Pride and Prejudice

AU not canon

No Common Lady

Pride and Prejudice

Previously

Mrs. Fletcher managed to keep focused on the dance steps and Mr Bennet kept their talk light, ignoring how she looked in her formal ball gown. He was bound and determined that her youthful age and appearance would not be a deciding factor in this courtship.

Reactions to Courtship

Ch 15

Mee

Meryton was bustling with activity as Mrs. Bingley took her son to town for the first time, along with Mrs. Fletcher and Lydia. People passed by them, some frowning, some smiling, and all talking, but very little of it directed at them. Coming to a local shop in Meryton had been necessary, not so much for any household items, but to see how people would react to the fact that Mr. Bennet had been seen dancing and paying sole attention to Mrs. Fletcher more than once at Netherfield and Pemberley's parties; along with seeing him taking her out picnics alongside Lydia.

"I think this place is divided, perhaps down the middle for the looks people have been shooting us." Jane whispered before they entered the bakery. "I know the baker's wife; she cannot keep her mouth shut. Keep your answers brief, for she will ask at least one question to be certain. And you, Lydia? Just keep silent."

"Yes, sister, if I must." Lydia sighed. Ever since Mrs. Fletcher had returned, she had enjoyed being able to talk more; now she was back to having to be quiet in town. It was all so confusing.

"I am so sorry." Mrs. Fletcher mouthed. Lydia only smiled and squeezed her hand. Perplexing as it was, her friend was worth it.

"Hello, Mrs. Bingley." Mrs. Overstreet spoke jovially. "Hello, Miss Bennet, Mrs. Fletcher. Is there anything I can do for you?"

Jane bought some bagels, Lydia a handful of treats for herself and her father, and Mrs. Fletcher a couple of pounds of salt. They took their time looking around as the baker's wife filled their ears with the latest news of the town—without them asking. "Now, Mrs. Bingley," Mrs. Overstreet asked in a lowered voice, or so she thought, "is it true that your father is courting Mrs. Fletcher?" She glanced at Aurelia, who was looking at bins full of items that could not be made at home. The fact that the baker's wife could easily be heard made her turn around.

"I think you could direct your question to Mrs. Fletcher herself; she is not mute." Jane did not bother hiding her annoyance; she had expected the lady to ask questions, but not so impertinently.

"I, well..." Mrs. Overstreet stammered, but her husband had heard her inquiry just as he had stepped into the room.

"Who Mr. Bennet does, or does not court, is up to him. You do not go asking questions just so you can climb Sagarmatha and shout it from the top. Now leave these ladies alone and go in the back and do the inventory as you were told." His wife sputtered but finally left. "I am sorry, Mrs. Bingley, Mrs. Fletcher, my wife was out of line." He grinned wide. "If it makes you feel better, my vote is yes." He could not help but chuckle as the young widow blushed.

The rest of their trip in town felt almost a mirror image of the bakery. Half the people were not bothered, and the others were far too nosy. However, they all received only vague answers and only a confirmation that, indeed, Thomas C. Bennet had his eyes set on Aurelia Fletcher.

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"So..." Mrs. Fletcher sat behind Lydia brushing her hair as the youngest Bennet sister had come over for the evening while he himself was gone on business and Lydia had confessed it scared her to be alone at the house by herself. "What do you honestly think about your father courting me?" She made the inquiry because her friend had been sighing most of the evening and thought, maybe, it was a subject that was not pleasant for her to think about.

"Honestly?" Lydia turned around and crossed her legs, not caring if that was ladylike or not. "I am fine with it, but why were so many people in town giving you dirty looks? And the lectures some gave you were uncalled for. You are the sweetest person I know."

Mrs. Fletcher did not have to ask what brought that on. There had only been one real lecture, and it had come from Lady Catherine as she stood just outside of town.

"How dare you presume to aspire to Elizabeth's father's hand, you insolent girl! Do you think people are blind to your motives? You have nothing to offer him but your vulgar charms and greedy schemes. You are a gold-digger, madam, and a very poor one at that. You have no family, fortune, connections, no accomplishments, and certainly no sense. You are a disgrace to anyone of your sex and station. You are not fit to be the mistress of Longborn, small as it may be. You are only fit to be the toy of some low-born adventurer, who will soon tire of you and cast you off. You have no idea of the value of rank and consequence, of the duties and responsibilities that come with any form of wealth. . You only care for his money - though I suppose we should be grateful you are not aiming any higher. Though I dare say you will squander what he has on your own pleasures and follies. You are sure to be a menace to his reputation and his future.

"Do not let what Lady Catherine says bother you. Someday, if she is not careful, the lady may find herself in a position which—to her—is unimaginable. I would suggest borrowing another person's troubles is very unwise; stick with your own—they are enough.