Wretched Beginnings 1816 – Chapter 6

August 1

"We have three men at the Recovery House who offered to move to the Ploughman Farm." Richard informed Anne. "They are knowledgeable about caring for dairy goats. The Ploughmans had six does and a buck. We found cheese aging in the dairy. The men recommended not moving the goats to the main farm as they are loud. The Ploughman Farm has a half-acre pen which contains a barn to hold the goats. In the spring, there might be kids. In the meantime, the pen is secure. The men will keep the fence intact so the goats do not wonder off. The barn will provide enough space for each doe to be bred. They claim first breeding usually produces one kid. Subsequent breeding means two or three kids. They claim it is unusual, but a doe can have four or five kids each breeding. The kids have to be weaned between two and four sennights old. If the goats are kept inside during bad weather, and let out during clear days…they might produce milk until breeding time in the spring. The does must be bred every year to produce milk."

"Every kind of livestock has problems," Anne noted. "What are the problems with goats?"

"Daily milking, daily care, predators, constant upkeep of fences, and hoof trims every three fortnights. The goats need to be dewormed every six months. One of the men recommends pumpkin seeds; one recommends pine needles; one recommends the water from Bath. His family lived near Bath and acquired the waters for their goats quarterly. He heard the pumpkin seeds and pine needles are effective but recommends the goats take the waters."

"What did the Ploughmans use?" Anne asked.

"I understand they used all three methods." Richard shrugged. "We have some pumpkin seeds, but need them for planting next year. Pine needles are abundant. If I can get to Tonbridge Wells, I could purchase a barrel of water to give to the goats."

"We can purchase the goats from Rose and Ivy…" Anne suggested.

"I think we should provide the men to care for the goats. They can barter the milk and cheese from their goats. As Rose and Ivy grow older, perhaps they can enlarge their herd. Perhaps they can sell the wethers, which are castrated male goats, to farmers for use with goat carts." Richard offered a solution to providing for the two orphaned girls. "Meanwhile, after Ivy is healed, we can offer them employment as scullery maids at the Recovery House. They can teach us how to make goat cheese."

August 2

"Acres of turnips were washed away in the torrential rains in Norfolk at the end of July. Not only did the rains wash away the turnips, but they also beat the crops down. They may not recover." Bingley informed Jane. "There was so much rain…some people relied rowboats in the channel to move from one place to another. Between the continuous rains of June, July and now August…there are tremendous winds. A ship captain would appreciate winds like we have had.

"Did our turnip crop wash away" Jane laid Arthur in a cradle. She checked on a sleeping Charlie before nodding goodnight to the nursery maid.

"The entire crop sown will not be harvested. I think we can save one-third of the crop. Since we will only save six ewes and one ram for breeding next spring, I believe we might have a large enough crop." Bingley opined. "I am trying to save two horses, a dozen hens and rooster, and three piggy sows and a boar. We can slaughter the remaining livestock and smoke or salt to keep tenants and us fed until spring." He turned to address Jane. "I purchased two farms…"

Jane tried to keep a serene face…but worry crossed her brow.

"The Greenlee Estate sold two abandoned farms to me. As we have fewer livestock, we have men who can move to the farms and keep them from falling to ruin. Forests need cleaned. The men can hunt and trap."

"I believe we will all be on half rations by Michaelmas," Jane informed her husband. "If the men are willing to throw their lots in with us…I will pray for better days for all of us."

"You cannot go on half rations until Arthur is weaned. He depends on you to nurture him. You must be healthy for both of you." Bingley advised. "Frosts and cold rain ruined the blossoms on fruit trees, and frigid temperatures destroyed the rest of the fruit crop. The kitchen gardens are destroyed by rain and frost."

"I filled the conservatory with cold weather garden stuff and cold weather herbs as Mary suggested. I moved half a dozen dressing mirrors into the conservatory to help capture any light. The plants are stunted, but they may produce. I spoke with the wives of tenants. They are also trying to grow garden stuff and herbs indoors. Everyone's store of dried garden stuff from last year is gone. We will do our best to help our tenants and staff survive…but our food sources are diminishing."

August 3

The weather remained cooler in Kent. Rosings Park farms were not the only ones to anticipate a lean winter. Farmers planted as late as possible, and what was not destroyed by wind, rain and cold, failed to grow very tall. Heads of grain were small, and would not yield as much as last summer. Everyone planned to harvest as much as possible. Not a single stalk would remain in the fields. In the past the farmers might have left grains to attract ducks and wild birds for hunting…but not this year.

"Our tenants are mostly garden and field farmers. With Mrs. Collins' advice we increased the size of kitchen gardens and orchards last spring. Most of our tenants believe in storing foodstuffs to provide for their families until gardens and orchards produced again. Tradesmen in London do not hesitate to tell my parents when shipments are expected. The tradesmen know my parents pay for their goods upon purchase, and pay a fair price. Hastings purchases as much as possible and distributes it. The hens have stopped laying. The dairy cows have stopped producing. We shear sheep before they are slaughtered. We are smoking and distributing meat. There are no more wild birds in Rosings Park. We have hunted the deer until no one can find one in our woods. We did not sell any winter wheat we harvested…rather we have kept it all to thresh, grind and provide flour."

Fitzwilliam set his tea and nut poundcake aside, choosing to address Vicar Collins' scowl. "We set our course when we moved into Rosings House. Imagine four thousand houses like the Recovery House. That is how many men were released from serving God and Country when the Napoleonic War ended. The British Navy had almost eight hundred ships at the end of the war. Half are protecting other interests of the empire. You read the paper about the 10,000 who rioted in Manchester? I am sure almost all of those men were military, who have been returned to England's shores without work, home, medicine and are now living rough. Disease and famine are killing the poor."

Collins felt the rebuke and remained silent.

"We have released staff who requested transport to families, or transport to the United States." Curate Crowdion acknowledged. "Three of our men have died. We are using recovered men to act as dressers for the ill. Disabled men help clean the Recovery House or nurture the plants in the conservatory. On good days, the healthy clean the forests and cut down trees. They work to provide firewood. Several of our men try to hunt and trap. Several of our men forage. All the men work as they can. I put the men on half rations. Our men are military and have lived on half rations before. Half rations might keep us to Lady Day next year. We can pray for sunshine next year to grow gardens to feed the men."

"We planted cold weather seeds in the conservatories. We replant kitchen gardens each time we have good weather, but crops are rained out or destroyed by frost. Sheltered plants are not washed away, but have frosted or hailed upon." Anne primly set her tea cup on the saucer. "Please tell me, Vicar Collins, how we are to economize? Prices have increased. We purchase what we can when it is available. However, very soon, there will not be anything to buy. We warned all our tenants and staff to expect crop failures around the world."

"Mrs. Manning suggested vinegar and baking soda to substitute for eggs in baked goods. We use the rice cooking water instead of milk for baked goods. Breakfast is cooked rice, drained, and a bit of honey. We serve broths and soups which we stretch with rice." Mary explained. "We wear heavier clothes and only have low fires on the coldest days. We stopped using the fire pits because there is no growth on the trees or the gardens for us to protect. We moved our two remaining beehives to the barn to keep the bees warm. We butchered and smoked the poultry. We still have my two piggy sows which will farrow after Michaelmas. Farrows are smaller this year. I plan to keep three sow babies to fatten and smoke. The turnips we had used for horses will be used to keep the pigs fed."

"I am desirous of new conversation," Anne announced. "I cannot discuss weather, food, supplies, livestock, or firewood and candles any more today." She sent the remainder of the nut poundcake to the kitchen. She would not give Mr. Collins another portion. He vexed her so.

Unknown to Mr. Collins, Mary asked Rosings House to limit baskets of food for the parsonage to one per sennight, and only send supplies for six persons. She asked them to give baskets directly to Stevenson and the Tuckers as she could not bear to argue with Mr. Collins about which contents of the parsonage basket should be donated to them. His days of roasted chicken dinners with sides and an apple cake or pie were over!

~X~

"My darling girl," Alexander Whitford waited in a private room at the Brighton Inn. Lady B. would permit him to gamble at her home; he could not visit Juliet's sleeping room. Juliet threw herself into his arms. "Monday, my darling girl…Monday we return to London. We will visit my London solicitor and draw up our marriage articles and wills. The War Office suggests one must make or update wills before they travel. Tuesday, we depart for Gretna Green. Have the maid pack you for our trip, but you must use your real name and Longbourn on your luggage. I cannot marry Juliet Beaumont from London in Gretna Green. I want to marry my beautiful lady, Lydia Bennet from Longbourn. Crate things from your lodgings and have them delivered to our London home." He offered her a jewelry case.

"I want you to wear the beautiful wine-red brocade dress for our wedding…and these." The case held a simple, but elegant, ruby earbobs with bracelet. They matched the ruby pendant he gave her for Christmas years ago. She greatly admired her new jewels in the mirror before returning them to their case. Lydia wasted no time thanking her lover for her wedding jewels.

"I must give Lady B notice tonight about our marriage. I will not be able to deal cards for her." Lydia made plans while they lingered in bed after their tryst.

"My days of daring and danger for the War Office are over. I have done my duty returning ammunition, horses, wagons and men to London." Whitford kissed his goddess. He heard of the earthquake in Aberdeen on the August thirteenth. He hoped it did not displace people or would impede their travel. "I shall be a gentleman of ease, Lydia. Perhaps we will establish our own gaming hell in the ballroom of the Whitford House. We shall have our fill of amusements and laughter. I do not want to rein in your fun. I will need this back when we marry." Alexander slipped a wide gold wedding band with three ruby chips on Lydia's finger.

~X~

"We are all each other has," Alexander murmured to Lydia after another passionate tryst. "An actress and a warrior."

"No, we are a decorated colonel and a gentleman's daughter," Lydia protested. "Together we are more than when we are alone."

"I am going to marry you," Alexander promised.

"We will live well in your large London house. We will entertain, and be the toast of society," Lydia promised her lover.

"Honor and love will be ours for the remainder of our days," Alexander promised her. "I am so glad you did not become a helpless female in need of a protector."

"Did you believe I would be vigorously pursued?" Lydia teased her lover.

"I did…until I realized you only had eyes for me." Alexander admitted.

August 5

The July Gentleman's Magazine reported twenty days of rain in July, twice the number as years past. Roberts and his brother pulled dead and damaged corn and wheat plants, preparing the soil for a time when the skies were clear and they could plant properly. He worried because the farmers believed the hard frosts leeched the soil. They might be able to amend the soils over winter…but he had hopes of planting winter wheat. Roberts had viewed farms at Pemberley. While everyone believed next year would be better…Roberts thought England's agriculture would need two or three years to return to previous standards.

Roberts' men took buckets of standing water from the farms to the river near them. In the past, the banks had been built up to keep the river from flooding. Roberts would not allow trees to be cut down by the river. People might need firewood, but the trees were needed to keep the land from washing away into the river. Copses on tenant farms had been razed to provide firewood. When needed, the groves and forests between farms would be cut judiciously. There was no time to dry the firewood. By next spring all the chimneys would need cleaned.

The livery service had been robbed twice. Roberts tasked the grooms to guard the livery at night to protect the animals, the equipage, and the grainery. He felt the straw for the stalls was pilfered to make into straw twists to burn, and the oats to make into porridge.

~X~

On clear, but overcast days in early August, workers planted cool weather fodder crops in sheltered areas. Cool weather garden stuff was planted. While workers hoped for better weather, no one believed they would not see frost until October. The London Times reported the thunderstorms which ruined grains, potatoes and grapes in Germany, Netherlands and France. Prices for available hay rose one hundred percent. Mr. Knowles advised harvests for the year would be sparse…and he felt it was too late to correct the situation. Winter wheat crops survived in several places at Rosings Park, but the oats needed for people and animals did not.

Continuous rains kept Robert and Augusta in London, as they would not attempt travel north with a new babe. Augusta's ire at the weather grew. She felt angry at the small christening ceremony and celebratory dinner when Baby Reggie was christened. Richard and Anne stayed in London on Saturday and left by noon on Sunday. Robert insisted Richard and Anne stand as godparents, with Darcy as the second godfather. Augusta felt Stephan should have been the second godfather, by right as an uncle to the boy. However Mama Matlock enumerated his faults and a desire to keep any taint from the boy's future.

"We are not entertaining, nor being entertained," Reginald addressed Augusta. "Harvests have been lean. My staff and tenants are not starving. I will not provide for peers who give no thought for those who provide for them."

Augusta longed to entertain and be entertained but the weather, food shortages and riots caused her to rethink venturing out to shops. She was grateful the Season was over. Little Season did not bode well.

August 6-14

Despite the weather, Alexander and Lydia traveled to Scotland, for Lydia was only nine and ten. While she had the papers granting her freedom, some religious leaders might object to how she obtained her independence. There was no frantic carriage chase from London to Scotland. While the mail coach raced from London to Carlisle in a few days' time, Whitford was determined to enjoy his time in his carriage with his paramour. Still, the distance from London to Gretna Green in a well-sprung coach, which traveled from early morning to late evening, wore on the travelers and the horses. Days were overcast. Whitford planned ahead and sent expresses to the largest inns along the way. He needed a room for Lydia and him, and quarters for her maid, his batman and the coachman. He brought oats to feed the carriage horses for a month, which would help when they rested the horses.

August 12

Mr. Gardiner's partners reported the interruptions of weather affecting crops across the Northern Hemisphere. They reported the rains flooded Switzerland, while the snows remained in the mountains. France struggled with the prices of grains to make bread, and riots in market towns. The possibility of tariffs and their impact on trade costs worried everyone.

Gardiner wrote Bennet, asking if he could move Madeleine and the children to Longbourn before the end of the month. Gardiner's letter explained the continued riots and protests in London due to lack of food and fuel. Previous soldiers and sailors flooded available living spaces when they could not live rough. London was not safe for his family anymore. He would provide food and libations for his family and staff at Longbourn. Mr. Gardiner fed his warehousemen well on shipment days…but he worried for them and for others affected by ruined crops. Madeleine keenly felt the demand for aid to the needy though her charities and the church. Widowed mothers killed themselves and children because they believed the end of days approached. Donating materials was not a hardship…donated funds did not stretch for foods and medicines. Rains, cold days and overcast skies dampened even the sunniest countenance.

~X~

"I wanted to visit, perhaps order coffee and tea," Gardiner informed Timsdale.

Timsdale led Gardiner to the counter where he could watch the street from his front windows and watch the door. "You should know, Timsdale's Teas and Timsdale's Treasures may close before Michaelmas. We purchased more goods from peers than we have had patrons. We discussed the situation, my family and I. We will move everything from the first floor of each business to the second floor, and board the windows. The main doors between the first and second floors will be locked. We will consolidate households to save on heat."

"Ballard claims the coffee and tea harvests have been affected by the weather. There will be no new harvests of coffee and tea next year. Unless next year has better weather, we may not have coffee and tea until 1819. Ballard recommended I store a year of coffee, tea and chocolate. Which I will do, not for the business, but for my family. We have two quarters of flour and sugar stored for the tea shop, in addition to coffee and tea. With the crowds in the streets, we have closed the shops more days than we have been open. I will purchase as much as I can from my suppliers before we close the doors. We have no horses; our poultry and dairy cows stopped producing. We have two pigs to slaughter and smoke for meat. We have four mousers, who seem to fatten themselves on caught vermin." Timsdale smothered a laugh.

"I too am considering closing my doors." Gardiner admitted.

"I shall send my ladies to you on the morrow to purchase winter materials." Timsdale promised.

"Will you notify the Earl of Matlock regarding the coffee and tea harvests for next year?"

"I will send a message first thing in the morning," Timsdale promised. "You will have the afternoon for purchasing as you can." He gave Gardiner a list of his vendors. He could not guarantee they had goods to sell. "Wines must be watered down to have enough to last. Boil the water first. Be mindful of anyone with typhus or cholera."

"My niece recommends purchasing seeds now, for planting next year. She recommends purchasing as much dried herbs for teas and medicines as possible. She especially recommends purchasing dry herbs which require sunshine to grow. My brother-by-marriage recommended purchasing a year of firewood, coal, soaps and candles at Midsummer. Rationing those items and rationing food supplies might carry us through to next spring." He listed other tips from the Bennet sisters.

August 15

Inquiring about a marriage ceremony in Gretna Green, Whitford learned the blacksmith was bleary eyed and reeked of drink. He would not chance their marriage being performed or recorded incorrectly. He inquired further and learned of an anvil priest at the Queen's Head Inn, in Springfield, the next town after Gretna Green. An anvil was set in the blacksmith shop at the inn, and another set in the courtyard. Whitford took rooms at the inn. Lydia was allowed time to refresh and change into her wedding clothes. Lydia wore the dark red brocade gown Alexander liked so well, with a matching long wrap. Her maid dressed Lydia's hair and helped her put on her wedding jewels. She wore the gold and ruby pendant which Alexander bought her along with a new set of earbobs and bracelet which he gifted her.

The couple met at the anvil in the courtyard. The anvil priest completed the lines for the Bennet-Whitford wedding. Lydia gave her name…Lydia Helen Bennet, of Longbourn, Hertfordshire, daughter of Thomas Bennet, Longbourn and Frances Gardiner Bennet (deceased). Alexander gave his name…Alexander John Whitford, London. His parents were John Sullivan Whitford (deceased) and Adella Villiers Whitford (deceased). In addition to the record for the local church, the anvil priest provided a copy of the lines to Whitford and Lydia.

The anvil priest addressed Lydia first, "Lydia Helen Bennet, did you come here freely and without reservation."

"I did," Lydia smiled at Alexander.

"Alexander John Whitford, did you come here freely and without reservation?"

"I did," Alexander smiled at Lydia.

The vicar proceeded to conduct the ceremony.

"With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. With all my worldly goods, I thee endow." Once Alexander produced the wide gold wedding ring and slipped it on Lydia's finger…both of them squeezed one another's hands, not letting go.

"Forasmuch as this man and this woman have spoken vows and given and exchanged a wedding ring before these witnesses, I declare they are man and wife, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, Amen."

The ceremony, marriage lines, and two witnesses cost the groom five and ten pounds. Five pounds paid the church to provide a vicar and record the ceremony. Eight pounds purchased the use of the courtyard, a large room for the couple, rooms for the servants, a small posy of mint and two flowers for the bride, and for a wedding dinner for the couple and their servants. The funds included feed, water and care for the horses until the couple began their next leg of the trip. The fee provided a pound each to two witnesses. Whitford did not care about paying excessively for food, warm rooms and animal feed.

Lydia was never concerned with society's disdain. She had no regrets for how her life unfolded. Jane and Lizzy were wives of gentlemen farmers…instead of commanding the drawing rooms and social pages of London. Mary was a vicar's wife; useful and inspiring to her husband's congregation and community. Kitty transformed into Catherine, a social leader among the wives of Oxford's academia. Lydia wished her sisters well, however she had nothing to repine. Alexander loved her, and nothing else influenced or swayed her decisions or actions. Her life had been adventurous and fun…and now she was Mrs. Alexander Whitford.

"I want us to tour England. I want everyone to know you are my wife," Alex announced to Lydia. "A fortnight in Bath, followed by at least a sennight in Brighton then London. We can travel to Oxford to see your sister Kitty."

"As long as we are back in London for Little Season, I will agree to touring anywhere you want." Lydia kissed her new husband.

~X~

"I am so tired," Anne whined to Richard. "I cannot get comfortable."

"Is the baby coming?" Richard asked.

Anne's startled look accompanied a sharp pain and her water breaking. "I believe so."

"Aveline, please help Mrs. Fitzwilliam to her chambers. I will go for Mrs. Collins." Richard set off in a hurry.

~X~

Mary finished bathing Mary Elizabeth Charlotte Fitzwilliam, swaddled her and handed her to Anne. Both mother and father appeared exhausted. This baby came fast and hard. Anne barely had time to catch her breath between birthing pains. Midwife North did not appear until the babe was birthed. She expressed surprise at the haste of the child to enter the world.

Aveline helped Anne bathe and change into a clean nightrail. Richard brought cold champagne and a trio of gold etched bangle bracelets to celebrate the birth of his daughter. He introduced Freddie to Mary Elizabeth, but Freddie was not impressed. He hoped his surprise was a new puppy or a pony and not a sister.

Richard hummed quietly to Mary Elizabeth. She settled immediately, letting her tired Mama sleep. He kissed the tiny blonde curls on her head, and breathed the new baby smell. Earlier, the smell of blood in the room made his head spin…dredging up memories of unwashed men, cannon and musket smoke, screams of wounded or dying men and animals, and the sick smell as new recruits lost what little control they had over casting up their accounts.

Richard did not have to pretend with Anne. She helped him forget the horrors of war by providing a loving home, and comforting arms. He loved racing his horse across the meadow…the scent of earth, grasses and wildflowers filling his nose and chasing away his dark thoughts. He loved quiet afternoons in their library with a good book and a glass of port or a tray of tea and biscuits. Rosings kept him busy, unlike London where he felt alone in crowds, hated society and drank to forget.

Richard murmured a prayer of thanks for Anne, Freddie and Mary Elizabeth. He wondered how Robert and Augusta were. Freddie was not impressed with Baby Reggie either, but he might learn to appreciate his cousins, like Richard felt towards William and Georgiana. Later he would send expresses to family and friends. Right now, he was content to hold his daughter.

August 16

Lydia penned a letter to Kitty. She spent little time contemplating the matter. She married her wonderful Alex in Scotland. She did not doubt their love for one another. Her heart had been open to romantic gestures since Shelley ran off with Mary Wollstonecraft. She bragged Alex looked so fine in his regimentals. Lydia looked forward to traveling with Alex. He quit work for the War Office; they would stay at the Whitford House, entertaining and being entertained. She knew her pin money was better than Mama ever had, and probably better than Mary's, and as good as Kitty had. Her Alex was a much better husband than any her sisters had. He might have less money than Darcy, but he was more amiable. Mrs. Alexander Whitford had no reason to repine. She could not wait for her sisters to visit them in London.

~X~

August 16

Springfield, Scotland

Dearest Kitty,

I have eloped to Scotland with my dearest Alex. He is so good looking in his regimentals. Oh Kitty! You should see the jewels he gave me! I am sure they are just as fine as any Bingley gave Jane! After our wedding tour in Bath, we will travel to Brighton and then to London.

The Whitford House is quite fine! I assure you, it is quite large with an excellent prospect! I cannot bear to live in the country like my sisters! I have always wanted to live in London. I will enjoy being the mistress of such grandeur. I cannot wait to host our first dinner and dance. You must be one of our first guests. Alex promised to hire a French chef for us and a French maid for me. What fun we shall have in London! Assemblies and balls, and shopping at the best warehouses. I do not care for theatre and concerts – but Alex likes them, and I like dressing up and being seen. We will have an adventurous life, traveling to places which Alex wants to see. I am so glad I never truly set my cap for Denny, Sanderson, Carter or any of the militia we knew from Meryton.

I will send this with my new direction when we settle at Bath. In the meantime, you may send correspondence to the Whitford House in London. Directions are enclosed. They will send correspondence on to us.

Please give my love to all. If they cannot forgive me because I married to the man I love…then I shall not forgive them for being churlish and unchristian.

Lydia

August 18

Vicar Collins announced the birth of Mary Elizabeth Charlotte Fitzwilliam to the congregation. He announced the death of six of their older parishioners. He, like many other clergy, felt the abysmal weather this summer contributed to the religious revival sweeping the nation. He appreciated the common man fearing punishment from God. He announced the edict of French church authorities to offer prayer services for nine days for better weather. For a time it seemed their prayers were answered. The weather improved with a cessation of rain and return of warm weather. However, their hopes were dashed by the return of rains and cold weather. Crops had universally been destroyed.

August 19

Grace informed John the Goulding tenants abandoned farms. She demanded John move them from Longbourn to Haye Park. John refused, citing the three Goulding sons. None would attend university this next year as there are no funds to send them. John intended to take an empty farm at Lucas Lodge. Grace argued with her intractable husband and finally rushed to her room…weeping and slamming her door. She had been reduced from a pampered daughter, and wife to the heir of an estate, to being the wife of a farmer.

John left the Steward's House, seeking an audience with Bennet. He offered to leave Longbourn before September. There was no work at Longbourn for him. He would move his staff with him…hoping the burden would not be too great for him on a farm at Lucas Lodge. He stopped to speak with Charlotte.

"Father is concerned with Lucas Lodge, crops, livestock, and funds to pay taxes next year. I am worried for having food we need, and surviving to next year." John admitted to Charlotte. "I told Bennet I am moving to the available farm at Lucas Lodge. I know you will help Grace ration food until gardens and orchards produce next year."

~X~

Bennet sent an express to Gardiner. He could bring his family to Longbourn. The Steward's House would be available for them. Bennet felt they could bring a few staff, but only those necessary. Their close proximity to London would allow Mr. Gardiner to visit his family whenever he desired. Because Longbourn was unencumbered with debt, Bennet could forgive rents and allow his tenants to hunt and trap where the Gouldings could not. The one farmer who abandoned the farm at Lucas Lodge had ties to the Gouldings farmers who abandoned their homes.

Freezing rains, cold fog, and overcast days reminded Mr. Bennet of winter. The lack of summer threatened livestock more than previous years. Stunted field crops could not hide the bare places where seeds rotted or washed away. There were no brilliant dawns nor colorful sunsets. The day might warm at noon but sunlight could not pierce the cloud cover.

Saturday, August 24

When a calm morning dawned, John and Grace moved out of the Steward House. Their wagons and carriage made way to the Lucas Lodge farm. Maria sent staff to scrub down and polish up the farm house during the week. She left a basket of tea and sweets for them to ease their move. Maria hoped Grace would not come to Lucas Lodge daily, seeking company or good green tea. Both were in short supply. She was disinclined to have company…like so many others.

Gardiner moved his family to Longbourn. Their large carriage was followed by a smaller carriage with staff. Two loaded dray wagons followed. For a sennight Gardiner searched shops and warehouses in the city, purchasing what he could. Prices soared for wheat, grains, meat, garden stuff, butter, milk and flour…when it was available. He hoarded everything in the warehouse, crating coffee, tea, wines, and dried foods to send with his wife and children. The first dray wagon held household goods, food and libations. The largest bedroom at the Steward's House would be used for Edward and Madeleine. The children would share rooms. The cellar was filled with crates of food and libations which Madeleine locked behind doors.

The second largest dray wagon carried crates of the most expensive materials, accessories and laces to protect their investment. Gardiner appreciated storing the draper goods in an empty room at the Steward's House. There would be little demand for expensive materials and laces during Little Season. He opined the ton would entertain less, resulting in fewer purchases at Gardiner's Emporium. He no longer carried accounts for anyone. Gardiner's Emporium only accepted cash or bank notes at the time of purchase.

Madeleine gave him a list of rooms to close at the London House. Gardiner lived and slept in his study. The London house kept few staff, a housekeeper/cook, two maids-of-all things, and a man-of-all-things to occupy empty rooms in the lower level, by the kitchen. The knocker was down, and Gardiner kept a loaded pistol about his person at all times. He never knew when he or his home might encounter trouble. His evenings of ease and amusements would be spent with a good book, and a decanter of port.

August 25

"God does not test us more than we can take. Crop failures, food riots, granary looting, typhus…" Mary tuned out Mr. Collins' sermon and said prayers for family, friends, staff, the community and the world. She prayed for Lydia because last night's dream of Lydia in a crisis worried her.

"Let us sing God Moves in Mysterious Ways…reminding us to trust in God's wisdom in face of trouble or unfathomable events."

God moves in a mysterious way,

His wonders to perform;

He plants his footsteps in the sea,

And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never failing skill;

He treasures up his bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.

Mary shook off her thoughts and joined the other parishioners in song.

August 26

Thomas Bennet was well pleased with himself. Marrying Charlotte Lucas meant having a pleasant partner for conversation, discussing books, and discussing the estate. Thomas sat on the sofa and read to Charlotte who enjoyed resting and listening to him.

"Baby likes the sound of your voice." Charlotte agreed to stay in their rooms and not attempt to take the stairs until after the baby was born. Thomas rang for a tray of soup, bread, cheese and a pot of tea. Brooks brought a bottle of lavender water from the cellar and helped Charlotte bathe and dress for bed.

"Are you tired from nesting today?" Brooks asked.

"I am," Charlotte admitted. "I am glad we finished the baby clothes, prepared the cradle and cleaned the christening gown. The birthing room is set."

August 27

Four hours outside of Bath, thundering horse hooves accompanied a gunshot and yell as the Whitford carriage was beset by highway men. Whitford, his batman and coachman wielded pistols to fight off the brigands. Lydia and her maid loaded weapons for the three men. Whitford was mortally wounded as he attempted to protect Lydia. She held him in her arms until he died, pressing a kiss to his lips. She took up his pistol and angrily aimed at the brigands. Her shots wounded while the batman and coachman aimed to kill. The coachman died shortly after Colonel Whitford. Lydia was fatally shot. The maid loaded guns and handed them in tandem to the batman. Three of his party were dead; he and the maid were wounded; the coach was undriveable. The only unharmed highwayman urged two injured men into their saddles and the three raced away. The maid bandaged the wounds of the batman and herself as best as she could.

"We must be sensible." The batman addressed the maid. "We have no positions, or home, and very few funds. We have no characters to find positions. We need funds for medical help, lodging, food, and possible transport back to London." The batman retrieved Colonel Whitford's coin purse, wallet, pocket watch, and pocket flask. He hid the items in a nightshirt in his travel trunk. The maid retrieved Lydia's coin roll from under her gown. She hid the jewelry Lydia wore with the coin roll in Lydia's reticule. She was pleased to see a filled, second coin roll. She placed the reticule in a chemise in her travel trunk. They would blame the thefts on the highwaymen.

Two hours later, fellow travelers sighted the carriage. They stopped to move the luggage to the dray wagon which followed their carriage, along with the bodies of the dead. They tied the horses behind the dray wagon and moved the carriage to a small clearing under some trees out of the way. The batman and maid rode in the wagon with the luggage and bodies.

In Bath, the injured batman and injured maid were left at the Wharton Inn with their luggage. Bodies of the dead were taken to a small one room cottage at the entry to the cemetery to be prepared for burial. The magistrate was called.

~X~

The magistrate called for a surgeon for the batman and maid. After medical attention, he interviewed them. The magistrate found marriage lines in Colonel Whitford's document box in his traveling trunk. He found a calling card for Mrs. Andrew Roberts in Mrs. Whitford's writing slope. "I need help with a grave situation," the magistrate notified Andrew Roberts. "There have been more instances of highwaymen because of the cold, and since the wars ended. Food shortages and increased prices are everywhere. People are suffering. When Mrs. Whitford wore jewels which would provide passage for a family to the United States…situations like this occur." He discussed what to do with Andrew Roberts, who knew the Bennet family.

Roberts arranged rooms for the batman and maid at a local inn until the local surgeon and magistrate allowed them to return to London. He arranged for the local sexton to hold the bodies of the coachman and the Whitfords until they were claimed by the Bennets and buried.

August 28

Roberts sent an express via one of his men on horseback to Mr. Thomas Bennet at Longbourn, Meryton, Hertfordshire. He requested his groom reach Mr. Bennet in two days but not more than three. His express relayed the sad news of the deaths of Alexander and Lydia Whitford.

Andrew enlisted help from Anthony and the stewards. They returned to the carriage with fresh horses, repaired what they could, and transported the carriage to Roberts Livery. Andrew ordered a complete overhaul and repair of the carriage.

~X~

Roberts fastened a haunch of venison for the orphanage to the rear of a one-horse gig. His groom insisted on accompanying Louisa to the orphanage. Westgate Buildings was overrun by military men who shared rooms, or slept in hallways with bedrolls. Beggars flooded the streets.

"Our children are usually hired as gleaners by corn farmers, but there are no crops, or smaller crops this year. Our children cannot forage without an armed adult with them. They have been set upon and robbed of everything they foraged. Two of our older boys were robbed of their jackets and their work boots, after they were robbed of the firewood filled handcart which they pulled. The boys went out daily, collecting or cutting a cart of wood for us." The orphanage director angrily addressed the board. "We have men begging at the door, and our staff face cutpurses every day. We asked the magistrate to clear away those who would do us harm. We still receive charitable funds…but there are no supplies to buy. Our children sleep two and three to a small bed to conserve warmth."

"Tell them about the babes…" the orphanage nurse urged the director.

"We had three enceinte brothel workers come to us. None of the mothers or babes survived childbirth. We had to pay to coin to have them buried." The director sighed heavily.

"I worry for the children if we have a bout of cholera or typhus. We cannot send the children to London, as our friends there report illnesses and famine invade the city."

Various board members offered what they could. Louisa was grateful for the haunch of venison to give the orphanage. She also had a dozen blankets for the children. She would thank Robert for the venison, the groom and the transportation…but she would warn him about the possible illnesses. The twins had to be safe.

~X~

"George does not want to play with his ark and animals." Collins grumbled to Mary.

"I understand why. I cannot bear to hear about rain for forty days and forty nights either." Mary commented. "Let us place the ark atop a bookshelf and leave it be for a while." 'If you preach about the divine will of God one more time, I shall run astray!'

Saturday, August 31

Thomas and Charlotte Bennet were awakened by an express rider early Saturday morning. Lydia eloped to Scotland with Colonel Alexander Whitford. The newlyweds were traveling from Scotland to Bath for their wedding trip. Highwaymen planned to rob the Whitfords due to the fineness of the Whitford carriage and horses, and the jewels Lydia wore. A coach accident enabled the robbery. Colonel and Mrs. Whitford, and his coachman were killed. The wounded highwaymen scattered to the winds. The dead were to be buried in Bath.

The wounded batman kept the three pistols near him to protect the maid and himself if the robbers returned. They were found by other travelers who brought them to Bath to be seen by a surgeon and a magistrate. Roberts was in receipt of the luggage for the newlyweds, plus their horses and carriage. Their bodies were at a lodge near the church and cemetery.

Roberts requested Mr. Bennet travel to Bath to collect the living, collect the luggage and bury the dead.

Mr. Bennet went a message to Mr. Phillips and to John Lucas. He needed to see them immediately.

~X~

"When we must light a fire to stay warm during the night, we should share the same room and bed to save on firewood and coals." Mary suggested to Mr. Collins. She eyed the inventory list for the parsonage.

"I have decided to sleep in George's room where there is a fire. Instead of lighting three fires in our rooms and in George's room, we will only light two." Mr. Collins announced.

"You cannot do that!" Mary gasped. "Nancy sleeps in George's room; it would be improper for you to sleep there also."

"Then you will sleep in George's room. I will stay in my room." Mr. Collins ignored Mary and returned to his writing and open book. He was anxious for Mary to leave him alone as he wanted to study his agriculture books.

Mary wanted to stomp her feet and throw things at Mr. Collins. She would endure in her room, until it was necessary to have a fire. Then she would sleep in George's bed with him. 'How can he refuse to share a bed with me? Perhaps his heart is as cold as the torrential downpours of freezing rain.'

~X~

Reggie read the letter from his steward with dismay. His gamekeeper caught two trespassers attempting to poach in the cleaned and thinned woods of Matlock Estate. The gamekeeper was severely injured by the trespassers who thought to kill the gamekeeper to avoid transportation. However, one of the tenants, who was out to trap for his family…fired on the trespassers, killing them. Weakened from lack of food, the tenant could not carry the gamekeeper farther than his home. One of his daughters ran for the steward. Dark had fallen before the steward's wife with her medical skills accompanied them back to the tenants home. The gamekeeper died before they arrived, and the tenant passed soon after. The steward and men went to the forest to retrieve the bodies of the trespassers. While the Irish abandoned farms and applied for passage to the United States, both believed the trespassers were from Scotland or Wales. They were not men known by the tenant or the gamekeeper.

Reggie responded with a letter of condolence for the families of both men and a letter of inquiry to the steward. He sent funds to bury both the gamekeeper and tenant. The unknown trespassers would be buried in the pauper graveyard.