Wretched Beginnings 1813 – Chapter 2 – February
February 1, 1813
Anne de Bourgh's phaeton approached the parsonage as Mr. Collins flew out of his bookroom. Mary felt thankful for the squeaky door. She joined Mr. Collins to greet Miss de Bourgh and Mrs. Jenkinson at the gate. "Please come inside. The wind is cool and threatening a blow which will keep all of us by our fireplaces. Come for tea. When the wind dies down, you can return home." Mary invited the two ladies into the parsonage. Mrs. Jenkinson normally avoided visiting the parsonage. Mary wondered how Mrs. Jenkinson would voice a refusal which would not offend Miss Anne.
"Thank you. However, I'm here because I brought you a gift." Anne indicated the wagon and workmen.
"You should not bring me a gift," Mary protested, eyeing the wagon.
"I heard today is your birthday from Mr. Collins. Since Mother remains in London, I have been able to plan and execute a wonderful surprise for you." Anne linked arms with Mary and drew her to the doorstep.
The workmen unwrapped and carried the pianoforte from the rectory into the parsonage for Mary.
"I purchased a new, very grand pianoforte for the music room at Rosings, per recommendation of my new music master. She arrives today. We moved the pianoforte from the music room to the church. Here is the church pianoforte for you. Mother cannot fault my logic. Neither of us would hear the end of the situation if I gave you a new instrument. However, Mother is a great believer in hand-me-downs; you now have an instrument to play in your home. I have a music master so you are not required to give me lessons." Anne seemed immensely proud of her actions. "However, she is willing to view your playing and offer suggestions or improvement."
Mary squeezed her friend's hand. "Thank you. We must put the pianoforte in the drawing room where I can play for Mr. Collins and guests."
"The workmen will help rearrange the drawing room for you. Come," Anne drew Mary into the house. "There are crates of my heavy clothes for the benefice society to remake for needy children. The excess in my dressing room and my old clothes stored in the attics were crated. I sorted music during a misty morning when I could not enjoy a walk. I've brought duplicates to you and have a selection of hymns to go to the church. Mrs. Jenkinson brought The Lady of the Lake. She can read aloud while we have tea. I brought some marvelous green tea, and a spiced nut pound cake with a selection of marzipan and chocolate confections. Do we have time for a lovely stroll around your gardens while a tea tray is being prepared? Mr. Knowles is with us. I know you want to talk to him about the gardens."
"Certainly. Mr. Collins, Miss Anne and I are strolling around the gardens. Will you show Mrs. Jenkinson to the house and have Mrs. Manning prepare a lovely tea tray for us? When Mr. Knowles is done with the pianoforte, will you show him to the gardens?" Mary didn't see the look of fright on Mr. Collins or Mrs. Jenkinson's faces.
"Mrs. Collins, are you trying to make Miss de Bourgh ill? What will Lady Catherine say? The weather is abominable this week." Mr. Collins wrung his hands.
"Miss de Bourgh must return to Rosings to rest. She cannot possibly take turns about the garden! She should not be staying for tea!" Mrs. Jenkinson fluttered and flapped, reminding Mary of Mrs. Bennet.
"I am quite well," Anne assured Mr. Collins and Mrs. Jenkinson. However, they were not to be placated. "Mrs. Collins is a gracious hostess and dear friend. For not only does she attempt to heal my body; her good works and charity fill my soul. I intend to stay for a lovely tea and a respite to warm myself before I return to Rosings. I shall sit in the library and read until dinner. I believe my music master arrives this afternoon and will join us for dinner. She will play the pianoforte, or the harp to entertain us."
Momentarily, Mr. Collins envisioned himself straddling the lake of hell fire. He did not want to incur the wrath of the esteemed Lady Catherine. However, he saw the value and wisdom of Mary becoming a particular friend to Miss Anne. Why couldn't he befriend Lady Catherine while she befriended Miss Anne? He believed he found the solution to their current indifference to one another.
"I need a kitchen garden large enough to feed eight," Mary explained to Mr. Knowles. "Mr. Collins and myself and four adults. Rose is small, and Maryanne is here three days a week, so I counted them as one adult staff member. I would like to have extra garden stuff to share with rectory staff and families of parsonage workers."
Mr. Knowles measured the available garden area and viewed the glebe. "If you plant the south area between the house and the orchard as a kitchen garden, your kitchen garden should feed eight easily. Should we plant all possible west space between the north road and the orchard for your herb garden? The lane takes you to your outbuildings and the acreage behind them."
"I would use all the space. The window seat and the table in my stillroom are full of seeded pots. I can put the herbs and vegetables needing shade along the tree line by the lane. I can plant herbs and vegetables requiring sun between the house and the orchard. Can I use the land to the east of the parsonage, from the north road to the orchard along the rectory wall? I believe that would be the perfect place for a large bed of lavender." Mary pointed the space out on the map.
"The glebe has never been used properly. I'll bring over six men and a load of compost as soon as the ground warms. We will dig your gardens and add compost to enrich the soils. You've started a compost pile, but I do not think the pile is large enough for your needs." Mr. Knowles asked Mary how she would use the glebe more effectively.
"I need comfrey each week this spring. I make comfrey tea to feed the gardens and to feed our compost pile." Mary acknowledged.
"Why don't we plant half your lavender bed in lavender and the other half in comfrey this year? Do you use the stables?" Mr. Knowles examined the garden plans suggested by Mr. Hill.
"We don't have any horses, but we house a one-horse gig in the stables." Mary explained. "I'm getting pigs, chickens and beehives in the spring. I considered purchasing a dairy cow the first of spring. We will need a safe stall for her in the winter, but in the spring, summer and fall, she can eat the grass in the orchard and at the rectory. Mr. Dalton is building an arbor where I can grow grapes, and cold frames for starting plants early. I thought I would put grape arbors in the available open space in the middle of the orchard on either side of the path to the outbuildings."
"You have acreage behind the stables and outbuildings. The previous vicars did not use the acreage. Lady Catherine did not want land to sit fallow. Rosings plants and grows grass, grains or turnips there. For use of the land, we will share turnips and grains with you to feed your animals. I will add your acreage to the list of issues to discuss with Miss Anne. Thank you for the tour. I will take your plans and add space for a holding pen for a dairy cow. The piggery can be used when you wean a farrow. There is space to enlarge your poultry flock. I believe our tea must be ready." Mr. Knowles spotted Mr. Collins hovering.
"Mr. Collins wanted to ask you about enlarging the rose garden at the parsonage. He claims to be experienced at growing roses. I use rose petals for making floral water and soaps. I dry the petals to fragrance rooms and to make scented candles. I use rose hip tea to fight colds."
"Mr. Collins is good at growing roses. We have several dozen bare root roses in the orangery at Rosings. We dug out three rose beds at the main farm at harvest time fish we are expanding the kitchen gardens. We can put the rose bushes at the parsonage." Mr. Knowles pointed out how to expand the rose gardens along the road before the parsonage.
~X~
"Our evening meal will include pease soup, inn bread, cold meats and cheese, sweets and wine. I know we usually have lessons, but tonight, I would rather hear you play your excellent pianoforte for me." Mr. Collins suggested.
"I like your plan very much, Mr. Collins." Mary agreed. She could not wait to practice on her pianoforte. Now she could practice and provide music lessons for her staff if they wanted to learn.
"I have a birthday gift for you also. My gift is not as large as a pianoforte. I contacted Mr. Gardiner and explained what I would like to have." Mr. Collins gave her an oblong box, tied with a ribbon. Mary opened the pretty ribboned box to find a mother-of-pearl handled silver cake fork, cake knife and cake server.
"They are lovely!" Mary stroked the pretty items.
"They will go with the gift your father sent." Mary opened another package to find a mother-of-pearl handled silver tea strainer.
"I am too spoiled this birthday." Mary felt grateful for her blessings… including the absence of Lady Catherine.
"Happy twentieth birthday dear Mary," Mr. Collins gave her the look…the one which indicated he wanted to use the adjoining door tonight. He sat attentively beside Mary at the pianoforte, turning pages for her. In addition to the pianoforte, Miss Anne gave her new sheet music: sonatas by Bach, compositions by Hayden and the Magical Flute by Mozart. Mary did not own them and appreciated the new music. She would write Aunt Gardiner to bring her paper, ink and quills. Lizzy or Charlotte could copy the new music during their visit.
Before the hour turned too late, Mary retired to her room and prepared for Mr. Collins to appear. He could not be responsible for Lady Catherine's actions, and Mary felt her silence spoke volumes to him. Aunt Gardiner's words of wisdom warmed her heart. If he was willing to make an effort, she would not spurn his efforts.
February 8
Mr. Knowles updated the plan for the kitchen and herb gardens with Mary. Additionally, he drew a map of where to put firepits in the orchard, where to plant the roses, and where to place the beehives in the spring. He gratefully sipped the tea Mrs. Collins offered. The high winds blew the occasional rain sideways. Trees lost branches daily. Two tenant cottages were destroyed because the chimney stacks were blown over. Mr. Knowles moved the two families with destroyed cottages to the Steward's House. They understood their temporary living arrangement. The brick masons hired by the estate rebuilt chimney stacks.
Six tenant cottages had roof damage from falling branches. The tenants who could not stay with family, or could not find sleeping space in outbuildings, or in the coach house occupied the ballroom. Rosings Park workmen repaired daily, attempting to stay ahead of the wind damage. The woodworkers would repair the cottages when the stone masons finished. Mr. Knowles wanted the cottages repaired by Lady Day to ease any difficulties with tenants signing leases.
Staff at Rosings Park inspected trees at Rosings Park, the parsonage and the rectory, removing blown down branches. They transported them to Mr. Hadrian's farm. He would cut the pieces to fireplace size and set them in a barn to dry and use for kindling next year.
The London papers reported the high winds, blown down chimney stacks, and destroyed trees. This weather affected more than Rosings Park. However, it had not been an ill wind…blowing Lady Catherine back to Rosings Park.
February 15, 1813
Hunsford Parsonage
Hunsford, Kent
Dearest Lizzy,
Thank you for your letter. Please tell everyone thank you for the lovely silver tea strainer which Papa sent for my birthday. Mr. Collins gave me a matching set: cake fork, cake knife and cake server. My teas will be so elegant!
My particular friend, Miss Anne de Bourgh, arranged to give me the pianoforte from the rectory, as a newer one was donated. She sorted through her music to give me her duplicates. I have ever so much new music. I have been working diligently to master Moonlight Sonata. I will have paper for copying out any music you, Kitty or Charlotte want when you visit me.
Daily I go to Rosings to check on Miss Anne's health. I taught her how to play the pianoforte until she engaged a master, Mrs. Sylvia Harrison. She gives Miss Anne a lesson each morning and has her practice for two or three hours each evening. She taught me to practice intricate scales which improved my playing immensely. You may copy them also…they really improve one's playing. We have Saturday dinner with Miss Anne. Weekly she becomes more confident in her musical abilities. Weekly Mr. Collins remarks how her health improves.
Miss Anne's art master, Mrs. Rebecca Radley, is now at Rosings Park. I will join Miss Anne for art lessons before dinner on Sunday. Anne will draw simple landscapes. I hope to progress in my abilities to draw botanical prints. The botanical herb book which I promised is complete and waiting for you to visit me.
Miss Anne hired a French master and a dance master who will join her household the first of March. Mademoiselle de la Coeur will conduct French lessons for Miss Anne and will help me with my French. The dance master is Mr. Sebastian Bookman. He will teach dance lessons daily to Miss Anne between tea and dressing for dinner. He will conduct dance salons on Saturday evenings for Miss Anne and guests.
There is to be a spring assembly the third Thursday of April. Miss Anne hopes to attend as a patron of the Hunsford Assembly Hall. After the Christmas Assembly, Miss Anne hired Mr. Dalton and his sons to repair the Hunsford Assembly Hall. Dalton appreciated the work – three weeks to repair, roof and paint the hall. Additionally, they expanded the rocked area for carriages to park during events. In the spring they will paint the outside of the Assembly Hall. Mr. Dalton will build my cold frames and grape arbors in the next week or so. The Daltons have been busy helping staff at Rosings Park with repairing tenant cottages damaged by high winds.
Speaking of lessons, I am teaching my maids to read, write and calculate sums. Each evening, I endeavor to teach Mr. Collins how to be a good steward and master for Longbourn. I endeavor to keep busy while waiting for spring and warm weather. Maryanne, my laundry maid, joins me for sewing on Wednesday afternoons. We sewed new drapes for the staff rooms. We should be finished with new bed, bath and kitchen linens before March. Mrs. Manning and I teach Barlow and Rose how to sew and embroider. Their straight seams improve as they sew muslin and cotton bags.
Miss Anne donated crates of her older clothes to the benefice society. We'll make them into warm winter clothes for needy children of the parish. The benefice society meets at the parsonage every Friday afternoon. Miss Anne ordered a shipment of tea, and ensures the Rosings' kitchen sends over biscuits, tarts, and cakes for the ladies who attend. Barlow has become quite adept at serving tea and sweets while avoiding sewing baskets and boxes. At least four and twenty ladies attend the benefice society meetings every Friday. I am quite busy keeping Mr. Collins from sitting with us and gossiping like a widow at a wedding breakfast!
Miss Anne will begin visiting the tenants. I am to accompany her on Tuesdays and Thursdays when she visits tenants. She has a pretty little fawn colored phaeton and a pair of matching chocolate colored ponies. She is adept at ribbons and offered to teach me. I offered to show her how to operate our one-horse gig. However…we haven't had time for lessons. Perhaps we will when we visit tenants.
I'm looking forward to spring, Lizzy. I find myself walking the garden plots in good weather, losing myself in what to plant and where to plant. Mr. Hill discussed the garden with me when he came with Papa in December. Mr. Knowles took my carefully drawn plans to ensure we use all the glebe to its best advantage. While settling the parsonage in November, workers from Rosings, along with Mr. Manning and Mr. Hill repaired the stalls in the stables, repaired the poultry houses and runs, repaired the piggery, and repaired an outside holding pen for a dairy cow. The outbuildings were repaired and cleaned at that time. I am hoping to trade three piglets from Lady Capulet's farrow for a young dairy cow. Hopefully before the end of February, Rosings helpers will turn soil in the garden space. The week after you come to Hunsford, we will plant the gardens.
Lizzy, please thank Mrs. Hill for ensuring Papa brought me dried white birch bark in December. I boiled the bark shards in white wine and strained the liquid into bottles to make medicinal draughts. I powdered a great deal of the bark and sifted the powder for use in wine or tea to relieve headaches. Please ask Mr. Hill and Sarah to thin the lavender bed. I need four to six dozen plants to create a lavender bed at Hunsford Parsonage.
I cannot wait to see you, Kitty, Charlotte and Aunt Gardiner. Aunt Gardiner will bring materials for new spring day gowns, dinner gowns and petticoats. I am willing to trade you, Kitty and Charlotte a new silk dress with two silk petticoats, suitable for wearing to Rosings…in exchange for helping me sew for the church. Please bring your workboxes with you. Aunt Gardiner will transport you, Kitty and Charlotte to us. She will stay with us for a fortnight and then return to London. Then she travels to Longbourn the week before Lady Day to take materials to Mama, Jane and Lydia, and Aunt Phillips. Can you stay through March and April? I would ask for you to stay through May, but I know Papa will miss you. I will love the company.
Please bring your art boxes as we will join Miss Anne for art lessons. We will join Miss Anne for French lessons, and dance lessons. Miss Anne is considering hiring a sewing/embroidery master as she is discontent with her slow progress with Mrs. Jenkinson. Bring your walking boots as Miss Anne swears Rosings Park is quite pretty in the spring.
I am anxious to have you look over the parsonage and help me make decisions about wall papers and drapes. Please do not share my decorating plans with Mama. I do not want her attempting to guide my decisions while whinging at me about the entailment.
Lady Catherine is still in London and does not plan to return to Rosings until June first. There are blessings to be had at Hunsford Rectory, Hunsford Parsonage and Rosings Park.
I eagerly await your arrival, my dear sisters.
Mary
~X~
After completing her correspondence, Mary sewed. She cut away the good parts of old drapes which she could use to make quilts. She cut the thin pieces into cleaning rags for Mrs. Manning and the girls. She created baby blankets from the bolt ends of the woolen fabric Uncle Gardiner sent. The woolens were dark green, dark blue, and Devonshire brown. She blanket stitched the edges. As she had time, she would embroider the blankets, and set them aside until babies were born. Ordering the end bolts of wool, flannel, cottons, linens and muslin not only helped her, but emptied shelves for Uncle Gardiner's next shipment.
third week of February
Mary discussed the imminent arrival of her guests. In her last letter from the Gardiners, they agreed to purchase and ship anything she needed for entertaining to Midsummer. Mrs. Manning helped Mary prepare an order for necessary household items including a supply of chocolate, coffee and tea along with a supply of dry goods, wines, ports and sherries. Mary ordered additional barrels of apple cider. She ordered pantry items and spices. She sent a list of seeds and plants to Aunt Gardiner to obtain from her favorite seed and plant warehouse. When Aunt Gardiner came with sewing supplies and guests the first of March, she would bring the invoice for Mary's order. Mrs. Manning would purchase the fresh items the parsonage needed in Hunsford. Mary could not wait for her sisters to visit. Miss Anne became a good friend, but she was not a sister.
~X~
Mary shook her head at Mr. Knowles. "Broken…clean break but broken." She observed the youngest Knowles boy laying on a library table in the steward's office at Rosings. "I can teach you easy medical things, which you should know with six sons. This will hurt, but I must set the bone." She gave the boy a small cordial of medical sherry. When the sherry began to affect the boy, she set the bone before she splinted and wrapped the arm. "A spoon of willow bark draught in a glass of wine every evening at bedtime for a week. Don't let the surgeon or apothecary recommend laudanum for him. One drop, maybe two in a little wine this first night, but not after tonight unless he can't sleep. A person can become reliant on laudanum for pain. The arm will itch while healing. Once healed, be kind to the arm for a year to prevent rebreaking." Mary gave Mr. Knowles a bottle of willow bark draught, and a bottle with less than a spoonful of laudanum.Mary pulled one of Mr. Collins' sleeves over the cast. She gently tied the elbow and the wrist. "Keep those bandages clean. I recommend a sleeve worn daily to keep dirt and moisture from the bandages. Don't wear the sleeve at night. The sleeve is made from oilcloth to keep dirt and wet out. Mr. Collins wears his to keep ink from staining his shirts. I want to see your son once a week over the next several weeks. If he runs a fever, I want to see him immediately. He needs milk and cheese to strengthen his bones. He needs sunshine to quell his impatience with healing. He can't stay indoors. Let him help with anything he can do with one hand. Wrestling livestock is not advisable, but he can weed a garden, draw water, lay a fire, set a table, or wash a dish."
"Thank you for helping us," Mr. Knowles helped his son sit up. "I would not have sent for you, but the apothecary and surgeon are both busy. I'm glad he did not break his writing arm. The boys have been taking lessons from Curate Stevenson."
"These, with cold milk, will make you feel better. I included extras to share with your five brothers and your father." Mary handed a muslin bag containing a few dozen honey biscuits to young Isaac Knowles. "No wrestling with your brothers until you are healed. No wrestling with livestock." Mary warned him. Miss Anne and her phaeton drew up, willing to transport Mary back to the parsonage.
Mary elatedly noted the change in Anne. A fine complexion replaced her previous pasty grey pallor. The release from an overbearing lifestyle lightened her countenance. Previously, excess clothes or shawls made her look thin and wan. Once appropriate materials in appropriate styles replaced the too heavy materials…Anne's naturally petite form emerged. Eating properly enabled Anne to increase her stamina and strengthen her constitution. Anne teased her appearance would surprise her cousins who planned to visit in March and April while Lady Catherine remained in London.
"Mother has strong opinions about everything, if you have not yet learned. She would never give me permission to walk the gardens. However, I find myself compelled to walk every day and improve my health. Under Mother's rule, I could not leave the house alone, not even when I drove my phaeton and ponies." Anne's brilliant smile matched the sunny day.
"Mr. Knowles will help ease the restriction of someone constantly following you. You deserve privacy, and the opportunity to regain your health. If you want, we can take our one-horse gig which is only large enough for you and me. You can visit tenants, shop when you want, or just sit in the sunshine if the mood takes you." Mary admired the pretty blue striped dress Anne wore today. She wore a matching light weight wool spencer, blue kid leather gloves, and blue kid leather walking boots. Her matching bonnet had blue ribbons and small silk ribbon roses which accented her sapphire blue eyes. Mary hoped Colonel Fitzwilliam appreciated Anne's health and her restrained elegance.
~X~
Lady Catherine ordered a new carriage in London. She sent her second-best carriage to Rosings with orders to sell the oldest carriage to the livery service in Westerham. However, Anne ordered the carriage delivered to the livery service with instructions for inspection and replacement of worn parts. She wanted the carriage in good order before gifting it to the Collinses. Mary needed protected transport. Mr. Knowles warned Miss Anne not to give the oldest carriage from the Rosings fleet to the Collinses until Mrs. Mary's company left. Their stable would provide a place to store it.
~X~
Jane Bennet performed a task for Mr. Gardiner. His delivery boys would be occupied for most of the day delivering goods to different modistes and tailors in the city. She had his sons, Edwin and Edmund with her. "Delivery for Mr. Byington from Gardiner's Emporium." Jane announced to the clerk who held the door for her and the boys.
"Miss Bennet?" Mr. Darcy stopped short of running into her when departing his tailor's establishment.
"Mr. Darcy," Jane curtsied as he bowed.
"Miss Bennet," Mr. Byington approached.
"Delivery from Gardiner's Emporium. Mr. Gardiner sent this bolt of fabric to you." Jane curtsied and handed the paper-wrapped package to the man reaching for it. "He requests you ensure this is the fabric you want."
Mr. Byington opened the package. "Indeed, Miss Bennet, this is exactly what Mrs. Byington wanted." Jane offered him the invoice. He handed a bank draft for the fee to Jane, who secured the draft in her reticule.
Darcy felt the fabric. "Very nice, Mr. Byington. I require two shirts and cravats from this material. You may send them to Darcy House with the invoice."
"Two weeks with the rest of your commission? Mrs. Byington should have them completed in time." Mr. Byington guaranteed.
"Acceptable," Mr. Darcy agreed. "Miss Bennet, may I escort you back to…"
"Gracechurch Street, number 12," Jane curtsied. "Indeed, the boys and I appreciate your kind gesture."
Darcy handed them into the carriage, giving the directions to the coachman. He took rear facing seat, allowing his footman to close the door. "Miss Bennet, how long have you been in London?" Mr. Darcy enquired after the carriage pulled away from the storefront.
Jane regarded him intently. "Since January. I am surprised you didn't already know."
"Why would I know?" Mr. Darcy looked surprised.
"I thought Mr. Bingley would have informed you." Jane looked out the window rather than looking at Mr. Darcy.
"Mr. Bingley confides many things to me, but your presence in London is not one of them. I doubt he knows you are here." Darcy shook his head.
"He knows." Serene Jane faced Mr. Darcy. "I sent two letters to Miss Bingley, announcing my arrival in London. We met at Gunter's Ices one Wednesday. She visited me at the Gardiners' home Tuesday after. She explained Mr. Bingley has been busy escorting Miss Darcy to musical interludes and concerts before the Season begins. May I offer you joy on your sister's upcoming nuptials to your best friend?"
"I give you my word as a gentleman, Bingley is not courting Miss Darcy. First, she is six and ten and not out yet. Second, Miss Darcy traveled to Bath with our aunt, Lady Matlock, after Twelfth Night. They will not return to London until June. She has been occupied in Bath with masters, in addition to being a companion for our aunt. Third, with my approval, Miss Darcy ceased communications with Miss Bingley before Christmas." Darcy thought for a moment. "Do you wonder why you met with Miss Bingley at Gunter's Ices?"
"I believe Miss Bingley wanted to enjoy the sunny day and be seen by all the fashionable people of London. I received a note from Miss Bingley after she visited Gracechurch Street. She wrote she could not befriend me any longer because Mr. Bingley required her efforts as a hostess at his London home while he entertained you and Miss Darcy." Jane would not reveal her feelings to Mr. Bingley's particular friend.
"Bingley House has been closed since Bingley leased Netherfield Park. Miss Bingley resides at the Hurst House. Bingley has not spoken to them since we left Netherfield in November. Miss Darcy and I spent Christmas at Pemberley. Bingley visited his aunt in Scarborough for Christmas. Miss Darcy and I returned to London before Twelfth Night. If Miss Bingley is willing to prevaricate about Bingley and Miss Darcy…" Mr. Darcy pondered aloud.
"You believe Mr. Bingley is ignorant of my presence in London." Jane tried not to frown, but she could not believe Miss Bingley deliberately lied to her.
"Indeed, I do," Darcy affirmed. "Mr. Bingley's brother, Mr. Hurst, made a series of bad investments and did not have the courage to tell Bingley. After the ball, Bingley heard Hurst guaranteed Bingley's funds for a scheme. He raced to London, stopping all bad or questionable investments. Hurst is not financially ruined, but he must retrench to save his fortune. Bingley banished the Hursts to Hurst House. They will not return to any of Bingley's properties as Bingley is quite angry with Hurst about endangering funds which were not his own."
"How would such circumstances prevent Mr. Bingley's knowledge of my presence in London?" Jane would not reveal how much this conversation bothered her.
"Usually when we are in London, Bingley and I stay at the Darcy House. Neither Miss Bingley nor the Hursts have been guests in my home since before we traveled to Netherfield Park. Miss Bingley seeks a wealthy husband in the first set for herself and a wealthy wife in the first set for Bingley. His attachment to you thwarts her plans. After the ball, I moved Miss Darcy and her companion, Mrs. Annesley, to the Matlock House. I closed the Darcy House to keep Bingley's family from calling. Bingley and I stayed at Matlock House after the ball to before Christmas. Mid-January my aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, arrived to act as hostess for my uncle, the Earl of Matlock. Bingley and I returned to the Darcy House." Darcy shrugged. "Miss Bennet…might I be so bold as to ask you and the Gardiners for dinner at Darcy House tomorrow evening? My cousin, Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, arrived in town yesterday. My cousin Robert and his wife Augusta, Viscount and Lady Fitzwilliam, will be present also. She will act as my hostess for the evening."
"Will anyone I know, other than you, be present at dinner tomorrow night?" Jane inquired.
"Mr. Bingley will not be present. His aunt in Scarborough requested the company of Miss Bingley in March and April due to ill health. He left today to escort Miss Bingley to their aunt. Miss Bingley will urge him to make amends with Mr. Hurst. However, when Bingley leaves Scarborough, he will travel to Netherfield Park the first week of March to consult with his steward. He intends to renew his Netherfield Park lease by Lady Day. Bingley intends to lease for three quarters, releasing the property at Christmas next if he decides not to purchase Netherfield Park. His solicitor contracted with someone to lease the Bingley House for the Season." Darcy revealed. "When Bingley needs to be in London for business, he will stay at the Darcy House."
"Will you travel to Netherfield Park also, Mr. Darcy?" Jane wondered if she should write Lizzy to advise her of Mr. Darcy's plans.
"A fall from a horse injured Colonel Fitzwilliam during an army campaign on the continent. He has badly bruised ribs and a twisted knee. Matlock Estate in Nottinghamshire is too far for him to travel. My residence, Pemberley in Derbyshire, is too far also. Fitzwilliam will not stay at Matlock House because Lady Catherine is in residence. I propose to take Fitzwilliam to my Aunt Catherine's home at Rosings Park in Kent. He will remain there until Aunt Catherine returns. We talked about taking him to his mother and my sister at Bath in May. We anticipate Colonel Fitzwilliam will be able to return to duty by Michaelmas." Darcy exited the carriage and helped the boys exit and then handed Miss Bennet from the carriage.
"Thank you for the ride in your fine carriage, Mr. Darcy." The boys chorused, bowed and ran into the house.
Jane curtsied, Darcy bowed. "I will send an invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner the moment I return to Darcy House."
Tuesday, February 23
"Mrs. Collins, come quick!" Mrs. Manning pulled Mary from her contemplation of the gardens. "We have a visitor. Mr. Collins isn't at home. I sent Barlow and Rose to Mrs. Havens at Rosings. As far as they know, they are learning to make ink. Mrs. Havens offered to feed the girls a hot dinner. I accepted. One of their grooms will walk the girls back to the parsonage before dark."
"What's the problem?" Mrs. Manning's urgency startled Mary.
"Betsy Hannigan worked as a maid at Rosings until last October. She's…do you know how to birth babies?" Mrs. Manning took Mary's redingote and bonnet.
"I've never birthed a baby by myself, but I worked with the midwife in Meryton for two years before I came here. Where is her husband? Her family?" Mary thought of the things she needed.
"She's all alone. Lady Catherine cast her off without character when Betsy admitted she was with child. I don't know where she has been. She returned to the area today, post coach. Mrs. Jenkinson wouldn't allow her to stay at Rosings. She collapsed at your front door." Mrs. Manning opened the door to the primrose room. "I sent the girls off and settled her. She's too tired to sit in a birthing chair, or kneel to birth the child. I made her lie down and rest when she can."
"Hot water, rags, wash basins, one of my nightgowns," Mary ordered. "I know there's more, but I need to check the baby."
~X~
A scream rent the parsonage as Mr. Collins stepped through the door. "Mary!" He shouted and thundered up the stairs. "Where are you?"
"Mrs. Collins is busy with a young mother who began birthing pains on your doorstep this morning. You don't want to be here. Childbirth is loud and bloody…and much worse than war in my opinion. I need to stay; I've been a father three times. You should not be here." Mr. Manning stopped Mr. Collins at the top of the stairs.
"Mrs. Collins?" Mr. Collins stuttered.
"She and Mrs. Manning are handling this. Mrs. Collins has midwife experience. They sent Barlow and Rose to Rosings. They are working with the Rosings' stillroom maid to make ink. They will not return until dark. Take a midday meal at the inn, visit the circulating library, visit Curate Stevenson or Sexton Tucker. Call on parishioners. Do not return until dinner, Mr. Collins." Another scream followed by loud sobbing drove Mr. Collins out of the parsonage.
~X~
"I notified Miss Anne. Mr. Manning left to notify Sexton Tucker." Mrs. Manning dropped wearily into a chair beside Mary.
"How did this go so terribly wrong?" Mary had never experienced the death of the mother after the birth of a babe which never drew breath.
"She was so thin from not eating properly; the baby didn't have a chance. She spent the last of her funds on the post coach to Hunsford. Perhaps this is for the best," Mrs. Manning suggested. "She had no one to take her in afterwards. Fallen women, who are caught in this situation, usually have nowhere to go and no one to help. Many end their life before the babe is born. OR, they take the babe with them to the afterlife."
"I want to dress her in one of my gowns. The baby can be wrapped in a shawl with her." Mary suggested.
"Rest for a moment longer and we will begin again. What will you tell Miss Anne?" Mrs. Manning offered Mary a clean handkerchief.
"I will pay for Betsy to have a decent burial at Hunsford Rectory. We've been busy with no time to talk or plan." Mary wiped her eyes and drew a deep breath.
"Mr. Manning notified Mr. Knowles. He and five sons, along with Sexton Tucker's sons will dig her grave. The ground is cold, but not completely frozen. They will bury her and the child. Mr. Collins should be back before sunset." Mrs. Manning assured Mary.
'Tears won't make what we have to do easier.' Mary dried her eyes, took a deep breath, and moved to prepare the woman and child for burial.
~X~
"I won't do it," Mr. Collins announced.
"I will," Curate Stevenson announced. "I knew Miss Hannigan from when she came to Rosings Park two years ago."
"The coffin is on the wagon," Mr. Knowles informed Curate Stevenson. "I will make arrangements with Mr. Taylor, the stone cutter. Do you know what to say on it?"
"Fallen woman, natural child," Mr. Collins muttered. While everyone in the room knew he muttered something, only Mary heard his exact words.
Mary stared at a corner of the drawing room for a moment. "We do not have to decide right now. However, they must be buried before dark."
"We'll take care of it," Mr. Knowles assured Mrs. Collins. "Curate Stevenson, we're losing daylight."
"I have lanterns if we need them." Mr. Manning led the men from the house.
"When is dinner ready?" Mr. Collins snapped at Mrs. Manning.
"I suggest you return to the inn if you want a hot meal," Mary clenched her fists in her skirts. "There were things to be done. Mrs. Manning didn't have time to cook."
"I don't appreciate the position in which you've placed us." Mr. Collins chastised Mary. "Did she name the baby's father?"
"Yes, but not until she swore me to secrecy," Mary wrapped her arms around herself. "The rake lied to the girl…had his fun and did not care about abandoning her!"
"For once I am glad women cannot attend funerals. Your feminine sensibilities have been overwhelmed by the situation," Mr. Collins pontificated. "I must send an express to Lady Catherine, explaining we had no choice but to help the woman in her time of need…"
"Do try to remember I helped a woman in need. Be sure to tell your patroness you held the moral high ground and refused to invoke a prayer for the soul of a young woman and child." Mary retorted. 'Perhaps it was a good idea Mr. Collins did not say a prayer for the girl and babe. The men must be done before dark. Mr. Collins' tediously long prayers and sermons would mean they could not bury the girl before midnight.'
"She was a fallen woman," Mr. Collins argued. "Losing her virtue and her position at Rosings Park…she turned to the oldest profession known to women!"
"I do not believe light skirts are the oldest profession," Mary retorted. "I think there were gossips before there were light skirts. Not every woman demeans herself by loose morals…but I fail to see how people who gossip can hold a higher moral ground."
"Again…your feminine sensibilities have been strained. I will be glad when the taint of this leaves the parsonage!" Mr. Collins stormed out of Mary's sitting room.
'At least I have sensibilities! I do wish you could see your exalted Lady Catherine for the cold, unfeeling creature she is.' Mary counted to ten in French. Fuming at Lady Catherine accomplished nothing. However, Miss Anne had to be informed by Mary…and not by Mr. Collins or that wretched Mrs. Jenkinson!
When Mr. Collins shut himself in his bookroom, Mary rang for Mrs. Manning. She gave Mrs. Manning a small bag of coins. "One coin each for Curate Stevenson, the Knowles men, Sexton Tucker and his sons, and for Mr. Manning and yourself. If any of the men refuse their payment – they may drop their coin in the alms box for the less fortunate. I thank you for your help, and your discretion." Mary appreciated her staff. She entered the funds to bury the woman and child in her ledger of donations along with the dress and shawl.
"Miss Anne sent baskets of food," Mrs. Manning informed Mary. "Traditionally the parsonage feeds the gravediggers. One basket for Sexton and Mrs. Tucker and his sons. One basket for Curate Stephenson. One basket for the Knowles men. The other basket is to feed the parsonage. Miss Anne knows we've been too busy to cook for anyone, let alone ourselves."
"I need a list of our basket contents," Mary directed Mrs. Manning.
"I will give the coins and baskets to Mr. Manning to take to the men. I can make trays for you and Mr. Collins. There is chicken, rice and garden stuff soup, cold meats and cheeses, and bread, along with a walnut cake and an apple pie." Mrs. Manning offered. "Maryanne will finish in the laundry by dusk and come to the kitchen for dinner. Her tasks will keep her too busy to inquire about our guest."
"Thank you. When Barlow returns, I would like to be warned. I plan to retire within an hour after she returns. I'll need hot water in my room. I'm so tired." Mary selected the brown baby blanket. Using her colored threads, she planned to embroider a fawn in the corner. She needed to do something as penance for her very un-Christian thoughts.
Wednesday, February 24
"You are sure Betsy claimed Mother paid off the man?" Anne questioned Mary.
"Lady Catherine purchased a commission in the militia for George Wickham. She paid his debts at the Westerham Inn, purchased his travel to London and gave him two pounds for food and transportation to his militia group. Lady Catherine wrote Betsy's parents, revealing Betsy's condition. Lady Catherine fired Betsy without character, but paid the wages owed. Betsy returned to her family, who turned her away. Betsy visited the War Office to ask where she could find Mr. Wickham. The War Office sympathized, yet refused to provide information. Betsy returned to Hunsford yesterday to talk to Lady Catherine, but Mrs. Jenkinson refused to allow her to enter Rosings. Betsy walked to the parsonage and collapsed."
"I will pay any expenses, including a headstone." Anne offered. "Mrs. Havens provided her Christian name and birthdate. Mr. Knowles will replace the mattress for the primrose room. Can I replace your gown and shawl?"
"The gown was twice turned. I planned to use it when I worked in the garden. I only wore the shawl in my sleeping quarters because it was old. I believed Betsy was buried in the pauper section of the cemetery. Mr. Collins would not officiate. I believe he sent an express to your mother. If he hasn't, perhaps Mrs. Jenkinson has." Mary kept her anger under good control. "Surely there is a fund at the rectory for burying the poor? St. Albans, the church for our village, had a fund for burying the poor. The rectory is five times the size of St. Albans."
"I cannot find a ledger book for the rectory. Does Mr. Collins have one in his study?"
"No," Mary admitted.
"I will continue to search for one. I will send a letter to Betsy's parents. They work at a small estate in Sussex. I will send a letter to the Militia General Command at the War Office. They should know the kind of man who wears a militia red coat." She saw a look on Mary's face. "Did you know George Wickham?"
Mary related everything she knew about George Wickham: the militia in Meryton, the broken virtues, the debts to shopkeepers, the trip to Bath with Colonel Flynn, the attempted compromise of Miss Mary King for her £10,000, the ruined lady's maid, and Wickham fleeing Bath. No one knew where to find the deserter.
Anne shared the information she knew about George Wickham: his connection to Pemberley, the childhood friendship between Darcy and Wickham, the education of Wickham, and the bequest for Wickham by his godfather, George Darcy. Darcy had just finished Cambridge when Mother began pushing the cradle engagement scheme. George Darcy died before Lady Catherine could obtain his consent and signature on marriage articles which she had her solicitor prepare. Anne had never seen the marriage articles…but she opined her mother pressed for an advantage.
Darcy spent the next year at Pemberley, adjusting to the role of Master of Pemberley. While Anne felt bad for Darcy losing his father, she felt worse for Georgiana who never knew her mother and lost her father at the age of ten. Anne explained she lost her father, Sir Lewis de Bourgh, just after her fifth and tenth birthday. She postulated her mother sent Wickham away, thinking he sought an heiress to compromise and marry.
Betsy met Mr. Wickham in late June, just after her sixth and tenth birthday. He claimed an affinity for Betsy because she reminded him of his childhood sweetheart who had been forbidden to marry him. She freely admitted his pretty words and injured spirit enticed her to his bed. However, she maintained Wickham intended to marry her, once he had funds. Betsy worried about the child and sent letters to every possible place she knew to find Wickham – Pemberley, the Darcy House in London, and to Wickham's friend, Martin Denny in Sussex. Wickham planned to ask Lady Catherine for a position, so they could marry and provide for their child. Betsy knew he spoke with Lady Catherine, who sent him away, and then terminated Betsy's service.
Anne explained she was ill in late June and again in October. She rarely left her suite and had no idea Wickham visited Rosings Park. She did not know Betsy had been terminated for being enceinte. Lady Catherine never spoke of either situation.
Mary theorized Wickham planned to avenge himself on Darcy. What better form of revenge than compromising and marrying Darcy's intended bride? What better way to revenge himself on Lady Catherine who had no use for the steward's son?
Anne claimed she and Darcy were not engaged. They refused to marry one another, despite Lady Catherine's deep-seated belief Anne would marry and move to Pemberley. "I love my cousin, Richard Fitzwilliam. I have for some time. I worry when he is posted to the continent. I send letters to encourage him to come home to London without harm. Richard wrote this week. He returned, an honored hero. He has a twisted knee, and badly bruised ribs. Both prevent him from sitting a horse until he heals. I know he plans to rest while at Rosings."
Mary wished Anne well in making Lady Catherine accept her resolve to not marry Darcy. Mary strongly suggested Anne counsel Mrs. Jenkinson and Mr. Collins about discretion and Christianly duty to the less fortunate. "I will devise a plan to heal your cousin."
"I want to tell you a secret," Anne offered her Bible to Mary. "You must swear secrecy."
"I will swear, but you should swear also. For I will reveal a secret to you," Mary smiled mysteriously.
"We shall be the secret sisters…" Anne murmured.
~X~
"Have you forgiven me?" Mary interrupted Mr. Collins in his bookroom. "I would like to resolve this issue before our guests arrive."
"Will you write a letter to my patroness, begging her forgiveness for bringing a woman of ill-repute into our home?" Mr. Collins glared at Mary.
"No, I will not beg Lady Catherine for her forgiveness for my Christianly act. On the day of my judgement before God, I will confess to being a Christian woman who refused to turn away someone in need. I will confess now…I intend to help again if the situation arises. Perhaps you should visit Miss Anne before calling hours end. I believe she may have a great many things to say to you." Despite the impropriety, Mary intended to send an express to Mr. Darcy, informing him of the situation with Betsy and Mr. Wickham. He probably already knew, but Mary would tell him about Wickham in Bath and deserting the militia. She would inform him about Lady Catherine's financial interference. If she sent the letter to the Darcy House in London, staff could forward the letter if Mr. Darcy were in Derbyshire.
~X~
Mrs. Jenkinson and Mr. Collins stopped in the hall. Lately Miss Anne used the library as a drawing room. Now Anne used Lady Catherine's old study as her private study and sitting room. They could clearly hear the conversation between Mr. Knowles and Miss Anne.
Mr. Knowles shook his head. "Don't worry about me notifying Lady Catherine. I have nothing to regret. Mrs. Collins and Mrs. Manning's actions were those of Christian charity. Betsy and her baby are dead and buried in a Christian cemetery with a prayer spoken over their grave. I believe the girl has already been judged by her Maker. If God believes more people should be punished, perhaps he will go after the reprobate who ruined and abandoned Betsy."
"I sent an express to my Uncle Reggie, the Earl of Matlock, informing him of the situation. The rider delivered a reply to me this morning. Since Mother is Uncle Reginald's guest, he will review the expresses and letters she receives. He will pull any which come from Rosings, Hunsford, Westerham and Kent. He will open any letter which appears to be questionable. I will not succor vipers, gossips, meddlers, or overly pious people who attempt to force their beliefs on me." Miss Anne declared. "I left orders not to be disturbed by Mr. Collins. I'm afraid I don't value him as much as Mother does. I'm not ashamed to say I value Mrs. Collins more than any other woman I have known."
"Mrs. Collins is a lovely woman. Mr. Collins was fortunate to secure such an accomplished lady. I am glad you are feeling better Miss Anne. I am also glad your cousins are coming to Rosings to spend spring and Easter with you. I always look forward to Mr. Darcy's and Colonel Fitzwilliam's visits."
"Come away," Mrs. Jenkinson whispered to Mr. Collins, attempting to ease his distress. As they left Rosings and walked the park, Mrs. Jenkinson consoled him. She kept a diary of dates and situations where Miss Anne misbehaved to share with Lady Catherine when she returned. Currently Lady Catherine helped her brother and sister, the Earl and Countess of Matlock. Lady Catherine would deal with situations at Hunsford and Rosings in her own time. Mrs. Jenkinson assured Mr. Collins his actions had been exemplary, but she cautioned him not to counsel Mrs. Collins for fear of interference from Miss Anne.
The conversation Mrs. Jenkinson and Mr. Collins did not overhear concerned Mrs. Jenkinson allowing or turning away people who appeared at Rosings Park. Anne asked Mr. Knowles speak with Gerard and Mrs. Havens. Anne, not Mrs. Jenkinson, was the mistress of Rosings Park. She expected her orders to be followed, not subverted.
~X~
Since Mr. Collins had not forgiven her for the Betsy Hannigan situation, Mary kept herself and staff busy, spring cleaning the parsonage. Rugs were taken up, beaten and scrubbed with great vigor. Staff washed windows; and cleaned and polished furniture. The guest rooms received new bed linens. The chimney sweep had been hired to clean the fireplaces. He recommended another cleaning after Michaelmas. Fireplaces were scoured, and fires laid.
Mary taught Rose and Barlow how to make rose, lavender and mint waters for decanters on wash stands in her guest rooms. They made ink for the parsonage; Barlow knew to stir the mixture every day for three weeks. Soaps and candles hardened in the cellar since last Lady Day. Mary ordered selected scented candles and soaps from London for her guests.
Mary made lavender sachets for drawers in the guest rooms, and for the linen press. She made rose sachets for Kitty from the scraps and pink trim from her scrap basket. She tested the maids to see how they progressed with their studies, and they were all pleased. Lessons for Mr. Collins were delayed, because Mary tired easily after her busy days. She had early nights…with her side of the connecting door locked once again.
Without Lady Catherine to visit daily, Mr. Collins walked to the rectory. He and Sexton Tucker updated the cemetery list. Betsy Hannigan's grave lacked a headstone. Mr. Collins was not required to admit she died in the parsonage and was buried in the pauper section of Hunsford Rectory's cemetery. He did not know Mary's kindness to a dying woman circulated through Hunsford. No one mentioned Betsy Hannigan to him. However, more parishioners called upon him for his services as vicar. Collins walked to Rosings to collect a basket to take to various parishioners. If he could not walk to visit the parishioners, he walked to Rosings to borrow a horse. Mr. Manning taught him to hitch the horse to the one horse gig. He was quite busy with rectory business and stopped walking paths around the parsonage with Mary. Many days he was too tired at dinner time. He ate a helping of soup or stew, with a piece of bread, one helping of sweet, and beverage to drink. Many nights he was so tired, eating dinner and talking to Mary was a chore. He had early nights when he slept and never approached the connecting door.
~X~
"I cannot delay any longer Caroline. I have business matters to attend. We are safe from Hurst's deplorable business decisions. I have investments which require my attention. Aunt Cordelia, visiting you is always a pleasure. You can write me at the Bingley House in London when you are well…and quite sick of Caroline's company." Bingley kissed his aunt goodbye and nodded goodbye at Caroline.
"Are you traveling to Netherfield?" Caroline demanded.
"I'm traveling to London for business. Louisa and Hurst have been invited to his parents' home in Dorset. You are here until Aunt Cordelia feels better. She will take you to London after she recovers. We will discuss your living situation at that time." Bingley bowed to the ladies and entered his carriage.
Mr. Bingley sighed with gratitude because he leased Netherfield Park last fall. He met an angel, Jane Bennet, and fell in love with her. Her classic English beauty, willowy figure, blonde hair and warm blue eyes attracted him…but her serene manner won his heart. She diverted the worst conversationalists: Caroline, Louisa, Mrs. Bennet, and Miss Lydia. Bingley would use his funds to ensure his happiness, which included asking Jane Bennet to marry him.
Caroline felt a frigid wind grasp her heart as she watched Charles' carriage depart from sight. She didn't know if she would return to London before the Season ended. She wept at the lost opportunity to compromise Mr. Darcy. That damned footman! If she angered Charles again, he would cut her off completely. He would not supplement her living. He would not ensure she received invitations to Pemberley or the Darcy House. She had to find a way back into Charles' good graces. Unfortunately, Charles' good graces meant keeping Aunt Cordelia happy.
~X~
"Give them over," Lizzy marched into Kitty's room. She addressed Lydia, who sat in the window seat.
"What?" Kitty's innocent voice vexed Lizzy. Lydia ignored Lizzy, sparking her temper.
"I'm packing for visiting Mary. I want my pearl hairpins, my white silk gloves and new silk stockings. Sarah saw you in my room earlier this morning." Lizzy addressed Lydia.
"Are you sure Jane didn't take them?" Lydia looked at fashion plates and ignored her sister.
"You know Jane doesn't take things without asking. You, however, take all our best things and refuse to return them. You whine to Mama until she lets you have everything which belongs to the rest of us. Well, not today! You either give me back my things, willingly, or I will drag you down the stairs and tell Papa." Lizzy threatened her younger sister.
"I'm bigger than you are," Lydia pointed out. "I dare you to try."
"You may be taller than me, however, you are not stronger. I walk daily while you sleep in your bed. I know you have my things! Now give them over!" Lizzy shouted.
Lydia made the mistake off not moving. Lizzy grabbed one of Lydia's feet, half tucked under her. Lizzy dragged her off the window seat, bouncing Lydia's head on the floor – causing her to scream. Lizzy dragged Lydia to the door of Kitty's room. Lydia stretched out her arms, failing to stop Lizzy's progress before screaming for Mama.
"What is happening!" Mr. Bennet bounded up the stairs. "The noise sounds like you girls are trying to tear the house apart!"
"She attacked me!" Lydia shrieked. "I didn't do anything!"
"Liar!" Lizzy snapped at her sister. "She stole my pearl hairpins, my white silk gloves and my newest silk stockings! You know my hairpins belonged to Grandma Elizabeth before they became mine! I bought the gloves and silk stockings with my pin money. I know she hid them. I can't find them in her room. She always takes our best things before a party, assembly or ball and Mama lets her wear them. She doesn't take care of anything. Our best things are ruined when she returns them. Mama never makes her replace our ruined things! I'm locking her in cellar while I search the house for my things."
"Stop!" Mr. Bennet thundered.
Lizzy stopped dragging her sister, but she did not release Lydia.
"Here," Kitty removed Lizzy's things from a dresser drawer. "She hid your things in my room because you wouldn't think to look in here. All two dozen pins are there, and she hasn't had a chance to ruin your gloves or stockings. She planned to wear them to Aunt Phillips card party on Friday night. She didn't think you would pack them for Hunsford."
Lizzy dropped Lydia's leg, creating a crashing sound. She accepted her things from Kitty. "I suggest you pack your best things for Hunsford also. Be sure to lock your bedroom door while we are gone. I will follow Mary's example and lock my room daily going forward!"
"Papa, Lydia has my newest bonnet and my new silk reticule. I require them before I continue packing for Hunsford. I apologize, Lizzy, I planned to barter your things to make Lydia give me back mine." Kitty admitted her complicity in the scheme.
"Lydia – downstairs now. Sit in my study, no company! Do not invite your Mama to sit with you." He stood aside and watched Lydia go down the stairs. "Lizzy, I want you and Kitty to inspect Lydia's room and remove everything which does not belong to her. I will fetch the keys for Jane and your rooms. I will give the servants instructions to keep your rooms locked while you are gone."
"Thank you, Papa," Lizzy kissed him.
"When you and Kitty finish, come to me, not your Mama. I want to know what you find. Three things belonging to Lizzy, two things belonging to Kitty…I estimate Lydia will spend ten weeks without entertainments or amusements." Mr. Bennet paused and frowned at Kitty. "Have you loaned Lydia any money?"
"No Papa, I learned my lesson last fall." Kitty replied. "My ledger is current, you can view my entries and my lockbox."
~X~
Mr. Bennet glared at a defiant Lydia sitting in his study. "Lydia – while Kitty and Lizzy are gone to visit Mary – you will perform their household chores. Jane will not help you, she will be busy with her tasks and Mary's tasks. You will have no entertainments or amusements until Lizzy and Kitty return. No dinners, no parties, no assemblies. No visiting neighbors, no lessons in Meryton at your Aunt Phillips. I will not abide you stealing things from your sisters! I will not abide you lying either!" Mr. Bennet thundered at Lydia.
Lydia sat up, staring at Papa.
"Don't think of calling for your Mama or involving her in this, Lydia. I want peace and quiet while your sisters are in Hunsford. I will be busy with estate work, but I will keep an eye on you and your Mama. If you don't behave, spring will seem endless…perhaps lasting until Midsummer. There's work to be done in the house, the gardens, the orchard and on the main farm."
~X~
"The large plot of bare land behind the rectory grounds and your outbuildings is yours. The boundaries are the rectory on the east, creek to the south and Rosings Park to the west." Anne smiled. "The glebe holdings measure an entire ten acres. Mr. Knowles explained you are leasing the acreage behind the outbuildings to Rosings. He will plant root crops for your kitchen garden in one section and root crops for feeding your animals and ours in the remainder. He feels you are worried about the lavender bed?"
"Because the lavender bed area abuts the rectory wall, people may not realize the lavender belongs to the parsonage. I worry they will bruise the plants if they harvest the flowers to place on graves. I need lavender to treat indigestion, headaches and breathing issues. I make a salve for burns, lip sores, and insect bites. I use dried flowers to make sachets, soaps, or place in bowls to fragrance the house. Or I boil dried lavender in a tub of water, strain and make lavender water for bathing or washing my hair." Mary could plant lavender seeds, but she would harvest bigger and better flowers from cuttings.
"I'll ask Mr. Knowles to ensure the only opening into the lavender bed is from your glebe. Mr. Knowles entered a new plat map for the glebe into our official records, using your layout to define some of the areas." Anne wrote lavender bed fencing and acreage planting on her list of things to do.
"Thank you for your generosity. I feel guilty because we will need Mr. Knowles and the men to plant this week." Mary finished shading a still life of pink roses from the orangery. She wanted to frame and hang the picture in the rose room for Kitty. "Will your mother be angry at the expansion of the glebe?"
"I'm not expanding the glebe. I'm just restoring its former status during Father's lifetime." Anne approved of Mary's picture.
Mary worried, as Mr. Collins had not negotiated for a larger glebe when he contracted with Lady Catherine to be the vicar of Hunsford Rectory. Mary wondered about the rector position. She didn't think the church would approve a woman for the position, yet Lady Catherine seemed to have autonomous control of everything she viewed.
"There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than dreamt of in your philosophy." Anne smiled knowingly at Mary.
"Shakespeare, Hamlet…have you been talking to the ghost of Sir Lewis?" Mary attempted a jest.
"Let's just say I have become curious about things…and not just Shakespeare. Don't worry about the glebe. If more land were available, I'd expand the glebe more! Ten acres is quite penurious for a glebe. Well, I cannot draw anymore," Anne set her drawing things aside. "Let's ring for refreshments."
"Are you tired?" Mary examined Anne. "I can go, and let you rest until dinner. After dinner, you can practice your music and have an early night. Order chamomile tea and have a hot bath with lavender. If you are still tired or sore at bedtime, have a cordial of medicinal sherry."
"Please stay for tea to revive both of us. However, I think I will have an early night. My cousins are coming for a visit. I've been busy with Mrs. Havens, arranging smaller rooms to use while they are here. There's no reason to use the huge drawing room, when we would be more comfortable using the library as a drawing room. When we aren't entertaining, we'll take meals in the breakfast room which opens out to the gardens. We've emptied excess furniture out of the rooms we will use. Additionally I cleared the rooms which Fitzwilliam and Darcy will use. They had too much furniture and porcelains. I think the men will appreciate their cleared quarters. Mother looked forward to Darcy's and Fitzwilliam's visit this year. She believes she dotes on them."
"Thank you for the food to feed the workers toiling at the parsonage this week." Mary thanked her benefactress.
"I'm glad to loan them to you; this perfect day should be spent in gardens. With Mr. Knowles and men, your gardens will be prepared and planted before your guests have been here a week." Anne nodded to a footman to take her easel and art box to her new study.
"What are you thinking?" Mary pondered the serious mien of her friend.
"I wish I were born a man. I would have left home years ago and lived at our house in London. Men come and go as they please, and I'm quite tired of being sequestered." Anne professed. "I should have liked to go to Eton and Cambridge. I should have liked to browse bookstores and walked the parks in London as I liked."
"Did I ever tell you I wished I were a son instead of a third daughter?" Mary confessed to her friend. "I should have liked to go to Eton and Cambridge and be as educated as Papa. I would have learned to run Longbourn and improved the living. If I had been a man, I would not have listened to Mother whine about the entail since Lydia's birth."
"I hope Mother doesn't come to Rosings for Easter. I've lived under Mother's rule and disapproval for so long…I cannot bear her demands I marry Darcy. I cannot have a husband as reserved as Darcy for the rest of my life. We would bore one another to tears with our silence." Anne rang for a tea tray when they entered her new study.
"While your mother is in London…perhaps you and Mr. Darcy will have better conversations." Mary suggested.
"Perhaps…Mother always misinterprets our polite conversations as an interest in one another. I cannot bid good morning to Darcy, and he certainly cannot inquire about my health. Mother would have us married by special license before the end of the week. Have I told you how weary I am of conversations which include Darcy, engagement, Pemberley and mistress of Pemberley?" Anne roused the fire. 'I wish Richard would offer for me. He needs an heiress…and I need a laugh, a life, and a chance to love.'
"I hope they will be impressed with your improvement in health and dress." Mary fervently hoped they would encourage Anne's hard work.
"Fitzwilliam, when not in his regimentals, is of the first stare of fashion. His mama insists he look as dandy as his older brother, Viscount Robert Fitzwilliam. Darcy and Fitzwilliam avoid the tight white satin breeches which dandies of the ton enjoy. They have been extremely happy with the new fashion of trousers for men." Anne snickered. Richard Fitzwilliam occupied the focus of Anne's world. While not as tall as Darcy, his shoulders were broad and his legs well muscled. Richard rode a horse as if he had been born in the saddle. He excelled at mathematics and planning, and manly pursuits like hunting, fishing, riding, billiards, cards and appreciating excellent brandy and port.
"Speaking of loan…you are sure I may have Maryanne full time while I have guests? I'm willing to share Barlow, but with four female guests…" Mary winced. "Mrs. Tucker agreed to help in the kitchen and laundry as needed."
"Yes, of course. Maryanne has training as a lady's maid, as do most of the maids for when we have a large house party…which we never do as Mother disdains the thought." Anne commented. "Rosings is excited about your guests and Spring. We will share baskets two or three times a week. Oh, and there will be invitations," Anne assured Mary. "Mr. Collins must miss Rosings silver plate, glazed windows, and excessive fireplaces."
Both ladies smothered a laugh.
Anne tried not to worry about her cousins visiting over Easter. Lady Catherine decried house parties as dangerous to one's social standing. She could cite instances where compromises occurred…usually a lower class woman taking advantage of a gentleman for his portion or position. She claimed married men spent too much time enjoying the company of someone other than their wife. Couples who had difficulty making an heir or a spare often suddenly returned to town as expectant parents. Not only members of the ton were affected…Lady Catherine opined servants and staff were affected by house parties also. Footmen and grooms were bribed to look the other way while assignations were planned and perpetuated. Female staff had to be monitored to prevent excessive interaction with male staff and male guests. Lady Catherine disdained the exhaustive planning and hosting of a house party, not to mention the inordinate cost.
Friday, February 26
Before breakfast, Mary walked the grove separating the parsonage from Rosings Park. She loaded a basket full of cone mushrooms and spring ramps. She found a patch of spring sorrel about the size of a washtub. Sorrel and other wild greens would stretch a soup or stew for dinner. She found three patches of daffodils and gathered a full dozen flowers. She noted where she found them, to return in the fall for the bulbs. 'I love spring,' Mary's steps were light and happy. She prayed the tension between Mr. Collins and her would disappear before her guests arrived on Monday.
Changed, refreshed, and breakfasted…Mary sewed in her sewing room. "Basket from Rosings," Mrs. Manning gave Mary the kitchen slate with a list of items in the basket, and a list of items which needed to be used from the cellar. "Bacon, four large chickens, a large green goose and a large pork roast. Garden stuff from the orangery. Eggs, butter and a large slab of cheese. We also have a bucket of milk. There is a small bunch of asparagus, but not enough to feed more than two or three people."
"Sunday will be Mr. Collins' six and twenty birthday. We will celebrate on Saturday night. Please make roasted chicken with cone mushrooms and ramps, stuffing, four garden stuff which should be used, hot rolls and butter. Apple cake and apple pie for sweets."
"Pasties and coleslaw for Sunday and midday Monday, with leftover cake and pie. Our guests should be here by tea time. I'd like a butter pound cake and honey biscuits prepared for refreshments. Dinner Monday night will be cream of celery and asparagus soup, roast goose with stuffing, roast pork with roasted apples, carrots and sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, fresh garden greens salad, cooked red and green cabbage, broccoli, and hot rolls. Custard pie with peach compote, walnut cake, and apple jelly for the sweet course." Mary directed.
"There is no fresh fish to be had," Mrs. Manning advised.
"We'll be fine without it. Use my honey brandy glaze on the goose. Use our day-old bread for the stuffing. There will be six for dinner and nine staff to feed. Maryanne will work as a personal maid with Barlow beginning March first. We'll call her Lowe. Mrs. Tucker works seven to seven as our maid-of-all-things and helps Lowe with the laundry. I want to feed Sexton Tucker midday meal and dinner while Mrs. Tucker works for us. The ladies need a set of brown cotton dresses with cream aprons and caps for daily work, and a black dress with white aprons and caps for Sundays and special occasions. Arrange for the Hunsford modiste to sew as soon as possible."
"We'll eat at eight in the dining room our first evening. Mr. Manning to serve. I want our guests and staff to rest easy Monday night after their travels. Mr. Hill will be here until we unload the wagon and send him home to Longbourn. Mrs. Gardiner's coachman departs Tuesday morning for London. He will return in a fortnight, stay the night and transport Mrs. Gardiner to London on Saturday."
"A full breakfast Tuesday. Pasties from the remaining roasted goose and garden stuff for Tuesday and Wednesday midday with coleslaw. Vegetable and pork ragout, mashed potatoes and inn bread for Tuesday night. Apple pie and apple cake for sweets. Starting Tuesday, we'll eat our meals in the morning room at our regular hours, with Mr. Manning to serve." Mary created a weekly menu for guests and staff with Mrs. Manning. They set the arrangements of rooms for guests. They discussed the changes to Mary's day when her guests arrived.
Saturday, February 27
Mary worked on the gardens with Mr. Knowles and two and ten workers from Rosings. They turned soil in the kitchen garden, herb garden, and lavender bed before breakfast. Mr. Knowles and the workers would turn the land in the acreage with horses and plows, amending the soil.
Suddenly, Mary felt tired. Perhaps she worked too hard on the parsonage this week, preparing for her guests. She would sew quietly with herbal tea and a light breakfast tray in her morning room. Perhaps she could take a rest between midday meal and tea at half past three. Mary finished the new shirts for Mr. Collins' birthday. She would play the pianoforte for him tomorrow night. Something light and amusing. She would order a hot bath for him tonight…in advance of his marital attentions for his birthday.
~X~
"Before I come to your room tonight, we should…come to an understanding," Mr. Collins addressed Mary in her sitting room after dinner. "While I do not feel my expectations have been onerous, something about them is unpalatable to you. Whatever fault I may find with your failure to obey me…you are a kind woman, a Christian woman. You sew for the poor. You share our baskets from Rosings with the staff of the rectory and the parsonage staff. You plan ways to plant extra rows of food in your kitchen garden to help feed the poor. You work with Miss Anne, teaching her how to call on the tenants of Rosings Park. You teach our staff, in order for them to help their families. You convinced Miss Anne to provide soups and bread to the needy. You tithe not only of your time, but your funds."
Mr. Collins cleared his throat. He did not sense any inner discomfort from Mary. However, his feelings required airing if they were to continue to live together. "While I would have you be more…obliging…to my patroness…you have been wise to become particular friends with Miss Anne. I have never seen her so healthy or happy. She will truly be an excellent mistress to Pemberley when such an auspicious event occurs. I imagine when Mr. Darcy and his cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam come to Rosings for the spring and Easter, they will be surprised by the excellent health she experiences."
"If you are suggesting we learn to tolerate one another…I do not believe tolerance is enough. I have seen how Papa's tolerance turned to indifference over the years. Perhaps if we tried to understand one another…accept one another…we might learn to like or even enjoy one another's company." Mary held her sewing in her lap. She had not stitched once since Mr. Collins began his discussion.
"Are we agreed to present a peaceful, calm abode to your family and friend during their stay? I am worried about your boisterous and outspoken younger sister, Miss Kitty. However, Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth impressed me with their care for you. Your aunt, Mrs. Gardiner, is a lovely lady. I therefore have hopes Miss Kitty and the family friend, Miss Lucas, will not do anything to bring embarrassment or notoriety to our home."
"I agree we should present a peaceful, calm demeanor to my family and friend. However, I am not formed for play acting or the stage…if this is not a true reconciliation between us…" Mary commented.
"I am determined to effect a true reconciliation," Mr. Collins assured her. He resolved to answer questions posed by Lady Catherine…but he hoped the actions of his wife and their guests would not shame the parsonage. The first of June and the return of Lady Catherine would be soon enough for Mary to respect and obey his patroness.
"Very well then," Mary put her sewing away. "I will see you upstairs within the hour." She departed her sitting room for her quarters.