Hi everyone!
I will start with the most important item: THANK YOU for reading.
Special thanks to the readers who left reviews:
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I am sorry about the negative feelings generated by the last chapter. At one point, I thought of pulling that chapter out. But it cannot be helped, the story is how it is and it cannot be smooth sailing all the time, otherwise, there really won't be much of a story, right?
Just to forewarn you there is no instant resolution to the Lydia issue, at least not in this chapter yet but it will happen. That is another promise, aside from the D/E HEA. Lydia will need a harsh reality check. I might as well add that something is in the works for wicked Wicky. Sorry, no spoilers, but I can safely say it does not involve horses and carriages, RHALIz. But you never know with the number of times I have changed my story outline.
I have ceased counting the planned number of chapters as I keep messing up. Last time I checked, it was 25 chapters but I highly doubt I can wrap this up neatly in 25.
I cannot say this is a happy chapter but the next one coming up will hopefully feel lighter. Please stick with me.
Stay safe, everyone.
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Lydia made her way to the milliner's shop. She was not entirely certain why Mr Wickham wanted that letter and how it could possibly make them money. After all, it was only a letter from an unknown woman. She supposed it could do no harm as she did not know who Georgiana was and she could not really imagine what harm a letter could do. Seeing her mother and Mary browsing the various wedding accessories being brought out by the shopkeeper, she soon got distracted and quickly became engrossed with choosing colours and sizes. Most of the items they purchased were for Mary while Lydia tried to content herself with new lace and ribbons, hoping it will be her turn to be a bride in the very near future.
As expected, Mr Bingley had called at Longbourn earlier that day. He had enjoyed a short walk with Jane in the gardens and watched mesmerisingly at how graceful Jane was at serving tea. To his mind, he had never tasted anything as sweet as tea and cakes served by Jane. He was so entranced that he had almost forgotten that Miss Elizabeth and Miss Kitty were also with them. Hearing Miss Kitty giggle caused him to pry his gaze away from Jane and seeing Miss Elizabeth's playful smirk made him blush. Miss Elizabeth decided to take pity on him and addressed him with a safe remark.
"Mr Bingley, I hope your sisters and Mr Hurst are well."
Mr Bingley started at this comment but knew that Miss Elizabeth could not have heard anything about the recent events at Netherfield. As far as he knew, they had kept the failed compromise confidential. He did not want word to get out about Caroline's wanton behaviour and her poor opinion on the very person waiting for his response now.
"I thank you for your thoughtfulness, Miss Elizabeth. I am afraid that Mrs Hurst is busy attending to her husband, who is unfortunately, experiencing a very… bad and prolonged case of headache."
"I am sorry to hear that. I do hope he recovers soon. And is Miss Bingley well? I must commend her for the success of the Netherfield ball. Thank you for holding the luxurious event, Mr Bingley. I suspect it will be the talk of the town for many days. Weeks even."
Mr Bingley had hoped to avoid discussing anything to do with Caroline. He knew Miss Elizabeth was an intelligent woman and he had to be careful with his words. After writing to his aunt, he was only waiting to hear confirmation that she did not object to Caroline being sent to stay with her. His staff at his London townhouse must be suffering with Caroline's sulky manner and unreasonable demands. He did not have much choice though – either Darcy left and Caroline stayed or the other way around. They did not have any other relations in London or nearby to send her to. He hoped his threat of cutting her allowance off for any other misconduct will be taken seriously.
"I am glad you enjoyed the ball, Miss Elizabeth. You must have danced all night. I will pass on your kind message to my sister. Caroline has been unexpectedly called to provide company to our aunt in Scarborough."
Elizabeth thought this odd but did not want to sound rude if she asked further questions about it. She did not believe Miss Bingley would readily relinquish her chance of being close to Mr Darcy with being a chaperone to an older female relative in a faraway place. She remembered how Miss Bingley would cling to Mr Darcy's arm and how he could barely conceal his cringing. She laughed inwardly at that thought. It was unimaginable to her how Miss Bingley could be a suitable and patient companion to her aunt.
"That is very kind of Miss Bingley," Jane sweetly said.
Trust Jane to think the best of everyone, Mr Bingley and Elizabeth both thought to themselves.
Just as soon as they finished afternoon tea, Mrs Bennet, Mary and Lydia returned after their shopping expedition. Lydia was the most excited, even though she was not the one getting married. She blabbered on about the wedding items they purchased and even the ones they did not buy. She showed off Mary's new hat, gloves and shoes to the other Bennet ladies and Mr Bingley felt uncomfortable with all the talk about female articles of clothing. Before they displayed any more of their purchases, he decided this was a good time to head back to Netherfield. He felt he had overstayed but he wanted to make sure that Lydia was safely back at Longbourn before he departed.
"I beg your pardon. I am afraid I know nothing about wedding trousseaus and have nothing to contribute to your discussion. I will leave you to peruse your purchased goods."
"Oh, Mr Bingley! You must join us for dinner soon. Will tomorrow suit?"
"I would like that very much, Mrs Bennet. I thank you for the invitation. Mr Darcy is due to arrive back tomorrow, perhaps with his cousin. He might call here unless he gets delayed."
"Please let him know that he and his cousin are most welcome to dine with us too, Mr Bingley."
"I am sure they will be honoured with your invitation, Mrs Bennet."
After Mr Bingley left, Elizabeth wondered at who Mr Darcy's guest was. Mr Bingley said it was a cousin. She suddenly paled, recalling what she heard about Lady Catherine intending for her daughter, Miss de Bourgh, to marry Mr Darcy. Elizabeth could not explain what she was feeling.
Was that why Mr Darcy had gone to London? To accompany his cousin Miss de Bourgh?
What did he mean by giving me flowers and lending me a book?
Did he only do those out of sympathy for me as I was ill?
Had he changed his mind about offering for me?
I suppose I have no right to ask as I discouraged him from making me an offer.
Not long after, Elizabeth went up to her room to collect her thoughts. Jane soon followed her to see to her wellbeing. She hoped Elizabeth had not overexerted herself by coming down this afternoon. After being assured that her sister only needed time to rest away from the noise downstairs, Jane promised to have a tray of food sent up for dinner.
Lydia had been waiting for an opportunity to go into Elizabeth's room. However, she was well aware that Elizabeth was in there and was in much better health. She was probably resting but not asleep. Some time after Elizabeth's dinner was brought up, she resolved to enter sister's room in the guise of checking how she was.
Elizabeth had dozed off after dinner and was woken by some noise in her room. She opened her eyes to see that Lydia was in front of the chest of drawers where she had set her tray of food after she had consumed what she could.
"Lydia, it is so good to see you being helpful."
Lydia was surprised to learn that Elizabeth was awake. She had carefully checked that her sister was asleep when she came through the door quietly.
"Come and sit by me, Lydia. We have not had a chance to talk at length the past few days. It seems that you have thoroughly enjoyed your shopping trip today."
Lydia hesitated but sat on the chair next to her sister's bed. She had one sole purpose in going to Elizabeth's room and she had not expected to engage in a conversation. Reluctantly, she plastered a smile on her face to avoid raising any suspicions.
"Yes, I did. You know how much I love shopping, Lizzy."
"Of course, everyone in the family knows how much you love spending money, Lydia," Elizabeth teased her.
"Well, what good is money for if one does not spend it? I do not understand why you and Jane scrimp on your pin money."
"We are only being careful to spend on what we need, and occasionally on what we want."
"Both of you are so lucky to have rich suitors. You will never have to worry about money in future."
"Nothing is settled, Lydia. Jane and Mr Bingley have just starting courting. Mr Darcy and I have not even discussed anything properly…"
"Mr Bingley is clearly besotted with Jane. And I think Mr Darcy is already half in love with you. I now understand why he always watched you like a hawk."
"It is not as simple as that, dear sister. Jane and I have long vowed to marry only for the deepest love. Marriage is a serious matter that needs a great deal of consideration. You are still young and have no need to overly concern yourself about such things yet."
"Oh, but you never know, Lizzy, if the perfect husband for me is just waiting for the right time."
"What do you mean, Lydia? Are you referring to someone in particular?"
"There is someone I quite fancy… and he told me he likes me too."
"Pray tell me who it is," Elizabeth nervously asked.
"It is someone you know, Lizzy. Can you not guess?"
"Who is it?" Elizabeth was getting worried for her youngest sister and almost demanded an answer.
"Mr Wickham," Lydia whispered and tried to contain her squeal.
Elizabeth froze. She could not believe what she just heard.
It could not be true. This could not be happening. Her baby sister!
"Well? Are you happy for me? I have found myself a most handsome suitor."
Elizabeth was lost for words. She was horrified to learn that her naïve sister had been taken in by that scoundrel.
"Lizzy? Is something the matter?"
"Lydia, listen to me. Some people are not what they seem. Some people make an appearance of being honourable and charming when in fact, they are anything but."
"What are you trying to say, Lizzy? Mr Wickham is everything good. If only he earned more money, we could be married very soon."
"Lydia, please, I beg you. Mr Wickham is not what you think he is."
"I do not know what you are talking about. He is a member of the militia. Everyone in the village likes him. You like him."
"Not anymore. I admit I previously thought that he was a respectable young officer, but I have received recent information that he is not to be trusted."
"Who told you? And what did they say?"
"I am afraid I cannot disclose personal information. It is not my story to tell. But trust me, Lydia. I do not wish any harm to come to you."
"Why will I be harmed? He is very gentlemanly."
"It is all a front, Lydia. I cannot give any names but Mr Wickham has a history of debts and dallying with young ladies. Has he… has he taken liberties with you?"
"No! I am not like that, Lizzy. I think you are just jealous."
"Why would I be jealous?"
"That he prefers me over you. Do you secretly take pride in attracting men, Lizzy? You rejected Mr Collins. You have caught Mr Darcy's eye. Perhaps it is really Mr Wickham you want all along."
"It is not like that, Lydia. I am worried he will hurt you."
"Why are you so troubled? Maybe the question is – have you allowed him any liberties?"
"How dare you? I am trying to protect you!"
"And why should I listen to you? I think you are just jealous and selfish! I will marry my dashing Mr Wickham one day and you will be stuck with your dull Mr Darcy!"
With that last statement, Lydia left the room and slammed the door behind her.
Jane heard the door shut loudly and someone stomping upstairs. She hastily asked Kitty to help Mary with storing the wedding accessories while she went to check on Elizabeth. She opened the door to their shared room gently and saw Lizzy sat up on her bed, her hands covering her face.
"Lizzy?"
"Oh, Jane!"
"What happened? Are you feeling ill again?"
"No, I am well. But Lydia and I had a nasty argument."
With Jane calmly listening, Elizabeth recounted the conversation that turned into a heated dispute between her and their youngest sister. When she finished her narrative, Jane asked her,
"I am assuming that your information came from Mr Darcy. He has known Mr Wickham for many years. But I would not ask for more details as I would not wish you to break his confidence."
Elizabeth slowly nodded, thankful that Jane understood her position.
"I am glad to know that you believe Mr Darcy's words over Mr Wickham. That shows you are beginning to have a good degree of respect for him."
Elizabeth remained silent, not knowing what to do next.
"It is getting late, Lizzy. It will not do you any good to stay up worrying. Mr Darcy will be here tomorrow and you can talk to him. He knows Mr Wickham well and you know how Lydia thinks. Between the pair of you, you can figure out the best way forward. You can then approach papa to help deal with Lydia afterwards."
"Jane, can you please see how Lydia is before I retire? It will help ease my mind before I go to sleep. She may respond better to you."
Jane knocked lightly on Lydia's door and called out her name. She did not want to interfere in the disagreement between her and Elizabeth but she was ready to listen and offer guidance if she felt this would be welcomed. There was no answer so she carefully opened the door. She took a few steps nearer to Lydia's bed and saw that she was sound asleep.
As Jane left, Lydia opened her eyes. She then burst into tears, distressed over the situation. She had never quarrelled with Lizzy like this before and she did not know why the hurtful words escaped her lips. Torn between the flattering attention of what she convinced herself was an ideal suitor and the care and concern shown by her sisters, she was wavering on whom she should believe.
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I think it is high time we head to London in the next chapter and meet the Colonel. Let us see what role he is going to play here.
Now I am going to take cover so I can dodge the rotten apples you might aim at me.