Pride and Prejudice 00 General Regency AU
Best Laid Plans Go Awry
Previously:
Anne had no valid reason to argue, so she did not. However, watching Miss Charlotte gather her things, and walk out the door. Anne shuddered as all of a sudden she felt a as if her friend had now walked out of her life for good. Well, maybe not for good, but there was definitely a feeling of long absence involved. And that- to her- made no sense. All of the Smith's she knew kept their servants employed within their circles, and all stayed in the London area.
Back in Meryton
Ch. 7
The sun shone intensely over the Lucas residence, and Sir William was in a state of distress, matched only by Lady Lucas. Secluded in their garden, away from their other children, Lady Lucas lamented with wrung hands, "I cannot believe what I said to her. What was I thinking? I have never acted so foolishly in my life."
"And I have?" Sir William retorted, pacing relentlessly. "Urging her to pursue Mr. Collins? That was sheer madness, stupidity and right down rotten parenting!" He gestured emphatically. "I know better than that."
"Where do you suppose she has gone?" Lady Lucas's concern could be felt in the air without even drawing close to her.
"She must have sought out Miss Anne," Sir William conjectured, halting his strides. "They have been in close conference frequently. I doubt Lady Catherine's daughter will remain absent from the vicinity. Upon her return, I shall inquire about their last conversation and any knowledge she may possess. Meanwhile, attend to our other children. I shall extend my congratulations to Mr. Bennet on the betrothal of Mr. Collins and his daughter, Mary. They should not bear the brunt of our actions."
Departing the freshly tended garden, Sir William nearly collided with Maria, her expression downcast.
"Do you not know Charlotte's whereabouts?" The young girl, having caught only fragments of conversation, was visibly shaken, her pallor and trembling hands betraying her fear.
"Maria," he said, embracing his daughter. "I am confident your sister is safe. She is of an age to make her own way. Perhaps she has simply sought a new residence."
"Is it because of me that she left without a word? I complained about the lack of space in our bedroom." Maria's tears flowed freely.
"Oh, dear child, you are not to blame," Sir William reassured, his own guilt intensifying. "Please trust me, it is not your fault. Now, would you accompany me to visit the Bennets? Would that please you?"
"Yes, Papa, I would like that very much," Maria replied, her spirits lifted a little, despite her lingering concern for Charlotte. She took her father's hand and together they set off towards the Bennet household.
The journey was brief, and soon Sir William and his daughter arrived at the doorstep of Longbourn. The garden was a riot of color, with flowers in full bloom, and the family's dog, seemingly confused about his role, fled from a domineering cat as the Lucases knocked on the door.
Disregarding the comical scene, they were ushered in by the Bennet's butler. Miss Kitty, overjoyed to see Maria, eagerly escorted her to the parlor, leaving Sir William to offer his congratulations to Mary on her engagement. However, Sir William confessed he was surprised Mr. Bennet had consented to the engagement.
"Thank you, Sir William," Mary then explained her father might not have, only his daughter had been extremely willing. "Did you wish to speak with my father?"
"Yes, I did. Is he in his study?" Sir William did his best not to wring his hat, or his hands as his eyes looked around half hoping Mr. Bennet would make his own entrance.
"He was, but Father has just stepped out into the garden. You may use the back door, or if you prefer, the front door and around the side of the house." Sir Lucas chose to retrace his steps, reminding Maria to return home within an hour to assist with household duties.
Passing a dwindling woodpile, Sir William made his way through a white gate and found Mr. Bennet tending to a plant.
"Mary mentioned I would find you here."
Mr. Bennet paused, recognizing the troubled expression on his friend's face. "Is it true that Miss Charlotte has departed?" Upon Sir William's confirmation, Mr. Bennet addressed the circulating rumors. "Some speculate she eloped, while others suggest a quarrel between you. May I inquire which it is?"
"We argued. I cannot imagine she has eloped with anyone," Charlotte's father confessed, his hand running through his hair. "I must admit, my reaction to Mr. Collins proposing to Charlotte first, and then her persuading him to court your daughter, was one of fury…" He groaned, recounting the harsh words exchanged in the garden.
"Oh, Sir William," Mr. Bennet responded, at a loss for words.
"I must ask you something," Sir William continued. "If Charlotte were to return, perhaps married to a foreigner, an older man, or in a union disapproved of by society, or even with a child and no husband, would you still associate with us? With her?" His question revealed the uncertainty of the consequences his actions may have wrought.
"Most assuredly," Thomas affirmed, rising to his feet. "You are among the few who understand the true extent of my wife's illness; you did not even tell your own wife. Despite Mrs. Bennet's frequent need for smelling salts, many remained oblivious to our true struggles."
"Did your girls know?"
"We informed everyone, but the two youngest are in denial. They now claim it was all so sudden, that I gave them no warning. Their sisters have reminded them otherwise; still, they refuse to see it," he sighed, shrugging his shoulders. "If it is any consolation, I suspect Anne had a plan regarding your daughter. You have had quite a few suitors for her that were…" He paused, searching for the right words.
"Of questionable intellect?"
"To be frank, yes."
"I realize that… too late. And that is not my standard way of doing things."
"I understand."
Sir Wiliam reverted back to thinking about the passing of Mrs. Bennet but said nothing directly related to Thomas's loss as if he did not know what to say. Mr. Bennet said no words as to Sir Lucas's own situation for pretty much the same reason, though he did say if he had a reason to go to London he would keep an ear out if Miss Anne, who had already gone there, had no answers for him.
"I appreciate it, Mr. Bennet." Sir William then ventured to ask about Mr. Bennet's motivation for allowing Mary's betrothal at such a young age.
"One, it appears she truly wants it, no matter what I said, Mary did not change her stance." Mr. Bennet shook his head. "Though I cannot fathom why that would be the case. Second..." He leaned the shovel being used. "I promised Mrs. Bennet, on her death bed, if any gentleman with an honorable profession came asking for our daughters' hand in marriage, and they were not against it, I would not fight it."
"Then you are to be commended for keeping your word." Sir William turned around and walked slowly down the road towards his home. A few carriages went by, their passengers waving. Politely waving back, the man only smiled and returned their greetings, not once letting on just how upset he was on the inside over Charlotte's absence from his home.