Chapter 5
Longbourn
January 1795
Today was her big day, Sophia Bennet thought as she stood in front of the mirror admiring her wedding gown. It was a beautiful, white gown, with embroidery along the bottom and in the middle, that Madam Devy had originally started to design for her presentation at court, but Sophia decided to have her make it into a wedding gown instead. She doubted that, after her marriage, she would be curtseying to the queen.
Edward had proposed to her the day before she was to set off to Longbourn to join her family for Christmas. He took her on a walk to one of her favorite spots, a clearing with wildflowers, but the wildflowers had died off and in their place were dozens of hot-house flowers that Edward had set up. When she turned around to ask him why they were there, he was down on one knee.
"Sophia, I love you. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Sophia smiled. "Yes, of course."
And then, they kissed. It was not the chaste one that he had snuck while Marie was not looking on one of their walks. It was very passionate and it made Sophia feel things she wasn't quite used to. She told Lucy of it and she said not to worry, that it was completely normal. Her thoughts were soon interrupted by Fanny's shrill voice whining from downstairs. She recognized the other voice as Lucy's. They were arguing.
"Let me past! I want to see her and help MY SISTER get ready," Fanny whined.
"Well, OUR SISTER asked not to be interrupted, as she wanted a few moments by herself," retorted Lucy.
"Well, MY SISTER needs me to have the talk about her wedding night. As her closest female relation it is my duty." Fanny yelled loud enough so all the guest could hear.
"Fanny, keep your voice down! Not everyone who is a guest needs to know what you will discuss. Talking about that is not welcomed in mixed company," Lucy said in hushed tones.
Sophia was beyond mortified and decided she needed to step in and separate her sisters. "Enough! Come upstairs now, Fanny!"
Fanny smiled in triumph and started to walk past Lucy.
Then Sophia said, "You too Lucy."
Lucy glared at Fanny and walked by her.
All the ladies filed into Sophia's room. Sophia could see the tension between Lucy and Fanny and she didn't know what to do. They had been at odds since they had met. Lucy's and her father, Oliver, had been on their way to London when they stopped by Longbourn for a sen 'night to visit Oliver's good friend from Oxford, Henry, his wife Betty, and two daughters Sophia and Fanny. Lucy was thirteen, but her dad felt that she had been too sheltered away without the company of other young ladies. When they had arrived at Longbourn, Henry had doted on Lucy because she reminded him of his first wife, Claire. Claire had dark hair and blue eyes just like Lucy. Lucy was also well-read and drew Sophia out of her quiet demeanor. They became fast friends, but Fanny was jealous of Lucy, the attention Lucy got, and that she was mostly in the nursery because she was only seven. Whenever Lucy was around, Fanny was largely ignored, until she did something highly improper. Henry thought she would grow out of her ways, but as she got older they only worsened.
"Sophia, do not be afraid tonight when your husband comes to you. I know you probably were misinformed that marital duties are a chore," Fanny said, shooting a look at Lucy, "But this simply not true! They can be very enjoyable."
Sophia gave Lucy a pleading look to hold her tongue for her big day. Lucy understood and nodded.
"Oh really," Sophia replied. "That is good to know."
"You must become with child quickly, like I did, for men need heirs," Fanny said, rubbing her pregnant belly.
Lucy snorted at her remark, and Fanny glared in her direction. Fanny turned her attention back to Sophia.
"Be sure you sire him a son; it is your wifely duty," Fanny said, shooting Lucy another look.
The ladies were then interrupted by Robert knocking on the door, telling the girls it was time to go to the church. Sophia asked Lucy for a moment, leaving Fanny no choice but to leave with Robert. Sophia turned to Lucy and apologized on behalf of Fanny.
"I am sorry for Fanny, Lucy. She does not know when to stop."
"Tis' quite all right, I know she has never taking a liken to me. Now, dear girl, put that out of your mind, we have a wedding to attend."
The wedding of Sophia Bennet to Edward Gardiner was a small affair. Edward looked smitten at his bride when she walked down the aisle. The bride looked very much in love when she saw her husband at the end of the aisle. They exchanged their vows and Edward lightly kissed his bride to make sure that they did not get carried away in front of their family. After they had signed the registry, there was a large group of people outside waiting to see off the new Mrs. Gardiner, who politely spoke to the many that had gathered for about a half hour, and then they rode off to Longbourn in their carriage.
William and Catherine Lucas called on Longbourn at the wedding breakfast to congratulate the couple. In attendance were the Woodhams, the Bennets, and the Harringtons. Lucy, Robert and Henry did their best to keep Fanny and Betty from making a spectacle, and aside from a few improper comments, breakfast was a pleasant affair, but the only thing missing to Sophia was the presence of her mother. While everyone retired to the drawing room for tea, Sophia snuck away to her room to read the letter from her Aunt Elizabeth again.
Dear Sophia,
I hope this letter finds you well. Your uncle and I regret that we cannot be in attendance for your wedding. Your uncle has important business in town that cannot be delayed, and I must tend to him, for you know how much I would have loved to be with you on your big day. I hope you and Edward will come visit us in Derby after the season. I would love to have your company, and your Uncle is desperate for someone who can actually hunt, and is in need of Edward. Emily asked me to add a few lines in to let you know how much she misses you and wants you to come to Derbyshire with your husband. Please let us know if you stop in town, for we would love to have dinner with you.
Love,
Aunt Elizabeth
Edward noticed his wife's absence and went to the upstairs, hoping to find his wife. He saw her in her room reading a letter. She looked up, startled. "Oh, forgive me dearest, I did not intend to give you a fright. Is something wrong?"
"No. Well, yes, I miss my mother, and my aunt wrote me a letter inviting us to Melbourne in Derbyshire. I've never spent much time with my mother's family, aside from my grandparents who lived in Hertfordshire, and I am wondering if you would want to go?
"Yes, of course, just let me know when. Is that all?"
"Yes, dear husband."
"Good because I am ready to make way to town for our honeymoon, and then back to Ashley House."
"What of Netherfield? It is now ours."
"I know Netherfield was a part of your dowry, but I am not used to managing an estate and would like to manage Ashley House well before I undertake the much larger Netherfield."
"Should we keep letting it until we take it as a residence?" his wife asked.
"Yes. Anything else?"
"No."
"Are you sure?"
"Quite. Are you ready to say our goodbyes to the guests?"
"Let us take our leave."
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April 1795
Pulvis Lodge
Dear Sister,
I am a mother at last! It is a girl, but the next time I am sure I will have a boy and give Peter a son. We have named her Katherine, after his mother, but we will call her Kitty for short. Pulvis Lodge feels much smaller with our newest addition, but Peter says we will inherit some money from a distant relative or maybe even be left an estate. So we shall be moving into a bigger house soon, and we can have maids and a housekeeper, and I can go back to living the life I am accustomed to. Once we are settled I hope you will visit.
Yours,
Fanny Woodham
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February 1796
Longbourn
Dear Sister,
I need your assistance. After we were rudely and wrongfully removed from Pulvis Lodge, father only took me and Kitty in. He refuses to let my dear Peter stay with us. Please tell father he is making a mistake; Peter paid Mr. Stevens, the steward, the rent every month on time. He has stolen the money and not given it to his master, Mr. Brooks. Oh, dear sister, please send a carriage so we can stay with you, and some money. Kitty needs new dresses, she outgrows everything so quickly.
Yours,
Fanny Woodham
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February 1796
Ashley House
Sister,I have received you letter but I cannot accommodate you currently at Ashley House. I am in my confinement, and Edward's family, as well as my aunt and uncle and their six children, are here. I am sure papa has his reasons on not letting Peter stay there. I have enclosed some clothing for Kitty that I believe shall fit.
All the best,
Sophia Gardiner
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March 1796
Ashley House
The Times
Birth Announcements
Edward and Sophia Gardiner of Cheshire
are pleased to announce the birth of their daughter
Lucinda Claire Gardiner
On March 3rd 1796
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April 1796
Longbourn
The Times
Death Announcements
Peter Woodham of Stafforshire has died in a hunting accident.
He leaves behind a wife and daughter.
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May 1796
Longbourn
Sister,
I have not had a lot of time for correspondence, but I am sure you have heard I am a mother once more, but to another girl. She was born in June and her name is Lydia. She is such a lively baby, but mama has helped me out so much. I daresay she may steal Jane's title as most handsome in our family.
Yours,
Fanny
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March 1797
Longbourn
Dear sister,
There is a new man in town, and even though I am still in mourning, he has paid me marked attention. His name Walter Bennett, he has a small estate of about 2000/year in Dorset, and is above 50. I am writing to inform you of our likely upcoming engagement. Father will be soon in his grave and Robert may have taken me in, but his wife will not allow it and will cast me out on the streets! Peter was no good and spent my entire dowry! I will not chance me and my daughters ending up in the hedgerows!
Yours,
Fanny Woodham (for the last time! Good Riddance!)
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May 1797
Longbourn
The Times
Wedding Announcement
Frances Woodham of Hertfordshire
married
Walter Bennett of Dorset
On May 18th 1797
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January 1799
Ashley House
The Times
Birth Announcement
Edward and Sophia Gardiner of Cheshire
Are pleased to announce the birth of their son
Adam Mark Gardiner
January 10th 1799
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Dear Sister,
Please come to Lyme Park at your earliest convenience. Lucy will be going into confinement soon, and I know she dearly wants you here with her. Bring Edward and children, as I am sure my children and I can use the distraction.
Yours,
Robert Bennet
AN: Over 100 followers. Does a happy dance! Thanks loyal followers. Be sure to review and let me know what you think of the letter/announcements forum I may use it again. And for the record Fanny married a Bennett with two T's and our lovely Bennets have only one T. It may get a little confusing soon but bear with me. Updated Family Tree coming soon.
-T
