Chapter 4
Mr. Henry and Mr. Edmund Woodworth were tall gentlemen with fair features and affable natures. They could not be described as handsome but, given their easy manners, athletic build and fashionable appearance, were still desirable company.
As the Bennet ladies had arrived at Lucas lodge, on the evening of the much coveted dinner, they were admitted to the main sitting room where the guests and hosts had assembled. The taller, and older looking brother happened to look round and note their entrance, so both gentlemen quickly excused themselves from their current conversations to make their way towards the ladies.
Mr. Woodworth introduced himself and his brother – Lieutenant Edmund Woodworth of The Royal Navy, to Mrs. Bennet and she somewhat graciously greeted him in turn before introducing them to her daughters. Kitty very nearly swooned at the introduction of the younger gentleman's naval rank.
Mary quickly excused herself to speak to Sir William Lucas about the planned entertainment for the evening. Mr. Edmund Woodworth (despite his brother's introduction, he insisted on being addressed as Mr. in daily society) addressed Mrs. Bennet and Kitty, while Mr. Woodworth turned to Lizzy and Jane.
"I must apologise for the absence of our cousin, Mr. Langley," Mr. Woodworth smiled charmingly at the ladies as he escorted them further into the room. "He greatly hoped to be present this evening, but was called away unexpectedly this morning. We are all eager to be introduced to the greater Meryton society."
"Well, we shall have to manage with you and your brother's company for now." Lizzy teased, and was gratified to see Mr. Woodworth smile in response.
After a brief pleasantries, the discussion naturally turned towards the gentleman's impression of Hertfordshire – he found the countryside pleasant and the society engaging. "I definitely will be imposing on my brother's solicitation very often in the future."
With the arrival of the Bennet Ladies, the party was complete – also in attendance were Sir William Lucas and Lady Lucas, of course, and two of their children, Maria and Philip (the younger children were to sup in the nursery), Mrs. Long and one of her nieces, the Gouldings and Mr. Robinson. Given that the party was considerable in size, Lizzy was surprised to find herself seated for dinner next to Mr. Edmund Woodworth and so, given her natural curiosity, their conversation began on his career.
Their father, Mr. Henry Woodworth the elder had also had a career in The Royal Navy, and quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the fleets youngest Captains. Their mother had chosen to travel abroad with him and was witness to some of the skirmishes their father was successful in. The brothers had seen much of the world during their early years.
"When I was six however, our mother was taken from us along with our infant sister." The gentleman paused, seeming distressed for a moment before continuing, "Our father made the decision to return to England, so that my brother and I might live with his family and begin formal education. During our journey home though, his elder brother succumbed to an infection unexpectedly and our father was made to retire from his ship, so when he was required to he was present to succeed the Baronetcy. This was providential as our grandfather was not long for this world either. Given our father's experiences, he believed a naval career would be best for his second son, and sent me to the Royal Naval Academy."
"And do you enjoy your career?" Mrs. Long asked from the other side of the table.
"Indeed," The gentleman now smiled, "I was born on a frigate, and I believe I was intended to spend my life at sea."
"How unfortunate then, for you to find yourself here in the country – a good 50 miles from the nearest coast!" Lizzy teased, and noted that Mr. Edmund did not smile as readily as her brother had at her jest.
"No, it is not unfortunate," He did smile, though more to please then in humour, "I have taken quite a partiality to this place. I believe any time spent here will be happily occupied."
He spoke in depth of his latest travels and his bond with the other officers and crew of the ship HMS Columba. His narrative of the skirmishes near Porto Rico against the French was almost too detailed, and Sir William Lucas had to interrupt him several times, so as not to offend the sensitivities of the ladies present.
Mr. Edmund finally concluded and the conversation changed to him questioning Lizzy about Hertfordshire. His queries were not exhausted when Lady Lucas indicated that the ladies would remove to the parlor. He made Lizzy promise to continue this exchange when the gentlemen would join them.
In the parlor, Mrs. Bennet was quick to dominate conversation with her praise of the Woodworths, in particular the elder brother. Lady Lucas approached Lizzy and began to discuss with her, the latest communication she had received from Charlotte Collins, nee Lucas – her eldest daughter and Lizzy's dear friend.
Lizzy was glad to hear that Charlotte, and her husband were well, and how happy they were in Kent. Lady Lucas also divulged to Lizzy that the Collins were expected at Lucas Lodge by the end of October. Lizzy was especially heartened to hear she would soon see her friend.
"Their journey is entirely Lady Catherine de Bourgh's design," explained Lady Lucas with all of her son-in-law's enthusiasm. "She did not wish to lose Mr. Collins over the Christmas season and so, charitably suggested they spend two weeks of November here, as she could spare him at such a time."
"Very prudent and generous of her" Lizzy agreed, though her true opinion was more involved.
"We have considered sending Maria with them to spend Christmas in Kent, for it would greatly benefit her to spend more time under that prodigious Lady's instruction."
Lizzy could not disagree more with Lady Lucas, but felt it would be indelicate of her to say so.
The ladies' discourse was interrupted by matter of contention which arose between Kitty and Maria Lucas. When questioned, Kitty admitted the substance of this disagreement – Maria had learnt from her father that Mr. Edmund had sustained an injury during a skirmish and had a prominent scar on his left arm as evidence- his arm had been saved from amputation but was forever impaired. Kitty wished to witness the scar, Maria did not.
Lady Lucas admonished her daughter for divulging what she had been privy to and moved away. Lizzy looked to her mother to see if a correction would come for Kitty – when none did, as Mrs. Bennet was far too occupied conjecturing with Mrs. Long about the state of Purvis Lodge's attics – Lizzy berated her sister.
"The subject may cause the gentleman much grief and given our limited acquaintance it would be exceptionally forward of you, Kitty."
Kitty had pouted at this, but soon found a new topic to amuse her and Maria, and was back to merry spirits.
Lizzy was relieved to find then that the gentlemen had quite tired of each other's company and were eager to reunite with the ladies of the party.
She and Jane were seated on the same sofa and were almost immediately approached by the two brothers, Mr. Edmund seating himself nearest Lizzy and Mr. Henry stood before Jane. Mr. Edmund quickly took up his line of questioning again however it was not long that the conversations between these pairs soon became a group discussion between all four. Lizzy was pleased to note the serene and amiable nature of her sister - she had been concerned about past events affecting Jane's heart and making her shy to meeting new associations.
When the card tables were brought out, the four were quick to occupy themselves in a game of casino. If Kitty did glance towards her sisters at this time, it was likely in envy that they had gained the company of the much sought-after new gentlemen, and a Lieutenant at that! It did provide her with a moment of clarity about the difference in behavior between her older sisters and her younger, and the type of gentlemen each sort of behavior could summon.
Mary, who was little inclined for conversation or cards, had been allowed access to the piano to perform whilst the rest of the party broke into small groups. Mrs. Bennet, from her table with Sir William Lucas, Maria, Kitty and Mr. Robinson, would frequently glance at the table where her other daughters sat and would draw the attention of the other players at her table to the same. She was quite pleased with herself.
The evening passed merrily in this fashion, until it was time to depart. Lizzy found that she had learnt a great deal about both Woodworth brothers, as the gentlemen were candid and unassuming. She had much in common with Mr. Woodworth in regards to taste in literature and educational pursuits, though she was sure Mr. Edmund wished to criticise her for discussing such un-ladylike interests. He held his tongue, though his face and shift in attention to question her sister about her pursuits, spoke volumes to Lizzy. In a previous time, Lizzy might have critiqued Mr. Edmund on this opinion, but she held her prejudice in check, at least until she knew him a little better.
The ladies learned that Mr. Woodworth was musically inclined – he played the fife, piano and violin. Mr. Edmund also teased that his brother had an excellent singing voice, and the ladies expressed hopes that he would perform for them, if not that night, then in the future. Mr. Woodworth had only agreed on the condition that others, including Lizzy once he learned that she was also musical, would also perform. Lizzy was more than happy to concur to the proposal.
Mr. Woodworth also spoke of their cousin, Mr. Langley, who was the eldest son of their father's youngest sister. Their father, he had explained, was the second eldest boy born in a family of eleven children. His sister, their aunt, had seemed to enjoy her position in a large family and had produced one herself – the Langley's had three boys and four girls. While large families were not uncommon to Lizzy's perspective, she did note that both the Woodworth brothers found it to be a wondrous thing.
On departure from Lucas Lodge, Mrs. Bennet had pressed Mr. Woodworth for a promise that he and his brother would attend a dinner at the Bennet home the following week, as well as call upon the family whenever they may choose in the meantime. She had the six course dinner planned by the time the carriage had arrived back at Longbourn.
As they readied for bed, it was inherent that Jane and Lizzy would also converse about the evening and their new acquaintances.
"I like them," Jane intoned, "they are genteel and modest."
"And everything a young gentleman ought to be?" Lizzy teased, to which Jane just smiled amicably.
"Do be careful, Jane, I do not wish to see you so discontented again!" Lizzy warned.
"Lizzy," Jane sighed and began playing with her braided hair. "You know very well that is unlikely, given that my heart is still very much secure in the aspect of another gentleman."
The sisters were silent for a moment, then Lizzy inquired cautiously. "And if, Mr. Bingley never returns to Hertfordshire? Or returns with his circumstances changed?"
Jane stopped her fussing and looked confidently at her sister. "I said that my heart was secure, my hopes are in a different place altogether. If Mr. Bingley returns and for whatever reason, we are to be friends and nothing more, I will learn to think of him with indifference. If he never returns, then the brothers Woodworth will provide an excellent distraction as my heart learns indifference."
Lizzy felt guilty for continuing to conceal from her dearest sister the circumstances of Mr. Bingley's departure and continued distance. In this though, she knew the information would bring Jane little comfort and continued to allow her sister some ignorance.
"At least you may feel secure, Lizzy" Jane suggested softly, "that if Mr. Bingley never returns, then his friends is not likely to either."
Jane knew little of the time Lizzy had spent in Derbyshire, and so continued to assume her feelings in regards to that gentleman were much the same as they had been when she left Kent. Again Lizzy's conscience reminded her of the inequality between them - she was a trusted confidant to Jane but her sister was ignorant of Lizzy's confidences.
Lizzy bid her sister good night and took herself to bed. She resolved, as she lay staring at the ceiling, to adopt her sister's solution. If she never saw Mr. Darcy again, or if she did and knew her current doubts about his affections were confirmed, she would allow her heart to learn indifference. And the Woodworth brother's would provide a most satisfying distraction until such a time.
As promised, the new neighbours called upon the Bennets only days after the dinner at Lucas Lodge. The brothers brought their cousin, who had returned from his business in town and the Bennet ladies were eager to become familiar with his character. Frederick Langley was not as tall as his cousins, but was fair featured like them. Upon introductions, he had seemed rather alarmed by Mrs. Bennet's exuberant hospitality and had sat in silence for several minutes, before Lizzy took pity on him and quietly inquired about his sense of the neighbourhood.
Mr. Langley spoke very little, and Lizzy observed it was more likely from reserve then disinterest. As his cousins, Mrs. Bennet and Kitty kept a merry dialogue about the social events that were to occur in the country over the next few months, Mr. Langley curtly answered Lizzy's questions and, she noted, glanced at Jane a great deal.
The gentlemen were expected to call again the following afternoon, but heavy rains dampened the ladies hopes of their company for most of the day. Lizzy found it an ideal opportunity to resume her correspondence with her Aunt Gardiner, and felt that she should review her aunt's last letter before writing her own. The re-reading had an alarming impact on Lizzy though, and she blushed at the expectations of her relatives as well as the false hope she had considered in response to it.
She had been quite occupied when the letter had first arrived, and had only penned a brief note in reply, thanking her aunt and confirming her comprehension on the nature of her sister's marriage. Lizzy began a longer letter to her aunt now, asking after her health, and the well-being of her cousins and uncle, before asserting the health and happiness of her, her sisters and their parents. Not yet ready to address the contents of her aunt's previous communication, Lizzy then took her time to describe the recent events of the country as well as what she hoped was an impartial sketch of Mr. Woodworth, Mr. Edmund Woodworth and Mr. Langley
Having almost filled the page, she finished with an address about the notions from her aunt and uncle, clarifying their misunderstanding and apologising if they found this disappointing, particularly in regards to not being able to take her aunt out in the phaeton around P. Lizzy finished with a request that they not share such predictions with her own parents and a promise made in jest to cart of aunt around the town of Meryton whenever she is so inclined.
Just as she was finishing her letter, Kitty came to retrieve her. The gentlemen's carriage had been sighted on the drive, and Mrs. Bennet wished for Lizzy to amuse the dull Mr. Langley again so Jane and Kitty might have the attention of the Woodworths.
Author's Note - I wouldn't normally beg for reviews - but I would LOVE some feedback on Henry, Edmund and Frederick - are they predictable? boring? annoying?
