Lady Lucas

Events before the incidents in P&P take a decidedly different turn and this impacts what the Netherfield Party finds upon venturing into the neighborhood.

Sir Jonathan Lucas, Baronet, reined his horse-and-buggy to a halt in front of Netherfield Park. His pretty wife stepped down first and moved gracefully but quickly to her husband's side of the vehicle. John gave her a mock frown as he said, "I am not likely to topple from such a short step, Lizzie."

Lady Elizabeth Lucas arched a challenging eyebrow and replied, "As I happened to be in the same room as you when Mr. Jones instructed you to stay off of your leg, I might dispute your assertion, Dear. As I am fully aware that a Navy Commander does not appreciate orders from his subordinates, I shall quietly stand here and pretend that I am only here to await your arm."

"Oh ho! Subordinate indeed! Since when has that ever been the case, my love? I forgot that silly notion when I was put properly in my place by a certain ten year old spitfire. How many young men of eight and ten could recover from such a dressing down?"

Elizabeth Lucas blushed, "You stepped on my cat's tail, Sir John. I was within my rights. Thankfully you've outgrown your awkward years since then." She deliberately chose not to notice when her husband's foot touched the drive and he groaned. Nor did either comment when at least a little of his weight had to be supported by his much smaller wife. Former Commander Lucas had retired when a piece of planking lodged itself into his upper leg during a sea battle. He and his brig fought on and won the battle against a larger frigate, but his recovery had been a close run thing.

Elizabeth Bennet, who had been in love with the John Lucas since his last visit home when she was fifteen, was eighteen when he was carried home. With his survival in question she had skirted propriety, practically living at the Lucas home as she and John's eldest younger sister, Charlotte worried over his recovery. Mrs. Bennet, Elizabeth's mother, had not been in favor of her second daughter marrying the son of a tradesman, but her most troublesome daughter paid her no mind. As Mr. Bennet, the Master of Longbourn, was close friends with Mr. Lucas, Sr., his wife was overruled.

John recovered and wasted no time in proposing to the firebrand who had grown into a lovely young woman. Cast upon the shore for good, the powerfully built and handsome young man had no competition when he sought the position of Town Mayor. Shortly after he assumed the role, the King called for a much-needed contribution toward the war effort. In an odd twist of fate, Mayor Lucas delivered the town's contribution along with a speech, written by his well-read and intelligent wife. That speech and the fact that he had been mentioned repeatedly in dispatches resulted in the award of a baronetcy and a small grant of land.

The property had belonged to the Crown for many generations and had been held as a hunting reserve. King George, known affectionately or derisively as "Farmer George," preferred to see the land put to better use. The timber, much of it stout oak, was partially harvested for sale to the Navy for ship building. This provided the newly elevated Sir and Lady Lucas with the funds they needed to repair and expand the hunting lodge, now known as Lucas Lodge. It also funded their efforts to turn the previously virgin land into farm land.

If "Lady" Lucas took a greater hand in developing the property, settling tenants, and remodeling the lodge than might be appropriate for a woman, most others chose not to notice. John was confident enough in his own self to not feel threatened by a strong wife. The pair worked as a team. Two years had passed since their marriage. Their estate was only now to the point where it could be called solvent. Under the couple's careful care, it promised to yeild between two and three-thousand per annum.

Sir John had healed completely, until an angry goat, of all things, had charged him and re-broken the same spot as before. It had been five weeks, but the injury still persisted in troubling him.

Maintaining the illusion that Sir John was leading his lady up the marble steps, the pair went to the door and knocked. Mrs. Nichols, the housekeeper for Netherfield Park, opened the door and smiled, "Sir John! Lady Elizabeth! How are you both?"

Elizabeth softly scolded, "I am only Lady Lucas, Mrs. Nichols. We do not wish to give offense by assigning me precedence I did not earn."

The elderly housekeeper, who had known both John and Elizabeth since infancy, only smiled and nodded. Elizabeth knew that the dear woman would continue to call her Lady Elizabeth whenever there was nobody around to hear. John asked, "Is Mr. Bingley at home for visitors, Mrs. Nichols?"

"He is, and another fine gentleman as well." Her face transformed a little as she added, "He brought his sisters and a brother-by-marriage as well." Before the visitors could comment, a haughty voice demanded, "Who is at the door, Mrs. Nettles?"

The obviously much put-upon housekeeper turned and answered, "Sir John Lucas, Baronet, and his wife, Lady Elizabeth Lucas, Miss Bingley."

The young woman's tone was skeptical as she ordered, "Well, send them in!"

After looking at their apparel, which obviously did not meet her superior standards, her expression made it clear that the she placed little worth on the couple's titles or worthiness. "Locals. How... quaint. Do come in. I am afraid that you must excuse the mess. I found the house so out of style and dingy that I immediately began to set it to rights."

Neither John nor Elizabeth commented, though they shared a brief look. The previous owners were Mr. and Mrs. Worthington, a very well-to-do and stylish couple with exceptional taste. The new furniture that they saw in place was gaudy and overdone. The same could be said of the lady herself. She was dressed as if preparing to attend a ball, not supervise the redecorating of a house.

Elizabeth, concerned for her husband's leg, was preparing to say something when a male voice interceded, "Caroline, it will not do to keep our visitors standing in the foyer. Sir John, I am pleased to see you again. Please come into the sitting room. And is this your wife. I must say, she is as beautiful as her father-in-law boasted."

Caroline sniffed while Elizabeth blushed. Sir John, with his wife on his arm, made a good show of walking without a pronounced limp into the next room. An older version of Miss Bingley, a stout man of middle age and height, and a tall man with a handsome, aristocratic face and expression stood upon their entry. "Darcy, Louisa, Hurst, this is Sir John Lucas, Baronet, and his lovely wife..."

"Elizabeth," John furnished with a shake of his head. He had already met the young man when he toured Netherfield two weeks prior, and found the man to be cheerfully informal and unaffected.

"Charmed, Lady Elizabeth. Sir and Lady Lucas, you've already met my youngest sister, Miss Caroline Bingley. This is my other sister, Mrs. Louisa Hurst, and her husband, Mr. Hurst. And this is my dear friend Mr. Darcy." Each curtsied or bowed in turn. Miss Bingley barely bowed. Mrs. Hurst was more courteous. Mr. Hurst bowed and quickly resumed his seat as if his legs would not hold his portly figure. Mr. Darcy's bow, like his clothes, was a model of perfection. Unfortunately his expression was not particularly welcoming.

Mr. Bingley gestured to a seat for the pair, which they promptly took. Elizabeth, minutely aware of John's expressions, saw the wince that he was attempting to conceal. Interestingly enough, Mr. Darcy did as well, "Are you injured, Sir John?"

Sir John grinned, "Only a little and it is healing well. I survived my injuries at sea only to be accosted quite rudely by a neighbor's billy goat."

Caroline muttered something about "dirt farmers," but only loud enough for her sister and Elizabeth to hear. Elizabeth knew something of the Bingley family's antecedents from local gossip, so it surprised her to hear such disparaging remarks from a person with roots in trade.

Sir John continued, "By the way, Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam asked me to tell you 'queen to bishop 5'."

The tall man's eyes widened, "You are familiar, then, with my cousin?"

The baronet laughed, "Quite well, actually. As the commander of His Majesty's brigantine Goshawk, I transported your cousin into a number of interesting places and back. He was with me when a Frenchie frigate penned us in at an inlet. We sunk the ship at a great loss to ourselves, but it spelled the end of my service. When His Majesty decided to elevate me a year ago, your aunt and uncle graciously hosted us."

Mr. Darcy seemed more relaxed and genial now. Elizabeth, who had always been a studier of characters, could not help but think: So now we are worthy enough to speak to you. Arrogant man indeed. She did take some enjoyment from the fact that Miss Bingley was displeased to find the couple that she disdained had more consequence than she might have supposed.

Ten minutes later found the couple back out in their buggy and driving away. They had traveled a mile before John asked, "So what did you think of the Netherfield party, Lizzie?"

"Mr. Bingley is exactly as you described him. He seems a good and sincere man, but it remains to be seen if he has the dedication to manage an estate. I have a feeling the he and Jane might suit, but I would not wish Miss Bingley as a sister-in-law on anyone. She is quite full of herself and inclined to look down on anyone who is unlikely to add to her consequence.

"Of the Hursts there is little to say. He fell asleep within two minutes of our visit and by his smell he found his brother's spirits. Mrs. Hurst said very little, nodded at whatever her sister said, and played incessantly with her bracelets."

"And Mr. Darcy?"

"A proud, arrogant man. Much more pleased with himself than of anything he will find in our neighborhood."

Sir John laughed, "Richard told me that you and I, and especially you, would draw that conclusion. The truth, according to the colonel, is that Darcy is highly intelligent but frightfully shy among those who he had not known. He is a very good and diligent master, however, and very kind to those in his service... and there are a great many. The Darcy's own a great estate in Derbyshire which is said to cover a quarter of the county. All in all, Richard describes him as the very best of men who freezes when among strangers."

Elizabeth liked her husband's friend and fellow military man quite well, so she decided to give the tall, taciturn man the benefit of the doubt. It is not as if he will fall for any of my sisters anyway. A man like that would not suit Jane. Mary and Kitty would be too frightened by the man. Lydia might take an interest, but since he does not wear a uniform... No, my sisters are definitely safe.

And it was too soon for Charlotte to consider another match. Poor Charlotte. To be married and widowed so quickly.

"What are you thinking about, my love?"

"Charlotte."

"I am sorry that Lieutenant Hanson fell. He was an excellent first officer and would certainly have made captain given time. You've asked Charlotte to join our home. She declined. You have to allow her to choose for herself. She feels useful working in father's general store."

"I know. I know. Well, enough of that. Have you heard back from Mister Tomlin about the sheep?"

"Just this morning. Fifty head with a proper distribution of rams and ewes. He can get them to us in two weeks if we are willing to pay for the wagons."

Elizabeth considered, and said, "We're expecting a good return on the second harvest, but that would push us back for a month. Are you willing to dip into your prize money?"

"That was the other letter I received: Mr. Gardiner sent us the quarterly report. Mistral and Juniper both returned safely with full holds. We have enough from our investments alone to buy the flock and hire a shepherd."

His wife nodded, but added, "Perhaps we can use that money once. It would be better to reinvest when possible. Uncle Gardiner did say that there would be a heavy need for wool next year..."

"Very well. Then I will send for the flock and we will devote our attentions to the harvest. With work on our home nearing completion, I will task a part of the crew to build a shepherd's cottage. With the dairy operational, the barge in place to carry our produce, and the sheep on their way, this next year seems to be quite promising."

oOo

"Did you see her dress? Two seasons old, at least! And her hair! A true lady would have done something with that mop!"

As if you would recognize a "true lady" if you were standing beside one. Lady Lucas might not be up to Town fashion, but she is more of a lady than you will ever be, even if you trap a duke. Darcy felt all of the irritation of too much exposure to Bingley's two sisters. They were, without a doubt, the most hypercritical and hypocritical woman of his acquaintance... and that was saying a lot.

"I thought her rather nice, and definitely pretty," Charles answered, almost defensively. Just tell them to cease, Bingley! They are in your house and if anyone hears them, then your welcome in this area will dry up.

Caroline paid her brother no mind, "It is ridiculous to call that woman 'Lady Lucas'! I will not do it! I tell you I cannot!"

Darcy rose, "Then I suggest that you send a letter to the King, because she is Lady Lucas by Royal decree, just as her husband is Sir John Lucas. Their son will inherit the title and property. Their younger sons and daughters will be properly recognized as 'the honorable.' It makes no difference whatsoever to their consequence whether or not you acknowledge this or not. My own uncle and aunt, the Earl and Countess of Matlock, clearly do. Bingley, I would like to go for a brisk horse ride. How say you?"

Once brother and friend left the room, Caroline scowled, "I do not see why he reacted so!"

From the corner Mr. Hurst, who all had thought to be asleep, replied, "Because you must go on and on endlessly as if your opinion has any value whatsoever. They are titled. You are not. That will change if you marry someone with a title, but nobody wants a wife with an adder's tongue. Now will you please desist!"

oOo

The following day Lady Lucas was surprised to see the two young men from Netherfield riding onto the Lodge's private road. Jane, Elizabeth's eldest sister and dearest friend, had already walked over that morning to collect herbs with her sister for the still room. The two ladies rose and brushed themselves off now as the men approached.

Mr. Bingley looked about to speak, but then Jane raised her face and he was lost for words. Darcy, upon realizing that his friend was thunderstruck, touched his own top hat, "Good morning, Lady Lucas. After speaking with your husband yesterday, and later with your father when he paid a visit, we were inspired to make a tour of your estate. We hear that you have both accomplished quite a lot with it in less than two years."

Elizabeth was quite taken aback by the smile on the man's previously stern face, but quickly found her voice, "Welcome to Lucas Lodge then, gentleman. Sir John is currently directing workman on building a shepherd's cottage. If you follow this road and turn left when you are parallel to our house, you should only need to ride for five minutes more. They should be breaking ground by now."

Darcy nodded his thanks, slightly shaken by her friendly smile and quite remarkable eyes. Getting himself under control, he had to prompt Bingley twice before the man ceased speaking with Miss Bennet.

As they rode away, Bingley was not as circumspect and quiet as he thought when he said, "She's an angel, Darcy! I have not seen her equal!"

Jane blushed and ducked her head from her grinning sister's smirk. Then her head turned of its own accord and her eyes followed the man as he faded into the distance.

Later that same day John joined his wife and spoke enthusiastically about the suggestions and advice that Mr. Darcy had offered. "He did not say as much himself, but Richard told me that the man owns the largest estate in Derbyshire, along with three other estates and other ventures. He is definitely not an absentee owner like many of the young gents and lordlings. He even had a viable suggestion for how to deal with the drainage issue by Hatter's Creak!"

Elizabeth was still unsure what to think of the man, but if he helped her husband and their estate prospered, then she was more than happy to have the man underfoot.

oOo

Many events happened in the following months. Messers Darcy and Bingley became regular guests at Lucas Lodge. Jane came often as well, allowing for a quiet courtship without the interference of Jane and Elizabeth's mother. Caroline Bingley did attempt to interfere, but without the support of Mr. Darcy her efforts were in vain. Charles and Jane had a spring wedding and purchased Netherfield Park. Mr. Bingley wisely sent his sisters and brother-by-marriage back to London to pursue their own interests.

Colonel Fitzwilliam came to visit his cousin, but quickly relocated to Lucas Lodge at the invitation of his friends. Charlotte Hanson also became a regular visitor. She was not a great heiress, but she had inherited all of her husband's investments and prize money. The Colonel would come and go several times over the next year, but eventually he asked for and received Charlotte's hand... with one provision. Having been married to and widowed by the death of one military man, Charlotte could not repeat the exercise. When Colonel Fitzwilliam became Mr. Fitzwilliam, Charlotte Hanson became his wife.

Mr. Collins, the heir apparent to Longbourn due to an entail, made his appearance and shocked the family with his ridiculousness. He had been sent to seek out a wife from among his cousin's brood, but when he discovered that the two beauties of the family (Mary did not suit his interests and the younger two were too poorly behaved) were either married or soon to be, he protested that he should have had first option as the heir. After that particular speech he was invited and finally ordered to leave. As both Sir John and Bingley had promised to fund a house for Mrs. Bennet in Meryton upon her husband's decease, the lady was unconcerned about losing Collins as a suitor for her other daughters.

A man named Mr. Wickham entered town and immediately tried to blacken Mr. Darcy's name. After he foolishly attempted to flirt with the very happily married Lady Elizabeth Lucas, her husband and friends saw to his swift removal from the vicinity. What happened to him after that is unknown and unworthy of our attention.

After his departure, Mr. Darcy actually relaxed to the point that he sent for his sister, Georgiana. She was quickly adopted by the older Bennet daughters and befriended by the younger. When she and her brother finally departed for Pemberly, she spoke with great devotion about her experience... and especially about Lady Lucas.

Mr. Darcy, listening silently to his sister, could not deny that the subject of her devotion was worthy. In fact, Lady Elizabeth Lucas had so impressed the taciturn, forbidding man that she became the unwitting model for what he was looking for in a wife.

Two seasons later, Fitzwilliam Darcy found what he sought, at least to a satisfactory degree. He married Pamela Tanner, the daughter of a bishop, and they settled contentedly at Pemberley. At least once a year they visited the Lucases for an month or the Lucases visited them. The same held true for the Bingley's and the Fitzwilliams, so the four families were often together.

It was a sad day indeed when Pamela Darcy passed away in childbirth, having breathed her last breath at almost the same moment that Tanner Darcy breathed his first. Georgiana, who had avoided marriage for her own reasons, took on the care of young Tanner.

oOo

The Darcys, father, son, and aunt, were on the continent when an unexpected epidemic swept England and took many. Charles and Jane survived, but they lost two of their three children, leaving behind only little Elizabeth. Mary Jenkins (nee Bennet) died quickly, leaving the Reverend Geoffrey Pilcher to raise his two sons alone. Mrs. Bennet died, having never had a chance to live in her promised home in Meryton. Both of the younger daughters had married military men and lived far away.

Mr. Richard Fitzwilliam's elder brother died. As the man had never married nor produced any legitimate children, Richard and Charlotte suddenly found themselves to be viscount ad viscountess. They had three sons, so the succession was safe for another generation.

Mr. Collins and his long-suffering wife (nobody knew where he found the poor woman) both died without children. Thus ended the entail. It would take several more years, but Mr. Bennet was finally able to break the hated provision and choose his own heir.

Lady Catherine, who never featured in this tale (she was most seriously displeased) died, leaving her daughter to suffer a most surprising recovery. Anne DeBourgh went on to live many happy years in which no word of promised marriages or combining great estates was ever allowed to be spoken in her presence.

Many more died, but as they do not hold a place in this story, they shall remain nameless.

Only one other death need be mentioned. Sir John Lucas, in his continuing duties as town mayor, was one of the first to contract the virus. Having grown healthy and strong in the intervening years since his injuries, he held on for longer than most. In the end, though, Sir John Lucas lost his final battle, leaving behind a grieving widow and two sons, William and Tom.

In Italy Georgiana caught the eye of a count of considerable property and family history. Of course those were not the attributes which captured her attention. He was tall, though not as tall as her brother. He was broad-shouldered, though not as wide as her cousin the former colonel. He was also extremely handsome, and if Georgiana decided that he was more handsome than any man she had ever met, including her brother, then we must excuse her.

A six month tour was stretched to eighteen months to allow the fine gentleman to court the lady. It was not easy for Mr. Darcy, but this time he knew that he was giving his sister's hand to a truly good man. Darcy and Tanner toured a few castles, Tanner's favorite interest, and then completed the trek back to merry old England. After almost two years of travel, Darcy was quite content to reside at Pemberley for a long spell without travel. Though the epidemic had long passed, people tended to linger at home where possible.

oOo

Lady Elizabeth Lucas was made of stern stuff. Though others within the family and without admonished her to turn the management of her son's estate over to a man, she remained resolutely in command. Not only did she keep the reins, but she had the audacity to continue growing little Sir William's estate until it was a rival for any others in the area. Mr. Bennet had already chosen little Tom Lucas, John and Elizabeth's second son, to be the heir to Longbourn. Elizabeth also gave some attention to improving that estate so that Tom would have an inheritance to be proud of.

It was hard work, but rewarding, yet Elizabeth could not deny to herself how very lonely she was. She was still young and beautiful. No amount of work could hold back her longing for a companion on her journey through life.

oOo

It was on the summer of 1821 that Lady Lucas, with William, and Tom accepted an invitation to summer at Ashbourn Hall, the country estate of Viscount and Viscountess Fitzwilliam. Charlotte, deeply concerned for her sister and childhood friend, felt that it was time to pull the woman away from her responsibilities for a while. Whether by plan or by chance, Richard felt the same about his cousin Darcy.

Time, life, and loss had smoothed many of the sharp edges off of both Elizabeth and Darcy. They met again as friends, but soon found themselves spending most of their time together. Little William, Tanner, and Tom got along like gangbusters with Richard and Charlotte's three sons, so there was little intervention needed among that hearty band of miscreants.

There were early morning walks through natural forests and along waterways. There were hours spent reading silently alone together. There were chess matches, debates, and arguments. There were evenings spent talking comfortably with the Fitzwilliams or walking the sculpted gardens.

At some point, almost without conscious decision, there was hand-holding. Later, encouraged by mutual longing, there might have been a kiss or two. When the time was right, there was a proposal and an acceptance. Their families were happy for them and nobody who knew them was particularly surprised. Many who had seen them interacting over the years had seen the chemistry, though they knew that both were too honorable and in love with their first mates to ever stray.

Elizabeth felt no sorrow in surrendering her complementary title as "Lady Lucas" for the title "Mrs. Darcy." Unlike Caroline Bingley, who never married, Elizabeth was never concerned about a title.

They had two more children, both little girls. The first, Anne, had blond hair and blue eyes like both parent's sisters. The second, Beth, had chestnut hair and sparkling dark brown eyes. Darcy always tried his best to be fair and equitable to all of his children, but secretly he would always have a special place in his heart for Beth, who looked so much like her mother.