AU Not Cannon

Pride and Prejudice

They Called Him a Bennet Too

Meeting the Bennets

Ch. 9

Laughter filled the parlor of the Bennet home as Jane's toddler, in his eagerness to see the world around him, stumbled over his own two feet and landed on the ground with a thud, landing himself on his posterior. Jane's own bulging abdomen showed another child would soon give her boy a sibling.

"He is such a darling. Looks just like a portrait I saw of father when he was but a babe." Jane kept a watch on her son while still showering her affections onto Curtis while never mentioning how her father's marriage had come about, nor did she speak a word of criticism. It astounded her stepmother who had thought surely the eldest would have complained in spite of what Elizabeth had told her.

Mary said nothing. She had mixed feelings about the whole affair. She was grateful her place in her father's home was secure in spite of her father having finally sired a son. There was no personal ill-will against Christina, but there was a high disappointment in her father's actions. If she had known what was really going on; there would have been nothing but admiration. However, for now, she was struggling but was bound and determined not to hold what had occurred against either her father or his wife.

"I am quite vexed with our father for concealing such a matter from us, his own flesh." Kitty spoke from where she sat in the corner tying her husband's daughter bonnet as she wished to spend time outdoors reading a book under a tree, while her own son played at her feet. Thomas's daughter then looked over at her new stepmother. "Pray, do not mistake me, my dear Christina..." Mrs. Grant respected her stepmother's desire to be called by her first name, "...you are a most amiable creature in allowing Mary to stay in father's home and treating her so well, but this has been a most improper proceeding."

"Be at ease, sister…" Elizabeth said as she made her appearance in the room, accompanied by Fitzwilliam; a now faint bulge in her dress hinted their first child would be born within the year. "Let us rejoice in our good fortune that matters were settled." She took of her hat and hung it up and continued speaking. "They are united at last, and we have a charming addition to our family, a brother no less, and - as you just said, Christina is not attempting to persuade father to displace Mary from her abode.

The men said nothing as they entered. Parson Grant - married to Kitty- thought it odd, figured there was more to the story then what was being told. Nonetheless, he had been around enough to know when to ask questions and when not to. Charles came in next, he- like his wife- saw no need to dwell on a subject that could be done nothing about. So, he simply, embraced Curtis as his newest brother-in-law and went to sit by Jane's side. However, while George could accept Curtis, and saw no need to ask any questions, Lydia's husband was not above cracking a joke.

"I never thought I would have a brother-in-law who is younger than my own three young children. He is such a tiny creature, barely able to speak or walk, I think people will mistake him for a doll."

"How very droll, George, only a fool would confuse Curtis for a toy." Lydia spoke as she caught one of her sons attempting to run out the door, while his two siblings were content to play with toys.

Mr. Bennet walked in as everyone continued their conversation. He said nothing only took Curtis from Jane and then joined Christina where say sat and listened to their talk without interruption. A little of their talk was about Curtis, some about George's military service, and a little about the Parson's invitation to preach at a different church. Nonetheless, that all stopped when Lydia, politely, turned to Christina and asked.

"We are entirely ignorant of your circumstances, for our father has been extremely quiet on the matter. What is your place of origin, and from what place do you hail?

Christina fought hard to not to panic. What could she say? Her mind went blank; thankfully, Mr. Bennet came to her rescue.

"I beg your pardon; you are my flesh and blood. You are all worthy of some clarification, but her family is a sensitive matter. I command you to refrain from any inquiries. As for the region of her origin, at the moment- it is a very distressed area. It is not secure for her to disclose as it would put her other kin in danger and, so, I have forbidden her to speak of it. Though I do hope there comes a time we can clarify the matter for you." Mr. Bennet's tone showed no sign of his old days, but there was still a firmness which shouted, 'Do not mess with my wife, or else."

"Yes, Father." Lydia's eyes turned to Christina. I beg your forgiveness; I had no intention of f being rude. As his daughter I was simply being inquisitive."

"I understand." Relieved she would not be pressed for answers in her own home.

"Now, on a lighter note." Mr. Bennet smiled, looked at Christina, down at Curtis and then back at his children. "One of your stepmother's uncles is so much ashamed of his part in blocking her portion of her father's estate owed her that Christina's share will be transferred to our account forthwith with the aid of his solicitor." Only Elizabeth, he and Christina knew that meant Edward Bryant had gotten the legal paperwork pushed through the courts; and no threat of anyone going to prison was firmly in place. It also told them Edward's unknown contact had seen fit to send enough cash as to allow Mr. Bennet to say Christina had brought a proper dowery into the marriage. "Now, while you all visit, this child is in need of nourishment and, last time I checked, I am not furnished with the means to appease my son." They all laughed when Curtis, who Mr. Bennet had taken from his wife, turned his head towards their father. He smiled at the laughter but then told Elizabeth, after passing Curtis back to his wife, he needed to talk to her and Darcy, alone.

Leaving the room, Mr. Bennet knew the rest of his family was more than a little curious, but he could not afford to pull them all in and someone needed to know what was going on besides Elizabeth and Christina should something happen; hence him asking Mr. Darcy to join him and his second to oldest.

Mr. Darcy was beyond stunned at what he was being told. "You might have deceived me, and I would not have ever known. Curtis is the exact image of you, Mr. Bennet. Our kin and friends would deny any possibility that he is another's."

"I understand, it is one of the reasons why I complied with Edward Bryant." Bennet silently cursed his fate; the gentleman really did wish he knew what clue he possessed to Curtis' identity. "This family, at least Mary, Christina and Curtis are not to eat, or drink, anything not made by Mary or Christina's own hands. I have told Mary; she thinks I am mad for I do not tell her why." He then asked Mr. Darcy if he minded Elizabeth staying at Longborne. "I have let you in on the truth for at least one gentleman in this family needs to know the true facts; and you I trust the most, or might I say you are in the position to best handle it." Thomas felt Kitty's husband had enough on his plate, George was military and, therefore, Thomas was unwilling to risk it, and Charles was amiable enough, but Mr. Bennet could not picture him holding up under pressure should someone like Hamilton put it on him. Ignoring those facts, Thomas proceeded to talk to Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth. "Mary is a fine daughter, listens well, but I fear on this she may not." Thomas shook his head. "Even good daughters will rebel at times..." he gave a weary chuckle. "When their father gives them an order that makes no sense. Maybe, even hints at his old days?"

"It hints at no such thing." Elizabeth's own jaw set firm just as Mr. Darcy gave his consent for his wife to stay at her father's.

"As will I, if you so desire."

"No, you have business to attend. It would draw too much attention." He stood up. "Now, let us rejoin the party. I am sure Christina and Curtis have rejoined your siblings."