Note: This is Thursday morning. The assembly was on Tuesday the week prior.
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The return to the dower house began as a most subdued exercise. Each woman was quite absorbed within her own contemplation. Although, once they had crested the ridge and had rid themselves of the full shadow of Longbourn, the girls appeared to recover with each additional step emerging them from their reflections. So very much lightened that their voices and unchecked laughter could be heard well into the house.
However, one lady had momentarily distanced herself from the noise within the procession; Lizzy. She had caught sight of Jimmy returning to the house from the barn, and fixed upon her spot. Jimmy ceased his progression as well, once he discerned that they had captured the other's attention. Elizabeth allowed her sisters to fully proceed her, and tipped her head to the side in the form of a silent query. Jimmy responded with a clear, yet simple, shake of his head. The moment was fleeting, an unremarkable interaction if any other had bore witness. Both were most hopeful their message had been fully conveyed and understood. If both parties had wholly acknowledged their meanings, this would not be a topic of further discourse. Ever.
All began to temper their ebullient display as they drew closer to the house. Kitty, whose sobering thoughts had been of a most significant nature, resumed her previous somber disposition after the brief respite of sisterly amusement. She felt the fervent need to further consider the shocking revelations which were told to her by the reverend. She was at a loss. While her sisters had surrounded her solace and pledged their faithfulness, she required more than their loyalty could give. 'The reverend did mention his intent in leaving the information with Mr. Phillips. Perhaps he would be willing to share such information with her. Although I know not what benefit such information shall be, I can not act upon such information even if it were to come in my possession. Even so, to bring about the potential involvement of new relatives into my life, I did not see how it could…', Kitty, so engrossed in her own thoughts had managed to walk herself into a wall.
'I am well.' she said to no one in particular. 'I am simply distracted with all...I should pay more mind to my surroundings.' Kitty fully colored up after her display.
For a moment, she was subject to many an examining gaze. Once satisfied that she was well, the girls went about their way within the house, with one exception. Mrs. Annisley, who had been slightly removed from the commotion at the entryway, levied her with a firm gaze and doubting posture.
Kitty, now even more so off her balance, curtsied and made all due haste from the entry.
…***...
With each passing hour, John's general cognizance improved. During the time of the Bennett's sister's absence, it was easily noted by the improvement of his pallor. It was now far from its previous ashen hue. His mien was reflecting a restoration of his previous demeanor. The men from the stable had come in to assist him into fresh clothing, and purge much of the odor that began to hover about John. In all looks, he appeared to be very much returned to rights, until one gave a more direct study. His eyes had a lusterless shine, and did a poor job of following others within the room. His natters continued, his words more clear. Be that as it may, the topic or focus of his ramblings were still as yet undistinguished. She could clearly comprehend the words 'vain', 'struggle', 'due', and 'waters'. Those were absolutely clear, as was the word 'Merry'. He would oft give his phrases multiple repetitions. His eyes continued to be fixed upon the unremarkable place on the floor. He remained in peace, unless a person made the seemingly inexcusable error of attempting to occupy the spot. John did not tolerate such occurrences.
…***...
Richard was the first of the calling party dressed, although it was far early for calls. He was aware that he could make any number of excuses for his premature readiness, should it be necessary to do so. In all fairness, Richard was purely overeager to take his leave of the Bennett twins. His recent interactions with his cousins and former batman made clear that he would only created harm by remaining in their circle. After so many pains had been taken to preserve their reputation, that would not do! Needing to take his unexpected leave to tend to his estate or other business concerns was a valid and oft used justification for such matters.
Even so, Richard desired to ensure Miss Elizabeth's well being after such shock at what she must have experienced the day prior. He was most assured of Miss Elizabeth's silence in regards to all matters surrounding Mr. Collins. He knew not how to get word to her that she need not ever concern herself further with her unprincipled cousin. He was at a complete loss as to how to convey such news to her without attracting attention. He came to the conclusion that it would not be possible. Perhaps James could get word to her, and remind her to behave as if he had not arrived upon Longbourn's lands. He then ventured to note to begin the seeking of a new man for the living as curate for Rosings Park. He had little doubt that the man's overall disreputable nature would not draw notice of his absence. Although, such matters should be postponed until after Twelfth Night in order to maintain proper appearances.
Akin to matters surrounding Mr. Collins, was the prudent transport of Mischief the goat. The merchant's cart, loaded with a livestock crate and driver, had been hired for the full trip to Rosings. The halter for her had been ordered and produced with much haste. Even the requisition and infusion of mares radish upon its fibers had been completed with ease. It was accomplished with such efficiency that Richard chose not to give a thought to wondering why Mr. Jenkins had not previously employed such means to reign in the carryings on of the animal. Nevertheless, that greedy and impudent creature had done more to preserve the reputation of Miss Elizabeth in the span of a few moments than he had accomplished during the length of his visit. If anyone would give question to his actions, it would most likely be discarded as a folly of the gentry. It lightened his heart to watch the driver begin his travels, taking full advantage of the fair weather.
He then turned his thoughts to what he must accomplish in London before returning to Rosings Park. He knew he must call upon his father and apprise him of the concerns raised by the Darcys. His father would not be pleased. Much effort had been given to obfuscate his protection of Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary, and his actions had the potential of it all falling to rot. While he was in town, he should call upon his brother. He would very much like to meet his new niece, if he could do so without encountering her mother.
All told, he in fact had no pressing matters of any sort that could not have been handled just as well through correspondence. It was only due to his own ill control that necessitated his return to town. Richard was pleased to be roused from his musings when the other gentlemen entered the room. A glance at the time showed he was not the only one who was eager to call upon the girls of the Bennett household.
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'Charles, I am uneasy that we may put out our hosts. Not only shall we make our call so early as to be a nearly indecent hour, this is also our second call upon the household in as many days. I do not wish to offend those whom we wish to affect. As you have sisters, you cannot deny the potential of an untimely call upon a house filled with women who well may be unprepared to receive callers. Perhaps we could ask the driver to divert to town for a time? 'Fitzwilliam said.
Charles attempted to constrain himself from goading his friend. It had been of rare experience that his friend uttered so many words in one go, let alone to continue on with their breach of propriety. Even so, the unease expressed by his usually asture friend was far too tempting, 'You could have delayed your call if our display of poor town manners concerns you so. It is equal to consider that Richard very much desires to take his leave of the Bennetts. If the Bennetts are vexed by our early call, perhaps they will pardon us fore the knowledge of Richard's necessity to return to Town.'
'I hope you are correct in your assertions, Charles. When one pays call at such an hour, one can nearly anticipate to witness occurrences that no one beyond family should bear witness.; Fitzwilliam continued to fret.
'While I cannot dispute your concerns, this matter you express is of particular weight for you; It is clear. Is there a reason for such an overt expression of objection?'
'I have no reason to state beyond a feeling of apprehension that I cannot dispel.' Fitzwilliam answered.
It was but three miles between the houses of Netherfield and Longbourn, and but a trifle further to drive through to the dower house. If there were further topics to discuss, there simply was not sufficient time.
…***...
Mrs. Annisley had not been long as a Companion. In fact, this was her first posting as such. Her first posting of any sort, if truth be told. Her arrival with the new servants and an insensate John Lucas had contributed an additional burden to an already overladen and short-staffed newly established household. The inceptive introductions had been of the most rudimentary sort; expectations were indistinct. Even so, she had been aware at the time of employment that she would be filling a position that no one was fully certain what the parameters were. She anticipated maintaining two charges, and yet, it was clear that her guidance would be required for four young women of maritable age.
Had the situation been more of the standard sort, all of the new hires would have requested an audience with the Master of the house from the head housekeeper; letter of introduction in hand. After a time of discussion, the new hire would either be accepted or not, then ushered to the person who would monitor their work. She would have had an opportunity to present herself as an officer's widow and exhibit her accomplishments as matters worthy of instructing and guiding his daughters. She might have been able to extol upon how many other ladies she had shown guidance and example to during the time of her marriage.
Be that as it may, the standard procedure did not occur. Instead, the lot of them were turned away at the door without ceremony. The anticipated meeting with the Master of the house never having chance to occur. If it were not for the intervention of a ladies maid who interceded on their groups behalf and diverted them to the dower house, the entire journey would have been for naught. For a ladies maid to circumvent her Master with such ease and aplomb was most unforeseen.
Considering her instructions upon her employ were to tutor these ladies of maritable age in the ways of deportment to assist in their relocation to London, she had made great efforts to observe. Even so, she could not help but note what her directions did not include: any allusions to increasing their accomplishments in anticipation of securing a suitable husband. How peculiar.
Arriving to a most disordered household served her purpose well, if her only goal was to discover the details of living arrangements. It allowed her ready access to all parts of the household in which she otherwise might not, at least not initially. She was unable to keep from observing the selection of books more suitable for a man at University than a house of women. As well as clearly perceiving the open lines of an accounts ledger that was clearly for an estate. It was unseemly for a maiden to have particular knowledge. Even so, the ability to manage a full estate was a useful skill. Albeit one that must be concealed.
Her observations on their household knowledge, intelligence, and accomplishments were enough to fully baffle her. She knew not where to women presented were far more resembling Army widows forced to manage upon their own devices than unwed gentleman's daughters.
She fully knew, without question, that the preservation of the ladies reputation throughout this relocation was paramount. Having Mr. Lucas within the household was quite a concern. The long association between the Lucas and Bennett families was quite longstanding. Even so, the young man's mind was clearly addled. His unsteady manner, his troubled natterings, were all very much a concern. She attempted to dissuade her charges from entering the parlor which had become his sickroom, but they would not heed her. With Charlotte and the new groom in attendance, they made claim of sufficient supervision. She did all that she felt she could under such stood by and kept watch.
She was further vexed when the sounds of an approaching carriage drifted through the open windows. 'A gentleman's carriage. It is quite early. Who do you suppose?' she muttered to no one in particular.
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