Wretched Beginnings, Chapter 3 – October 1812
October 3
Lydia spent the last of her pin money on ribbons and lace to trim a winter bonnet. "It's not that I need new ribbons, but they do make me feel better. I shall replace the current trim with these pretty burgundy satin ribbons, burgundy ribbon roses and burgundy lace. I shall be quite content then." She happily began working on the bonnet. She didn't notice her sisters deep in conversation with one another. Everyone's pin moneys were spent on winter clothes and accessories. Jane's order to Aunt Gardiner had been calculated down to almost the last pence. They knew to guard their remaining pocket money. They anticipated enduring a long quarter if Lydia spent all her pocket money in less than a week since Papa released their funds.
October 4
"What are our mothers discussing?" Lizzy asked Charlotte.
"The Meryton mamas are disappointed. Carriages and wagons appeared at Netherfield Park yesterday, exciting everyone! However, they only carried servants and living necessities. Father heard Mr. Bingley and his party were delayed leaving London and will not arrive until tomorrow. However, Mr. Bingley's house party has been delayed twice since Michaelmas. Father will call at Netherfield on Wednesday. Once Mr. Bingley returns Papa's call, we may call on the ladies of Netherfield."
"Our poor mothers," Lizzy tried her best to appear solemn, and not laugh. "We were all in uproar this morning. Mama inspected everyone's clothes, hair, and toilette which added additional time to our preparations. Papa threatened to leave us all behind to walk to church."
"Mama has been beside herself looking at the newest fashion plates from London. She does not want to commission gowns until she sees what the ladies of the Netherfield Park house party wear."
October 9
"Mrs. Bennet, is there a reason for the excessive tea?" Mr. Bennet glanced about the large east drawing room. The table near Mrs. Bennet held apple tarts, honey biscuits, and a walnut and honey cake. Jane sat on the two-person settee, her drawing room sewing basket at her feet, embroidering a dainty silk handkerchief. Lizzy and Mary read from books written in French, using a corner table near a window. Kitty and Lydia redecorated bonnets, with a charming display of silk ribbons, silk ribbon roses and coordinating lace, at another table near a window. His daughters created a pretty domestic picture. Dressed in white muslin gowns with new ribbon sashes, each had their hair dressed most becomingly.
"Mr. Bennet," Mrs. Bennet shook her head. She primly sat, in one of her best day dresses with a new mob cap perched on her head. "We wait for Mr. Bingley and his party to call on us. Mrs. Nichols ordered supplies from the butcher, dry goods store, and wine shop. The Barnes Farm sent forward eggs, butter and cheese. The Burbage Farm sent forward fresh garden stuff and fruits. Carriages and wagons arrived at Netherfield yesterday. Since we are the closest neighbor to Netherfield Park, they will call upon you first. Our girls must display advantageously to Mr. Bingley and his party."
"I'm sure Sir William will receive Mr. Bingley's first handshake as I have yet to introduce myself to the man. I'm sure Lady Lucas created an unforgettable tea to introduce Charlotte and Maria to Mr. Bingley and his party. However, since you have such a lovely tea prepared, I will enjoy taking my tea with my family today." Mr. Bennet forwent his usual escape to his library to thwart Mrs. Bennet's excessive expectations.
October 10
"Do you have time to talk?" Barton, Miss Bingley's maid, addressed Mrs. Nichols.
"I planned to eat breakfast with the staff. The family have eaten; the morning room is cleaned; breakfast dishes are done. Did you eat yet?" The ever efficient Mrs. Nichols observed the maid. She noticed both the lady's maids for the master's sisters wore day gowns almost as fine as those which the Bennet or Lucas girls wore.
"Toast and tea before I began my day. Did Mr. Darcy arrive yet? Miss Bingley inquired when I delivered her breakfast tray." Barton did not fidget but this would be an uncomfortable discussion.
"Mr. Bingley believes Mr. Darcy will notify him a day or two in advance of his arrival. Mr. Bingley should warn Miss Bingley so she can arrange a room for him." Mrs. Nichols poured tea and indicted Barton should sit. "As we all know, servants gossip. However, the best servants share information which could affect the house."
"Miss Bingley is unhappy to be located in Hertfordshire during Little Season. When Miss Bingley is displeased, she is extremely critical of the staff and how they perform their duties. Additionally, she may pressure Mr. Bingley to allow her to make changes in the décor of Netherfield Park. His lease only allows for a change in room colors. She will bring wagons of furniture from the Bingley House in London. She may insist on changing the colors in her quarters, the drawing room and the dining room." Barton warned.
Mrs. Nichols reached for a day book and a pencil.
Barton sipped her tea. "Mr. Darcy's valet, Roberts, spoke with me before we left. Mr. Darcy does not want a room in the family wing, nor does he want a room near Miss Bingley. He desires a room with a sitting area and a desk. He requires a separate dressing room. Roberts requests Mr. Darcy is not put in suite with excessive doors which offer access. Roberts requests Mr. Darcy's room have a servant's passage so he can enter and exit as needed without disturbing the rest of the house party. Mr. Darcy rises early and rides or walks daily before breakfast. The fire in Mr. Darcy's room needs laid and lit at dawn. Additionally he requires hot water every morning. He prefers a cup or two of black coffee while preparing for his day. He may take a tray of tea when he handles his correspondence."
Barton sipped her tea to let Mrs. Nichols complete her notes. "The last rule is Mr. Darcy is never to be left alone with Miss Bingley. Miss Bingley has a terrible habit of attaching herself to Mr. Darcy. Roberts wants the servants to help him keep Mr. Darcy from being compromised. Roberts refuses to share a room with a Netherfield Park footman. He wants to share a room with Jennings. Latham and I feel the same. We desire to be quartered together, to ease caring for the ladies and allows us time to plan."
Mrs. Nichols considered Barton's words. "What else should we know?"
"If your laundress is not experienced at washing and pressing silks, hire one who can. Mr. Bingley will bear the expense. He would rather pay wages than replace his sisters' wardrobes. Lathan and I would prefer hiring a knowledgeable laundress also. We like our dark blue gowns. Latham and I sell the gowns and accessories, which the sisters gift us, to second hand clothing stores. We saved a tidy little nest egg to provide for us when we leave service. Latham and I intend to leave the service of Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley when we return to London for Christmas. Latham's aunt is a modiste; her uncle is a tailor. We will sew for both businesses in time for the Season." Barton felt the staff would learn the hideous colors the sisters preferred.
"Fires in the ladies' room must be laid and lit by eight. The maid must be as quiet as possible. Latham and I need hot water by half past nine, followed immediately with breakfast trays. Mrs. Hurst prefers hot chocolate with her breakfast. Miss Bingley prefers green tea. Breakfast trays with hot rolls, butter, and orange marmalade for Mrs. Hurst. Miss Bingley prefers lemon marmalade. If you don't have marmalade, Latham and I each brought a jar. You should stock the kitchen with hot chocolate, green tea, and the lemon and orange marmalade." Barton provided the directions for Morgan and Fleming in London where the Bingleys purchased their teas, coffees and chocolate.
"Between breakfast and calling hours, the sisters might stay in their rooms and read, answer correspondence, etc. They will change from morning gowns into afternoon gowns before they come down. Sometimes, if the weather is nice, they might go for a ride. The ladies rarely stroll the gardens or walk. The exception is Presentation Hour in Hyde Park in London. They sew when in the drawing room. Miss Bingley likes a tea tray at exactly half past five. She usually insists guests are present for tea. Everyone will dress for dinner by seven, and they will all request a hot bath or hot water for refreshing themselves. Dinner is served at eight in the formal dining room. The drawing room requires a pianoforte and a card table. They play cards several times a week. Tea trays again at midnight with tea and a sweet or two."
"Will you expect callers?" Mrs. Nichols asked.
"Not until the Bingley sisters have been here a fortnight and have been introduced to other ladies in the area." Barton answered. "Miss Bingley will ask if there are calling cards and post when she comes down. Mr. Bingley sees all cards and post first. His man, Cardel, will give Mr. Nichols his instructions. Should Miss Bingley ask, you do not know Mr. Darcy's correspondents. The next to the last rule is…despite Miss Bingley's orders…should a gentleman call for Mr. Bingley, they are shown to the study or the library. All lady callers are shown to the drawing room."
"The French chef won't arrive for several days. Miss Bingley requests dinners which are excessive. I mean five and twenty dishes each evening. Nothing plain, everything sauced. She is particular about her sauces. Mr. Darcy prefers beef steaks in brown sauce, parsley roasted potatoes, asparagus or artichokes, and blackberry pie or blackberry ices. Mr. Bingley likes hot rolls, muffins or scones at breakfast. Roberts asked us to seat Mr. Darcy and Mr. Hurst next to Mr. Bingley, and Mrs. Hurst next to Miss Bingley. Set the table for three at the top of the table and two at the bottom. Inform the footmen not to change the seating. The footmen may claim Mr. Bingley approved the informal seating. Miss Bingley won't be happy, but she will not cause a scene. She will insist on three footmen for the five of them."
"Do you have any questions of me?" Mrs. Nichols inquired.
"Do Latham or I need to worry about any forward footmen at Netherfield?"
"No," Mrs. Nichols observed the young woman who suddenly could not look her in the eye. "Is there anyone in your party I should be warned about?"
October 11
"I think our reception is quite beneath the rural society Mrs. Bennet touts," Caroline complained during midday meal to Louisa. "Mr. Darcy will attend church with us when he arrives. The grandson of an Earl should not sit in the first open pew!"
"Caroline, the box pews are owned by the Bennets and the Lucases. The man who owns Netherfield sold his box pew to Sir Lucas. Mrs. Goulding seemed a little missish when Vicar Nelson showed us to the open pew near the Lucases. I understand the Gouldings sit there because there is an understanding or there will be an understanding between the oldest Lucas boy and the Goulding daughter."
"Did you see what the provincials of Hertfordshire wore to church? I appreciated my hooded capelet and muff. The sexton should lay and start a fire at dawn to warm the church for those of us who don't have box pews!" Caroline continued to complain.
"I think the church attendees were very welcoming," Hurst responded to Caroline's comments when he entered the dining room. "We don't have a box pew at St. George's Cathedral. They are located right and left of the open pews in the middle."
"I believe we should discuss the situation with Miss Darcy," Caroline continued her proclamations. "Since Charles is particular friends with Mr. Darcy, he should invite us to use the Darcy's box pew."
"Why should that be?" Despite the cold collation, Hurst heaped his plate with game pie and garden stuff salad. The footman filled Hurst's wine glass, and refreshed the ladies' glasses. "Darcy sits with his Matlock and Fitzwilliam family at St. George's. Their box pew will seat two and twelve. He only uses the Darcy box pew when his family has visiting guests. I suppose if we were staying at the Darcy House, instead of the Bingley House, we would be invited to sit in the Darcy box pew."
"I still think we should be seated better at St. Albans!" Caroline argued. "Netherfield Park is the largest home in the area."
"A residence which is rented to whomever can pay the coin." Hurst concentrated on his meal.
"Where is Charles? I intend to discuss this with him," Caroline asserted.
"Charles is having a tray in his study. He requested solitude while he is busy with correspondence and ledgers." Hurst wished he had requested a tray and joined Charles. He would discuss this with Charles.
Wednesday, October 14, 1812
The late hour for breakfast provided a boon for industrious members of the Bennet family. Mr. Bennet retreated to his study, with a tray of coffee and pastries and his morning paper. Mary completed tasks in the gardens, the stillroom or the kitchen. Jane occupied a work table in the cellar, mending clothes or sewing for the family. Solivagant Lizzy dirtied hems on one of the walking paths around Longbourn, or on a ramble to Mount Oakham.
"Morning, Mary," Lizzy sang out as she returned to the house. "Thank you for the apple and cheese in a serviette this morning. I used the serviette to bring you these autumn crocus. I found them growing in a sheltered area in the tree line between Longbourn and Netherfield Park. I pulled the bulb with the flower, which is why the serviette is so dirty."
"They are wonderful! You are wonderful!" Mary gently took the serviette to the stillroom. "Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin, yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." She set out a drying tray and separated the flower stem from the bulb. "Name the Bible verse and you can have these sweet-smelling flowers."
"Luke 12:27; I do remember things other than Papa's Greek lessons or which paths are best to walk in spring or fall." Lizzy's saucy voice encouraged Mary's laughter.
Mary returned the flowers and bonnet, sans dirt and serviette, to Lizzy. "You can arrange those into a fragrant bouquet for your room or the drawing room. I want the bouquet when it fades so I can dry it. I think the petals will make pleasant, scented soap. Be sure to…"
"I know, put a drop of honey in the water," Lizzy parroted past lessons.
"You are such a good student," Mary encouraged her sister. "But next time, take a basket."
Lizzy's sisters teased her about her desire for pockets. Lizzy had a seasonal basket which she took on some of her rambles. Her seasonal basket held a book wrapped in a small piece of sailcloth to keep the book pristine. She had an old set of small garden tools and garden gloves from Mary for if she found something to harvest with its roots. Mary lined the basket with a layer of muslin bags to hold things as Lizzy found them – nuts, mushrooms, leafy plants, herbs, etc.Mary's wall of shelves in the stillroom held muslin bags and baskets of all sizes. Mary never walked out without a basket, which held a layer of muslin bags in the bottom. She preferred her garden smocks (which had large pockets) when she walked to the main farm, or worked in the gardens. She had four apothecary cabinets in the stillroom which held seeds. Each of the two and twelve drawers in the apothecary cabinets were clearly marked. She had baskets of assorted sizes holding flower petals, willow bark, leafed herbs or other essentials.
Mary kept everyday books where she wrote receipts for the stillroom or the kitchen. She wrote menus in her kitchen book. Mary's everyday stillroom book held a calendar of when to harvest quills from the geese, when to breed her piggy sow, when to decant and make mead, wines, inks, tinctured waters, soaps, candles, and all the other apothecary needs for her family. She drew pictures of herbs, or leafy plants to forage. She maintained a stillroom ledger of the amount of eggs, honey, herbs, garden stuff or orchard stuff harvested. She kept a working inventory of harvest goods in storage. She kept a working inventory of items in the stillroom, and their use.
October 17
"Welcome to Netherfield Park, Darcy. Let us get you settled and then I will give you a tour." Bingley greeted his friend.
"Mr. Darcy!" Miss Bingley almost rushed down the stairs. She intended to clasp his arm.
Darcy stepped behind Bingley and between his horse and his groom Jennings to avoid her enthusiastic greeting. "Be sure to give Sid a good rubdown and an extra measure of oats." He requested from Jennings.
"I promised Darcy he could settle before a quick tour of Netherfield. We will join you in the drawing room for tea." Bingley captured Caroline's arm and propelled her back up the steps.
~X~
"We are glad you finally joined us," Caroline simpered at Darcy while pouring tea. "Your man, Roberts, spoke with Mrs. Nichols about your quarters. Obviously giving you a large room in the family wing offended."
"I didn't mean to cause problems for your staff," Darcy apologized.
"I hope your room is adequate," Caroline endeavored not to show her vexation at his demands. Hurst and Louisa claimed the master and mistress suite of rooms. She and Charles occupied the next two largest rooms. She planned the next largest room in the family wing for Darcy. If Darcy occupied housing in the family wing, Caroline could encounter him in the family wing hallway. She could take his arm to walk up and down the stairs. Mayhap if Darcy walked her to her room, she could arrange a compromise.
"I have no complaints. The view from the windows is excellent. I didn't want to have a room in the family wing. I rise early for riding or walking and did not wish to disturb those who are still sleeping. My man, Roberts, can attend me without disturbing my hosts. He ensures my room is cleaned while I ride. I appreciate you allowing Roberts and Jennings to share a room. I can find them easier if they are needed. They can coordinate their schedules easier and cover for one another when they have afternoons off."
Caroline felt thwarted again. She planned to house Darcy's men with Netherfield footmen who would learn their schedule or discuss their master's plans. Of course those footmen would report to her. She was unaware of the servant passage for Darcy's room.
October 21
Netherfield Park surprised Darcy. The country house exhibited an excellent prospect. Forty rooms on four floors, with attic and cellar, ensured plenty of living space for a large family. The interior bespoke excellent care and upkeep but the library was dismal! Despite its excellent size, only one section contained books. The comfortable furniture could not remove the empty feel. The stables and outbuildings were well kept. The property had a few issues, which could be rectified. Bingley might purchase an estate which drained his money and failed his and his family's dreams. Darcy felt Bingley needed this experience to teach him some of the hazards and some of the rewards of running an estate.
The countryside of Hertfordshire displayed quite pleasantly in the autumn morning sun. The hills rolled toward the sunrise or the sunset, depending on where Darcy stood. The summer blue sky, adorned with white puffy clouds, absorbed his cares as they floated away. The trees burst into red, bronze, copper and gold; rustling as a cool, steady breeze blew through. Wood fires and fallen tree needles scented the air.
While riding out, Darcy observed a young brunette woman playing with children. Rather, she played the fox and they played the hounds, chasing her with shrieks and giggles filling the air. Her petite form pleased the eye. Her laughter filled the air with warmth. Darcy watched as they stopped playing. A young blonde woman drew up in a one-horse gig. The driver, adept with her ribbons, made Darcy miss Georgiana and Pemberley. He would send her a letter directly when he returned to Netherfield Park. The woman of the cottage came out and gave Miss Fox an empty basket. Goodbyes were exchanged, and Miss Fox climbed into the gig. Obviously they were the daughters of a local country squire.
Assembly, October 22, 1812
Lizzy took the measure of the Bingley sisters at the assembly. Their late arrival paused the assembly before the third set so Mr. Bingley and his party could receive introductions. 'The superior sisters,' she decided. 'They act as if their style and manners grant them entry into first set drawing rooms and ballrooms. Yet, they are overdressed for a country assembly. Their upbringing taught them to look down their noses.'
Miss Bingley's tart orange silk gown flaunted a layer of fine gauze over silk. The gauze ended in a gold ribbon banded hem above flounces which went from her knees to the hem of her gown. She wore a turban of the same materials with orange-tipped ostrich feathers. Mrs. Hurst exhibited a celery green silk gown with a layer of fine gauze embellished around the hem and bodice with gold thread embroidery. Her hair, dressed in the latest London fashion with entwined strings of pearls, struck envy in those ladies who hid their hair under lacy mob caps. 'Not even the finest materials and laces from Gardiner's Emporium could remove the February face from the superior sisters.' Lizzy almost laughed. 'They are the epitome of an ugly painting in a fine frame.'
Mr. Bingley asked Jane for two dance sets. He watched Jane or he spoke with her when he wasn't dancing. Lizzy felt an obvious intrigue between her sister and Mr. Bingley. However, Lizzy felt a decided dislike for the Bingley sisters. Despite Mr. Darcy's rude declaration about tolerable looks and being slighted by other men, Lizzy was prettier than either of the Bingley sisters, who were his only dance partners. Lizzy could have danced every set, but men were scarce and more than one lady sat out a set or two – well, except for Lydia and Kitty. They were too young to understand one had to share dance partners. Jane refrained from dancing during one set, urging Mr. Bingley to dance with other ladies, rather than converse with her. Used to her Mama's careless comments, Lizzy felt Darcy's slight more than she wanted to admit. 'How could someone so handsome and a gentleman, display such abhorrent manners? Did he consider his manners before insulting me within distance of my hearing? Why does HE keep watching me? Vexing man!'
~X~
"If being a sweet girl were enough, Jane Bennet would be married by now," Caroline argued with Louisa. "However, she is the daughter of a country squire, with no fortune, and no connections to raise our status. We cannot allow Charles to waste his portion and chance at first-set connections on a country nobody!"
"We will watch Charles and ensure he does not dance a third set with her. See how Mrs. Bennet preens? Let's avoid acquaintance with the Bennets if possible," Louisa suggested, hiding her mouth with her fan. "Lady Lucas is not happy; see how she observes Mrs. Bennet?"
"One Lucas girl is too old for Charles and the other is too young. Sir Lucas is a new creation. There is no money or sizeable property attached to Lucas Lodge. No, if Charles is to be ensnared by a blonde angel…the blonde angel must be Georgiana Darcy!" Caroline spoke quietly to not be overheard.
"Know thine enemy," Louisa intoned. "We will become better acquainted with Jane Bennet and therefore, become better acquainted with Hertfordshire. Such knowledge will help us intervene where necessary."
"How could a place this poor exist within a few hours of London?" Caroline viewed the country assembly with intense dissatisfaction.
"There are impoverished areas of London, Caroline! Think of Seven Dials," Louisa frowned. Charles danced with four of the five Bennet girls. The youngest sister of his newest angel danced, giggled and flirted outrageously with Charles. He danced with the two Lucas girls, the three Long girls…and twice with Jane Bennet. He had a full dance card all night and could not dance with his sisters! At least Darcy duty danced with Bingley's sisters.
"Yes, well, we don't want Charles marrying anyone from there either!" Caroline fanned herself, showing off her elegant ostrich fan and her practiced looks of boredom and disdain.
Sunday after the assembly, October 25
Lizzy stared longingly at the morning sky over Longbourn's park. The early morning sunshine brought up a cool breeze, rustling the autumn leaves and blowing them from the trees to dance across the lawn and paths. If Lizzy wanted a morning walk before church, she needed to hurry. Movement caught her eye. Mary set out for the main farm to gather eggs. Mr. Hill carried two buckets of water for the kitchens. Mary stopped to talk with him for a moment before she continued on her way. The pathway to the main farm from Longbourn wound through a pretty copse set at the side of Longbourn. Several people remarked on the charming little wilderness, set apart from the park by a stone demi wall.
Lizzy would incur Mama's wrath if she tarried too long on her walk. She laid out her dress, spencer and bonnet for church. She laid her gloves, reticule and prayer book on the dresser before she slipped from the house. She longed for a ramble to Mount Oakham but knew she lacked enough time this morning. She would not walk toward Netherfield Park, the new home of Mr. Bingley and the superior sisters.
Lizzy walked toward the copse. She planned to enjoy the autumn leaves. The fat red squirrels chittered as they gathered nuts from the hedgerows. She smothered a laugh. Mama always bemoaned starving in the hedgerows, but she did not know Mary very well. Mary's ability to grow anything and forage for food, ensured the family and tenants would never grow hungry. Mama never paid attention to the true abilities of her daughters. She bragged about their beauty, or liveliness. Their biggest flaws were they were unmarried, had little dowry, and needed husbands. Currently, Mama's sights were set on Mr. Bingley, his good looks, his amiable manners, and his £5,000 a year.
Lizzy hoped Mama would not embarrass them at church, but she did not feel confident in her wish. Lizzy tilted her face to the sun and removed her bonnet.
Darcy sat astride Sid on the top of a hill and enjoyed the rising sun. He caught sight of Miss Elizabeth Bennet twirling in an open area dusted with leaves. The sun gleamed off her chestnut hair. She lost a pin or two from her hair and a long braid tumbled down her back to her waist. Darcy felt like he was spying, but he could not tear his eyes away from Miss Elizabeth's appreciation of an early fall morning. Her skirts billowed and her braid flew as she twirled enthusiastically in the spot of sunshine.
Darcy chuckled to himself. He wondered if Miss Bennet would be the model of propriety in church this morning since she exhibited so freely in the dawn sun.
~X~
"Lizzy, stop tugging at me!" Mrs. Bennet snapped.
"Mama …I did not tug. I merely laid my hand on your arm." Lizzy refrained from commenting how Mama fluttered and flapped her best silk handkerchief with the Brussels lace at Mr. Bingley. "You invited Mr. Bingley and his guests to lunch. They have plans." Her words were lost as Mama busy beamed at Mr. Bingley. "The weather is turning again. The vicar, sexton and Papa are eager to return home. I'm sure the Bingleys' carriage is cooling. Papa says if you wish to invite them to dinner, you may write an invitation when we reach home."
"Look for my invitation!" Mama fluttered and flapped again, before sailing out the door of the church. Lizzy caught the Bingley sisters rolling their eyes. Mr. Bingley, firmly held in place by Miss Bingley, could not escort Mrs. Bennet or Lizzy to their carriage. Lizzy observed Mr. Darcy's stare. She returned his stare with a tilt of her head and impertinent look of her own. She hoped her shallow curtsey and immediate turn to depart relayed her disdain for the group.
the following Wednesday, October 28
Mary set her fork down carefully. She dabbed the corners of her mouth and then wiped her fingertips on the serviette. She straightened her shoulders and spoke clearly and unemotionally. "This is another Wednesday when Mother has a nervous headache. I understand I'm more adept with healing and the stillroom than my sisters, but I won't sit with her all day."
"Pray tell, why not?" Papa glowered at Mary. His voice and facial features did not give Mary pause.
"I must harvest the herb garden. The farmers are harvesting the kitchen garden and the orchard this week. I refuse to leave food and herbs to rot. When Mother takes her bed on Wednesday with a nervous headache, you disappear to your library. Lizzy and Jane visit the tenants. Instead of completing their Wednesday tasks, Kitty and Lydia disappear to Meryton to visit Aunt Phillips and flirt with soldiers on the streets. I'm left to nurse Mother; and prepare herbal broths, teas and compresses. I am forced to listen to her complain how none of us respect her poor nerves. I am forced read insipid novels to her! Half our staff have Wednesday afternoon from midday to dusk off. Thus, inadequate help and no direction creates a hardship for those who remain behind. I am expected to keep the house in good order. I'm expected to ensure dinner is prepared and served when everyone deigns to reappear." Mary sipped her hot chocolate.
"What do you believe causes your Mama to have Wednesday headaches?" Papa watched the looks passing between Lydia and Kitty. This situation bore watching.
"Because Jane calls on tenants on Wednesday, she cannot accompany Mother on calls. Until the Bingley ladies return Mother's last call, it is inappropriate for Mother and Jane to call at Netherfield Park. The community is harvesting right now, including Longbourn's farms. The horses are not available for Mother to use the carriage." Mary shrugged.
"You unthinking, unfeeling girl!" Lydia cried. "Mother complains Kitty and I are too lively for her nerves. We would stay but she doesn't want us. She wants you when she is ill."
"What Mother wants is stronger draughts than she needs. If I gave in to her hysterics or tears, she would be unconscious for hours and a laudanum addict. No medicinal sherry this morning. She may have willow bark tea or chamomile tea. Instead of giving in to her nerves, Mother needs sunshine, fresh air and exercise. Since she won't listen to my suggestions, I wrote directions for dealing with her nervous headaches." Mary reached in her pocket and withdrew a specific list. "I cannot tend Mother today. I recommend Jane do so. I need Lizzy to help me harvest."
"Surely Kitty or Lydia could help in the herb garden," Papa planned to draw Lizzy into a game of chess to pass the afternoon.
"They bruise the plants and don't follow directions because they daydream," Mary refused stubbornly. "I can use Lizzy and Sarah. We're harvesting at the main farm, which will not create noise to bother Mother. Kitty is scheduled to help in the house and kitchen today. She can ensure midday and dinner are served in a timely manner. I already rearranged and simplified the dinner menu because staff is gone. Lydia is scheduled to help with the laundry. She can come to the main farm with Lizzy and me, as the wash house is there. Jane can manage the few remaining servants."
"Wait to harvest tomorrow," Lydia suggested.
"Between Mother and stillroom duties, I have been delayed with the harvest. I should have harvested last week. I must harvest seeds for next year's gardens. I must move herb cuttings into the conservatory, so we have fresh herbs for cooking and baking this winter. Papa, if I do not harvest, there will be no medicinal broths, teas or sherries to ease Mother's headaches until spring. You will summon the apothecary on a weekly basis. Today promises to be a warm, sunny day which is perfect for harvesting. We will be busy with garden workers from midmorning to dinner time," Having presented her case, Mary applied herself to her hot rolls and hot chocolate.
"I am calling on tenants this morning. Why doesn't Lydia take from now until midday with Mama? After midday, Lydia can go to the main farm to help in the wash house. I will take midday to dinner time with Mama. We'll see how Mama feels by dinner time." Jane passed Mary's list to Lydia. "We'll remove the knocker to prevent Mama being importuned."
"Jane, I must share a caution with you. Since Michaelmas, Mother demands I fund Lydia's Wednesday forays into Meryton. Mother owes me for medicinal sherry for Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas. Lydia owes me for new art supplies. She used all my drawing paper and my red and gold pencils and paints to draw portraits of the militia while she sits at Aunt Phillips. She still cannot read or write French. However, she and Mrs. Phillips have planned two card parties between now and the Christmas assembly. I don't mind my efforts and abilities paying for art and French lessons for my sisters and me, except I haven't had a French or art lesson in a month. Papa, you may check my ledger and my art box if you require proof." Mary ignored Lydia's frown at the list of tasks for soothing Mama.
Papa's shocked face roamed from Lydia to Mary. Lately the heat of the summer sapped his energies. Mrs. Bennet had run unchecked, like Kitty and Lydia. He had no intention of being publicly embarrassed by their actions. His thunderous face left Lydia sitting uneasy. Once Papa examined Mary's ledger, next quarter day she would receive a portion of Mama's pin money in addition to Lydia's.
~X~
"Lizzy," Mary's voice interrupted Lizzy's thoughts. "What are you doing?'
"Harvesting the chamomile. I pulled the plants with no seeds, cut off the roots and put the plant in the chamomile embroidered muslin bag. I just finished harvesting the seeds into their bag. Now I'm transplanting the remaining plants into pots for the conservatory." Lizzy stared at the plant in her hand. "I am trying to remember its uses. Tea for?"
"Digestive issues, fevers, and muscle aches and pains. Chamomile syrup mixed with Gowland's Lotion soothes irritated skin." Mary didn't look up from her task.
"What are you harvesting?" Lizzy planted three chamomile plants each in four pots per Mary's instructions.
"I'm harvesting the blue hyssop which is good for coughs. I cook the blue hyssop down into a syrup and mix the syrup with elderberry juice and honey. I try to make as much as possible for Kitty and for the tenants if they become ill." Mary harvested as she educated.
"Mary, I will never be as good in a garden as you are." Lizzy would laugh, but her knees ached. 'How can Mary kneel for so long?'
"Lizzy, my gardens are to me as walks are to you. When I am restless, my work in the garden distracts my thoughts or enables me to think clearly. I cannot express the joy I feel when I view the bounty yielded by my gardens. I have a blank everyday book. This winter I can draw botanical pictures of herbs with a description of their uses and copies of receipts. I recommend you study the pictures as you have time. However, if Mother's predictions about Mr. Bingley putting all of us in the path of rich men comes true, we shan't mind paying a coin to the surgeon or apothecary."
"Don't you want a life where we don't have to worry about dowries for our daughters?" Lizzy finished potting the chamomile which Mary wanted for the conservatory.
"I wish I was born a man. I could work on the main farm to my heart's content. I could devise ways to increase our living by better use of the tenant farms. I would control Mother's overspending. I wouldn't listen to Mother whinge about entailments and husbands." Mary finished harvesting the blue hyssop. "Although I allow, Mother would pick the richest bride for me…as long as she let Mother act as Longbourn's mistress."
"Without sizeable dowries, we have nothing but our charms and accomplishments to recommend us. Only a silly man would take us for £40 a year and you know I can't abide silly men." Lizzy carried filled pots to the farm cart which Mary brought with them.
"Our situation is not so dire. Jane is the loveliest of us and has the sweetest disposition. You are clever. witty and well read. Kitty is the most amiable. Lydia is the liveliest. I despair of Kitty or Lydia ever keeping a husband pleased. I believe a gentleman needs his wife to have accomplishments other than flirting, dancing or redecorating bonnets."
"Mary, do you think yourself plain? Because you are not. You never primp or fuss when we attend assemblies and parties." Lizzy considered her shy sister. "When you take time to dress your hair, you appear more attractive. You have more blonde in your hair than any of us, except Jane. Jane would give up her pocket money for your curls. You have interesting hazel eyes when you set your spectacles aside and look at the world. You are quite pretty when you wear green."
"Why should I primp and fuss as you suggest? Mother will never put me forward to any potential suitor. I would rather wear a nice, plain gown and style my hair simply. Mother does not expect more of me. Thus, she leaves me alone to fuss at the rest of you. I enjoy sitting in the hall waiting for Jane and you to appear. I know you believe you will be a spinster and a governess to Jane's children. Should I shock you with the pronouncement I hope the same of you and me? Once you marry a brilliant man…an academic at Oxford or Cambridge, you will need an assistant to keep his students healthy. You will need a nursery maid. You won't mind my teaching your daughters to draw, embroider, or play the pianoforte. You won't mind my raiding your library for new and interesting materials to read. You will welcome my increasing your gardens and orchards."
"Oh Mary!" Lizzy protested. "You are intelligent, hardworking and quite capable. You should marry a doctor, surgeon or an apothecary, for you would be a great helpmate to them."
"I fear I will never marry. Why would Mother seek a good marriage for me when she needs me as a nurse; a stillroom, kitchen, distillery, or dairy maid; a garden worker; or a musician? She won't listen when I recommend she air her room daily, take walks daily and meditate on the blessings in her life. She only hears what she wants to hear. Since I don't talk nonsense and gossip, she does not listen to me." Mary potted blue hyssop plants and carried them to the cart.
"You can teach Sarah to be the stillroom maid. She can make the broths, teas and sherries for Mama. Teach Kitty to make cough syrup. Share the stillroom and kitchen receipts with all of us. Teach your sisters to handle the distillery, the bees, the dairy and the gardens…then marry a medical man. The oldest Locke boy and the oldest Jones boy are both at university, studying to be doctors. They both dance with you when they attend local assemblies." Lizzy bent over the thyme, carefully handling the plants.
"They dance with me because I am the only girl who listens when they discuss their classes. I don't swoon when they mention what they learn. I think it's interesting to learn new ways of healing people. Anyway, I wouldn't marry a doctor, surgeon or apothecary. Mother would be overwhelmed with heart palpitations and nervous spasms. When Papa passed, she would expect to live with me and my medically trained husband. I've learned to perform every household task. I would do well in a snug little cottage with a large space to grow my gardens and an orchard. I would have my poultry, piggy sow and my bees. I would be content…away from Mother's vapors and nerves." Mary pulled a face. "What about you Lizzy? Will you marry for love or marry for security?"
"I am convinced only the deepest love will induce me to marry. Besides, there are so few eligible men in Meryton, or anywhere, since the war began." Lizzy sat back on her heels. "Perhaps Charlotte and I might join you at a snug little cottage."
"Lizzy, may I share a word of warning?" Mary waited for Lizzy to nod. "You are well read and clever, so please take what Mr. Wickham claims with a grain of salt? No man of good conscience would announce his financial woes or life strife to all and assundry. Mr. Wickham likes wine, cards and pretty ladies. He flirts with you, Kitty and Lydia while seeking a young woman with a sizeable dowry like Mary King. He prefers young, innocent ladies who don't realize what a blackguard he is. I don't say this to hurt you. You understand while Lydia and Kitty do not. Men, even the most handsome and charming, have responsibilities other than courting and wooing young women. The men who make a game of courting and wooing are not worthy men. I worry Mr. Wickham might compromise Kitty or Lydia without any intention of marriage. If charm were riches, Mr. Wickham would be of greater consequence than Mr. Darcy. But if character were riches, Mr. Wickham would have pockets to let."
"Do you think so ill of him?" Lizzy pondered Mary's assertions.
"One may smile and smile and be a villain." Mary quoted Shakespeare. "I know he is in debt to most of the shopkeepers in Meryton. I know he has debts of honor with other militia men. I know there is untruth in Mr. Wickham's claim Mr. Darcy refused him a living left in his godfather's will."
"How do you know these things?" Mary's assertions surprised Lizzy.
"I make honey biscuits for assemblies and Aunt Phillips' card parties. I sit near the refreshments to refill the biscuit plates and punch bowls. I read a book to discourage conversations. People talk Lizzy; I hear a great many conversations, secrets and gossip. I know all of you think I only read Fordyce and only quote pedantic notions, but I practice self-defense. If I spout Fordyce, Mother sends me out of her presence. I can read, study my Latin, or draw botanical sketches. I can work in my gardens or my stillroom, or create new receipts in the kitchen. If Mother lectures me, I repay in kind with dirges on the pianoforte when she entertains Aunt Phillips, Mrs. Long or Lady Lucas. Beethoven can be intensely morose." Mary finished transplanting the savory.
"Secrets like?"
"Miss King's maid is enamored with Mr. Wickham. She claims he uses Miss King as an excuse to see her. Abby Proper, the innkeeper's daughter, tells Mr. Wickham when men of means take rooms. Mr. Proper finances Mr. Wickham's card games for half the winnings he fleeces from them. Martha Hallman, the butcher's daughter, kept company with Mr. Wickham until she eloped to Scotland with her cousin and moved to Norfolk. Jenny Dabbs, the tailor's daughter, danced three dances with Wickham at a dinner party over a fortnight ago. A sennight ago, Mrs. Dabbs took Jenny to an uncle in London who owns a fringe and lace manufacturing business." Mary related how Mr. Wickham took virtues in lieu of fortunes.
"Do you share anything you overhear with Mama?" Lizzy considered Mary's words. She believed Mary to be intelligent. However, she did not know Mary was so intuitive.
"No, I don't consort in gossip. If Mother knew of the romances, alliances and intrigues I hear at parties and assemblies, she would force me into a corner to gather gossip like a pretty girl gathers dance requests." Mary carefully harvested the tops of dill which had gone to seed. "Lizzy, I have more to tell you. Sir Lucas banned Charlotte and Maria from walking alone anywhere while the militia is housed in Meryton. They are not allowed to remain in shops where there are two or more militia present. The Long girls are not allowed to walk alone anywhere either. While several of the militia cut dashing figures in their regimentals, not all of them are gentlemen, including Mr. Wickham. Most of them are impoverished second sons or third sons who only have their looks and the militia to recommend them. I worry for you when you walk out alone in the mornings."
"I have taken my last walk to Mount Oakham for the year. I can walk the gardens and park of Longbourn until spring. I won't walk to Meryton alone, nor walk to Lucas Lodge without company." Lizzy put her dismissive tone aside when she caught Mary watching her. "Oh, Mary, I have known for some time I am just a diversion for Mr. Wickham. I haven't the funds to charm him like Mary King. While some days I wish we had large dowries to ensure good marriages, I would not want to be pursued by fortune hunters. Still, good looking, poor men must have something to live on just like plain, rich men."
"Especially when Mother equates wealth with how good looking a man is. Sometimes I wish I were not so serious," Mary very rarely spoke her wishes aloud.
"Why?" Lizzy gently encouraged her sister.
"I would play matchmaker. Mr. Wickham needs money; Miss Bingley has a sizeable dowry. Maybe my feelings are unchristian, but I think they deserve one another. A single woman of good fortune should be respectable, accomplished and highly sought after. Miss Bingley has seen several Seasons and Little Seasons and remains unmarried. I wonder if Mr. Darcy's presence at Netherfield Park keeps Mr. Wickham from pursuing Miss Bingley. Or, tell the truth and shame the devil, is her age a deterrent for Mr. Wickham? She has a total of £30,000 versus Mary King's £10,000."
Both sisters laughed.
"Lizzy, there's more. Mr. Darcy's valet, Roberts, enjoyed a meal and a pint at the Meryton Inn on his afternoon off. He had been purchasing shirt and waistcoat buttons for Mr. Darcy from Mr. Dabbs. Roberts almost came to fisticuffs with Captain Denny over the supposed legacy Mr. Darcy refused to give Mr. Wickham. Roberts announced his master is a good, kind, respectable man who paid Mr. Wickham's debts from Derbyshire to London so decent shopkeepers would not be swindled. Roberts declared he was glad Old Mr. Darcy passed before he learned his godson is a liar, thief and degenerate. He claims no one in Derbyshire has anything kind to say about Mr. Wickham." Mary's bitter voice lent credence to Roberts' claims.
"What did Captain Denny say?" Lizzy harvested a patch of lemon balm.
"He said no one in Meryton has anything kind to say about Mr. Darcy. That ended the argument until Mr. Wickham entered the pub. Mr. Wickham suggested Roberts buy him a pint. Roberts ignored him and finished his meal. The innkeeper told Roberts the gentleman spoke to him. Roberts said, 'I work for a gentleman. Believe me, Wickham is no gentleman – despite his good looks, genteel manners and affability, in addition to the gentleman's education paid for by Old Mr. Darcy.' Then Roberts paid his bill and left." Mary, vexed by the conversation, applied herself to harvesting the basil which had gone to seed. "Lizzy, there are people in Meryton who easily believe Mr. Wickham because becoming acquainted with Mr. Darcy requires effort. The Meryton matrons feel slighted because Mr. Darcy avoids their matchmaking attempts, while Mr. Wickham's affability endears him to them. If what Roberts says is true, I believe Mr. Darcy honors his father's memory above exposing Mr. Wickham."
Mary had never spoken against anyone in her life. Lizzy learned a great deal about her sister today.
"I asked Uncle Phillips about Old Mr. Darcy's will. Mr. Darcy can only legally refuse to grant a living from his father's will if Mr. Wickham failed to fulfill the conditions of the will. I don't believe Mr. Wickham can accept a living. Any ordained man of the cloth would accept a position or a living when one became available to him. A living as a curate pays twice what a militia officer makes in a year. Why isn't Mr. Wickham a curate at the living, practicing his craft while waiting for the living to become vacant? I believe he is not ordained, and he is a miscreant of the lowest level. Lizzy, in addition to his gambling, drinking, and debts to Meryton shopkeepers, he is responsible for at least two interesting situations." Mary moved things on the cart to create more room. "Kitty and Lydia share secrets in my presence all the time. They, like Mama, don't realize I am present and can hear every word. I know which officers accept dinner invitations to which homes, depending on which young lady's purse caught their eye."
"Tomorrow, I will help you lay out seeds on your drying trays in the distillery. I will help you tie bunches, so herbs dry on your drying racks. Mayhap we can ask Jane to help us bundle and tie." Lizzy could not discuss Mr. Wickham any longer. 'I want to bloody Mr. Wickham's nose. How much of his pretty words and captivating stories were lies? I will tell Jane about Wickham…Mayhap between Jane, Mary and me, we can keep him from compromising Kitty or Lydia.'
"I have muslin ties and Mr. Hill just built more drying racks for me. We should harvest the last of the lavender also. Maybe we should bind the bundles as we harvest to save time."
"Mary, how do you know when the herbs are ready to make seed?" Lizzy watched her sister carefully cut seed pods from herbs and put them in muslin bags. Mary's muslin bags all had one herb embroidered on each. She never made a mistake about what she planted, or harvested. The bags were the size of a pillowcase, but Mary seemed to have enough bags for each of the herbs.
"Every plant has its own timeline. You let the herb flower and set seed. You let the seed begin to dry on the plant. Then you collect the seeds, separate them and dry them to replant in the spring. Some plants, like the lavender, mint, and winter savory, don't need seed to reproduce. Two or three heads of the dill produce enough seeds for the next year." Mary stood and stretched. "I am in need of a respite. Dusk approaches, Sarah can take the bags to the distillery. Tomorrow we'll put herbs on the drying racks and seeds on trays. Let's take the cart back to the house. Mr. Hill can unload the plants, while we eat and rest. We won't finish the herb gardens today, so I will need help from both Jane and you tomorrow."
"We will help anytime you ask," Lizzy promised.
"This group of herbs," Mary indicated marjoram, oregano, rosemary, sage and thyme pots in the cart, "prefer an almost dry soil. If I have space in the lavender bed, I will plant those herbs near it. That group with basil, chives and parley like damp soil. That is mint. I always plant mint in troughs near buildings. I never plant mint in the ground as the plant will take over an area."
Friday, October 30
"Good morning, Mary," Papa refreshed her coffee. "Sarah said she lit the fire in the dining room and hot coffee is prepared. Why are you so industrious at this hour of the morning?"
"I had an idea during the night," Mary concentrated on her stitches. "Papa, I would like to trade you 48 farthings and 19 shillings for a pound coin."
"Larger coin of the realm so you are not required to donate to the poor and needy like Lydia." Papa's eyes twinkled.
"I have been discovered. If I loaned Lydia a pound coin, I would never see the remaining coins or be repaid for the pound. I try to keep smaller coins which are easier to use." Mary nodded at the pile of coins on the table next to her lockbox.
"You may borrow a pound coin. I know you will not abscond with my funds." Papa fished a one pound coin from the money pouch in his waistcoat pocket. He laid the coin on the table next to Mary. "Will you tell me what you are doing?" He eyed the two strips of white flannel which Mary industriously sewed together.
"I thought to make coin pockets. I sew these two pieces together, stitching all around. Then I stitch across the strip to make individual little pockets. Then I clip one side of the pocket beneath the horizontal stitch." She finished a stitch and reached for her scissors. She clipped one of the squares. "I need a pound coin to check the coin pockets." She slid a one-pound coin in the bottom pocket of the strip. "I am right, each square will hold a pound coin. The flannel muffles the sound of the coin. Once I fill the pockets, I can put the strip in my reticule, rolled and tied securely shut. Without the coins rattling against one another, I am not announcing my largess to the world. If I create the coin pockets with a button hole, I can put a button on a petticoat and hide my money away from highwaymen."
"You are such a clever girl!" Papa praised her. "I think you could sell them to your Uncle Gardiner to sell to ladies."
"I want to fill my coin strip first and roll it, ensuring the rolled strip fits well in the bottom of my reticule." Mary applied herself to finishing her creation. She slipped coins of assorted sizes in each pocket and rolled the strip tightly. She wrapped and tied a ribbon around the rolled strip, placing the bundle in the bottom of her reticule. "My coin strip works, Papa."
"I knew your coin strip would work, Mary. There is something special about the way you think. You can determine what would fit where. You would know a better way to carry more merchandise on your Uncle Gardiner's ships, and display more in his warehouses."
"Well, as your third daughter, I do my best to fit as many plants as possible in cold frames, the conservatory, and our kitchen and herb gardens. I think I will walk into Meryton this morning, Papa. I want to visit the bookstore, barter honey for Latin lessons from Uncle Phillips, and purchase embroidery threads. Perhaps Lizzy would walk with me."
"You do not want Kitty or Lydia to know your errand. If your Mama should ask, you are delivering a book to Sir William for me before you go to your Latin lesson." Papa recommended.
~X~
"Papa, might I have help from Jane and Lizzy tomorrow? The dried flowers are ready to distill into floral waters and perfumes. We'll be at the distillery from early morning until dusk."
"Of course, we'll help," Jane and Lizzy replied.
"I planned to take them on calls tomorrow," Mama shook her head no at Papa. "While we can't call on Netherfield Park, mayhap the nice Mr. Bingley will be in Meryton where we might see him. I'm sure if he saw Jane again, he would invite us to dinner at Netherfield Park."
"Since Kitty and Lydia are rubbish in the stillroom, I'd rather have my competent sisters. We'll be done by dusk tomorrow night. If I don't do this, every one of my sisters, Mother and Aunt Phillips will pay coin for floral waters and perfumes. The candles and soaps Sarah and I made after Lady Day are hardened and ready to move to the house. The quills are dry also, and ready to distribute at Christmas."
"Then I think tomorrow is a wonderful day for distillery," Papa's eyes twinkled at Mary. "When do you plan to bottle the mead and the wines?"
"Next week, the Hills and Sarah can help me. We'll make apple cider and vinegar next week also. The cider will be ready by Christmas. We will make an extra cask of mead this year since the honey harvest was excellent." Mary passed the acorn squash stuffed with diced apples, nuts, honey and spices. Sunday they would have her honey and herb glazed roast chicken and Papa's favorite baked pears with honey and walnuts.
"Lydia and Kitty can help decant the wine," Mama opined.
"I would rather not have their help. They insist on tasting each of the wines and the mead. Then they are loud and careless because they are foxed." Mary enjoyed the fresh pork roast with sweet potatoes, onions, parsnips and carrots. She helped herself to the squash, and cooked cabbage. Papa purchased Mary's farrows once they were weaned. Lady Capulet had two farrows of ten this year. The smokehouse almost burst with hams, pork chops and bacon. Half the spring farrow had been butchered and sent to the smokehouse. After Christmas the other half farrow would be butchered. The fall farrow would be ready for butchering and smoking around Lady Day and Midsummer.
"Oh la! Why shouldn't your sisters have a glass or two of wine in their own home! Parsimonious, that's what you are," Mama declared.
"Six glasses while we're decanting in the brewery is not a glass or two of wine at home. Since there is work to do, I will not endure their silliness in the brewery. Nor will I waste my time nursing them through headaches from being in their cups." Mary applied herself to the excellent meal knowing Papa appreciated her hard work to provide for them. 'I may have to endure Kitty and Lydia drinking too much wine punch, flirting and acting silly in public because you are too busy gossiping to limit their intake. I will not be distracted from my tasks.'
"Are we to be bored to tears with Fordyce's Sermons this evening?" Lydia sneered.
"If I truly believed you might learn something from Fordyce's Sermons, I would translate his sermons into French and set them to the tunes of those French songs you and Kitty adore learning from Aunt Phillips." Mrs. Hill set two apple and raisin pies on the sideboard. Mary soaked the raisins in brandy before adding them to the filling. She smiled at Mary over Mrs. Bennet's head.
"Enough," Papa's voice quieted the room. "Mary is responsible for the expansion of the kitchen and herb gardens, not to mention this year's prodigious harvest from the orchard and the bees. Therefore Mary decides who will help distill flowers and decant wines. When Mary asks for help from her sisters or the staff, I expect everyone to help her."
Mama sniffed, yet poured more wine. Papa winked at Mary.