Response to reviews: The militia did not receive their rank according to how much land their family held. That's just false. People purchased commissions. Often, they were landowners, but not always. Otherwise, Wickham would not have been able to purchase a Lt. commission. It was meant to be only gentlemen, but there were so many vacancies during the regency period that they opened it up to pretty much anyone. Also, people were promoted. One could purchase a lower commission and then through excellent service be promoted.
Also, yup. My characters act OOC because situations are different. Not everything is also 100% accurate to the Regency period as I did not live then. I have tried to make everything as accurate as possible and I really appreciate those who politely point out errors and inaccuracies. Some things, however, will just have to be as is.
They hire a governess instead of a nurse because Esther is pretty old for a nurse. Yes, if she was a baby when the nurse was hired, likely there would have been still a nurse until she was older and her mother would see to the education, but at her age a governess makes more sense. Governesses were also childcare, so Mary would be able to go visiting without having to bring her child everywhere.
"I was looking for respectable work," said the groom, whose name was Lance according to Mr. Darcy, "and her ladyship said she needed a groom. When she told me what I would be doing, keeping track of Mr. Darcy, I didn't like it, but there's no law against writing letters telling where's someone's going."
"There might not be a law against it, Lance," said Mr. Darcy, "But it certainly is not respectable work."
"More respectable than what I had been doing before," said Lance, "But I won't be telling you about that as it aren't what you asked."
"You know how to write?" said Colonel Fitzwilliam with a raised eyebrow.
"My mama taught me. She went to school. She died a long time ago, but I kept practicing."
"Very well," said Darcy, "But how did you end up mixed up in all of this. Kidnapping is much different than writing letters."
"I didn't know anything about it," said Lance, "but her ladyship said I had to come to see her. I requested leave to see my family, and as you was going to be going back to Hertfordshire and would have Mr. Bingley's grooms, Mr. Colley said I might have it."
"Very well," said Colonel Fitzwilliam, "What occurred when you arrived?"
"I was told to be the groom when Miss de Bourgh and her companion went out and I was to follow Fred's orders, no matter what they'd be, "said Lance, "I did that, but I tried to protest when he told me to bring Miss down to that cellar. It be one thing to be spying, but I weren't going to lock a lady away. Fred said I had to, for he knew where my sister and her boy were. I didn't like his saying so. I didn't think he were knowing where they were cuz he wanted to take tea. Then I didn't know what to do. I just did as Mrs. Younge and Fred told me. They made sure Miss saw my face, so I weren't able to tell on them without telling on meself. I was glad when Miss got freed. I just decided I would keep working for Mr. Darcy and hoped no one would notice. But her ladyship demanded that I come to see her again. I didn't like it, being so close to where Miss were. But she made me go, so I took Evan's place on the trip. I ain't talked to her yet, so I don't know what is it she wants now."
Lance was sent down to the servants' quarters after he finished telling all, but two footmen were assigned to act as his shadow. Colonel Fitzwilliam thought how useful that his aunt kept so many extra servants that some could be spared to act as guards, both at the dower house and now in the servants' quarters.
The Lord and Lady Matlock along with Lord Barlow were recalled from their rooms so they might join the council of war taking place in the sitting room.
"She is fit for Bedlam!" cried the countess after being told the whole tale.
"Indeed," said Lord Matlock, "I knew she was not well, but I did not know she would go to such lengths as this."
"Is that what you plan to do then, Father?" asked Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"I do not see what else can be done, at least not without dragging our family's name through the mud," answered his father.
"I do not like to think of Aunt Catherine there, but I do not see any other alternative," said Lord Barlow, "But be certain whatever institute you send her to does not have her displayed for the public. I do hate that practice. It is quite grotesque to put the ill on display like tigers in a cage."
"Of course," said Lord Matlock, "I have a close acquaintance whose daughter is infantile in nature, despite being of an age with Richard. My acquaintance has been happy with his daughter's care, so I will see if they accept the insane or if it is only the infantile."
"That does sound much better than Badlam," said Lord Barlow.
"Regardless, we must do something. We cannot simply keep footmen on guard about her."
"We could lock her in the cellar," mumbled Anne.
Darcy, the only one who heard her comment, had to stifle a gasp. He had never heard Anne speak so uncharitably, but he supposed it was deserved.
The meeting soon broke up, with Lord Matlock and Darcy going together to see what might be done to arrange for Lady Catherine's care.
"Mother," said Andy, stopping her from leaving the room after all the others had departed, "I would speak with you about something, if you would not mind."
"Certainly," said Lady Matlock.
"I had thought to tell both you and Father, but I think it not the right time to tell him. Yet, I do not like keeping a secret."
"You are worrying me, Andy. Whatever is the matter?" asked his mother, her brow pulled together in a furrow.
"I am to be married," said Andy, "or will be. We had to leave so suddenly that I had no chance to speak to her father."
"Oh Andy! Who is the lady?" asked Lady Matlock, delighted.
"Miss Catherine Bennet. The younger sister of the lady who Darcy is courting," said Andy.
"I see," said Lady Matlock, stunned by the identity of the lady.
"I am quite determined. I will not be turned from her, even if Father threatens to disown me. I have my estate, you know."
"Do not mistake my silence for displeasure," said Lady Matlock, "I am simply surprised. I admit that I had hoped for more, but she is a gentleman's daughter."
"Indeed. But I know Father will not be happy."
"He will not," said Lady Matlock, "He is not happy even that Darcy is courting Miss Bennet, so I cannot imagine his reaction to your marrying Miss Catherine."
"I am sorry to leave the task of telling him to you," said Andy, "but I cannot tell him now, with all that is going on."
"I understand, Andy. I will tell him when things are calmer. By then, you can hopefully have asked her father. It would not do to tell him before all is settled."
"Very well, Mother," said Andy, kissing his mother's check, "and I thank you for your support."
"You can always rely on my support, dearest," said Lady Matlock.
"A second crisis?" asked Richard, when Darcy and Andy asked him into the library to discuss a serious matter.
"In a matter of speaking," said Andy, "But not nearly so much so as what we discussed earlier."
Darcy and Andy explained the situation with Lydia as best they could while not disparaging their beloveds' family.
"Andrews," said Richard immediately when they stopped speaking.
"Who is he?" asked Andy.
"Captain Nicholas Andrews. He served under me. He's the son of a tradesman. His local squire bought him an ensign's commission and he has earned his promotions."
"What do you think it would take to induce him?" asked Darcy.
"He wants to leave the regulars, but it's all he's known since he was little more than a child. His family can give him nothing, as they have a half dozen other children to care for. What about the Scottish estate?" said Richard.
"An estate!" said Andy with surprise.
"Teviot Hill is a thorn in my flesh. It is so distant," said Darcy thoughtfully.
"How much does it give you?" asked Richard.
"About a thousand a year."
"What's your income at now?" asked Richard.
"Seventeen thousand," said Darcy.
"I thought it was ten?" asked Andy.
"That is what I let people think," said Darcy, "If I told them I had seventeen, the compromise attempts would never cease."
"Would sixteen be so very different than seventeen?" asked Richard.
"I suppose not. You are certain he is up to the task?"
"Require that he keep the steward," said Richard with a shrug.
"I had thought to give Teviot to you, Richard," said Darcy, "whenever you sold out. But that is no longer needed."
"Indeed not," said Richard, gesturing at the room in which they sat, "Although my commission is being sold. I have been told that in less than a week, I shall be only Mr. Fitzwilliam."
"That is wonderful to hear," said Darcy.
"But Darcy," said Andy, "Has not Teviot been in Darcy hands for a dozen generations?"
"I do not know that I will simply give it to him," said Darcy thoughtfully, "I will talk to my people. I am wondering if a lease may be a better option. I could waive the rent, but it would allow me to retain some control - at least until I know the man better- ensuring my future sister is well treated."
"I imagine you wish to meet him," said Richard.
"Indeed."
"I will send for him tomorrow. He attended the wedding, so I think he is likely still at the inn."
The men retired shortly thereafter, each returning to their rooms.
Colonel Fitzwilliam, not to have a traditional wedding night due to his wife's weakened state, did go to her, nonetheless. While much enjoyment was felt that evening, he could not risk his wife becoming with child. A lady named Mrs. Cosaint, a widow whose husband had acted as surgeon to the 13th Hussars until a stray bullet had taken him, was hired to act as Anne's new nurse and companion. Colonel Fitzwilliam knew the lady well and trusted that she was not in anyone's employ except his. She was to arrive within a fortnight, and Colonel Fitzwilliam had high hopes that her steady care would help his wife regain all that she had lost under her mother's control. He even hoped, perhaps in time, their marriage might be made legitimate in every way.
"I have a piece of correspondence here," said Mr. Bennet the next day to Kitty and Elizabeth, "That I believe will be of great interest."
"An express!" said Elizabeth, seeing that there was no postmark.
"Indeed. From Mr. Darcy. In fact, it arrived last night and I have already replied," said Mr. Bennet.
Rosings Park, near Westerham, Kent
Tenth of January
Dear sir,
Do not be alarmed for all is well. I send this express as the matter is urgent, but not distressing.
I write to you from the home of my aunt, where we are likely to have to remain for some days longer.
As for Mr. Denny, he seems to have disappeared. Unfortunately, we found little sign of him since his departure. Yet, as all that was seen of the gentleman was his red coat and brown hair, we have thought perhaps of a replacement. I suppose that you have made the assumption already that the banns should not be read on the morrow, but I wanted to ensure this was the case, as the bridegroom's identity may be altogether different.
My cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, had a great many of his friends and acquaintances from his time in the regulars attend his wedding. We had thought, perhaps, that he might know of someone who might therefore be enticed to marry and who might also wear a red coat. We have an idea of one such, although we have not yet met with him. My cousin assures me that even if this gentleman does not wish to wed, he knows of a few others who may be willing. I would ask, sir, for your blessing in proposing such a thing to the gentleman. He is the son of a tradesman who serves due to the patronage of a local squire. He is currently a captain, but would like to leave the army, but has not the means to do so. He is respectable, as his grandfather was the fourth son of a gentleman. Col. Fitzwilliam assures me that he is an honourable man who would never mistreat a lady.
If this is agreeable, I will suggest the arrangement to him on the morrow. Lord Barlow is related on his mother's side to the Archbishop and can arrange for a special license to be had. If I receive your answer in the affirmative, I can present this to him, have the settlement drawn up, and sent express to you for your approval.
I remain, your humble servant,
Fitzwilliam Darcy
"You have agreed?" asked Elizabeth.
"Indeed," answered Mr. Bennet, "For what better option shall there be?"
"Lydia still believes that Mr. Denny shall return," said Kitty.
"Lydia is deceiving herself," said Mr. Bennet, "Wickham does not believe a man like Mr. Denny would marry a lady who did not have at least double what your sister has."
"Then this captain shall be her bridegroom?" asked Kitty.
"Indeed, should he agree. A tradesman's son will look much more kindly on five thousand with another thousand after your mother's death. It is much more in line with what one might expect, particularly as it does not appear that this man's family is wealthy."
"Indeed not," said Elizabeth, "If he has not the means to support himself if he leaves the regulars."
"Your sister will be poor," said Mr. Bennet, "But she shall be respectable."