Pride, Prejudice, Illyana and Zombies
(Lots and lots of zombies)
(An Illyana passage story)
Author's note: The prior chapter started the divergence, and this one continues it. Some of you are wondering why the heck Illyana let Mr. Wickam live, the answer is that I felt that it was too soon for him to die, that there needed to be more… drama in his final demise; and of course Lizzy needed to be the actually wielder of the knife as it were.
Part 25a: Utopia interlude
"That's not per the book!" Was Emma's outraged comment. "Mr. Wickam's character was not shown to be so deficient until much later."
"A book I have not read." Was Illyana's bland comment, she was beginning to become tired of Emma complaining that things were not per this supposed book.
"But having it shown now… it… the whole story… changes."
"I'll take your word on that. I suppose I must at least look at this book after our conversation is done."
Emma fumed, but didn't know what to say, so she grumbled. "Rather surprised you let him live."
Which sparked a look of irritation on Illyana. "That was a mistake. I really should have killed him. I thought that he could do no additional real harm and in that I was to be shown to have been quite incorrect."
"Admitting error Illyana, so unlike you."
"I make mistakes Emma, I just try to own them and move on."
"Why did you let him live?"
Illyana's expression shifted to one of reflection as she answered. "I thought that he might help uncover more about Hydra, plus he was not really mine to kill. That right belong to Mr. Bennet and Lizzy as they were by far the more affected parties. I'm of the belief that it is rude to take another's rightful prey. And Lizzy really needed to see him as he truly was. But it was a mistake to have left him live."
Emma wondered if the mistake involved Lydia as it had been in the book, but choose not to ask.
She did send a telepathic (Rightful prey? Sounds like quite the predator) to Scott.
Who replied with a bit of a telepathic shrug (Demon, it's in part what she is. All in all I'll go with courtesy every time from her.)
Emma just had to ask one question though. "So in the end you kill him?"
"He dies, but regrettably not by my hand."
Part 25b: Eggs Bennet and his Grace
Breakfast with his Majesty, Kind George the III was usually a private affair as his Majesty liked a quiet meal before the usual, and at time unusual, business of government. Suppers tended to be more formal, and over half of the tea times were political meetings over one issue or another.
Breakfast this day consisted of Fitzwilliam Darcy, his aunt Lady Catherine De Bourgh, a very surprised Charles Bingley, and Prince Ninko from Japan (fourth son of the current Emperor and actual destined to be the next Emperor). Lady Catherine was a not infrequent guest of his Majesty, Mr. Darcy had met the King in private situations but three times in his life, and this was the first private meeting with the King for Charles Bingey who wisely keep silent unless spoken to. The Prince resided with the King as the King's guest and a type of foster son so was at most meals.
Why Prince Nimko? It had become the tradition of the British and Japanese royal houses to exchange sons and daughters for fostering. To better learn of foreign lands, different things, and to further cement the two houses. Mr. Darcy, the elder, had once been part of Prince Georges's fostering in Japan; not as a friend but as a member of his party.
The invitation had arrived yesterday, summoning Mr. Darcy, and designated guest, to the Palace the following morning. Early in that his Majesty preferred an early constitutional and then an hour of exercise before breaking his fast.
Today, one quarter of one hour of exercise had been swordsmanship between King George and the Prince Ninko, and a second one quarter hour between Mr. Darcy and the King at the King's insistence. Both of the younger men were more skilled and faster then his Majesty, a fact he found to be humorous (much to the relief of Mr. Darcy as to have fought poorly would have been to offer the King insult.)
Then, over coffee and tea as breakfast was served, King George joked. "The young these days are far better trained in the ways of death then in my youth Lady Catherine. In the morning of my life the accursed were but an infrequent nuisance, rather then the menace to all that they have grown to become in my gathering twilight."
Lady Catherine replied as she sipped her tea (cream, no sugar). "It was a gentler time your Grace, one that had already passed by the time I first picked up a blade and slew my first undead."
It was not lost on Mr. Darcy that his Aunt had been present at the Palace when he arrived. He acknowledged the King's praise as he raised his cup (coffee, black, no cream or sugar) to both the King and the Prince. "Many gentle things have been lost, both here and abroad. Prince Ninko, your skills with the blade do not give justice to the rumors. Do not discount your skills your Grace, they are such that only a fool would wish to meet you upon the field of battle."
Prince Ninko raised his glass in turn to acknowledge the complement (tea, no cream or sugar). In impeccable English he replied. "My Father fears an end draws close. The northern most and southernmost of our islands have been lost to the undead. Much of China is over run, and the Russian north is a graveyard to all that venture there, home to naught but the frozen undead."
"Likewise the Canadian north, and much of Northern Africa is also lost." Murmured the King.
"Let us speak of more pleasant things this day." Asked Lady Catherine. "Humor an old lady."
"You are far from old Lady Catherine." Replied the King with what looked like a bit of a twinkle in his eye. "But your Aunt is correct, have you Mr. Darcy, by chance, seen the new skeleton that the Museum has acquired, the one nicknamed 'The Beast'?"
"No your Grace, I have heard of it but have not yet had the pleasure."
"I have had the pleasure of seeing its assemble and it is magnificent. The grand unveiling is in but a matter of weeks and the museum is selling tickets to both the event and a grand public ball afterwards."
"I shall surely make plans to attend your Grace."
The King then made a request after a sip of coffee (cream and sugar). "We wish for an additional social event, one more private. Your aunt has made mention that you and Mr. Bingley are actual acquaintances of the family that slew the creature. And are the creators of these newest food fashions that has swept London."
Breakfast arrived, Eggs Benedict, or as they were called in this reality, eggs Bennet. Along with chocolate croissants (Illyana loved chocolate croissants, a secret vice that was now most public).
"Yes, we have had the occasional pleasure of each other's company." Replied Mr. Darcy after a bite. "But we are hardly inmates."
Mr. Bingey made no reply, but looked pained.
"But you both do know of the family?" Inquired the King, pointing at both Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingey with his fork.
Mr. Darcy gave a regretful "Yes" after glancing at Mr. Bingley. Bingley gave a nod, not trusting his voice.
"Well then, that suffices." Beamed the King. "Your Aunt says your London dwelling is of sufficient size for a small gathering, say fifty or so people. A splendid opportunity for a Ball, a recital, and a late meal."
"Recital your Grace?"
"We have heard word that these Bennets are musically gifted and we wish to see a recital of both their current works and we hope a new piece or two. This song of silence has become quite the rave in society."
"I… see your Grace." Mr. Darcy could see no way out. "Consider it done."
"Splendid. Your Aunt informs me that she will assist with the details. We will provide a list of invitees and of course we shall send the invites to the Bennets ourselves."
The meal continued with no future unpleasant surprises. But silently Mr. Darcy was raging, where as Mr. Bingey was… distraught.
Later… after the meal
Mr. Darcy and his Aunt were strolling in the palace gardens. The King had extended an invitation for Mr. Darcy and Mr. Bingey to remain until after afternoon tea. Plus Prince Ninko had expressed the desire to engage in an extended round of swordplay with Mr. Darcy (both were to later express their sincere appreciation as to the skills of the other). Currently Bingey was indoors admiring the many paintings in the great hall as Mr. Darcy wished private words with his Aunt.
"What are you playing at now Aunty?" Was his restrained, but yet annoyed, inquiry as he pretended to admire the roses.
"You need to socialize more Fitzwilliam." was her stern reply. "It is a necessity for a man of your stature. You've been moping ever since that regrettable affair of last year. Plus it is time for Georgiana to learn how to throw a ball. Don't worry about the details, I shall take care to plan most of it, but she needs to be shown how such things are done and to make some small decisions on her own."
Mr. Darcy's tone was not in harmony with his words. "How kind of you Aunty… I suppose cost will be of little consideration as it is my funds and not yours."
"Don't get snippety with me young man. You've been positively sulking ever since you came back from the country side."
"Why not make use of your own London residence if you wish to throw a party? Why convince the King to have me throw one?"
"Your residence is larger and more fitting, you will be the social envy of the city, and again it is time for Georgiana to take part in the planning and throwing of such events."
"One supposes… Will I be allowed to invite anybody by chance?"
"The King and I will see to most of the invitee list. I suppose you may have four or five selections, first approved by me of course."
"Of course Aunty, I would hate to be a bother."
"Don't lie Fitzwilliam, it ill suits you. You enjoy vexing me. In this and in so many other things."
"Life does posses its simple pleasures from time to time. One must sometimes simply avail ourselves of the simple pleasures when they present themselves."
"Vexing child." Was her rebuke as she turned and stormed off.
Part 25c: Company and consternation (original chapter 25 of Pride and Prejudice)
After a week spent in professions of love and schemes of felicity, Mr. Collins was called from his amiable Charlotte by the arrival of Saturday. The pain of separation, however, might be alleviated on his side, by preparations for the reception of his bride; as he had reason to hope, that shortly after his return into Hertfordshire, the day would be fixed that was to make him the happiest of men. He took leave of his relations at Longbourn with as much solemnity as before; wished his fair cousins health and happiness again, and promised their father another letter of thanks.
On the following Monday, Mrs. Bennet had the pleasure of receiving her brother and his wife, who came to spend some time at Longbourn before the end of the year. Mr. Gardiner was a sensible, gentlemanlike man, greatly superior to his sister, by nature as well as education. The Netherfield ladies would have had difficulty in believing that a man who lived by (horror, the utter horror of) trade, and within view of his own warehouses, could have been so well bred and agreeable. Mrs. Gardiner, who was several years younger than Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips, was an amiable, intelligent, elegant woman, and a great favorite with all her Longbourn nieces. Between the two eldest and herself especially, there subsisted a particular regard. In the past they had stayed with her in London.
The first part of Mrs. Gardiner's business on her arrival was to distribute her presents and describe the newest fashions (both clothing and the most adorable and yet lethal hair pins from China). When this was done she had a less active part to play as it became her turn to listen. Mrs. Bennet had many grievances to relate, and much to complain of. They had all been very ill-used since she last saw her sister-in-law. Two of her girls had been upon the point of marriage, and after all there was nothing to show.
"I do not blame Jane," she continued, "for Jane would have got Mr. Bingley if she could. But Lizzy! Oh, sister! It is very hard to think that she might have been Mr. Collins's wife by this time, had it not been for her own perverseness. He made her an offer in this very room, and she refused him. The consequence of it is, that Lady Lucas will have a daughter married before I have, and that the Longbourn estate is just as much entailed as ever. The Lucases are very artful people indeed, sister. They are all for what they can get. I am sorry to say it of them, but so it is. It makes me very nervous and poorly, to be thwarted so in my own family, and to have neighbors who think of themselves before anybody else. However, your coming just at this time is the greatest of comforts, and I am very glad to hear what you tell us."
Mrs. Gardiner, to whom the chief of this news had been given before, in the course of Jane and Elizabeth's correspondence with her, made her sister a slight answer, and, in compassion to her nieces, turned the conversation to other topics.
When alone with Elizabeth afterwards, she spoke more on the subject. "It seems likely to have been a desirable match for Jane," said she. "I am sorry it went off. But these things happen so often! A young man, such as you describe Mr. Bingley, so easily falls in love with a pretty girl for a few weeks, and when accident separates them, so easily forgets her, that these sort of inconsistencies are very frequent."
"An excellent consolation in its way," said Elizabeth, "but it will not do for us. We do not suffer by accident but instead by intent. It does not often happen that the interference of friends will persuade a young man of independent fortune to think no more of a girl whom he was violently in love with only a few days before."
"But that expression of 'violently in love' is so hackneyed, so doubtful, so indefinite, that it gives me very little idea. It is as often applied to feelings which arise from a half-hour's acquaintance, as to a real, strong attachment. Pray, how violent was Mr. Bingley's love?"
"I never saw a more promising inclination; he was growing quite inattentive to other people, and wholly engrossed by her. Every time they met, it was more decided and remarkable. At his own ball he offended two or three young ladies, by not asking them to dance; and I spoke to him twice myself, without receiving an answer. Could there not be finer symptoms? Is not general incivility the very essence of love?"
"Oh, yes! Of that kind of love which I suppose him to have felt. Poor Jane! I am sorry for her, because, with her disposition, she may not get over it immediately. It had better have happened to you, Lizzy; you would have laughed yourself out of it sooner. But do you think she would be prevailed upon to go back with us? Change of scene might be of service, and perhaps a little relief from home may be as useful as anything."
Elizabeth was exceedingly pleased with this proposal, and felt persuaded of her sister's ready acquiescence.
"I hope," added Mrs. Gardiner, "that no consideration with regard to this young man will influence her. We live in so different a part of town, all our connections are so different, and, as you well know, we go out so little, that it is very improbable that they should meet at all, unless he really comes to see her."
"And that is quite impossible; for he is now in the custody of his friend, and Mr. Darcy would no more suffer him to call on Jane in such a part of London! My dear aunt, how could you think of it? Mr. Darcy may perhaps have heard of such a place as Gracechurch Street, but he would hardly think a month's ablution enough to cleanse him from its impurities, were he once to enter it; and depend upon it. And we have news that Mr. Bingley never stirs without him."
"So much the better. I hope they will not meet at all. But does not Jane correspond with his sister? She will not be able to help but to come calling, to do otherwise would be the height of improper."
"She will drop the acquaintance entirely if so pressed upon." Was Elizabeth's assertion.
But in spite of the certainty in which Elizabeth affected to place this point, as well as the still more interesting one of Bingley's being withheld from seeing Jane, she felt a solicitude on the subject which convinced her, on examination, that she did not consider it entirely hopeless. It was possible, and sometimes she thought it probable, that his affection might be reanimated, and the influence of his friends successfully combated by the more natural influence of Jane's attractions. If they could but meet just once more.
Jane accepted her aunt's invitation with pleasure; and the Bingleys were no otherwise in her thoughts at the same time, than as she hoped by Caroline's not living in the same house with her brother, she might occasionally spend a morning with her, without any danger of seeing him.
Pleasant plans, but all for naught, as the events the very next day were to show.
Part 25d: Consternation and female hysteria
The next day, following breakfast, the family was scattered about the house conducting their usual affairs. Mr. Bennet was ensconced in his library with Mr. Gardiner, Mrs. Bennet was in the parlor with Mrs. Gardiner, the girls were engaged in vigorous indoor training as the day was quite cold and drizzly, and the butler was lurking in the pantry; when a formal messenger from the Royal Mail came calling with several impressively looking missives (many a ribbon and wax seal).
A very heavily armed caller as mail delivery was now a much more perilous activity then in former times. A pleasant bonus had been that the British army now had many more well trained reservists as the Royal Mail was organized into regiments and even divisions (the mail shall get though!)
The delivery was quite formal with much signing by Mr. Bennet. All this activity of course caught the attention of the Bennet daughters, but Mr. Bennet paid them no mind as he retreated to the library to privately open and read the communiqués with Mr. Gardiner.
The woman folk resumed their former activities only to be startled by the most vocal of exclamations from within the library by Mr. Bennet which quite put a finish to all activity as the woman gathered by the library doors. The library doors finally burst open with a distraught Mr. Bennet grasping the opened letters in one hand. Behind him Mr. Gardiner looked equally distressed.
"What it is Father?!" Cried Jane as the women all had gathered without having to be summoned.
"Calamity of the first order wrapped in the beguiling opportunity!" Cried Mr. Bennet.
Mrs. Bennet was concerned, but direct. "Could you be more clear dear?"
Mr. Bennet visible gathered himself as Mr. Gardiner gave him a pat on his back and then walked over to his wife and took her hand.
Mr. Bennet adjusted his spectacles and summarized the first letter, his voice slightly trembling.
"The tickets have arrived for the unveiling of the beast's skeleton at the British museum. Two for Mrs. Bennet and I. Four for our various in-laws, as requested by me, five for our daughters, and one for our ward."
Delightful news, but hardly calamitous, the girls began to chatter amongst themselves at the thought of a London trip. He shushed them and then continued.
"We will not be seated in the general crowd, or in the reserved section. Instead we shall be seated in the bleacher that the King himself is to reside."
Everybody's eyes grew large (except Illyana's), but they all remained silent. The woman folk began to franticly think upon what garbs they had that might be worthy of such an event (again except for Illyana). The news then got worse, or better depending upon your frame of reference.
"We are not invited to the public ball to follow at the Museum's grounds."
A statement that vexed Mrs. Bennet who began to exclaim about the rudeness only to be hushed by Mr. Bennet.
"Instead we are all commanded to addend a private ball being held for his Majesty."
All but one of the women before Mr. Bennet gasped at the enormous implications of such an invite. Nothing in the current wardrobe would do! A new dress would needed, finer then anything ever worn before!
Mr. Bennet then waved a sheet of paper with his left hand. "A small gathering of fifty or so individuals. Most of great standing in society, in one form or another. A ball, a late meal, but before the meal a recital."
A look of bafflement confronted Mr. Bennet for but a moment, and then panic.
"Yes my dears, the King himself commands a repeat performance of your little musical escapades that you conducted at the Netherfield ball. Plus any additional material you may have prepared. And All are apparently to sing, even you Illyana, by order of the King."
Pandemonium!
Chaos!
Female shrieking of the most vocal and high pitched!
Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Gardiner fainted dead away. Mr. Gardiner caught his wife where as it was left to Jane and Elizabeth to catch their collapsing mother, whom they then laid upon the floor.
Lydia began running in circles, waving her hands in a panic, while shrieking about having nothing to wear. Her cries of distress were interrupted by her collision with a wall and she joined her mother in sweet morphous darkness.
Jane and Elizabeth grasped hands and began jumping upon and down while screaming in excitement.
Mary looked utterly panicked, to be the center of attention had been most pleasant, but this… this was the very mountain top looking in the jagged valley below.
Catherine started to weep in hysteria as she was emotionally overwhelmed.
Illyana looked surprised, but only at the female antics.
"You were right brother." Joked Mr. Gardiner. "Three down. And the rest overwhelmed, apart from your ward."
"Yes… she is most… calm." In fact Mr. Bennet would have rather Illyana been overwrought. Just another example of the harm that had befallen her, that and likely proof that she had before walked in very exclusive altitudes.
"There is more girls!" Roared Mr. Bennet to no affect other then Illyana's eyes narrowing. It took some time to regain a resemblance of order. Then it was like ice water was doused upon them.
"The Ball is to take place at Mr. Darcy's London residence."
Elizabeth was shocked and dismayed. Both Jane and Illyana froze, but for different reasons. Illyana had a look of plotting and analysis, where as Jane was deadly still.
"Father…" Jane asked. "Is… his name on the list of invitees?"
"Yes my dear, I'm afraid it is."
Jane turned to Illyana. "I must have a song Illyana. A song… for him."