Lydia was a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen, with a fine complexion and good-humoured countenance; a favourite with her mother, whose affection had brought her into public at an early age.
Chapter III
As the hours passed, the uneasiness of the two eldest Bennet sisters grew. Lydia seldom spoke, except to beg to be returned home to Longbourn and in this they could not oblige her. To plead on Lydia's behalf to their father was out of the question. To learn that his daughter was not yet married to the man with whom she had lived in sin for nearly a week; and was likely to remain so would try the virtue of both their parents, but their father's present mood almost ensured that Lydia be cast out in the manner suggested by Mr Collins in his officious letter. The two sisters were troubled, accustomed as they were, to Lydia's high spirits. Also, they were uncomfortable with having to keep her present situation in the dark from their family for Kitty was wretched indeed and their Mama, sadly ill.
Mrs Gardiner was reassuring. "I am aware, Jane, Lizzy, that I was not entirely correct in my representations to your father in my letter. But though my means were questionable, you can be sure that my motives were not so. I wished for Lydia to have the comfort which can be had only from an intimate family member but I deemed it unwise to involve your mother. As much as I respect her, she would only encourage Lydia in thinking that she had been used ill. But I hope that she has not been inconvenienced beyond what was necessary."
"Indeed, no, ma'am," Jane assured her. "She knows not who tends to her. Mary and Kitty are admirably in their care towards her. Mary is particularly diligent. But, I wish to relay news of a joyous nature to her soon. I have not a doubt that news of Lydia's safe return would heal her faster than the best of ministrations. But I do comprehend the reasons that such information cannot be shared with her at this juncture."
Elizabeth agreed with her sister in essence but was unconvinced of the particulars. It was her estimation that her mother's worry and illness was not feigned, but she was also certain that it was exaggerated. She had been present when her aunt's missive had arrived and was sure that it had occurred to her mother that they could ill afford to offend the Gardiners. She could not agree with Jane that Lydia's safe return would ensure their mother's recovery: only news of her matrimony could accomplish that. An additional source of worry for the sisters and their aunt was Lydia decrease in appetite. Lydia had always been a hearty feeder, never content with moderation in her meals. Since her recovery, she had barely eaten to support herself. Her blossoming complexion had vanished. She was unusually reticent. And she was still unwed.
Lydia had shared the particulars of all three conversations with Jane after Elizabeth had retired to bed, pained at Lydia's reception of her. Miss Bennet's feelings were so great as to almost transcend Lydia's own. She could not approve of the impudence which had made Lydia carelessly decline Mr Darcy's counsel and assistance, but this disapprobation was soon lost in all subsequent feelings. She was shocked to learn that Wickham was a gamester and was distressed that he could dally with the wives of other officers. But these feelings did not eclipse concern for her sister. Jane could comprehend perfectly Lydia's pain of being denounced by her lover for her heart was exceptionally sympathetic and she herself had been mistaken in love. But, the conversation that had taken place between Mr Wickham and Mrs Younge and overheard, caused her to experience all the horror and mortification that such a conversation is likely to produce. It must be mentioned that Lydia was careful to avoid mention of Elizabeth and the unfavourable comparison Wickham drew between the two sisters.
She protested that Lydia might have been mistaken. Lydia replied, in a subdued voice, that it could not be so. The proposal was advanced twice and was acquiesced twice. She repeated the words as she had remembered them, angry that her sister would chuse then to suggest that Mr Wickham could not be quite as bad as that. Lydia was destined to disappointment in her perverse desire to shock her sister, for Jane was entirely ignorant of military cant.
"He remarked that the only temptation that I could offer any man were my large –." Here she was obliged to indicate her bosom. "He would certainly know," she added, her feelings of bitterness and shame overcoming any tendency she may have otherwise have had towards discretion, at least before her two eldest sisters. Jane, though weeping copiously and almost fainting from her feelings, could not neglect to ask Lydia what she meant by that.
Lydia confessed, shamefaced and hesitating, that she was not a maiden. She was fortunate in that it was Jane who heard this. Miss Bennet was excessively shocked and she gave Lydia the feelings which would have attended herself, had she been the culprit. However, Jane could also admit to feelings of relief, though she would not speak of it to Lydia. Before her sojourn to Brighton, Lydia would have made the admission triumphantly or accompanied by simpering. That she had the grace to blush made Miss Bennet hopeful. Unlike Elizabeth and their Aunt Gardiner, Jane had not thought Lydia lacking in virtue, however high-spirited she was.
"Swear, Jane!" said Lydia, fiercely. "Swear that you shall not repeat this to anyone!"
But Miss Bennet refused to make the promise. "I shall not, of course, spread this irresponsibly, Lydia. But I cannot keep it in the dark, especially with regards to any steps our Aunt and Uncle may take in respect of your future which may demand that I cannot, in good conscience, keep silence. I can, however, promise you that I shall tell only Lizzy for the time being."
Lydia was mortified. That Elizabeth should learn of her indiscretion was too much to bear! Unlike Jane, Elizabeth did not have that gift of boundless compassion and unblemished sympathy. She would not hesitate to remind and scold Lydia at every turn, particularly when Lydia did not wish to behave as Elizabeth thought she should. And Lydia's feelings towards Elizabeth at present could scarcely be described as warm or cordial. Lydia resented everybody at this stage: in addition to being told that she could not go home to her Mama's embrace, her private confidences were being made public by her own sister. She began to feel bitter towards even Jane, not being in possession of the wisdom which could have made her see that Jane could not make promises rashly, especially with regards to a delicate situation of which she was not in power to correct. She received Jane's wishes for her to have a good night ungraciously.
Jane did not wish to betray Lydia's confidence to Lizzy for sport, but she readily forgave Lydia's supposition that this was her intention. Jane was modest and, though in possession of good sense, was aware that her mind was not as quick as Lizzy's. She was excessively sorry to rouse her sister from her sleep but feared that the tumult in her own mind would give her no rest and render her useless.
Elizabeth was filled with compassion and grief but her pity was tempered with anger. "Foolish girl! Did she think that it was all a great joke? Oh, is there no hope for her, Jane? What will happen to her? It is too much to expect that a respectable man will have her now!"
Jane was less despairing. "But, Lizzy, consider! She blushes and is ashamed. Surely, we can hope that her character has improved?"
"It will be of no use if she becomes as virtuous as a sister of chastity now," said her sister, fretfully. "To think that she is aware of the secrets of the marriage bed before she is wed! And she has learnt it all from that villain! But she cannot marry him and no other man will have her. Yet she cannot remain unwed for she is ruined otherwise! He will not take her without a substantial inducement and another man will take her not at all. And what will happen when that fortune is spent, should Wickham? Will he follow his original plans? 'Tis all too horrible to contemplate!"
Jane and Elizabeth did not sleep that night and spent those long hours comforting each other. As a result, they appeared to break their fast looking tired and ill themselves. Their Aunt Gardiner was angry and did not scruple to say so. "How do you hope to be of service to your sister if you were to take ill yourselves?" She would have said more but was interrupted by the arrival of Mr Darcy.
Mr Darcy was embarrassed at seeing Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. His mortification increased when he realised that they were not surprised or questioning of his presence. On the contrary, they were directing expressions of profound gratitude towards him. He was unhappy. To be the recipient of gratitude when he expected censure and prayed for love! Could anything be more painful? But, he recalled that it was he who opined that Miss Lydia would benefit from the presence of her sisters, who could not be kept in the dark regarding his involvement. If it was not Mrs Gardiner, Miss Lydia herself would reveal him. He resolved to accept their knowledge, provided that it would not spread any farther.
He was fortunate in that Mr Gardiner's arrival preceded his own by a mere half-hour. Mr Gardiner wished to confer with Mr Darcy privately but Mr Darcy was of the opinion that the presence of the women-folk could not be neglected: it may be that their powers of persuasion on which the successful execution of his plan depended on. In the end, it was resolved that Lydia's attendance was not desirable. Mr Darcy proceeded with informing the party present of intelligence gathered thus far.
"Wickham has absconded," said he, grimly. He was met with cries of dismay. "His rooms are stripped of everything of value. Even your sister's things are missing. Presumably, has sold them. His gaming debts are enormous and he is facing a charge of desertion. It is unlikely that he has left the country but it is possible. However, I do not see the purpose of searching for him, unless it is to deliver him to the army. A marriage between him and your sister is insupportable!"
His audience was silent. They agreed with his logic but, with the exception of Elizabeth, were in despair regarding Lydia's future. Elizabeth suspected that Mr Darcy had a solution to their difficulty. But, even she was uneasy should Lydia herself be difficult.
"As soon as it became clear that Mr Wickham was absconding and that his acquaintances were unaware of his whereabouts, I proceeded to making enquiries so as to find a man who would be willing to take Miss Lydia for a wife." He paused. "If I have acted with conceit and excessive interference, I must ask you to be frank with me. I shall proceed with this no further if that is your wish." They hastened to assure him of their consent. Contrary to being offended, they were most grateful. They admitted that they could do no better themselves. Mr Darcy hesitated only slightly before continuing.
"I learnt of one individual: a Mr Rand-Brown. He is, at present, reading law at Lincoln's Inn, under the tutelage of Sir William Burgess, who is a personal and intimate friend of mine. I have told him of the circumstances and he is amenable to marrying Lydia as soon as can be arranged. Will Miss Lydia be receptive to his suit?"
"I am afraid, Sir, that Lydia shall have little choice in the matter" replied Mr Gardiner.
Jane and Mrs Gardiner hurried to Lydia and Elizabeth hastened to write to Longbourn. She was loath to leave Mr Darcy and her Uncle to their private conversation for it seemed that her Uncle would then ask for particulars regarding Mr Darcy's promises to this Mr Rand-Brown. Elizabeth was not so innocent as to believe that any man would simply agree to marry a fallen woman without receiving some form of compensation for his troubles.
"Mr Darcy, you must understand that I cannot proceed with this plan in good faith before learning of the promises that you have entered into on our behalf during the negotiations" said Mr Gardiner.
Mr Darcy was embarrassed. "I assure you, Sir, that they were not unduly heavy."
"Nevertheless, Sir, I must insist on knowing."
"Very well; I have agreed to use my connexions to ensure that he will be called to the bar at the earliest. He could scarcely have hoped for such an immediate elevation, give his present state of relative poverty. He is, I believe, an orphan and has no near living relatives anywhere. I have also promised to settle a sum on ten thousand pounds on him immediately on his marriage to your niece, as her dowry."
A stunned silence greeted him. "Ten thousand pounds!" Mr Gardiner was amazed. "Sir, you take too much upon yourself! Mr Bennet and I- we cannot repay you."
"I pray of you, Sir, do not shame me by speaking of repayment" cried Mr Darcy. "I am party to blame for this elopement and I am not unwilling to bear the responsibility of it!"
Mr Gardiner was reluctant to leave the subject but he deemed it imprudent to continue. He suspected that Mr Darcy had formed a romantic attachment towards his niece Elizabeth and were it so, he demonstrated his regard admirably, but Mr Gardiner did not wish to be precipitate. Nor could he be sure of Elizabeth's regard. He was of the opinion that they would suit admirably and could not scorn Mr Darcy's character or material wealth.
Mr Darcy spoke yet again. His manner was marked with some hesitation and shame. "Mr Gardiner, I must tell you that Mr Rand-Brown advanced but one condition for this marriage, of which he informed me during our negotiations. I hesitated to speak before the ladies, particularly Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, who, being unmarried cannot know of certain things. He says that he will marry Miss Lydia only on the condition that she is not with child." He seemed ashamed of repeating this; his head was bowed and his complexion red. Mr Gardiner was less given to feelings of embarrassment than of wrath on hearing the condition. That Lydia should make herself the subject of such vulgar and ill-natured speculation and to have her character questioned by a man who had not so much as laid eyes on her! But, vexation soon gave way to resignation- he would ask his wife to broach the subject with Lydia as soon as could be managed.
"I must request you to dine with me tonight at Darcy House, Sir. The gentleman in question shall also be in attendance." Mr Gardiner agreed readily with the scheme. Mr Darcy rose to leave but was forestalled by Elizabeth, who had returned. She requested Mr Darcy partake in some breakfast with them. He made an attempt to decline but was overpowered.
Mrs Gardiner kept an excellent table. Whereas the number of dishes was limited, the quality of each was decidedly superior. Mr Gardiner was tired from his arduous journey and spoke little. Jane and Mrs Gardiner were engaged in pacifying Lydia and had yet to return, leaving Elizabeth and Mr Darcy to converse with each other.
Elizabeth was blushing and in distress. After several false starts, she began by enquiring about his sister Georgiana. He answered her with civility, if not with perfect composure. The countenance of each was suffused with supressed emotion. Eventually, Elizabeth could keep silent no longer regarding his assistance with reference to the unfortunate affair with her sister.
"Mr Darcy, I am a very selfish creature; and, for the sake of giving relief to my own feelings, care not how much I may be wounding yours. I can no longer help thanking you for your unexampled kindness to my poor sister. Ever since I have known it, I have been most anxious to acknowledge to you how gratefully I feel it." Thus, Mr Darcy was forced to endure gratitude for the third time that week. As with Mr and Mrs Gardiner, Mr Darcy disclaimed great virtue and reiterated that he only did as he saw was his duty.
Elizabeth was curious about Mr Rand-Brown, who was soon to become a brother to her. Her curiosity sprung from sisterly concern and she did not neglect to inquire minutely regarding him. She was informed that he was an orphan with no living relatives and that he was reading law under a modestly successful barrister at Lincoln's Inn. Elizabeth nearly wept with relief. This was better than they could have possibly expected, given the circumstances. Although Mr Darcy was not explicit, Elizabeth could deduce that he was not in possession of personal wealth or, indeed, of any independent means. But, she was hopeful. A lawyer could, at least, earn a comfortable fortune at some later date. She pressed for details regarding his character and manners.
Mr Darcy assured her on both counts. His manners, if not those of the fashionable world, were perfectly polite and well-bred. His character was vouchsafed by Sir William- the barrister under whose tutelage Mr Rand-Brown was studying law- who was pleased with his brilliance, hard-work, diligence and his devotion towards his work. But, Mr Darcy was uneasy with regards to one aspect of him: he was not a handsome man.
Elizabeth was uneasy as well. Lydia was known for her unkindness towards people who were unhandsome. Elizabeth could recall vividly an incident with a waiter at an inn. Jane and she had informed him that he need not stay, because they feared that Lydia would speak imprudently. Lydia had said that she was glad that he was gone, though it did not particularly signify, because he was an ugly fellow and that he had a long chin. Elizabeth also feared that Lydia would not take kindly to being forced to marry an unhandsome man for she did not appreciate her own precarious position. It would fall on their aunt, Jane and herself to convince her that she could not refuse.
Elizabeth was distracted as she saw Mr Darcy out. Mr Darcy was no longer the chief concern of her mind. She was lost in contemplation of Lydia's future. Mr Darcy had arranged an alternative for her which was better than tolerable: it was fortuitous. But Lydia had not the sense to appreciate it as such. Lydia could not understand it as a means of making amends: she would only regard the match as punishment. In desperation, Elizabeth sought out Jane.
Miss Bennet was unable to ease her sister's troubled mind. Lydia, on being informed of the arrangements for her future, has not ceased to wail this past half-hour. "I am afraid, Lizzy, that our Aunt Gardiner has been very harsh with Lydia. She did not attempt to reason with her nor did she remind her that it was her own folly. She merely said that, if Lydia refused this match, she could not remain with them. She pointed out that they had their own children, whose well-being was their first concern and they could not host her indefinitely. Mama may wish for Lydia's return but you understand Papa better than I; he would not countenance Lydia's return when she is yet unmarried. Though I sympathise with Lydia, I cannot help but appreciate Papa's reasons. You and I, being the eldest, may accept our suffering philosophically but Kitty and Mary! We cannot make sport of their future to accommodate Lydia's youthful wishes, howsoever we may wish."
"I agree, Jane. But, has Lydia agreed? If she has not, is there any hope of persuading her?"
Jane looked apologetic. "She was having a fit of the vapours, much like Mama. I was concerned at her hysteria and feared that she may take ill. But her behaviour ceased with her realisation that our aunt remained unmoved. I am sorry to think poorly of my own sister, but I was greatly shocked at her pretence. She agreed to marry this man but has been weeping since then."
Elizabeth was disgusted. Was it not enough that Lydia had ruined herself and had nearly ruined them all? Must she scorn every grace and every opportunity to redeem herself in the eyes of the world? They all owed a debt of gratitude to Mr Darcy; Lydia's, greater than all of them. Could she use this circumstance to better her own situation or was she determined upon her own destruction and that of the man who was to become her husband? Jane was propitious but Elizabeth could not be so sanguine.
"We can only pray that this gentleman is kind and eventually develops some regard for her. I dare not suppose that love and affection are possible. How can a man respect a woman whose mind and character he holds in contempt? How can a woman tolerate being held to scorn and ridicule at every turn? Oh, I have never been more exasperated with my mother and my father! That we should not be accomplished, in the conventional sense of the term, does not injure us. But, that our sisters are lacking in manners befitting their station as daughters of a gentleman and are so wholly dead to decorum, propriety and, indeed, morality has devastated us on more occasions than I care to recall."
Jane was distressed. "Lizzy, you are taking too fatal a view of circumstances which, though they may not suit you, are not without their merits. Recall, dearest, your chagrin at Charlotte's acceptance of Mr Collins. You tried to convince me that happiness for them was improbable. Yet, on your return from Hunsford, you assured me that Charlotte was managing very well indeed."
Elizabeth was quick to reply. "I do own, Jane, that I was critical of Charlotte's decision to marry our cousin. Her motives, it seemed to me, were mercenary. Mr Collins himself admitted that his reason for marrying was more to oblige his patroness than for love: he proposed to her scarcely a se'nnight after her proposed to me. That is not an auspicious foundation for a marriage. Charlotte is happy, certainly; but it is the happiness which comes from having her own home rather than that which is derived from her spouse. But, that is not of import for us. Jane, Charlotte possesses more than her fair share of intelligence and good sense whereas her husband is uncommonly ridiculous. She can manage him very well, as I had opportunity to witness! But Lydia is precisely the opposite of Charlotte. She cannot even keep a civil tongue in her head at all times. If she is popular, it is because she is good-humoured and people excuse her on account of her youth. But, what is pardonable and even indulged at sixteen is quite intolerable at twenty. Can we hope that her husband, who is clearly ambitious, will be tolerant of her silliness and of her vulgar behaviour; especially, if it stands in the way of his own advancement? No, Jane. I fear for Lydia."
Miss Bennet soothed. It seemed to her that they were being hasty in their conjectures. Intelligence regarding their future brother was obtained second-hand from Mr Darcy and though she had a high opinion of him, they could be prejudiced either in favour or against Mr Rand-Brown until they had met him themselves. But, Elizabeth remained unconvinced and awaited her uncle's return from dinner eagerly.