Thank you to everyone who has been so kind in their support.
Please remember that this is my first fan fiction. Everyone was new to something at some point.
I am not Jane Austen, and I do not own these characters. However, the ideas are mine.
...***...
The morning of the Sabbath dawned clear, with the breeze hinting of the rain to come later in the day. Richard Fitzwilliam couldn't sleep. This was not a new, nor rare occurrence. It had been a long time since the horrors in his dreams had included the fetid smell of death within water. It lingered within his nose upon his rising. Not even the generous spacing of Netherfield's walls were enough to slake his need for openness, so he sought his solace in the open lands surrounding the house. Slowly, the memory of the miasmic stench worked free of his nose and mouth. If only the associated images could flee so quickly. His wanderings eventually led him into the woods. He came to a beautiful place. A spot where the sunlight dappled through the changed leaves still clinging to the tree. A fallen log was highlighted by the sun, showing a piece of linen. Richard, curious, walks to it to discover a handkerchief neatly folded upon the log. To his surprise, Richard sees the initials F.D. Embroidered in a very familiar pattern. His cousin, Georgina, had embroidered a small bundle for him to celebrate the selling of his commission; his leaving of the Army. In confusion, he tucked the fabric into his pocket and continued his ramblings.
Richard began to ponder their attendance in Meryton. So intently focused upon inquiring about the well-being of the Bennett twins, he had neglected to truly look about at the other beauties that Meryton might have to tempt him to the parson's mousetrap. Yet, he felt compelled to consider the twins before any other. He held Elizabeth and Mary in the highest of respect and admiration. Could he see himself married to one of them? They were shapely and fine to behold. He remembered their conversation and action to be of clever intelligence. He could not recall another woman to which to compare them. Was that enough? It would certainly have more to offer than most marriages. However, they were too smart for him. He no longer required a woman of fortune. Could he bring himself to separate them? Suddenly, it occurred to him, if they stood side by side, could he tell them apart? Could he, with accuracy, distinguish Elizabeth from Mary? No. He couldn't. How could he even consider offering marriage to a woman when he could not distinguish her from her sister? It crossed his mind that he saw them as a single unit. He did not see his twin cousins as a single unit, but he had spent far more time with them. Yet, they would not be his first choice. He was so much their elder. After his time in the Army, his common place mind was all too clear. He knew he could be as cross as crabs, often after a night filled with dreampt terrors. His mind was now set to course. Unless their situation was brought to a point non plus, he would continue to protect them as a brother would; only from an acceptable distance. A peace settled upon his shoulders like a mantle. He has not considered this prior to that moment. Confident in his decision, he picked up his pace and walked back towards Netherfield to ready for Church.
...***...
Mrs. Bennett, feeling rested and clear of thought, rang for the maid as she attempted to stand on her own. Quickly, she set back on the bed and waited for the maid. It was clear she wasn't standing on her own again today. Perhaps she should call for the apothecary? She wasn't certain. Was this worth the trouble and expense of his services? Every woman experiences headaches and a stiff neck from time to time. Do not all people as they age feel rickety in their bones?
When the maid entered, she assisted Mrs. Bennett with her toilet, holding her under the shoulder to assist her about the room. 'Will you be going to church today.?'
'No. I am most unwell. I shall keep to my room today.'
'Should I call for the Apothecary ma'am? Your skin is more off color this morn, your eyes moreso. More yellow than yesterday, I dare say.'
'Call him in the morning, one more day will not be of consequence.'
'Very well, ma'am. I shall bring your tray directly'
Two ladies maids were in service at Longbourn. Sarah served Elizabeth and Mary, the other tended Mrs Bennett, Jane and Kitty.
'How's the mistress this morning?'
'She looks to be of clear mind today, but her spells keep coming faster. ...and her eyes get more yellow by the day! My last service, the Master had eyes that looked the same. He wasn't left long for this world when they got as dark as the Mistress! I fear her spells. She will be lookin', clear as day; then the next be pure otherworldly. Enough to give a girl the shakes!'
'I am grateful for the word on our Mistress.' Said Sarah as she nodded towards the other maid and hastened down the hallway.
...***...
The addition of the Netherfield party, as well as the seeming flood of visiting flood of female relations throughout the township had put a pressure on nearly every aspect of life in Meryton. Chapel was no exception. Minutes prior to service, and not a seat outside the family pews were to be had. There was not a fan present not put to good use. Reverend Bromley kept his sermon to brevity. Not only in concentration of the additional heat the crouded church created, but also for the seven bans to be read would need their proper due.
While Lord Lumley and Rebekah's bans were the first to be announced, it was not all that surprising that the presence of the eligible men would direct the focus of other men within the town. The following couples represented both tenant farmers and merchant families. Meryton would make every effort to live on for another generation. A silent hand of pressure was felt to any man was courting, yet not yet betrothed to make haste. One engagement often leads to another, but so many?
As the people flowed through the door after service, people were beseiged with well wishes.
Richard stood back amoungst the fray, looking for one person inparticular; John Lucas.
'Mr Lucas.' Stated Richard as bows were exchanged, 'I am told that you are the man to speak to about the best fishing spots in the area.'
John was surprised at the request. He hadn't been fishing in years. However, he had been hoping for a time to speak to Richard in privacy, and this would be his best opportunity. 'It might be more expedient to take you.'
'Splendid!'
'When might you have no previous engagement?'
'Monday early?'
'Perfection. Shall I call upon Lucas Lodge and we proceed from there!'
'Captial! Until then, Sir!' John Lucas bowed to Mr Fitzwilliam and hastened to rejoin his family as they made their way home.
...***...
Once returned to Longbourn, Mr. Bennett and the girls sat down for their meal.
'Thomas?' Jane began, ' we would hope that we could spend the day at the dower house? With Frannie feeling unwell, it will keep our noise from fraying her nerves...', biting her lip with uncertainity.
'A quiet home all afternoon? Take Sarah with you.' Mr. Bennett proceeded to return to his study without a further word.
Once his study door was closed, the Bennett girls quickly made their exit, with both Sarah and Jimmy close behind.
Glossary:
fetid , miasmic– a horrible and unpleasant smell
parson's mousetrap – marriage
common place mind – a dirty or vulgar mind
brought to a point non-plus – to be in a situation with no options
otherworldly – mentally ill