Note: It is currently Thursday morning. The assembly was on Tuesday the week prior,

(10 days ago)

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Upon their entry, Jane took immediate note of certain household duties that were not being given full attendance. A tea service, set for one, obviously completed, sat abandoned upon the table in the dining room. She was well aware that she would be displeased, that Frannie would be near contemptuous towards the maids at discovering such disorder; especially left abandoned in plain view. However, Jane was not, nor would she ever be, Frannie. She simply gathered as many implements as she could carry, and made her way to the kitchen. Mary took note of additional disarray, and followed suit; carrying the what not that Jane could not manage.

Both girls were all too aware of the upheaval that the impromptu division of the household had inflicted upon all involved. Bifurcating a household was certain to create a short-staffed environment in both households. Once the additional burden of the Mistress of the household's grievous illness was taken into consideration, a bearing of disarray was to be anticipated. It spoke well of the household's organization that there was only a mild dishevelment to be witnessed.

…***...

Elizabeth's attentions were not focused upon the function of the household. She would leave that to her sisters' regard. Instead, her efforts would be focused wholly upon her father. While he was a most indolent patriarch, he was the head and ruler of his house by the laws of God and England. His habitual practice of nonobservance of negligence of the estate and its inhabitants was chronic and lifelong. When Jonathon, and later his sisters, had surreptitiously stepped forward to oversee and maintain their holdings, it created as many difficulties as it resolved. It had been, and would remain, a most delicate balance.

Indolent management aside, her father was still Master of his house. Permission for the travels of his daughters must be acquired. While not openly discussed, the sisters were aware that their visit would instead be a permanent change of direction. She stared at the closed library door and pondered the man behind it. She had garnered the absurd notion that she could rally her father's interest in Longbourn.

She reconsidered her father in the stark light of truth and asked herself, 'Has this man ever taken interest in any matter beyond his own unmindful interest?'

This was her father. The absolute center of rule within any proper English household, and yet he was not. He was but a figurehead, and a paper one at that. The estate was prosperous, but not for any effort of his. It was due to the clandestine efforts of his son, and then his daughters. Her father's indolence was perhaps the most ill kept secret in all of Meryton, and conceivably beyond. This was the man who gave no notice to black rimmed correspondence. Who was in possession of a drawer within his desk that held multiple packets of important documents which would hold great impact upon his financial capital, if he would only deem to mind them. A man who cared for little but his books and his peace; made no effort if it did not affect those. That included his children.

Her first memories were of reading to and being corrected by her father. Their education had always seemed of high importance to him. At least until Frannie began such protestations over the fear of 'blue-stocking spinsters'. Then, he stopped. Not even the education of his children was of importance sufficient to bring his wife to heel, as was his right by God's word.

She continued to fix her eyes upon that door, and it began to become symbolically resonant for her. He had fixed a closed door to all the world, and those closest to him had allowed it. She had seen the old ledgers, her uncle had sent an allowance to assist him in his living. Her Uncle Gardner had been the one to make manifest that he had taken his inheritance at Longbourn. She and her sisters continued the pattern by running the household and estate. She was well aware of the continued support and assistance given by her uncle and Mr. Phillips. She could not be negligent of the continued efforts by the steward as well. All of these persons had been quite put out for some duration due to the hebetude of one man. The fullness of this realization fell upon her. She held her father dear, but he gave every appearance of not giving one whit beyond his own calm; even his appearance at the assembly was to quiet the persistent harrying of Frannie.

Mayhaps this was the moment she should reflect a bit more of her fathers manner. Her only true concern was if her father would pursue them once their relocation had been recognized. Elizabeth nearly laughed out loud at the thought.'Why would he care to retrieve us? We are nearly of age. Jane is of age, and I do not believe he gives a whit for Kitty.'

As the full impact of her father's neglect to his duties as a man and a gentleman was realized by her, she was overcome by the weight of the comprehension. She fully understood that his mind would never be turned, his manner beyond reclamation. With her heart heavy, she turned from the door and walked away to assist her sisters while awaiting Kitty's completion of her time above stairs.

…***...

At the time of Mr. Jenkins' morning call, John Lucas was seated upright. His awareness was a great strive forward, yet his compulsion to speak with his focus unyielding, was disturbing to him. He did not wish to discuss things of such a concerning and delicate nature with John's sister, and would make certain to direct himself to their father's home directly.

As unsettled as Mr. Jenkins was upon viewing John's behavior, Charlotte was equally as optimistic. There was a marked increase in his comprehensible words, although the overall subject of his gabble remained quite unintelligible. The word said most often and with the highest clarity was, 'Mary', or any of its similar forms. This confirmed her belief of the disarray within his mind.

While as weighty as the apothecary's concerns were, he made every effort to sooth Charlotte's disquiet. 'The mind remains quite the mystery. In my experience, a blow to the head will often enough have an impact on behaviors. Even so, his lucidity is quite recent. These affects are highly apt to be fleeting. I shall return in a few days and shall inform your father of his progress directly.'

…***...

Kitty sat at her mother's bedside, utterly overwrought. She made multiple attempts to ponder her life in the most simplistic of fashions, with little avail . Until but a few moments ago, she believed herself to be a nearly dower-less girl. A desired ward of none. A girl about to become subject to the charity of her sisters. Even though she currently had the attentions of the third son of an Earl. She chided herself of her initial thought of becoming naught but a recipient of cold charity.

She steadied her thoughts. This was no time to become reticent or melancholy. Her beau was naught but a burgeoning acquaintance. She was uncertain if her step-father would even grant her gentleman an audience if he would deign to request a courtship, or more. She was far from being of age, and had no awareness of any male relative who might take her as a ward. Perhaps the reverend would assist her in petitioning her distant family as such? Surely not. Her thoughts continued to spiral in uncertainty; a woman's life was seldom her own to claim.

Frannie moaned. A groan of pain. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a moment focused upon Kitty. Yet, there appeared no recognition in her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to speak, and a putrid wave hit her nose, causing Kitty to nearly retch.

Kitty could remain no longer. Not certain if her mere touch would further her mother's suffering, she did nothing; said nothing, and fled the room as her composure shattered.

She foundered blindly down the stairs while projecting the unmistakable cries of misery and grief. Before her skirts had the opportunity to clear the lowest stair, she was surrounded by the loving arms of her sisters. The world and her place in it would have to remain unknown for now. She was within the condoling circle of her sisters, and held faith that all would be well. In time, she was certain of it.

…***...

Charles' study was set with a smaller selection of items for the morning breaking of fast than was usually available. However,his study was far more conducive for a foregathering of their initial party. While there were matters to discuss, there was also the matter of Richard's leave taking to consider. Richard's acquaintances and connections to those within the community lent much regard to their party as a whole. The town as a whole had been quite gracious in their welcome, and he hoped their plans would not be diminished by his return to London.

Richard was the endmost member to join them, giving a start to all by employing his walking stick to full use.

'I have received notice from four of our extended party of their intent to take their leave. Their disclosure of appreciation for their inclusion in our hunting party quite clear. A minor grievance was given of an insufficient number of suitable gentleman's daughters required to satisfy our number. God's teeth! Is there a manner possible to state their objection without the potential of presenting as tawdry?' Charles declared, with a light chorus of chuckles following. 'Notwithstanding, their stated intent was to return to London in effort to conduct a hunting party of their own accord.'

'Form their own party? Venture of their own accord? Do you believe such endeavor mayhaps become of fashion?' Louisa queried, her satirical expression quite clear.

A room filled with silent smirks and raised eyebrows were the only response.

'I would hazard to predict that any member of our party would be quite aware that any marital affiliation acquired in such a manner as ours would not receive a cheerful welcome from the Bon Ton.' Fitzwilliam replied after an interminable silence.

'With the additional gentlemen making ready for their return to London, I require a fresh accounting for an immediate discussion with the Head Housekeeper. She must be given due notice in order to make full adjustment for our changing numbers', Louisa interrupted.

'Eleven gentlemen, plus you and Mr. Hurst.

'Thirteen? Oh, dear!' Louisa fretted.

'Does my return to London figure into that sum as well?', Richard queried.

'You are taking your leave of us? For what takes you? How soon?'

'I will be prepared to begin the journey after our call to the Bennetts. Matters have arisen that I must tend to. These matters must supersede my desire for a martial situation for the moment.'

'If I am unable to speak to you again before you make your way, Richard, I bid safe journey.', Louisa curtsied, then quit the room.

Once the door had firmly closed behind Louisa and Peter had left as well, Charles turned to Richard and said, 'So you are to be taking your leave of us. Will it be possible for you to rejoin our party before the lease is complete?'

'My matters of business will not be resolved prior to the fulfillment of the lease. I shall see you again in London, or perhaps you may have need to come to Rosings Park.'

'There was no woman within this town that caught your eye?' Charles asked.

'What manner of woman I seek may not be of my recognition without various social encounters, and therefore my answer to you is uncertain. I am an army officer by training, and a gentleman by birth. Although, the two perspectives are at odds in this matter far more likely than I would care to admit. I desire The sort of woman with a particular fortitude. I would not desire to bring a cowering wife to manage my household and staff. My language is oft in the common way. As each of you are aware, the burden of presenting an heir for the Matlock line falls to me. Any woman brought from outside the purview of the Ton will take issue with her. She must possess the daring to persevere. A woman who would be sufficiently bold as to call me out when I forget myself to those about me. Pardon me, fore I laudanum must still be creating disorder within my thoughts.'

After Richard's declarations, a veil of unease fell about the room. 'We shall leave for our call upon the Bennett dower house upon the hour. Gentlemen', Charles declared.

'Richard,' Charles added after the men had risen, 'the stable sent word that the cart you arranged for has arrived, as well as the livestock halter that you requested has been received and has been prepared as ordered; complete with the mares radish as you had instructed?' Charles could not withhold his interest of the peculiarity of the details that he was requested to deliver.

Richard turned to view the perplexed expressions upon the faces of his friends. 'I made purchase of a goat. She will be a welcome and lively addition to the fields of Rosings,' Richard said, scarcely hiding his grin.

When it was clear that there would be no further explanation, the men left the room to complete any preparations necessary in order to make their call.

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Glossary:

Bifurcating - to divide into two parts or branches

Surreptitious - kept secret, especially because it would not be approved of

Gabble - incomprehensible talk, often rapid

Foregathering - an assembly of persons

Hebetude - a state of dullness or lethargy

Harrying - persistent harassment

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** All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. However, the original characters, plot, story, authors notes, and comments are copyright protected and all rights are retained by the author. Permission is NOT granted for use on any other website. The download of this story, sharing it, or discussing of it on other websites is also prohibited by copyright protection. **

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DUDE COUNT.

START WITH 19+2

-4 LEWD ASSHOLES = 15+2

-4 MEN WHO SAYS THERE'S NOT ENOUGH WOMEN TO GO AROUND = 11+2= 13 'OH DEAR'

-RICHARD = 10+2=12, MUCH BETTER