Wretched Beginnings 1813

by Mother of Pearl Fetish

Continuation of Wretched Beginnings 1812. Prepare a tea tray…there's more to the journey. After Lady Catherine experiences a decline in health…there are changes for the de Bourgh, Fitzwilliam, Darcy, Bennet, Bingley and Collins families. Strong female characters. Jane Austen owns the P&P plots, characters, etc.

1. Chapter 1

Wretched Beginning 1813 – Chapter 1 – January

New Year's Eve Day

"What is in the basket from Rosings?" Mary noted the slates in Mrs. Manning's hands.

"Hare, sweetbreads and tongue. Excessive amounts of winter squash, turnips, parsnips, and rutabagas. A few pounds of apples, and a few pounds of nuts. Several potatoes, carrots and onions. There is grain for porridge." She offered the slates to Mary.

"No, I dislike all three meats. Donate the meats, garden stuff, nuts and apples in Rosings basket to Curate Stevenson, the Tuckers and Mr. Manning's family. Use the grain for porridge for the girls for breakfast. Purchase milk, butter, cheese and eggs from Rosings. Please purchase three plump roasting chickens from the butcher. We'll roast the meat for dinner on Saturday, with chicken and garden stuff pasties for midday, and chicken rice soup for Sunday evening." Mary entered the basket inventory and distribution in the ledger she used especially for Rosings donations.

"I'll buy a beef roast while I am at the butcher," Mrs. Manning suggested. "We can roast the beef before boiling for your fortified beef broth. I'll chop the meat with boiled potatoes, carrots and onions to make pasties for lunches. Or I can chop the meat with carrots, peas and onions with mashed potatoes for cottage pie for dinner Wednesday night."

"Pasties would serve more meals for all of us." Mary suggested. "We still have ham so you can make potato stew, dried bean stew, and dried pease stew for dinners."

"Mr. Knowles and his six sons, all dark haired and handsome, go first footing through the community. Mr. Knowles loves to share his mother's Scottish traditions with his sons. I will prepare wassail punch and refreshments for whoever arrives," Mrs. Manning laughed. "Mr. Manning found a Hawthorne bush for you to burn at dawn on New Year's Day. I know we don't have fields, but he thought burning the Hawthorne bush in the glebe would bring bountiful harvest for the year."

"Papa's tenants included Hawthorne bushes in their fires at dawn. Mr. and Mrs. Hill helped me set small bonfires of Hawthorne bushes in my herb and kitchen gardens, and in our orchard. My family usually had a lie in, since they didn't get home until extremely late from the Assembly Hall. They were tired from dancing and playing cards. We put the ashes from the fires in the compost pile to feed the gardens." Mary smiled. "I'm sorry to miss the bonfires this year. We'll applaud as Barlow draws the first bucket of water from the well. We will welcome our first footer."

"Beware, Barlow plans to draw the water a minute after midnight and heat the water for tea to serve to whichever one of Mr. Knowles' sons come first footing," Mrs. Manning advised. "She found a silver ring in her Christmas pudding at her family's celebration on Boxing Day."

"Oh dear," Mary suppressed a laugh. "While I would not stand in her way, I think she's a little young to seek a sweetheart. Especially since the oldest Knowles boy turn eight and ten this year. Mrs. Knowles must have been an exceptional lady to have birthed six boys in eight years."

"Barlow's papa believes she should concentrate on her chance to learn and forget about young men for a while." Mrs. Manning concurred. "Especially since you plan to teach more than reading, writing and sums."

"Then we will support his sage advice." Mary winked.

~X~

Mrs. Bennet whined about the cold weather. She fretted obsessively about catching colds from tenants and parishioners. She complained because Mary did not visit at Christmas to increase the supply of headache draughts, cold syrups, and healing tissanes in Longbourn's stillroom. Mary left at such an inconvenient time!

Mrs. Bennet pushed Lizzy and Kitty to help Sarah daily in the stillroom. She harbored the hope Lizzy or Kitty would excel in the stillroom, like Mary, and entice either the Jones or Locke son into marriage. She did not want to lose two potential suitors for her girls. She sent Jane to London with the Gardiners after Christmas, ordering Jane to encounter Mr. Bingley.

Mr. Bennet limited the list of demands for stocking the stillroom. He ordered Sarah not to increase the laudanum in the medicinal sherry, nor create stronger draughts for Mrs. Bennet's vapors. Mary's receipts worked well for over half a decade; they would work well now if Mrs. Bennet didn't meddle. Sarah created medicinal sherry, in addition to cough syrups and medicinal tissanes. She spent two days powdering or boiling white willow bark. Sarah acquired oranges for orange marmalade, orange zest, and orange wine. She gave Lizzy and Kitty lessons, but dealing with Lydia in the stillroom tested her patience. Lizzy warned her to lock the stillroom door. Sarah did not need the laudanum, or bottles of sherry or brandy disappearing.

Twelfth Night

Mr. Bennet sent books as a Twelfth Night gift. Mr. Collins received a philosophical debate and Mary received poetry by Sir Walter Scott. Mrs. Bennet's letter complained her headache had not abated since Mr. Bingley left after the Netherfield Ball and returned to London. She accused Mary of enjoying her wedding trip to London, instead of concentrating on acquiring Mr. Bingley for Jane. She whinged about the cold Kitty caught at Mrs. Phillips' card party. She whinged because she and Lydia caught the cold. She complained because Mary didn't visit at Christmas to fortify their stores of medicinal draughts, syrups and tissanes? She claimed Mary neglected to teach her sisters stillroom arts, causing Mr. Bennet to hire a stillroom maid.

Mary did not respond to Mother's letter. Her letter to Lizzy and Papa included Mother's letter of complaint. She explained the Gardiners received a letter from Mr. Bingley stating he had meetings with his solicitors and could not attend the tea. As she was not in London, Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner needed to invite Mr. Bingley for tea or dinner while Jane visited them. Mary suggested Mrs. Bennet's headache might abate if she had a daily walk while staff aired her room. Mary suggested Mrs. Bennet and Lydia, refrain from indulging in excessive wine and/or wine punch at dinners, assemblies and card parties. Mary suggested a hot bath with lavender water, and one, small cordial of medicinal sherry at night to lure her to sleep. Knowing how much Mother hated to walk made her smile. Mayhap Mother would not make daily strolls to Longbourn Manor from the Steward's House on the main farm when Papa passed. Just the prospect cheered Mary immensely.

Mr. Collins gave Mary a pair of ecru lace mitts and a matching ecru lawn and lace mob cap. Mary could not wait for spring to wear them to church. She gave Mr. Collins two new flannel nightshirts and a new flannel banyan. Mary offered the older ones to Mr. Manning now, instead of waiting for Boxing Day at the end of the year. Mrs. Manning made Mr. Collins an apple cake in the middle of the week just to thank them for their generosity.

Mary decided to nap before dressing for dinner at Rosings. She would dress in her gold silk gown with chocolate gauze overlay and chocolate velvet ribbons. She would wear the scrolled cross as a reminder she was a gentleman's daughter. When Lady Catherine began to dispense her venom disguised as counsel and conversation, Mary would touch the cross as a talisman.

~X~

Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam spent Christmas at Matlock House with his family. He traveled with William and Georgiana to Rosings Park for Twelfth Night. He brought a case of French wines with him for the Twelfth Night celebration at Rosings. He slipped down to the kitchens and discussed the menu with Aunt Catherine's French chef, Jules Chardin. He paid Chardin a guinea to include his favorite French dishes in the menus and serve his French wine.

While Richard knew some people became war rich, he used his money to attempt to better the lives of the innocents who were affected by the war. He purchased handmade cribbage boards for Father, his brother Robert, and Darcy. They were well-crafted with nature carvings and wooden pegs. The boards were especially created to hold a deck of cards. They were made by French prisoners of war who wanted to make a coin or two before the holidays.

Richard acquired four fine gold bracelets for Mother, Augusta, Aunt Catherine and Anne from French aristocrats who had not been introduced to Mme. Guillotine. They sold family heirlooms to finance journeys to safer climes in Europe, the Bahamas, or the Americas. He would gift Georgiana a pair of blue enamel and silver hair combs which he purchased in Spain. He had a leather bag full of items to sell in London. When he returned to the continent, he would have funds for daily living, and funds for purchasing more heirlooms.

~X~

The Fitzwilliam and Darcy families attended Lady Catherine's Twelfth Night celebration. The Collinses and Mrs. Jenkinson were invited because Lady Catherine needed guests to fill her table of twelve. Mrs. Collins needed a reminder of Lady Catherine's connections while Mr. Collins needed a reminder of her condescension and patronage. The long, white cloth covered dining table dazzled the eye. Gleaming six-hour candles in four pronged candelabra, excessive silver plate and silver cutlery, large oval silver flower bowls overflowing with hothouse flowers, and crystal wine glasses added to the sparkle of the formal dining room.

Lady Catherine sat at the head of the table, with Anne sat at the opposite end. The Earl and Countess of Matlock were positioned next to Lady Catherine, with the Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam seated next to them. Darcy and Georgiana were seated next to Anne. Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mrs. Jenkinson were seated next to the Darcys. The Collinses were seated in the middle of the table.

Mr. Collins, bless his venerating heart, bore his set down in station quite well. He knew his patroness enjoyed the distinction of rank. To sit at Lady Catherine's table with peers was such condescension which the humble vicar could hardly bear.

Lady Catherine's six liveried footmen and the butler served individual bowls of hot white soup from the tureen on the sideboard along with a hot roll and butter. Once those were consumed, the footmen removed the dishes and laid new service, bringing hot dishes to the table for guests to serve themselves. They circulated platters of fish, poultry and meats, and serving dishes of garden stuff so guests could help themselves. Instead of guests only eating from the dishes placed near them, they were offered all the dishes, especially the French ones. The sweets course consisted of lemon cakes, lemon biscuits, lemon tarts, and lemon ices.

"Yes, yes," Lady Catherine bored voice warned her guests many complaints would soon follow. "Mrs. Collins exhibited her hosting skills at the St. Thomas Tea and on Christmas Day." Her withering look seemed to miss its mark. "Did your uncle in trade replace your pretty little silvered bowl, Mrs. Collins?"

Darcy heard the sneer in her voice and gave Anne a hard look. Anne shook her head slightly. Darcy understood; he would not remark on his aunt's abhorrent manners.

"I'm sure your guests are not interested in hearing about a broken dish." Mary refused to be embarrassed about her family's lower station than the lofty persons at the table. Just like Mother, a compliment accompanied an insult.

"The silvered bowl which Mrs. Bennet used to hold a hothouse posy from Bingley at a dinner?" Darcy enquired. "She explained the bowl was awarded as a prize from a flower arranging contest. I thought your sister, Miss Bennet…"

"The silvered bowl was first prize in a county flower show, which I won when I was four and ten. Mother announced her daughters won first, second and third place at the county flower show. If I recall correctly, she beamed at Jane when she explained. Mother attempted to put Jane forward to Mr. Bingley. If I had known my prized silvered bowl would carelessly be destroyed when I moved to Hunsford Parsonage, I would have left the bowl at Longbourn for Mother to use when entertaining." Mary's voice could have chilled all the ice in the Rosings Park icehouse.

Lady Catherine smirked. Mrs. Collins' comment meant breaking the dish hurt more than she admitted the day of the St. Thomas Tea.

Mr. Collins emitted a strangled gasp at Mary's comment. He quickly sipped his wine to wash his mouthful of food down, prepared to chastise Mary when Colonel Fitzwilliam interrupted.

"Mrs. Collins learned well from her mother. Mrs. Bennet's table is the toast of Hertfordshire. Darcy's cook has excellent receipts of hers and yours."

"Thank you, Colonel," Mary smiled. "May I share your praises with Mother?"

"Please," he smiled, pleased his comments greatly vexed his Aunt Catherine. He appreciated the real conversation of his cousins Anne, William and Georgiana. Frankly, he hoped for dancing tonight. He intended his first dance of the evening for Mrs. Collins. Mayhap she longed for a dance with a skilled partner. Mr. Collins seemed such a bumbling buffoon. Lady Catherine's toadying sycophant vicar dismayed Richard during their meeting at Easter.

"I meant to ask for Mrs. Bennet's receipt for honey brandy herb glaze for game birds. I sang its praises to my housekeeper." Darcy admitted.

"My receipt is one cup each of brandy, honey and minced fresh herbs. Mix well and liberally coat your poultry or meat in the last half of the roasting process. You can substitute sherry for the brandy, if you are roasting pork." Mary smiled at Mr. Darcy. "I don't believe the receipt is difficult to remember, but do ask for a written copy before you leave if you forget the receipt."

"Mrs. Collins will play the pianoforte for us after dinner," Lady Catherine announced. "She is not proficient, but she is tolerable, and teaches Anne. Once Anne knows more than scales and simple tunes, I will hire a master to give her lessons. When you return in the spring, Darcy, Anne will be more accomplished at the pianoforte."

Darcy winced at the word tolerable. He remembered the horrible comment about Elizabeth at their first Meryton assembly. He wanted to return to Meryton to ask Mr. Bennet to allow him to court Elizabeth. However, his five estates kept him busy with spring planting preparation until almost March. Mayhap after his annual visit to Rosings, he could go to Netherfield. Bingley should be back in residence at Netherfield by the first of March. He regretted an additional two months before he could see or talk to Elizabeth.

"May I be allowed to play also, Aunt Catherine?" Georgiana inquired. "I am sure I might show Cousin Anne a new concerto or two."

"I think not, for you have conversation with your cousins which Mrs. Collins does not." Lady Catherine refused.

Richard noticed Anne winked saucily at Mrs. Collins after Lady Catherine's pronouncement. He pondered its meaning.

When the men lingered for port and cigars, Mr. Collins excused himself to attend Lady Catherine. "More excellent brandy for us," Lord Matlock announced, "and a good cigar for Richard to take with him."

"Collins makes a magnificent leg." Richard referred to Collins' low bows. "Anne finds his bowing and scraping repugnant. She requested we provide a buffer between Lady Catherine and Mrs. Collins." He revealed the plan between his parents regarding Lady Catherine. They required assistance and silence from Robert and Darcy.

~X~

Lady Matlock strolled to the pianoforte; she suggested a song which Mary knew by heart. "Anne shared some problems you are having with Lady Catherine." Mary nodded imperceptibly but continued to play. "Lord Matlock and I plan to remove Lady Catherine from Rosings for a bit." She caught a frown on Mary's face. "What is the issue?"

"If you plan to take Lady Catherine to London to shop for Miss Anne's trousseau…please reconsider your plan." Mary urged.

"Trousseau?" Lady Matlock frowned this time.

"Lady Catherine announced Miss Anne is engaged to Mr. Darcy." Mary continued to play flawlessly. "I do not believe Miss Anne wants to marry Mr. Darcy. However, Lady Catherine only hears what she wants to hear."

Lady Matlock smothered a laugh and moved away when Lady Catherine called out to her.

Anne refused dance offers from her cousins. Instead she sat next to Mary and turned the pages. She and Mary talked quietly about the benefice society and clothing the needy. Anne promised to help however she could. Georgiana could not refuse to dance, despite her desire to discuss music with Anne and Mrs. Collins. Any of Georgiana's missteps were pounced upon by Lady Catherine. "When Anne learns to dance, she will be a true proficient. She will need a dance master so she shines at her engagement ball and wedding ball."

"If Anne had learned to breathe, she would be a true proficient," Anne muttered and Mary pressed her lips together to prevent laughing.

After an hour of playing pianoforte, Lady Catherine insisted Anne and Mary join the group for cards. Anne and Darcy played whist against the Collinses. Mary appreciated Mr. Collins engaging in acceptable topics of conversation without tedious detail or constant praise of Lady Catherine and Rosings. Marzipan, spiced nuts, tiny almond biscuits and champagne punch were served during cards. Mary would add tonight's menus to her everyday book of events.

Collins, when not in close conversation with Lady Catherine, surprised Darcy. He wondered at the animosity of Lady Catherine toward Elizabeth's sister, Mrs. Collins. He thought Mrs. Collins was the quiet sister…but she obviously had some of Elizabeth's spirit. Perhaps she shared pert opinions with Lady Catherine early in their acquaintance.

~X~

"What do you have?" Mr. Collins asked on their carriage ride home from Rosings.

"Miss Anne gave me new silvered dish. She wanted to thank me for the daily pianoforte recitals and lessons." Mary smiled. "She wrote to her aunt, the Countess of Matlock, and explained what she wanted. I appreciate the gift since Miss Anne and Lady Matlock arranged the surprise."

"Your comment about your destroyed silvered dish was unkind." Mr. Collins scolded Mary. "Especially my patroness's family replaced the dish."

"I will ask God for forgiveness for my unkind remark. Might I remind you, Miss Anne with the help of Lady Matlock, replaced the bowl. Your esteemed patroness broke it…and never offered to replace it. She advised to ask my uncle in trade to replace the prize." Mary stared out the window of the carriage into the dark night.

"Lady Catherine is simply aware of the separation of rank and what is due her as the daughter of an Earl."

"If that were true, we would not be invited to a dinner with the current Earl and Countess of Matlock, the Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam, and the grandchildren of the previous Earl. We simply do not have the exalted connections which belonged to the other guests. Curate Stevenson and Sexton Tucker were not invited. Other persons with higher connections than us, who live in the area, were not invited to the dinner. We were invited so I could be insulted, and then treated like a musician for hire. For a moment…I thought I heard Mother berate me."

"You simply do not understand! As the wife of the vicar of Hunsford Rectory, you cannot make such comments and are beholden to Lady Catherine for the condescension and notice she gives my lowly status."

"While my comment was unworthy of the daughter of a gentleman…I don't worship anyone except my Lord." Mary sighed the carriage drew up to the parsonage. "You may order me to venerate your patroness like you do, but God's commandment is Thou shalt have no other gods before me."

"You will not talk to me thus! You will not denigrate my patroness, nor jeopardize my livelihood." Mr. Collins shouted at Mary. "You will not moralize or lecture me!"

"If you cannot speak calmly and rationally to me…I will not speak to you at all. You may be my husband…but you will not order me to disobey God's laws or society's rules to please your patroness." Mary alighted from the carriage and swept her way up the walk and into the parsonage. The moment she entered her room, she bolted the connecting door. Mr. Collins could spend the remainder of this cold winter with an equally cold wife.

January 6

"My general likes sending me back to town, with dispatches and wounded men. He hopes I will return to the continent with several pounds of coffee and pots of orange marmalade just for him." Richard teased.

"Be careful Richard and come back to us." Anne begged.

"Will you miss me if I am killed?" Richard studied Anne's face.

"I shall break my knees praying for you. I shall break my heart weeping for you." A small tremor colored Anne's voice.

"Then, I shall take care to escape this war alive." Richard promised. Anne pressed an embroidered handkerchief with her initials into his hand. "Milady," he winked and tucked the embroidered handkerchief into his jacket pocket. The handkerchief crinkled when he accepted it. He knew Anne had not passed him a letter, as she felt free to write to him. He would not examine the handkerchief closely until he was alone.

As his batman undressed Colonel Fitzwilliam for the evening at his barracks in London, he found an embroidered feminine handkerchief with the initials AdB. "Silk and lace, smells like roses, sir." Colonel Fitzwilliam gently unfolded the handkerchief and found a dried red rose petal. The handkerchief contained a piece of parchment on which Anne had written: 'Deuteronomy 31:6: Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.'

"This shall be my lucky charm, Armstrong," Colonel Fitzwilliam spoke softly. "Please ensure I do not leave camp without it."

Friday, January 15

"Thank you for your interest, Lady Catherine. If Mother didn't teach me how to run a household, Mrs. Rundell does. She offers menu suggestions with kitchen, sick room and stillroom hints and receipts; household hints; and directions for organizing one's tasks and servants. Hatchard's Booksellers recommends A New System of Domestic Cookery for Private Families for new brides." Mary sipped her tea.

"A book? You are learning household management from a book?" Lady Catherine sighed with obvious offence.

"No, Lady Catherine. I learned household management from Mother, Mrs. Thomas Bennet of Longbourn. I rely on Mrs. Rundell's publication as a reference guide." Mary kept a calm face.

"I am no fan of either lady since you have not learned economy in ordering your haunches of meat. Mr. Collins remarked on the prodigiously large hams which your cook prepared for your Christmas callers." Lady Catherine's haughty voice irritated Mary.

"I'm sure Mr. Collins expressed his amazement at the large hams, provided by Papa when he visited. Papa brought a carriage full of food stuff, mead and wines. He brought two large casks of apple cider from this year's apple harvest. Papa wanted to share the excess of Longbourn, especially since my efforts doubled the size and harvest of the kitchen gardens, herb gardens and orchards." Mary smiled pleasantly.

"I will look at your stillroom receipts, lest you offer poor advice," Lady Catherine announced.

"Thank you for your unnecessary attentions. However, I am not allowed to visit the ill and infirm. Until I have an herb garden, and my beehives, I will not make full use of my stillroom for medicinal purposes. I am sure receipts for my floral waters or cooking spices would bore you." Mary responded. 'I have the right to manage my home to suit myself and provide for Mr. Collins and our staff without interference. Lady Catherine does not run her house, Mrs. Havens does. Mother doesn't run her home, Jane does. I will not give way on this.'

"You owe me, Mrs. Collins, for your home, your position and for the patronage I bestow on your husband. He was unmarried when I engaged him, but I resolved to change his situation. Mr. Collins efforts to secure a wife in Kent were not fruitful. When I learned of the entail and of his five female cousins…I shared my thoughts with Mr. Collins. I sent him to Longbourn to examine his future estate and to select a suitable wife from one of his cousins. I thought he would offer for one of you. I expected to meet and counsel his intended on her role as a vicar's wife while the banns were read. However, he returned with a wife who is unaware of what she owes me as his patroness."

'I was not aware you urged him to compromise one of his female cousins if none of us were interested in becoming his wife.' Mary thought uncharitably before responding. "I should consider Mr. Collins a lucky man if I were you. My sister Jane may be the prettiest and sweetest Bennet daughter, but she is much admired wherever she goes. I do not think her beauty would foster harmony in the families of your parish. My sister Elizabeth is the cleverest with much more wit and vivacity than the rest of us. She does not suffer fools. Mother says no man will want her for her pert opinions. My sisters Catherine and Lydia are interested in red coats and bonnets. Neither can claim proficiency at anything other than cards, dancing and gossip. Papa says they are silly girls…but some men prefer a stupid wife."

Lady Catherine gasped.

"Papa is a gentlemen. I am the daughter of a gentleman." Mary sipped her tea.

"Do not think I am ignorant of your mother's connections," Lady Catherine snapped.

"Mother is the granddaughter of a gentleman. Her father was a second son who became a solicitor in Meryton. Second sons, no matter their heritage, often have to find their way in the world. Ask Colonel Fitzwilliam." Mary enjoyed Lady Catherine's gasp. "Mr. Collins' grandfather sold his birthright and name to become a tradesman. However, Mr. Collins' occupation affords him some elevation from the status of son of a tradesman. Do not assume I am ignorant of his connections." Mary commented.

"Indeed, I perceive you feel you are above him. You value your worth more than the man you married." Lady Catherine snapped.

"As do several ladies of the ton, who are daughters and granddaughters of peers." Mary noted the flush on Lady Catherine's cheeks. Everyone knew Lady Catherine claimed her connection to the Earls of Matlock before her connection to the Baronets de Bourgh.

"Accomplishments are worthless unless they accompany a pleasant manner and even temperament. You use your accomplishments to elevate yourself…when you are nothing but an ill-educated daughter of a poor country squire." Lady Catherine thumped her silver-headed cane on the floor for emphasis.

"Ill-educated? My Cambridge-educated gentleman father provided a better education for me than Mr. Collins received at Oxford. Property and wealth are an inheritance from fathers. A prudent wife is from the Lord. Proverbs 19:14. My life is here, with Mr. Collins, to be his helpmate. I will do so to the best of my abilities." Mary stiffened her back and raised her chin in that determined air Lizzy had.

"I am thankful my brother, the Earl of Matlock, needs my help this Season in London. The Countess of Matlock is fatigued and relocating to Bath with our niece, Miss Darcy. I will function as his hostess during the Season. However, I will have people watching and reporting your actions." Lady Catherine warned.

"Mr. Collins may report my activities when he mails his weekly sermon for your approval. You do plan to continue to suggest and approve his sermons?" Mary raised her eyebrows, questioningly and censoriously.

"Of course, I have a duty as his patroness."

"Indeed," Mary sipped her tea. "Just I have a duty as his wife to educate him about running an estate. Do try one of my honey biscuits. Mr. Collins claims they are finer than ones obtained in London."

"You should know I am quite displeased about your marriage articles," Lady Catherine announced. "All advantage is yours. Mr. Collins settled funds on you and has no access to the percents. When available, he does not receive your pittance of a dowry, nor does he receive the percents as a per annum living. He will provide for your mother and unwed sisters in exchange for a few heirlooms. I see no reason for Mr. Collins to wait ninety days after the passing of Mr. Bennet to claim his inheritance. He should be allowed to take what is rightfully his. You married quickly to prevent him from receiving proper counseling on advantages for him."

"I am quite displeased Mr. Collins has been indiscreet about discussing our lives so freely with someone so wholly unconnected to us." Mary struggled to temper her vexation with him.

"Nonsense, I am his patroness. I should know all things which affect his ability to remain vicar at Hunsford Parsonage." Lady Catherine scoffed.

"IF Mr. Collins inherits – ninety days allows time for the will to be read, and the estate transfer papers to be drawn and filed. Ninety days allows the Longbourn accounts to be moved into Mr. Collins' name. Ninety days allows Mother and my unmarried sisters to pack and move to their new home. Ninety days provides time for Mr. Collins and me to pack and move to Longbourn. Ninety days should allow time to find a new vicar for Hunsford Rectory." Mary smiled; Lady Catherine did not know of the change in the entail. "Mayhap Mother will predecease Papa. He might marry a woman who will provide him with an heir. If that happens…Mr. Collins will have nothing to inherit…except the will and grace of God."

Lady Catherine refused the refill of tea and prepared to depart before the half hour ended. Mr. Collins did not appear and could not bow and scrape. Lady Catherine argued, "I ordered Mr. Collins and you not to entertain or be entertained, because I don't wish you to make Anne ill."

"Mr. Collins has been called away to the sick bed of an elderly widow whose health experienced a sharp decline in the last month. I do not believe visiting a dying widow can be considered entertainment." Mary rose and curtsied her goodbyes to the venerable harridan.

Lady Catherine's cane pounded on the floor as she stormed out of the parsonage.

Mr. Manning did not bother to escort Lady Catherine to her carriage as she brought a waiting footman. He did, however, sigh greatly when he quietly closed the front door to the parsonage. There would be a reckoning. He would share Lady Catherine's visit with Mrs. Manning. They should be prepared.

Saturday, January 16

"Mary!" Mr. Collins shouted up the stairs. "Make haste! Make haste! Lady Catherine's carriage is leaving for London."

Mary appeared at the top of the stairs wearing just a white flannel nightrail and wrapper. "I have a headache and am indisposed. I will not stand around in the cold air and become more ill. I am having a lie in. Bid your patroness safe travels if you must, but don't slam the front door! Don't leave the door hanging open either…do not chill the house!" She heard him huff and leave the house. She disappeared back to her sleeping quarters with an enjoyable book. She checked the lock on her side of the connecting door, thankful she had ordered Mr. Dalton to install it. She had five months to work on Mr. Collins and attempt to correct him without interference from Lady Catherine. Their first discussion would be about him sharing their marriage articles. Mrs. Bennet and Mrs. Phillips did not know the contents of their marriage articles. Mary felt Lady Catherine did not need to know either. It was nothing Lady Catherine could change, no matter how much advice she offered.

At half past nine, Mary rang the bell for Barlow, asking for hot water and help to dress. She requested a breakfast tray in her sitting room. When Mary lived at Longbourn, she endeavored to spend time daily in the stillroom or in the garden. Previously she practiced the pianoforte from breakfast to midday. She studied her Latin, while working on Lizzy's herb book. She wished for someone to practice French with her. She wished for spring.

Barlow brought a tray to her mistress, with today's post. Mary received a letter from Mrs. Bennet. She lamented Jane had not seen Mr. Bingley in London. She whinged about her plan, Jane to marry Mr. Bingley and live at Netherfield, coming to naught. She requested a written guarantee she would remain mistress of Longbourn until her death. Mary sent the letter to Mr. Bennet. Mary wrote Papa about Mr. Collins sharing their marriage articles with Lady Catherine. She explained Lady Catherine seemed vexed by the ninety-day codicil and might be determined to interfere again.

Mary reviewed the list of gentlemen tasks from Papa: staff interaction, business tasks, community tasks, and personal involvement and improvement. Papa opined Mr. Collins needed these lessons…even if he might not inherit Longbourn. Staff interaction listed items such as supervising upper servants. Business tasks included meeting with the steward, settling conflicts between tenants, and advising tenant farmers. Community tasks outlined maintaining good relations with other landowners, assisting friends and neighbors, and performing community tasks such as hosting county fairs, serving on the assizes, helping local magistrate, and bestowing church livings, etc. Personal involvement included educating sons in hunting and riding in addition to hunting and riding to entertain male guests. Personal improvement meant dressing properly, playing cards, playing billiards, and knowledge and proficiency at dancing. Mary had a list of thirty items for Mr. Collins to learn. Now she needed to arrange the lessons from the easiest for him to learn to the most complex. She must teach him to curb his tongue…or he would become as bad a gossip as Mother.

While Mr. Collins needed to learn gentleman lessons, he needed to learn useful tasks as well. Mary listed drawing water from a well or river, laying and lighting a fire, foraging for food if lost in the forest, how to care for livestock, and how to inspect a horse or equipage for travel.

After a roast chicken and apple pie dinner, Mary presented Mr. Collins with a piece of paper, written on both sides. "This is my list of responsibilities. I know how to conduct my work and responsibilities. I know how to manage Longbourn and the servants." She motioned to the reverse side. "This is your list of work and responsibilities when you become landed gentry. You do not know how to do most of these. I will work with you, but sometimes you need masters to teach you. Be prepared. I will not be a harsh task master, Mr. Collins. I have faith once you learn to be a gentleman, our life will gratify and fulfill both of us."

Monday, January 18

"Good morning Miss Anne," Mary greeted her friend. "You look miserable, can I do anything for you?"

"I can't get warm," Miss Anne complained.

Mary felt her forehead. "You're not running a fever. I think the warmth of the fire can't reach you." She recommended Miss Anne lose the heavy blanket and a dozen shawls swaddling her. "Let's go to your room." She helped Miss Anne back up the stairs. "I believe your dress weighs more than you do." She helped Miss Anne remove it. "How many petticoats are you wearing?"

"Six heavy flannel petticoats," Anne replied.

"Please forgive me if I am forward, but having four sisters, there are very few topics which are forbidden between us. Are you on your courses?" Mary examined Miss Anne's closet.

"No, I wear more then," Miss Anne hesitated before answering.

"Six heavy flannel petticoats are too much. You should take off all but one. Here, wear this." Mary helped Miss Anne put on a dark blue woolen dress with long sleeves and no train. "Can you move?" She waved her arms about.

Miss Anne followed suit. "Amazingly, yes, I can."

"One shawl, no more," Mary showed her the shawls. Miss Anne picked a dark blue shawl which complemented her dress. "Excellent choice," Mary paused to look at Miss Anne.

"What's wrong," Miss Anne asked.

"You have roses in your cheeks. I have never seen you with roses in your cheeks. You have beautiful blue eyes. My sister Jane is very pretty. However, she would give up her best blue silk dress and her pocket money to have your long eyelashes."

"Do I have long eyelashes?"

"Go to the mirror and close one eye. Use the other to look at your lashes on the closed eye. They dust your cheek, they are so long. Miss Anne, I would give up Mother, my sister Lydia, and my pin money to have eyelashes as thick and long as yours."

"I've never heard you talk about your mother or your sister Lydia, so I don't believe I'm getting a fair trade." Miss Anne looked at herself in the mirror again. "Well, I do need something special since I'm such a sickly fool."

"Let's discuss that topic downstairs. I need to send a note to my maid Barlow, and I plan to use one of your footmen to deliver it."

~X~

Barlow arrived with a basket for Mary. She heard a loud discussion between Miss Anne, Mrs. Jenkinson and Mrs. Collins. Mary set Barlow's basket on the table. She ordered broth for all of them to be served immediately with some of the herb and cheese scones Mrs. Manning baked earlier that morning.

"Jenkinson, I won't argue with you. If you insist on telling Mother I'm not wearing twenty layers of clothes, shawls, and blankets, then I'm moving to Bath with the Countess of Matlock. Mrs. Collins will attend aunt and me, healing both of us. I am warmer right now than I have been in weeks because I cast off layers and am able to move about."

"Miss Anne, I would be remiss in my duties if I let an untrained…" Mrs. Jenkinson paused, searching for a word.

"Usurper?" Mary suggested. "I am not untrained. I have an apprentice training from a surgeon, an apothecary and a midwife."

"What is the problem?" Mr. Knowles entered the drawing room. "Mrs. Havens summoned me; she heard shouting."

"This…woman," Mrs. Jenkinson cried, "is countermanding every order the London doctor and Lady Catherine set down for Miss Anne's health! The cold has been abominable this winter. Miss Anne will become ill if she is not properly clothed and blanketed. If she catches pneumonia and dies, I will see you are charged with murder!" Mrs. Jenkinson shouted at Mary.

"Miss Anne," Mr. Knowles looked at her inquisitively. "Miss, I would never have known you…standing there, looking out the window. How are you?"

"I'm feeling a little mutinous. Mrs. Collins' attentions to my health made me feel better this morning than I have felt in months. I am following Mrs. Collins' recommended plan for my health or she will pack my trunks and accompany me to the Countess of Matlock in Bath. I will take Mrs. Collins to be my nurse and companion! Since I pay your wages Mrs. Jenkinson, I determine if you will work for me or are released from your post! I am four and twenty, with a sane mind. I can choose my own course of action!" Miss Anne informed Mrs. Jenkinson.

"Mrs. Jenkinson, neither of us will mention these events to Lady Catherine at Miss Anne's request. Who are we to deny Miss Anne the opportunity to regain her health? Is there anything else I can do?" Mr. Knowles inquired.

"Yes, you may inform the staff Mrs. Collins has the final word about anything regarding my health and NO ONE informs Mother. She is distraught right now, hostessing for Lord Matlock while fretting over Lady Matlock's health." Miss Anne demanded.

"I completely agree, Miss Anne. As the steward of Rosings Park, which includes the manor house, I oversee the estate. If you feel Mrs. Collins will help you regain your health, I will not voice any impediments to her plan." Mr. Knowles bowed.

"Thank you," both Miss Anne and Mary curtsied. Mrs. Jenkinson sniffed and crossed her arms in defiance.

~X~

"Nonsense," Mary kindly rebuked the argumentative Mrs. Jenkinson. "Miss Anne is not ninety and toothless! I don't know anyone who likes pap or possets…let alone eating them daily for a decade! Daily, while dressing and preparing for your day, drink green tea with lemon balm tissane to ease any feeling of fatigue. Breakfast should be a hot, hearty grain cereal, made with fruit bits and nuts, and sweetened with honey. Hot milk with your cereal. One hot roll with a scraping of butter and honey. Green tea or hot chocolate with your breakfast."

"Honey, not sugar?" Anne reviewed the directives.

Mary nodded. "Barlow delivered two bottles of beef broth. We will drink one today. The other is for tomorrow. Have your cook prepare broth for you from the receipt I provide." "I always have a cup of revitalizing beef broth with my midday meal when I am fatigued or ill. My beef broth is prepared with sherry, parsley, onions, celery and garlic. Each batch, cooked weekly, provides enough broth for me. I prepared this receipt for Mother when she had one of her headaches."

"I don't know what you eat at midday, but that is the time for the restorative broth. Cold meats, cheeses and boiled eggs are excellent for your midday meal with the restorative broth. For tea time, have the cook prepare custard tarts with either cinnamon or nutmeg and sweetened with honey. The milk and eggs will strengthen you. I will give you the receipt for my honey biscuits. They are acceptable if you have callers. Drink green tea or herbal tea. Honey to sweeten your tea."

"I like your honey biscuits," Miss Anne sighed.

"Mr. Collins believes they are finer than ones obtained in London," Mary smiled.

"Oh, this broth so much tastier than the watery stuff cook makes." Anne drank her broth and nibbled on one of the cheese and herb scones from Mary's basket.

"I don't know your dinner menus since Lady Catherine is gone to London. However, if you are not entertaining, simplify your dinner menu. There is no need for five and twenty dishes if you dine alone or dine with Mrs. Jenkinson. There is no need for five dishes. Good, nourishing soups, stews or ragouts with meat and garden stuff are better for you. Hot rolls with butter and honey. One sweet – a custard, pudding, blancmange or flummery. A fresh orange or apple with a small cheese tray is better for you than a cake or pie."

"I like soup. So far your directions for improving my health sound much better than eating gruel for breakfast." Miss Anne noticed Mrs. Jenkinson listened quietly.

"If you are setting dinner menus when you have masters, consider one course. A meat, several garden sides, hot rolls and a sweet or two are appropriate. Masters do not need three courses of four and twenty dishes. Serve your soups or stews at midday." Mary set out another bottle. "Here is a bottle of medicinal sherry. Have one small cordial glass each night before you retire if you feel fatigued or have aches in your head or bones."

"A cordial of sherry every night before bed?" Mrs. Jenkinson began to shriek again. The first moment Miss Anne looked unwell, she would contact the London doctor and send an express letter to Lady Catherine. Mr. Knowles would not stop her either!

"Only on nights Miss Anne doesn't feel well. I will write these orders and give a copy to Miss Anne, you, Mrs. Havens and Mr. Knowles." Mary offered. "Nightly have a sponge bath or a full soaking bath using lavender oil to relax you. If the bed is warmed properly before you lay down, then one warm, flannel nightgown, will be sufficient to wear to bed. Place the two sachets of lavender under your pillows to help you sleep."

"Remove all but one inch of blankets from Miss Anne's bed. Excess blankets will pin her to the mattress like an insect specimen and restrict movement. Additionally, reduce the fire in her room to an acceptable level. Her room needs aired every morning. One of the maids can air her suite during her music lessons." Mary addressed Mrs. Jenkinson, who huffed and left the drawing room, hopefully to remove some of the blankets and air Miss Anne's room.

"Daily, at the top of the hour, take one or two turns around a room, or the length of the hall or around the gardens to build your strength. Chamomile tea for sore muscles which you will have as you walk more each day. Sweeten your tea with honey, not sugar. Honey has healing properties."

"I need to find a room to use as my sitting room," Miss Anne observed the length and breadth of the room. "This drawing room is too large and impossible to heat evenly."

"Each morning I make a list of things to do. I have a schedule of when I do things daily, weekly, quarterly, seasonally, etc." Mary wrote receipts and directions for the cook. "I supplied a few days of chamomile and lavender. Your stillroom maid should be able to replace the herbs as needed. I will endeavor to make you so healthy Lady Catherine will not recognize you when she returns home."

Miss Anne snorted in derision, but her eyes danced with mischief.

"Additionally, the modiste must visit you. The materials you wear are so heavy you can barely move. The number of clothes you are wearing now are perfectly acceptable if you are staying at home. For the remainder of winter, you need day gowns, without trains, in kerseymere, or light wool with one heavy flannel petticoat. You need a hooded redingote, not a heavy cloak, when you go outside. In the spring, you need muslins, cottons or linens in yellows, blues and whites to remind you of the sky on a sunny day. They will improve your outlook. You need spencers and pelisses."

Mary did not know it, but she just gained a patroness of her own. "Please call me Anne when we are not in Mother's presence." Anne requested. "What will I do with my heavy clothes?"

"Please call me Mary when we are alone. You are so petite, most of your clothes will not fit your servants. Donate them to the benefice society," Mary suggested. "I can take those heavy materials and make warm winter clothes for the needy children of the parish. Contact the modiste to come to Rosings and fit you for a wardrobe appropriate for a young woman. I prefer browns which accent my hair and eyes, and because browns are good for working in the gardens. Dark purples, muddy greens and wintery greys do nothing to show how pretty you are. You should wear blues to accent your eyes."

Anne summoned Mrs. Havens and Mrs. Gibbons. With help from Mrs. Gibbons, Anne rearranged the menus for the next month. Mary eliminated the gruel and the thin watery soups. She explained a variety of hearty soups and fortifying meals would help Miss Anne regain her health. Mary explained they always readjusted their menus when goods were delivered to ensure the best usage. Anne opined she appreciated Mother taking the French chef to London. She informed Mrs. Havens to notify staff regarding the simplified hot meals. Anne opined sufficiently warmed rooms, hot meals, and appropriate warm clothes would improve everyone's performance.

Mary provided Mrs. Havens with a list of tasks for Miss Anne…the modiste, slates for inventory of the cellar, inventory of goods delivered by the main farm, ingredients for medicinal broths, teas and sherry, and herbs needed for tea and baths. Miss Anne needed a ledger to track her expenditures, and day books for recording receipts, menus, tasks to complete, etc. While Mrs. Jenkinson, as Miss Anne's companion, should be tasked with errands for Miss Anne…Mary didn't trust her. Mary would not be surprised if the feeling were mutual. Mrs. Havens agreed to keep an eye on Mrs. Jenkinson and prevent her from sabotaging Miss Anne's directions and tasks.

~X~

Jane's long letter explained she remained in London until March. She shared the concerts and theatre they attended and the walks in the various parks. She wrote about museums and bookstores. She explained Amelia and Alice practiced simple duets together. At the end of February, Mrs. Gardiner would take Jane home to Longbourn, bringing Lizzy, Kitty and Charlotte Lucas to Hunsford Parsonage. She did not mention Mr. Bingley nor his sisters.

Mary replied to Jane's letter, relating how much she enjoyed the walk in Hyde Park during her wedding trip with Mr. Collins. She explained they observed the fine prospects of the de Bourgh House, Darcy House, and Matlock House one afternoon during a drive. She thanked Jane again for the linen doily with the oak leaves and acorns. She used the linen doily to guide the colors of her siting room. She explained her sewing projects for the rectory and parsonage. She explained the lessons for her staff. She opined she might wait a long time until spring. The weather started out fine this year, but the current cold weather worried Mary. She explained they prepared firepits in the orchard to prevent an early frost from decimating the potential harvest. She asked Jane about the visits to the museums…but did not mention Mr. Bingley. She advised Lady Catherine was in London, but stated the grand dame would never be seen in Cheapside.

Lizzy sent Mary a long letter. Before the Christmas assembly, Sir William inquired about militia debts owed to the shopkeepers. He wrote the War Office in London, demanding members of the militia settle their debts with the Meryton shopkeepers before leaving to visit family for Christmas. He sent a list of the militia members and their outstanding debts with his letter. He sent a copy of the letter and list to Colonel Forester. Suddenly the militia no longer made calls to Lucas Lodge. While Charlotte did not object; Maria acted as despondent as a jilted bride.

Sir William visited Mr. Proper, the Meryton innkeeper. Mr. Wickham's patron paid Wickham's debts to shopkeepers and debts of honor to other militia men out of Wickham's funds. Gossips estimated Wickham amassed £200 before the debts were paid, and received almost £100 after. A week before Christmas, Wickham received the funds for his travel to Bath. Other militia and community members halted a shouting and shoving match between Wickham and Proper. Summarily, Wickham had been thrown out and banned from the inn. Mr. Proper removed Wickham's name from his gambling special. For one shilling a visitor could receive either three pints of small beer, two pints of ale or a glass of whiskey with a new deck of cards, and a piece of paper and pencil for tallying scores. Paper, quill and ink for writing debts of honor cost extra.

Militia, who were paid for Wickham's debts of honor by Mr. Proper, were immediately served with invoices from shopkeepers in Meryton. They paid debts of honor to other militia, who in turn paid invoices to shopkeepers. Before the end of the week before Christmas, all debts of honor were settled, all shopkeepers' invoices were settled. Sir William felt the distribution of £100 affected the holiday spirit of Meryton.

Lizzy's letter contained more Wickham news. On the night of a holiday ball in Bath, Wickham requested a meeting with Miss King's uncle in his library to discuss the upcoming London Season. Wickham grabbed a young woman wearing a dark emerald velvet cloak. He dragged her to a darkened library and proceeded to thoroughly compromise the young woman. When Stratton King entered his library, he caught Wickham ruining Miss King's maid.

The maid borrowed one of Miss King's dresses and emerald velvet cloak. She planned to slip away for a few hours to the Pump Room where she could charm the local constables and military men when they took their leisure. Instead, she found herself without a position, a home, and funds. Additionally she was handed to Mr. Wickham.

Wickham deserted the maid before morning, leaving one week of lodging paid for her at the Wharton Inn. Runners traced Wickham as far as Portsmouth. Miss King took pity on the maid. She paid the maid's wages for the quarter and paid post coach for the maid to travel to her parents. However, Miss King refused to provide a character.

Mary replied to Lizzy, relating the Twelfth Night event. She explained Mr. Collins keenly felt distressed. Lady Catherine had been summoned to London by the Earl of Matlock to function as his hostess for the upcoming Season. She would not return to Rosings until June first. A fatigued Countess of Matlock and Miss Darcy were established in Bath until the Season ended. Miss Anne remained at Rosings because she was too frail to travel to London or Bath. Mary explained she called daily at Rosings to practice on the pianoforte until Miss Anne hired a music master.

Tuesday, January 19

"Sorry," Mary moved in front of the fireplace. "I'm just chilled. I'll be warm in a minute." The walk from the parsonage to Rosings had been bone chilling.

"Did you walk to Rosings?" Anne inquired.

"Yes, today's weather is colder than during the past week." Mary noticed Anne wore another warm woolen dress and one shawl. She wore warm woolen mitts and woolen house slippers.

Anne rang for Mrs. Havens. "Will you summon Mr. Knowles? If you are ready, let's go practice. I would use the music room, but we would need a roaring fire for proper heat. Mrs. Haven's sitting room is easier to heat. We will continue to meet here, where we will be warm."

While Mary practiced songs for Easter, Mr. Knowles appeared and quietly conversed with Miss Anne. When he departed, Anne moved to the pianoforte and began her lesson with Mary. Close to one o'clock, they stopped, and Mary gathered her things, preparing for a cold walk back to the parsonage.

Anne rang for Gerard. "Is the carriage ready?"

"The coachman just arrived," Gerard, the butler, explained.

"Coachman?" Mary asked.

"Coachman," Anne confirmed. "I can't have you walking to and from Rosings and catching cold. Daily, a warmed carriage will pick you up before half past ten and deliver you to Rosings. A warmed carriage will return you to the parsonage by one."

"That's not necessary," Mary protested.

"Oh yes, I insist, for I will not have you get sick. When the air becomes warm in the spring, then you can resume walking to Rosings. I find I am quite diverted to be the mistress of Rosings. My music master and my art master are arriving the first of February. Lady Matlock hired them for me. They will stay at Rosings until Mother returns June first. If you would like music or art lessons, I would be thrilled to have you join me. Aunt Constance is seeking a dance master and a French master for me. I may hire a master to teach me sewing and embroidery."

Friday, January 22

Mary greeted the members of the benefice society, Miss Anne and Mrs. Havens.

"No Mrs. Jenkinson?" Mary inquired.

"She is indisposed this afternoon with a headache," Anne smiled. "Because we will talk about gardening, Mrs. Havens joined me."

"Please go through to the dining room and help yourself to refreshments," Mary directed. "Once we have tea and refreshments, we'll adjourn to the drawing room for the meeting. There is apple cake, custard tarts and honey biscuits. Mrs. Manning made excellent cheese and herb scones."

Mrs. Seaton, the butcher's wife, inquired about Lady Catherine's health.

"Mother is busy in London right now. My aunt, the Countess of Matlock, is indisposed and spending the Season in Bath. I remained at Rosings, and have enjoyed an improvement in my health thanks to Mrs. Collins." Anne circulated to every group in the room, welcoming all.

Barlow, in her best black dress with white apron, aided Mary by pouring tea while Mrs. Manning refilled platters of scones and sweets. Mary and Mrs. Manning baked six dozen honey biscuits on Thursday for today's tea. Mary hoped the honey biscuits Mrs. Manning delivered with a pot of tea would placate Mr. Collins. She allowed him to greet the ladies, and lead them in a prayer for the service of the community. He tried to sit next to Miss Anne and engage her in conversation about Lady Catherine. However, Miss Anne strongly suggested he relocate to his bookroom. Miss Anne had issues to discuss with the benefice society which were not under the purview of the vicar.

Once everyone moved to the drawing room and settled, Mary began. "Thank you for coming for tea today." She thanked the four and twenty women who gathered. "Miss Anne is present to discuss expanding the duties of the benefice society."

"We are not like the ton. They have societies where one may pay a yearly subscription or a life subscription and never be importuned to help again, unless one purchases tickets to a charity ball. I am not interested in passive forms of charity. I prefer to be part of a benefice society which helps provide relief in the form of food, clothing, and blankets to our neighbors and community." Anne paused when she saw uncomfortable looks on some of the faces.

"I want our benefice society to do more than spend two days at Christmas and Easter filling baskets for the poor. For example, consider the St. Thomas Tea which Mrs. Collins hosted at Hunsford Parsonage with help from anonymous donors. The benefice society can aid the event." Anne suggested. "I would like to see the benefice society sew clothes for the poor and needy. I plan to donate older clothes out of my closet which can be reworked."

"You are not using your old clothes for Boxing Day?" Mrs. Lively frowned.

"I am so petite, my clothes won't fit any servants. My old clothes are made of heavy materials which are best used for winter clothing for children. Some of my lined cloaks could make a dress and redingote for a young girl." Anne asserted. "But there are other things the benefice society can do besides sewing."

"I lived on an estate in Hertfordshire," Mary explained. "I always grew extra rows of garden stuff for baskets for tenants and the church. I grew a large herb garden and used my apothecary skills to nurse my family, friends and tenants. I believe we each have talents we can use to ease life for the poor."

"Please do what you can, but don't volunteer to help the benefice society if you plan to socialize with me," Anne requested. "Due to my health, I may not be able to attend regularly. However, I'm willing to donate materials and items the benefice society needs to make clothes or blankets, fill baskets, etc. I will ask Mr. Knowles to share extra garden seeds after Rosings' gardens are planted and after our tenants have planted. We will share seedlings from fruit trees with our tenants first, and make excess available for widows next, and the members of the church last."

"I would be willing to attend benefice society meetings and sew clothes for the poor. I will ask my widowed sisters, Mrs. Adams and Mrs. Barr who live with me, if they will help sew." Mrs. Carter, one of the parish widows, announced. "I will also donate extra from my kitchen garden. We will need help to harvest our pear and apple trees, but we're willing to donate extra from them. Additionally, we're willing to trade seedlings from the trees for seedlings we don't have, such as nuts, apricots, plums, etc."

"I will speak with our steward, Mr. Knowles. We can organize help to harvest for the widows, sick and infirm," Anne offered. "My staff can dig fire pits and stock them with wood in the early spring when they have little else to do. Each home would be tasked to light their fire pits as needed."

"At Miss de Bourgh's urging, the benefice society will meet here at the parsonage from half past one to half past three every Friday. We may adjust the meetings to allow for holidays. Anyone who can join us is welcome. Please…if you are sick or have been sick…stay home and care for yourself." Mary thanked everyone for coming and curtsied when they left.

After the ladies left, Mary asked Mrs. Manning and Barlow a very pointed question. "I don't like gossip. However, I could tell you heard things today which should be discussed. Miss Anne is interested in hearing the whispers also."

"The ladies seemed to split into three groups – those for expanding the benefice society, those against, and those who only attend to socialize. Mrs. Lively said it's easy to champion the poor when you work for Rosings and are assured of food, a warm bed and wages. She doesn't feel the parsonage staff should be invited to help make orange marmalade, mincemeat, and wines. She said when the parsonage receives free help from Rosings, you don't have to pay a decent wage to hardworking people." Barlow pulled a face.

Mary shook her head. "I did not expect to hear that comment."

"Rose, Barlow and I welcome the opportunities to help prepare foods and wines at Rosings. I believe learning to make ink and candles are important skills for the girls to learn." Mrs. Manning crossed her arms over her ample bosom. "While Mr. and Mrs. Collins don't care for orange marmalade, the girls enjoyed sharing their efforts with their families. I questioned them about each step in the process. Making orange marmalade was a good lesson for them."

Anne nodded. "I hope Rosings continues teaching them, Rosings staff, and Rosings families. I understand Mother thinks everyone should remain in the station where they were born, but I believe everyone should learn what they can to better themselves."

"Is that approval to continue to teach my staff to read and write, and calculate sums?" Mary smiled when Anne nodded.

"Mrs. Seaton said they are constantly importuned for credit or for donating to charitable causes. She said they depend on customers who pay at time of purchase or settle their accounts in full on quarter days. She said their business is affected by hunting parties and generous landlords who provide for their tenants." Mrs. Manning gave Mary a look.

"There's more to her comment. I promise I will not be offended." Mary shook her head in amazement.

"Mrs. Seaton doesn't feel the parsonage should receive weekly baskets from Rosings. She feels you are purloining her pockets when you share meat from the baskets with our families, Curate Stevenson or Sexton Tucker." Mrs. Manning explained.

At Anne's questioning glance, Mary explained. "Mrs. Seaton should be gratified. I purchase meat from the butcher when I share the meat from the basket with staff at the parsonage and at the rectory."

"Such as?" Anne laughed. "For I fear Mother was not generous with beef roasts, pheasants and venison."

"Mr. Collins and I cannot abide the taste or texture of sweetbreads, tongue or hare," Mary apologized. "I can't change my aversion to squirrel or woodchuck. So, when Lady Catherine generously shared such items with the parsonage…I generously shared with staff of the parsonage and rectory."

"Good to know," Anne's eyes twinkled. "Please continue ladies."

"Mrs. Talfort claimed a clear conscience about accepting birds from a hunting party or fish from a fishing party. She said Mr. Talfort's younger brother raises rabbits, poultry, cattle, pigs and sheep for the inn, so they don't pay dearly to the butcher for every meal." Barlow collected plates and tea cups from the room. "Her parents' farm provides eggs, milk, and orchard and garden stuff to the inn at good prices so they can feed the patrons. In return, they help her parents acquire more land to grow their needs."

"Mrs. Lively sews for Mr. Lively's business and would prefer not to sew in her free time. She prefers visiting Mrs. Hanley at the circulating library." Mrs. Manning straightened chairs and cushions.

"Where gossip turns ugly faster than a page turns in a book," Anne grimaced.

"Mr. Hanley offers reading lessons to anyone who can pay the coin. He dislikes Curate Stevenson conducting lessons for boys, regardless of their station. He dislikes Curate Stevenson bartering lessons for excess the families have which he can use." Barlow lifted a tray of dishes to take to the kitchen.

"I bartered for lessons before. I traded honey, herbs, wines, floral waters and medicinal sherry for French and drawing lessons for my sisters and me. I traded honey, ink, quills and wines for Latin lessons for me." Mary admitted to the ladies. "I bartered my honey for seeds or materials I needed in the garden."

"Mrs. Hanley feels the practice of educating your servants is unwise. She believes they will expect higher wages or will seek better positions. She believes anyone who educates their staff would deserve new staff who are unable to prepare a pot of tea." Barton departed.

Mary and Anne laughed. "Oh dear, I am not making friends, am I?" Mary pulled a face. "I hope my foes never learn I can cook, clean, garden, care for poultry and livestock, set fires, draw water, milk a cow, gather eggs…"

"You are my particular friend," Anne assured her. "You don't need dissenters like Mrs. Seaton, Mrs. Lively or Mrs. Hanley. Thirty-six widows sing your praises, along with Mr. Knowles and several of my house and garden staff. Mrs. Jenkinson may not appreciate you, but I certainly do."

"Mr. Seaton is on the deacons board. They may try to influence Mr. Collins." Mary protested.

"I will attend the next rectory council and deacons board meeting." Anne noted. "Mrs. Manning, please ask Mr. Collins to join us."

~X~

"The Rosings basket has twelve large potatoes, a small ham, a quarter round of cheese, fresh butter, two loaves of day old bread, and two dozen eggs. The garden stuff includes a bunch of scallions, several stalks of broccoli, and three bunches of grapes from the orangery at Rosings. We received two buckets of fresh milk." Mrs. Manning gave Mary the slate with the basket inventory.

"Make a hearty soup for dinner night from diced potatoes, chopped broccoli, some diced ham, and diced scallions. Use some of the cheese and the milk. Make enough soup to feed all of us." Mary decided. "We can serve sliced ham and cheese with fresh grapes and apple slices with the soup."

"Very good," Mrs. Manning wrote the menu and instructions on a kitchen slate. "Sliced ham and cheese for cold collation midday meals this week?"

"Please make coleslaw with diced apples and walnuts from our supply. We will serve coleslaw at midday meal with the ham and cheese. Hot pease soup or hot bean soup with ham bits for evening meals with inn bread? Hot rolls for breakfast with coffee. Mr. Collins likes black butter with his breakfast rolls. Apple cakes and pies for midday this week, with leftovers for visitors or dinner. How is our apple supply? How is our honey supply?" Mary looked over the basket inventory.

"We have eight crocks of honey, several racks of apples in cool storage in the attic, along with cabbages, potatoes, turnips, carrots and onions in the cellar. We have enough supplies to get us to spring. I thought to use some of the nuts for nut pound cakes. I think since the benefice society met earlier today, you may have callers beginning soon. We will prepare nut pound cakes, apple cakes and honey biscuits to serve with tea for callers this week. You should purchase more tea and coffee if we have visitors." Mrs. Manning checked the cellar inventory slate one last time. "If you haven't noticed, Rose is getting taller. Her dresses aren't too short yet, but they will be soon. We can add flounces, or we can pass some of Barlow's older dresses down to her."

"Thursday, after all the laundry is done, we'll look over Rose's dresses, Barlow's dresses and my dresses. I don't believe in giving clothes to staff only on Boxing Day. They ought to be given as available. I'm a firm believer in new materials for clothes on Lady Day and on Christmas. I will have finished Mr. Collins' new shirts by Lady Day. We will keep two of his older shirts for working in the garden. The rest can go to Mr. Manning. I will ask Miss Anne if we can take anything which fits Rose from her donations to the benefice society."

"Thank you, Mrs. Collins. We appreciate you caring for us."

"I'll be in my sitting room. I have letters, household accounts and sewing to keep me occupied until dinner." Mary took the Rosings' basket inventory with her. They would not share anything from this week's basket, which made entering the basket inventory in the ledger a simple task.

Mary resumed her sewing. Preparing the parsonage for visitors mean continuous sewing. Maryanne helped sew blankets, sheets and kitchen linens on Wednesdays. Mrs. Manning taught Barlow and Rose to sew on Wednesday afternoons. Mary held Wednesday evening classes for Barlow, Rose and Maryanne. They were grateful for the lessons and applied themselves studiously. If Mary lost Barlow, she hoped to find a replacement if she offered lessons in reading, writing and sums.

The Collinses entered their third week of cold indifference to one another. They spoke civilly during evening dinners and Saturday morning breakfasts. They were quite civil to one another before, during and after church services on Sunday. However, the connecting door between their rooms remained locked. Mary did not regret the turmoil of her parents' marriage…but she regretted how dissimilar her marriage was to Uncle and Aunt Gardiner.

Saturday

Anne surveyed Father's library. The large open room surprised her. Tall windows permitted light. However the large oak tree outside kept direct sunlight from fading the carpet, furniture or books. Somehow this fireplace missed the elaborate chimney pieces which Mother inflicted upon the drawing room, dining room and ballroom fireplaces. Three library tables occupied one side of the library. Comfortable chairs and side tables occupied the other.

Anne remembered when the tables occupied the middle of the room, permitting serious study. She remembered when the chairs were stationed near the fireplace, or the windows so one could sit and read comfortably. She rang for Mrs. Havens, and explained how she wanted the library set for when her cousins arrived for their visit. "Please inform the staff to return every book they find in the manor to the library. We will discuss how the bookshelves should be rearranged when the room is scrubbed down and polished up."

"Shall we return the rest of the library furniture to the library when we find pieces? There are leather chairs wandering about in guest rooms which your father kept in his study and library." Mrs. Havens commented.

"Indeed, please restore the library as much as possible. That door goes to Father's study. That door?"

"The library opens to the private sitting room which Lady Catherine used before Sir Lewis passed. Now she uses the private sitting room attached to her quarters or the drawing room." Mrs. Havens opened the door to the room.

Anne flinched at the ostentatious décor in this room. "Have we changed the suite of rooms Lady Anne Darcy occupied when she visited?"

"No, would you like the sitting room furniture moved here?" Mrs. Havens inquired.

"I would like this room cleared, completely. Store the furniture and rugs in an unused guest room if necessary. I want Aunt Anne's sitting room furniture and rugs brought to this room. I will instruct how to set the room. Then I want the fire lit in this room daily. There will be changes in the music room, the breakfast room and my quarters. However, they will not happen today. I shall walk the halls for a bit since the day is grey and misty. I want the sitting room prepared before the library. I want the library prepared before the morning room. I want the morning room prepared before my suite. I want my suite prepared before rooms for my masters. I want the masters rooms prepared before rooms for Darcy and Fitzwilliam. Additionally…the drawing room requires attention."

Anne went to Father's study while the work continued in her new study and the library. She wandered around at first, reacquainting herself with memories of playing with her doll in a corner while Father worked on his ledgers. Anne found a walnut campaign decanter chest, which would hold six bottles. She thought it would be a lovely gift for Richard's thirtieth birthday. Meanwhile, the chest would remain in Father's study.

A pair of leather chairs sat before the fireplace with a tripod mahogany wine table between them. The table had a pie crust edge…probably to keep foxed guests from spilling their wines, ports or brandies on the carpet. Near the fireplace was a mahogany book trough bookcase, holding a dozen volumes which Father must have read over and over. All the books had leather strip bookmarks. Next to it was a burled walnut lectern/book stand which held the de Bourgh family Bible. On the other side of the fireplace stood a set of three burled walnut nesting tables with leather tops. Perhaps they were used for side tables for men to enjoy their drink in Father's study.

Father's study held a burled walnut gaming table. While Anne remembered Father using the table, the burled walnut stood out against some of the mahogany pieces of the room. Anne needed to remove mahogany pieces of furniture from the room, replacing them with walnut pieces. Father's walnut desk, walnut chairs and this walnut game table set the tone for the room.

A pair of quality wingback chairs, with brown leather upholstery stood before Father's desk. Anne could not remember when the chairs had not been part of the furniture in Father's study. Anne sat in his chair and began a systematic review of everything in the study, beginning with Father's desk.

~X~

After dinner Anne viewed the changes to her new sitting room. Painted a creamy yellow, the room held an excellent rosewood desk, desk chair and set of bookcases behind the desk for ledgers. Anne approved of the two green tapestry chairs set before the desk for conversations with staff. Daily she would toil on issues for Rosings in her new sitting room. She would meet and discuss the estate with Mr. Knowles, household issues with Mrs. Havens, and meet with Mary Collins.

A pretty settee covered in a simple pattern of green ferns on cream background and a pair of fern green side chairs dominated the space before the fireplace. A trio of rosewood tables completed the sitting area. A rosewood and tulipwood sideboard stood on one side of the fireplace. Anne admired the sideboard which held a tantalizer with three empty decanters. Anne would request they be filled with sherry, port and brandy. A small silver tray with cordial glasses graced the top of the sideboard. A rosewood table for holding a tea tray occupied the other side of the fireplace.

A small corner cabinet held her art box, a work basket and a small pile of sewing projects. A comfortable wing chair and small rosewood work table completed that corner of the room.

The trio of marble busts on the mantle were sent to the music room. The busts must have belonged to her paternal grandmother, as Mother had no musical abilities. How Mother escaped having music lessons while Aunt Anne became proficient would be a puzzle for another day. Now the mantle held a set of gilt candlesticks and a gilt mantle clock. Anne replaced the large watercolor of Pemberley with a three-foot-square gilt mirror from Aunt Anne's suite. She would ship the Pemberley picture to William and Georgiana at the Darcy House, London.

Anne sighed, grateful for the new study and personal sitting room. The warm and pleasant room reminded her of her beloved Aunt Anne. She resolved to clear Rosings of the grandiose and ostentatious furnishings and décor. Anne would not give up this sitting room when Mother returned.

Anne sighed, and looked longingly at the empty sherry decanter. When Mother returned, there would be a reckoning. Mother never thought she would be well. Mother also never thought Anne would be curious about Father and read every ledger from his life. Nor read every letter saved in his desk. Nor find the key to the safe which hid all manner of secrets.

~X~

Anne had Mrs. Havens acquire blank everyday books and several pencils for her. She, like Mary Collins, planned to walk the length and breadth of Rosings Park. She charged Mrs. Havens with viewing all the rooms in the cellar, and the staff floor. She would draw a map of each floor, number the room, and write the use, size and décor of each room. Anne began on the first floor. She entered notes on separate pages about each room, hall or alcove in an everyday book. The notes included the size, décor, and current use of the room. She entered which way the room faced…and the colors available when looking out the windows. She listed furniture and décor to be replaced, and possible suggestions for the color of the room.

Anne hated the drawing room of Rosings Park. The elaborately carved and gilded furniture, the fussy porcelains, the thick, dark drapes and rugs, and the upholstery seemed two decades old. The chimney piece…that damned £800 chimney piece would generously provide a Season for a London debutante, or two years of wages for the vicar, curate and sexton. With determination, she imagined the room as empty. She used three pages to write items to remove, items to add, and a change of color and style.

The withdrawing room had a French sofa bed, covered in gold linens. The bed curtains were emerald velvet. No one would dare use the bed, let alone touch the drapes. Green velvet drapes with thick, ornate gold fringe created a canopy over the bed. Anne needed to see more withdrawing rooms before she made changes.

The alcoves in the music room held gold velvet settees. Never used, hunter green drapes with gold satin lining framed the alcoves. Ornate gold gilt framed landscapes hung over the settees. A green and black marble column, on which a Grecian-shaped vase resided, stood beside each settee. The drapes in the music room were columnar and covered great spaces on the walls because the small windows would have disappeared under the drapes. The light thinned insufficiently to see anything. This room would need mirrors and excessive candelabra to light it. The drapes were excessive for a room mostly used at night. Anne was dismayed to find a pair of silk embroidery pole screens. While the brackets worked and the screens were adjustable…she did not care for the gold fabric and floral silk embroidery. Obviously Mother loved the excess.

Anne could not wait to replace the massive collection of drapes covering Rosings Park. Why were there blue satin over-drapes on the windows, with pale silver velvet under drapes in the breakfast room? Anne moved the drapes aside and looked out the window. Just like her spring clothes…the breakfast room needed to resemble a sunny day. She could not think of a better way to start the day.

Sunday

After church and a midday meal, Anne managed to view the remaining first floor rooms before tea. She made notes regarding each room while she took a respite. After tea she would view the rooms on the second floor.

Anne hid her revulsion at Mother's suite. The green-gold walls boasted a plethora of gold-gilt framed floral prints. The dark green velvet created scalloped over drapes, with an ornate gold border and fringe. The over drape was two feet long and the length of the window. The heavy velvet under drapes were decorated with gold fringe and held back with a gold cord as thick as Anne's fist. The opulent gold gauze under curtains were not necessary. She critically listed furniture and décor to go. She drew a quick sketch of how the room should look, with simpler drapes, rugs, and upholstery. The ornate ebony and gold gilt furniture should be sold and replaced with simple, classic pieces. Anne disliked the ebony table with gold ornamentation which served as a writing desk for the suite.

Anne winced when she opened the door to a guest room decorated in coral and emerald. The floral carpet, bordered in black, had been repeated in the porcelain candlesticks of the room. Coral bed linens, emerald bed drapes and window drapes, and gold gilt furniture…'I would empty this room.'

The next door opened into a maid's closet. Anne noted the closet on the layout of the house and moved on in her discovery tour. She noted she would ask Mrs. Havens and an upper housemaid about the closet.

The next guest room had rose and ivory decor. The green leaves in the floral rug were the same green as the velveteen drapes. The room hadn't been modernized in at least two decades. Anne noted the excessive mahogany furniture in the suite with dressing quarters. Anne found a Queen Anne table with a drawer. Too small for much use beyond holding a candlestick, the table sat inside the door with a long thin mirror above it. The table gave Anne ideas for a smaller room which could not hold console tables and large over mirrors.

Anne would finish viewing the rooms at Rosings Park after several days. She spent her time in her new drawing room, poring over floor maps and room descriptions. She gathered the household catalogues from when Rosings Park was built to now.

Thursday, January 29

Anne had no skills to mark her accomplished by society's standards. She could not play the pianoforte or harp. She did not sing. She could not dance. She could not sew. She could not embroider. Paint a table? Why? If a table required painting, it should be given to a tenant to use in their home and be replaced with new. Paint a screen? Why? Rosings Manor overflowed with perfectly good ones. She had no domestic skills. She could not plan menus. She could not garden. What she could do was learn.

Anne would apply herself and make her abilities more attractive than her dowry. If Anne could not be a beauty, she could emulate Mary Collins. She doubted the Bennets valued Mary like the gem she was. She worked harder than anyone Anne ever met. Anne appreciated Mary Collins more than anyone knew. Mary Collins saved Anne's life and she intended to reward her guardian angel.

~X~

"Catherine," Reggie sternly addressed his sister. "We discussed this before you unpacked. You may change furniture and furnishings in your suite. Otherwise, Constance and I have set the furniture and furnishings in Matlock House to our taste. The drawing room and dining room will be reset as Constance and I prefer. I will not require Constance to abandon her recovery and return to London to guard her house against your décor. If the furniture which you brought from the de Bourgh House does not fit in your suite…then it will be returned to the de Bourgh House. I don't care for large, uncomfortable pieces of furniture."

"The dining room was not set for serving more than four and twenty," Catherine argued. "My layout allows for six and thirty to dine."

"Six and thirty – if people sit on top of one another. I prefer no more than two and twenty guests in the house for dinner on Tuesday or Saturday. I prefer dining at my club on Wednesday, when I meet with members of Parliament. I prefer staying at home with no guests to the constant whirl of the ton. However, we must attend important dinners, musicals, concerts, and the theatre. Each morning at breakfast we will discuss the invitations received at Matlock House. I don't attend Almack's unless it is the opening ball, presentation balls, or charity balls." Reggie sighed. "I know you have not been active, socially, in London for a decade. However, Constance and I do not accept every invitation which arrives at Matlock House. I am invited to dinner by members of Parliament who seek my support for their causes. I am careful about who and what I support. I need to discuss each invitation with you before you accept. I would also appreciate you not discussing my diary with Augusta in an effort to enlist her support for your schemes." Reggie, as the Sixth Earl of Matlock, would not be gainsaid about how his house would be run.

Catherine seethed. She didn't like the way Constance decorated the Matlock House, nor Matlock Estate. She was reminded of how Anne decorated Pemberley. Catherine certainly missed her large chair in the drawing room. She didn't care for the staff, who barely deferred to her. She would have fired half the staff, including the house steward, who served as a secretary to Reggie. They were notoriously rigid regarding their duties and kept Matlock House on the schedule which Constance set before she left. Catherine was not treated with the deferment due her as the daughter of the Fifth Earl of Matlock, nor as a sister of the Sixth Earl of Matlock. She missed staff, tenants and Hunsford community who followed her directives.

Catherine's eyes narrowed. She attended two of the charities which Constance supported. The charities were filled with second and third circle females who desired an acquaintance with the Countess of Matlock. Several of the women were like Augusta…wives of heirs passing their time before they came into power.

~X~

"What are you doing, madam?" Barlow asked.

"I turned four day dresses at Longbourn in the spring. I wore them when working in the garden. I was careful to purchase the same dark brown cotton for my day dresses. As I am remaking the best for a gown to use in the garden, the worn pieces can be remade as a petticoat. I'm setting the good material scraps aside. I may use them to make pockets in the gown for the garden." Mary sorted pieces.

"Will you teach me how to turn a gown?" Barlow asked. "I might not be able to sew as well as you, but it is a skill I should know."

"Barlow, it just occurred to me there are things I could teach you. Please tell me when there are things you want to learn. Both Mrs. Manning and I can share our knowledge. Perhaps we should discuss what you know how to do. I believe you know how to build and light a fire, and how to draw water. I'm sure there are dishes you can cook. Perhaps as your reading improves, I could suggest books to help you learn new skills."

~X~

"Will you copy out my sermon?" Mr. Collins brought sheafs of paper to Mary's sitting room.

Mary glanced at the papers he offered before returning them. "No, Mr. Collins, I don't think so." She resumed her sewing.

"Might I ask why not?" Mr. Collins huffed.

"You have two excellent sermons about preserving the distinction of rank in your desk with your other copied sermons. I see no reason to waste my time copying out a sermon you preach monthly to the masses. You can save both of us time in the future. When Lady Catherine orders you to preach on the preservation of rank in February, send one of the prepared sermons. I doubt she will have many changes to it."

"I should have known you would seize the opportunity to criticize my patroness," Mr. Collins argued.

"If I planned to criticize, I would have mentioned the Bible is full of examples of not preserving rank. At two and ten, Jesus discussed God with the elders of the church. Joseph and Mary were certainly deserving of a room at the inn…yet they were housed in a lowly manger. The Good Samaritan didn't observe rank when he helped the injured man on the side of the road. The apostles were fishermen, carpenters, stone masons, merchants and a tax collector. Jesus healed the sick, helped the poor, and ate with the rich. I'm quite busy sewing for the benefice society. I'd rather not copy out another of Lady Catherine's edicts on the preservation of rank."

Mr. Collins slammed the door to her sitting room when he exited.