Random Acts of Kindness
A moving sermon and a random act of kindness impacts the lives of the Darcys and changes the course of their story. What will be the final result for Elizabeth and Darcy?
Chapter 14 – New Frontiers
There were many new frontiers being discovered, considered, and explored by the characters of this tale. Some were pleasing frontiers. Several were quite surprising. At least one person was not so pleased.
Mr. Bartholomew "Bart" Jarvis sat on a chair in Longbourn Chapel, gazing appreciatively at Miss Mary Bennet as she taught two older girls how to do simple math for household accounts. A little hand touched his arm and a pair of big eyes looked up at him, as eight year-old Elias waited for the grown-up to check his spelling. Bart Jarvis did the check, smiled, and rubbed the boy's wild mop. The boy grinned and batted at the man's hand, "Can I go now, Mr. Bart?"
"You can go. You mind your Mama and Papa today, all right?"
Elias nodded energetically, though unconvincingly, and ran out the door whooping. "Little scamp."
Relieved from his tutoring duties, Jarvis returned his eyes to the front, where he found Mary gazing at him. Caught, she blushed and tried to return her attention to her two remaining students. They had seen the exchange, however, and broke into giggles.
Ten minutes more saw the two young girls finished with their lesson and out of the door. The good Reverend was visiting another parish today, so Mary locked the door behind her and her fiancé. He offered her his arm and walked with her toward Meryton. They took a slight detour towards the river to view the brick factory, which was now close to completion.
Bart Jarvis turned to Mary as they surveyed this new venture, "Mary, what would you like to do?"
Mary turned and tilted her head slightly, like a curious cat, as she tried to decipher his question. Mary was unaware of this little quirk, but Jarvis found it appealing. He considered kissing his fiancé, but restrained himself. They were visible to the work crews and Mary disliked public exhibition… though she had been surprisingly amorous in private. It turned out that they both had to share the burden of self-control. Nobody ever guessed that my little mouse is actually a minx in hiding.
"I don't take your meaning, Bart."
"Mary, you know that I own two estates. What you may not fully realize is that Mr. Darcy and I have acquired several more estates. We get them in good working order and then either sell them or install a steward to keep it in operation. We also own all or part of several factories and have investments in other ventures."
He took Mary's hand and looked into her eyes, "There is something more that I haven't told you yet, Mary. I am the second son… of Lord Penrith, the Earl of Axelby." He allowed Mary to digest this. "Your father knows this, but he thought it best if your mother didn't know yet."
Mary nodded and agreed, "If she finds that out, I'll be her new favorite daughter. I love Mama, but sometimes there are benefits to not getting too much of her attention."
Jarvis grinned, "Especially if she knew that my older brother, Viscount Jarvis, is sickly and has no intentions to ever get married. As a matter of fact, now that I am engaged, he writes that he is happily relieved of the burden of producing an heir."
Mary blushed, then asked, "So then, you are saying that you… or our son… may become a Viscount?"
Her fiancé gave her a sad smile, "Actually, what I'm trying to tell you is that you will most likely be a countess within ten years. Father is not well either, so I will be an Earl and yes, our son will be Viscount. Which leads me back to my original question: What would you like to do? In a few short years we will take on duties that may tie us closer to Axleby. Until that time, we have the wealth to do almost whatever we choose. So… what would you like to do? Starting with our honey-month*, but afterward as well."
The couple resumed their walk toward Meryton as Mary dreamed of the possibilities.
oOoOOoOo
Fitzwilliam Darcy and Thomas Bennet sat opposite of Albert Fellows and waited as he pondered a different sort of question. Mr. Bennet had been informed of Miss Bingley's plot and Albert's part in foiling it. He had known Albert since the boy was born. He had always liked the cheerful boy. He had been amused when the boy followed Mary around adoringly, though they were of the same age. Now he was impressed by Albert's loyalty, intelligence, and planning.
"It is really your choice, Albert. You can begin training as a steward for Longbourn. You can remain in service and possibly train to become a butler. You could start at the brick-works under the man hired by Mr. Jarvis to get the operation started with the goal of eventually running the operation; you can even take Mr. Darcy's offer to send you to school."
Mr. Darcy gave the bewildered young man a calming smile, "You don't have to make a decision right away. Take your time and think about it."
Albert shook himself mentally, "May I ask a question?"
"Of course?"
"If I started training at the brick-works… could you offer employment to two men from outside of the area?"
Mr. Bennet wrinkled his brow, "Who?"
Albert blushed, "Miss Chloe's family lives in London. They are French, so it has been hard for them to find work. Chloe's brothers work at the docks for now… when they can get the work."
Thomas and Darcy smiled. Thomas Bennet answered, "Certainly, as long as they are willing to work and learn. You like the young lady quite a bit, then?"
"Very much, Sir. I hope someday to make her my wife." Albert was only eighteen, too young to marry, but the men didn't begrudge him his intent. If it drove him to improve himself, then all the better.
Darcy spoke up then, "I have already promised your young lady that she and her family would be taken care of. Why don't you have her write to them and ask if they are all willing to relocate to Meryton. If so, I will take care of transportation and help them with housing until their pay starts coming in. It is the least I can do for the service that she… and you… have rendered to me."
oOoOOoOo
Louisa was astonished when the Bennet, Lucas, and Long ladies arrived at the celebratory tea with gifts. She had barely met the other ladies besides the Bennets. Caroline had been so rude that Louisa thought that the entire family name had been blackened in the area. But here these ladies were, cheerfully congratulating the prospective mother, offering advice (both sage and silly), and sharing stories of motherhood. Caroline, you were so determined to look down on these people that you never even gave them a chance. You miss so much in your arrogance.
That thought gave her momentary pause. It had been three days since Charles and Caroline had ridden off to London. By now she must be married, if plans followed as intended. Louisa remembered Sir McDonald. He was a powerfully built man, slightly taller than average; not handsome, but he had an animal magnetism. If Caroline would give him a chance she might just like the man. She certainly would never control him.
Mrs. Long finished her embarrassing story and Ophelia Long blushed deeply and said, "Mother, you promised not to tell that story anymore." This only brought on more laughter. Louisa really liked these people.
oOoOOoOo
Charlotte Lucas blushed when the Lucas carriage arrived home and Maria, her younger sister, pointed out Colonel Forster's big brown stallion. The Colonel had become a regular visitor in the past week. Naturally, most of his time was spent supervising the set-up of the militia camp, but much of his limited free time had led him back to Lucas Lodge.
The ladies entered their home and were cheerfully greeted by Father and the Colonel. Colonel Forster bowed to all, but his eyes fixed on Charlotte's. As soon as courtesy allowed, he requested the honor of a stroll with Miss Lucas around the flower gardens.
They walked silently for a bit. Charlotte was amazed and gratified that this distinguished man was paying such pointed attention to her. After all, she was considered a spinster by most of the neighborhood. She wasn't pretty like the Bennet girls. She wasn't as talented as many of the young ladies. There really didn't seem to be anything to attract such a man's attention.
When Charlotte, in a moment of bravery, brought up these concerns, Forster stopped, turned her to face him, and looked her earnestly in the eyes, "Miss Lucas, before I explain my other reasons, allow me to say this: I consider you to be quite attractive… I have been drawn to you from the moment I met you." Charlotte blushed, but couldn't hide her hopeful smile.
"Now, to my other reasons. I haven't told you anything about my first wife, mostly because I don't like to speak ill of the dead. She was a pretty, energetic little lady… Miss Lydia Bennet reminds me of her somewhat, though I believe that Miss Lydia is a much better behaved. I will be honest and tell you that I married her for her dowry as much as for attraction.
"I very quickly discovered that there is much more required of an officer's wife… and especially a commander's wife, than just being able to organize a tea. A commander's wife can make or break her husband's career. She is the grace in his home. She is the wise keeper of the household and its accounts. She is the mother-figure to my young officers and men. If she is respected, I am respected. If she is flirtatious… or perhaps worse… then the men cannot respect their commander."
He let that thought linger and Charlotte understood what he was telling her about his first wife. How terrible! How could any woman do that to such a good man?
"My dear Miss Lucas. You are intelligent, well-informed, and everyone in this area describes you as kind. You are mature in your behavior and your mother has taught you how to keep a household without embarrassment or debt. And I have watched you with your younger siblings. They respect you and listen to you when they are in need of correction… and as I already said, I consider you to be quite beautiful."
They were still standing, facing each other. The colonel took both of her hands, "Charlotte Lucas, will you allow me to court you? Understand that it is my earnest desire to ask for your hand, but I intend to pay you the proper respect of a courtship first. After all, we must be an example for my young, impetuous officers."
"Yes!" Charlotte didn't even have to think. In fact, he was all that she'd thought about for the past week. Had he asked for her hand, she would have responded just as quickly. "I can think of only one thing that would make me happier." She blushed at her own words. She hadn't intended to say them out loud.
Colonel Forster let go of her hand and raised his hand to Charlotte's cheek. Then he leaned in and tenderly kissed her. Charlotte Lucas had long since given up on romance. Now that hope was back.
oOoOOoOo
By the third tenant visit, Georgiana had finally begun to overcome her shyness. The Bennet girls had been conducting visits for years. They were well-known to their tenants and the children. Georgiana was accompanying Elizabeth, Jane, and Kitty on this particular trip around the farms. With winter fast approaching it was time to check for needs in winter wear. Several of the families had six or more children, so it required all four young ladies to corral and measure the squirmy little darlings, but that wasn't their only tasks.
Jane usually spent the time conferring with the mothers. With her growing understanding of what it took to be mistress of a home, she was able to spot needs, lend assistance, and even offer advice when appropriate.
Elizabeth looked to the house and outbuildings, determining if any repairs were needed in preparation for cold weather. Mr. Bennet had returned to his study and he was doing more now than ever before as the master of the estate, but Elizabeth was still his eyes, ears, and legs. He had made a trip to each tenant to reassure them of his recovery, but the circuit had been taxing. When Elizabeth married and left, he would need to hire a steward.
Kitty not only designed and sewed clothing, but she was also teaching the tenant girls to sew. All of the mothers knew how to sew rudimentally, but Kitty had a gift and passion for her work. Just as Mary was making their tenants the best educated, she was making them the best dressed.
Georgiana took it all in with amazement. For eight years she and Elizabeth had corresponded. Lizzy had often written about different activities. But seeing it and participating was both exhilarating and humbling. Pemberley was a vast estate with many more tenants. Though Georgiana had visited them quarterly and on Boxing Day, she had never even thought to do even a small portion of what these girls did daily. It made her that much happier that Elizabeth would soon become her sister and would come to Pemberley. Georgiana would learn from the master. Until then, each day in Hertfordshire was a learning experience.
oOoOOoOo
Four days had passed since Caroline became Lady McDonald. She had hoped to parade about London in her new status. She still intended to spread rumors about Elizabeth Bennet, mostly out of revenge, but she intended to do so with more circumspection now. The problem was that her husband had no intention of lingering in London now that they were married.
Caroline was also irritated because, so far, all of her usual efforts to gain the upper hand had failed. Angus McDonald never raised his hand, threatened, or intimidated her in any way. He was just completely unmoved by her sweet flattery, her fluttering attempts to gain his submission by playing the weak and helpless woman, or her fits of rage. He just continued with what he was doing and occasionally looked at her as if to say, "Are you done yet?"
The marriage bed was definitely no trial. He was very much in control, but he was also considerate of her needs. She had always been disgusted by the whole idea and determined to put a stop to it as early in her marriage as possible. Now she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to put a stop to it… and she doubted that Angus McDonald would cooperate anyway. He had a way of kissing her that pretty much broke down all her determined resolve.
Now they were on a ship bound for the north of Scotland. This was the first day and she was miserable with sea-sickness. Angus assured her that it would pass and he had assigned a servant, a large creature who took no guff, to watch over her. Out of desperation, Caroline even deigned to complain to the woman, "How much longer will we sail? I feel like I am dying!"
"Don't you worry, deary. The sickness will pass and soon you'll be as right as rain. This first short trip will be just the thing to get you your sea legs and prepare you for our real journey."
"Real journey? What are you speaking of? We are only sailing to my husband's estate."
"Oh, no Dearie. That is just the beginning. The McDonald is our clan chieftain, and our lands are farmed out and rocky. He decided long ago to sail our entire clan to the Americas. He's just been waiting for the funds to come in to purchase this ship and the start we would need to establish a new home in the frontier. He's told us much about a place that's called the 'Ohio Valley.' It will be hard, back-breaking work, but soon we'll have a new village with no more troubles with those pesky English."
It was only then that Caroline discovered that she was soon to be a pioneer woman in a place so primitive that it would make Meryton seem like a golden city.
It is not necessary to relate Caroline's reaction here. In fact, it might be much more fun for the reader to use his/her own imagination.
* Concerning the Honey-month: Several reviewers and even two PMs have reached me to correct my use of this term. This is actually correct. The Honey-Month was the time period when those who could afford to do so would take a vacation with their new spouse strictly for pleasure, no business allowed. At the end of that time, they were expected to resume any duties and responsibilities. Over time... mostly with the growth of advertisement, the term morphed into Honeymoon. Haven't you ever wondered where the term came from?