Chapter 1
Hertfordshire, October 1805
Lizzy, now fourteen, awoke to her mother's shrieks. She groaned and pulled the pillow over her head. Why must Mama be so loud this early in the morning? Lizzy paused. Wait, why is Mama awake this early in the morning?
With her morning walks, Lizzy was often the first to rise in her family on a normal day. The previous night, however, sixteen-year-old Jane and her parents had attended a local assembly. These occasions always went into the early hours of the morning, so Mama always took the opportunity to have a lie-in the next day. Lizzy had remained awake until Jane returned so they could discuss the event.
Jane and Lizzy had spoken longer than they normally did. Jane, with her beauty, was a popular dance partner and often stood up for every set. Her innate shyness and small dowry had yet to receive a request for a second set in a night, let alone an offer of marriage, much to the dismay of their mother.
The night before, however, had been different. Mr. Cartwright had requested Jane's first and last sets. Lizzy and Jane had spoken extensively about the occurrence.
"What do you think it means, Jane? Did Mr. Cartwright say anything?" asked Lizzy.
Jane blushed and looked down. "He spoke of his security and position as steward. His annual income has been increased, and he told me of his desire to settle down."
Lizzy had gasped internally. As promised, she had never once revealed what had happened between Becky and Mr. Cartwright. Lizzy saw Becky a few months after the event, and the distress in Becky's eyes had reinforced Lizzy's decision to remain silent. Two weeks later, Lizzy overheard Aunt Phillips telling Mama that Becky had been sent to live with cousins in Kent due a sprained ankle. Mama had been with child enough times for Lizzy to understand what Aunt Phillips meant.
Shaking her thoughts from her head, Lizzy had asked Jane how she felt about Mr. Cartwright. Jane hesitated before answering, "Well, he appears to be all that is amiable and kind. He would be a good match."
"But Jane, do you love him?" Lizzy asked.
Jane had not answered, and the two young ladies retired to bed. For Lizzy, sleep did not come for many hours later.
All of these recollections hit Lizzy at once, and she sat up. Discarding her nightclothes on the floor, Lizzy did not even ring for Sally as she quickly donned the morning dress that was easiest to put on. Since she was still not out, Lizzy's clothing did not have the level of difficulty that Jane's did.
Lizzy rushed down the stairs, following the sound of her mother's voice into the breakfast room. Upon opening the door, she found her Jane and her parents finishing their meal. Mary, Kitty, and Lydia took their meals in the nursery, but Lizzy was permitted to breakfast and lunch with her family as she approached her fifteenth birthday.
"Ah, Lizzy," her father lowered his newspaper to look at her as she took her seat. "How was your walk this morning?"
"Good morning, Papa. I did not take a walk today."
Her father's eyebrows rose over his in astonishment. "Now Lizzy, I understand that you are eager to take your place in society as your sister has, but you still have one more year before you can put on airs and sleep until all hours of the morning!"
Lizzy remained silent, causing her father's face to change from amusement to confusion. "Well, Lizzy?"
"Oh, who cares about Lizzy right now?!" Mrs. Bennet shrieked. "We need to be focusing on Jane! Jane, you must return upstairs immediately and change into your pink gown. It is the most becoming and will display your figure for calls."
Lizzy looked inquiringly at Jane. The usual callers the day after an assembly were the Lucases and the Gouldings, who came to gossip about the events that occurred the night before. Neither family had a son of marrying age, as the oldest Lucas boy was away on his Grand Tour.
Jane blushed and looked down, silent. Lizzy started at her, willing her to explain the situation. However, Mrs. Bennet continue before Jane could meet Lizzy's look. "You must be ready to greet Mr. Cartwright, Jane! He would be an excellent match, you know, with his recent inheritance."
When Jane remained silent, Lizzy turned towards her mother. "What new inheritance, Mama?"
"Why, Lizzy, haven't you heard a thing I've said? Mr. Cartwright's great-uncle has passed away, and he has left his entire fortune to Mr. Cartwright! Three thousand pounds per year and a pretty estate in Derbyshire!"
"And how could this affect Jane?" Lizzy asked.
"Oh Lizzy, how could you be so tiresome?" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed. "You must know that I am thinking of him marrying her! After all, a single man who has come into a fortune must be in want of a wife and heir!"
Lizzy looked to Jane in horror. Jane finally raised her eyes and said quietly, "Mama, it is by no means certain that Mr. Cartwright is looking for a wife. Even if he were, there is no cause to speculate that I would be his choice."
"Oh Jane, how you try my nerves!" wailed Mrs. Bennet. "He stood up with you twice last night, and just think, he has sent flowers and a note this morning asking to call on you!"
Lizzy felt as though she had awoken to a bad dream. Mr. Cartwright and her gentle Jane? Never!
Lizzy looked pleadingly at her father. "Papa, isn't Mr. Cartwright a little old for Jane? After all, Jane is only sixteen."
Her father opened his mouth to respond, but Mrs. Bennet interrupted before he could begin to speak. "Mr. Cartwright, old?! Who cares about his age when he has such income! Think of the carriages, the dresses, the pin money! A woman could deal with quite a lot to have benefits such as those. Plus, he is only four and thirty, and so handsome, too!"
Lizzy opened her mouth to object, but before she could being, the door was flung open and Lydia burst into the room, followed by a wailing Kitty.
Lydia waved a ribbon around, taunting Kitty with it. At ten years old, it was apparent that Lydia would be the tallest of her sisters, having already reached Jane's height. Kitty, on the other hand, was the smallest at twelve years than any of her sisters had been at that age. She had always been somewhat small and sickly since contracting influenza at age five. Her lingering cough made it difficult for her to eat a full meal.
"Lydia, give it back!" wailed Kitty in despair.
Lydia pranced around the table. "No, I shan't! You're too ugly to look well in it, and it becomes me much better."
"Mama, make her give it back!"
"Oh hush, Kitty! You're grating on my nerves. Just let her have it. It does look better on her." Mrs. Bennet cried.
"But I bought it with my own pin money last week!" Kitty cried.
"Oh, never mind the ribbon!" Mrs. Bennet exclaimed in exasperation. "How can I think about ribbons when Jane's suitor is coming to call!"
Lydia stuck her tongue out at Kitty in triumph, causing Kitty to stomp her foot and run sobbing out of the room.
Taking advantage of the moment, Mr. Bennet put down his paper and said, "I will be in my study if anyone has need of me."
As he exited the room, Lizzy turned to her mother. "Mama, surely you can see that Mr. Cartwright is not a good match for Jane?"
"No, I do not see that at all! You are jealous of your sister's fortunate alliance, and I won't stand for it. Come, Jane," Mrs. Bennet demanded. "Let us pick out the perfect gown for your new beau."
Lizzy watched in despair as Mrs. Bennet ushered Jane out of the room. Grabbing a biscuit off a plate, Lizzy hurried to her father's study. She knocked and entered at his call.
"Well, Lizzy, come to escape the chaos?" asked Mr. Bennet wryly.
"Papa, you cannot be thinking of allowing Jane to accept Mr. Cartwright!" exclaimed Lizzy.
Her father only chuckled. "Now, Lizzy, not you as well! If Jane is not unwilling and her mother approves, what more can a father do?"
"Papa!"
"No, Lizzy," said Mr. Bennet firmly. "I came to my study for some peace, and peace I intend to find. If you are determined to discuss weddings and suitors, then you had better join your mother and Jane. Now please leave me in peace."
Helpless, Lizzy stared at her father. "Lizzy, do not make me ask again," he stated.
"Yes, Papa." Lizzy sorrowfully exited the room, closing the door loudly behind her. A muffled thud on the other side indicated the noise startled him into dropping his book. Good, thought Lizzy spitefully.
Her satisfaction lasted only a second as her thoughts turned to her sister upstairs. How could she protect Jane from Mr. Cartwright?
Inspiration struck. Of course! Uncle and Aunt Gardiner!
Just the previous week, the Gardiners had written requesting Jane's presence in London. Aunt Gardiner had just left confinement from the birth of their first child, and they were once again participating in the local society. Uncle Gardiner's business was increasing in prominence and prosperity, and their circle had grown to include some minor members of the ton.
Lizzy had not wanted Jane to leave her for London, so Jane had decided to stay at Longbourn. However, with the danger of Mr. Cartwright's suit, Lizzy would rather brave her mother and sisters alone than allow Jane to fall into Mr. Cartwright's power.
Dashing upstairs, Lizzy entered Jane's room, intent on sharing her idea with her mother and sister. However, a knock on the door brought everything to a sudden halt.
"Oh, he's here! He's here!" shrieked Mrs. Bennet. "Make haste, Jane!" Pinching Jane's cheeks, Mrs. Bennet hurried her daughter down the stairs and into the large drawing room.
Lizzy slumped to the floor in despair. What was she to do?
As Lizzy heard Hill announce Mr. Cartwright, she sat up with determination. She would not allow Mr. Cartwright to be alone with Jane! If he got the opportunity, he might propose, and Jane was much to kind to turn down a proposal that would give pleasure to all her family (excepting one).
Lizzy entered the drawing room just as Mr. Cartwright proposed a walk in the garden with Jane. Lizzy exclaimed, "A walk sounds wonderful! Since I missed my morning walk today, I will join you!"
Without waiting for an answer, Lizzy put on her boots and coat before anyone had a chance to stop her. Mr. Cartwright had no other option. With a winning smile, he offered his arm to Jane and they joined her.
Lizzy began a stream of conversation with Mr. Cartwright, asking all about Netherfield, his new estate, and Derbyshire. After fifteen minutes, Mr. Cartwright's patient smile grew strained. He finally said, "Well, Miss Elizabeth! I have enjoyed our conversation, but I'm afraid I must return to Netherfield. I have many pressing duties in training the new steward before I leave for Derbyshire next month."
He bowed gallantly to Jane. "Miss Bennet, as always, I greatly enjoyed your company. I leave you with these words: my lady fair with golden hair, I leave in sorrow and will see thee on the morrow."
Jane blushed in confusion and looked down. Lizzy smothered a laugh at his poor attempt at poetry, but did not dare let him see her smile.
"Thank you, Mr. Cartwright," Jane finally said in a quiet voice.
Mr. Cartwright bowed over Jane's hand and escorted both girls to the front door. From there, he left towards the stables to retrieve his horse.
As Lizzy and Jane entered the house, they were met by their mother. "Well, Jane?" she asked eagerly. "Are you engaged?"
"No, Mama, I am not," Jane answered. "However, he said that he would return tomorrow. At least, I believe that is what his poetry intended to say."
Lizzy finally let out the laugh she had been holding in since Mr. Cartwright's recitation of some very poor verses.
"Lizzy, you insolent girl!" Mrs. Bennet wailed. "You have ruined all of Jane's chances! Mr. Bennet, Mr. Bennet!"
Mrs. Bennet rushed to the study, pulling Lizzy and Jane along with her. "Mr. Bennet, we are all lost because of this headstrong, foolish child!"
Mr. Bennet looked up in surprise from on seeing his sanctuary thus interrupted. "Oh, Mr. Bennet! We are all in an uproar! You must come and insist that Jane marry Mr. Cartwright!"
Mr. Bennet's eyebrows rose higher than they had at the breakfast table that morning. "I beg your pardon, my dear, but to what are you referring?"
"Of Jane and Mr. Cartwright!" exclaimed the lady.
"Oh? Has he made Jane an offer of marriage, then? It is the general practice that the gentleman ask permission of her father, first. Unless, of course, you decided for us to change places, my dear? Perhaps I should put on my dressing gown and call for my salts whilst you manage the books for the estate?"
"Oh, Mr. Bennet!" wailed Mrs. Bennet. "You have no compassion on my nerves!"
"You underestimate me, Mrs. Bennet. I have the highest regard for your nerves, as they have been my constant companions these fifteen years at least." replied Mr. Bennet drolly.
Mrs. Bennet let out a moan. "Mr. Bennet! How can you be so tiresome? Will you or will you not come insist on Jane accepting Mr. Cartwright?"
"I will not." At another moan, he continued. "I will not discuss Jane marrying any man until he has the common decency to discuss it with me first. Only then will it be a topic of conversation in my bookroom. Now, madam, unless Mr. Cartwright is standing outside the door to ask my permission and has not been frightened off by your caterwauling, please leave me in peace!"
With another wail, Mrs. Bennet rushed from the room, calling for Hill. Jane gave her father a small smile and followed her mother out the door. Lizzy waited a moment to see if he would speak with her. When he continued to look determinedly down at his book, she quietly left the room.
Finding her mother and Jane in the sitting room, Lizzy took a seat on the chair nearest the fire and conveniently furthest away from her mother.
"Oh, Jane, I do not know what is to become of us, indeed I do not. Your father will die, and with no heir we will be cast into the hedgerows because Longbourn has been unlawfully entailed away on us."
"Mama," began Jane, "my father is in excellent health, and there will be many opportunities for your daughters to meet eligible gentlemen."
Mrs. Bennet did not agree. "With the eldest Lucas boy away, there are very few matches to be had in Meryton! If Mr. Cartwright does not return tomorrow, we are all doomed to homelessness and poverty!"
Lizzy smiled. Mrs. Bennet and Jane had unwittingly provided the perfect segue into her plan.
"Mama is correct, Jane." Lizzy said. Mrs. Bennet was so surprised by this sudden show of support from her least-favorite daughter that she immediately silenced. "There are very few young men in the neighborhood, and certainly none of them good enough for you!"
Mrs. Bennet began to object. "But Mr. Cartwright…"
"…has only three thousand a year, and Derbyshire is very far away in the north." Lizzy smoothly continued. "I know I would miss Jane so dearly to have her so far. Wouldn't you agree, Mama?"
Mrs. Bennet hesitated, then nodded. "That's true. I don't know what I would do with my dear Jane so far from me."
"Exactly," stated Lizzy. "And, Mama, I am concerned that Jane's looks are much too fine for a county like Derbyshire. Her beauty would be wasted there, far from London."
"Oh, yes, Lizzy! You are absolutely right! Dear Jane's beauty would fade away quickly in the wilds! And Derbyshire is so far north! All that snow and cold. She is sure to take sick and die, and then where would we be?"
Lizzy nodded. "Mama, I think it would be a terrible thing for Jane to marry Mr. Cartwright and leave for Derbyshire."
Mrs. Bennet was in full agreement by this point. "No, we mustn't allow Mr. Cartwright to propose! Oh, Jane and Lizzy, my clever girls to prevent him from speaking to your father today. I am so glad I had the idea for Lizzy to walk with you. But what shall we do tomorrow? He is to return! And with Jane's beauty, he will have to propose! Jane, you must not accept him. I absolutely forbid it."
Jane looked at her mother in astonishment. "But, Mama! It is most unladylike to refuse an eligible offer of marriage! And Mr. Cartwright is so kind and amiable. I could not bear to bring him pain."
"Then we mustn't allow him to see you. We will claim you have taken ill and are unable to come down."
"Mama," Lizzy interrupted, "surely you can see the danger in that? He might call for Mr. Jones! Even if he does not, Mr. Cartwright will be remaining at Netherfield for another month complete to train the new steward. Jane cannot pretend to be ill for that long without causing offense or giving rise to gossip that she is so ill as to lose all her looks."
Mrs. Bennet looked horrified. "Everyone will be speaking of us! Oh, what shall we do? Jane, you will have to accept Mr. Cartwright. But you cannot accept him or you will die alone in the cold wilds of the north! What can be done? We are ruined!"
"Mama, I have an idea!" Lizzy cried, as if suddenly struck with a new idea. "What about Uncle and Aunt Gardiner in London? They wrote just last week to say that they are able to go out in society now that Cousin Ellen is old enough for them to leave her. Jane has been invited, and she could attend balls and the theater for the Season."
Mrs. Bennet stared at Lizzy in astonishment. "Why, Lizzy, you clever girl! That is just thing! We will send Jane to my brother Gardiner at once!"
Jane looked at Mrs. Bennet in alarm. "Mama, how can I possibly travel so quickly? The Gardiners will have no idea that I am coming!"
"Oh nonsense, girl!" Mrs. Bennet waved her hand in dismissal. "Who better than my own brother to take in a family member in a time of emergency? No, it is vital that you leave at tomorrow. I will speak with your father about taking the carriage and horses. It would be no trouble to have them leave the farm for a day or two. Your safety is much more important! Now quickly, Jane, go upstairs and pack your things!"
Mrs. Bennet swept from the room, leaving Jane and Lizzy alone.
After a few moments of stunned silence, Lizzy began to laugh.
"Lizzy, what on earth is so funny?" asked Jane, who was near tears herself.
Lizzy couldn't explain it. She had been so worried about Jane and Mr. Cartwright, and now the problem had been solved! Jane was safe! Lizzy felt lighter than air, and she laughed in relief. "Come, Jane," she said. "Let us go upstairs, and I will help you choose the best dresses to take to London."
Early the next morning, Lizzy stepped out the front door to say farewell to Jane. The girls embraced tearfully, but Lizzy knew that the pain of separation would be eased by the knowledge that her sister would be safe.
"You must promise to write to me, Lizzy," Jane said. "I will miss our home, and your letters will ease my mind."
"Do not worry about us, Jane," Lizzy said. "We will be fine. Go and enjoy your time with Aunt and Uncle Gardiner."
"But Mr. Cartwright will come today, expecting to see me. Maybe I should say. I cannot bear to think of his disappointment at my leaving."
"No, Jane," said Lizzy firmly. "You do not love him, and he is not the right man for you."
"How can you know?" Jane asked, puzzled.
"I simply know," Lizzy replied. "You go and enjoy yourself. I promise that I will do all in my power to ease any heartbreak he might feel at your leaving."
Only slightly mollified, Jane finally entered the coach with Sally as her companion. As Lizzy waved goodbye, she allowed herself a small tear to roll down her cheek. She then turned towards the door with a renewed determination to rid her family and Meryton of Mr. Cartwright for good.
Later that morning, as Mrs. Bennet and Lizzy sat in the drawing room, Hill entered. "Mr. Cartwright," she announced, as she stepped to the side to allow the man to pass.
Mr. Cartwright bowed as the ladies stood and curtsied. After arising, he looked around the room. "But where is Miss Bennet?" he asked in amazement. Then recollecting himself, he added, "Not that I am not delighted to see such charming ladies this morning! I simply had hoped I might speak with Miss Bennet on a very particular matter this morning."
"Oh, Mr. Cartwright!" said Mrs. Bennet. "It is the strangest thing. My brother Gardiner wrote just yesterday" she said with a slight prevarication "to insist that Jane visit them in London immediately! He has promised outings to the theater and balls every night. Of course, my beautiful Jane is not made for the country. With her looks, she belongs among the Ton this season!"
Mr. Cartwright's eyes flashed in anger, but it was so brief that Mrs. Bennet did not notice. Lizzy did, however, and observed him more closely. As Mrs. Bennet continued to ramble, his fists and jaw clenched tightly, and his eyes grew darker with barely concealed rage. Only someone as self-absorbed as Mrs. Bennet would be oblivious to the former steward's emotions.
Mrs. Bennet paused for breath, and Mr. Cartwright interrupted in a slightly strangled voice, "Well, I am sorry to have missed Miss Bennet. However, it is quite clear that she has a preference for town over the country, and I wish her as much happiness as she deserves." With that statement, he bowed and exited the room.
Huffing at his rudeness, Mrs. Bennet turned to Lizzy. "Well, I daresay good riddance to the man! Imagine, a mere steward thinking himself good enough for my daughter! With her beauty, she may even land a titled husband in London this season! And how rude he was, leaving without proper courtesy! I always knew he was no gentleman. How glad I am to have warned Jane away from him and sent her somewhere safe."
Lizzy absently listened to her mother's ramblings. Her thoughts were miles away with Jane, who was safely headed towards London and away from Mr. Cartwright's clutches.
