Thank you very much to all who have shown support for this new author (of two months).
Special thanks to the following readers who left reviews:
Colleen S, Leslie E, pemsnowy, Levenez, SarahEC, Deanna27, PDS1, Lisa, srhittson, MelodieMLB and several Guest readers
Thank you for your concern. I am feeling a lot better now. I felt so ill I was sent home from work the day after my jab. I felt hot and cold, achy all over and shaky inside, plus the constant headaches.
There were two guest reviews pointing out a couple of "modern" words. And another about the use of contractions. I never claimed to write like JA or imitate her style. I freely admit I am not as good compared to other authors, but I write to entertain myself and hopefully some readers too. I try to come up with original scenarios and not copy other writers' ideas or repeat overused plots. JA did use contractions, though not many. Other writers in her era used them more often. I even read a few comments saying that it may be due to publishers' preferences. Thank you for your feedback and I will continue to learn. Just my thought – if all the feedback a pupil hears from his/her teacher is what he/she has done wrong, the pupil will most likely not know that he/she has done anything right at all.
Despite all the flaws in my writing, some of you continue to read my work and I cannot thank you enough. I seem to attract quite a number of critics. For the kind readers who have left encouraging words, thank YOU!
I am a bit annoyed at myself because I really want to complete this story soon but it seems that everytime I write a new chapter, the planned number of total chapters goes up.
Stay safe, everyone.
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Back at Netherfield, Mr Bingley invited his friend into his study. He was clearly elated about his newly-formed courtship with Miss Bennet. Mr Darcy listened patiently to all his effusions about his angel. When his friend finally exhausted all his praises about Miss Bennet, he expressed his sincere wishes for his success at winning his beloved's hand. Although he was genuinely happy for his friend, he was admittedly a little bit jealous of Mr Bingley's current state of bliss. He knew he still had a long way to go before he could gain Miss Elizabeth's affection, especially now that she was indisposed.
Mr Darcy informed Mr Bingley that he was departing for London the next morning.
"Oh? Another change in your plan? I thought you were determined to pursue Miss Elizabeth."
"I am. I intend to be back the next day. An urgent matter has arisen and it needs immediate attention."
"It sounds quite serious. Is there anything I can do to help?"
Mr Darcy paused to think. He decided it might actually be a good idea to enlist his friend's assistance. He was only going to be away for a short time but he can never trust Mr Wickham, even more so after he saw him with Miss Elizabeth. At the least, he could ask Mr Bingley to keep an eye on the situation at Longbourn and ensure the Bennet ladies remain safe.
"Yes, I believe you can help. I would indeed feel more reassured if you are able to do something for me in my absence."
"Of course, Darce. What is it that you want me to do?"
"There is a man serving in the militia known as Mr Wickham. Their regiment is currently stationed here at Meryton. He is popular with young ladies but he is not one to be trusted."
Mr Darcy looked Mr Bingley straight in the eye after declaring this to drive his point across. Mr Bingley leaned forward and waited to hear more.
"I am afraid he is also a favourite with the ladies in the Bennet household."
"In that case, we need to prevent him from causing any trouble!"
"That is why I am leaving for London. Wickham was my father's godson. I had bought up the debts he accumulated over many years and I think it is high time that he is held accountable for his irresponsible actions. I have brought up this matter with Mr Bennet and when I return with the evidence of Wickham's debts, we could then report him to his superiors."
"Excellent. That is a good plan."
"While I am away, as I imagine you would be spending a lot of time at Longbourn, could you keep an eye on the Bennet family, most especially the daughters? I may be wrong but I do not see Mr and Mrs Bennet restricting the movements of the younger ones. If you could be vigilant and be aware of their whereabouts, that would help. If at all possible, make sure they are not wandering off by themselves. After all, they might soon be your family too."
"Yes, if I am fortunate to win Miss Bennet's hand. But I agree with you, we must do something to protect them."
"I intend to stop by Matlock House to see if my cousin, Colonel Fitzwilliam, is able to help. He might be persuaded to join me on my return."
"I see. He is welcome to stay here at Netherfield. I will ask Louisa to ensure a room is prepared for his accommodation."
"I am also going to write to Georgiana to join me here once Wickham has been dealt with. I wish to introduce her to Miss Elizabeth."
"Are you not getting ahead of yourself, Darce? You have not even spoken to Miss Elizabeth about courting her."
"Georgiana will definitely benefit from having female friends who are close to her age. And if luck is on my side, mayhap she will gain a sister."
"Five. Five sisters she will gain. Is she ready for that? You might as well invite your whole family here. No, perhaps not. Maybe not Lady Catherine."
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After the gentlemen callers left Longbourn, the Bennet household was suddenly more quiet than usual. Elizabeth was still feverish and confined to her room. Jane was resting upstairs after spending many hours tending to her sister. Mary was currently the one looking after Elizabeth. Mr Bennet was holed in his study. Mr Collins complained of fatigue after exerting himself during yesterday's chase and kept mostly to his room. That left Lydia and Kitty with their mother in the parlour.
Mrs Bennet was planning their menu for the coming week. She knew that she had two daughters with eligible suitors and wanted to do her best to move the matches along. She took pride in setting a good table but these two gentlemen were used to finer dining and would have more refined tastes. Mr Darcy surely had the luxury of having the finest kitchen staff to serve multiple courses of delectable dishes.
Kitty could not decide what she would spend her time on. She first attempted to do some drawing but it did not turn out to her liking and so she stopped that activity. She then picked up a book that she saw Lizzy reading the other day but soon found that it was beyond her comprehension. Eventually, she resumed some needlework that she had neglected for some days and tried to figure out how to continue.
"La! There is nothing to do here," Lydia exclaimed.
Mrs Bennet was occupied with her menu planning and did not want to be disturbed. She blankly said,
"Go find a book to read, or practise playing the pianoforte, or help Kitty with her needlework."
"That is so droll! I have no interest in books or needlework. The music sheets that Mary uses are for pieces that are very sombre. What am I to do?"
Sighing, Mrs Bennet suggested,
"Why don't you go out for a walk?"
Lydia was not too keen on going out at first but then she had nothing else to do. After a while, she started to see the merits of taking a walk. Doing so meant she could meet some redcoats without competition from her sisters and she could hear the latest gossip from her neighbours.
"I will go with you, Lydia," Kitty said.
"No, not today, Kitty. You need to relieve Mary from tending to Lizzy," Mrs Bennet replied.
"Why can't Lydia do it too?"
"She can take her turn later or tomorrow."
Kitty grumbled but knew she would not be allowed to go out today. Lydia smirked and decided she better go out quickly while she had the chance.
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Lydia made haste and headed towards Meryton which was but one mile away from Longbourn. Not long after, she saw other villagers out and about and she occasionally stopped to greet them. She then saw redcoats from a distance and tried to discern their identities. She favoured Mr Wickham most of all as she considered him the handsomest and most charming. As soon as she spotted him, she directed what she thought was her most alluring smile at him. Perhaps this was her chance to secure his interest. Mary was now betrothed and both Jane and Lizzy had wealthy suitors. She did not want to get outdone as she always thought she was the most beautiful and liveliest daughter.
"Miss Bennet," Mr Wickham greeted her.
"Mr Wickham, how good it is to see you!"
"It is indeed lovely to see you today. Are you with anyone?"
"No, I walked by myself today. Lizzy is down with fever and everyone is fussing over her at home."
"I am sorry to hear that your sister is unwell. I saw her yesterday and she appeared to be in good health."
"Well, a lot of things happened yesterday and they must have taken their toll on her. It was quite manic at Longbourn… but I ought not to tell you lest gossip spreads."
"Are you implying that you do not trust me? That you think me capable of spreading rumours?"
"Oh no, that is not what I meant. But you know, people might hear."
"Well, no one Is within hearing distance now so you should not worry about being overheard. I do hope your sister recovers soon."
Now that Lydia had the object of her infatuation's undivided attention, she decided to make the most of the situation and ingratiate herself to him by supplying him with more information. She felt that if she shared her knowledge, it would be like they had some personal secret between them. Lowering her voice, she continued,
"I think she will. Mr Darcy will see to that. He even offered to get his doctor from London when he called today. I think that is why he is leaving tomorrow."
"I was not aware they had an understanding."
"They do not. But would you believe that Mr Darcy said he wanted to offer for her? It was all very shocking. First, Mr Collins proposed to Lizzy then Mr Darcy interrupted. Lizzy refused to accept Mr Collins but she also did not allow Mr Darcy a chance to make her an offer."
"That is news indeed. Your sister has two suitors. Within one day."
"Mr Collins is now engaged to Mary so I suppose Mr Darcy will just have to wait until Lizzy recovers for him to court her. Mr Bingley is now courting Jane as well."
"There seems to be so much happening in your household, Miss Bennet. You must be very happy for your sisters to receive the attention of such eligible men."
"I am. Mama is the happiest, I think. You know how mothers are. They wish for their daughters to marry well. But… to be honest… I cannot help but feel a little bit left out… oh, I do not know how to explain it."
"Miss Bennet, I am certain that someone as beautiful as you will soon catch the eye of someone worthy of your affections."
"Do you really think so? And you think I am beautiful?"
"You are very attractive, Miss Bennet. If only…"
"If only what?"
"You know that we in the militia do not have the means to provide for a family generously."
"I get forty pounds in pin money every year. If I save most of it, that should help, right?"
Mr Wickham laughed,
"Miss Bennet, you are far too young to understand the ways of the world. That amount may be sufficient in your eyes but it is nowhere near enough to support a family comfortably."
"I am not too young! I am a grown woman!"
"Miss Bennet, I apologise if I offended you. I am only trying to say that you deserve someone who can give you what you want."
"Well, I want to have the most handsome and charming husband. If my sisters marry well, I should not have to worry about money because I can always ask them to help."
"Hmm. You may be correct. But your sisters are not yet married. I guess all you need now is to find a dashing husband. And set aside some money to start your married life if your chosen man has limited access to funds."
Mr Wickham made a gallant bow and bade her goodbye.
"I hope to see you again soon, Mr Wickham."
"Perhaps tomorrow, Miss Bennet. I thank you for your company. It is just what a weary man needs after a day's rigorous training."
With a happy heart, Lydia started to make her way back to Longbourn. After a few yards, she turned around and saw that Mr Wickham was watching her. She smiled and waved, feeling giddy and very pleased with the attention. She may not have been the first daughter to get engaged, but she would be the first and perhaps the only one to marry such a fine-looking and charismatic redcoat. Her sisters' future husbands seemed to be so dull in comparison.
Mr Wickham winked at her and smugly noticed her blush.
I think that went rather well. Maybe even better than expected. That chit just spills everything without me needing to prompt her. So my hunch is right. Darcy is in love with Miss Elizabeth. Unfortunately, she is unwell so I have no way to reach her. I hope she rejects Darcy after all the lies I fed her. That would be the sweetest revenge. And anything that Miss Lydia freely offers me will always be welcome. I am not a fool as to refuse what is liberally given. I have no wish to marry her but as long as she thinks I am interested in her, she will be most willing to supply me with information. And perhaps more. Darcy will be away in London so no one is here to stop me.
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Yes, I know I mentioned before that I did not plan for the Colonel to feature in this story, but it is likely that he will appear for a cameo/minor role. I change my plans too. ;-)