~~~o0o~~~
Prologue
1810
'It is not fair that Kitty should be allowed to go out and have fun, while I am stuck at home by myself,' whined Lydia Bennet.
'Lydia, my love, I know that you are beautiful and lively, but at fourteen years of age you are simply too young to be out in society. You are still a child.' Mrs Bennet attempted to calm her youngest daughter, who was not of a mind to accept that her sister, who had just turned sixteen, would be allowed to enter society while she had to languish at home.
'I am taller than Kitty and I have a more womanly figure than she has. That makes me more grown up than she is. Perhaps she should stay at home while I go dancing,' Lydia challenged her mother again.
Mrs Bennet tried a different approach. 'Lydia, I know that any gentleman who meets you would be unable to resist you, but I have no wish to lose my favourite daughter at such a tender age.'
Lydia refused to be mollified. She let out a blood curdling shriek and stomped her foot. 'I will not stay at home. I will attend that assembly with you all…'
'NO, you will not,' roared Mr Bennet, who had been disturbed by the ongoing argument and shouting, and walked into the room in time to hear Lydia's last statement. 'You are an unmannered child who has no business to be out in society. You belong in the schoolroom, not in a ballroom. Until you learn to behave with propriety and decorum, you will remain in the nursery, even if it should take ten years.'
'Mama, you cannot let him talk to me like that,' whined Lydia. While she had been shocked to hear her father shout, she refused to give up and sought the support of her mother.
Before Mrs Bennet could answer, her husband declared coldly, 'I am the Master in this house and I will not tolerate the antics of ill-mannered children any longer. Mrs Bennet, I would speak with you in my library.'
Mr Bennet courteously extended his hand to his wife and led her out of the room.
~~~o0o~~~
When they were in private, Mr Bennet told his wife, 'I am sorry, Fanny, but I can no longer sit by and do nothing while you try to deal with the monster you created. I let you have your way for too long. This has to stop now.'
'She is but a lively child…'
'She is ill-mannered and spoiled rotten. If we do not pull her into line now, she will ruin all her sisters within six months. While Kitty is not quite as bad as Lydia, particularly when she is away from our youngest, I think it would be better to wait another year to launch her.'
'But, Mr Bennet, the girls must have every chance to find husbands. They cannot do that if they languish at home.'
'Jane has just reached her majority and is still unmarried despite being out in society for five years and the beauty you extol to all and sundry. If even she cannot attract a suitor, what chance will our youngest two have?'
'Jane could have married by now, but that hoyden drives away any gentleman who is interested in her sister,' complained a petulant Mrs Bennet.
'Fanny, this too has to stop. Lizzy is a lovely and intelligent girl. I cannot tolerate you belittling her any longer. Especially since I know to which incident you are referring. Mr Coopers was not an honourable man, and I am grateful to Lizzy that she told Jane that the man had already buried three wives, and there had been questions raised about how they had died. Apart from that, he was my age and he was… odiferous… to put it politely.'
Mr Bennet sighed, and took his wife's hands. 'It pains me to tell you, but you have become so obsessed with the need to see your daughters married, that you cannot consider their happiness, or at least their well-being.'
Mrs Bennet's face crumpled as she burst into tears. 'I am so very worried about what will happen to all of us because of that ghastly entail, if you should die. You have told me about that horrid Mr Collins, who I am sure will throw us into the hedgerows before your body is even cold.'
'My dear, how often do I have to tell you? You have your portion and my mother set some money aside for the girls, which has been invested for the past fourteen years. Between what you and the girls have, even in the four-percents that gives you about six-hundred pounds a year to live on. While that is not as much as the income from Longbourn, you can have a nice cottage and a comfortable life.'
'But I am only getting two hundred pounds a year. What is happening to the other four hundred?'
'The interest which the girl's money accrues is being reinvested to earn more interest.
'Why, their inheritance must have grown to about ten thousand pounds, if the interest is four hundred.' Mrs Bennet beamed at the realisation.
'Precisely. And your brother will ensure that the interest is made available to the girls, should they need it. But I am in excellent health and have no intention of departing this world for a long time yet.'
Mrs Bennet gave her husband a tremulous smile. 'If only I had been able to give you a son.'
'We are not so old yet. Anything could yet happen.' Mr Bennet pulled his wife into a comforting hug. 'But stop worrying. All will be well. I assure you. In the meantime, I believe that I should write to Edward and ask him to help us find a governess for the youngest girls. Preferably one who is proficient on the pianoforte, to also assist Mary to improve.'
'Perhaps you have the right of it,' sighed Mrs Bennet, not certain which part of his speech she agreed with.
~~~o0o~~~
Mrs Bennet had gone to rest after the fraught morning she had spent, while Mr Bennet wrote the promised letter to Edward Gardiner, his wife's brother, who had become a successful tradesman in London.
Mr Bennet had reluctantly inherited Longbourn at a young age, when his father died in an accident. Since he would have preferred to be a scholar, he spent the minimum time he could, to attend to estate duties, and the rest in his study, which turned into a library over the years.
Within a year of inheriting, Mr Bennet had married Miss Frances Gardiner, at which time her brother had become a frequent visitor to Longbourn, and a doting uncle to his nieces.
Mr Bennet's mother had been impressed with the young man. Most particularly with his sensibility and business acumen, both of which were sadly lacking in his sister.
In the early days, Thomas Bennet had been head over heels in love with his lively wife and could deny her nothing. But after a few years, Mr Bennet realised that liveliness without sensibility can become wearying, and he retreated to his library whenever his duties allowed. By the time his mother died, shortly after Lydia's birth, which had been difficult and the outlook for another child became remote, his wife became ever more shrill, worrying about the entail.
During those early days, unbeknownst to him, his mother had kept her daughter-in-law's spending in check, and she did not trust her son or his wife to provide adequately for her granddaughters.
To ensure that the girls would not be penniless, Mrs Bennet Senior had bequeathed her marriage portion to the sisters. But instead of giving the girls the money immediately, she had invested the six thousand pounds, to be distributed to them when they married or if they needed to set up their own establishment.
The surprising aspect was that Mrs Bennet had nominated Mr Edward Gardiner as the trustee for that fund, giving him complete control, including the authority of withholding the money if a girl was being targeted by an unsuitable man.
Mr Bennet had been somewhat offended by that provision, but he knew full well that he had never been able to deny his wife whatever she wanted, since he had come to value his peace. If Fanny had had access to that money, she would have insisted on spending it on the girls, and within five years there would have been nothing left.
So, while his pride was hurt, the sensible part of him applauded his mother for her wisdom.
~~~o0o~~~
'I received a letter from Gardiner today,' announced Mr Bennet a few days later at dinner. 'He has found a governess for Kitty and Lydia to teach them how to become accomplished and well mannered ladies. She is also qualified to assist Mary with lessons on the pianoforte.'
The reaction of the ladies was exactly as he expected. Mrs Bennet appeared resigned to the necessity. Jane and Elizabeth, while their expressions only displayed pleasant smiles, were obviously pleased, judging by the twinkle in their eyes. Mary broke into a happy smile after the first surprise wore off.
Kitty seemed uncertain if a governess was a boon or a bane. Lydia objected vociferously. 'I do not need a governess. Mama has taught me everything I need to know. I do not need a governess to teach me how to capture a handsome husband.'
Mrs Bennet tried to soothe her daughter. 'If you become more accomplished, you will have a much better chance to engage the interest of a man who can give you a good life.'
'But you always said that I just need to be beautiful and lively,' protested Lydia.
'I have come to realise that I was excessively fortunate to have married Mr Bennet, despite the fact that I had few accomplishments. It has been brought home to me that most men wish their wives to know more than how to dance and flirt. At least men who wish to marry.' Mrs Bennet sighed. 'I am sorry, Lydia, but you will have to learn how to become a genteel and accomplished lady.'
'I do not want to be boring. I want a husband who looks handsome in regimentals.'
'By the time an officer can afford to support a wife, he must be at least a Colonel. To reach that rank, he will usually be well into his thirties. Do you truly wish for an old husband?'
'But…'
'No more, Lydia. You will attend your governess and you will learn.' Mr Bennet cut her off. 'The sooner you learn to behave with propriety, the sooner you will be allowed into society.'
Lydia glared at her father. But since she was merely spoiled, not stupid, she considered the last statement. She did not like the idea of being stuck in the schoolroom. But it seemed that this time she had no choice. Her father appeared completely resolved to have his way.
But he had given her an opportunity to minimise the time. The quicker she learned, the quicker she would be allowed to have fun. Very well. She would amaze her parent by the speed with which she acquired her accomplishments.
~~~o0o~~~ ~~~o0o~~~~~~o0o~~~
1811
'Netherfield is let at last,' cried Mrs Phillips excitedly, as she bustled into the parlour at Longbourn, to inform her sister, Mrs Bennet.
Mrs Bennet was seated in the most comfortable chair in the room, in the company of all her five daughters and Mrs Taylor, the girl's governess of the past year; each of them was engaged in some form of needlework.
Mrs Bennet had been feeling poorly lately. Due to her condition, she was confined to Longbourn, and had been unable to go visiting in recent weeks. Therefore, she was thrilled to catch up on the latest gossip. 'Has it indeed? And who are to be our new neighbours?'
'A young single man of fortune has taken the lease.' Mrs Phillips emphasised the important point. 'His servants have already arrived to make the house ready, and he will follow within a week.
'How wonderful. I hope he has the good taste to fall madly in love with my beautiful Jane,' Mrs Bennet exclaimed. She smiled fondly at her oldest daughter, who was indeed classically beautiful, with straight blond hair and blue eyes, and a tall willowy figure. But despite her beauty, at the age of two and twenty, Jane was still single, as were all her sisters.
Mrs Bennet was getting quite worried, since Longbourn was entailed to the male line, and at present the only eligible male was the distant cousin, whose father had been a thoroughly unpleasant man before he had died earlier that year.
Mrs Phillips agreed. 'How could he not fall in love with such a kind and thoughtful young woman. I hope he arrives in time for the next assembly.'
'Oh, how I wish I could attend,' mourned Mrs Bennet. 'I must speak to Mr Bennet. I know how he despises balls, but he simply must escort his daughters, since I cannot.'
'I am certain, dear sister, that Mr Bennet will be agreeable,' replied Mrs Phillips, unaware of her double-entendre.
~~~o0o~~~
Mr Bennet had gone to call on Mr Bingley, the day after the young man arrived at Netherfield. Although he pretended to go only at the urging of his wife, as the leading land-owner of the area, he felt it was incumbent on him to welcome Mr Bingley to the neighbourhood.
Mr Bingley had already heard that Mr Bennet's daughters were the prettiest girls in the neighbourhood. He looked forward to meeting them, when a few days later he returned Mr Bennet's visit. Alas, he was disappointed, since the three oldest girls had all gone to have tea with Mrs Phillips, while the youngest two were sequestered in the schoolroom with their governess.
While during the past year Mr Bennet had tried to curb his penchant for making sport of his neighbours, he was still vastly amused at Mr Bingley's disappointment.
~~~o0o~~~
The past year had wrought many changes in the Bennet household, starting with Mr Bennet himself.
The Master of Longbourn was full of contradictions. He had been reluctant to take on the responsibility for the estate at the death of his father, preferring to focus on his studies. Although his studies were not confined to books. His stablemaster had been a sergeant in the army, and could still give the master a good workout with a small sword or a sabre, and with bare hands he was even more formidable, especially as his tactics were not gentlemanly.
Until the events of the previous year, Mr Bennet had preferred to take the easy path, and ignore anything that would disturb his peace. But he did love his family, and once he had roused himself to intervene, he involved himself with the lives and concerns of his ladies.
After the arrival of Mrs Taylor, the house became much quieter. With Kitty and Lydia under the care of the lady, Mr Bennet made an effort to spend more time with all his ladies, not just Elizabeth.
Mr Bennet also attempted, more or less successfully, to curb his sarcasm, particularly against his wife, who responded to his increased attention by a suffering fewer attacks of nerves, and becoming much more agreeable company.
At present Mrs Bennet was cautiously optimistic and hopeful about the future. Knowing that she and her daughters would not be penniless and homeless, had helped Mrs Bennet to become a little less frantic. She still hoped to marry her daughters to men who could provide well for them, but she was a little less vocal and more restrained about her efforts.
Another good change in the house was Mary's increased proficiency on the pianoforte. Mrs Taylor had even taught Mary to make the most of what little voice his daughter had, although now she generally confined herself to playing while Elizabeth and Jane sang. Mr Bennet was rather pleased with the sounds emanating from the music room these days.
Mary, at the age of eighteen, was a quiet and studious girl, who used to dress plainly and in unbecoming colours, to avoid her mother's penchant for matchmaking. With her, Mrs Taylor achieved two small miracles, although Mrs Bennet's greater restraint assisted her efforts. She had managed to expand Mary's horizons when it came to reading, and her student now also dressed in more becoming colours and styles. While Mary would never match her older sisters in beauty, she turned out to be a rather handsome young woman.
Jane remained as she always was. Apparently calm and serene, she managed to soothe Mrs Bennet when no one else could. Although she too seemed happier these days, since the need for her role as peacemaker had been greatly reduced.
Although Elizabeth remained the apple of her father's eye. She was twenty years old, and in shape and colouring her older sister's opposite. Mrs Bennet often bemoaned the fact that Lizzy's brown curls could not be tamed, and neither could her inquisitive spirit, although Mrs Bennet was inclined to call her impertinent rather than inquisitive. Elizabeth had inherited her father's love of learning, which had made her his favourite.
While Lydia was disappointed that she did not learn all the things Mrs Taylor expected her to learn as quickly as she had hoped, Mr Bennet was still amazed at the progress his youngest daughter was making. An added bonus to Lydia being too busy studying, was that she did not have time to get Kitty into mischief. Kitty was also grateful that Lydia was not allowed to liberate her ribbons or bonnets any longer, which contributed to the harmony at Longbourn.
Now Mr Bennet had the peace and time to look forward to a happy event.
~~~o0o~~~
Mr Bennet takes an interest by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2021