Chapter 4- where elizabeth is swallowed by an alligator.
Yeah...so...ummm...ignoring that last comment. This is chapter 4, but don't worry there are no alligators. There's only a family known to us as the Bennets and there adventures and friends in Meryton. Hopefully that's enough for you because I don't really want to make things bloody with the whole alligator thing. Moving on...enjoy chapter 4.
(I must have been a quirky mood when I originally posted this, but honestly I was still amused by this author's note and have decided to keep it intact.)
Elizabeth sat in the corner of the drawing room reading the pieces of parchment that she held in her hands. "Well?" her mother questioned anxiously.
"It is from John." was the only reply that the apprehensive woman received. They had not heard from John since their arrival at Netherfield a fortnight ago. Finally, Elizabeth, who was begged by her mother, wrote to him. She was not fond of the task of writing to any of her acquaintances, even John, and so she had attempted pass the task to Jane, who on the whole had a more pleasing hand. Mrs. Bennet had insisted that Elizabeth was John's most beloved sister and so she should be the one to write.
"I was quite aware. What does it say, Lizzy?" Mrs. Bennet questioned rather shrilly, as her patience with her daughter waned.
Elizabeth looked down at the papers in her hand and began deciphering the strokes before her.
My Dearest Sister,
I cannot begin to describe the immense joy I felt in receiving your letter. I had begun to fear that I would never hear from anyone and worry that something had happened to you all on the way to your destination. Of course, upon later consideration, I found that it would have been impossible for such an accident to occur without my knowledge, at least by this point in time.
Elizabeth laughed quietly hoping that her mother would not hear and question her. Fortunately, the noise passed unnoticed. She continued.
I am glad to hear that everyone is doing so well. We are all in good health here in London.
"They're all in good health Mama."
"Is that all he says Lizzy?"
"No Mama, I have not read the letter's full contents yet."
"Then read child."
I am sorry to hear that so many people at Netherfield are in poor spirits. Do tell my younger two sisters that they are not missing out on any major parties because the fall is hunting season and all respectable men are in the countryside. Mary should not worry herself about her lack of tutor, but rather enjoy the beauty of the country and let it inspire her.
"He says to tell Lydia and Kitty that there have been no major parties for all the respectable men are out hunting in the country."
"That is what he claims, but I do not believe it." declared Lydia
"Nor I." Kitty said just as loudly.
Elizabeth shook her head at them and then turned to Mary. "He says to you, Mary, that you should let the beauty of nature inspire you and not worry about your lack of tutor." Mary just huffed and turned back to her book uninterested with her brother's opinion.
Calm Mama's nerves for me dear sister for I fear she will be quite upset by what I am about to write. I will not be able to join you in Nether field for at least another month for I have been begged to remain awhile longer to sort out some more details for my wedding. Tell her that if I can escape I shall come sooner, however I cannot make any promises.
"He will not be able to join us for another month Mama."
"What?" Mrs. Bennet rose from her seat quite shocked. Jane urged her to once again take her seat. Mrs. Bennet sunk down overtaken by her nerves upon the nearest chair. Jane did her best to soothe her poor mother's nerves, but it was all in vain.
"It has to do with the wedding Mama." Elizabeth said praying that the subject of the upcoming marriage would calm her mother. The statement did not perform the task that it was intended to.
"Why must he remain in London to do such planning. They should all come here. There is plenty of room to from some extra people. Is there not Mr. Bennet?"
"Yes, madam, quite enough space." Mr. Bennet replied merely to make his wife calmer.
"See, there is room for the whole party. Then they may receive help from us all, which I sure would be quite useful for Caroline."
"But you must consider Mama that it is more convenient to plan in London as the town contains all the shops which would be needed."
Mrs. Bennet waved away the statement, "But there are shops here in Meryton that I am sure can equal those in London."
"Really Mama, you would never allow for any of us to plan are wedding in the Meryton shops."
"Perhaps not" Mrs. Bennet replied rather crossly.
"He writes that he will attempt to escape from London earlier than a month, but he can make no guarantee." Elizabeth tried again. Her comment quieted Mrs. Bennet down the littlest bit. It was not until Elizabeth promised her mother that she would write to her brother and tell him to bring everyone to Netherfield to finish the nasty wedding details, that her mother's nerves were soothed. With her mother finally calmed, Elizabeth continued to read the letter.
Now, if you are presently in the drawing room with mama, and all of your younger sisters, I wish for you to not talk to Jane about I'm about to say until you are in the privacy of your own room. When, Bingley saw your letter he began to speak so highly of Jane and spoke of how long it had been since their last meeting. You decide, dear Lizzy, whether you wish to tell Jane this next part. I do believe Charles wishes to marry her. I know that we have often joked with him of such matters, but this is no joke my dear sister. I am utterly serious in my telling you this. When I arrive at Netherfield, we may laugh and revel in our correctness and excellent judgment in private, but for now we must consider Jane and Charles feelings. We would not wish to ruin Charles for Jane anymore than we already have done for I truly feel that they are very well suited for each other.
Elizabeth quickly glanced at Jane. She was sitting next to Mrs. Bennet; speaking to her in soft tones so as not to spark her mother's nerves. Elizabeth smiled to herself as she thought of Charles and Jane standing next to one another at the altar. The image in her head was a pretty one and the bride and groom did indeed fit perfectly.
Finally, as I do believe I have completed my task of being a dutiful son and brother to the rest of the Bennet women, I may talk to you about yourself my dear sister. I am glad to hear that you find Netherfield so to your liking. I am sure it is a beautiful place although you know that any part of the country I find lovely. I was displeased, though not very surprised, to hear of Mama's behavior and the behavior of my youngest two sisters toward the people of Meryton. It is very wrong of them Lizzy to be so condescending, but you must ignore their actions and words for I believe they are too grown for their manners to be changed. You and Jane must stand strong in your resolution to treat the citizens of Meryton with kindness. Make the people think of you and Jane when they think of the Bennet family and not the ridiculous members of our family for you and Jane possess much grace, elegance, and compassion. I am very pleased to hear that you have already started this process by making new acquaintances. I wish to know more about these people so do write again and tell me about them. In this way, I shall have friends in Meryton before I even arrive, which will make much less work for me when I do come. So tell me dear Lizzy, who are they and are they pleasing to you? If so I have a strong desire to meet them. A desire strong enough to possible drag me out of London and to Netherfield before my fiance can argue against my leaving. Do not reprimand me for this last comment about my fiancé keeping in London dear sister for I know already how you feel about that subject. I am truly sorry to not be able to join you as planned, but I promise to return to you soon. Give my regards once again to all the Bennets for me, Lizzy. Though do caution that you don't mention my regards to Mama until her nerves are completely settled.
With Love Your Brother,
John Bennet
Elizabeth decided not to speak of John's regards to anyone just yet for it was quite evident that Mrs. Bennet was not fully recovered.
"Finally we are alone." Elizabeth said as she collapsed on the bed in her chamber. Jane sat next to her delicately smoothing the wrinkles from her gown.
"What is it Lizzy that you have been so keen on telling me?"
"John wrote that I was to speak to you alone about this."
"If I must hear it in private Lizzy, I fear that it is about a subject on which I do not wish to discuss." Jane sighed and pushed a curl away from her eye.
"He writes that Charles Bingley has been praising you greatly of late."
"Lizzy..."
"He says that Bingley speaks of how long it has been since he has seen you."
"Lizzy, I do not wish to..."
"He writes that he feels that Bingley plans to ask for your hand, Jane."
Jane sighed once again. For a few years now John and Elizabeth had held suspicions of a love that grew between her and John's good friend Charles Bingley. She did believe at one point that it might exist, but she did not believe it to be so now. "Lizzy, we are just good friends. He is John's friend and he has become too much of a brother to me for me to ever feel that sort of love for him. I do believe that Charles feels the same."
"I think you are wrong Jane. I also think that you are lying to me."
"I am not Lizzy. I do not love him."
"Now you are lying to yourself."
"Just as you are lying to yourself about not loving George?" Jane questioned Elizabeth quietly.
The words were spoken softly, but they ripped through Elizabeth like sharp daggers. "It is not the same. Wickham is not a part of this situation Jane. You know that the affection we share is that of a brother and sister. It always has been, but that is not true of you and Bingley."
"How can you say it is different Lizzy!" Jane spoke in shock.
"I have known Wickham all my life. We grew up together and you grew up with him too. We all did. You have a sisterly affection for him too Jane. We have only known Bingley for five years now and you were in love with him once. Excuse me, you are still in love with him." Elizabeth's speech showed clearly her disdain for the comparison that her sister tried to make.
"Let us not continue this argument Lizzy for we both know that it will never end if we continue it now." Jane stood up and exited the room.
Elizabeth lay on the bed for a few minutes more. Then standing up, she walked over to her writing table and began a reply to John's letter.
My Dear Brother,
I am glad to hear of everyone's good health. It has not been long since I last wrote to you and so I do not feel the need to express in what great health we all are. Needless to say your talk of there being no major balls was not accepted by Kitty and Lydia. They both know and feel that you are lying to them in order to encourage them to enjoy Netherfield. The attempt was appreciated by some of us though my dear brother. Mary merely huffed at your advice. I cannot tell you exactly what she thought of it for only the Lord knows what she thinks in that mind of hers. Most likely she is only thinking of how she wished that she could be playing the pianoforte rather than listening to the contents of your letter. Mama was quite distressed upon hearing that you are delayed for a longer time in London. She would not be soothed until I made her a promise, which I will now carry out. Mama wishes me to tell you to extend an invitation to everyone to come to Netherfield to complete the plans for the wedding. I do hope you will take her up on the offer and convince her that Bingley and Wickham are essential to the planning process for it would be most enjoyable to have the three of you here in Netherfield. I am sorry, but I cannot extend such a kind greeting to Caroline. I know she is your fiancé dear brother, but I simply cannot move myself to improve my opinion of her. I will however grant your wish and not reprimand you on the comment made in your last letter. I will only comment that I hope that you are certain in your decision and that it was a decision based on your true feelings of her, not on feelings that have been tainted by your friendship with Charles.
I talked to Jane about what you said, but she still refuses to accept our belief John. She doesn't believe Charles feels that way about her. The worst part of the whole matter is that she has convinced herself that she doesn't feel that way about Charles. We both know all of this to be a falsehood and so when you rejoin us we must convince her that she is wrong. Charles, I believe, is the perfect match for Jane. He's sweet temperament matches hers so exactly that he is the only man I could possibly trust to treat Jane with the kindness and love that she deserves. I tried to argue and reason with her about his feelings and of course her own, but she refused me. She went so far as to compare Charles and herself to Wickham and I. You know how I feel when she brings up that example and so I allowed her to end the conversation. Can you blame me for doing such John?
As for these new acquaintances, I now have several, although there are three whose companies I enjoy more than the rest. When I wrote to you last my comment hinted two specifically and so I'll speak of them first. At the assembly we attended a few nights after our arrival, I had the pleasure of being introduced to a Mr. Darcy and his sister Miss Georgiana Darcy. I was asked to dance by the gentleman and found it to be the most pleasing dance of the night. He is quite respectful and clever. He appeared at first to be stern and serious, but he was tongue was quick to loosen. He is not as frivolous as you are brother for he is much more sense, but I do believe you would think very highly of him. Not but a few days later, I became more acquainted with the sister I spoke of earlier, Miss Georgiana. She is a pretty little thing who is about Lydia's age. Being sweet, shy, and conservative, she is the exact opposite of Lydia. Jane and I have both found the greatest pleasure in her company and often walk with her or invite her to dine with us. On occasion her brother joins us. Just a few days ago, I became acquainted with another citizen of Meryton, a Miss Charlotte Lucas. Mama finds her to be quite plain, but I do not see it and even so my high regard for her will not change. She is the most agreeable woman and I plan on getting to know her better. I hope in few days to make her one of our dining with us. It is so much pleasanter to dine with company for it ensures that Mama is on her best behavior and provides a respite from the complaints of the younger members of our family. I am sure that you understand that dear brother. For now that is all I have to write and I only add once more a plea for you to come to Netherfield to finish planning and to bring Wickham and Bingley along with you.
Sincerely Your Loving Sister,
Elizabeth Bennet
Elizabeth examined her handy work. Her handwriting was not as elegant as that of most women of her rank, but she knew that John did not mind. He would enjoy the contents of the letter and not the unclean style of writing. She sealed the letter and rang for a footman.
"Please have this delivered to the post as soon as possible." She said as she handed the man the letter. He nodded and bowed. Elizabeth stood and decided to retire for the night. She could hear the bustle in the rooms on either side of her as her sisters prepared for slumber.
Taking out a brush, Elizabeth began to comb the knots from her hair. Bessie, her maid, entered and laid out her nightgown and helped her to change. As she lay in her bed, her mind drifted to George Wickham. His father had been the Bennets steward. All of the Bennet daughters and John had grown up with him though his age and led him form closer relationships with the older Bennet children. Even after his father's death, he remained at Pemberly. The whole family had come to love him as one of their own. Mr. Bennet had even provided for his education in the law at Cambridge. Jane was wrong so very wrong. Elizabeth didn't love him in that way. He was simply a second brother, related by spirit and not by blood.
Suddenly, her thoughts changed. She found herself comparing Mr. Darcy to Wickham and then Mr. Darcy to Bingley. Then finally, compared Mr. Darcy to her own brother. What she discovered pleased her. She felt that Mr. Darcy combined together the three qualities of the three beloved men in her life. He had Wickham's looks, Bingley's sense and caring nature, and John's wit. Then an odd realization came into her head. It suddenly occurred to her that one of the reasons she wished John would come to Netherfield soon was so that they could invite Darcy to dine with them more often. For Mr. Bennet was hardly extroverted enough to seek companionship outside of his eldest children. However, John could invite Mr. Darcy and it would look far more proper than if she were to invite him. She didn't understand why she wanted this. There had never been any other reason for wanting John to come other than that he was her brother and she missed him dearly. Now, she wanted him to come not only because she missed him, but also that he could help her become better acquainted with Mr. Darcy. Such thoughts were quite foreign to Elizabeth. She was usually the woman to avoid close acquaintanceships with men, quite unlike Jane. Yet, Elizabeth could not discern what it was about Mr. Darcy that drew her to him, but hoped that she would soon discover the cause. With these thoughts in mind, she drifted to sleep.