Pride and Prejudice 00 General Regency AU

Best Laid Plans Go Awry

NOTE : Time Has Been Missed With

Ann and Charlotte Talk

Ch. 1

A strong wind swept over the town of Mertyon, and the evening chill began to settle over its cemetery as Mrs. Bennet was lowered into the ground. Her death had come about rather quickly and unexpectedly, or so a few people claimed—most knew differently. However, no one said much, and Mr. Bennet, donning his hat, climbed into his carriage and drove off.

The graveyard, encircled by wrought-iron fences, bore headstones that were dull and well-worn. Cracks meandered from one corner to the next on several of them. Some of the trees stood as erect as any royal officer, while others leaned like drunken sailors, threatening to topple onto the dry ground once their ship had docked in port.

The air was tinged with the scent of damp earth and wilting flowers, a poignant reminder of the cycle of life. "Can you believe my mother had the audacity to suggest Mr. Bennet offer his hand in marriage to me?" Charlotte turned to Anne, who was far healthier than most would have given her credit for, and who had traveled—on her own, despite her mother's protests—to visit the Lucases.

The two ladies stood outside the graveyard, on their way home to the Lucas residence. They had been out doing charity work but had stopped upon seeing the Bennet funeral. It was this event that had brought up the subject of Lady Lucas's stunt.

"Your mother?" Anne was shocked. "Has she not been paying attention to anything the late Mrs. Bennet has been telling her this past year?"

"I have no idea, but apparently not. They may not have had the best of marriages, but in their own way, I do think they loved each other. And I would think if anyone could respect their wishes, it would be my own mother."

"Is Lady Lucas pushing men onto you as mine is pushing Mr. Darcy onto me?"

"Lately, yes. I overheard my mother talking to a neighbor; if I have not lost my mind, I believe your mother has some parson related to the Bennets coming to call on us in the next couple of weeks. I have met him a few times and, I must say, I am not impressed. I believe his name was William Collins."

"Yes, neither am I. And yes, you are correct as to his name. A man of many large words, a very weak backbone, and rest assured, at least half of his brains are controlled by my mother." Anne rolled her eyes. "What are you going to say if he asks? I mean, he would inherit Longbourn since Mr. Bennet has no sons."

"You said he has no backbone, and I happen to concur," Charlotte began, stroking her chin thoughtfully. "Miss Mary Bennet is young, but far wiser than many give her credit for." Anne's eyes widened, but then she began to smile easily, beginning to see where Sir Lucas's daughter's mind was going. "I have talked to Miss Bennet of late, given her pointers—it's amazing how much she has picked up and loosened up on a few things that needed changing."

"I could help," Anne explained a few things she thought might help, and when asked what her mother would think, Charlotte's friend did her own share of eye-rolling. "You of all people know, contrary to popular belief, I am not wrapped around my mother's little finger."

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue over the cobblestone path that led to the Lucas estate, the air filled with the scent of blooming roses and fresh earth, a testament to the day's gentle rain.

"I suggest we get to your place before we get lectured by either one of our mothers, for she did not like me coming here as it was. However, I am sure you have ample time to talk to Miss Bennet, and I shall come with you." Miss Anne chuckled when, after she finished speaking, Miss Charlotte mimicked Lady Catherine's abhorrence at the mere thought of her daughter going inside the Bennet home.

"I forbid it!" Charlotte lifted a finger and raised her chin. "I am your mother; I gave birth to you, took care of you when you were ill, and you are still so close to death. You must listen to me!"

"If I am so close to dying, could you loosen your grip? And quit speaking in such an annoying tone? I would like to die in peace."

"I am so sorry," Charlotte giggled. "I did not mean to grab your arm like that. I did not realize I got into the act so deeply."

As they approached the Lucas's home, the laughter of the two ladies mingled with the rustling leaves of the ancient oaks that lined the avenue.

It was their words and giggles that found Miss Lucas on the doorstep of the Bennet home asking to see Miss Mary Bennet the following day. "I am sorry to come so soon after your mother's passing," she spoke to Mary when shown into the parlor. "I know this is bad timing, and for that, I apologize."

Charlotte then explained what her mother had tried suggesting and why she did not think it was a good idea—at least not at this particular moment. "However, I did not just come for that."

"What is your purpose for this visit then?"

"It is like this. William Collins is coming. I know he is your cousin, and he is looking for a wife. I happen to know you have been working hard to take those suggestions I have made and put them into practice." Charlotte told Mary her ideas, and gave more suggestions, and Miss Bennet smiled widely.

"Do you think it will really work?"

"I think it stands a good chance; you just have to remember, you will have to be the one to turn his neck, and you cannot bend to Lady Catherine. You will have to be just as bullheaded as she, though there is no need to be as loud." The two continued to talk, and Miss Charlotte even gave a slip of paper from Anne. It was a list of things to be aware of, things that Lady Catherine might try to get Mary to do. "Decide now what you will, or will not do, that way you will be prepared how to respond to him, or her, and you should be fine." With that, Miss Lucas was gone.

A week and a half later, Charlotte headed back home from shopping in town, intending to do nothing more than to sit down and read a book, only to see three carriages at her father's home. And one driving away. The one departing had the marking of an earl. Two of the remaining ones belonged to the de Bourghs—they had been seen enough around to know who they belonged to without having to study them. And the last one held no particular marking. Therefore, she cautiously stepped up to the ones she thought might have Anne sitting in them. The first one did not; the second did.