~~PoP~~

Excitement at Lucas Lodge

Over the next week, Darcy and Bingley encountered the ladies from Longbourn on several occasions while they each went about their duties in looking after their estates.

After the conversation with Darcy, Bingley paid attention to Mary's reaction to him, and came to the conclusion that his angel had no interest in him. While it hurt his ego, he was grateful that he had discovered the true state of affairs before his own interest could grow and become obvious to all and sundry.

While Bingley was occupied with growing up, Darcy enjoyed his own interactions with Elizabeth, brief though they were. The more he saw of the lady, the more impressed he was. But it was not only her looks and competence which caught his attention. It was such a novelty for Darcy to be treated as a man, rather than merely the master of Pemberley, by anyone other than family, that he could not help but be captivated.

~PoP~

Elizabeth gradually became aware of the intense scrutiny focused on her by Darcy.

One day, after yet another encounter with the gentlemen, Elizabeth turned to Mary and asked, 'Do I have dirt on my face?'

'No, why?' Mary asked in puzzlement at the non sequitur of the question.

'The way that Mr Darcy is looking at me, I was certain there was something on my face, but he was too polite to say so.'

The frustrated comment made Mary giggle. 'I believe that it is nothing as simple as that. I think that Mr Darcy is developing an interest in you.'

'What? The great master of Pemberley developing an interest in a simple country maiden?' scoffed Elizabeth to hide the flutter of excitement that swept through her.

'You know perfectly well that he is nothing like that. And you are anything but a simple country maiden.' Mary grinned when she saw Elizabeth blush. She decided to drive home her point. 'You are fully aware that you two are peers in everything except perhaps in a small difference in wealth.'

'But he does not know that,' muttered Elizabeth.

~PoP~

A few days later, Sir William and Lady Lucas hosted a party for some of their neighbours to meet with the officers of the militia who were being stationed in Meryton for the winter.

Amongst the guests were the party from Netherfield as well as all the Bennets.

Due to Caroline Bingley's absence, she had a dreadful headache and insisted on staying at Netherfield, Bingley and his guest had arrived early, just ahead of the party from Longbourn. Pleasant greetings were exchanged, and Mrs Hurst immediately took the Bennet ladies aside, leaving the gentlemen to their own amusements.

'My brother informed me of your offer of assistance in learning the duties of an estate mistress,' said Louisa Hurst and at a nod from Mrs Bennet, she added, 'I am hoping to take you up on your offer.'

'Certainly, we would be delighted to help.' Mrs Bennet said, carefully observing Louisa. She was pleased with what she saw. The young woman appeared to be a slightly older and more sensible version of her brother and seemed to be eager to learn. It must only be the younger sister who was the problem.

'If you are interested about the indoor duties, I am of course the one with the most experience. For any duties pertaining to the outdoors, while I am knowledgeable, at my age I prefer to leave those duties to my granddaughters.' She nodded at Elizabeth and Mary.

'I believe I am reasonably conversant with running a house, even in the country, although I would appreciate the opportunity to learn from your much greater experience about local resources.' Louisa turned to the sisters. 'But if you would be able to spare some time to visit Netherfield that would be most helpful.'

Elizabeth readily agreed but Mary shot a concerned glance in the direction of Bingley.

Mrs Hurst noticed that look and, interpreting it correctly, reassured Mary, 'We can arrange these visits when the gentlemen are otherwise occupied.'

Once these arrangements were agreed, Elizabeth and Mary went in search of Charlotte while Mr Hurst joined his wife and Mrs Bennet.

~PoP~

It was only a minute or two later that Fanny Bennet arrived with both her daughters. Since the twins were the same age as Maria Lucas, Charlotte's youngest sister, the girls were often invited to family functions.

Fanny immediately engaged Lady Lucas in conversation, while Catherine sought out Maria. In their distraction they did not pay attention to Lydia who strolled away from them to the other side of the room where she took off her spencer and, in the process, also managed to remove her fichu. As she looked around the room she asked, 'I was told there would be officers here tonight. Where are they?'

At the sight, Mrs Bennet gasped and was shocked into careless speech. 'Botheration, what is that stupid girl doing, coming here in such an indecent outfit?'

Hurst followed her gaze and saw a tall girl who could not be any more than sixteen, if that, but instead of being dressed appropriate for her age, she was decked out in a gown that displayed her assets to a point just barely short of indecent, if it had been worn by an adult. On her, the dress crossed that point.

'Who is she?'

'My granddaughter by my older son. I wonder if her mother approved that dress?'

'Would you like me to make her see the error of her ways?'

'Everyone has tried, and apparently none have yet succeeded,' replied Mrs Bennet with a worried look towards their host who looked embarrassed.

'Watch and learn,' muttered Hurst and approached Sir William Lucas.

'Sir William, if you go along with me, I am better qualified to deal with this situation,' Hurst quietly advised his host, who shot him a grateful look.

At a nod from Sir William, Hurst led him towards Lydia with a smile.

'Sir William, you should have warned us that you were planning on this kind of entertainment,' Hurst declared jovially with an appreciative glance towards Lydia. 'I would have left Mrs Hurst back at the manor, if I had known that you were going to offer us the company of harlots.'

He pulled out his quizzing-glass and inspected Lydia from head to toe with an approving expression which stopped a hairsbreadth short of being leering. 'I have to say, you have outdone yourself. One rarely gets to sample such a fresh-faced bird of paradise,' he drawled to Sir William with a wink which Lydia could not see.

Bennet who was approaching the scene did see that wink, which gave him pause. Just beyond the trio he could see his mother looking at him and shaking her head in warning. He stopped, waiting to see how Hurst, who obviously had his mother's blessing, was going to deal with this situation.

Meanwhile Hurst turned and addressed the girl who had turned a bright shade of scarlet during the inspection but was too stunned to speak. She was staring in open mouthed amazement at this reception. 'How much do you charge?'

That question at last caused Lydia to find her voice. 'What? How dare you speak to me in such a way. As if I was a… ah…' she cried but could not bring herself to say the word.

Hurst casually waved his quizzing-glass as he said, 'If you are not a harlot, why are you dressed like one?'

'I am not a… a… a…' Lydia was turning an even deeper shade of red as she looked around wildly and saw not a single person coming to her defence. Even her mother, who had been alerted to the commotion and was on her way to scold Lydia, was being held back by Mrs Bennet.

Hurst shrugged and said, 'If I might offer you some advice. Playing coy after making such an entrance in such a gown really quite spoils the effect. If you were aiming for demure, you should have worn something that at least appears modest. Dressed like this, you should make the most of it by being quite brazen and blatant that you are only here for rich pickings.'

'I am here to find a husband amongst the officers,' Lydia blurted out in helpless anger as tears of frustration and embarrassment threatened.

Hurst used his quizzing-glass to indicate her décolletage, almost touching her. 'Dressed like this you will at best get an offer of a carte-blanche. No man wants a wife who offers her favours indiscriminately.'

'But I do not…' Lydia gasped as she raised her hands to cover herself and the threatened tears started to flow.

'You certainly look like you do.'

Before the situation could get completely out of control, Charlotte approached with a cloak which she draped over the girl's shoulders. She was immediately followed by Fanny Bennet who was pulling on her own cloak. 'I am taking you home, where we will have a long talk,' she said with a fierce scowl. 'How could you embarrass us like this,' she continued as she led Lydia out of the house, accompanied by cries of, 'But, mama...'

Their departure was not a moment too soon, as Colonel Forster and his officers arrived but a minute later and were soon followed by the other guests.

~PoP~

Sir William did himself proud by regaining his composure and offering greetings and introductions of Colonel Forster and his men to his other guests.

While they were thus occupied, the adult Bennets gathered the Hursts and Darcy in a corner for a private conversation. Catherine wisely remained with Maria Lucas, while Bingley continued his conversation with Harriet Goulding who had been one of the few other guests to arrive early, unmindful of the drama.

Mrs Bennet addressed Hurst. 'I thank you for dealing with the situation so expeditiously. Lydia, my younger granddaughter from my older son,' she said in an aside to Darcy who was unaware of the relationship, 'is a silly and headstrong young girl. We thought that she had learnt decorum, but I suppose that she has read too many silly novels.'

She shook her head in dismay. 'What you said to her was exceedingly cruel… but I suppose that since all the lectures and scolding did no good, hearing how she would be perceived by an outsider might wake her up.'

'Young girls cannot always see the consequences of their action,' said Darcy quietly. 'Fortunately, the only witnesses were your neighbours, all of whom I am certain will be discreet about her faux pas. And to be honest, one appearance at a friend's house in an inappropriate dress is not the end of the world.'

'We appreciate your discretion,' Bennet replied, relieved that the visitors were understanding. 'But perhaps it is time I investigated schools to which I could send Lydia since her mother is unable to be firm enough.' At Darcy's quizzical expression, he added with a grimace of distaste, 'I am her guardian.'

Soon after, the group drifted apart as introductions were made and new conversation partners were found.

~PoP~

Elizabeth and Charlotte were discussing the militia's plans for their stay in Meryton with Colonel Forster.

'Since you realise that keeping the local population happy will make your stay in the area much more pleasant, I suggest that you give a ball,' Elizabeth teased. 'Especially if your officers can be induced to dance.'

The Colonel nodded. 'It must be difficult in many communities that the war with France has removed so many young men.'

'Indeed. Therefore, as a member of the armed services it is incumbent on you to remedy the situation.'

'I shall certainly take your suggestion under advisement.'

~PoP~

Darcy was watching Elizabeth from a short distance away and was enchanted with her manner with the Colonel.

He was distracted from his reverie when the lady asked, 'Did I not express myself uncommonly well with the Colonel, Mr Darcy?'

Darcy realised that he had been staring at Elizabeth and had completely missed the Colonel's departure. The tips of his ears turned pink in embarrassment at having been caught staring, but he recovered his poise and answered pleasantly, 'You did indeed, but I understand that a ball is a subject close to many ladies' hearts.'

Elizabeth laughed. 'But only if there are enough gentlemen who excel at dancing. Having one's toes stepped on is not such a delightful experience.' She turned to her friend. 'Tell me, Charlotte, how did your toes fare when dancing with Mr Darcy?'

''They survived the experience completely unscathed. But it is now your turn to be teased. I am going to open the instrument and you know what follows.'

Elizabeth sighed theatrically. 'I wish my vanity had taken a musical bent, then I would enjoy your parties a great deal more. Especially on occasions when the guests must be accustomed to hearing much better performers.'

While Elizabeth had indeed not a great technical skill, she played and sang with such feeling that her performance was very well received.

After a few songs she was relieved at the instrument by Mary. 'I have been requested to play so that the party may dance.'

~PoP~

During Elizabeth's performance, Darcy again engaged in his new favourite pastime… watching Elizabeth.

Ever since the night of the assembly, he had been unable to get the lady out of his mind. Once he discovered that the lady who had been unimpressed by his behaviour was also exceedingly handsome, he had fought a loosing battle against the attraction he felt. When he found out that she was also intelligent and accomplished in many areas of interest to him, he felt his fate was sealed.

He had begun to observe her closely to find fault with her in an effort to stop this infatuation. This endeavour was doomed to failure. The more Darcy saw of Miss Bennet the more he liked what he saw. No, the lady was not perfect, but he felt that she was perfect for him.

She might only be the daughter of a minor gentleman, but she had all the major and many of the minor qualities which he had hoped to find in the lady with whom he hoped to spend the rest of his life.

Now he had one major task to accomplish… convincing Elizabeth that he could be the perfect man for her.

~PoP~

~~PoP~~

A Plethora of Peers (working title) by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2023