Sorry! I meant to have this chapter out a week ago and my computer was giving me fits. I had to wait for my husband to be able to look at it for me. I want to address a couple of things, but if you want, feel free to hop down to the non bold text to begin the actual chapter.
First, I think I have addressed this before, but I will gladly do it again. Elizabeth is one of my all-time favorite characters in literature. She is real because she has flaws that she later admits to, and works to improve on. Elizabeth is nearly everything she accuses Darcy of being. My story takes place at a time before Elizabeth has been forced to take a good look at herself. The Bennets are a family and the sisters will have common traits. Lydia is like Lizzy when it comes to confidence, and a desire to have fun, though she is less controlled than Lizzy is, and isn't as mature, obviously. Also, I have seen a lot of Mr. Bennet and Lizzy in Mary, and some of Jane's poise, though, once more, she isn't as proficient as Jane. Kitty is a mix of Jane and Lizzy; she has a zest for life, but she is the most delicate of the sisters, and I believe that makes her a bit softer, like Jane. I'm not trying to make Lizzy out to be another Lydia. I hope I explained that well.
Second, there is a guest viewer who seems to think I am someone else and has let me know in the comments of at least two of my stories. Allow me to clear this up: I have never posted on this site under any account or name other than readergirl4985. I have thought about doing up my profile, but I never have, therefore, I have never deleted any information. Sorry if you thought you caught someone, but you didn't. I do have a profile on AO3 that I haven't done anything with in years. I think I only have like two or three of my first stories posted there.
That is all. Enjoy the chapter.
It was the day before Christmas and all the ladies were helping to put together boxes for Longbourn's tenants. She had already assisted with the ones for Dalton's tenants before they left, and now she was a bit regretful that she will not be there to help deliver them, though she knew Grandmother and the Croft's would do an admirable job themselves. Her mother had already begged off, claiming a headache, and Lydia followed not long after. Oliver had gone for a ride, making her laugh when he joked about staying out of the fields and going for assistance should he come across a lady in distress. When their uncle came to claim their aunt for a walk, things in the room shifted.
"I am surprised Mr. Andrews has allowed you out of his sight for so long," started Lizzy. "I keep expecting him to storm the room and stare over your shoulder."
"Lizzy!" hissed Jane.
"He is protective," Kitty defended her husband. "Before we left, our close friends, the Bates, dined with us. They have been married only two years and Mrs. Bates was telling me about her first trip to her family home. They kept forgetting that she was no longer simply their daughter and sister. It made the entire trip awkward. Her story caused me to become a bit anxious and Mr. Andrews is determined to make sure I do not suffer the same as dear Mrs. Bates."
"You are so different from before," said Jane, not wanting to give Lizzy another chance to say something. "Your manners are very changed."
"Yes, well, Grandmother and Mrs. Smith have spent a great deal of time helping to fill in where my education was lacking. I spend most of my mornings with Mrs. Croft, our housekeeper, learning how to run the house. I am doing quite well, actually, though I am glad to be able to have a holiday away. I was actually just thinking that I am a little sad that I won't be there to hand out the baskets to our own tenants."
"What do you do all day?" this was asked by Mary.
"I get up and dress, I spend an hour with Mrs. Croft, then we have breakfast. After breakfast, we receive calls or make them, not unlike here. Mrs. Bates usually joins us, they are our closest neighbors and our husbands have been close for most of their lives. Mr. Bates often rides with Mr. Andrews. After that, I usually take a walk in the gardens, or I go to the library to practice my painting, drawing, or I read. Mr. Andrews comes for me and we ready for dinner. Even when we have no guests or plans, we dress for dinner. We retire to the salon after and I do much the same as I did before."
"And you do this every day?" asked Lizzy.
"Yes," she laughed. "Is it so different from Longbourn?"
"You're happy?"
"Yes," she said slowly.
"Is Mr. Andrews kind to you?" asked Jane hesitantly.
"Oh, yes, he is very kind. Very patient as well. He does not usually push me, though he will if he feels I, or anyone really, is keeping information from him that he feels he needs. But he is very kind. He is different than I expected a husband to be."
Jane and Mary smiled at her, while Lizzy seemed contemplative. They finished the boxes and called for them to be taken away. They were then brought tea. Lizzy kept her eyes on her sister.
"Has Mr. Andrews had any word from his friends?" Lizzy asked, causing Jane to look scandalized. Kitty put her cup down.
"Yes. They have corresponded a little since they left Netherfield. In fact, Mr. Andrews received a letter from Mr. Bingley the day I received Mama's letter about their departure and Charlotte's engagement."
"Did he say why they left?"
"He had legitimate business in Town and, when his sisters followed him, they begged him to spend the winter there. He finally relented."
"And Mr. Darcy?"
"He is spending the holiday with his own family. His uncle is an Earl and they often spend the winter in Town. I believe his entire maternal family is spending the holiday together."
"How nice. Will his sister be spending the Season in Town?"
"I don't believe so."
"Why ever not? Does she already have a beau?"
"Heavens, no! She is only fifteen! Lydia might be able to get away with that by being out here, but it would not be acceptable in Town! Mr. Andrews says she is painfully shy and not ready for Society in any case. He told me the Mr. Darcy says she may be worse now, though he did not tell him why."
"Fifteen?" asked Jane.
"Yes, though I believe her birthday is coming up soon. Mr. Andrews is an only child, but his time spent at Pemberley has caused him to view Miss Darcy as a little sister."
Kitty saw Lizzy give Jane a meaningful look. She had a vague idea of what it was about, but she had no more time to contemplate it as Oliver entered the room.
"Was your ride uneventful?" she asked him.
"Very much so. The weather is quite pleasant today and you have all been inside the entire day. Shall we take a turn about the lawn?"
Mary begged off, wanting to practice a new piece Kitty had given her that morning, but Jane and Lizzy quickly agreed. Knowing what he intended, Kitty led him to an enclosed area perfect for a private conversation. She sat when then reached their destination.
"I recall that you did not approve of my actions last evening," Oliver started, directing his words at Lizzy.
"No, I do not. I do not see why you feel the need to continue to torment a man who has lost everything."
He laughed. "Miss Elizabeth, George Wickham has not lost anything that was not done justly. I have known him since childhood; he is where he is by his own actions. It is a miracle he is not in more dire straits. Allow me to tell you my history with Mr. Wickham, and a few more details I have learned since parting ways with him."
He then began to tell her all that he had told Kitty the night before. Lizzy sat and listened stubbornly, though her younger sister noticed she was a bit paler. Jane was clearly aghast at what she was hearing. As sweet natured as she was, she had always had trouble hearing or believing bad things about others.
"I am sorry to be so frank," he finished, "but I need you to understand why I told him to stay away from your family, and why you must stay away from him, as well."
"I am still not sure why you see this as your business," Lizzy stated a bit more sedately than usual.
"I am married to your sister, which makes you my sister; your wellbeing is my business, as what affects you will affect me. And I would not see another young woman ruined by him if I can help it."
"Mr. Wickham claims that Mr. Darcy has denied him a living promised to him in the will of 'Old' Mr. Darcy."
"That is a half-truth, a tactic he often uses. He was promised a living, but refused it and requested, in its stead, the sum of three thousand pounds. He was granted it. I know this because my father, along with Darcy's uncle, the Earl, assisted Darcy in many things after his father passed, about five years ago now. We were both present the day Wickham came to call. He was not unhappy when he left Pemberley afterwards."
"I thank you for sharing your story, Mr. Andrews, but I fear I must now take my leave." She got up and moved further in. Jane glanced at the two of them before following after Lizzy.
Oliver extended his arm to her and they turned back to the house. "Since our arrival, I have noticed that your eldest sister seems upset over something. There is a sadness in her eyes that was not there before."
"I believe she misses Mr. Bingley. She did truly like him, and she thought he liked her in return. She does not always show her feelings well; she is the most controlled of us all."
"I have noticed this. She is not wrong; Bingley does like her, enormously, but it will not do her any good to tell her so now."
"Then why does he stay away?"
"That I cannot tell you. Shall I escort to our rooms? I must meet with your father."
"Am I to learn what this business is? And no, I can see myself upstairs. I wish to rest before dinner, or at least read."
"I will explain once I have talked with your father," he replied, as they reached the stairs. He bid her farewell and went down the hall towards her father's study.
Kitty went upstairs and had to stop herself from heading to her old room. Laughing at herself, she turned towards the guest room., and upon noticing the open door, she hastened into the room.
"Lydia! What are you doing?!" Her clothes were thrown all about the room.
"Where are the jewels you wore last evening?" Lydia asked, not answering her sister.
"They are put away where you will not find them. What are you doing in here? Look at the mess you've made!"
"You hid them? Why?"
Kitty sighed, exasperated. "Because I know you and I knew you would come looking for them. You have no respect for other people's possessions. Before you ask, no, you cannot wear them. They are family jewels. Mr. Andrews would not be pleased to see someone other than myself wearing them."
"They were ugly in any case. I just wanted a closer look at them."
"If I wear them again, I shall let you see them closer, though you would have seen them had you not avoided me all evening. Now get out."
Lydia huffed past her. Once she was gone and her door secure, Kitty let out a sob. She was going to have to clean up the mess before she could think about resting.
Oliver knocked on Mr. Bennet's study door.
"Enter. Ah, Mr. Andrews, I wondered when I should expect you."
"I figured the sooner we come to an agreement, the better it is for us all," he answered, taking a seat.
"And what is it we must come to an agreement on?"
Oliver cocked his eyebrow. "Do you really care so little about the reputation of your family? Do you not care that your eldest daughter's heart was broken because you refuse to control your wife or children?"
"One of which you are married to."
"Catherine is not an issue. You do not seem to grasp the precarious position your family is in. When you die, your family will be left with nothing. It will be up to Mr. Gardiner, Mr. Phillips, and myself to see that your wife and daughters are cared for. Does their wellbeing mean nothing?"
The older man's face blazed red. "You know nothing of my family! You may have married one of my daughters, but do not pretend that you know her or any of them!"
"I know you mock your wife daily, the only one out of the two of you who seems to realize the position you are in. Regardless to how she responds to the pressure, she has every reason to be frightened. You joke about how 'silly' your daughters are, yet you have never done anything to correct it! You allowed Catherine and Miss Lydia to make fools of themselves at assemblies and dinner parties, you allowed them to act brazenly with the militia officers. You ignore Miss Mary, Catherine, and Miss Lydia constantly. A child that is reared with no discipline, no accountability, will be wild and unpredictable. Catherine's greatest issue has been neglect. She has no inclination to act out without provocation. Away from your household, she is nearly as quiet and easy going as your eldest. Being given the attention she needs, she has flourished, and in only six weeks! It is not too late for Miss Lydia. She is only fifteen. I told you before: get her a governess, or send her to a school. She does not belong in Society; she is too young and unprepared."
"You have no right to speak to me like this in my own home! This is not your concern!"
"Unfortunately for you, I am family, therefore it is my concern. I told you before I took my wife home last time that I would sever all connections with you if your family caused a scandal, and they very nearly have. But perhaps that is what you want. You have never shown any real affection for Catherine, perhaps you are happy to have her out of the picture."
"The only reason you are married to her is because she was silly enough to be in that forsaken tree! You would have never spared her a second glance otherwise, and you would have gladly left this all behind with your friends!"
"Perhaps, but it did happen, and she is my wife. I may not have chosen her, but I take my duty to her seriously, unlike you. I believe her to be happier at Dalton than she ever was here, but that does not mean she does not wish her sisters well. You have nearly cost Miss Bennet a man she cares for, and one who cares for her in return."
"Nearly cost?"
"Bingley has relented, for the moment, on the matter of returning to Netherfield. Though he was not bothered by the actions of your family, he now doubts the affections of your daughter. I can see that it is not true, and that is yet another reason why I came."
"So, it is a habit of yours to interfere in the concerns of others?"
"Only when asked, but as I said before, I consider your business my own."
They stared at each other. Finally, Mr. Bennet spoke up. "It was brought to my attention that Mary was simply trying to get Mr. Collins to notice her. She apparently had a fondness for the man, which I can understand given her nature. He is a clergyman. Personally, Lizzy and I found him ridiculous," he laughed. "Lydia will not take kindly to any kind of instruction. Two years ago, I brought up the possibility, and Lydia threw a tantrum until her mother made my life an utter misery, so I dropped the subject. She would run away if I sent her to a school, and get herself into who knows what kind of trouble. To hire a governess here, Mrs. Bennet would interfere. Lydia would get her way in the end. I do not have the constitution to deal with it all."
"So, you will do nothing instead?"
"I suppose you could do better?" Mr. Bennet said, mockingly.
"I would certainly try!"
"Very well, I leave her to you then!"
That gave Oliver pause. "Are you serious? You're just going to hand her over to me?"
"Well, as you stated, my business is now your concern. I am unable to do anything and you are disagreeable to that fact, therefore, it is now up to you to do something."
"Fine. But it is not only Lydia I shall take responsibly for. I'll take responsibility for them all."
"Pardon me?"
"You heard me. You will not merely hand over Lydia to me, you will hand over all of them. Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, and Lydia."
"Why?"
"To give them all a chance! Jane needs to get away, though once he hears of her being in my house, I have little doubt Bingley will join us there. I would expect to have another daughter married off by spring, if I were you. Elizabeth, too, will need some time away. She has recently learned some information that as caused her a bit of distress. My grandmother is proficient on the piano; Mary, I am sure will enjoy the instruction, as well as any other that she is offered. Catherine had only a little knowledge of what went into running an estate. I am sure all of your girls could use some brushing up on the topic. My grandmother's companion was once a governess, and I have enough men at my disposal to ensure Lydia does not succeed in any attempts to run away. In my house, she will not be able to participate in Society outside of what is considered appropriate for her age, and only after she learns to assert a bit of self-control."
"You have it all planned out, don't you?"
"The beginnings of a plan. I am sure there will be adjustments, but I have a plan. It's something to start with, at least."
Mr. Bennet sat back in his seat and looked out the window. The men sat in silence for a while, which was a relief from the tense atmosphere that surrounded them moments before.
"Very well," Mr. Bennet said at last. "I will require Mary and Lydia to go, but you must convince Jane and Elizabeth yourself."
Oliver nodded his agreement. Mr. Bennet would tell Mary and Lydia after Christmas. He needed to get a letter to his grandmother; he hoped she would not be inconvenienced. She had told him of no plans to be anywhere but Dalton for the foreseeable future. He knew how to convince Miss Elizabeth to join them, and Jane by extension. He left his father-in-law and headed for his rooms.