first day of the Democratic National Convention that was held at the South Carolina Institute Hall, Front Street Theater.
Nephews and Nieces
"As usual, I accompanied my Master, Mr. Darcy, everywhere he went, the day of April 23rd was no different. When the Democratic National Convention was held in the South Carolina Institute Hall, Front Street Theater in Baltimore, I happened to be there and witnessed the entire thing." George retold the events to his good friend, the Cherokee Indian named Unaduti a few days later on a day in late April 1860.
Front Street Theater in Chicago, I happened to be there and witnessed the entire thing." George retold the events to his good friend, the Cherokee Indian named Unaduti a few days later on a day in late April 1860.
The older Cherokee Indian looked at the Black younger man and nodded slowly, as they sat outside in the grass behind the Pemberley estate in St. Louis Missouri.
The odd pair of friends was a most peculiar sight. Unaduti was the only Cherokee Indian in Missouri. He had soon become friends with a Black slave named George. George was as grateful for Unduti, just as the older native Indian appeared to be. Unaduti became a familiar sight that the residents of Pemberley eventually got used to. He, Unaduti, had been a very lonely man - that was before he happened to cross paths with George while he had been passing through the state of Missouri. They both considered each other friends to the point that George no longer could imagine his life without his Cherokee friend. Unaduti was not as dependent as the younger man was. Unlike George, he was never truly lonely - always surrounded by the spirits of the Cherokee tribe. Yet, he appreciated that he now had a friend that could teach him the ways of the White man. As a Cherokee Indian Unaduti ancestors used to live fairly comfortable in Southeastern United States , that is until the year 1838 when the Cherokee Nation was forcefully removed and told to relocate to a designated area refered to as the Indian Territory. Since he was a close friend with George, the two friends were only able to see each other if Unaduti's day pass had been approved. Otherwise they could not see each other, and because George was Darcy's slave he could never visit his friend Unaduti in the Indian Territory.
"What he - Darcy say next?" inquired Unaduti and turned his head towards George. Even though the Cherokee Indian was much older than George, he was sitting with a straight back, and bare feet in a lotus position.
"He said he wanted to nominate someone - a Mr. Stephen Douglas, I think," replied George as he chewed some tobacco. He was younger, sitting on his knees near his Cherokee Indian friend. He was impressed that his older friend appeared to be in such a good health. George had never been able to sit flat on the ground - not even with crossed feet.
"I've heard the name Stephen Douglas mentioned before - he seems to believe in popular sovereignty. At the same time, he believes each state should get to decide if they want to accept slavery or abolish it," Unaduti said in an ominous voice.
"Do you think I should be worried, Unaduti?" asked George in a concerned voice.
"Yes, George - I should be worried about my future if I were you. I am worried about you now, my friend," continued Unaduti.
"I know my Master - he would never support a man like that," exclaimed George.
"Are you sure George- haven't your Master's family kept slaves since the American Revolution?" inquired Unaduti.
"He has, ways, but I think Master is different - I even consider him my friend," George stated.
"What happened next, George?" asked Unaduti.
"Another man seemed to get upset by my Master's words. He refused to accept that John Bell's name was considered as a candidate when another man choose to nominate John Bell and not Stephen loud, upset voices were spread around the room followed by whispers and murmurs. Next thing everyone got up and left the room in anger," retold George.
"By the sound of it, they couldn't support your Master's suggestion. I think I have heard that some men who refused to vote met instead at Chicago, Illinois, and a Wigwam," remembered Unaduti.
"You wouldn't have happened to be there, would you, Unaduti?" George asked in an emotional voice.
"On the contrary, my friend, fortunately, I was there, but I don't think anyone noticed me," confessed Unaduti.
"Then please, Unaduti, tell me what you saw and heard!" exclaimed George.
"My friend, of course, I want to tell you - but not until you calm down," whispered Unaduti.
"I am sorry, Unaduti - my emotions got the best of me," stated George.
"Can you remain calm long enough for me to tell you what happened inside Wigwam? Then I will be happy to tell you what happened," promised Unaduti.
"Do you promise, Unaduti? You must promise me," begged George.
"All the men inside Wigwam were calm and friendly towards each other. That meeting did not last long," replied Unaduti.
"Unaduti, how did the meeting end exactly?" asked George suddenly.
"When the last man left, I remember hearing the name, John. C Breckenridge. And every man that left did so in a good spirit - either smiling, singing, or whistling," answered Unaduti.
"That man, Breckenridge - what impression did you get from him? Do you think he is a good man?" asked George.
"The other men referred to him – as vice-president. So I would say that he must be a decent man," answered Unaduti. "But my friend, it was very peculiar," continued he.
"Why, what would make you say that?" asked George with curiosity.
"It seemed that he didn't want to be nominated as a candidate for the Southern Democrats. He objected very loudly to his nomination - yet ten people placed their vote for him," answered Unaduti.
"Oh, dear - trust my words, this doesn't bode well," whispered George.
"Certainly not, the spirits predict uncertain times and a never before seen bloodshed," Unaduti said in an ominous voice.
He had barely finished his sentence when dark clouds appeared in the sky and a violent storm was soon noticed on the horizon. The birds had stopped singing and were no longer heard. The only noticeable sound came from the nearby trees branches when the leaves were lifted by the wind. George got cold chills when a gust of colder air followed.
Since the Republicans managed to deliver their Presidental candidate without any turmoil, disagreement or tears, the Democrats realized they would have to hold a third and final convention hoping for another outcome. A rumor of third National Democrat Convention began to spread among the members of the Southern Democrats...
On the 23rd of June, all the sitting government parties presented the four different candidates.
This was a fact that escaped no American citizen, not even the women. At the Blenheim Hamilster, in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, Mrs. de Bourgh was displaying an unusual interest in the upcoming election. Usually, she left all matters that concerned either political issues, finances, or private affairs to Mr. de Bourgh. This time around the upcoming election would prove to be different, very different indeed.
Mr . de Bourgh sighed and turned towards his wife. "I have a confession to make to you, Mrs. de Bourgh," stated he.
"My love, you always manage to amaze me to the point that I now am intrigued. Do tell," she inquired softly.
"I know I am far too old to even attempt to run for the election of House of Representatives, I just wish - I wish our family or even a relative at that could be persuaded into running for it. Darcy would have made an excellent candidate but he is unfortunately still too young. Added to the fact that he has no interest whatsoever in politics. Our other nephew Fitzwilliam is of course not old enough to be a party candidate otherwise - believe my word - I am utterly convinced that the Presidential election would have had another outcome," explained de Bourgh.
"Did you, yourself, not vote for the Constitutional Party and did you not cast your vote on John Bell of Tennessee?" inquired Mrs. de Bourgh.
"Of course I did, anything else would have been unimaginable since our families always have been intimately connected!" exclaimed Mr. de Bourgh.
"So if I understand correctly - you seem to suggest that if either of your nephews whether it Fitzwilliam or Darcy would have agreed to you nominating them you would have cast your vote on them," she said softly.
"Are they not our family?" sighed Mr. de Bourgh.
High or low, the subject seemed to be on everyone's lips. Yet at the home of the Michigan delegate everyone's concern was of a more private nature.
"Mrs. Bennet, I was hoping to be physically present for the convention. My friend Bingley from West Point insist it will help," said Mr. Bennet with hesitation.
"Dear Bennet, if this Bingley fellow is your friend, you have a duty towards him!" exclaimed Mrs. Bennet.
"Mrs. Bennet, I am well aware of that - my only reservation, which makes me hesitate is the fact that the Bingleys live in Illinois. My own conscience as a husband and father prevents me from leaving you and our five girls all alone at Longbourn," he slowly explained.
"I have a solution, and now I insist upon it - you must bring us with you to Chicago!" exclaimed she and put her hands together.
"I hate to admit that you are right for once, Mrs. Bennet. I shall ask Lizzy what she thinks," he replied absentmindedly.
"Bennet dear, if you insist on asking Lizzy, you might as well ask all your daughters what they think. Why do you not bring the subject up at supper?" she suggested with a smile.
As was customary, the five daughters' liberal upbringing was reflected in their choice of dressing. As the door swung open, Elizabeth let out a sigh, while Mary raised an eyebrow, Jane just shook her head, and Lydia almost immediately came to her mother's aide."Father, tell me, do the Bingleys have any other sons?" inquired Lydia, for Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the five, it seemed she tried to compensate for her elder sister's complete lack of feminine or fashionable clothes. She always nagged her parents to order the latest European fashion for her. That had of course never happened-at best she could be presented with a fitted dress made by the local seamstress. Lydia resembled her older sister, they both shared the same reddish hair, while Kitty's eyes were green, Lydia's was blue like Jane. She was also born with dimples but only one, which greatly annoyed her. She was the youngest daughter and also the shortest of them all. What she lacked in height, she compensated with her loud voice, as for her countenance she always dressed appropriately yet feminine.
"I do share your concern, Father. Did you not make your friend a promise? Was it not his dying wish that you would see to it that his son was accepted to West Point?" Jane asked slowly.
The third daughter, Jane wore a simple unadorned dress skirt with no defined waist, instead, she always wore a plain white apron her hair was always covered by a simple hat. On her feet were simple leather boots that always seemed to be a size too small. Not that Jane ever complained.
"Father, it seems to me that you must go - like Mother said, it is the most logical solution," agreed Lizzy with a nod. The oldest Elizabeth, had been given a pair of bloomers on her birthday back in 1859 by her good friend Elizabeth Smith Miller. She had immediately taken to the odd piece of clothing and had refused to wear anything else for the last nine years. Over the years Elizabeth had added to her small collection of the reform dress. On certain rare social occasions, she could surprise her family members by wearing skirted bloomers. She enjoyed the freedom that reform dress offered and she became an advocate for it and was invited to bloomers balls and picnics held in the states bordering Michigan. Last year she had become a member of the Dress Reform Association.
"Is it necessary that we all must go?" moaned Mary in objection. Mary Bennet the oldest, showed proof of being as good a nurse as her younger sister Jane.
Mary Bennet dressed in a similar fashion as Jane. No hoop skirt, bows or ruffles on any of her clothes.
"Father, you mentioned West Point did you not, any chance - any chance at all think that we would pass through West Point?" inquired Kitty. Kitty Bennet, or Catherine, as her full Christian name was. She eagerly anticipated any opportunity to wear her fanciest dress adorned either with bows or ruffles. She was particularly possessive whenever she was given something new, as the fourth daughter of five she was used to wearing both shoes and clothes that all her sisters' previously had worn.
"Jane dear, everyone knows you aspire to be a nurse - must you insist on dressing like one constantly?" complained Lydia and wrinkled her nose.
"It is purely for convenience, I assure you - besides, it makes you and Kitty more pleasing on the eyes," concluded Jane with a smile.
Lydia seemed to take no notice of Jane's words as she turned to address Lizzy.
"Lizzy, please, I beg of you - leave your bloomers at home this time," begged Lydia and glanced at Lizzy with disgust.
"I know both you and Mother find the reform dress both unattractive and unfeminine. If you tried them, Lydia I think you would find them comfortable and practical," objected Lizzy and Lydia frowned.
"Lydia, there are proven health benefits with the reform dress. The reform dress is very sensible and practical yet - to be honest not that flattering," Jane softly said.
"Dare I remind you that I stopped dressing in traditional dresses and full skirts several years ago? I no longer own a full skirt - I would bring my fancy bloomers, Mama but I am afraid those would upset you more," Lizzy replied.
"Mary, be a dear and at least try to find a more vibrant color than your usual dresses in grey and brown that you insist on wearing," complained Lydia
"Mrs. Bennet, it is not that I fear Lizzy, Jane or Mary would behave inappropriately. It's Kitty and Lydia's lack of morality that makes me hesitate to bring them. But more importantly, the question is if you would manage to behave while we are there. Can you promise me to keep your poor nerves in control?" asked he.
"Father, please be mindful of mother's poor nerves!" exclaimed Lydia and began to pat her mother's shoulder.
"Oh, dear child I assure I am well aware of your mother's poor nerves. They are of as much of a concern to me now, thirty years later if not more," answered Mr. Bennet without taking any notice of his wife.
"Do you, Father, do you really?" asked Kitty concerned and glanced at her mother, then her sisters and back to her father.
"Oh yes, Father I have something to ask you. Elizabeth insisted that I did it," hesitated Jane and looked worryingly at her father.
"Jane, please don't try to be coy with me, you are far too old for that."
Mr. Bennet turned to his second oldest daughter. "Very well then, Jane, perhaps I should ask Lizzy to tell me or rather you could have asked her from the very beginning," answered Mr. Bennet.
"Father, I think you must have realized that since it, unfortunately, doesn't seem like any of your daughters are near a marriage- or even promise of marriage. Don't you think it's more beneficial that your eldest daughter(
to receive an education instead? Neither Jane nor I is getting any younger," stated Elizabeth.
"Elizabeth, please! Don't remind me, my poor nerves can't handle any more excitement for today," moaned Mrs. Bennet.
The day of the Presidential election had finally arrived and everyone appeared to be concerned and worried. Some were better at concealing their emotions than others. Unfortunately for the Republicans, Abraham Lincoln was unable to secure a majority of the electoral college votes. With only 40 % of the votes, the Republicans knew that the Democrats never would accept Lincoln as the new President. Not with a mere 180 electoral votes.
When the results became official on the 20th of December, unable to accept defeat many Southern Democrats and a few Northern Democrats in pure disappointment announced their intention to secede from the Union. As the Union states and the Union president predicted and feared South Carolina's secession from the Union was now a direct threat. Several Southern states shared the same views.