Chapter Six - Enter Mrs. Woodward
AN:I apologise for this chapter being a day late. RL can get in the way sometimes. However, I'm finally in my new apartment and my son is loving the change. Hopefully it will give me more time to write in the future.
Within a day, in which nothing new occurred in Meryton, the storm front passed. The squalls, so far keeping the Bennet women in doors gave way to one of the finest December mornings anyone could remember. Sun shining in the crispness of a clear blue sky, Lizzy set out with her two youngest sisters in the hopes they would return home before the heavens opened once again. Needing to use their pent-up energy, and a break from their mother's nerves, Mr. Bennet insisted one of his elder and less flirtatious daughters accompany the sillier into town, in the anticipation of moderating their lack of propriety.
This caused Elizabeth no end of worry. While she chaperoned Lydia and Kitty into Meryton, Mrs. Phillips, so far unacquainted with Mrs. Bennet's thoughts of how Mr. Bingley had used her Jane ill, would not remain ignorant for long. Thereafter, Miss Bennet could expect whispers and piteous glances, although people would refrain from direct comment towards one of the gentlest people in the district. Still, the looks would wound her dearest sister, Jane.
"Denny," Lydia shouted. Calling to the red coated men across the street upon first spying them, she interrupted Lizzy's silent contemplations. Breaking away from her sister's, the youngest Bennet continued to engage the Militia at the slightest opportunity in the hopes of capturing the heart of a soldier. That she did so while under the guidance of Elizabeth, served her stick-in-the-mud sister right. After all, in Lydia's mind at least, the lack of male attention could be attributed entirely to that source.
"'Lydia!" Lizzy reproached with a deepening frown.
Waving wildly, the silly girl stopped short at Elizabeth's uncompromising rebuke. It reminded Lydia of her punishment should her father discover the lack of decorum, especially with her current object. He had been so severe since the day Lizzy embarrassed Mr. Wickham and drove away the Officers. Glaring at her sister, Lydia simply scowled at Elizabeth to show her displeasure, for anything else would earn her father's ire, and everyone knew Lizzy was their father's favourite.
Little did Lydia know, Mr. Bennet roused himself from his study to conduct estate business with his brother Mr. Phillips this very day, being the only pleasant day to present itself in a fortnight. Thoroughly sick of his wife's moans of ill use at the hands of Mr. Bingley and his favourite daughter refusing to do her family duty, he intended to soak up the sun before more rain closed in upon them, once again trapping the family within the confines of Longbourn's parlour. Dawdling into Meryton, he had little intent of retuning before absolutely necessary.
As Mr. Bennet concluded his business, the gentleman intended to return home to his book room and devour his latest purchase, only to have his eyes and ears assaulted by his youngest daughters' antics. Watching the child's repugnant display of manners didn't cause his concern. The look on young Denny's face, one of lasciviousness and folly, did. Octavius Bennet, in his younger years, had once been a man bent on pleasure with the ladies. He understood the intent behind the expression only too well. His sensible Lizzy stepped in before he needed to reveal himself which forced him to recall the interview concerning Mr. Wickham and his thoughts on how that information came to be in his favourite's possession. Mr. Bennet had been very lax in the education of his daughters. At this moment in time, he felt troubled by his apathetic attitude and fretful enough to act immediately and decisively.
"It is time I took that child's wild ways in hand," he muttered in a resolute tone. Octavius has always been indifferent towards parenting, among many other areas he'd neglected in his life. However, this particular answer seemed obvious. "It is time Mary, Kitty and Lydia had a companion, someone to teach them how to behave without exposing Lizzy and Jane to ridicule. Indeed, she will need to be a strong, stout woman able to teach my three youngest propriety and manners. I will apply to my brother Phillips to hire such immediately. Surely he will know of someone able and willing to take on the post without delay."
"Well," Edwin Phillips rubbed his chin at the sudden request, as he considered the possibilities. He knew few would accept such a position in the Bennet household, fewer still would have the fortitude to cope with Mrs. Bennet and none would come forward from the local populace. It seemed they would have to consider those who were not intimately acquainted with his sister-in-law's family, and as such, consider advertising in the London papers while hoping for the best.
A sensible man, Mr. Edwin Phillips had chosen only a slightly more sensible woman to marry than Octavius Bennet. The Gardiner sisters had been striking, charming and held dowry of five thousand pounds making them eminently suitable as life partners to men of their position. Both Octavius and Edwin discovered the defects of their wives after marriage. At least Mrs. Phillips bore him only one son, currently at Cambridge and taking after his father in temperament. For this, Mr. Phillips praised the Lord.
"I know of a Mrs. Woodward, who took a position as a governess before her marriage," Edwin explained cautiously, watching his brother-in-law's reaction. "Her family came upon ill tidings, losing their estate and position just after she entered society. The poor woman is recently widowed and has returned to Meryton. Perhaps I could approach her as she is in need of income and lodgings."
"Yes," Mr. Bennet nodded, happy this might be achieved with very little effort on his part.
"Have you met Mrs. Woodward?" Mr. Phillips asked with a hesitant note in his tone. If he knew his wife's sister, and he did after twenty years of marriage, Franny Bennet would loath the woman on sight, for Theodosia was everything she was not.
"Yes," Octavius nodded mischievously. "I remember the family somewhat, although they lived seven or eight miles east of Meryton. I believe she is exactly what I am looking for in a companion for my wife and youngest daughter. If I recall correctly, Miss Evens was admired and ladylike with a strong character and clever wit, much like my Lizzy. Lydia will need someone of her fortitude, if she ever to be redeemed. You have done very well, Brother to suggest old Thomas Evan's daughter."
"What will Fanny say," Edwin asked. He could hear the bout of near hysteria already.
"Plenty, I assure you," Mr. Bennet's frown deepened as he considered his wife's nerves, "'but it cannot be helped. What I witness a few moments ago will lead our family to ruin, especially should Meryton hear of it from my wife's lips, or," he glared at his brother-in-law, "second hand from yours."
"Will you not tell me what has caused this sudden need for a governess?" Edwin requested, now intrigued. The story he would hear from his wife would hold little truth and have no resemblance to reality.
When Edwin heard the entire story, Mr. Phillips understood the precarious position the youngest Bennet daughters would one day cause the families reputation. Frowning, he did not wish to be in Octavius Bennet's shoes. It seemed the man knew his wife needed as much instruction as Lydia and Kitty and was just as unwilling to give it. Indeed, he inferred the loss of Mr. Bingley for the eldest Bennet daughter might be attributed to the youngest wild behaviour and Mrs. Bennet's unfettered tongue.
"I am sure Mrs. Woodward will be able to cope with my wife's fits of nerves and vexation on top of her other duties," Mr. Bennet smiled, imagining how his wife would take the news. He thanked the good Lord his book room door had been constructed of thick, solid wood.
"May I ask," Phillips hesitated, "how will you fund this position? I am your attorney and understand your financial situation. There is little to spare after your monthly expenses."
"Economy," Mr. Bennet replied with a sudden frown. He could hear his wife's exasperation above the whines of his youngest daughters already when they found they would have to curtail their expenditure. "This appointment is too necessary after what I witnessed. I cannot wait another minute to employ a woman the likes of Mrs. Woodward. None of the ladies in my house will be happy to have their pin money reduced by half. As the younger ones will be learning how to behave, they will not need so much in the near future. I will also have to tighten the household budget, which will anger my wife further."
"Very good," Phillips agreed. He did not want to be a fly on the wall in Longbourn when that conversation took place. "Will you call back the day after tomorrow? I should have contacted Mrs. Woodward and have an answer for you by then. Although I do believe Mrs. Woodward will accept the position immediately and be installed before Christmas. Of course, I will need to interview the lady and check her references, but I see no issues as I am well acquainted with the family and their history."
"Until then," Mr. Bennet bowed formally, making haste back to his book room.
Over the next week, things moved rather quickly. Mr. Phillips approached Mrs. Woodward who gave every indication she would consider such a task. Together they determined a time for a more formal meeting. Mr. Bennet, learning the appointment proved easier than expected, rejoiced at his good luck. By the time Octavius considered informing his wife of the changes about to come to Longbourn, the terms for the contract had been agreed upon. It took Mr. Phillips another day to write up the legal documentation and have all parties sign it. Waiting until the last moment, Mr. Bennet kept his plan a secret from the remainder of his household.
The day before Theodosia Woodward commenced her tenure at Longbourn, Mr. Bennet finally announced his intentions at the dining table. The meeting went as well as expected, with Jane and Elizabeth understanding the need while the rest of his daughters displayed their ill breeding and bad manners. The only bright spot occurred when Jane and Elizabeth, sighing in relief, sided, rather vocally, with their father over the shouts of the rest of the family. All took to their bed with either expectations or vexation for the next day.
So started a new era in the Bennet household with only five days to spare until Christmas. Mrs. Woodward took all of three minutes to sum up the issues which needed immediate resolution and begin to act upon the lack of propriety so openly displayed by Miss Lydia and Mrs. Bennet. Grimacing, she demanded an audience one hour into commencing her new position. Mr. Bennet allowed the woman to explain her concerns and approach to improve his youngest, with only one ear half open. He agreed not to interfere with the lady's methods, all the while intending to spend as much time as possible in his book room, insulated from the fallout. Considering the behaviours that would require more time and effort to affect a level of decorum considered necessary for a gentle lady, Theodosia required that first night in the Bennet house to think on the task before her.
"Miss Lydia," cautioned Mrs. Woodward in a tone to be obeyed when the Gardiner's carriage rolled down the lane to Longbourn two days before Christmas. Theodosia started the terms of contract as she meant to go on, quickly learning Mrs. Bennet needed as much instruction in decorum and manners as the youngest daughter. Furthermore, she knew that lady would protest, very loudly and with a verbosity that needed curtailing. "Please come and stand by me. You are the youngest and therefore, must wait your turn behind your sisters."
"I do not think…." Mrs. Bennet started to defend her favourite, glaring at the interloper who had all but taken over where her younger children were concerned, and managed to garner the good will of her two eldest daughters as well as all the servants.
"Please do not interfere with my instructions, Madam," Theodosia requested in the same uncompromising tone, albeit quietly so only Lydia and Mrs. Bennet heard. Reassured by Mr. Bennet's quizzical expression, he'd given her carta blancheto deal with his wife's meddling, especially where it concerned Lydia. "Your youngest daughter is entirely too use to getting her own way and pushing her sisters aside, although they outrank her in every respect. It must be undone before I can teach her to behave as a young lady ought. For if she is not brought into line now, I fear Miss Lydia will embarrassed her family and call in question the reputation of her sisters. You have lost one eligible match through her reckless and less than gracious behaviour in company, Mrs. Bennet, let that be all."
Pursing her lips, Fanny Bennet narrowed her eyes and glared at her husband. He'd put his foot down, refusing to be moved on the subject, much to her displeasure. Even several bouts of her nerves had been unable to change the stubborn man's mind. However, by the time Edward and Madeline Gardiner alighted the carriage, Mrs. Bennet's expression returned to one of happiness and felicity. The frustration stayed in her eyes as Mrs. Woodward held Lydia in check, allowing her elder sisters time to greet the family first.
"Oh, what have you got there?" Lydia rushed forward once Kitty stepped aside. Ignoring her younger cousins, the girl reached for the box in her aunt's hands. "Have you brought us some presents?'"
"I see you've not changed, Lydia," Madeline Gardiner commented softly, watching the reaction of the newest member of staff. The woman's frown openly displayed her concern at the girl's inappropriate and immodest behaviour.
"Why," Lydia didn't let the rebuke stop her, "have I not grown?"
About to make a witty reply, Mr. Bennet thought better of it. In choosing a companion for his wayward daughters, he brought himself a conscious. Octavius discovered retreating to his study became a necessity in order to alleviate his ears but hoped that would soon pass. He'd managed to escape the worst of his wife's shouts, Lydia's screams and Mrs. Woodward's disapproving stares locked away in his sanctuary. However, he could still hear them, even though a heavy wooden door.
"Oh, get yourselves in," cried Mrs. Bennet, well aware of the time and trying to distract everyone, "for you've barely time for a change of clothes. We are bidden to the village this evening. Lord knows, I have no desire to be always going here and there at night. I should much rather sit at home and rest my poor nerves." With this statement, she once again turned to her husband and glared.
"Lydia and I," Mrs. Woodward offered in a tone brooking no opposition, "will be staying at Longbourn and reading from the 'School of Manners'. Surely you agree, Madam, fifteen is far too young for a girl to be out in company with four unmarried sisters. Indeed, Miss Catherine and Miss Mary should join us but as this is a family gathering, I will overlook it this time."
In her heart, Theodosia knew separating the sisters could only improve Miss Catherine's manners and bring out her unique personality. For too long, Kitty had hidden behind Lydia's dominating personality, following her without question. Indeed, Mary also needed improvement in many respects. Fostering sisterly affection between the two might solve many issues. Lydia, however, needed removing from the equation before any progress could be made.
About to answer, Mr. Bennet simply agreed and dragged his furious wife inside. Edward looked at his spouse with astonishment. Madeline gave a slight but embarrassed smile in return. She felt this high handedness would be necessary to tame Lydia. A glance at the other girls demonstrated their varied reactions. Kitty seemed to be in awe of the lady and on her best behaviour. Jane and Elizabeth shared knowing looks and amused smiles. They could only benefit from Mrs. Woodward's tuition. Mary frowned, unsure why they needed a companion.
"I believe," Madeline whispered to her husband as they followed Mr. and Mrs. Bennet inside, "I will come to like Mrs. Woodward. She is strong but kindly and handles our sister very well."
"Yes," Edward agreed. With his eye for business, Mr. Gardiner saw the beginnings of massive changes for Longbourn. "It is about time Octavius looked to the girl's future. I believe we might like to take Lizzy with us this summer when we visit the North Country. New places and acquaintances will improve her prospects."
"Oh, yes," Madeline agreed. She'd always kept a special place in her heart for Jane and Elizabeth and wished they could find suitable matches. "After that dreadful episode with Mr. Collins, I think it would do Lizzy the world of good."
"But why must I stay home," Lydia wailed, interrupting the private conversation. Realising she would get little support from her parents or sisters, Lydia decided to present as much trouble as possible in the hope of getting her own way. The rest of the family left her standing on the forecourt and in the care of Mrs. Woodward.
Theodosia began her explanation as though speaking with a small child, "your manner's and deportment are deplorable with your family, I loath to consider how you should behave in society!"
The girl glared mulishly and stamped her foot in anger. The action did not move Mrs. Woodward in the slightest. Still, she needed to get through to Lydia that her reputation depended on how she presented herself while in the company of others. An idea Mrs. Bennet had failed to instil in her youngest children.
"Lydia, you are in my care now and I expect a certain level of decorum at all times. Thus, you will not be allowed out of my sight until I am sure you can behave with at least the modesty of your eldest sisters. How are they to get a husband with the likes of you around I do not know. None of you has a decent dowry so you have only your charms to recommend you. Let me reassure you, Miss Lydia Bennet," hardening her tone at the open display of insolence, Theodosia knew there would be no easy answer to this problem, "I will not let you stray from my side or into polite company until both Jane and Elizabeth at least are safely settled if you do not change your ways. It is all over the village that your vulgar display of manners at a local ball ruined the chances of Miss Bennet obtaining an eligible match."
"'What did I do," Lydia wailed indignantly. Tears streamed down her face. They were not for Jane's lost but her own deprivation. Besides, in the past, crying had worked to achieve her purpose. When Mrs. Woodward seemed unmoved by her emotional display, Lydia once again stamped her foot. "I did not drive Mr. Bingley away!"
"If you believe that," Mrs. Woodward lips pursed as she took the girls arm in an uncompromising hold, "then, I am afraid I shall have to treat you like the naughty, obstinate, illiterate child you are."
"I can read and write," Lydia stated. The tone of her voice and turn of her countenance openly demonstrated the qualities her companion eluded too.
"I am glad to hear it," Mrs. Woodward smiled unhappily. The silly child had fallen into her trap. "Tonight, you will demonstrate both by reading from a child's text on manners and deportment, then rewriting the lines one hundred times so you remember them. If you continue to behave like a spoilt, ungrateful child, I will be forced to treat you like one."
For perhaps the first time in her life, Lydia came across a woman who had her measure. Unsure how to react, she decided to play along with Mrs. Woodward, although, internally, the resentment grew. On the outside Lydia Bennet did as her companion bid, waiting for a chance to exact her retribution.
The Gardiner's governess and nanny had been given the entire week off to join their families for the holiday. Jane and Elizabeth spent much of the week entertaining their four young cousins. Miss Bennet took the greater share, enjoying the escape from her mother's trying tongue and the seemingly endless thong of callers. Lydia became sullen when Mrs. Woodward forced her to take her turn looking after the Gardiner children. However, it gave Madeline the chance she sought to capture a quiet moment with Elizabeth.
"Tell me, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner finally managed to find her niece alone half way through the visit, "about Jane's sadness. I have heard your mother speak of Mr. Bingley and her thwarted hopes in that direction."
"Jane needs a change of scene and society to forget her broken heart," Elizabeth stated, her lips pursed to display her displeasure. Ensuring they were protected, Lizzy quickly acquainted her aunt with the salient points which Mrs. Bennet had left out. The truth had never been one of her mother's strong points, especially when it did not tally with her view of the world.
"I confess," Madeline agreed with a sage nod of her head, "to worry at the tone of Jane's letter requesting she visit with us after Christmas. Of course, both you and Jane are always welcome at Gracechurch Street for as long as needed. I had thought, after your refusal of Mr. Collin's, it would be you, Lizzy, seeking sanctuary in London."
"I am resigned to my fate," rolling her eyes, Elizabeth played with the cross at her throat, "and the tongue lashings. I am glad you will take Jane away. I pray it helps my sister recover more quickly in peace and solitude."
"Do you think Mr. Bingley ever cared for her?" Madeline asked, her countenance displaying concern. "Young men of wealth and pleasing manners can be mistaken in their attentions."
"Oh, yes, I believe Mr. Bingley cared a great deal," Lizzy brightened, "but he got little encouragement from his sisters or his friend, Mr. Darcy. They were displeased with everything they saw and experienced while staying at Netherfield. I spent four days in the same house and it was enough to last a life time. Miss Bingley's manners are quite different from those of her brother. I am afraid I do not like or trust her character at all. In Mr. Bingley, a more amiable man I have never had the pleasure of meeting."
"You believe the sister's to have affected the removal to London?" Mrs. Gardiner asked to ensure she understood the situation.
"Yes," Elizabeth stated. "If they could convince their brother, I'm sure they would quit the place entirely. Miss Bingley will be much happier in town trying to capture Mr. Darcy and induce her brother to marry Miss Darcy."
"I see," frowning, Madeline understood the arts some women employed to make a good match. It seemed Miss Bingley could be counted in this number. "If this young man is so easily distracted from his object by the wiles of his conniving sibling, then perhaps he is not the man you and Jane imagine. What will be is up to the good Lord, Lizzy," Mrs. Gardiner added, noticing the arguments gathering in her nieces' gaze.
"Or the superior sister's interference," Elizabeth allowed her distain to show. Yet a small part of her conscious agreed with her aunt's assessment of Mr. Bingley's want of character. "I had thought Mr. Darcy in agreement with them until the Netherfield ball."
"But not now?" asked an astounded Madeline.
"I believe I have mistaken and maligned Mr. Darcy's character to our neighbours," Lizzy looked crestfallen. Taking a seat, she quickly retold the events leading up to Mr. Wickham's sudden disappearance and the reason for her change of heart.
"You do not dislike him then?" Madeline asked. Her sharp eyes watched for any reaction. Jane's letters in regard to the man differed so far from Elizabeth's, she didn't know what to expect.
"I am barely acquainted with Mr. Darcy," Lizzy corrected. "It seems we are never to know him very well for I cannot see either gentleman returning to Netherfield in the future. We do not move in their exulted circles, Aunt. I have no fear of ever being admitted to his company."
"Do you think Jane will attempt to keep the acquaintance with Miss Bingley and Mrs. Hurst while in London," Mrs. Gardiner asked, concern lacing her tone.
"I do not know," Elizabeth answered honestly. "I do not see what good would come of it. Neither will want to know Jane now they are in society befitting their station. I do not think Jane should try to wait upon them. She will be crushed when she learns the truth of their feeling for her. Even now, after two letters, Jane believes Miss Bingley's intentions are to place her on her guard."
"I see," Madeline understood her nieces warning too well. Although the Gardiner's lived modestly, with the industrial revolution in the manufacture of cloth taking place in factories, her husband had invested wisely. Edward expanded his business interests to include more than warehouses. Men of trade were fast becoming some of the wealthiest individuals in England. They could afford a grander lifestyle but resisted the temptation, prudently saving for the future.
"Then we shall speak no more of it and I will advise Jane to drop the acquaintance entirely," Mrs. Gardiner determined. "I am sure I will find ample sources of pleasure to distract my niece while she resides with us in London."
So, to Town Jane went for a change of scene and society while Lizzy stayed at Longbourn. The loss of such a close confident and beloved sister left a hole in Elizabeth's life. In the weeks and months that followed, Mrs. Woodward joined Miss Elizabeth on her walks many mornings, stating the exercise to be beneficial. Without trying the two women soon became fast friends as Lizzy saw somewhat of a kindred spirit in the older woman. However, Elizabeth still shared her deepest thoughts with only Jane. They corresponded almost daily, so, when in January a period of one week passed without a letter, Elizabeth began to worry.