Chapter 22
Meryton
December 1st 1811
The hasty and angry departure of Mr. Bingley almost a week prior had everyone in Meryton gossiping about the Bennets - Jane in particular. The closure of his house, after paying marked attention to Jane, made her look jilted. And the gossip of what was wrong with her was never-ending. People said all sorts of things: she had unsuitable relations, her dowry was small, she smiled too much, she was not as beautiful as the women in town. And because of her cousin's dances with Mr. Bingley, there was speculation that he wanted to marry the younger Bennett, but that Mr. Bennet refused because Bingley had paid so much attention to Jane, therefore Bingley left angry and alone.
And after the departure of the Netherfield party, another bit of gossip came to light. Wickham had begun to tell everyone of the misdeeds of Mr. Darcy and the withholding of his living. The consensus of the opinion of Mr. Darcy was surprisingly mixed. Some thought Mr. Darcy had been somewhat haughty at first, then became more and more amiable, especially at the ball, dancing with the eligible ladies in Meryton. Others thought withholding the living of Mr. Wickham sounded like something a haughty, rich man like Mr. Darcy would do.
There were also small murmurs of a woman supposedly that was compromised at the ball, but there was no engagement following the ball, nor was there a threat to duel. So this part of the gossip got largely ignored for the more interesting topics.
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December 2nd 1811
Longbourn
Elizabeth awoke early to start her day. She quickly got dressed and went downstairs to watch dawn break over the crisp blue winter sky. She had been avoiding her sisters and father as much as possible. She would go on long walks, read and retire to bed quite early. Her sisters had been giving her knowing looks. She persisted as if nothing was wrong, though quite frankly - everything was. Mr. Bingley had abandoned her sister because of other people's opinions, Darcy had accused her of being a fortune hunter. Which was laughable considering her dowry was £35,000; she did not need his money.
The worst part was his accusation of her being wayward woman - the dolt did not remember that she could have cried he compromised her when he was hiding in the Netherfield Library alone with her for a half hour! The nerve of that ignoramus, that haughty so-called gentleman, accusing poor Mr. Wickham of of being a rogue. Speaking of which, he was supposed to be at the ball and he never came. What ever happened to him? He had not even bothered to visit and make his excuses. Elizabeth was snapped from her thoughts when Charlotte approached.
"Eliza, I have finally found you."
"Charlotte it's quite early for a walk for you."
"Yes, it is, but the person I was looking for only likes to rise at an ungodly hour, so here I am also."
Elizabeth laughed. "I am quite sorry. What can I do for you?"
"I have come to bear some bad news."
"What is it?"
"The gossip in Meryton about Jane, I fear, will run wild if nothing is done. There are some awful things being said about Jane and Lydia, that could affect not only her, but all of you. The longer you stay away, the worse things will get, and your reputations may never recover," Charlotte stressed.
"Yes, I remember the last time we were the topic of gossip. I do not plan to let that happen again," Elizabeth said, knowing they needed to act sooner rather than later. If they stayed away too long the gossip would manifest and tarnish their reputations. This would not be the first time the Bennet family had been the center of such gossip. The last time the Bennets were the subject of gossip they did nothing - not this time.
Meryton
June 7th, 1806
"Have you heard the news?" Mrs. Long asked Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Wright.
"No, what is happening?" Mrs. Smith replied.
"The Young Mr. Bennet has returned!" Mrs. Long said excitedly.
"Is he still single?" Mrs. Smith asked, pacing. "My cousin is thirty and still unmarried."
"Yes, he is, even though he does not have an heir. I have only seen his daughters," Mrs. Long replied.
"He does have a son! He is a young boy of about 7," Mrs. Wright interjected.
"No, that is his nephew; The Gardiners have a son of 7," Mrs. Long responded, sure of her statement.
"His late wife died in childbirth, along with the child."
"Maybe you are correct, but I swore I saw two boys of about 7 playing near the divide of Longbourn and Netherfield, at Christmas time," Mrs. Wright questioned.
"It probably was the steward's son," Mrs. Smith said, trying to dispel any quarrel.
"Possibly," Mrs. Wright said, unsure, but then, Mr. Bennet's carriage pulled through Meryton, stopping at the bookstore. Mr. Bennet exited first, then Jane, Elizabeth and Mary.
"See? No son," Mrs. Long said . Wright was too busy observing the family and ignored Mrs. Long's comments.
Mr. Gardiner came out of the shop to greet them. The difference between Gardiner and Bennet was glaring, and they noticed it right away. Mr. Gardiner was dressed in simple modern fashion, while Mr. Bennet was wearing fashion that was several years old, and that looked as if it had been repaired several times. The girls were dressed in plain, old-fashioned muslin frocks.
"Why on earth are the Bennets dressed so unfashionably?" asked Mrs. Wright.
"He usually looks a bit plain, but not so out of fashion," Mrs. Smith.
Long then got an idea. "Maybe that is why the are moving back."
They all exchanged looks. "Mr. Bennet did not give a reason for their arrival," Mrs. Smith noted.
"Normally the younger Mr. Bennet comes alone. Why did he bring his daughters here?" Mrs. Wright then, Mr. Skinner came with new news.
"The Younger Mr. Bennet and daughters are moving to Longbourn permanently."
"Why would they do that? As much as Betty Bennet bragged about the size of her stepson's estate, it must be bigger than Longbourn," Mrs. Smith questioned.
"That is not all, Mrs. Hill just informed me that his steward is now in charge of the accounts and the orders for next month are much less extravagant. A bunch of servants from Longbourn were let go by the Younger Mr. Bennet this morning," Mr. Skinner added.
"Let go? Why on earth would they do that to Longbourn? Must be doing well enough if Mrs. Bennet can stay in Brighton with her sister indefinitely," Mrs. Wright questioned.
"Maybe not. The son is trying to cut back on expenses for the estate," Mr. Skinner said.
"Does Mr. Bennet have any debts in town?"
"No, he settles his debts every month with all the merchants," Mr. Skinner replied.
"Maybe he does not have any debts or vices, but how about the Younger Mr. Bennett?" Mrs. Smith asked.
"He enjoys cards, a bit too much, if you ask me," Mrs. Wright said, recalling her husband winning a great deal of money from Mr. Bennet, more than a few times.
"That must be it, he must have wasted away their fortune, gambling, and they probably have nowhere else to go," Mrs. Long concluded.
"To think he would be such a wastrel! He was very amiable," Mrs. Long interjected.
"Yes, but less so after his wife passed away," Mrs. Wright added.
"Maybe that was the cause. Many men go to Bedlam over less."
Mr. Bennet exited the shop and entered the carriage, followed by his daughters and brother. Mr. Wright followed behind them and walked over to the group.
"Those poor girls. Without a dowry, who will support them?"
Wright joined the group to go over what he had heard. "Mr. Gardiner made the strangest offer to let the Bennet girls stay with him and his wife, indefinitely. Mr. Bennet declined. Apparently that was not the first offer, because Mr. Gardiner said, 'Fair enough, I will stop asking, but the offer still stands.' to Mr. Bennet."
"Mr. Gardiner is a very reasonable fellow. He probably was trying to work on getting the eldest two settled before the news of his brother's gambling problem surfaced," Mr. Skinner.
Wright covered his mouth in shock at this revelation.
"They will probably end up on the shelf, if nothing is done soon," Mrs. Smith added.
The story spread all through Meryton. Everyone treated them like pariahs, they were social outcasts; their father did nothing and claimed that it was better for them to keep the residents of Meryton at a Bennet girls kept to themselves, save visits with the Gardiners and Charlotte Lucas. The Lucases came around after Charlotte befriended the girls. Mr. Bennet kept a low profile, even before his youngest sister's elopement. He did not want the same fate for them, so when he got wind of the rumor that the Bennets were broke, he did not fight it. His father had not want anyone to know the real reason they were there; being "broke" gave his family the perfect reason to stay in Meryton without explanation. Once their Aunt Bennett moved back and started spending obscene amounts of money, it was assumed that the debts were paid off and their position in society was restored. More residents interacted with the girls, but the girls kept to themselves mostly. Their father who was rarely in company continued to stay away, therefore hindering their position.
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Meryton
December 3rd, 1811
Today the Bennet girls ventured to town along with Kitty, heeding dear Charlotte's advice, knowing that the longer they stayed away, the worse the gossip would get about Jane and Lydia; they had to do some sort of amending of gossip, so it would not affect all of their girls had a scheme in place, and decided to split up to cover more ground. Jane and Lizzy went into the bookshop and milliners, while Kitty and Mary would go to the haberdashers and butcher.
Mary and Kitty entered the haberdashers and found Mrs. Long there with Mrs. Smith.
Mary nodded at Kitty. Kitty began talking. "What type of slippers are you looking to get, Mary?"
"I'm not sure. I need something nice enough for calling on the Bingleys at Grosvenor St.; I want to look my best," Mary said, perusing the slippers.
The two Matrons' ears perked up at the mention of the last name Bingley.
"I am sad that Lydia and I are NOT out and cannot come with you all," Kitty stated, holding up a pair of shoes for Mary to examine. Mary shook her head no.
"We will miss you both, but I look forward to having a season with my sisters. I am fairly certain that Jane will come back to Longbourn engaged," Mary hinted, still perusing the selection.
"I know how fond Lydia is of Mr. Bingley; she has always wanted a brother, but I think she shall settle for a new cousin," Kitty said, trying to explain her sister's overly-friendly behavior.
Kitty smiled, walking over toward the matrons with Mary following.
Mary and Kitty greeted the Mrs. Long and Mrs. Smith, then began talking for a few moments. The girls then departed, stating they still had other errands to complete.
The girls went to the butcher's to place the order for next month. When it was their turn they approached the counter.
"Mr. Skinner," Mary said to the butcher. "We need to adjust the standing order, for next month."
"What ya be needing?" replied the butcher.
"The order from January to June, needs to be a third of the size as normal and we need simple dishes of mutton and beef," Mary stated loudly.
"If you, Jane, and Lizzy get to go away for the season and attend fancy dinner parties with the Bingleys, you could at least order more than mutton and beef," Kitty argued.
"Fine, add a few dishes of pork and fish," Mary added.
"All right," said Mr. Skinner, watching the girls exchange with glee. They had just given him a juicy tidbit of information.
The girls exited the shop. "I think that went quite well," Mary said once they were safely out of the butchers. She looked around and saw no sight of her sisters.
"Yes, I hope it works," Kitty replied, looking around also.
"I do not think they have finished quite yet," Mary observed. "Would you like to go to the confectioner's? I could really go for something sweet."
"Absolutely," Kitty responded, following her cousin.
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Lizzy and Jane were together heading towards the bookshop, when Jane stopped Lizzy.
"Lizzy, I do not think any of this is necessary." Jane said
"Jane, the gossip will only worsen if you do nothing," Lizzy replied, exasperated.
"Yes, I know, but I cannot lie," Jane stated.
"Jane, we are not lying to anyone. Mr. Bingley left for business, as his sister said, and we will call on them when we get to town and you will either drop the acquaintance or he will finally propose, but until then, nothing has changed between you two," Lizzy said, thinking of how much trouble she got herself in with her last lie.
Lizzy went into the bookshop first and Jane followed shortly. It was empty except for Mr. Wright, the owner, but Lizzy walked right in. She pulled out a list and placed an order for several books, and then began perusing the shelves.
Jane followed her sister and whispered to her, "Why are we here? There's no one here."
Lizzy looked over her shoulder. Mr. Wright was cataloging books on the other side of the room. "Trust me," She said.
Jane perused the books while she waited on Lizzy to execute her plan. Jane found a few books she was interested in, while Lizzy had a pile, and Mr. Wright came to help her carry them.
"Lizzy! Do you need all of those books?" Jane admonished her sister.
Lizzy smiled at Jane. "We are going away for the season, so Papa forced me to get books to distract him from us being away for so long."
Mr. Wright took in the information subtlety, but Lizzy could see the curiosity in his eyes and knew she had accomplished her goal.
"We will send footmen to collect the items tomorrow. Will the editions I ordered make it by the new year?" Lizzy said to Mr. Wright, who nodded in response.
"Good, we depart on the 2nd," Lizzy informed the shopkeeper.
Lizzy and Jane exited the Bookshop and Lizzy began, "Mr. Wright plays cards with Mr. Hodges, he will surely confirm the plans and dates for our trip to Mrs. Hodges. And she will spread it around. Now, let's go to the milliners."
On the way to the milliners, Elizabeth and Jane ran into Lieutenant Wickham.
"Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth. What a surprise," Mr. Wickham greeted.
"Mr. Wickham," Elizabeth and Jane greeted.
"How are you ladies doing on this fine day?" Wickham asked
"We are doing well, but we must be going," Elizabeth said, feeling uncomfortable in the gentleman's presence. She had not seen him since he skipped the ball at Netherfield without an explanation.
"Oh, no need to rush away, I have heard the gossip going around and I know, better than anyone, that Mr. Bingley and Mr. Darcy are the worst sort of scoundrels," Wickham said with fake sympathy. "I would have called Darcy out at the ball, but he had me placed on an errand for Colonel Forrester, so I would not be able to attend."
His words felt insincere to Elizabeth. He should have made a call to Longbourn, to explain his absence, in the days after the ball, not make his excuses in the street a week later. "That is awful. Your company was surely missed," Elizabeth replied to Wickham, politely.
"Yes, I shall be sure that all Meryton will be aware of the sort of man Darcy is," Wickham said with his signature smile.
Denny approached the group and called away Mr. Wickham. Wickham bowed to the ladies upon his departure.
Elizabeth and Jane hurriedly made their way to the milliners to complete their task without being interrupted again.
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Mrs. Hodges, the gossiping innkeeper, was talking to the millner - another gossip - Mrs. Harris, when Jane and Lizzy entered. Lizzy turned to Jane and whispered, "This is our chance."
Jane nodded and began casually perusing the ribbons, moving closer to Mrs. Hodges so she could easily overhear her. Lizzy was across the room looking at bonnets, and brought one over for Jane to appraise.
"I think Mr. Bingley will find this one fetching on you," Lizzy suggested.
Jane blushed from the embarrassment of feeding a story to the scandalmongers, but a stranger would assume the redness of her cheeks was due to her sister teasing her of a suitor.
"Yes, I do think I like that one, and will get it to wear in town for the season," Jane replied
"It is too bad he had to leave for business and cannot fix his return date," Lizzy said, "but at least Miss Bingley is keeping you apprised of everything and invited you to dinner, once we are in town."
Jane glared at Lizzy for the last part of her statement. Lizzy shrugged. Miss Bingley had mentioned Jane needed to experience their cook on Grovsner St, which could count as an invitation.
"I dare say I am glad Miss Bingley dotes on me," Jane said, taking the bonnet to be boxed up by Mrs. Harris. Mrs. Hodges looked giddy with glee by the news she had just overheard. Mrs. Harris was pleased at the news she heard, but schooled her features better.
The Bennet sisters greeted the ladies and chit chat with them for a few moments before departing to meet Kitty and Mary. With any luck, by supper time, the new story of Jane and Mr. Bingley would be circulating.
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London, Grosvenor Square
December 3rd 1811
Darcy was at his aunt and uncle's household to pick up his younger sister finally.
He had arrived in town a week prior, but had taken a week to let himself feel every accusation and word thrown at him by Elizabeth. He found out that Mr. Bennet was indeed Mrs. Bennett's brother. By chance she married a man with the same last name as her maiden name. It only differed in spelling. He had also, looked into her claims that her aunt and uncle owned Netherfield and found out that a Mr. Gardiner owned the property and he was married to a Mrs. Sophia Gardiner, formerly Miss Sophia Bennet. From what he could find, Mr. Gardiner was a tradesman, who was cutting ties with trade. He had sold off his other businesses and was currently selling his business abroad.
It still does not excuse her snooping in the family wing of the house, while the Bingleys were letting it.
Elizabeth was telling him the truth, as it looked from that perspective. He knew the best lies were built in part truths. Wickham had taught him that; He tried to find a connection between the two of them so he could carry out his threat to Wickham in good conscience. There was nothing so far, but he was sure that he would find the connection between them; then he would put this to bed once and for all, for the sake of his sanity.
He snapped out of his thoughts, when he saw his sister. Ever since he took Elizabeth's advice in reassuring his sister that he still loves her even when she makes mistakes, there had been an improvement to her behavior and a certain liveliness' return.
Georgiana had rushed over to her brother, greeting him with excitement.
"Brother, you look unwell, still," Georgiana said, looking at her brother's disheveled appearance. He had dark circles under his heavy eyes.
"I am quite well Georgiana," Darcy said to his younger sister unconvincingly. He had lied to his family and told them he had a cold, when asking them to keep Georgiana a while longer, after he returned to town.
"Whatever you say, brother," Georgiana said, rolling her eyes at his need to be invulnerable in front of her.
"Darcy, you must be famished, you and Georgiana - stay for dinner," Eleanor Fitzwilliam, Countess of Matlock, said in greeting to her nephew. "Tonight, your uncle is dining at his club and your cousin is still away on orders," she added to ensure her nephew would stay, instead of leaving her to eat dinner all alone. She did not want to lose Georgiana as company quite yet; she was a dear girl, who she just adored. Eleanor also wanted to know the reason behind Darcy's discomposed appearance and she wanted to the bottom of it.
"Thank you, Aunt Eleanor, we would be delighted," Darcy replied, following his aunt and sister to dinner.
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AN: Once a woman marries her property becomes her husband's property, so the Netherfield is technically Mr. Gardiner's house. Darcy's research is focused on Wickham and Lizzy and not the Bennets in general, so he still is not aware of Lizzy's consequence.
Alex in the flashback is only seven and still in the nursery. While kids are in the nursery, they don't meet very many adults. They are kept above stairs and stay in lessons most of the day. Children sometimes accompany their parents on errands and meet adults or Guest who are invited to dinner will probably meet the children, but the Bennets have lived and Cheshire all of this time, so Alex is unknown to the people of Meryton. Mr. Bennet let the gossip spread about his family spread to keep fortune hunters away, since Jane will be out soon. Jane is 16 and Elizabeth 15 in the flashback.
PS: I did not mean to go this long without an update. What can I say, but RL happened and I just couldn't prioritize this story. I was able to work on it sporadically, and I still have things to complete, but I am almost finished writing the entire thing. I might have to pace y'all at 1 chapter a month until I finish.
I think I covered everything. Review please!
