A/N: 02/04/2020
The book is now available on Amazon.
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When I came up with the concept for 'Don't flatter yourself', I had two options.
One, in which Mrs Francine Bennet played down the fact of her background, which made Darcy think Elizabeth was beneath him.
Two, in which Lady Francine and Lady Elizabeth were open about their status (although maybe not about the extent of Elizabeth's dowry) and Darcy has no hesitation about wanting to court Elizabeth.
I decided to write version one, but the second version wouldn't leave me in peace and wanted to be written as well.
So here it is.
Lady Francine's background is essentially the same, but a little gentler; her first husband was a spendthrift but not vicious.
Since I did not want to bore readers who read 'Don't flatter yourself', I have not included the prologue from that book.
For those of you who have not read the original 'Don't flatter yourself', I suggest you read the prologue of that story first.
I hope you enjoy this version as much or more than the original.
Please let me know what you think.
'Don't flatter yourself - Revisited' by Sydney Salier. © Copyright 2020
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Chapter 1 - Netherfield is let
Mr Thomas Bennet of Longbourn in Hertfordshire was a happy man. It was a beautiful summer's day and he was having a cheerful breakfast with six of his favourite ladies.
His second wife, Lady Francine and their five daughters.
The most important one to him was his wife. At the age of nine and thirty, she had matured from the very pretty girl he had fallen in love with four and twenty years earlier, into a stunningly beautiful and graceful woman. Her blond hair contained only a few lighter strands, making the rest appear even more lustrous. After four children, her figure had filled out just a little, but, as she was very active, it was still trim – and in his eyes even more desirable. But he still thought that her eyes were her best feature – bright blue and sparkling with intelligence, good humour and most importantly, love.
Next to her sat their youngest daughter, Lydia. She was not yet officially out, although in the more relaxed rules of the small community, at the age of five and ten, she was permitted to join gatherings of family or close friends as long as she minded her manners, which she usually managed to achieve. As the youngest of the sisters, she had been somewhat indulged, but only up to a point, since bad manners and tantrums were not tolerated by either of her parents. But her bubbly personality was irrepressible and charmed everyone. All her sisters were happy to have her company. Her father was happy that in her, he had a worthy chess opponent.
Kitty was a little quieter than Lydia, but she was a natural leader and completely fearless. Some of her critics might have called her reckless. But her recklessness only revealed itself in the defence of the ones she loved – irrespective if they had two legs or four. As demonstrated, when, at the age of five, she had chased off a group of boys who were tormenting a scruffy looking dog. Kitty and the dog adopted each other instantly and were inseparable until he died of old age eleven years later. Many pictures of the dog still decorated Kitty's room since drawing and painting were her particular talent and passion.
The quietest and shyest of the sisters was Mary. Even though she was the older, she looked to Kitty for leadership. She focused on her accomplishments and tried to be the perfect young lady. Because of that, she had gone through an unfortunate phase of thinking that works such as Fordyce's Sermons should be followed religiously. Luckily Kitty managed to convince her that there was more to life than just sermons and scripture. Since that time, she had focused on perfecting her skills at the pianoforte to the detriment of her sisters who did not get much chance to practice unless it was a duet with Mary.
Fortunately, only Elizabeth, his wife's daughter from her first marriage to the Earl Fellmar, was really interested in playing as well, although her efforts were not as concentrated. She did enjoy practicing duets with Mary though. Mary's strict adherence to the music as it was written allowed her to weave her interpretation around it. When not practicing the piano, she divided her time between long walks or hours with Mr Bennet reading or playing chess and discussing a large variety of topics, sharpening her wits. Even though both were aware that they were no blood relation, no father and daughter could have been closer.
Jane, Mr Bennet's daughter from his first marriage to Francine Gardiner, tried to be the responsible older sister. She was serene and controlled and preferred to look for the best in people. Her playing of the pianoforte was pathetic at best, but she excelled at the harp, and she sang like an angel. But occasionally the sweet and calm exterior slipped, and she displayed an outrageous sense of humour which was usually presaged by a twinkle in her eyes. Luckily her basic sweet nature ensured that her humour was never cruel. She did have something in common with Kitty, which surprised people who did not know her well. She could be fierce in the defence of people she loved.
Mr Bennet's musings were interrupted by the arrival of the post.
He passed several of the letters to his wife and his daughters, before sorting through his own.
One letter caught his attention. 'There is a letter from Gardiner,' he informed his wife, as he immediately opened it and started to read.
'What does Gardiner have to say?' asked Lady Francine when her husband lowered the letter.
'It appears he has a young acquaintance, the son of a former business associate, who would like to find out if being a landowner would suit him. It seems his father died a few years ago and left his wealth to his son, with a suggestion of buying an estate, so that he could raise his social status. But Mr Charles Bingley sensibly decided to try leasing an estate first and gain some experience in managing a holding.'
'He sounds like to sort of man who might make a good tenant for Netherfield. After all, I do not wish to lease the estate to someone on a long-term basis. I think one year, two at the most, would allow Mr Bingley to find out if he is suited for the life of a gentleman farmer.'
'That is why Gardiner sent the letter. After the disaster we had with the previous tenant, he was concerned that we might not want to let him pick another candidate.'
'How could Gardiner have known that the perfectly sensible businessman he knew in town, would suddenly think that leasing an estate would make him some sort of liege lord,' Lady Francine laughed. 'As long as this Mr Bingley is more sensible, I can see no problem with him leasing Netherfield.'
'Very well. I shall let Gardiner know he can go ahead with the lease, as long as he keeps our names out of the contract as always. After all, if Mr Bingley knows you own the estate, it might make him self-conscious of making decisions, or he could be constantly coming for advice. Neither situation will make him learn about managing the estate.'
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In due course Mr Bingley paid a visit to inspect Netherfield Park.
Mr Bennet, on behalf of his friend, Mr Gardiner, showed Bingley around. At one point, Bingley commented on Mr Bennet's familiarity of the estate.
'I occasionally look after things on behalf of the owner,' was Mr Bennet's truthful, although misleading reply. 'But since I have enough to do to manage my own estate, I would be happy if a lessee could be found for Netherfield.'
'Everything seems to be in excellent condition,' said Bingley as he consulted a document. When he noticed Mr Bennet's inquisitive look, he explained, 'My friend, Mr Darcy of Pemberley in Derbyshire has given me a list of things to look out for. He has been running his own estate for the past six years since his father passed away. He has also agreed to help me learn about the running of an estate, if I find one suitable to my needs.'
'You are lucky to have such a friend, Mr Bingley,' replied Mr Bennet, relieved that he would not be needed to teach his wife's tenant.
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When Mr Bingley took possession of Netherfield at the end of September, he was duly welcomed by the gentlemen of the area.
Sir William Lucas invited Mr Bingley to attend the next assembly which was being held a few days hence. Mr Bingley was happy to accept on his own behalf, and his family and friends who were due to join him in a few days' time.
When Mr Bennet visited Mr Bingley to add his own welcome, he had a slight mishap with a spooked horse on his return to Longbourn, which resulted in a sprained ankle for Mr Bennet. The injury prevented him from attending the assembly a few days later.
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On the night of the assembly, Mr Bennet was comfortably ensconced in his study, waiting for his daughter Lydia to join him.
Since Lydia was only five and ten years of age, she was of course not allowed to attend the assembly. Her father's injury meant that instead of being alone at home during the assembly, she would have his company all to herself.
While Lydia loved her mother and her sisters, she adored her father. He was rarely cross with her and his teaching had opened the world for her. Tonight, he had promised to play chess with her, to which both combatants were greatly looking forward.
She was currently helping her sisters getting ready to go out with their mother. Although Mr Bennet was injured and could not attend the assembly, he had insisted that his ladies should enjoy themselves.
Mr Bennet was sitting by the fire with a book and a glass of port, when the door to the study opened and his ladies entered the room.
'We have come to wish you a good night,' Lady Francine smiled at her husband.
He returned the smile, 'must you torture me by showing me what I will miss tonight? You look exquisite as always.' He turned to his daughters and had to admit, 'you do your mother proud. You all look lovely as well. It will be difficult for you to fend of all those gentlemen vying for your attention, to sit out even one set, and give the other ladies a chance to dance.'
'You are an inveterate flatterer, my dear,' chided Lady Francine. 'I hope you have a pleasant evening.'
'Since Lydia has agreed to keep me company, I shall not lack amusement.'
'In that case, we will leave you to your battles.'
The ladies all wished Mr Bennet and Lydia a good night and left to attend the assembly.
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Chapter 2 - Assembly
Fitzwilliam Darcy was in a foul mood.
He had just arrived at Netherfield Park, the estate his old friend Charles Bingley was leasing. Darcy had accepted the invitation, to help his friend learn about estate management. Darcy's estate, Pemberley in Derbyshire, had been held by his family for centuries, whereas Bingley's family had made their money in trade.
Darcy's problem at present was threefold. Most importantly, the previous month he had only just been in time to prevent his fifteen-year-old sister from eloping with a charming scoundrel who had wanted to gain the girl's dowry.
His second problem had been the journey from London. He had been persuaded to convey Bingley's sisters and brother-in-law. The older sister was not a problem. Or more precisely, she was somebody else's problem. Louisa Hurst, had married Phillip Hurst the previous year. He loved her dowry and she loved his position as a gentleman. Miss Caroline Bingley on the other hand, was a problem since she was determined to change her marital status by becoming Mrs Fitzwilliam Darcy and the next Mistress of Pemberley. Darcy considered that possibility a fate worse than death.
Unlike their amiable brother, the sisters had inflated ideas about their own importance as well as an erroneous concept of how true ladies behaved. He had had to listen to snide and malicious gossip for several hours. As a gentleman, constrained by propriety, he had not been in a position to correct their behaviour.
On their arrival at Netherfield, Darcy had looked forward to a quiet evening to relax from the strains and stresses of the last few weeks which had been compounded by the company this day.
But it was not to be. The final straw was the announcement by his friend that Bingley had accepted an invitation to an assembly for the entire party.
Darcy knew that if he were to decline and stay behind, Miss Caroline Bingley would insist on keeping him company. Even a country assembly was preferable to that fate.
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When the Netherfield party arrived at the assembly, their entrance gained them the full attention of everyone in the room. Sir William Lucas, who had issued the invitation, rushed to greet them.
'Welcome, Mr Bingley. It is so good of you to join our little festivity and to bring your friends. If you would be so good as to introduce us…' Sir William enthusiastically greeted them.
Bingley performed the requested introductions.
'Capital. Capital. I am delighted to make all your acquaintance. Please come with me and I will make you known to our leading families,' Sir William was all cordiality.
The gentleman was as good as his word. He escorted the visitors around the room introducing them first to his own family and then to the Gouldings and the Longs. By the time they reached the Fieldings, the Hursts and Miss Bingley could not contain their disdain any longer and drifted away from the group.
When Sir William introduced the Bennets, Mr Darcy could not stand it any longer either. Seeing a lady with four daughters in tow, he was certain that, as in town, each and every one of them would see him as their rightful prey. He despised all those fawning, marriage hungry Misses who were prepared to do whatever it took to catch a husband.
He paid no attention to their names and by the time Sir William started introducing the daughters, Darcy simply walked away. He missed the small smirk by the mother.
When the dancing started, Darcy did his duty by his host and danced one set each with Bingley's sisters. After that he stalked the edges of the room with a scowl on his countenance. He had learned that his scowl kept all but the most determined people away.
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Darcy watched his friend enjoying himself. Bingley, predictably, had homed in on the most beautiful young woman in the room. Darcy vaguely remembered her as being the oldest of the four sisters, who's introduction he had avoided.
It appeared Bingley had found yet another 'angel'. Given her looks, beautiful, blond and blue-eyed, she must be very popular since Bingley had to wait until the fourth set to dance with her.
Surprisingly, in the break between the dances of the set, Bingley left his angel and sought out Darcy.
'Come on, Darcy, you must dance. You cannot go lurking about all evening,' Bingley tried to encourage his friend.
'I have done my duty to your sisters, and there is not another woman in the room, who it would not be a punishment to stand up with, since you are dancing with the only beautiful woman present.'
'She is a beautiful angel, I agree. But her sister is sitting just over there and she is almost as beautiful and very witty. Come let me introduce you,' persisted Bingley.
Darcy looked around and saw a young woman sitting nearby. He barely glanced at her before turning back to Bingley and stated, 'she is tolerable I suppose, but not handsome enough to tempt me. I am in no mood to give consequence to women who have been slighted by other men.'
Before Bingley could reply, Darcy was startled by tinkling laughter behind him.
When he turned toward the sound, he saw the young lady, whom he had just insulted, raising her hand to cover the laughter that had escaped her, although her twinkling eyes belied her attempt at decorum.
Darcy, embarrassed that his comment had been overheard, tried to bluster, 'Madam it is unseemly to listen in on a private conversation.'
The young woman, who had at first been amused by his deluded attitude, but could not tolerate this attack, rose and confronted Darcy.
'If you wish to have a private conversation, you should have it in private, not at an assembly at full volume, where half the room cannot help but hear you,' the young lady corrected, drawing his attention to several people nearby who looked shocked at his rudeness.
'Furthermore, if you think that a stranger, as rude, disdainful and arrogant as you have shown yourself to be, could give consequence to anyone in this community, then you flatter yourself.'
The young lady now smirked at Darcy, 'Do not worry, Mr Darcy. You are quite safe here. I doubt any of the local ladies would find you tolerable enough to stand up with.'
Darcy was dumbfounded. For the first time in his life a woman was not fawning over him, but even worse, she was calling him out on his behaviour and had thrown his ungentlemanlike words back in his face.
Bingley, who had been stunned by his friend's words, found his voice at last. 'Lady Elizabeth, please accept my most profound apologies for my friend's behaviour. I am afraid the fault lies with me. He has been in an ill humour all evening and I should have known better than to push him to dance.'
Darcy was surprised to hear Bingley address the woman as 'Lady Elizabeth'. Unfortunately for him, he was caught off-guard and forgot to censor his reaction. 'Lady Elizabeth?' he sneered. 'I was not aware of any titled families in this area other than Sir William Lucas. Pardon me for pointing out that the daughter of a knight is not given the honorific of 'Lady'.'
'Thank you for educating us poor benighted savages, Mr Darcy,' Lady Elizabeth smiled sarcastically. 'But if you had paid attention during your introductions, you would be aware that my friend Miss Charlotte Lucas is fully cognisant of the convention.'
'Darcy, for god's sake stop digging yourself further into that hole,' cried a horrified Bingley.
'Mr Bingley, the music is starting again and you are neglecting my sister,' interrupted Lady Elizabeth.
Bingley was torn. He could not keep the lovely Miss Bennet waiting any longer, but was concerned about his friend.
'All will be well, Mr Bingley. Enjoy your dance,' encouraged Lady Elizabeth.
'Thank you.' Bingley bowed to the lady and hurried back to his dance partner.
Elizabeth turned back to Darcy. 'Mr Bingley mentioned that you are here to teach him how to run an estate and to help him establish himself. If your ability as an estate manager is no better than your grasp of manners, civility and common courtesy, then I believe you should do your friend a favour and go back to London. Even if you are a knowledgeable estate manager, anyone in the area would be happy to assist Mr Bingley in learning how to run an estate. Now, if you will excuse me…'
Lady Elizabeth dropped into a minimal curtsy before walking away, leaving behind a very non-plussed Mr Darcy who could hear her mutter, 'I must write a letter of apology to Cousin Alistair.'
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After his dance with Miss Bennet, Mr Bingley escorted the lady back to her family, thanking her profusely. 'It was delightful to dance with you, Miss Bennet. Thank you for not being cross with me for abandoning you to speak to my friend.'
'The pleasure was all mine, Mr Bingley. I quite understand that you were concerned for your friend,' Jane Bennet replied serenely. It would not do to show that she had felt embarrassed to be abandoned in the middle of a set.
'You are kindness itself,' enthused Mr Bingley. 'May I be so presumptuous as to enquire if you perchance still have another set available? I would like to make up for the time I wasted earlier,' he asked hopefully.
'I am sorry, Sir. I have only one set not spoken for, and it is the custom amongst the ladies in our community, to each sit out at least one set, to give all the ladies a chance to dance. Unfortunately, the number of gentlemen around here is fewer than the ladies.' Jane smiled apologetically although she was happy to have such a convenient excuse to avoid further attention from the gentleman.
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