Chapter Seven - Circumstances Revealed
"Would you be angry," Elizabeth couldn't keep her curiosity at bay, looking sidelong at her companion as they walked toward Oakham Mount, "if I asked about your life before coming to Longbourn?"
Three weeks had passed since Mrs. Woodward took up her position of companion within the Bennet household. So far, Elizabeth and Theodosia spoke only of general topics on their rambles, the kind of bland conversation two young women used while in polite society when coming to know each other yet afraid to completely display their wit and character. Even living within the same household, and dining at the same table, they had not yet formed a deeper understanding. Mrs. Woodward needed every spare moment to concentrate on improving Lydia and Mrs. Bennet. Her effort was being, somewhat, rewarded as she learnt of Mrs. Bennet's past accomplishments and used them to her advantage.
Jane's removal to London and Charlotte's marriage left a gaping hole Miss Elizabeth Bennet had not considered. Lizzy missed a more intimate discussion with a woman of good sense and judgement, both of which she'd come to see in Theodosia. Although Mrs. Woodward had been gentle born, the Bennet family were more than aware of her currently misfortunes. Seeing a similar fate for herself, should she not marry, Elizabeth's curiosity got the better of her.
"Indeed not," Mrs. Woodward smiled sadly. It took her several moments to gather her thoughts and arrange her ideas. "I rather welcome the opportunity as I have not had a chance to speak of my husband in many months. It relieves my mind to impart some of my history and remember the wonderful life we shared."
"I can see you loved him very much," Lizzy understood this much from the soft, misty voice her companion employed. Both she and Jane had always hoped to marry for this kind of respect and mutual affection.
"Yes," Theodosia agreed readily, gazing to the horizon. "My husband would have been considered beneath me at one time. The third son of a gentleman, Ben had few advantages and even less fortune. He chose to make his way in this world early in his life. By the time I met him, Captain Benjamin Woodward had served in Her Majesties' Navy for almost twenty years. After we were married, I joined him on every voyage before the birth of our son."
"Son?" Elizabeth cried, stopping to look at Theodosia. None in the Bennet household knew of this event.
"My life has been one of great sadness, Miss Bennet, which I would not wish on anyone," Mrs. Woodward managed a weary smile, while her eyes twinkled. "It is not what happens to you but how you react to it that improves your character has I have had ample opportunity to discover. But, I must start at the beginning and tell you how all this came about. You see, my life was not much different from yours. Our family had possession of a small estate not ten miles from here. Father took ill just after I came out. He passed soon after, leaving our estate entailed on a distant, estranged cousin. Unlike your Mr. Collins, Mr. Silversmith had both a wife and son at that time, whom he settled into the Great House at Burrendah immediately with little care for the welfare of my mother. He quite literally threw us into the hedge rows the day after Father's funeral."
Shocked, Lizzy knew the same fate might still wait the Bennet sisters should their father's heath decline. It sent a shiver of disquiet through her body. "I am very much afraid Mr. Collins may be of the same mind, especially after my refusal of his offer."
"I believe you are aware I had little choice, taking a position as a governess," Theodosia continued after acknowledging Elizabeth's fears. "My mother, a gentleman's daughter and the mistress of her own home for many years, took a position as a companion to the Dowager in the same household. The family were very good to us, considering our misfortune. I met my husband when he accompanied the younger son to the estate while on shore leave."
"Did you know your husband long," Lizzy asked, intrigued. Her thoughts of falling in love were somewhat indistinct as she never felt more than a mild attraction to any man of her acquaintance.
A loving smile erupted on Theodosia's face. "A month," she stated. "Ben said he could not live without me and so we married two days before his ship sailed. Five years we travelled, to such far flung nations as India and the West Indies before our son came. I settled near Dover with my mother on my husband's income. Life was very happy for a few years. Once again, my mother became mistress of our home while I cared for my children. Ben managed to come home every few months as he accepted a commission on a ship sailing the English Channel. Then Ben was sent to the East Indies. It is a long and arduous voyage that took almost a year. Before he could return and learn of his second child's birth, my daughter took ill. Within a month, both my babies and mother where laying in the church yard. The undertaker and parson did well last February for more than half the village perished. The dreadful news finally reached me in September when his wage stopped arriving and I knew my losses were complete. My husband's ship sunk with the loss of all souls on-board. He'd almost completed the journey home. Thankfully, Ben never learnt the sad truth that awaited him. I have been staying with a friend near Meryton since, having every intention of soon seeking out my old life as a governess or companion."
"Good Lord," Elizabeth uttered, rendered speechless by the sad tale. Such things occurred more often than anyone would like or could be discussed in polite society. Born between Jane and Elizabeth, the only Bennet son passed away upon his birth. Unchristened, he had not been allowed a burial in consecrated ground or acknowledgement of his birth.
"Do not be sad for me," Mrs. Woodward managed with only a very slight melancholy in her tone. "I have learnt to accept my losses and situation in life. My disposition, one of practicality and pragmatism has allowed me to survive. I believe, like you, I am able to rise to every occasion and not let circumstance intimidate me. That is why I have shared my tale with you, Miss Bennet. I believe you will understand the very perilous ground on which you stand and take heed."
Thinking back to Mr. Wickham, Lizzy learnt not to take stories at face value. Watching for Mrs. Woodward expressions, she could not help but be moved. In the time since the companion came to Longbourn, she'd shared little of her history with the family she served. Still, Elizabeth felt her companion had not imparted everything. It seemed Theodosia left much unsaid and felt it wise not to share every aspect of her life at this time.
"Tell me of India," Lizzy requested when they fell into an uncomfortable silence.
"I will tell you of more than that," Mrs. Woodward smiled, this time with a hint of mischief that displayed so far hidden depths to her character, "if you are willing to open your mind to new cultures, religions and ways of men and politics that many in England would find shocking. I have seen so much on my travels and learnt even more."
"'I have been so sheltered," Elizabeth remarked, suddenly realising she thirst for knowledge beyond her present sphere.
"Yes," Mrs. Woodward laughed, her blue eyes twinkling in delight, "as you should be. I was barely less eager to experience everything when I embarked on my great adventure as Mrs. Captain Woodward. However, I had my husband at my side to guide me through it all. You, on the other hand, are the daughter of a country gentleman. I tell you my history because I do not want to see you or Jane so reduced in circumstance. Yet if you are, I should like you prepared for the world which can be wonderful and harsh at the same time."
Taking a deep breath, Theodosia began to explain her reasoning. "Miss Bennet, the servants think ill of me. I live and work above stairs as though one of the family yet I am in the employ of that very same family and at their mercy. I enter and exit through the servant's door unless accompanied by one of my charges. Then the family, albeit well meaning, looks to my situation with pity," glancing at Miss Bennet as she said this, Theodosia noticed the pursed lips. Her eyes continued to sparkle at the reaction. "I am not complaining. This behaviour, demonstrating what can happen to a young woman, genteel bread but of reduced means only demonstrates what can occur in the worst possible circumstance. Do not look upon me with pity, for my life is not so bad. I promise you this; I will do everything in my power to see you and Jane are protected from such misfortunes."
"How," Lizzy caught some of the woman's subtle humour inexorably mixed with sincerity, "do you propose to do that?"
"'I understand Mr. Collins offered for you but was refused," Mrs. Woodward commented with a bland expression.
"Yes," the sparkle left Lizzy's eyes as she remembered the dreadful day. "You could hardly remain unaware."
"Your friend, Miss Lucas accepted the same man not a sev'night later," Theodosia continued.
"Indeed," Elizabeth sighed, finally understanding, "although seen in a prudential light it is an eligible match for her. Dear Jane understood that better than I."
"I think it is not a marriage of felicity and respect," guessed Mrs. Woodward. "I hope you will think on this, Miss Bennet. Not all matches are able to have the mutual affection and admiration my dearest Ben and I found. Many marry because the alternative is insupportable."
"Are you suggesting I should have accepted for the sake of my family," Elizabeth found herself incensed.
"No," Mrs. Woodward tried to hide her amusement at the sudden and justifiable anger. "The man would never have suited your lively, impertinent character. I do, however, caution you, the next time an offer is made, think very carefully on it. Is the man respectable, honourable and able to support you? Can you find enough happiness in his proposal to esteem his character? Would you like to end your days, supported by your relations or worse still, in servitude? These are a woman's only choices in life I am afraid. Take it from someone who has been unfortunate enough to see both sides. I would much rather be married to a respectable man of average means who is good to me than the alternative."
The women walked for several minutes before Mrs. Woodward once again spoke. "If you still wish, I can tell you of my travels."
"Please," Lizzy pushed her companion's words to the back of her mind. She would have time enough to think later.
The days passed quickly in the New Year. Mrs. Woodward took her position very seriously, readying the Bennet ladies to become mistresses of their own homes. Even Elizabeth was forced to find new endeavours and improve her mind. Practicing her instrument an hour a day, the sounds from the pianoforte advanced. Tutored in accounting, housekeeping and encouraged to broaden her mind in many subjects, Lizzy took to reading the papers and listening to her father's business matters. She even tried to engage her Uncle Phillips in conversation, learning much about the state of English law and affairs. It gave her a greater understanding of the precipice the world stood on. The Industrial Revolution had commenced in England and currently swept across the globe.
SurlyElizabeth's mind questioned while reading the Times she'd managed to relocate from her father's book room, such advances must change the very fabric of society. Men such as my Uncle Gardiner, men of trade will find opportunities to increase their wealth and standing in the community. Gentlemen must follow or perish. Careful to keep such thoughts silent, Lizzy found Mrs. Woodward willing and able to discuss such philosophy on their rambles.
"Who visits your tenants?" Theodosia demanded of Mr. Bennet, her tone slightly accusatory at the end for the first week in January. Little escaped the woman as she wandered the field and hills that surrounded Longbourn at her charges side. "It has come to my attention Mr. and Mrs. Blakely require warm blankets for their new babe. I confess, I have not seen Mrs. Bennet stir from the house expect to visit her sister, Mrs. Phillips. Is it not her duty, as Mistress, to attend to such matters?"
"Mrs. Hill, the housekeeper, sees to all the tenants," Octavius responded, eyes narrowing and offence taken at the harsh words. He'd often thought about reinstating the ritual, but knew not how.
"Why do Jane and Elizabeth, as the eldest not take over the responsibility," she asked both confused and astounded at the lack of propriety. "It is well past time they knew the complete responsibility of the Mistress of an estate."
"I had never considered it," Mr. Bennet sighed, once again being made to feel somewhat inadequate. "It is an oversight I should have corrected long ago. My wife stopped after the death of our only son. I did not have the heart to force her at the time. Then Elizabeth came along, followed by three more daughters. By then there was not the time for Mrs. Bennet to devote outside the immediate family."
"With your permission," Theodosia couldn't keep her contempt for this man from her tone, "I will apply to Mrs. Hill to instruct Miss Elizabeth and Miss Mary to recommence the duty of this house immediately. However, I intend that all the girls should learn their responsibilities to your tenants."
"Please," Mr. Bennet found amusement in this, "do not let me stop you, Madam." Behind his twinkling eyes, he wondered how on earth the lady would recruit Lydia to the activity.
"I cannot see Lydia enjoying this task," Lizzy remarked to her companion, her thoughts mirroring those of her father. The day after her interview with Mr. Bennet, Mrs. Hill, Miss Elizabeth and Mrs. Woodward found themselves in the gig, baskets loaded, and making the rounds of Longbourn.
"This is about duty to those less fortunate than one's self," Theodosia commented dryly, "and your youngest sister is going to learn that lesson. Tomorrow her education begins, at eight am sharp. I can only hope Miss Lydia takes a good, hard look at her surroundings, for I suspect she shall end up in something similar if she does not mend her ways."
"Oh dear," Lizzy allowed her iridescent eyes to speak of her enjoyment as Hill answered in a tone that bespoke amusement but came out very dry indeed, "that will be quite a challenge for you, Mrs. Woodward. Lydia rarely leaves her bed before ten."
"This is a New Year and I mean to see changes made," Theodosia's expression hardened as she considered the indolence of many in the Bennet household.
"I believe," Elizabeth finally managed to get her mirth under control, "you will succeed in your endeavours where others have not. Still I wish you luck separating my youngest sister from her bed. That, I believe, will be the easiest of your responsibilities."
In London, Jane's nieces and nephews kept her busy by day and her broken heart awake at night. As the days mounted, her complexion suffered and smudges appeared under her eyes. Aunt Gardiner attempted to relieve her suffering by introducing the quiet girl to her circle of intimate acquaintances and, thereafter, their eligible sons. Miss Bennet could not help but be admired where ever she went for her serenity and kindness. Still, her heart pined for a Gentleman she could never have. When Jane finally managed to drop off into sleep, she dreamt of what might have been. In the morning she berated her imagination, for Mr. Bingley continued in town, as Lizzy's daily letters proved. She had not called on Miss Bingley nor gone into that part of town, comprehending the reasons behind her Aunts good advice. If Mr. Bingley truly cared for her, he would have to make the first move to become reacquainted. As the days, then weeks lengthened, she began to give up hope of ever encountering the gentleman again.
In the middle of January, Mr. Gardiner's acquired tickets to the theatre. Her letter to Elizabeth that day sounded enthusiastic as the sisters rarely had the opportunity for such amusements. In Jane's heart, she hoped to hear any news of the Bingley's while at the opera. Meeting that family briefly flittered across her mind and she dismissed it just as quickly. The chance would be minimal and best left to the imagination.
"Oh, my Dear," Madeline Gardiner effused to her husband when he announced the amusement at a family dinner, "it has been an age since we last went out for an evening of entertainment. I'm sure I must have a new gown made to celebrate."
"Always a new gown at the least excuse," Edward smirked, not sounding at all displeased. "Perhaps you can come to the warehouse tomorrow and select your material. Jane, you will need a new dress also I fear, and no doubt, adorned with the finest lace."
"Oh no, Uncle," she tried to reassure the jovial man. The Gardiners had done so much for her already, that Jane could not put them to the expense.
"Of course, you will," Madeline simpered softly, a twinkle in her hazel orbs. "Have you not seen the latest lace manufactured right here in England on a new type of loom in one of our factories? We will display this new English Lace for Edward's sake and wear it well, for there is always an ulterior motive for men with a head for business." When Jane still appeared apprehensive, Mrs. Gardiner laughed and added, "Don't let my Husband fool you, Jane. He wishes us both to be seen in new gowns decorated with his latest investment. It will create an up roar and every woman in town will want to know where it is to be purchased."
Nervous, Jane held onto her Uncle's arm as they entered the theatre the very next week. Butterflies littered her stomach. Looking around at the fine ladies and well-dressed gentlemen, the pale pink satin gown liberally trimmed with lace fitted in well with the rest of the patrons. Indeed, Jane looked splendid with a slight blush to her porcelain cheeks. She could not help but be admired for her looks and deportment, which had more than one young gentleman asking from where this hitherto unknown beauty came. However, all this attention paled into insignificance as the lights extinguished. For in one of the boxes, close to the stage, Jane noticed two gentlemen and two ladies.
Caroline Bingley's eyes narrowed to the floor seating as she felt a gaze upon her person. Mouth first forming an "O" then lips pursing she nudged her sister indicating the woman whose acquaintance they wished to drop. For a single moment, Caroline's glare met the confused eyes of Miss Bennet. Even sweet, naive Jane could not misinterpret that look of utter distain. The Superior Sister's ensured they kept their brother occupied, not allowing a minuscule chance of meeting Miss Bennet and her party at any point during the evening. It quite ruined the outing for Jane who now understood Miss Bingley's antipathy toward her.
"I know, my dear Lizzy," Jane read the letter aloud one last time, "you will be incapable of triumphing at my expense, when I confess, I have been entirely deceived in Miss Bingley's regard for me. She made it very evident that she took no pleasure in seeing me and no longer wished to continue our acquaintance. I can only thank our Aunt for her cautious words when I first came to town. It has stopped me appearing like a fool."
"All hope is now lost," Jane comment silently, folding the letter and wiping away a tear. "If Mr. Bingley truly cared, he would have returned to Netherfield. Now I see he is incapable of going against his sisters' wishes. I never considered him dominated by family and friend's opinions. Perhaps I have misjudged his character. Perhaps I have found the greatest fault in my own. Perhaps Lizzy is correct and I think too well of people in general."
And with that, Miss Jane Bennet determined to be more guarded and not shed another tear. "I will be well and not think of people so kindly," she spoke the words aloud in the forlorn hope that she might be able to change the very basis of her character.
AN: Thank you once again for the amazing support for this renewed work. I'm having trouble keeping up with the current posting schedule. Therefore, chapters will be posted GMT +8 hours Wednesday and Sunday.