Note: This is a one-shot with no connection to the previous stories.
Chapter Fifteen – The horses mouth
Susie knew her own words might be disregarded, so why not let Mr. Bennet hear the truth in straight from the horse's mouth?
Susie Carter was a good girl, she worked hard, did her job well, and never allowed the endless flow of men entering and leaving the inn to take liberties with her. It wasn't fair how ladies like Mrs. Bennet spread rumors about her and shunned her. It hurt worse because there was a time, only a few years past, when she used to play with all of the neighborhood girls, even the Bennets, and nobody raised an eyebrow.
When her father lost his farm and then drank himself to death, Susie had to find work. Nobody was looking for a housemaid of a cook's assistant, so she took the only position available, working at the White Horse Inn. Mr. Toms, the owner and proprietor, was a kind man who ran a clean and honest place. He did not require his female workers to offer other services, though girls like Pattie and Millie both chose to behave in such a manner.
Susie's father and mother, rest their souls, never went to church themselves. After her mother passed, Susie knew that father found comfort elsewhere. There was enough free talk among the farm women that Susie learned about those things early. But she was adamant that she would never behave like that. So when ladies like Mrs. Bennet, Mrs. Phillips, Mrs. Long, and Lady Lucas assumed that she was that type of girl, it truly hurt.
One day after being snubbed and sneared at by those same ladies and a few of their daughters, Susie found herself sitting on a boulder by a stream and sobbing. Unexpectedly, a soft hand touched her shoulders and a kind voice asked, "What is the matter, Susie?"
Susie was bewildered to find Miss Elizabeth sitting next to her, her expression both kind and concerned. Susie spilled her heart out, telling of how everyone, including Miss Elizabeth's mother, had decided that she was bad even when she wasn't. Miss Elizabeth listened to it all and became rather angry, at her own mother most of all.
"I cannot promise anything, Susie, but I will try to put a stop to the rumors. Keep being the good girl you are and we will see what can be done."
A rumor, especially an ugly one, is a difficult thing to stop. Miss Elizabeth pulled out every trick and spoke with all of the friends that they both used to play with. It would not do for the young ladies to speak on such things, so Elizabeth convinced John Lucas, Billie Parker, Toby Jones, and Maurice Long to begin spreading a different rumor. Soon everyone was talking about how Mr. Toms, the proprietor, had been furious when he heard the rumor about Susie. It turned out that such a conversation had taken place, but only John Lucas and Miss Elizabeth had been there. In the rumor, all of the boys had been there.
They spoke of how angry and disgusted Mr. Toms was with the "gossiping old hens" for ruining the reputation of such a good girl and how it was "their own sour dispositions" that led to the creation of such lies. Everyone was more than happy to throw a little dirt back at the "Fearsome Four," especially because many people in the area had also been the victims of their gossip. For a while the town matrons received a taste of their own medicine.
Susie's reputation was not completely restored, but it did improve. Better still, Billie Parker had begun paying attention to her. After several months of courtship, they were finally engaged. Susie felt that she owed it all to Miss Elizabeth.
So when Susie heard the officers drunk-talking over their cards, and she heard who they were talking about, Susie knew that she had to do something.
Lieutenant Saunderson was sweet on Millie. Although Susie wasn't happy about the girl's other activities, Millie was always friendly to her. So when she asked Millie for a favor, Millie complied. "It is simple, Millie. I need you to convince Saunderson to get Lieutenant Wickham talking about the Bennets tonight."
Mr. Thomas Bennet was a patron of the White Horse once a week. He always came on a Thursday night, usually to visit with Sir William Lucas or Mr. Long, but often just to sit, drink, and read by himself away from his noisy home. Hours before his visit, Susie had Billie speak with John Lucas and Maurice Long to keep their fathers at home or elsewhere that night. As a final part of her plan, when Mr. Bennet arrived she informed him that a large group would be sitting in his usual area, so she would have to seat him at another quiet spot.
Mr. Bennet did not seem too perturbed, Susie breathed a sigh of relief and then waited for the action.
oOo
"... tell you, Wickham, you've about charmed the knickers off of all the young 'ladies' of the neighborhood. Hope you're planning on leaving some for the rest of us," a young man's voice complained.
Mr. Thomas Bennet's ears pricked slightly at the familiar name as well as the other familiar voice. He wasn't too interested though, since he was situated in his little private corner to escape society, not to observe or participate in it. This past week had been grueling, between the unwelcome presence of his idiotic cousin, Mr. Collins, the unceasing histrionics of his match-making wife, and the near-constant giggles about 'officers' from his youngest two daughters, he had needed to escape; hence his weekly escape from Longbourn. He was actually glad that none of his friends were there tonight so that he could simply read.
He took another sip or the innkeeper's brandy and turned his attention back to Socrates Dialogues. His focus failed again when another familiar voice said, "... share the youngest Bennet chit with the whole corps. I venture it wouldn't take much for anyone to lift her skirt. I wouldn't mind a taste of those prodigious accomplishments of hers."
Bennet sat up, shocked, and almost dropped his book. His instant rage almost spurred him into action, but there was more conversation and he suddenly felt he needed to hear the rest. "True, that Lydia is as stupid as she is well-favored. Kitty won't be as easy, but she'll follow her sister's lead all day long. I've managed to tip the velvet* with the girl and gave her a squeeze or two. There's more fire there than you might suppose."
"Denny, you just have to know how to work on them. A little tale here to gain sympathy... to pull out their 'motherly qualities,' a touch here, a longing look there... next thing you know you have a willing bed-warmer."
"Is that what you're trying with the older one: Lizzie?" The first voice, the young one, asked, "She's a lot smarter than the rest. Easy on the eyes, mind you, but not so easy to fool, I'm thinking."
"Once again, young Mr. Saunderson," Wickham's snide voice replied, "It's all in knowing how to approach them. You see, with Miss Elizabeth Bennet, it's all about hurt pride. You see my erstwhile god-brother laid the groundwork for me before I even got to Meryton."
"Mr. Darcy?" Denny inquired. "What did he do?"
"In his usual fumble-tongued way, he managed to insult Miss Bennet at their very first meeting. You see, Denny, Saunderson, that is where reconnaissance comes in. There's a story all over Meryton about how my arrogant friend Darcy refused to dance with Miss Lizzy, even saying that she was only 'tolerable, and not pretty enough to tempt him.'"
"He didn't!?"
"Yes, Mr. Saunderson, he did... and the best part is that now the fool can't keep his eyes off the chit now! From what I hear, his eyes follow her wherever she goes like a little lost puppy. The poor fool's heart is lost to her!"
"Well! That is a tale... do you think he will offer for her?"
"Oh how I wish he would. Between his insults and my tales of woe, Miss Lizzy hates the man! What I wouldn't give to be in the room to hear that confrontation! The young miss has quite a tongue, I hear."
"So is that the only reason why you're spinning your tales to her?" Denny asked, his voice seeming to be more than curious.
"Of course not!" Mr. Bennet could almost hear the sneer in the man's words, "I'm going to seduce her, ruin her, and leave her carrying my child... all right under the nose of good ole' Darcy. I owe him for ruining my other plans. Miss Elizabeth Bennet will make a fine down-payment for all he owes me."
"Hah! I don't think that you'll find that one so easy to tip," Denny contended. "In fact, I'd be willing to place a wager on it!"
"Careful, Lieutenants," Saunderson's voice worried, "Even if Mr. Darcy doesn't come after you, Mr. Bennet might."
"That man!" Wickham scoffed as Denny chuckled, "For a father of five pretty girls, he is the least interested papa I've ever encountered. Finds amusement in everything. Doesn't ever leave his book room. From what I hear, he is as lazy as the day is long. No, I could run off with the whole bundle and the man probably wouldn't put down his book to notice."
Thomas Bennet felt rage, but he also felt shame at the horrible truth in the rake's accusations. If his youngest daughters had already allowed such liberties, he deserved every scorching critique. How have I allowed my family to slip so far?
"Now, Wickham, our wager? Elizabeth Bennet, spoiled and gravid... let us say by Christmas? She has to be willing, not forced for you to collect. Ten pounds says you can't pluck that fruit."
"Done!" Wickham barked, then must have raised a glass as he said, "Raise your glasses, Gents. Here's to useless fathers and willing daughters!"
As the toast was echoed, Mr. Bennet tossed down his drink and began to form his own plans.
oOo
Mr. Darcy did not know what to make of the note delivered into his hand by the Netherfield butler, but compliance seemed to be the most expedient option. Why would Mr. Bennet wish to speak to me alone and away from the house?
He found the man just where the note directed. Mr. Bennet was pacing back and forth in the clearing, dust rising from his agitated movements. When the older man perceived Darcy's presence, he turned and faced the younger man. Darcy had only met the man three times, and their interactions had been minimal, but he could see that Mr. Bennet looked much older than before.
When Mr. Bennet began speaking, Darcy was defensive at first. Any mention of Wickham had that effect on him. As Bennet continued on, Darcy felt sick with rage. Darcy told the truth of all his interactions with George Wickham and then the two men began making plans.
When Darcy returned to Netherfield, he wrote two quick notes and sent them express. The first would have his solicitor hand over important documents. The second asked for his Army cousin's immediate help.
When Mr. Bennet returned to Longbourn he spoke with Elizabeth first. His most intelligent daughter was skeptical at first, but by the time he was finished her eyes were on fire. He sent Elizabeth out with instructions to mobilize Jane, Mary, and the Hills. Then he called his youngest daughters and his wife into his office.
What followed was an epic battle, with Lydia screaming, Kitty wailing, and Mrs. Bennet caterwauling. Mr. Bennet was unmoved as he scolded his daughter for their wanton behavior and then laid down the law. Mrs. Bennet tried to support her daughters, or at least Lydia, but then Mr. Bennet played his trump card, "If word of the behaviors of these two gets out among your friends, Mrs. Bennet, what do you suppose will happen to the marriage prospects of all five?"
Mrs. Bennet turned white, then purple... and then she fainted.
When Lydia and Kittie were sent out of the office, they found the Hills and their older sisters waiting for them. Even Jane was angry, given that her sisters' actions might cost her Mr. Bingley. Without ceremony the girls were marched up the nursery, where all of their belongings had already been transferred.
There was weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, but not one inch of give. Kittie and Lydia would not be "out" again until they were twenty-one, or until Mr. Bennet could find some degree of sense in either of them.
The next morning back in Meryton, Mr. Wickham was unconcerned when he was called to the Commander's Office. He tried to run when he discovered both Mr. Darcy and Colonel Fitzwilliam waiting for him, along with two very serious sergeants. Ten minutes later, while spewing promises of retribution, George Wickham was escorted out in chains to a waiting wagon. It was a slow and tedious ride, but four hours later he was standing in front of a judge. By nightfall Mr. Darcy's greatest enemy was walked and dragged into debtor's prison.
He never left. It turned out that a few of his old friends from London whom he had betrayed were also incarcerated. They were very happy to see him.
oOo
Mr. Bennet was definitely not a stupid man. Once his immediate problems had been dealt with, it did not take him long to reason out the circumstances which led to him overhearing that terrible conversation. Five days after his world was turned upside-down, he and Mr. Darcy met with Mr. Toms and requested a few minutes to speak semi-privately with Susie Carter. Mr. Bennet had to sell one of his precious collector's books, but that sale enabled him to gift the young lady with a dowry of five-hundred pounds. Mr. Darcy matched that with a gift of his own.
When Billie Parker married Susie Parker, the three eldest Bennet girls were seated on the very front pew on the bride's side to offer their support and blessing.
The Parkers were able to make a down-payment on the small farm he had been looking at. They made a good life for themselves. Over the years they had four children. Mr. and Mrs. Darcy were godparents to every one.
I would like to tell you that Mrs. Bennet and her two youngest daughters gained some common sense, but that would be stretching credulity too far. Mrs. Bennet remained Mrs. Bennet. As each girl was married, they all ended up living as far as possible away from their mother. Mr. Bennet was not so lucky... but then few pitied him since his own indolence had led to his wife becoming who she was.
Eventually Mr. Bennet, with the help of his new son-in-laws Misters Bingley and Darcy, found two separate schools to send Kitty and Lydia to. Kitty blossomed and learned to behave properly. Lydia had to be relocated to another, stricter school. At eighteen she was introduced to an officer in a red coat who took her off her family's hands for a generous dowry and then relocated her to a remote station in the Canadas... where her husband began to hope that she would be taken by a sasquatch.
Author's Notes:I actually began writing this story last year beginning with Mr. Bennet overhearing, but could never quite decide where to go from there. Now I might choose to expand this short story into a full-length one at some point in the near future.
In the original P&P, Mr. Wickham's attentions are diverted when Mary King inherits ten-thousand. What would have happened if that didn't take place? Elizabeth was both interested and foolish at the time. Would Wickham have lured her into a compromising position? It is hard to say.