Last Minute Entries, Part 2

General Easterly, a genius mathematician and code-breaker, accompanies Colonel Fitzwilliam to join a hunting party at Netherfield Park. When they arrive, they learn that the residents are attending a quarterly assembly. The two men choose to make a last-minute appearance and Easterly meets the young lady who will change his life.

Meryton Assembly, Fall, 1811

"Excuse me, General, but I see my cousin at the other end of the hall. Let me go and speak with him and he can handle any introductions."

"Certainly," Spencer Easterly said, trying not to show his nerves. He was not particularly shy, but he never seemed to say the right thing in a crowd. Give him numbers and formulas, or a good code to decipher, and he was content. Trying to meet strangers... well, that never seemed to go so well.

"Good evening, Sir," a fiftyish portly man dressed well but dated bowed to him, "I am Sir William Lucas, and for the evening I am the Master of Ceremonies."

"Oh! That is good... I believe. Are you aware that the second violin is slightly off tune? I believe the D-string. Not too bad, but enough to introduce a slight discordance."

"Ahhh... yes. I will speak to Mr. Larson as soon as this dance... might I have your name?"

"Certainly. I am Spencer Easterly. Oh yes, and I am a general. Not that that matters, you know, because I am not actually in charge of troops. I can make numbers march to my tune though. I say, did you know that the left rear corner of this building has settled more deeply than the rest. If you follow the lines of the walls and the rafters, you can make out a structure. Probably not a large concern at the moment, but over time it might result in some problems."

Poor Sir William did not know quite what to make of this man. He spoke in a friendly manner and his rank suggested that he was above the common, but his conversation was... vexing. The aging knight chose the direct approach, "You are most certainly welcome here, General, but I should point out that this is a subscription assembly. We hold one each quarter and the cost per person is five shillings."

"That makes sense. Helps to keep the doors open and all, though it does not do much to deal with your settling issue. Now let me see. I would assume that you began your festivity at seven and, if Mrs. Nichols is to be believed, it ends at midnight. A shilling per hour is certainly reasonable even if the second violist does not know how to tune his instrument. It is now going on twenty until ten, so our cost... I am accompanied by a colonel, you see. My brother believes that I need a handler. Says that I lose my way and tend to rub people the wrong way. I do not see it, but if my brother believes it, it must be so. He can be rather determined about these things, you know. Where were we... oh yes, it is now a quarter of ten, so in all fairness our charge should be one shilling, four pence each, or two and eight altogether, but I shall make it easier and just hand you a pound note. You may apply the difference toward your settling problem. If your violinist has not realized his tuning problem by this point then he must have a tin ear."

For the first time in his life, Sir William was without speech. Normally he would try to introduce such an august personage to all and sundry, most especially his as-yet-unwed eldest daughter Charlotte, but he chose instead to bow and walk away. The general barely noticed. He was calculating the number of people in the room, their average weights, and their impact on the already tilting floor.

Then he saw her. She was the most fearsomely beautiful creature he had ever set eyes upon, and there she sat, alone in a corner. At the last minute he realized that it might be bad form to break the line of dancers to approach her, so he retraced his steps and went around the dancing multitude. When he came closer he spotted the title of the little book she held and he was even more enchanted. "The Elements! Euclid most certainly set the world afire with his axioms. Might I ask, which is your favorite?"

The most beautiful dark and startled eyes looked up at him with a skeptical look, as if to ask if he was making a jest at her expense. "Oh, I am in earnest. I like all aspects of geometry, of course, but his spherical geometry fascinated me the most as a child. Tell me please, dear lady, have you read his work on number theory as well?"

Mary Bennet long ago learned to hide her fascination with mathematics from everyone, but her mother most of all. Mrs. Bennet could handle her own accounts just so long as someone else checked them over from time to time, but she deemed all other mathematics as being just short of witchcraft... and certainly unfit for any young woman hoping to marry well. But Mary could not ignore her own fascination, so she carried small volumes on her person and carried a large volume of Fordyces Sermons in plain view. One hoary quote from the good reverend would send her mother scurrying away, but not earn her a lecture.

Yet here was this very handsome man asking her about Euclid... and he had clearly demonstrated that he truly knew who the Father of Geometry was, "I... I like all mathematics... but I find his works on perspective and mathematical rigors the most interesting. Have you studied Archimedes?"

"But of course! Why he... oh dear, the song is ended and I still have not asked. Might we continue our discussion on the dance floor? I know the cotillion, so I would not embarrass you too greatly?"

Mary was startled to be asked to dance, but she could not pass up the chance to spend time with this very dashing man. Bookmarking her page, she rose and let the man lead her out to the floor. Then she suddenly froze, "Sir... we have not been introduced!"

"Oh my, I seem to have forgotten that part. You sir..." he got the attention of the man in front of him with a tap to his shoulder, "I am General Spencer Easterly. There, you know me now, though I do not know your name. Would you kindly introduce me to this beautiful creature?"

John Lucas looked at back and forth between this oddity and a blushing Mary Bennet, then shrugged, Miss Mary Bennet, may I introduce General... ahhh...?"

His partner, Kitty Bennet, giggled and added her aid, "Mary, his name is General Spencer Easterly. There, the music has started."

Mary was blushing too much to carry on any conversation. Never in her life had she been described as a "beautiful creature." She did not know if she should be flattered or offended. Then the general resumed their previous conversation and she was too fascinated to worry over such simple matters. The cotillion involves four dancers, so she danced sometimes with John Lucas and sometimes with the general, but the officer... and wasn't it odd that she was dancing with an officer... only ever seemed to be talking with her. Kitty and John Lucas did not know what to think, but as the man never missed a step, they chose to leave the matter be.

When the dance was over the other pair quickly walked away, laughing to each other. Spencer Easterly led her back towards her chair, but when they arrived he hesitantly said, "I am to reside at Netherfield Park for the duration of my leave to participate in a hunting party. Might I... would it be acceptable for me to call on you?"

When Mary nodded and smiled, he asked, "When would be correct? I am afraid that I have never called upon a young lady before."

Mary found her voice again, "We usually do not visit the next day after an assembly. But the day after would be acceptable... perhaps at eleven or thereafter?"

The general bowed and then seemed to hesitate, uncertain what to do next. Mary, seeing her mother eyeing them, quickly said, "Sir, unless you wish to call down everyone's attention on us, you should find another partner or play cards."

Thankful for her guidance, he bowed again and departed.

Moments later, Lizzie came to her. "Lizzie, the General has asked if he might call on me!"

"That is wonderful, Mary. Colonel Fitzwilliam said that the general is a very intelligent man with a gift for mathematics. I recall that you were quite fascinated with that subject in your earlier years. Did he say when he might attend you?"

"I told him that visits traditionally resumed two days after the night of the ball."

Lizzie grinned just as Jane also made her way over, "Then we will do all we can to make you your most presentable. You might even want to read up on Papa's Pythagoras and Archimedes." Mary showed her the little volume titled "Elements" and Lizzie grinned at her and giggled, "Euclid! I see that you don't need guidance from me. Just be yourself and see if he is the right man for you. For now, unless you wish to be the brunt of Mama's attention, you should find a more discreet place to sit." Mary relocated with alacrity and watched fearfully for her mother, but soon her eyes focused instead on the handsome general.

~oOo~

The next morning, as Mary rose to eat her breakfast, she was gratified to see that Lizzy was there and alone. "Good morning, Lizzie."

"Good morning, Mary. I hope that you will not consider me interfering, but I spoke with Colonel Fitzwilliam and suggested that perhaps it might be for the best if Mama is not involved in your general's visit until you are certain that you like the man...?"

Mary felt a little annoyed, and then very relieved. "You are probably right... but he is not my general, Lizzy."

Lizzy was very tempted to snark "oh, but he very soon will be." Instead she said, "I apologize. Anyway, he... your... I mean the general will speak with Papa while Colonel Fitzwilliam distracts Mama. Then he will suggest a walk with you as chaperon. The general will join us and then you may enjoy your visit without distraction."

"Please don't make fun of me, Lizzy," Mary said uncertainly.

"Never, Mary... at least I will not tease until all is certain... you cannot ask me to never tease. That would be too cruel. But I shall restrain myself until the time is right." Lizzie hugged Mary, "Do not worry. I think that you and the general might just be a very good match."

Mary did not speak aloud, but inside she thought, I hope so.

~oOo~

Just as planned, Colonel Fitzwilliam arrived the next day just at the stroke of eleven. The silent communication between her sister and the colonel told Mary that her general... the general... was in Papa's office. The next ten minutes were interminable, but then the colonel rose and said, "I do apologize, but my wounds are such that it is unhealthy for me to sit for any extended period of time. If it is acceptable to you, Mrs. Bennet, I should like to take a walk with your daughter, Miss Elizabeth."

"Oh dear, oh my yes. Lizzy, get your shawl and bonnet and don't dawdle! Jane, you act as chaperon..."

"I apologize, Mrs. Bennet, but I fear that I should have mentioned that Mr. Bingley indicated that he intended to pay a call..."

Jane blushed and Mrs. Bennet quickly amended her earlier instructions. "Mary! You will chaperon. Hurry now!"

Three minutes later the trio were stepping out. From his study window Mary's father actually winked at her! He winked! And than all was forgotten as Mary saw the very handsome General Easterly pacing in circles. When he looked up and saw her approach, his smile made Mary's heart leap.

For the next half hour Mary and the general walked and talked, mostly about mathematics, but occasionally about more personal issues. Mary learned that he was also the middle child, that his older brother liked to order others about but was not a bad man, and that he liked nothing better than to be handed an impossible math problem, puzzle or code. "I cannot make myself interested in estate matters or politics like my brothers, but I love a good mystery."

The general learned that Mary was highly intelligent but often overlooked. Unlike her sister Lizzy, she could not present an intelligent argument and present it in a way that people would accept. She did not state it openly, but he gathered that others made fun of her for her interests. "We are alike, you and I."

"May I... might I ask..."

"Miss Mary, I promise to never be offended or jest at your expense. What would you like to know?"

"Why did you join the Army, Sir?"

"Oh, that was a rather odd set of circumstances. You see, my younger brother is also in the Army. Artillery. He was struggling with a complex calculation for distances and trajectories in establishing aim. I wrote a simple formula to settle the matter and then created a chart to explain my meaning. He showed it to his commander and I was asked to come and speak on the matter. My elder brother became involved and suddenly I was in uniform and working with the testing of all artillery. It seemed simple enough for me, but I am told that my charts changed the way they work their cannons.

"I thought to be done with the matter after that was accomplished, but then the Army kept moving me about to do the same for other areas. I worked with the engineers... really, you would think that an engineer would have a better understanding of geometry... and then with logistics. Then one day a man came to me with a French code that they could not break. It seemed basic enough, so I explained the matter... and now I am still wearing a uniform and I am a general. Odd that; I do not even command one troop. I rather think that Colonel Fitzwilliam commands me at times... but that is as may be."

Mary nodded in sympathy and then blushed. Somehow the general had gathered her hand in his and was holding it now as they sat in quiet contemplation. Actually, she did not even remember when they took a seat, but here they were, seated on a fallen log. How did that happen? She knew that she should pull her hand away, but she made no move to do so. Fordyce would certainly not approve! She wanted to giggle at that thought.

When they heard Lizzy and the Colonel returning, Mary jumped up, blushing. By the time the other couple rounded the bend, she felt a little more composed... and disappointed that their interlude was over. I am behaving like Lydia! What is wrong with me?

~oOo~

Mary thought her world would end on the day that Spencer's (she had stopped thinking about him any other way by that point) one month leave was over. A month ago she had arrived at the idea that she would never marry. Now she could not imagine living without seeing this man every day, talking with him, holding his hand... kissing him... they had not actually kissed. It was more like he quickly leaned over and kissed her cheek. They had both turned as red as a hot stove, but she still wanted to repeat that experience... and maybe more. I have become as wanton as Lydia. And for a man in uniform, no less!

"...so then I was hoping that you might accept... may I have your answer?"

Mary blinked, realizing that she had been so lost in thought that she had completely missed Spencer's question. Blushing, she blurted, "I didn't hear you! I am sorry! I was worrying about you leaving and then...? Could you repeat what you said?"

The general in the ill-fitting uniform smiled gently at her and then swallowed as if to find the courage again, "May I court you? Officially? I should very much like to correspond with you... if you would be willing?"

"YES!" She flushed, feeling very shy, "Yes? I am sorry for yelling..."

Spencer was grinning widely, clearly very happy with her answer. He was a very handsome man in Mary's eyes. Then his eyes darkened slightly and he asked in a husky voice, "May I kiss you?"

Mary's eye were very wide, but she managed to nod her head. He leaned down and their lips met. It was the happiest moment of Mary's life up until that point. When he pulled back, her lips tried to follow. Of their own accord two slender hands reached up, grabbed his lapels, and pulled him in for another kiss. Perhaps I am wanton after all. Just a little.

~oOo~

General Spencer Easterly returned to London, where he began a very regular correspondence with Mary through her father, writing long stream-of-consciousness letters which were as much about math as about romance. Yet between the two of them it was all romance. Mary cherished the idea that a man of Spencer's intelligence and rank saw her own intelligence and appreciated it. Mama might be right about most men, but I could not have been happy with most men. Spencer likes that I understand most of what he is saying and writing... though I have had to spend more time in Papa's library to decipher some of it.

Mary barely noticed when Lieutenant Wickham appeared in the area and caused such a stir. The only part of it she paid any attention to was when Colonel Fitzwilliam suddenly appeared to arrest the man... and that was important to her because the good colonel brought a thick letter from Spencer with him... and then proposed to Elizabeth. Naturally she accepted. Her sister had already lost her heart to the man. It gave Mary a slight sense of melancholy until she was called into her father's study.

"Mary, your General also wrote to me and he has a request," Papa, being Papa, left the statement hanging until Mary finally prompted, "And what is the request?"

"Elizabeth will be going to London for her trousseau. He asks me to bring you along as well. His family would like to meet both of us."

Mary's eyes grew wide. It was one thing to dream about marrying Spencer... but it was an entirely different thing to meet his family, "Papa... has he told you who his family is?"

Thomas Bennet looked to the door and Mary understood. She walked over, opened the door a crack, and verified that nobody was listening through the door. Then she surprised her father by doing the same at the windows. When she turned to see his raised eyebrow, Mary furnished, "Lydia has taken a liking to the bushes right below the window nearest you desk."

"Ahhh... that would explain how your mother has been privy to several of my private meetings. Why don't we take a walk."

It was a brisk, clear day but both were wrapped well. "I assume that he has told you all?"

Mary nodded.

"Are you quite prepared to be tied to the Duke of Devonshire and all of the other titled notables in that line?"

"Spenser... General Easterly is related, of course, but he doesn't care about all of that. He only asks to be allowed to do his math. He has no interest in politics."

"But his children..." he smiled as Mary blushed, "Your children will be in the line of succession for several different titles. Not first in line, but still...?"

"If it must be, it must be. So long as we have each other. Papa, I know that you probably think that I am not worthy..."

"Never say that! You are worthy of any man! It is whether or not they are worthy of you. Mary, if I've ever made you feel otherwise, then I am deeply sorry."

Mary had tears in her eyes, but she felt pleasure in her father's unexpected declaration. "Thank you, Papa."

"The question remains: do we tell your mother?"

~oOo~

Mary went to London with her father and sister. She had not anticipated also shopping for a dress, but realized that it was important to make a good impression. The General came to collect her and her father three days after her arrival, just after the dressmaker rushed the finished product to her. Then it was time to meet his family.

Mary was received much more warmly than she had expected. It seemed that the family only wanted to meet Spencer's beloved. One only had to watch the way the couple looked at each other to know that both were genuine. In the eyes of everyone else in the room, they were an odd looking pair, but what mattered was what they saw in each other. The dowager duchess startled Mary by wrapping her in a deep hug, "Thank you, Mary. I feared that my Spencer would never find a woman to suit him."

By the time that Spencer walked Mary out to his carriage an hour later, she felt as if she were already a part of his family. It was disappointing then when he did not ask for her hand. Yet he left her with a promise, "I have something very important to finish, Mary. As soon as it is done, then I will come to Longbourn. Will you wait for me?"

Mary could not even guess what his project was, but she promised to wait.

The Colonel's orders came, notifying him that he would be going to the Canadas before the end of January. Despite their mother's protests, the date for Elizabeth's wedding was set for January 14th.

Spenser arrived five days early and immediately arranged to meet with Mary in her father's study. Fanny, who had remained oblivious up until that moment, could be heard out in the sitting room protesting when Mr. Bennet would not allow her to eavesdrop. The couple smiled at each other, Spenser with determination in his eyes and Mary with adoration.

"I have always liked puzzles, Mary, and for me romance was always a puzzle... until I met you. You have been the answer to all of the questions in my heard since our very first dance." He pulled out a ring box and opened it. Mary saw the most intricate ring she had ever seen. It was three bands linked together in some sort of puzzle. Each band had little diamonds clustered along it. "Will you marry me?"

Mary nodded, her eyes filled with tears, and allowed a smiling Spenser to slide the ring on her finder. "Did you design this, Spenser?"

"Yes. I wanted something that showed how special you are to me. Do you like it?"

"It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen."

"You are that to me, my Mary."

Mr. Bennet allowed the pair another two minutes to kiss before he made a production of opening the door. "Well, children?"

"Mr. Bennet, do I have your consent to marry your daughter Mary?"

Thomas Bennet nodded and shook the man's hand. Outside of his door, which was not fully shut, there were a large number of squeals and sighs. "It will be redundant, but I suppose we should make an official announcement to the family."

For the rest of the afternoon Mrs. Bennet tried to wheedle information out of Spenser about his family, his circumstances, and his connections. His answers, as agreed beforehand, were vague. Neither Mary nor Spenser wished to become a spectacle. Fanny was left believing that the general had an excellent salary and a modest sized estate near Exeter. The rest was left vague. He also shamelessly followed Colonel Fitzwilliam's lead and cited the exigencies of the service as a reason that they must marry in February instead of six months from this day. Fanny was not best pleased, but then Mary was never her most important daughter anyway.

Elizabeth and Mary had grown very close during their shared courtships. It was difficult to watch Colonel and Elizabeth Fitzwilliam board their ship to sail to the new world. For the rest of their lives the two sisters would correspond as often as possible. Mary always kept a map of the world on one wall so that she could mark where her sister was.

Spencer and Mary were wed in the middle of February, 1812. A large portion of his family were there, dressed down and incognito. It would not be until several years later that anyone from Meryton would realize that the church had been overflowing with the nobility that day. The secret came out in 1815, when General Spencer Easterly was awarded his own earldom for his phenomenal contributions to many different aspects of the war effort. Nobody was less pleased about this than Spenser, who wanted nothing to do with politics.

In the ensuing decades until his death at ninety-two, Spencer Easterly, Lord Fallbrook, only darkened the doors of Parliament six times. He did pass on the proxy of his vote to his brother and later his nephew. Instead Lord with the aid of his beloved wife, Lady Fallbrook, wrote extensive texts on physics, mathematics, engineering, and later electricity. Several of his works were so progressive that he was applauded when he next stepped onto the floor in the Royal Academy of the Sciences. Rumor had it that Lady Fallbrook actually made major contributions to her husband's work, but the heads of the Academy simply scoffed and dismissed the idea.

In their later years people would point out the pair, but when they returned to their home they were most likely to be found sitting together at the dining room table with papers spread haphazardly around while they discussed some new idea and tried to figure out the math.

AN: Sorry this second half took so long. I had most of it typed when my hospital date came up. Then it languished for months. It was my duty to play over-watch for several persons very similar to Easterly. I liked them all, but it was not always easy to work with them. Hope you enjoyed my story.