Madam and Missy — A Pride and Prejudice Variation
This is dedicated to all the writers both here and on KU who've released their stories for free! As I enjoy reading them so much, I thought that I'd have a go, and here it is.
[Note that I'm a Brit, so have written with British spelling, punctuation and terminology 😏]
In which the militia arrive at Meryton and Miss Bingley spots a familial likeness
Meryton
Lydia
The Bennet sisters were joined by their aunt, Mrs. Phillips, and the Lucas ladies to watch the militia march in through the town. It seemed as though the whole town had turned out to see the spectacle.
Lydia clung onto Kitty and Elizabeth's arms, dragging them through the throng to her ideal vantage point. Jane and Mary followed in their wake. Finding a space, she pushed Mary, Kitty and the Lucases in front of her.
"Here, I am the tallest of my sisters, so shall stand behind you," she said.
Kitty, keen to see the soldiers, did not argue, though Charlotte tried to exchange places with the smaller Elizabeth.
"It is too late, Charlotte, for here they come!"
Lydia felt Elizabeth's hold on her arm increase, and squeezed her sister's hand to reassure her.
"Remember that it is right to look curious, and remember not to frown or look away should you espy him," murmured Lydia, recognising that Elizabeth was nervous.
Lydia joined the cheering crowd as the soldiers marched past. Many handsome men, but Pappa would wish to know if they are worthy.
Suddenly, Elizabeth pulled at her arm, hissing, "There, there, that is him there!"
"Do not point or stare, but tell me what he looks like," Lydia encouraged her sister.
"He is third from us in the row about to pass us — now."
Lydia continued cheering and waving but took note of the handsome soldier whose brand new uniform stood out from those of his fellow men. Not such a good disguise!
Fortunately, 'Godson' did not look in their direction, as Elizabeth had paled and seemed unable to maintain the pretence of a cheerful welcome. Lydia disentangled her arm and took her sister by the hand instead.
"Was that not exciting?" she cried as the last of the soldiers had passed them. "Lizzy, was that not exciting?" She tried to cajole her to smile.
"Oh!" cried Elizabeth, remembering the part that she was to play, "I am excessively diverted! What think you, Kitty? Did any of the officers appear sufficiently worthy to catch your eye?"
"I was not thinking of their worthiness, Lizzy, but how well they looked in their regimentals!"
"Oh, oh, Aunt Phillips! You must hold a card party and invite the most handsome officers!" cried Lydia.
"Lydia!" Jane attempted to quieten her.
Mrs. Phillips invited the Bennet and Lucas ladies to return home with her to talk about all that they had seen.
Longboat (no, no, Miss Bingley, it is Longbourn)
Miss Bingley
Annoyed by Darcy's repeated absences from Netherfield, Miss Bingley told her brother that she would accompany them on their next visit to Longbourn.
"You would not enjoy it, Caroline," said Mr. Bingley. "We merely sit by the fire and play with Mr. Bennet's wards or take them for walks. Darcy usually sits with Mr. Bennet to play chess."
"What wards, Charles?" Miss Bingley's eyes narrowed.
"Oh, the Bennets have three, four wards — lovely little girls." He grinned. "They found great delight in calling me 'Bibby', and called Darcy, 'Dadda'. I thought that Miss Melissa was trying to say 'Daddy', but she was saying 'Darcy'."
"These wards — who is their family?" Miss Bingley's eyes narrowed further. Mmm.
"I do not know; some distant relations." said Mr. Bingley, shrugging.
The following day, she sat with her brother in his carriage to travel to Longbourn. She was disappointed that Darcy was not with them, but found, when they entered the house, that he was already there, playing chess against their host.
The ladies of the house were with them in the parlour, occupied with entertaining four small children or with household tasks. Miss Bingley noticed that Miss Bonnet had been explaining how to plan meals to one of the younger Bonnets. No doubt training her to be a housekeeper!
She returned their courtesies perfunctorily and attempted to sit next to Darcy, but one of the small girls pushed past her to hand something to him.
"I thank you, Miss Martha," said Darcy. "Is this doll for me?"
"No, Appa!" declared the small child, taking the doll back and giving it to Mr. Bennet instead.
"Why, thank you, Miss Martha," said Mr. Bennet, adding to Miss Bingley, "I am 'Appa', which, I think is 'Grandpappa'."
Miss Bingley's eyes narrowed. "Why would she call you 'Grandpappa'? Surely you are not her grandfather?" Are you?
Mr. Bennet laughed. "No, but my wards treat all of my girls as if they are their mothers, so it is logical that I am Grandpappa! I rather enjoy having the little ones here to stay."
"Perhaps it will prepare you for when you do become a grandfather," said Mr. Bingley, looking at a blushing Jane. "What think you, eh, Darce?"
"Checkmate," said Darcy, his eyes on the chessboard.
"Ah, that was your ploy, young man! Sending Miss Martha with her doll to distract me!"
"Indeed," said Darcy. "Miss Martha and I agreed upon it earlier."
Appalled, Miss Bingley watched as Darcy scooped up the child and kissed her on the cheek.
"My thanks, you carried out your part of our plan to perfection."
Miss Bingley's horror increased when another child approached Darcy and clung to his leg. She gasped when he picked up and kissed that one too! This behaviour will stop when I am Mistress of Pemberley!
Elizabeth stood and said to the company, "As it is not raining, should we go for a short walk?"
Mr. Bingley also stood and agreed to the scheme. Miss Bingley saw an opportunity to have Darcy's company, and suggested that they remain behind. Hearing that he was to join the party, she determined to walk with him. He has been polite enough to these Bonnets.
Watching Elizabeth putting the little girls into their coats, she was struck by one of the children's particular resemblance to the young woman. Is she their mother?
She was shocked at the thought, but it did not take long for her to realise that this was useful information. Distracted, she forgot to attempt to hold Darcy's arm as they strolled around Longbourn's gardens. I have you now, Miss Eliza! Hussy!
She smiled in satisfaction. What good are your fine eyes, now?
Please don't copy 😏