Wretched Beginnings Chapter 5 – November Ball
Friday, November 20, 1812, the day of the Netherfield Ball
Reverend William Collins alighted at Longbourn exactly at three o'clock as planned. The tall, sturdy-looking young man of five and twenty observed the manor which would one day be his inheritance. Longbourn occupied a smallish park, with well-kept trees and flower beds. He memorized the prospect to relate to his patroness, Lady Catherine de Bourgh. He presented himself with a grave and reserved air, as he observed other clergy present themselves. He thought his manners were stately and formal, thanks to the patronage and condescension of Lady Catherine de Bourgh.
Mr. Collins greeted his cousins with a deep bow, designed to delight the young ladies. He heard his Bennet cousins were pretty girls. Now, since seeing them, he quite agreed. Serene cousin Jane, with her blonde hair and kind blue eyes, epitomized the perfect woman. Pretty, petite cousin Elizabeth, with her chestnut ringlets and chocolate brown eyes, moved gracefully and laughed melodiously. Quiet cousin Mary, with medium brown hair and pleasant hazel eyes, had a reserved air. Lively cousins Catherine and Lydia were so young, and so undisciplined.
The Bennets' manservant showed Mr. Collins to his room, and helped him brush the effects of travel from his clothes. After freshening, Bennets invited him for tea in the drawing room. Mr. Collins looked around and noted Jane and Elizabeth sitting together on a three seat back settee.
"Come sit beside me, Mr. Collins," Mr. Bennet deterred Mr. Collins from sitting between his daughters. He indicated a set of chairs located to one side of the fireplace. He caught Lizzy's eyes and glanced at the table which had been set with the tea tray, dishes and refreshments.
"Jane, I will cut the butter pound cakes if you will share the pieces around." Lizzy rose gracefully and moved to the table. Jane ignored Mr. Collins and quickly followed her astute younger sister. After serving the tea and refreshments, the five girls remained clustered around the table at the other end of the drawing room.
Mrs. Bennet sat on the settee across from Mr. Collins and examined him. She considered ordering Lizzy to sit with her and entertain Mr. Collins with her father. However, her five daughters clustered around one table provided a pretty domestic picture. Mrs. Bennet could not have arranged the girls better.
Mr. Collins sipped his brown tea while extolling the taste and refinement of the excellent green tea served at Rosings Park. He excessively complimented the pretty tea service. Mrs. Bennet promptly announced her grandmother bequeathed the tea service to her. If she were forced to leave Longbourn, she would take the tea service with her. Mr. Collins proclaimed Mary's honey biscuits and Elizabeth's pound cakes superior to any he tasted in London, Oxford or Rosings Park. He inquired if he would taste Jane's cooking at dinner.
"Mr. Collins," Mrs. Bennet's glacial tone quelled him. "We are quite able to keep a cook. My daughters might prepare special treats for the family; however, they do not fry eggs or boil potatoes!"
Mr. Collins apologized profusely for any offence he might have given. "My life in Kent is quite pleasant. I live at Hunsford Parsonage, which is smaller than Longbourn. However the view is improved by the prospect of the magnificent estate Rosings Park. My humble abode abuts the lane which separates my glebe from Rosings Park. The society in Hunsford is quite pleasant. I have tea and dinner at least twice a week by invitation of Lady Catherine at Rosings Park." He described the £800 chimney pieces, the excessive number of glazed windows, and the grand sweeping staircase of Rosings Park for another fifteen minutes. His tea cooled before he finally stopped speaking. Once tea ended, he requested to speak privately with Mr. Bennet, who demurred. Mr. Collins would join Mr. Bennet and Cousin Mary for a late dinner and conversation. They would speak after dinner. Everyone would rest until time to prepare for their evening plans.
Mrs. Bennet announced she and four of her daughters were engaged to attend a private ball given by a local gentleman. She expected Mr. Bingley, with his £5,000 a year, to offer for Jane at this evening's ball.
Mr. Collins' hopes plummeted. He would have been the envy of his parish and society in Kent if his angelic Cousin Jane graced his arm and life. He felt determined to secure approval for his attentions to Cousin Elizabeth. Lady Catherine directed him to offer for one of his cousins and set the wedding date after the holidays. Lady Catherine would visit his betrothed and provide education about her duties to the parsonage and the rectory.
~X~
"Lydia, what are you doing? We have a guest in the house! You cannot wander the halls in your undergarments and wrapper!" Lizzy hissed.
"Nonsense," Lydia declared. "Mr. Collins is busy preparing for dinner…or we hope he is. Anyhow…Lizzy you must promise to share Wickham tonight. You cannot keep him at your side all evening."
"As a typical man…he will make up his own mind, Lydia. I don't believe Wickham will ignore Mary King to dance attendance on me. Let us just be grateful Mr. Collins isn't attending and demanding dance sets from all of us." Lizzy continued to fix her hair. "I thought Kitty planned to wear the rose pink sash?"
Lydia rolled her eyes and gathered her dress. "Kitty and I wish to dance with Wickham also. Lizzy, you must share." She departed, barely closing Lizzy's door.
With his mind awhirl with flattery, Mr. Collins encountered Lydia in the hall. She carried her dress in her hand; her young, curvaceous figure exposed in dishabille. Mr. Collins and Lydia bobbed and wove, trying to not touch or look at one another. Mr. Collins averted his eyes and raced to his room at the top of the stairs. However, he had been misaligned from avoiding Lydia in the hall. She rushed in one direction – he rushed in the other. In his haste, he mistook Mary's room at the top of the servants' staircase for his guest room. Throwing the door open and rushing inside, ungainly Mr. Collins knocked Mary to the floor. His head hit her mouth and split her lip.
Pinned to the floor by Mr. Collins, Mary screamed inelegantly. "Get off me. Papa! Help, oh help!" She batted at Mr. Collins' head. He didn't understand what happened and protected himself, not moving off his cousin. Mary's state of dishabille added to the severity of the situation.
Mr. Bennet bounded up the stairs. He stood, silently stunned, at the doorway of Mary's room. The Bennet ladies crowded in behind him. Mrs. Bennet peeked around Mr. Bennet and wept, "OH, MR. COLLINS!"
"Mrs. Bennet," Mr. Bennet raised his voice. "Your hysterics are hardly helpful right now. You are overset and should retire to your room. Lydia, Kitty, please help your Mama to her chambers. Administer smelling salts and ONE cordial of medicinal sherry. Jane, see to your sister Mary. Lizzy, fetch my hunting rifle!"
"You libertine!" Mr. Bennet grasped Mr. Collins by the scruff of his neck, lifting him off a bleeding and weeping Mary. Mr. Bennet bounced Mr. Collins off a wall before he shoved him out the bedroom door. "How dare you compromise one of my daughters! How dare you take advantage of my hospitality! Such low behavior in my home is not acceptable!"
Jane shut the door to Mary's room. She helped an unsteady Mary to her feet. "Sit, I will ring for Mrs. Hill to bring a glass of wine to steady your nerves." She rummaged Mary's drawers to find handkerchiefs to press into her sister's hands. "Mary," Jane smoothed Mary's hair. "Do you want to marry him? If you do, Papa will make him marry you. If you don't, he can make Mr. Collins give you an endowment, or maybe change the entail?"
Mr. Collins…the heir to Longbourn…my home, my gardens, tenants I know. Mary pondered the situation for a minute before she nodded slowly. "An endowment will scarcely help. I would still be unmarried, and Mother would still fret. She would insist I use my endowment to bolster dowries for you or for Lydia."
"You don't have to marry him, Mary," Jane advised. "You are not without admirers. An endowment would allow you to marry Jonathan Locke or Samuel Jones. Or Uncle Phillips' clerk, Mr. Price. He looks upon you with interest when you attend Latin lessons with Uncle Phillips. While Mama would claim Mr. Collins is a highly eligible match…do not marry him to secure Longbourn for Mama."
"I want Longbourn, and all my hard work and effort." Mary explained. "Returning after Papa passes will have its pain. Mr. Collins can go to his study, or his stables, or hunt and fish. I will escape to my poultry, stillroom, gardens and orchards. We will enjoy our separate but enjoined lives. I will have no need to repine."
Lizzy ran up the stairs lightly, gun in hand, Hill on her heels.
"He'll shoot him!" Hill attempted to pull the gun from Lizzy.
"No, he won't; it's not loaded." Lizzy whispered to Hill.
Jane opened the door to Mary's room and nodded at Lizzy.
Lizzy handed the gun to Papa, who immediately drew on Mr. Collins. Mr. Bennet guided Mr. Collins down the main stairs, with liberal pokes of his hunting rifle. He motioned for Mr. Collins to sit in the study.
Mr. Collins attempted to speak but Lizzy angrily addressed him. "Do be quiet Mr. Collins, unless you intend to make my sister a widow before the evening ends. Father, I suggest you do not shoot the libertine until you have his signature on necessary documents."
"I won't give him a penny in dowry!" Mr. Bennet insisted. "He doesn't deserve to be rewarded for his low behavior!"
"Mr. Collins has legacies from his grandfather and father. He can settle £5,000 on Mary in the marriage articles. I suggest only Mary access the account and draw the interest as she desires. Guarantee her yearly allotment from Mama's four percents during your lifetime, and Mary's share of funds when Mama is gone. She will need a will prepared by Mr. Phillips to determine the distribution of her funds in case of an early demise. Guarantee the family silver, pictures, Bible, etc. will stay as Longbourn's legacy. Allow Mary a lifetime living at Longbourn." Lizzy advised.
"Lizzy, such calmness in such turmoil! Mary will make him a good wife. She is educated and accomplished. She reads to her betterment, does charitable deeds, and is conservative with her funds. She knows to keep a good house, set a good table, and deal effectively with servants. While the thought of making her marry him appalls me, I can't endure her disgrace." Mr. Bennet replaced his rifle on the rack behind his desk.
"Hill," Mr. Bennet spoke to his manservant. "Request an audience with Mr. Phillips without his wife or servants listening. Tell Mr. Phillips to bring anything he needs for writing marriage articles. They cannot marry tonight. Mr. Phillips can recommend an expedient course of action. You must keep Longbourn servants from gossiping."
"Only Mrs. Hill and I remain in the house. John departed twenty minutes ago, taking the rest of the servants in the largest farm wagon to the Servants Ball at the Assembly Hall. I need the carriage to transport the ladies to the Netherfield Ball." Hill explained.
"I'll discuss the ball with Jane." Lizzy went to Mary's room. "I'm so deeply sorry about your split lip. Use cold compresses to keep the swelling down. All the servants except the Hills went to the Servants Ball. Papa moved Mr. Collins to his study to wait for Uncle Phillips."
"Are they discussing the marriage settlement?" Mary seemed unusually serene.
"Papa refuses to give Mr. Collins your dowry when Mama passes, and no additional funds either. Mr. Collins will settle £5,000 on you in the marriage articles. Your pin money is the £200 per annum interest, which only you can access. Additionally, you will receive your share of the four percents yearly until Mama's marriage settlement becomes her jointure funds. Do you wish to add your dowry to your marriage settlement upon Mama's passing?" Lizzy examined Mary's split lip, and for a moment she wanted to punch Mr. Collins and split his lip.
"Indeed, I do. Please ask Papa to add a clause to the marriage articles. Mr. Collins will delay occupying Longbourn until 90 days after Papa's death. Mr. Collins will provide a small cottage on Longbourn lands with two servants for Mother until her passing. I won't keep her, or Lydia in the main house after Mr. Collins takes possession." Mary pressed her handkerchief to her split lip.
"Mary!" Jane's shocked face did not stop her sister.
"Living with Mother and her imaginary illnesses and headaches for the remainder of her days does not suit. We have no interests, pastimes, nor conversation in common. I will not give way for her to continue as hostess of Longbourn. However, I will ensure Mr. Collins provides a roof over her head and two servants. Mother's jointure funds will provide the remainder of her expenses – food, clothing, candles, coal, etc." Mary reached for her wine glass and took a sip. "She won't starve in the hedgerows. However, she will learn economy and thrift. Mr. Collins will not provide accounts at any shop in Meryton. He will not pay any outstanding invoices for Mother."
"I am amazed. I thought Lizzy is the cleverest of us all, but I believe your quick thinking tonight would amaze even Papa." Jane hugged her sister.
"Lizzy, you and Jane must go to the ball. Your absence would be gossip around all the breakfast tables in Meryton tomorrow morning. Send Kitty to help me pack and leave Lydia to care for Mother. This must remain quiet or I will be ruined. Lizzy, insist Papa penalize pin moneys if anyone gossips about Mr. Collins and me." Mary's eyes filled with tears.
Jane inspected Mary's split lip, apologizing for making Mary wince. "All your things will not fit in one trunk. You must borrow Lizzy's and my trunks along with the valise and dressing case we take to London. Before Papa returns to Longbourn, you can buy two more trunks, a valise and a dressing case in London. You can send ours back with Papa. You can put your books, music, workbox, art box, stillroom and trousseau items in your trunk. Place your clothes in Lizzy and my trunks. I'll mention the luggage to Mrs. Hill. I made linen doilies for my sisters for their new homes. Each one is embroidered in silk threads. I will have Mrs. Hill bring the one marked for you."
"I want you to take my ecru kid leather gloves and plain ecru reticule. They will look lovely with your chocolate brown redingote and bonnet for traveling. I will suggest Mrs. Hill trade Lydia's new, rarely used workbox for your well-worn one." Lizzy hugged her sister. "I will tell Papa we are leaving for the ball to keep the gossip to a minimum. I'll tell Papa about your codicil to the marriage settlement."
"Thank you, Jane, thank you Lizzy," Mary kissed her sisters on their cheeks. "I will write after I am settled with the direction. Enjoy the ball, and tell me the details when you write."
Mrs. Hill entered with Mary's trunk. Lizzy told Mrs. Hill about the other trunks, valise and the dressing case. "Please ask Kitty to help Mary pack. We best leave Lydia with Mama or both will be under foot."
~X~
"Tell me again, how this visit came to fruition?" Mr. Bennet menaced Mr. Collins with the fireplace poker he used to rouse the fire in his study.
"My esteemed patroness, Lady…" Mr. Collins fluttered his hands as much as Mrs. Bennet when she was upset.
"Yes…I've heard her name at least ten times per hour since you arrived. I am NOT impressed. In the interest of brevity…say my patroness or say Lady Catherine. Either is acceptable, both are vexing. Now, tell me the reason for this visit. If you meant to extend an olive branch, you should have done so when your father passed." Mr. Bennet placed the fireplace poker in its holder. He felt tempted to beat Mr. Collins.
"The women in Kent were unsuitable as a wife of the vicar of Hunsford Rectory. Lady Catherine suggested one of my female cousins would be acceptable. She is excessively…" Since Mr. Bennet put his rifle away, Mr. Collins spoke with deference regarding his patroness.
"If you tell me one more time she is excessively attentive to all details…I shall box your ears! You are quite the stupidest man I have ever met! Which is amazing, as I thought your grandfather was the stupidest man I ever met. No one in their correct mind relinquishes a birthright! Then I thought your father was the stupidest man I ever met. I want to know why a cousin, who I've never laid eyes on in my life, should think I'm willing to sacrifice one of my daughters to marry him." Mr. Bennet accompanied his shouts with slamming the drawers of his desk.
"Lady Catherine suggested I view my inheritance and acquire a proper wife from among my cousins. The honor of my profession, my connections, and the entail make me an advantageous match for one of my cousins." Mr. Collins cowered in his chair.
"Your person and your manners inspire revulsion and disgust on my part. Your connections are tradespeople and the Bennets, who your grandfather abandoned. You may be the vicar of Hunsford Rectory but you are wholly unconnected to Lady Catherine!" Mr. Bennet shouted at Mr. Collins. "Did you think we would celebrate your offer which is an order from your patroness? She presumes a great deal, Mr. Collins. I am livid because I must allow my Mary, a virtuous creature praised in the pages of Reverend Fordyce's sermons, to become Mrs. Collins!"
"I had not intended to offer for Mary," Mr. Collins stared at his cousin, not understanding Mr. Bennet's ire. "Mrs. Bennet revealed Miss Bennet is anticipating an offer of marriage from a fine gentleman. Cousin Elizabeth is Miss Bennet's equal in all aspects, although she is a little more vivacious and a little less pretty. I intended to offer for her tonight."
"I don't care what your intentions were, Mr. Collins. You compromised my Mary and you will offer for her tonight or I will throw you down the stairs until you break your neck. Then I will swear before the court you asked for Mary's hand in marriage. I will petition the court to award all your property and funds to my Mary!"
Mr. Collins whimpered.
Mr. Bennet glared at the cowering cad. "Mary is educated and accomplished. She speaks French and Latin. She plays the pianoforte, draws, rides a horse, shoots archery, dances and plays cards. Mary has an apprentice apothecary education. She excels at household arts such as sewing, cooking, managing servants, and maintaining household accounts. She knows how to raise poultry and pigs. She excels at beekeeping, gardening, etc. She sells her eggs, herbs and honey, which we don't use, for music, books and gardening supplies. She is an even tempered, kind, Christian young lady who cares for the tenants of Longbourn. You are lucky to marry someone as accomplished as Mary."
Mr. Bennet paused and poured himself a glass of brandy. "The last time your father visited, he suggested I stay in my study. He didn't want me to be killed while riding or hunting. I suggest you start walking, and eat less. I don't want you dropping dead of a heart spasm before Mary bears your son. I want to ensure my bloodline continues at Longbourn." Mr. Collins believed the Longbourn entailment continued; Mr. Bennet was not ready to disabuse him of the notion.
~X~
"Pack your things from your vanity in the dressing case. Keep the dressing case inside the carriage with you. Pack your soiled clothing in the valise. Your laundry maid at Hunsford Parsonage can wash everything for you." Mrs. Hill suggested Kitty help Mary clear her room and load her trunks. "I brought you extra bottles of lavender and rose water. I sealed the lids with wax, so nothing leaks. I tucked half a dozen scented soaps and scented candles in your trunk."
Mary weeded two dresses and a pair of worn boots from her clothes. "For Sarah. These are worn, but still useable. I need the best garden smock and apron, my garden hat and gloves."
Mrs. Hill turned to Kitty, "I believe you and Lydia should give Mary her wedding gifts, so we can finish packing her trunks."
"I have a lovely new cream-colored shawl which will go with your best dress. I will bring Lydia's new gold ribbons for your brown dresses and bonnets. Lydia borrowed your gold combs, Lizzy's long silk gloves, and Jane's best dancing slippers. She planned to wear them to the ball tonight. I hope you will wear your gold combs for the wedding…and write Mama and Lydia to tell them all the details." Kitty revealed Lydia's transgressions.
"Will you retrieve them for us? I know Jane and Lizzy are dressing for the ball. I'm sure they need their things. Mrs. Hill, I won the jelly dish with the slight silver band in the county flower arranging contest when I was four and ten. I want to take the silvered dish to my new home." Mary concentrated on her packing…and did not think about marrying Mr. Collins.
"You'll be wanting the silk pillow you embroidered for the parlor, also," Mrs. Hill reminded her. "I will tuck the dish in your clothes to cushion its journey to your new home."
Mary set about her tasks. 'Herbs, seeds, garden bonnet…herbs, seeds, garden bonnet, receipt books, Lizzy's herb book. I can finish as I have time and send the book to her. Copy receipts for Mama's tea, broths and medicinal sherry. I should have given my sisters more stillroom lessons. Does Mr. Collins' home have a stillroom?'
When Kitty returned with the wedding gifts, and the purloined gold combs, Mary reached for a special item on her writing table. "Kitty, my room is pleasant enough, especially when the apple trees bloom in the spring. You no longer have to share a room with Lydia. If you do not want your best things to disappear, keep the door locked. This is the only key to the room." She packed the shawl and ribbons, promising to invite Kitty to Kent in the spring with Lizzy. Mary put her gold hair combs in her jewelry box, and checked the contents to ensure nothing was missing before packing it.
Mrs. Hill returned with a wrapped parcel along with the pillow and dish. "This is the linen tablecloth and twelve serviettes which your mother set aside for the first of her daughters who married. I know she hoped Miss Jane would marry Mr. Bingley first, but these table linens are your rightful inheritance." She packed the parcel. She packed the switched workbox. "Put some coin in your reticule; then I can pack your lockbox and ledger."
"Mrs. Hill, let's attend the stillroom. There are seeds I need for starter plants." Mary opened each drawer of the apothecary cabinets in sequence. She scooped tablespoons of seeds into small muslin bags. She printed the name for each seed on a scrap of paper and tucked the name paper in the bag, which she tied securely shut. She tucked three dozen bags of seeds into a larger muslin bag and tied it. She took two large bags each of dried mint, chamomile, lemon balm and bergamot to make herbal teas. She took two large bags each of comfrey, and lavender and rose petals. She took large bags of cooking herbs and large bags of medicinal herbs. She took two bottles of medicinal sherry, and a bottle of the blue hyssop syrup, sealing them with wax. "This must suffice," Mary gathered the everyday books where she kept her stillroom and kitchen receipts. "This is the key to the stillroom. Will you pack a bottle of the bay and bergamot water which Father uses along with four of the scented soaps? Mr. Collins can use them until I can determine what to do or buy for him."
"I'll write a list of household items we make, barter for, or purchase. I will express the list to you at the Gardiners." Mrs. Hill offered. "Mr. Collins should settle funds on you to establish a home. Take supplies with you when you go to Hunsford Parsonage. A single man will not have a fully stocked pantry. I'll give you a list of what you need from now through Lady Day to feed a dozen. You do not want to run out of coal, candles, soaps, etc. in the middle of winter. Mr. Collins' housekeeper should have ordered a supply at Midsummer, but write and ask for an inventory of supplies at the parsonage. They may have purchased enough for six people. You should take an adequate supply for six more. You should purchase a bolt of good white cotton to make bed linens, for single gentlemen do not have an adequate supply. You may require a bolt of fine wool to make blankets. You may need a bolt of heavy white flannel for making kitchen and bath linens. You can make petticoats, undergarments, night clothes and bandages out of the remaining flannel and good white cotton."
"Have my sisters copy the receipts for the medicinal broth, sherry and teas which I make for Mother into their everyday books. They should have them, but please ensure they do. I will write directions on how to tend the plants in the conservatory and how to tend the garden planting in the spring. I will send those with Papa when he returns." Mary packed her stillroom supplies.
~X~
Mr. Phillips discussed the situation and the changed entail with Mr. Bennet before entering the study to address Mr. Collins. Bennet swore him to secrecy. Almost twenty years passed since Andrew and Thomas Bennet changed the entail. Phillips opined Mr. Collins might be tempted to fight the new single succession paperwork…but the court would not look favorably upon Mr. Collins' efforts after twenty years. Loud voices accompanied Phillips' admission to the study, but were reduced to a drone. Phillips observed Mr. Collins with a jaundiced eye. He doubted the sensibility and sincerity of the young cleric. Mr. Collins appeared all the more ridiculous when he explained Lady Catherine's edict about cousins, marriage and the entail.
Phillips hoped either Jane or Lizzy would marry soon and bear a son, for then Longbourn's possession would skip Mr. Collins. However, if Mary had a son first, before Bennet passed…Longbourn would be bequeathed to Mary's son. Phillips knew the conversation would not be easy after Thomas Bennet's passing. He and Mr. Gardiner were the Longbourn trustees until the inheriting grandson reached majority. Mr. Collins would have no say in the management of Longbourn, or how Longbourn funds were spent. Phillips did not know how Mr. Collins would react, but the possibility of keeping Mary and a son from Longbourn would not be borne! He and Gardiner should keep funds on hand to enable the boy to change his name from Collins to Bennet.
"We can take my carriage, which is larger than yours and will hold the four of us and our luggage. We'll travel with the last night of a full moon to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner's home in London tonight. We cannot wait until tomorrow morning to leave. Mrs. Phillips and Mrs. Bennet are ill with a headache. Monday morning, we can obtain a special license and visit the bank while Mary and Mrs. Gardiner shop. I recommend you give Mary £100 to cover her trousseau and her pin money for December and next year." Phillips continued as he wrote his thoughts. "Mr. Collins will provide £100 to allow Mary to purchase supplies for a new home since she's been robbed of the opportunity to be properly prepared. They can marry on Tuesday and have a wedding breakfast at the Gardiners. They can have a wedding trip in London until Saturday morning. Mary will have time after the wedding to purchase any trousseau items, household items, books and music as desired. Mr. Collins will hire a carriage for their transport to Hunsford Parsonage. He will need to hire a dray wagon to take their household goods to Hunsford Parsonage."
"I will inform Mary. If Mrs. Phillips should ask…" Mr. Bennet's voice faded.
"I will tell her I witnessed papers for Mr. Bennet and his heir, Mr. Collins. After the marriage articles are signed, I will go home to pack. I will return with my carriage. I'll bring a footman and a coachman." Mr. Phillips explained.
"I will have Hill pack Mr. Collins before he packs me for a week in London. I will advise Mary to dress for travel. We best send an express post to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner to advise them to prepare for us." Mr. Bennet rang for Hill and wrote his express letter to the Gardiners.
'Mr. Collins is a sniveling toad.' Phillips could not disguise his look of disgust at Bennet's cousin. He drafted the marriage settlement, ensuring all the salient points were included. With a quick read and approval from Mr. Bennet, Phillips began drawing up three copies of the marriage articles.
"I will have your promise to care for Mary. I will have your promise not to regret your forced marriage. I will have your promise to never be cruel to my daughter or to any child you may beget." Bennet would not yield until Mr. Collins swore on a Bible.
~X~
"Lydia, your sister has been through enough tonight. You will not bombast her because you are missing the ball. " Mr. Bennet roared at his youngest daughter. "Additionally, I understand you pilfered Mary's gold hair combs, Jane's dancing slippers and Lizzy's silk gloves to wear tonight. Your current actions emphasize your conceit and your selfish disdain for the feelings of others. Since Mrs. Bennet encourages your abhorrent behavior, you will return upstairs to her. You can weep and wail with her about tonight's turn of events."
Lydia sobbed out an apology, hoping Papa would change his mind about letting her go to the ball. However, he was unmoved by her self-serving words and sent a chastised Lydia to attend her mother. Once a crying Lydia stumbled back up the stairs, Mr. Bennet sighed. 'Before I leave, I will issue a warning not to discuss Mary's compromise by Mr. Collins. I shall have Hill remove the knocker and leave directives – no one leaves the house until I return, and no one accepts callers while I am gone. Lydia needs to feel the consequences of her actions. When I return, Lydia's pilfering will be the first thing I address. She will have no society until after Twelfth Night. No card parties, assemblies, or private dinners. She will not walk out without a chaperone. She will not make calls with Mrs. Bennet, nor receive callers. I won't put her back in the nursery, but I will shorten her leading strings until she chokes from the lack of freedom.'
~X~
Darcy sighed with overwhelming happiness when he caught sight of Elizabeth Bennet. Her ivory silk ballgown enhanced her petite form. Her abundance of curls were held in place with pearl hairpins. She wore petite pearl earbobs and a single pearl pendant on a fine gold chain. The hairpins, earrings and necklace belonged to her grandmother, for whom she had been named. Darcy approved of Elizabeth. Her dainty hands, her oval face, her chestnut curls were all pleasing; but her fully lashed, sparkling, dark fine eyes pleased him most.
Bingley stood mute and frozen in the receiving line. Jane appeared stunningly beautiful in an ice blue silk ballgown. Tiny, brilliant beading on the gauze overlay sparkled in the candlelight. Short gauze caps topped puffed silk sleeves, which were embellished with more brilliant beading. A wide, white silk sash completed the dress. She wore her long white silk gloves, and white satin dancing slippers with silk ribbon roses. Her Grecian-style hair boasted a trio of white ribbons sprinkled with brilliant beading also.
The superior sisters made no pretense of their wish to see the Bennet sisters gone, as evidenced by their bare civilities. Caroline and Louisa hoped the Bennets were not attending tonight. Only, they were dismayed when the Bennet sisters arrived mere minutes before the opening of the ball.
"I'm sorry Mama and Papa couldn't attend. Papa has a guest, his cousin Mr. William Collins from Kent. Mama is indisposed. Sister Mary is acting as hostess for Mama. Papa would not allow our younger sisters to attend without Mama to chaperone them." Jane prevaricated.
Mr. Bingley offered Jane his arm while Darcy offered Lizzy his arm. They moved out of hearing of the Bingley sisters and toward the ballroom. "Well, you are the last, but the most welcome of our guests. Louisa and Hurst are opening the ball. Darcy and I would speak with both of you for a minute. I have the first and the supper set with you, Miss Bennet. Darcy would like the closing set. He asked Miss Elizabeth for the first and supper set. I will ask Miss Elizabeth for the closing set. We will sit together at supper and exit the ballroom together at the end of the night."
The ladies nodded and allowed the men to sign their dance cards. Jane smiled and blushed while Bingley escorted her to the ballroom.
"I believe we will be a lively party at the supper table." Mr. Darcy laid his hand on top of the one Elizabeth used to hold his arm. "My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, appeared unexpectedly today. He wanted to see me for a few days before he returns to work at the War Office. He asked Miss Lucas for the first set and the supper set. They will join us at the head table. We will be a full table with Mr. and Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley."
"I am delighted for the first set with you, Mr. Darcy. I promise not to step on your toes or bruise your ego too much," Lizzy smiled, her fingertips resting lightly on Darcy's arm.
~X~
"Mr. Phillips and I will accompany you to London, tonight. Mr. Philips, Mr. Collins and I will transfer your £5,000 marriage settlement to an account for you. Only you will have access to your marriage settlement, and to the per annum living from it. I will give you £100 for your trousseau and your pin money for the rest of this year and next. Do not spend your trousseau funds and pin money on supplies for your home. Mr. Collins will give you £100 for household items." Mr. Bennet informed his daughter.
Mr. Bennet gave Mary a significant look and then continued. "I added your codicils to the marriage settlement. I added two codicils to the marriage settlement. The books I inherited from Father and Grandfather remain at Longbourn. I will include that list with my will. Lizzy will decide which books to share with her sisters, keep for herself or sell to support Mrs. Bennet. My second codicil requires Mr. Collins save ten percent of the per annum living from Longbourn to provide an emergency fund."
"Thank you, Papa." Mary gratefully hugged her father.
"Mr. Collins has a legacy from his grandfather, William Bennet Collins. The interest will continue to accrue until he moves to Longbourn. He used a legacy from his father to support himself, pay for university and purchase his living from Lady Catherine. He will pay your marriage settlement from his father's legacy funds. He receives salary from the rectory in addition to a home and glebe. As Lady Catherine is the major landowner in the community, expect some of the payment from her tenant farmers to make its way to your kitchen. You may receive fruits, garden stuff, meat, milk, eggs, etc. If you cannot use or preserve your tithes, you must share them with the poor of the parish. You must keep precise records of what you receive, what you use, and what you give to the poor." Mr. Bennet explained. "Monday Mr. Collins and I will obtain your trousseau funds, pin money and household funds from the bank. You must keep accurate records of your household expenditures and your trousseau expenditures."
"You are Mary Alice Bennet, the daughter of a gentleman, with the deportment and manners of a lady. Keep up your correspondence with us; or Mrs. Bennet will visit." Mr. Bennet noticed the open trunk with Mary's music and books, lockbox and ledger, workbox and art box. He noted oddly shaped muslin bags from the stillroom.
Mrs. Hill appeared with more large muslin bags and two paper-wrapped parcels. "You didn't pack nearly enough dried lavender or dried rose petals. I brought more. I also brought more tea herbs. I wrapped two dried lavender bouquets for your sleeping quarters and for your sitting room." She finished packing and closed the trunks to be loaded on the carriage. "Miss Mary's luggage is going down now, sir."
Mr. Collins left Mr. Bennet's study with Mr. Phillips. Mary's presence, with three trunks, three bandboxes, a valise and a dressing case, strongly reminded Collins how his future had been rearranged. Mayhap this Bennet daughter would be a suitable wife for a vicar. He observed Mary's traveling clothes: a chocolate brown wool redingote over a chestnut brown kerseymere gown. Pleated chocolate ribbons trimmed her bonnet. She wore ecru leather gloves and carried a plain, unornamented ecru reticule. Brown leather walking boots finished her ensemble. She dressed simply, but in a manner befitting the daughter of a country squire. The glimpse of her split lip made him feel bad. At church Sunday, he would give thanks for his chance to marry Miss Mary Bennet, and not be shot by her father or uncle. He thanked the Lord he was not forced to marry silly Cousin Lydia, who made such a shrieking and wailing noise earlier when she had been ordered to stay with her mother.
"Thank heavens for the full moon," Mr. Phillips sighed as he closed his travel writing slope with the documents from this evening. "I am packed, my carriage is ready, with rugs and heated bricks. I brought a food hamper, since none of us ate dinner. I want to be gone within the next half hour and hopefully in London before midnight."
~X~
"Do you like dancing, Miss Elizabeth?" Colonel Fitzwilliam escorted her to the terrace for some fresh air. The terrace became a popular place for several other guests because the ballroom felt warm with all the guests dancing and milling about. Miss Bingley arranged for fires to burn in the corners of the terrace to warm the air for her guests.
"I do, especially when my partners enjoy dancing. Are you enjoying your visit to Netherfield?" Lizzy inquired.
"Yes, because Darcy is here. I wanted to visit him before I rejoin my regiment." Colonel Fitzwilliam explained. "Tomorrow when I awake, I travel to London to say goodbye to my parents. I report to the War Office on Monday. Tonight, I must make memories to sustain me."
"I understand Miss Lucas and you will sit with us at supper. We will be a lively group, I believe." Lizzy observed the couples walking in the garden or conversing on the terrace.
"Miss Elizabeth, Darcy told me Wickham favored you. I wondered if I might offer a cautionary tale," Colonel Fitzwilliam's face changed from court jester to serious.
"I've been forewarned Mr. Wickham likes cards, wine and young heiresses. I've been forewarned he is not a gentleman. If you can explain the tale he tells of Mr. Darcy denying him a living, I will listen. I know his tale has some semblance of truth, but I question the excessive effort to blacken Mr. Darcy's reputation." Lizzy did not resort to coquetry while seeking information.
Colonel Fitzwilliam explained Wickham received £1,000 from his godfather's will. He did not want to take orders to receive the living mentioned in his godfather's will. Wickham demanded £10,000 for the living. Darcy showed Wickham a pile of his debts which Darcy paid. Darcy offered Wickham £3,000 for the living. Wickham proposed to study the law; £4,000 would provide an education and living until Wickham joined or established a law practice." Colonel Fitzwilliam remarked Darcy's solicitor prepared three copies of the settlement papers. Darcy and Wickham signed all three copies with witnesses present before Wickham received his funds.
However, Darcy and his family suspected Wickham drank and gambled away his inheritance and living funds. Early last spring, Wickham demanded Darcy give him the vacant living at Klympton. Darcy reminded Wickham he never fulfilled the conditions of the will and sold the living. Darcy refused the request. Wickham, furious about Darcy's refusal, threatened revenge. Darcy saved a young heiress from Wickham's design last summer. Wickham disappeared and no one knew where to find him until Darcy came to Netherfield Park with Bingley." Colonel Fitzwilliam wondered who purchased Wickham's commission in the militia.
"Mr. Wickham currently pursues a young heiress for her £10,000 dowry. He owes money to shopkeepers in Meryton, except the innkeeper who funds his gambling. Despite his tales about being ill-used by Darcy, he used Darcy's good reputation to secure accounts with the shopkeepers of Meryton. Can you explain why he would use Mr. Darcy and Pemberley so ill?" Lizzy's inquisitiveness had yet to be satisfied.
"Uncle Darcy was friends with his steward, John Wickham. He became George Wickham's godfather. Uncle Darcy sent Wickham to Eton and Cambridge with Darcy. Rather than reveal Wickham's true nature, Darcy used his own funds to ameliorate Wickham's indiscretions. Uncle Darcy left a bequest and suggestion for the living because Wickham's parents died. When Wickham left Cambridge, he left unpaid debts, enamored hearts, and two broken virtues. Darcy and I cannot let him do that here." Colonel Fitzwilliam's sigh expressed the seriousness of the situation.
"My sister Mary tells me Meryton has experienced all three, along with the pursuit of an heiress. Colonel Forester must ensure his men pay their debts to the Meryton shopkeepers before they go home for Christmas or before the militia relocates. Someone must explain Wickham's desire to marry an heiress to Mr. Stratton King to prevent a compromise or elopement. Allow me to introduce Mr. Darcy and you to Colonel Forester and Mr. King. You should speak with Sir Lucas also, as he is the local magistrate." Lizzy clenched and unclenched her fists, attempting to relieve the anxiety she currently felt.
"Darcy esteems you, Miss Elizabeth. Please don't let Wickham or his lies affect your regard for my cousin Darcy. He is an honorable, respectable man; Wickham is not." Colonel Fitzwilliam gallantly offered his arm to the vivacious Miss Elizabeth.
Lizzy arranged introductions, and sighed with relief when Forester, King, and Lucas followed Darcy and Fitzwilliam to a private room quickly arranged by Mr. Bingley. Lizzy hoped the meeting would conclude before the supper set.
~X~
"I am pleased to have this opportunity to speak with you," Stanton King addressed Mr. Darcy. "Mr. Wickham requested a courtship with my niece Mary. As her guardian, I am dismayed by his current living. Might I inquire if his portion, left to him by your excellent father, will be available to settle on my niece in the marriage articles?"
"His portion?" Colonel Fitzwilliam scoffed, earning a frown from Stanton King.
"My father, George Alexander David Darcy, left George Walter Wickham £1,000, which is a generous inheritance for someone who is not family. Additionally, Father's will requested George Wickham be given the living at Klympton, when available IF Wickham took orders and became ordained. After the reading of Father's will, Wickham approached me. He felt himself unsuited to the life of a cleric. He requested funds to pursue a career in the law. He demanded £10,000 remuneration for relinquishing the living. I showed Wickham the paperwork which valued the Klympton living at £3,000 when the previous vicar assumed the position. I informed him I would only pay £3,000 for the living. I had receipts for his unpaid debts to merchants from Derbyshire to London. I had paperwork granting dowries and arranging marriages for three of his intrigues which resulted in by blows. Wickham signed the paperwork releasing his claim on the living. I refused to pay any further debts to tradesmen. I never paid any debts of honor for him…as the man has no honor. I gave him a banknote for the £1,000 bequest from my father, and a banknote for the £3,000 for the living." Darcy's severe mien caused Stanton King and Sir William Lucas to exchange uneasy glances.
"I was present when Wickham signed the papers and accepted the funds," Colonel Fitzwilliam announced to the men present. "You may apply to the solicitors for the Darcy family if you do not believe Darcy or me. My father, Reginald Fitzwilliam, the Sixth Earl of Matlock, is aware of this transaction as well."
"Wickham will never be plump in the pocket because of me. He squandered his inheritance and living in four years…chasing muslin, playing cards and getting foxed. I am a decent and honorable man. This past summer Wickham attempted to elope with a young heiress. I thwarted his scheme to acquire her sizeable dowry and then abandon her." Darcy informed Stratton King.
Stratton King stared at Mr. Darcy. "A degenerate…a gambler…a fortune hunter? Monday, my niece and I will travel to Bath for Christmas. After Twelfth Night, we will relocate near family in Liverpool. Everyone in Hertfordshire believes you cheated Wickham of a living left to him by your father's will."
"I have proof of the payment for the bequest, for the living, for the debts I paid and his Pemberley intrigues. The documents are in safe-keeping at my solicitors in London. I am willing to send for them if you desire to examine my papers." Darcy could not believe he must provide proof of his assertions when Wickham did not.
"When I approach the shopkeepers of Meryton, may I relate your proof to them? I am the local magistrate. I cannot allow the militia to have unpaid debts in Meryton." Sir William's normal congeniality had been shaken by Mr. Darcy's revelation.
"You may tell them about the living and warn them to lock up their daughters. The days of funding Wickham's intrigues is over." Darcy noted the exchange of nods between Colonel Fitzwilliam and Colonel Forester.
"Please allow me to have Wickham confined to the garrison before you warn Meryton. The man may desert the militia if he learns everyone knows his misdeeds. Please notify me of my men's debts as soon as possible." Colonel Forester requested.
~X~
"Are you having a pleasant evening," Lizzy inquired.
"I am," Charlotte linked arms with her friend and they bent their heads together to exchange confidences.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam has been very attentive." Lizzy teased her friend.
"Colonel Fitzwilliam is a gentleman, and great fun. However, I am not for him, and he is not for me. Father is a new creation, with no depth to his pockets and no lineage to his name. Colonel Fitzwilliam, as the second son of the Sixth Earl of Matlock, must marry an heiress with a title or impeccable lineage. Most officers of the regulars understand their duty is to king and country before personal desires. Colonel Fitzwilliam will not marry until he leaves the regulars. He would not leave a wife and child bereft of his excellent company."
"What have you done?" Miss Bingley hissed as she approached Lizzy and Charlotte. "Five of my guests have gone missing after speaking with you! If I had known your pert opinions would discompose FIVE of my guests, I would never have allowed Charles to invite you!"
"I do not understand your concerns," Lizzy ensured the ladies near her heard the entire conversation, not just Miss Bingley's words. "Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam desired introductions, which are the duty of an attentive hostess."
"What possible topic of conversation is so important to keep Darcy and Fitzwilliam from dancing at my ball?" Miss Bingley demanded.
"I would not know. I am a lady. I don't listen at keyholes or pay servants to eavesdrop." Lizzy announced to the gasps and twitters of the ladies standing near them. "Remind Mr. Bingley the supper set is next. As an excellent host, he would not want to leave five ladies languishing for partners." Lizzy turned her back on Miss Bingley and sought out Jane with Charlotte. Miss Bingley obviously did not understand the cut as she continued to glare at Lizzy.
~X~
Richard Fitzwilliam had his foibles, but his abilities earned the respect of his men and other officers. He earned the gratitude of his commanding officers in His Majesty's Army. Strategic planning shone as one of Richard's talents. A natural born leader, he would not allow his men to charge into battle while he remained safe behind the lines. His mother introduced him to young women of the ton whose matchmaking mothers were willing to gamble their daughters on the second son of an earl. He found their calculating attitudes offensive. He did not desire a clear field to ascend to the title. Colonel Fitzwilliam was the only title he currently desired.
Lively supper conversation with Miss Lucas, the Miss Bennets, Bingley and Darcy encouraged Fitzwilliam's appetite. When Miss Bingley attempted to sit near Darcy and Fitzwilliam at their end of the table, Mrs. Hurst intervened and led her to the other end. The din of the conversations in the room kept Miss Bingley from hearing their conversation. Richard saw the flash of annoyance in Miss Bingley's eyes each time she viewed their group. He felt her determination to become Mrs. Fitzwilliam Darcy; Mother felt it; Georgiana felt it. He wished Miss Bingley well, because he would be his cousin's guard from now until he left for London tomorrow. Both Georgiana and Mother asked him to bring Darcy with him when he returned. He did not know how to warn his cousin of Mother and Georgiana's request.
"Excellent dinner, Miss Bingley," Colonel Fitzwilliam complimented her.
"I cannot wait to return to London. I plan to hire a French chef for the Season," Miss Bingley announced. "These country cooks are adequate, I suppose, but one desires better menus, dinners, guests and conversations during the Season."
"You don't agree, Miss Elizabeth," Darcy noticed her frown.
"Voltaire says 'French suppers are silent at first, followed by a burst of unintelligible chatter, vapid witticisms, false rumors, bad reasonings, a little politics, and a great deal of slander before they discuss a few books.' The white soup tasted excellent, despite your country cook." Lizzy's countenance remained impassive as she addressed Miss Bingley.
"Bravo, Miss Elizabeth!" Colonel Fitzwilliam toasted her. His eyes twinkled at Miss Bingley's scowl. He and his companions enjoyed the delicious white soup, savory fish dishes, roasted haunches of beef and venison, roast goose and turkey, savory game pies and garden stuff. The varieties of bread were only outnumbered by the sweets offered. Fitzwilliam enjoyed the roasted meats and the apple tarts the best. He observed a particularly ornate epergne filled with hothouse fruits surrounded by trays of cheeses. Caroline Bingley might be a shrew, but she knew how to organize a ball and feed hungry men.
"Louisa and I hope to have a duty dance with you, Mr. Darcy. You have been a very popular partner this evening." Miss Bingley fluttered her lashes at Mr. Darcy, ignoring Miss Eliza.
"Oh dear," Colonel Fitzwilliam interrupted. "Twelve militia officers, Colonel Forester and I hoped to have our duty dances after supper with you and Mrs. Hurst. Your dance cards must not be full, if you are seeking a dance with Darcy."
"No, our cards are not full. Caroline and I would be pleased to dance with two colonels and as many militia officers as possible." Mrs. Hurst's tight smile proclaimed her displeasure.
~X~
Bingley kept Jane at the top of the terrace stairs, so Darcy and Elizabeth could have a few minutes alone at the carriage to say goodbye.
"At least you don't overlook me, as tall as you are," Lizzy teased Darcy.
All humor gone, he glared at her. "Who does that?"
Lizzy tried to smile, but failed and settled for a shrug. "Miss Bingley is proud of her height…like you are picking a footman."
"I would not select Miss Bingley as a footman, nor for any other position which I could offer." Darcy studied the planes of Lizzy's face until she blushed. "I should like a private conversation with you very soon. Sweet dreams, Miss Elizabeth Bennet." He kissed her hand before helping her into the carriage.
Darcy traded places with Bingley; guarding the top of the stairs so Bingley had a few minutes to say goodnight to Miss Bennet. Darcy considered Richard's comments about Miss Elizabeth. Richard enjoyed the intelligent conversation with her and Miss Lucas. He approved of Miss Elizabeth and wished he had the freedom to offer as he pleased. He reminded Darcy, "You may marry as you please because of your financial independence." Darcy spent a few minutes after the Wickham warning considering his cousin's words. Darcy considered his portion and position a duty. He never considered his portion and position lucky.
Bingley joined him at the top of the stairs, watching the Bennet carriage pull away. "Let's skip the post ball review with Caroline and Louisa in the drawing room."
"Excellent thought," Darcy pounded his friend on the back. "Fitzwilliam is waiting in my room with a bottle of my excellent brandy. Join us."
"I'm off to bed. I want an early morning ride before I call on Mr. Bennet." Bingley refused the drink. "Let's use the servants' stairs to avoid everyone. I do not want Caroline to see us."
"Excellent thought. I'll join you for that ride." Darcy expected his cousin when he entered his quarters. Roberts was alone.
"Miss Bingley sent a decanter of brandy. The color is not as clear and dark as your usual brandy. I suspect the brandy might be doused with something to make you insensible so she can enter your room." Roberts led Darcy through the servants' passage to Colonel Fitzwilliam's room. Darcy knocked on the door before opening it. "You know what to do?" Darcy asked Roberts who nodded. Roberts retreated though the servants' passage to Darcy's room.
~X~
"Lizzy," Jane laughed as they departed in the Bennet carriage. "Who knew we would attend this ball alone when the invitation arrived?"
"You know Mama will ask about the decorations, the food, the gowns, the company," Lizzy would not discuss the end of the evening with Mama or her sisters.
"We will cry off discussing the ball tonight. However, at breakfast I will concentrate on the company and gowns if you can concentrate on the décor and the food. For then, each of us will have equal conversation with Mama about tonight. Discussing the ball will take her mind off Mary and Mr. Collins." Jane offered a sensible plan.
"We encountered a crush when we entered the ballroom. After the ball opened, the crowd thinned to a comfortable level. Should I avoid mentioning there were six extra militia officers to offer as dance partners? Kitty and Lydia will be distraught." Lizzy felt guilty because she had not thought about her family once the ball opened.
"No, we must not keep that news to ourselves. I noticed Maria Lucas did not attend, which will make Kitty and Lydia feel better. Mrs. Long and Lady Lucas will report to Mama also." Dread crept into Jane's voice.
"We shall have no secrets about the ball, will we?" Lizzy wondered how much Lady Lucas would brag about Charlotte being squired by Colonel Fitzwilliam for the first set and the supper set. Colonel Fitzwilliam danced the closing set with Miss Bingley. Lizzy wondered if he attempted to distract her from Mr. Darcy. The moment the dance ended, Colonel Fitzwilliam gathered Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst and hurried them to the hallway to begin the farewells for the evening. He chatted about how his mother, the Sixth Countess of Matlock, ensured she bid her guests goodbye at the end of each soirée. Jane and Lizzy, with Bingley and Darcy, departed through the terrace doors and stairs where the warmed Bennet carriage waited.
"We must keep Mr. Bingley's and Mr. Darcy's attentions secret until Papa returns and is able to speak privately with them." Jane's comment sounded excellent to Lizzy.
~X~
"I feel like the prize, much-desired stallion at Tattersalls," Darcy confided to Fitzwilliam, removing his topcoat with Fitzwilliam's help. "Marriage is not a horse race!"
"Miss Elizabeth doesn't feel that way about you, does she?" Fitzwilliam slowly sipped his last brandy for the evening.
"No. I think, despite my taciturn nature and reticence, Miss Elizabeth values me and esteems me. If we have time to come to know one another, there may be love and a shared life." Darcy accepted the glass of brandy offered by Fitzwilliam.
"I feel there are two courses of defense against marriage-minded mothers and their dull, dancing daughters. Absence –which I use. Being away for His Majesty's Army cools the ardor of most marriage-minded mothers. The second-best defense is a lack of prospects. I don't want any woman who would gamble on my prospects as a second son of an earl." Fitzwilliam toyed with his brandy glass.
"I have neither defense. So, what is my next best defense?" Darcy felt light-hearted since Elizabeth nodded when he asked to have a serious conversation with her in the near future.
"A rake or a ring. You will never be a rake; your manners and comportment are too refined to trifle with any woman's affections. If you are leg-shackled, marriage-minded mamas will leave you alone." Fitzwilliam teased his normally reserved cousin.
"Being married is no guarantee of being left alone. Robert still has lightskirts throwing themselves at him after three years of marriage. I think every opera singer, actress, and dancer wants his protection." Darcy's attempt to lighten the conversation carried a barb.
"Not just them…impoverished daughters of the gentry seek his protection. Robert won't endanger his marriage by bedding a mistress or a lightskirt. Lord Elburn doesn't care if Robert is Viscount Fitzwilliam. His sword has been sharp since Augusta's coming-out ball. He threatened to cut off important body parts if Robert ever disrespects Augusta. Shall we play cards, or attempt to sleep behind a locked and barred door? Having sent a good bottle of brandy to your room…I believe Miss Bingley may attempt to compromise you tonight," Fitzwilliam advised. "If I'm wrong, I apologize for an uncomfortable night's sleep. You were seen entering your room. Roberts will not reveal he brought you here by use of the servants' passage."
Darcy picked his valet well, for Roberts resembled Darcy in size and coloring. In a dark room, with bed curtains half let down, Roberts could easily impersonate Darcy. Jennings, his under valet, also resembled Darcy. If needed, Norland, one of the grooms at Pemberley, could substitute for Darcy in a darkened carriage or while horseback riding.
~X~
"Tonight is my only chance, Louisa. I put some laudanum in the brandy decanter delivered to Darcy's room. If he drinks a brandy before bed, he will be quite insensible. I can sleep with him until we are discovered in his bed in the morning. I won't lose him, his funds, his holdings or his first circle connections to Eliza Bennet or a sick cousin!"
"But Darcy never danced with you this evening," Louisa protested.
"Which is perfect…don't you understand. Everyone will believe the assignation since we didn't exhibit publicly tonight." Caroline believed her plan would not fail. "Our maids are dismissed for the night. Hurst is asleep. Charles went to bed early. I have the key to Darcy's room. We must wait for the house to quiet so I can slip into his room." Caroline brushed her cascading hair. "I think I picked well," she preened at her reflection in the dressing mirror. "Let's play cards until time to visit Darcy's room."
~X~
A loud shriek reverberated through the second floor guest wing of Netherfield Park. Bingley sought the origin of the sound, entering the guest wing to see Fitzwilliam and Darcy exit Fitzwilliam's room. They also sought the origin of the sound. The trio observed Miss Bingley, in a thin silk, peach nightrail with apricot silk lace and ribbons, attempt to flee Darcy's room. Fitzwilliam's grin could not be suppressed. Bingley's normally placid face glowed redder than the coals in the rock fireplace. Louisa Hurst's face registered shock at seeing Darcy exit Fitzwilliam's room. She thrust a thin silk, apricot wrapper at Miss Bingley.
Fitzwilliam quirked an eyebrow, enjoying Miss Bingley's embarrassment as she drew on her wrapper, covered herself as much as possible, and tied the sash tightly. "How dare you do this to me!" Caroline Bingley hissed. "Charles, he arranged this assignation!"
"An assignation…with you…in Darcy's locked room…where his valet replaced him in bed?" Colonel Fitzwilliam could barely contain his laughter.
Darcy strode past the two women. He stuck his head around the door to his sleeping quarters and spoke to his valet. "Roberts, are you well?"
Roberts sat upright in bed and lit the candles on the bedside table. "I am, I apologize for shouting sir, but the lady's hands were quite cold. She almost unmanned me. I demand satisfaction sir. I won't marry that parson's mousetrap, but my silence could be purchased."
"Bingley?" Darcy smirked at his friend.
"How much," Bingley sighed.
"Five thousand pounds, for attempting a compromise." Roberts indignantly announced. "Sir, you should have warned me the lady's hands are as cold as her heart."
"Roberts," Darcy swallowed a chuckle. "Despite Miss Bingley's very unladylike behavior, we are gentlemen."
"Yes, sir. We will not comment on how much of the lady's fine figure was visible through her thin silk nightrail. I heard her give the key to Mrs. Hurst before she entered. She ordered Mrs. Hurst to use the key in the morning to raise the cry of compromise." His comment mortified Caroline. "Would you like your bed, since I warmed and secured it for you?"
"No, I believe I will return to Colonel Fitzwilliam's quarters. He's done an admirable job of protecting me so far this evening. Sending you to a cold bed is a poor thank-you for ensuring my virtue. Please remain in my room, where you are warm and comfortable." Darcy shared a laugh with his valet.
Fitzwilliam bowed deeply with a flourish where he stood. "Glad I could be of service, cousin. I can think of no better use of my duty and honor than to provide protection against such scheming females."
Darcy turned to the two ladies, who clung to one another in the hall. Their tongues were silenced by the look on Bingley's face. "Miss Bingley, you desire my portion, position and connections to peerage in first-circle society. You do not care about me, therefore you are the last woman I would install as the mistress of Pemberley or as a beloved sister to Georgiana. I have avoided compromise, and avoided marrying my cousin since I turned two and twenty. Until now, I never considered you a foolish woman…but then…here we are. Please understand this…my reputation is not ruined by the hint of compromise…but your reputation is as fragile as a glass vase. I can shatter your reputation and your pretentions with loose talk in my club in London. Within days, the ton would view you as a lightskirt. Only fortune hunters or rakes will pursue you." His eyes flowed over the tightly closed silk wrapper.
Bingley's glare silenced both of his sisters. Their faces betrayed their caustic thoughts. "Give me the key." Louisa fumbled in her pocket before giving the key to her brother. She ignored scathing glances from Caroline, and withering glares from Charles.
Colonel Fitzwilliam held out his hand to Bingley, who passed the key over without word. Fitzwilliam entered Darcy's room and gave the key to Roberts. "Tomorrow, you will return this key to Mrs. Nichols, with orders not to give the key to anyone for the duration of the house party. Did you test the brandy?"
"I dipped my finger, putting a few drops on my tongue, which tasted bitter sir. I think laudanum had been added when the brandy was decanted." Roberts answered. "I poured half the decanter out the window. Miss Bingley checked the decanter when she entered."
"Tomorrow, pour the remaining brandy down the privy. Don't let anyone drink it. I always bring my own libations to house parties. I ensure I am not compromised." Darcy noticed a dark flush on Miss Bingley's face. "Mrs. Hurst, Miss Bingley, I am not your friend. I am your brother's friend. You are no longer welcome at any of my properties. You will no longer use my name to garner better invitations or attempt to raise your social standing. Do not attempt to use Georgiana to know my diary. Should we cross paths in London, I can and will give you a direct cut. I will ask my family to do the same, especially my aunt, the Countess of Matlock."
"Bingley, I recommend you banish that one and her sloth of a husband to his family. You have endured enough of them," Fitzwilliam indicated Louisa. "Send that one to a senior woman in the Bingley family who can teach her to act like a lady." Fitzwilliam indicated Caroline.
"I worry Caroline's company would be misconstrued as punishing my only and favorite aunt." Bingley grabbed the arms of both sisters and pulled them down the hall toward the family rooms. "There will be a discussion about this tomorrow. Get some sleep if possible, and don't attempt to avoid me by ringing for a breakfast tray."
Bingley rang for footmen and ordered them to walk the halls and ensure no one left their rooms in the middle of the night. "I don't know why you were not in the guest wing where you belong, but I imagine your absence was well rewarded by my sisters! I will consider tonight's events when writing characters for you."
A/N: pinterest: jtspraggins/fanfiction-wretched-beginnings/