Lady Alexandra's Hunt Chapter 4, a pride and prejudice fanfic

I'm very happy that you too like strong and intelligent women. 😊 I will admit that Daphne is modelled on various geeks… extremely intelligent and poor social skills.

~~H~~

Settling in

1801

After quickly cleaning up from the journey, the ladies all met in the small family parlour. Lady Beatrice engaged Mrs Cartwright in conversation, allowing the sisters to have a quiet word.

'Are you happy to be home, Daphne?' Alex asked in concern. 'Will you not miss your friend?'

Daphne took her sister's hand and squeezed it. 'Alex, I enjoy Amelia's company, since she is the only person with whom I can talk without fretting if she will understand what I am saying. But she is not you. You are the only close family I have left. While I cannot discuss science with you, you are the only one who understands me. About how I feel. Amelia still has both her parents; she does not know how bereft one can feel when that support has been removed.'

She shook her head with a small grimace. 'Mother, Father and you could never quite understand my interest and passion for science, but you always accepted and supported me. With you I am come home.'

Alexandra squeezed her sister's hand in return. 'I too am glad to have you back, and for exactly the same reasons. Other than the part about science, of course.'

'Of course, and although I cannot understand your passion for estate management and business, I too accept that about you.'

'But speaking of science, if you wish to remain at home, rather than going back to that school, we can hire tutors for you.'

Before Daphne could respond, dinner was announced.

'I will come and speak to you later,' Alexandra promised, before leading the party to the dining room.

~~H~~

As promised, when Daphne was getting ready for bed, Alexandra joined her in her room.

Alexandra was a little uncomfortable when she explained in a rush. 'Mrs Martin changed father's suite to make it suitable for myself, and since Aunt Beatrice is acting as the Mistress of the estate, I had her installed in mother's suite. I do not want you to feel as if I deliberately excluded you, or that you are not important, or that…'

'Alex, stop. I like my rooms, and I have no wish to move. I understand that as the new Countess, you need to occupy the Master's suite. But since nothing has changed for me, I can stay in the rooms in which I am comfortable.'

'You do not mind?'

'Of course not. As long as you do not deny me access to the library, I shall be perfectly content in my old rooms.' She looked around her domain. 'Although… I think it is about time that I had a more grown-up look.'

'Whatever you want changed, it is yours,' Alexandra promised, relieved that Daphne was so very sensible.

'I would like a bathing room like father had installed…' Daphne looked hopefully at her sister.

'You shall have it, and since such things interest you, you shall manage the installation.' Alex grinned as her sister threw her arms around her neck.

'You are the very best of sisters. I cannot wait to have a thoroughly hot bath… in a warm room, no less.'

Alexandra returned the hug with equal fervour.

After enjoying the closeness for a while, she pulled back a little and asked, 'did you think about whether you want to go back to school or have private tutors?'

'I think private tutors would be best. Teachers in school always react badly when I point out their errors during class.' Daphne sighed. 'It is most frustrating to discover how little teachers actually know.'

'Perhaps when you become proficient in a subject, you should write the textbooks from which they could teach,' Alexandra joked.

Daphne beamed. 'That is a most excellent idea, Alex. I always knew that you were brighter than you looked.'

Alexandra rolled her eyes. 'I thank you for the compliment. I think.'

Once the major questions were dealt with, the sisters exchanged the news which had not made it into their letters, until Daphne was ready to go to sleep. At which point, Alexandra retired to her own room and started to make plans for their future. She did not get very far since sleep overtook her too.

~~H~~

Mrs Cartwright returned to her family after spending the night at Herne Hyde. She did promise that Amelia would be allowed to visit during school holidays. Alexandra suspected that although Mrs Cartwright loved her daughter, she too found it difficult at times to deal with an exceptional young woman.

At Alexandra's request, Lady Beatrice, who had acquaintances in many areas, wrote letters requesting recommendations for suitable tutors for Daphne.

'You do know that many men will have an issue with teaching a young woman,' Lady Beatrice commented to the sisters.

'I know, but I think it will be easier to find a man who is liberal minded enough to teach Daphne, than find a bluestocking who is educated enough to perform that office.'

In the end, the ladies decided not to limit their search by the sex of the tutor.

Over the next few weeks, they received the names of half a dozen potential candidates.

To save time, Lady Beatrice invited them all to Herne Hyde for a visit.

~~H~~

Five men and one woman arrived at Herne Hyde within a few hours of each other, and were greeted by Lady Beatrice.

After the last arrival had refreshed himself, the party assembled in the drawing room, where Lady Beatrice introduced them to her ward, whose sex she had conveniently forgotten to mention in her letters, since Daphne had insisted that she would be able to convince her potential tutors of her abilities, if given a chance to speak to them.

The reaction of three of the men was as expected. 'You want me to teach a young woman? Are you bereft of your senses? Women are mentally incapable of grasping the concepts of science. I have better things to do, than waste my time on a female,' spluttered Mr Freeman, the oldest of the objectors, sentiments which were echoed by Mr Morgan and Mr Regan.

'Gentlemen, I have an interest in science. If you feel incapable of imparting knowledge of the physical world to a student, perhaps you should consider a different career,' Daphne challenged them.

'Miss Donaldson, gentlemen, my niece's abilities are not in question here. You have been invited to be examined, to discover whether you are capable of expanding my niece's knowledge,' Lady Beatrice intervened to cut short the brewing argument.

'Who is to be our examiner?' asked Miss Donaldson, trying to suppress a smirk. She found it amusing to watch the men being put in their place.

'Lady Daphne will conduct the examination. After all, she is the most qualified to judge your competence.'

Alexandra, who was sitting quietly in the background, observed the candidates with interest as Daphne started to question them.

Soon there was a heated discussion between all of them. Interestingly, Daphne seemed to spend much of her time observing the others, only occasionally interjecting her own comments. But it soon became clear that her sister could hold her own in the arguments.

Alexandra noted that after the initial excitement, which Daphne had displayed, she became increasingly irritated and dejected.

Mr Freeman stormed out of the room in a huff, when Daphne proved that his knowledge was incorrect because it was out of date. The male students he had taught over the last two decades, had accepted his teaching without ever once challenging him. To think that a mere slip of a girl had bested him in a scientific debate was unbearable to his self-esteem.

The others concluded that Lady Daphne, merely from reading every book or paper on science which she could get hold of, was almost as knowledgeable as they were, and there was little that they could contribute to the furtherance of her education.

~~H~~

'That was a complete waste of time,' sighed Lady Beatrice, after the last of the visitors left. 'To think that these people are the ones to teach the next generation, fills me with despair.'

'Apart from Mr Freeman, at least they were willing to further their own education. They were not content to rest of their laurels, and spout nonsense which was already disproved twenty years ago.

Daphne suddenly grinned. 'I think that if you can find a natural philosopher, who wishes to engage in research, but does not have the funds to do so, he might be willing to allow me to participate in his work.'

'But he would not be teaching you.'

'It seems that I have already learnt much that is known at present, the only way to learn more is to discover something new. I would learn from observation and discussion of his work.'

Lady Beatrice looked dubious, but conceded, 'I suppose that we could try this approach.'

The following month, Mr Harrison, a young scholar who had just finished his degree at Oxford, was installed at Herne Hyde to conduct his research into heat and electricity. Having three older sisters, he was prepared to accept a female research assistant.

Within weeks, Alexandra rarely saw her sister, since she was too busy with her studies, and having a wonderful time. Daphne's happiness was complete, when Amelia Cartwright joined her at Herne Hyde, and soon became an integral part of the research. After a few more weeks, there was no question of Amelia returning to her family, other than for occasional holidays.

There was only one fly in the ointment. Many of the experiments involved chemical reactions, some of which created smells none at Herne Hyde were prepared to tolerate. The research had to be put on hold, until a laboratory could be constructed far enough from the house, so as to not inconvenience the residents.

~~H~~

The months flew past while Lady Alexandra learnt to become Master of the estate and deal with all associated business.

While Lady Alex, as she liked to be called, was not of age, technically her guardian, with advice from the steward, was in charge of the estate.

In reality, Lady Alex was the undisputed Master. Her father, the Earl, had laid the groundwork by discussing business and his plans for the estate with his daughter. Now Mr Brown was advising the young lady, but she was the one making the decisions. Mr Brown was happy to have such an apt student.

When he commented on the fact, Alexandra admitted to having gained experience at Dianadale.

It was a relief to Alex that her aunt had taken on the duties of the Mistress of the estate, as far as the running of the house was concerned, especially since Daphne had no interest in either role.

Now that a Mistress was in charge of the house, Mrs Hodges had quite happily settled back into a supportive role, being helpful rather than officious. Alexandra was grateful for the change.

The tenants on the other hand, were quite happy that Lady Alex combined both roles in one visit. The men spoke to her about issues with the fields or livestock, while the women kept her abreast of any problems with the homes.

Mr Brown was amused that everyone had started to call her Lady Alex. The shortened version of her name gave it a slightly masculine flavour, which was more appropriate for the Master of the estate, while the honorific of Lady ensured that her sex was never in doubt.

~~H~~

One afternoon, when Lady Alex was coming back from riding out to visit a tenant, she encountered Tim Smith, one of the under-gardeners, accosting Jenny, one of their new maids.

Lady Alex had noticed Tim before because he was an exceptionally handsome young man. Whenever she had encountered him, he had been properly deferential to her. Now, with no sign of deference, he appeared to be pressing Jenny for favours which she was unwilling to provide.

'No, Tim. I have no interest to be the latest victim to your desires,' Jenny protested.

'You had better give me what I want, or I will ruin you. I have Mrs Martin eating out of my hand,' he sneered.

'Mrs Martin might believe you, but I do not,' said Lady Alex while she stepped into view, just as Jenny kicked Tim in the ankle and tore herself away from him.

The maid rushed to Lady Alex's side while Tim whirled to face his Mistress. 'My Lady, this is not what it seems. This little tart has been leading me on ever since she arrived here. I was just trying to get her to show her true character.' He smiled in his most winsome fashion which had always worked on people, particularly women.

Lady Alex looked first at him, then at the maid who looked both disgusted and apprehensive while shaking her head. 'You have indeed succeeded in forcing Jenny to show her true character,' replied Lady Alex with a disgusted smile. 'You have also succeeded in displaying your own. You are fired. I will not have any man importuning my female staff.'

She noticed Mr Brown coming around the corner of the house. 'Mr Brown, I have just fired Tim Smith for trying to force himself on Miss Jenny. Would you please ensure he has left the estate before nightfall.'

Her steward looked initially startled, but this turned into a satisfied smile when he agreed to do his Lady's bidding. He had had his suspicions about Smith, but never had any proof of wrong-doing.

~~H~~

Alexandra went to have tea with her aunt and asked Jenny to send Mrs Martin to join them to discuss the issue, after assuring herself that the maid had taken no harm from the episode.

When all the ladies had their cups of tea, Lady Alex asked her housekeeper, 'Mrs Martin, what do you know about Tim Smith?'

'Tim Smith? He seems like a nice industrious young man. Because of his looks he is rather too popular amongst the female staff. They appear to throw themselves at him. The poor thing seems constantly beset by amorous maids.'

'I encountered him earlier in company with Jenny,' Alexandra said, curious what her housekeeper's reaction would be.

'Do you mean to tell me that even Jenny cannot resist a pretty face? I had thought better of her,' exclaimed Mrs Martin.

'Your faith in Jenny is justified. When I encountered them, she was fighting off Tim Smith.'

'She was fighting him off?' Mrs Martin was shocked. 'I thought that the girls were always throwing themselves at him because he is exceedingly good looking. Although I was not comfortable with the fact that he did not try very hard to resist them.'

'Nevertheless, when I saw him, he was threatening Jenny with ruin, if she did not grant him her favours.' Alexandra paused, observing Mrs Martins shocked expression. 'He said he had you eating out of his hand.'

'I admit to a certain soft spot for him. He always seemed to be put upon because of his looks. You know, he always had that lost little boy look…' Mrs Martin sighed, 'although I sometimes did wonder whether he was using his looks for his advantage. I would have believed Jenny, if she had come to me with her side of the story.'

'Either way. It is not an issue for us anymore. I have fired him,' Alexandra explained. 'But I was very impressed with Jenny. The way she handled him. She was very competent at protecting herself.'

Mrs Martin smiled at that comment. 'You have my husband to thank for that. He used to be a sergeant in the army before he entered service. When those maids from the Marven estate arrived, he took it upon himself to teach them how to foil unwanted advances.'

Lady Alex looked thoughtful for a moment. She looked questioningly at her aunt who had stayed quiet during the exchange. At an encouraging nod from Lady Beatrice, Lady Alex asked, 'I wonder if he could teach me…'

~~H~~