Hello again, lovely readers!
I hope you are all safe and well.
Thank you to all of you for bearing with me and my ups and downs. I really appreciate your support and kind messages.
I am also pleased to know that some of you like an awkward Darcy. I was unsure how to portray an awkward Regency Darcy. Hopefully he will improve.
A special THANK YOU to the following readers who left reviews:
Mh, Eleoopy, Colleen S, RHALiz, Lisa, roses0002, mariahfaire, Gedoena, ChrisM0519, liysyl, srhittson, lpinney, Shelby66, psicologia . joise , Jansfamily4
Erm.. I am not sure I want to give any hints as to what this chapter is about so please… read and… enjoy???
Stay safe, everyone!!! ;-)
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Mrs Bennet watched contentedly as Mr Bingley led Jane out to walk in the gardens. She thought that they were so alike in temperament and made a good-looking couple. After Mary got engaged to Mr Collins, she felt like a huge burden had been lifted off her shoulders. She was very much aware that the heir presumptive to Longbourn was not physically appealing and could be rather nonsensical however she also trusted that as a clergyman, he would behave in an honourable manner and treat his future wife with respect. It was fortunate that Mary was not particularly romantic and accepted the man. In hindsight, she now concluded that this match was much more logical than forcing Elizabeth to receive the attentions of a man who was most ill-suited to her.
Her biggest surprise was learning that Mr Darcy was interested in her second eldest daughter. The wealthy gentleman had insulted Elizabeth at the assembly and from what she knew, the pair's conversations almost always led to arguments. Mr Darcy was a handsome and well-connected man who was most certainly viewed as a catch by the ladies in the ton but he nevertheless chose to seek Elizabeth's favour instead. Perhaps he was looking for someone who was knowledgeable in estate management affairs and with whom he could share meaningful discussions. In truth, she herself could not comprehend how Elizabeth's mind worked. She knew her daughter was very clever and strong-willed but she had always viewed these qualities as impediments to securing a potential husband. But now that an eligible gentleman wanted to offer for her intelligent daughter, she would do her best to promote the match.
Unexpectedly, Mr Darcy had shown a more solicitous nature these past few days. Without any hesitation, he had gone after Elizabeth when she escaped the chaotic events at Longbourn and he had returned with her safely. He had offered to obtain the services of his doctor in London when he learnt that Elizabeth was unwell. It also warmed her heart that the solemn man had revealed a softer side when he brought wildflowers and a book for her daughter. Surely Mr Darcy would not do such things if he did not care for Elizabeth. She reckoned that his wealth and station would guarantee that he could take his pick from the young ladies of his circle yet here he was, attempting to pursue her impertinent daughter who had already discouraged his suit. Knowing Elizabeth's propensity to react negatively when she was not given a choice, she knew she must be careful not to appear overbearing. She wondered whether she might do better with finding ways to help Mr Darcy gain Elizabeth's good opinion. But right now, she had an immediate matter to attend to -- dinner tonight with three eligible men. She had always been known to set a good table and she would not let her daughters down.
"Mama, I want to go out." Lydia intercepted her before she went off to find Mrs Hill and cook.
"By all means, Lydia. Join Jane and Lizzy with the gentlemen in the gardens. It is a pleasant day for a walk."
"Oh, but I do not wish to get in their way, you know. Mr Bingley and Mr Darcy would want some time with Jane and Lizzy."
"The colonel is there too. Why don't you talk to him?"
"I would rather not. He looks intimidating."
"I find him quite charming actually--"
"Mama, can I just go to Meryton? There is nothing else to do here."
Kitty heard Lydia's pleas to their mother and thought she deserved an opportunity to go to Meryton as well. Lydia had been allowed out the past two days while she had to stay in the house.
"Mama, how about me? I have not had a chance to go out the past two days. I had to stay to help out with Lizzy when she was ill."
"Oh, very well. Both of you can go to Meryton but do not take too long. I will be busy with dinner preparations as we have three guests joining us."
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Lydia was quite vexed that Kitty wanted to tag along. She wanted to meet Mr Wickham without any distractions. Being aware that the walking party had only just gone out of the house, she quickly headed upstairs to go to Lizzy's room. She was about to open the door when Kitty appeared some steps behind her.
"Lydia, what are you doing? Let us go."
"I was just checking if… Betsy had shut all the windows in Lizzy's room. We do not want her room getting too cold. She has only just recovered."
"I see. I will wait for you here then we can go out together."
Lydia sighed and felt frustrated that Kitty was hovering around her. Her sister liked to follow her and imitate what she did. She went inside the room and carefully opened one of the drawers, trying not to make any noise so Kitty would not suspect anything.
"Are you done, Lydia?"
Lydia panicked, thinking that if she delayed, Kitty would soon enter the room and she would be found out. She could not see what Mr Wickham wanted her to get for him so she just took some coins instead. Closing the drawer gently, she wondered where the letter was, trying to remember if it was in the next one below. She was positive that she discovered it in the top drawer yesterday but maybe she was mistaken. Just when she was about to open another drawer, Kitty called out again.
"Come on, Lydia. Betsy can do that later."
Lydia gave up her search and decided she would just explain to Mr Wickham that she would find the letter at another time.
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Lydia and Kitty arrived at Meryton to find that, as was usually the case, redcoats were milling around and mingling with some villagers. Lydia was keen to talk to Mr Wickham and she also needed to distract Kitty.
"Look, Kitty! There's Mr Denny. He appears to be looking our way."
"He is quite handsome, isn't he, Lydia?"
"That he is. Why don't you go and talk to him first?"
Kitty did not require any more encouragement to approach Mr Denny while Lydia kept an eye out for Mr Wickham.
"How are you, Miss Lydia?"
Lydia turned to face the person she most wanted to see.
"Mr Wickham! I am so glad to see you again. I am well as you can see," Lydia replied with a low curtsey and a huge smile.
"And beautiful, as always. I was becoming slightly worried that you would forget about what we spoke of last."
"No, I have not forgotten. However… I was in a rush to get here so I am sorry I did not have a chance to find the letter yet. But I have some money for you."
Mr Wickham discreetly pocketed the coins and did not even thank Lydia.
"Oh? And why would you be in a rush? I hope everything is well at Longbourn."
"Yes, all well. But we have gentlemen callers today and I wanted to leave the house before they came back from walking with my sisters."
"It sounds like you were trying to escape."
"Mama knows I have gone out with Kitty. But Lizzy… well, we had sort of an argument last night… and she might not want me to come here and…"
"Miss Elizabeth? Is she recovered now?"
"Yes, she is much better. In fact, she and Jane are out walking in the gardens with the three gentlemen callers."
"Three? Mr Bingley is courting Miss Bennet. And who are the other two? The Bennet daughters surely do not suffer from a lack of suitors."
"Mr Darcy returned from London just this afternoon. And his cousin is with him too."
Hearing this information caused Mr Wickham to pause nervously. He had an eerie suspicion that this cousin of Mr Darcy was Colonel Fitzwilliam.
"W-which cousin?"
"Colonel Fitzwilliam. He has a commanding presence, for sure."
"And did they intimate as to the reason why he is here with Mr Darcy?"
"Not specifically, no. I assume he is merely visiting and making use of his time leisurely before he is called for service again."
Mr Wickham did not agree with Lydia's thoughts. He was sure the colonel would not simply abandon town and all its sights and entertainment in exchange for a trip to a sleepy town in Hertfordshire. The colonel was not a particular friend of Mr Bingley either so Mr Wickham could not find any other plausible explanation as to why he was here with Mr Darcy.
Except for one.
Him.
Did Mr Darcy go to London to collect the colonel?
And if so, did they intend to deal with him?
He tried to recall his last encounter with Mr Darcy. That was when Mr Darcy found him with Miss Elizabeth. He had taunted him about Georgiana before he returned to Longbourn with Miss Elizabeth.
Perhaps that was a bad move.
"Mr Wickham? Is anything the matter?"
He looked at Lydia's concerned face. He needed a quick plan. Time was of the essence. He could not risk facing the colonel now.
"Miss Lydia, would you like to get married?"
Lydia could not believe what she just heard. She was about to squeal when Mr Wickham hastily stopped her.
"Hush, my darling. I would like to keep this a secret. It will be a surprise. Just imagine, you will be the first one in your family to marry if we elope to Gretna Green."
Lydia could barely contain her excitement and had to put her hands over her mouth to keep her from screaming with delight. It all sounded so romantic.
"Now, we need some money for transport. Is there more money where this can from?" He asked while inserting his hand in his pocket.
Lydia nodded eagerly.
"Listen carefully, Miss Lydia. An hour before dawn breaks, I will come to you. Make sure you are ready. You must take all the money you can find as well as anything else small but of value, Jewellery perhaps. And most importantly, that letter."
"Yes, I can do that."
"Do not pack anything. You do not want to arouse suspicion. We can buy anything you need along the way."
"Yes. Of course, Mr Wickham."
"Remember, this is our secret. Tell no one. You will be the first Bennet daughter to marry and the youngest one at that. It will be such a wonderful surprise."
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To those who are fed up with Lydia's behaviour, I am sorry.
But I promise, what happens after is VERY different to canon.
I have some plans for Wicked Wicky and Ludicrous Lydia.
Time for me to hide.
Till next chapter...