All The King's Wolves

A variation of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice

Chapter Four

" A woman must have a thorough knowledge of music, singing, drawing, dancing, and the modern languages."

Elizabeth Bennet rushed through her breakfast as politely as possible. She was famished and yet unwilling to stay at the table a moment longer than necessary. Father, apparently already having breakfasted and having business in Meryton, was gone for the morning. Lizzy would not be able to hide away with his books in his study until he returned. She did not feel like reading if it could not be the wolf tomes. She was too anxious for poetry or fiction. Still she would find something else to do for she could not stand another moment of her younger sister's squawking about the officers of his majesty's royal army soon to arrive in Meryton. It was unbearable especially with the uncertainty she felt on the matter. A note had arrived from Aunt Phillips on the news early this morning, and Lydia and Kitty had talked of nothing else. Jane was not even present to temper their exuberance. Jane had decided to take her horse out while the morning was pleasant. She rode almost as much as Lizzy walked. She was the only one that had developed the interest, and Lizzy could not begrudge her the time alone, for her mother would be sure to hover incessantly on the subject of Mr. Bingley when she returned. Mary was merely reading sermons again, Lizzy would have appreciated if she had chosen to practice her piano lessons instead. At least it might drown out the noise. Maybe she could persuade Mary to read aloud.

She had spent almost the whole of her life in the quietness of Hertfordshire. News from town rarely affected them out here in the country. Even the new disturbing wolf laws had merely served as fodder for interesting gossip. As far as Lizzy could tell people liked to be horrified and discuss at length the various scandals of the ton with a level of joyful astonishment. For the first time in her life she was beginning to feel a keen lack in her education. Her father had taught as much as he would have a son, but where her father's interest lacked so did her education. She knew very little of politics. She knew even less of wolves. It had never bothered her before. She had always considered herself an excellent judge of character but felt ill prepared when faced with any number of unknown wolves. The chances of sharing company with Mr. Darcy again were high. She was not quite ready to rule out the danger of his presence but at least he was a gentleman. She was even less certain of the coming regiment. She was no simpleton and knew enlisted officers were not highly favored in the ton supposedly for their lack of breeding and manners. They were good enough for God and country but not their daughters, unless of course they were the second son of peerage or some wealthy gentleman. The Bennet family was not so wealthy as such and an officer might be considered a good match. The wonder was as a lady of little means, whether a wealthy noble wolf with all the polite manners of society was safer than a poor low class wolf. To be wedded or merely kept the choice was not hers anyway. One was certainly more appealing than the other but to have her freedom wrenched from her appalled her either way.


By the time Darcy had changed and arrived downstairs Mr. Bennet had already arrived to meet with Mr. Bingley.

"Darcy, glad you're here, Mr. Bennet was just asking for recommendations on a girl's school in town. I was thinking you might know better since your sister attended more recently than mine. I could not remember which one." Darcy's steps almost faltered and Bingley seemed oblivious to the immediate tension that filled his study.

"It's a pleasure to see you again Mr. Bennet." Darcy bowed. Mr. Bennet arched an eyebrow at Darcy's softer tone. The young man had stiffened at his presence but gone was the disdain from the previous evening and he was merely eyeing Mr. Bennet with some curiosity. Still Mr. Bennet proceeded with caution.

"Yes, well I was just telling Bingley that I believe my youngest daughters would benefit from a more structured environment for their schooling. My wife has too much to do with our older daughters to attend to them now. I was hoping for them to perhaps start with the a new term in January, if a good school appropriate to their station of course could be found. Where is your sister's school located?"Mr. Bennet felt proud with this reasoning. It was smooth, open, and yet still vague. It was solid enough no one would question it. He had five daughters after all, any man would accept his desire to send some away without suspicion. Mr. Darcy on the other hand was stiff.

"It was a ladies' school near London where she attended a few years but only this summer I have removed her to be with our aunt where she now has a governess and is taught mostly by tutors. When my father passed, I was unprepared to raise my sister as a lady ought. I found a seminary by a Mrs. Tyler in Middlesex. I was pleased it offered more than the usual, with a variety academic courses and both French and English. It came on several good recommendations, and I preferred it's closeness to London. At the time it was a good compromise for our situation." His ramrod posture, tightened fist, stone faced expression, all led Mr. Bennet to believe Mr. Darcy was extremely uncomfortable. Was it merely his own presence or perhaps it was discussing his sister.

"Ah so you are her guardian then?" Mr. Bennet tested his theory.

"Yes…" He was hesitant but continued anyway. "My sister was only ten when our father died. Our mother passed away when she was still an infant. She is about the same age now as your younger daughters I expect. I afraid I know nothing of raising a girl. I had hoped a school would provide greater stability and social outlet for her but my sister is rather shy she seems to do better under a governess and tutors for the time being." Mr. Bennet did not think the man could be more than five and twenty perhaps he had a right to be uncomfortable. It was a wonder the man did not marry simply to provide some stability for his sister, it was often done with widowers. Mr. Darcy situation was not much different, with the exception he was a wolf. Was he truly waiting for his mate, or did he simply not want to settle down. It would be unusual for someone of such worth to choose a mate over fortune. Mr. Bennet did not trust him.

"I suppose a governess has been the more expected thing to do, but I don't think I would be able to find someone to take them at this junction."

"I feel it is only right I give some caution Mr. Bennet, with the way the events have turned out in London this summer as I am sure you are aware of, I feel my sister is safer in the care of her Aunt, than a school." There was arrogance in the tone but Mr. Bennet had to give the man credit for his concern. He would usually find a man such as Mr. Darcy amusing. The disdain for country manners, the distinct superiority, the aloofness. It was entertaining to watch someone to force themselves to be so miserable but he could find no mirth in this wolf's presence.

"I see you may be right there." Mr. Bennet finally admitted, feeling that perhaps this was the real reason Mr. Darcy choose to pull her sister from school. He paced as he pondered the new predicament. Lydia and Kitty were turning out far more wild than he could imagine. Though it was Lydia who was the leader, Kitty only following along. He had even considered sending them to different school, just to give Kitty the chance to be without Lydia. But Mr. Darcy was right. They would certainly encounter more wolves in town than in the country. It was strange to find common ground with a noble wolf such as Mr. Darcy. His sister would be in as much risk as his daughters but he did not feel magnanimous enough to grant Mr. Darcy any leeway for it. One sister was nothing compared to five daughters to worry over.

"Mr. Bennet." Darcy interrupted his thinking, "If I may, my aunt is Lady Matlock wife to the Earl of Matlock, she was able to find a governess for Georgiana at her age perhaps she could recommend another, if you would allow me to write to her." Mr. Bennet wondered if he even knew how arrogant he sounded. He was surprised at the gesture, it was generous indeed. He had not known the Darcy family was aligned with a family of rank. And to use those connections for a virtual stranger. Suspicion settled low in his gut. Why would a Darcy help him? There was a bite in his words that was not usually there.

"That is very generous Mr. Darcy. I'll admit I am surprised at such an offer."Mr. Bennet wolf came loose a little, it's presence tangible. Darcy didn't not flinch though Bingley did.

"I would hope the same would be offered to me for my sister." Darcy merely replied. Darcy had dealt with more than enough angry wolves that a little tension did nothing to ruffle him. In fact, Mr. Bennet did not intimidate him in the least. He doubted the older gentleman had tangled in many wolf fights and Darcy felt confident, he could dominate even when Mr. Bennet was in his prime. He would not show weakness and simply ignored the tension as he usually did. Mr. Bennet continued to eye him warily.

"It is wise advice and I will consider it. Thank-you gentlemen. I will take my leave, I'm sure we will see each other soon." Replied Mr. Bennet saying nothing of accepting Darcy's offer.

"Of course Mr. Bennet, it's been a pleasure, allow me to see you out." Said Mr. Bingley as he showed ushered Mr. Bennet out of his study.

Mr. Darcy dropped into a chair across the desk and scrubbed his face. So much for a smooth introduction. He was no closer to approaching Mr. Bennet on the subject of his daughter. He had expected more time prepare for a conversation and had been caught off guard. He had not thought to discuss Georgiana with anyone in Hertfordshire. They had been much more to her removal then he had even told Bingley. He still feared for her safety. Her secret was too great. The risk of the wrong person finding out was too high. To make matter's worse the events surrounding it were more than scandalous, if word got out on that alone Georgiana would be ruined to society. Both Richard and he had agreed they would tell no one not even Lady Matlock. He could not avoid explaining when Bingley had brought the subject forth, but he truly only continued because he hoped the common ground would provide an opening. It was barely past nine and he felt the need for a stiff drink. Bingley returned.

"I'm not sure what you said that set him off but you were indeed right at Mr. Bennet disapproval, he all but growled. I am used to it from you, but Mr. Bennet was everything amiable and I'll even say rather jovial before you arrived. I'm afraid he might want to bite your head off." Darcy did not respond only pondered deeply. He could only think at the moment Mr. Bennet indeed had good reason to. Maybe Mr. Bennet could see more clearly where he was unsure. Maybe the father knew he would lose a daughter to him, a wolf. How did he assure Mr. Bennet she would be safe in his care? He had thought discussing his sister would express his understanding of Mr. Bennet situation. But by all rights if she turned out to be truly be his mate. She was his. But he abhorred to force anything, he would not be lumped together with those rogues in town. He had a close brush with one where his sister was concerned. Completely vile creatures, he was nothing like them.

He did not want to court her if she was not truly his mate, but how was he to find out for sure if he was not allowed near. He did not want to hope but he had never felt so drawn to a woman before. Surely, they would cross paths at some party or another. He did not want for it to occur at a party or a ball. It felt to intimate for such a public setting, already he garnered too much attention as it was. He got the feeling that Mr. Bennet was not about to allow him an audience alone with the Miss Elizabeth to merely test his theory.

"Cheer up old man, I'm sure Mr. Bennet will come to acknowledge you in time. We already have invitations to several dinner parties, the Bennets are sure to be at some of them " Bingley clapped Darcy on the back bringing him back to the present.

"Bingley..."

"I know, I know. I am not familiar with how you wolves are, but Mr. Bennet is such a pleasant fellow, I'm sure he is just being cautious. He does not yet know your character. That many beautiful daughters he would probably be so even if you weren't a wolf. " Darcy was mildly amused that it appeared to slip Bingley's mind that Mr. Bennet's ire was directed only at him. He could see Bingley stare off. Bingley was probably only thinking of one of Bennet's daughters in particular. He had barely stopped to breath with all his talking about the angle that was Miss Bennet the whole carriage ride home last night. It was excessive even for Bingley. He wondered what the elder Miss Bennet, thought of his friend. Bingley was so pleasant, he was sure to be liked, he was so kind that he was indeed a worthwhile friend. Darcy would readily acknowledge he would have been at a loss in university without him. Since then their friendship had only grown. He then wondered if he had not been a wolf like Bingley, would Mr. Bennet have been more open. Would he consider such a woman with low means if he were not? He knew nothing of her or her family. Still he had to admit this was strange. Being one of the noble king's wolf is what usually drew the ton and their scheming. Most of the ton had discovered by now his desire to wed only his mate. He could not count the number of time his personal space had been invaded by the casual touch of a glove less finger, in an attempt to bring about a mating mark. He scoffed at how often young debutantes talked of fate bringing them together to dance for the evening. He could not fathom how they did not know it could not be forced. He usually avoided the activity if it all possible for that very reason.

"I'm sure you are right." His friend turned to look at him no longer appeared to be day dreaming. He looked pensive and unsure.

"Out with it Bingley, I know that look, ask away."

"You'll tell me if I'm prying too much and won't take offense?" This seemed to be more serious then he reckoned. He nodded back but Bingley still looked hesitant."

"If it is about wolves I do not mind."

"It's not."

"Well then..."He gestured for him to continue.

"Miss Darcy, you had not mentioned her removing to your aunts was a permanent change. I know she was to summer at Ramsgate you had left town to return her to school had you not? I had thought she was only staying with your aunt instead of boarding with the school. What happened? Is she alright? Did a wolf…" He stopped at the sight of his friend's pale face. "I am sorry Darcy I should not have asked I did not mean to pry

"Have you heard something?" Darcy words were quiet and strangled.

"No I have not, nothing like that. It's only that you made no mention of it. But now you worry me." Said Bingley. Darcy sighed heavily.

"Honestly we were keeping it as quiet as possible. Richard did not think it wise was to discuss it with anyone and I have to admit I agreed." Darcy admitted. Bingley gasped and asked in a hushed whisper.

"Darcy, you are not hiding her, are you?

"No not for what you are suggesting, but…" Darcy hesitated to explain. He trusted Bingley but this secret was too big of a burden to bear. Still it was probably only fair to warn Bingley there could still be trouble. This particular wolf had a way of following him where ever he went. "There was an incident with a wolf at Ramsgate," The word trembled off his tongue, he had not thought it would be so hard to speak of. It was two months past and the anger in fear was still festered. Bingley encouraged him to continue. "There was no mating marker but the rogue tried to force the issue. He injured her, he almost killed her. If I had not arrived early to surprise her..." He had to bite the words out forcing them past his throat. He left unsaid the guilt that tormented him. That he had failed her. And there was the fear the damned rogue was not through with them yet. "I'm afraid you might remember him. He has been a thorn in my side for nearly a decade.

"Wickham!"

"Yes. Wickham."


By late evening the conversation at Longbourn still had not changed. It was enough for Mr. Bennet to decide on his new plan. If a school in London could not be safe they would indeed find a governess. It was clear especially of Lydia she would no more heed his instructions then she could stop talking of officers. As Kitty was certain to follow her lead neither could be trusted in the company of the regiment. At the very least he could take no more silliness. After Jane, Elizabeth and Mary had all made their escape by wishing to retire early, certainly because they could take no more conversations on the cut and style of a red coat, he decided it was time to make his most frivolous daughters aware of their new situation.

"From all that I can collect by your manner of talking, you must be two of the silliest girls in the country. I have suspected it some time, but I am now convinced and I have made decision."

Catherine was disconcerted, and made no answer; but Lydia, with perfect indifference, continued to express her admiration of the officers.

"Whatever are you going on about?" said Mrs. Bennet, "that you should be so ready to think your own children silly. If I wished to think slightingly of anybody's children, it should not be of my own." She was unaware just how perturbed Mr. Bennet was.

"If my children are silly, I must hope to be always sensible of it."

"Yes-but as it happens, they are all of them very clever."

"This is the only point, I flatter myself, on which we do not agree. I had hoped that our sentiments coincided in every particular, but I must so far differ from you as to think our two youngest daughters extraordinarily foolish. So much so that I think it's about time we employed a governess to oversee their education."

"Whatever do you mean Mr. Bennet? You cannot be serious."

"I am indeed serious my dear, Kitty and Lydia will no longer be out, and not at least for another two years. Mary may join them for a year if she wishes. I see no reason to require her but she may enjoy it more than the balls."

"Father!" Both Lydia and Kitty cried.

"Not out? Now I know you are joking." Mrs. Bennet laughed, but Mr. Bennet responded so severely she stopped.

"Mrs. Bennet I assure you I am not!"

"But how could you think of punishing them so, just for being silly. They are young. Why girls are supposed to be silly at that age. When they get to our age, I dare say they will not think about officers any more than we do. I won't allow it, Mr. Bennet I won't." The girls agreed adamantly with Miss Bennet.

"I have far more complaints than silliness." He replied sternly to the girls but then changed his tone to ease Mrs. Bennet. "You are right dear, they simply cannot help it. They are too young, is too much pressure for such tender youths. We are too harsh to force them into society yet." Lydia gasped Kitty whined at their father's accusations, while it gave Mrs. Bennet pause. Mr.

Bennet seemed to have mistaken her meaning but he did not often agree she was right. She hesitated to correct for then she would be wrong. She could admit it was true her other girls were not out until past their seventeenth birthday. Had she been pushing her poor dears too hard. Mr. Bennet continued before she could muddle it out.

"You needn't worry about a thing my dear, all shall be taken care of so they will not have to be concerned with any of it Now Lydia and Kitty can be as silly as they like at home. I'm sure they will be quite relieved." The girls adamantly responded with the opposite, but were quieted by their father's stern glare. He had not done so before. Mr. Bennet began again. "They have no interest in adult conversations and pursuits, and they no longer will have to worry about feeling inadequate in company. We will give them plenty of time to learn proper behavior and manners. We can help them grow their interests with a governess. I believe they can become quite clever, they will be the most sought after young ladies in the whole county."

"You can't do this Papa, I have already been out a whole season." Lydia scoffed.

"Oh dear Mr. Bennet but what will the neighbors think? What if they think something scandalous has happened. What ever shall we tell them." cried Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bennet was surprised that this was her only argument.

"It's quite simple my love, we will tell them the truth. You have three daughters already out, with dresses, balls, dinner parties you simply do not have the time for all five. Nobody will disagree with how difficult it must have been for you. After all you still have all your duties as Mistress of Longbourn to contend with. You do not want poor Lydia and Kitty to have to continue to be intimidated by the pressures of society for worry of being left home alone. It will be such a relief they will be well taken care of with a governess on hand. Just think of all the wonderful gowns you will be able to have made with only have three daughters dress next season." Suddenly Mrs. Bennet eyes gleamed with delight. Mr. Bennet had found the one prize that was sure to gain her approval. Mary, Kitty and Lydia had all come out this year, and Mrs. Bennet had not been able to purchase a new gown all season. Lydia had refused to wear her sister's older dresses. It had been her one regret.

"You are right dear, of course everyone will understand. Everyone knows I take great pride in schooling our girls at home, just as a gentlewoman ought, and to think Lydia and Kitty having the advantage of having a governess. Oh, Mary too, poor Mary anyone can see she has been too afraid to dance a single dance. On my poor dears, these last few months must have been so hard. You have understood me exactly. I'm so glad you agree with me. It is wonderful to have such a reasonable husband. You know I never complain but my poor nerves have been a fit all season. A governess is just right. What an excellent thing for our girls." And that was how finding a governess became Mrs. Bennett's idea.


AN: Hello and Happy Monday! Y'all are awesome thanks so so much for all the reviews, follows, and favorites. This is the first time I have ever broke a hundred on follows! Happy dance! To celebrate I wrote you two chapters this week so on to Chapter 5. I'd love to hear what you think the good bad and ugly ;)