Chapter 15
"How do you find the north, Miss Elizabeth?" Darcy asked seriously as the carriage turned off on the road for Matlock.
"The views appear breathtaking. I hope to have the opportunity to explore some, even though my journey is not a pleasure trip," Elizabeth replied honestly.
"If you admire the views here, you should see the ones near Pemberly. It is another half day north and near the peak district," Sutton said.
"Yes. We are lucky that the journey to Matlock can be made with only one overnight stop, any further and a second would be required. Pemberley though is well worth the extra travel," Lady Matlock told her.
"Any house with a library like Pemberley's would be worth any amount of travel," Sutton said with a chuckle. "Pemberley has something to offer everyone it seems."
"Miss Elizabeth," Darcy said with a small smile lurking around the corners of his mouth. "Would enjoy the surrounding grounds and woods."
"Yes, my aunt Maddy believes that Pemberley has enough trees and paths to suit even my thirst for nature. She is quite fond of her home county and Lambton in particular," Elizabeth said.
"It was pleasant to discover your aunt's connection to Lambton," Darcy told her.
"It was, I dare say, even more pleasant to discover Miss Elizabeth's connection to mother's dear friend and their invitation to dine," Sutton said with a smirk.
"Yes, I wish I would have previously been in the habit in becoming better acquainted with Aunt Susan's friends," Darcy said with a glare at his cousin. He remembered exactly what both his aunt and uncle's hopes had been in relation to their sons and Madeline Gardiner's niece and he did not care for his cousin's teasing on the subject. While discovering his aunt and uncle already favored Elizabeth was unexpected and he appreciated it now, he remembered just how angry he had been to discover their designs on his Elizabeth for their sons and the way his cousins had disparaged her. Of course the next night at dinner, he would have welcomed less interest from his eligible cousins in the woman he loved.
"I dare say no further hidden surprises are lurking amongst my friends," Lady Matlock said with a chuckle. "Though it did take me five years to meet Elizabeth after meeting Maddy." She had never thought to introduce her nephew to the lady she had come to consider a close friend, despite both's connection to Lambton, because despite his friendship with Bingley she had thought her nephew would disdain the Gardiners for being in trade. Bingley was no longer active in trade, Mr. Gardiner was though. In addition, while Darcy had a reputation for being a good master in Lambton, her nephew was not known to socialise with the locals, favoring only the country gentry with his presence occasionally and she had feared he would insult her friend by looking down his nose at her. It would appear that for Elizabeth he would reform his character and learn to be more accepting.
"By the way, Darce," Sutton said suddenly. "I was hoping you would take a look at the plans for expanding the stable yard and make any suggestions when we arrive. Horses are not my forte, like they are Richard's. He doubtless would envision far more then the simple repairs and moderate expansion. I can acknowledged that some expansion while we see to repairs is wise, not to the extent he would advise though. He can remain satisfied with his acess to Pemberly's stables."
"I would be happy too," Darcy said with a nod knowing his aunt would wish to occupy Elizabeth with getting her settled and comfortable once they alighted from the carriage. And as much as he might wish to also see to her comfort, until he was her husband he would not be allowed to do so. As a single gentleman and lady he was expected to relinquish her to his aunt's care to be shown to her chamber and settled in.
…
"Col. Fitzwilliam, Lt. Marks, Lt. Dawson and Lt. Smitt," Col. Fitzwilliam informed the servant, Mr. Hill, that opened the door deliberately omitting his ward's name and that of her companion.
"Officers!" shrieked a tall well formed young lady from the hallway before he could say more. "La, I am Lydia, but who are you? You must be new," she said with a flutter of her eyelashes as she stopped in front of them.
"We are pleased to make your acquaintance," Col. Fitzwilliam spoke smoothly for the group, eyeing the forward girl and attempting to hide his disgust with her manners.
"Ooooh, you must come in for tea," Lydia declared latching onto the arm of the nearest one, Lt. Smitt. "Mama will be so pleased to meet you. I just love a man in uniform, so does she."
Once they were shown into the sitting room Col. Fitzwilliam was surprised to hear that Bingley was strolling in the garden with the eldest Miss Bennet, the very sister he had hoped to leave his baby cousin with while he conducted his buisness with Mr. Bennet, based off what he knew of the family. Mrs. Annsley he had requested engage Mrs. Bennet if necessary. He was glad for the opportunity for the officers he had selected and had shown an interest in marrying in exchange for a promotion and small sum of money to meet with Lydia. He just hoped after the initial meeting atleast one of them was still interested in the bargin his cousin offered.
After a quarter hour visit two of the three men, made eye contact with Col. Fitzwilliam and shook their heads no. The only one that it appeared would consider Lydia was Lt. Dawson, the only officer Lydia had not attempted to flirt with. She had laughed and called him an ugly fellow despite his redcoat when she led the way to the sitting room. It was time to speak to Mr. Bennet, Col. Fitzwilliam concluded, though he was loath to leave Georgiana and Mrs. Annsley in the company within the sitting room with only Lt. Smitt and Lt. Marks to watch over his young cousin if Lady Catherine put in an appearance. He had gathered that his aunt was expected soon from the house's mistress.
When a plain faced woman entered the room and Mrs. Bennet sourly said, "There is nothing for you here, Charlotte. Your special friend is not back from London yet and I won't have you interrupting Jane and Mr. Bingley. He is sure to be proposing. "
"My father sent me to return this book to Mr. Bennet. I thought to pay my respects here first if Jane was available," Charlotte said, her tone neutral but Col. Fitzwilliam picked up on the disgust in her eyes for the matron.
"I wish to speak to Mr. Bennet," Col. Fitzwilliam said smoothly rising. "Along with Lt. Dawson. Perhaps after you return your book, Miss, you would be so kind as to walk with my ward in the garden while we do so. I would not wish to pull my other officers away from the company in here to do so." He wished to leave Mrs. Annsley in the room to handle the Bennet matron and youngest.
"Yes, Col. Fitzwilliam it would be absolutely dreadful if your officers left us for a walk outside with some mousy little thing. I am sure they prefer our company," Lydia exclaimed.
"Yes, since Jane is busy I am sure Charlotte can spare the time," Mrs. Bennet said dismissively. She, like her daughters, had ignored both Georgiana and Mrs. Annsley. A situation that suited all of them just fine.
Once out of the sitting room, Col. Fitzwilliam bowed to Charlotte and said, "I am Darcy's cousin Col. Richard Fitzwilliam. This is Lt. Dawson and my young cousin Miss Georgiana Darcy."
"Miss Charlotte Lucas," Charlotte said with a small curtsy. "For some reason, Colonel, I am doubtful that the presence of two more of Mr. Darcy's relations here is a coincidence."
"You would be correct. Would you introduce me to Mr. Bennet?"
"The fact that you request an introduction rather then barging in like your aunt, bodes well. Tell me, colonel, what do you know of my friend, Elizabeth Bennet, and your cousin? Mr. Bingley believes that it is a possibility the two are in company together or have been recently, something Mrs. Gardiner did not make any mention of in her note."
"My cousin and my mother are both with your friend," Col. Fitzwilliam said with a grin.
"I do like being right," Charlotte said with a smile. "If you see Lizzy anytime soon, would you please tell her I told her so?"
Col. Fitzwilliam chuckled and said, "I like you," while Georgiana let out a small giggle.
...
Inside Bennet's study Col. Fitzwilliam steadily meet the gaze of the older gentleman. Breaking the silence Mr. Bennet said, "So you expect me to believe that you and your officers just so happened to show up at my home, this fellow met my Lydia and now wishes to marry her, immediately even. Just like that? While my wife and daughter would believe such a tale, I have a bit more intelligence then to do so. Just what exactly is going on?"
Col. Fitzwilliam gave a grimace and said, "It is my understanding from your brother-in-law that you need a groom for your youngest daughter. Does anything else matter, other than the fact that one is here presenting himself to you and offering marriage?"
"It is your letter of introduction from my brother-in-law that makes me wonder what exactly is going on," Bennet said. "I would have expected him to put forward a clerk for Lydia, not an officer. Someone his pocketbook, and mine, is more in line with. It would take a considerable sum to convince an officer to offer for Lydia after meeting her. I wish to know just what exactly I am agreeing to, what price I may be signing up to pay."
"What's this? There is no price to pay. Your pocketbook will not be affected," Col. Fitzwilliam said.
"The price might not be monetary, but I would like to know it anyway. I will admit, there is great temptation on my part to accept and buy my favorite's freedom and happiness, but I would like to believe I have learned a bit of a lesson from this mess. I will be looking this gift horse in the mouth to find out what sort of teeth it has," Mr. Bennet said crossly.
"I believe you are familiar with my cousin Mr. Darcy of Pemberley?" Col. Fitzwilliam asked.
"Another of Mr. Darcy's relatives?" Mr. Bennet asked raising an eyebrow.
"Wickham, the man that," Col. Fitzwilliam began.
"Yes, I know who he is and what he did," Mr. Bennet interrupted dryly.
"My cousin feels responsible for not making the town aware of the danger Mr. Wickham presented since he has been connected to the Darcy name and would like to make things right for your family."
"Interestingly enough, your aunt believes my daughter has designs on your cousin, a laughable idea. Mr. Bingley believes your couisn has designs on my daughter. An idea I might have dismissed as laughable if it were not for your aunt's determination to see my daughter wed without delay and your own presence here representing Mr. Darcy. What does Mr. Darcy expect in exchange if I accept the groom he is purchasing for my youngest?"
"My cousin," Col. Fitzwilliam bit out, "expects nothing. He wished for neither you or Miss Elizabeth to be aware of his involvement. The advent of my aunt and Mr. Collins into Hertfordshire has tightened our time frame which to work within. These questions serve no purpose. We need to move on to what matters, seeing your youngest married off."
"So he expects my Lizzy? I buy her freedom from Collins by condeming her to another?"
"No. He does not wish to purchase your daughter's hand in marriage. He hopes to give her peace of mind and gain the time to win her heart and her hand. He loves her," Col. Fitzwilliam said with disgust. "He is an honorable man. He has no intention of forcing you or your daughter's acceptance of his suit like Mr. Collins has."
"Very well. I will admit that he is a step up from Mr. Collins as far as suitors go. You have met my youngest daughter. I do not ascribe to corporal punisment, but perhaps I was remiss in not doing so with her. Just how do you intend to take her in hand, Lt. Dawson? I won't lie, she needs taking in hand."
"I do not ascribe to corporal punishment either. After observing Miss Lydia, I do believe that there are other more effective ways to regulate her behavior."
"Knowing you will not resort to beating her, I accept this bargin. It spares me quite a bit of time and effort in saving my Lizzy from marrying Mr. Collins. Perhaps Miss Bingley will still wish to sponser her? No matter," Bennet said to no one in particular. "Shall we call Lydia in and give her the good news that she is to be married?"
…
When Lydia appeared crossly in her father's bookroom, protesting that the other officers would miss her, she was not pleased with the groom her father presented her with. "But he is ugly!" she exclaimed. "Why should I marry an ugly officer? Mr. Wickham is much more handsome and he wanted me. I need not settle for an ugly fellow. Another handsome officer will want me as well and marry me!"
"Mr. Wickham," Mr. Bennet said grimly to his daughter, "did not want you for his wife. He wished only to have you for a moment of fun and then casually discarded you. As if you had not proven yourself stupid enough by your actions with Mr. Wickham, you were caught by Mr. Collins as he returned from Lucas Lodge with your skirts up around your waist as you let Wickham use you outdoors. You are ruined. The only reason I have not kicked you out of my home is because I wish to preserve your sisters' prospects by keeping your ruin quiet," Bennet finished with a hiss.
"Perhaps I might have a few moments alone with Miss Lydia to persuade her of my suit's merits," Lt. Dawson said. "With your permission, sir?" he asked Mr. Bennet.
"Use whatever means you feel necessary," Bennet said with disgust. "She will be marrying you."
Once alone in the study with Lydia, Lt. Dawson stepped closer to Lydia. Bodly fingering her bodice he said, "You are right. I am an ugly fellow, but unlike some of the more handsome officers I have learned a set of skills, Lt. Wickham likely is to selfish to bother with, after all he has his good looks. I imagine he had a bit more enjoyment then you did. I like the idea of a pretty wife warming my bed, something an ugly fellow like me might not otherwise expect. Shall I show you those skills, Miss Lydia?"
Seeing her interest in what he offered, he set about caressing and stroking her. He had acessed that sexual gratification would bring the spoiled child to heel. Her personality was grating, but she was pretty and he wished for the promotion and sum of money Darcy offered. In moments he had her panting and moaning. He deftly made her cry yes as he brought her to a climax. Rather then take his own pleasure as well, he flipped her skirts back down and removing his hands from her said, "Thank you for accepting my proposal, Miss Lydia."
…
"Mr. Bennet, where is Lydia? More officers have arrived and you know she is a favorite of theirs," Mrs. Bennet demanded as she approached his study where him and Col. Fitzwilliam stood outside gaurding the door.
Before her husband could answer, a loud high pitched femine cry of yes in Lydia's voice was heard through the closed door. "Accepting a proposal of marriage," Mr. Bennet said dryly. He and Col. Fitzwilliam had both understood that Lt. Dawson intended to seduce Lydia into agreement. Her father had only disgustedly thought that he wished the officer luck so that Lydia could become someone else's problem.
"My Lydia is to be married!" Mrs. Bennet shrieked happily.
"Yes, Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet said sarcastically. "She is to be married and right away, by common license. A daughter married, and at only 15."
...
"I do believe it is time I go put in an appearance at the inn, distraught my daughter is missing and vowing to recover her. Miss Lucas was kind enough to deliver her father's missive to further my little ruse," Bennet said to Col. Fitzwilliam, holding up the book Charlotte had brought. I do believe the commotion yonder engagement has caused amongst the women is the perfect distraction. I am of a mind to wait to let my cousin know that his engagement is off until those two are married. Thank your cousin for supplying this as well," Bennet said indicating the common license the local parson had furnished in exchange for a small sum from Col. Fitzwilliam for the couple to wed tomorrow morning at the church. When Mrs. Bennet had spoken her dismay about Lydia not having time to buy wedding clothing, Lt. Dawson had spoken up and said he would fulfill Lydia's needs after the wedding but it must happen tomorrow so he did not have to leave his bride behind when he travled to his post. The thought of losing a match had Mrs. Bennet jumping on board with the quick wedding for her youngest.
"A wise plan, but if your wife as her way the whole town will know of the engagement by tonight. Perhaps you could offer lodging to Lt. Dawson for the night since Marks and Smitt have already left to return to London. I think it best if Georgiana and I depart the area before Lady Catherine hears we have been here. I would like a head start on my aunt before she goes tearing after Miss Elizabeth or Darcy."
"True. My performance at the inn at least should buy you a few hours headstart. With any luck Lady Catherine and Mr. Collins will not get wind of today's events until it is to late to travel."