AN: I'm not at all happy with this chapter, thus the reason for taking so long. I had to leave it for a few weeks (viral illness just like COVID but without the positive PCR or RAT) and allow it to stew in the back of my mind. I'm afraid Lydia would not stay in character and this has led to a major sub-plot deviation. Please let me know what you think.
To make her point, Jane wore her pink silk to the theatre the following night. Lady Susan, one of the parties joining the Darcy in his box, frowned. Catching first the eye of her eldest son, Lord Fitzwilliam, Viscount Henley, then Miss Bennet, it appeared the woman seemed to be ignoring her heir. Seated next to her sister in the front row, Jane chose the chair closest to the curtain and escape. Henry had been forced to take his place as far away from Miss Bennet as possible, on the far side of the back row.
When Darcy, positioned directly in front of her, turned around, Susan had much to say to the young man. Leaning forward, she whispered, "my husband told me everything." When this did not elicit the required response, the Countess nodded her head, indicating her future daughter-in-law. A message came from Madam Chastin, the Modiste engaged to provide Miss Bennet with a wardrobe fit for a future countess, reporting the return of several gowns along with a note stating no further deliveries would be accepted.
"So I see," Darcy decided not to be deliberately obtuse. Even he had been impressed with Miss Bennet shunning the Countess's overtures, opting for a simple dress. "It would seem Miss Bennet has a mind of her own. It runs in the family."
"I had expected your assistance," Susan continued, ensuring her expression did not show her frustration, even if her tone did. "You must speak with Madam Chastin, for I know she is in your pocket."
"I do not interfere in the lives of my friends, staff," Darcy stated, "or their families."
"Do you not want Jane for your cousin?" Susan questioned.
"Miss Bennet," Darcy turned so his aunt could see his determination, "will be my sister in a week. As one of her closest male relatives, Jane will be under my protection as she is to live with myself and my new wife. Do not make an enemy of me, Aunt, over a trifling matter."
Huffing, Susan sat back in her chair. Having attempted to listen in on the conversation, Henry knew conquering Miss Bennet's heart wouldn't be as easy as a few dresses and an introduction to society. He had known the lady a little more than a month and understood she was a prize worth fighting for. If it took the rest of the season to show himself in a good light, he was prepared to play the long game.
"Not now, Mother," Henry murmured, placing a hand on Lady Susan's arm. He could feel his mother bristle. She did not like to be gainsaid.
"Your future wife," the Countess informed her son, "has returned my gifts."
"It is neither the time nor place," Henry's tone became icy. When Lady Susan glared back, as if to continue their discussion, the Viscount overruled her. "Accept that it was badly done on your part, and leave it at that. Unlike those of the ton, Miss Bennet is not a woman who can be brought. That is her but one of her singular charms."
At intermission, Lady Susan attempted to approach Jane. However, Mrs Gardiner interrupted, requiring a moment. The Bennet family would not be in town for Darcy's and Miss Elizabeth's engagement ball. Keeping her sigh of relief internalised, Lady Susan enquired as to why. She had heard enough from Darcy to know the Bennets were not refined or elegant and should have their exposure to society limited. It also shed light on Jane and Elizbeth declining to be parted. Understanding the family bonds, even those you did not like, must come first, the Countess finally saw the concern underpinning the Bennet sister's countenance. They were worried about their mother's continued health.
Which directed Lady Susan's attention to the fuss her second son displayed toward his wife after the gentlemen returned with refreshments. Anne could not move before Richard was at her side asking how he could assist her. The attention made Mrs Fitzwilliam irritable and Lady Susan smile. They had not told her, but the way her son acted, she knew very well what occurred. They had been married barely two months. That came as more of a surprise. When she last spoke, Richard had vowed not to rush Anne into her marriage duties. It seemed Darcy knew. He simply smiled at his cousin and shared a look with his betrothed. Together they turned toward the couple.
"Richard," Anne spoke with vexation, "I beg you not to draw attention."
"I fear it is too late for that," Henry mocked. "It would seem that congratulations are in order."
"Yes," Anne stood and smiled beatifically at her family. Marriage, by all accounts, suited her. Motherhood, it seemed, would become her even better.
"No!" Richard glared at his wife. "Darcy, we will be returning to Rosing's park after your wedding, and there we shall stay for the summer. There is much I need to do, in order to get the estate back to profit."
"Husband," Anne had to control her temper. "We will go to Pemberley as planned. The fact I am with child will not stop me. If you wish to return to our home, that is your choice."
"Cousin," Darcy intervened at Elizabeth's behest. She noticed the increasing agitation of their party, discussing such a private topic in a public place. Modulating his tone to one of teasing, Darcy mocked, "I suspect I shall wish to get my affairs in order when I am lucky enough to know my heir has been conceived."
"I believe you shall have many months in which to prepare," Elizabeth joined in, smiling at Anne. "There should be no need to hurry."
This last week the sickness in the morning decreased. A cup of tea and plain biscuits offered by Mrs Fox first thing in the morning did the trick. Indeed, the housekeeper offered many suggestions to aid Mrs Fitzwilliam. Lizzy stored away the information shared with her new friend for the time when she would need it. Anne also objected to her husband's cautious behaviour towards her. It seemed he'd begun to treat her as her mother did, protecting her health at all cost. It caused more than a little marital disharmony, spilling over into scenes such as this.
"The journey north…" Richard started, only to be cut off by his mother.
"I am sure the cooler weather will agree with you Anne," Lady Susan glared at her son, silencing him for the moment.
"I believe it will," Anne smiled, glancing at her husband. Her look stated they would continue this conversation later and in privacy. "However, we must return to Rosing by the end of July. There will be much to do, to ready the estate for the Harvest Festival."
Everyone felt relieved as the bells chimed for the second half and not an interloper dared to invade their privacy. It seemed to send the Earl of Matlock to request their refreshments be delivered and two footmen station at the box's entry did the trick. They took their places as the candles were extinguished with a relieved sigh.
Lizzy could not help leaning into Darcy and offering, "I believe many crises have been averted this night."
"Merely delayed," he offered in return. "Hush now, this is one of my favourite plays."
Raising an eyebrow, Miss Elizabeth Bennet stifled a chuckle. Really, she thought, Darcy prefers a contemporary, rural story in preference to the usual historical or fantastical melodramas. Astonish me!
"Though I cannot hear your thoughts," Darcy exposed his humour, "I am learning to read them on your face. Save your breath, for you shall need it when we retire to Leighwood to dine after the play has ended. And I do prefer the works of Egen* to Kotzebue*"
"Mr Bennet," Mrs Woodward entered the master's study, "the trunks are packed, ready for the morrow."
Theodosia's expression intrigued the master. One-part anxiety, which was rarely on display, two parts grim determination, but mostly delighted at being reunited with his dearest Lizzy and beautiful Jane. In truth, Octavius could hardly wait to reacquaint with his eldest daughters. It had been so very long since he had the pleasure of a conversation with either young lady. From their letters, much had changed. Mr Bennet felt the loss acutely, but perhaps not as acutely as he should.
"Lydia?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow. That would account for the anxiety or at least part of it. My wife, surely, will explain the rest. Although both have improved, they are not equal to London society and both Mrs Woodward and myself know it. It is good we have delayed our debut on London Society, if only for my dearest Lizzy's sake.
"Has been on her best behaviour, which vexes me greatly," the companion offered, her look turning to one of exasperation. "She, like her sisters, is eager to be reunited with Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth. I own, I am hardly less so."
"You believe her to be planning something?" Mr Bennet asked carefully reading between the lines. He'd learnt tact and refinement when speaking with Theodosia. The dam woman won't succumb to my wit. She is entirely too pretentious for my tastes. And she thinks I do not understand that she is leading me to be a better Master, Father and Husband. As if my mistakes are not glaring enough with Lydia attempting to ruin the family every chance she gets!
Something in Mrs Woodward's countenance concerned Octavius. With the lady taking most of his worries in the form of his rambunctious family and turning them into more polite and amenable versions of themselves, life at Longbourn had become very comfortable. Even if I am turned out of my book room more often than is my want. I do believe, that the revelation suddenly crashed into Octavius's mind, that I am being worked upon as much as my wife and younger daughters. Why have I not seen this woman's machination before? Oh, she is very clever, if she can get past me!
Gaining Bennet's attention, Mrs Woodward shook her head. "It is the Mistress, Sir. I am worried. This illness persists, even if she has her good days, there are as many bad. I fear she is not well enough for the journey. It will take much from Mrs Bennet, but she will not hear of remaining at Longbourn."
"At least my wife is not making trouble," Octavius quipped. Sighing at the expression Mrs Woodward levelled his way, Bennet finally put down the book in his hands and let out a heartfelt sigh. "I will rouse myself to go and visit with Mrs Bennet."
"Perhaps Mrs Bennet might consult a Physician when we are in London," Theodosia suggested. "I am sure Mr Darcy would only be too happy to have his family retainer look at the Mistress."
Sighing, Octavius agreed. Waving his hand, he signalled for the companion to leave him. Wanting to pick up his book and complete at least the chapter, he blew out a breath. That damn woman, he cursed silently. Picking up a quill, he started on a list to be achieved once the family arrived in London. Once again, I am doing her bidding. It is worse than having a wife. At least Fanny leaves me to my own devices. Mrs Woodward, on the other hand, is more than happy to rouse me from my comfort and force me to behave as she would like.
Nodding, now she had achieved her aim, the companion left with a smile gracing Theodosia's lips. It seemed Mr Bennet was learning as slowly as his most objectionable daughter. Society did not look upon those who opposed the most basic rules with any favour. As Miss Elizabeth was to enter the first circles, she must ensure her Master, Mistress and their daughters were capable of showing the future Mrs Darcy in a most prudential light.
At ten the next morning, the Bennet carriage arrived on the forecourt, followed closely by Mr Darcy's largest travelling coach. Mr Bennet noticed the number of trunks fit for a month sojourn in London, instead of one week. After sending his express to Gracechruch Street on Friday, Mr Darcy wished for his soon to be mother-in-law to travel in comfort. The coach arrived the evening before, to convey Mrs Bennet, her companion and maid.
"I want to travel with Mama," Lydia stated stubbornly. The last of the women to exit the house, she noticed the comfortably sprung coach with some surprise. Happy they would not be squashed together all the way to London, the youngest Bennet fixed her gaze on the door with the expectation the footman would open it for her.
"You wish," Mrs Woodward offered in a light tone, indicating the servant should open the Bennet carriage, "to travel in the more prestigious coach. That will not be occurring."
"And why should I not?" questioned the young lady. "My future brother has provided it for my…our comfort."
"Mr Darcy," Octavius stepped in only after Theodosia sent him a quelling glare, "expressed his concern for Mrs Bennet's continued health and happiness. He does not do this for you, Lydia, but for Elizabeth."
"You," Mrs Bennet stated, "will obey your father, or you will remain at Longbourn with Mrs Hill. I will not have you upset Mr Darcy."
"Indeed, my dear," Mr Bennet offered his arm to his wife. Escorting her to the coach, he ensured all the ladies were seated before ushering his daughters toward their carriage. As he handed Lydia in, he counselled under his breath, "not a word. There are plans afoot if you so much as cross anyone, or cause any distress which will lead to your own misfortune."
Lydia sat with her arms crossed and a frown deepening on her face. Kitty and Mary chose the forward-facing seat as they entered the coach first. Ensuring no room remained on the squab for their youngest sister, Lydia was forced to sit beside Mrs Woodward as her father joined their mother in the more prestigious and comfortable carriage. A position she did not relish. A mile into their journey, she began to quarrel about the seating arrangement.
"You know I do not do well," Lydia complained when her other devices to join her sister's failed, "sitting in this position."
"You have always done well sitting in such an attitude before," Mary stated, her tone icy.
"It did not worry you," Kitty smiled politely, without the feeling reaching her eyes, "when we journeyed home from the Guilding's last week."
"That was but five miles," Lydia pouted. "It is over twenty miles to London."
"We will switch places with you," Mary offered, not moving even though Lydia began to stand, "when we rest the horse."
"Yes," Mrs Woodward watched on happy the middle sisters held their ground. Kitty and Mary had become closer, especially after Jane and Elizabeth were removed to London. However, she had not witnessed the pair working against Lydia before. She rather thought the plans put in place for the youngest Bennet once they reached London would be entirely necessary. "That sounds reasonable, do you not think?"
"It does not," Lydia frowned. I want to sit with my sisters, to join them as they whisper together. Instead, I am trapped beside my companion who is little more than the devil's own mouthpiece. Oh, how I hate that woman. I still do not know how she precedes my every action. The woman is the devil incarnate, always out to spoil my fun. Oh, I have learnt to close my mouth and only think of disparaging things instead of saying them. I have learnt to bid my time to get what I want and not stamp my foot or scream. Yet she seems to see through me.
Watching his daughter carefully for a quarter of an hour they stopped at the coaching inn, Octavius finally understood all the warnings Mrs Woodward offered. Lydia only appeared to improve. Deciding to replace the companion in their coach, he could hear her mind working as the miles increased. Once they were back on the main road to London, the coach picked up speed, and Mr Bennet took the opportunity to finally become the father he suspected he should have been from the beginning.
"Your ability to enjoy London is entirely dependent on your good behaviour," he offered in French. That he spoke the language fluently shocked his daughters. They thought he had not understood their conversations over the last months. Yet, as the master of an estate, he had a gentleman's education, which included the modern languages. "Lydia, you may be out in Meryton, however, Mrs Woodward believes you, Kitty and possibly Mary are not ready for the sceptical that is the Ton. I quite agree."
"Papa," Lydia whined, one foot tapping to stop it from smashing on the carriage floor, proving that she had not changed in the least.
"On more word and this carriage will turn around. It is not too late to leave you behind," he stated. Silence reigned until Octavius stopped the carriage before the outskirts of London. Darcy's men soon had their horses draw to a halt, ready with their pistols out to protect the party from highwaymen. Seeing nothing amiss, Miss Kitty and Miss Mary climbed down, only to join Mrs Bennet in the Darcy coach.
"Mrs Woodward," Octavius greeted their new companion, "I am pleased you could join Lydia and I. I believe we may need to revisit those, what did you call them…"
"Ground rules, Sir," Theodosia hid her smile.
"Yes, ground rules with Miss Lydia, before we reach my brother Gardiners residence," he suggested.
"I should be delighted," the companion smiled, her gaze directed solely to Lydia. "Mrs Bennet will enjoy the company of Miss Catherine and Miss Mary. They have much to discuss as the footman handed a letter from Miss Jane and Miss Elizabeth as they entered the carriage. Lady Fitzwilliam's ball last evening seemed to be a great success. It will take much of the remaining journey to discuss the fashions on display."
"Then I am glad to have missed it," Mr Bennet offered with a smirk.
Lydia, sitting at his side, let out a shriek of temper. The wheels of Darcy's carriage kicked up dust from the road as it headed towards their destination. It seemed the horrid woman would stop her from having any fun, and her father was an accomplice. Miss Lydia Bennet would learn just how far Mrs Woodward would go on reaching Gracechruch Street. Arriving an hour after her mother and sisters, Lydia had been relegated to a small servant's room next to the nursery on the top floor. As if this wasn't enough humiliation, for her sisters were situated on the family floor and sharing a single room, Mrs Woodward squeezed in with one of the nannies in the next room. Thus, she heard Lydia's fury when she opened her trunk to find only very plain and well used day dresses.
"You," she stomped into the woman's room without knocking, "have gone too far."
Smiling, Theodosia offered, "it seems I have not gone far enough. Sarah, you may have your room returned. Miss Lydia will share this space with me."
The youngest Bennet had the foresight to keep her mouth firmly close while the servant removed.
"It would seem," Theodosia continued, "you do not recall your lessons of the winter past. A few months in your family home have given you hope of acting as you choose and laying your family open to ridicule. I warned you, should you fall into old ways, the lesson this time would be one you remembered. Tomorrow you leave for your new home. You have long wished to be the first of your sister to marry. Well, you shall have your wish."
Confused, Lydia did not see how this could happen. Lizzy's marriage would occur in two days' time. There had not been time for the banns to be read, besides never having met this man who supposedly would become her husband. Surely, her father would never allow it. Fear began to grow as she realised the uncertainty of her future and recalled the discussion in the carriage outside London.
"Papa," Lydia approached her father with forced docility as they were called for dinner.
"Yes," he answered brusquely.
"Child," Mrs Bennet looked over the dress and did not understand the tense atmosphere surrounding her, "go change for we are about to sit down to dine."
"That," Madeline Gardiner offered in a pursed tone, "will not be necessary. Lydia missed her evening meal in the nursery. I shall have Mason send up a tray while we discuss what is to be done with her."
"Perhaps she can join us in the parlour in an hour or two," Mr Bennet stated. "I believe Mr Tomlinson will be joining us. I wish to have my daughter meet her husband before their marriage tomorrow."
For the first time in her life, Lydia swooned and chaos erupted in the Gardiner household.
*Early 1800's playwrights popular at the time of Pride and Prejudice. Egan was a comptemorist while Kotzebue wrote melodramas.