Fyi – I'm changing the contribution Elizabeth made to the dowry fund to less than 3K.
~O~
Chapter 11
On Sunday morning, the Bennet family squeezed into their carriage to go into Meryton to attend services.
They were met in front of the church by the Bingleys and Fitzwilliam. While Mrs Bennet was busy accepting the congratulations of her neighbours on the return of Mr Bingley, that gentleman as well as the Colonel each quietly requested an interview with Mrs Bennet at his earliest convenience.
Bennet was only too happy to grant the requests, although he commented, 'I shall also be interested to hear what kept you away for so long, Mr Bingley.' At Bingley's relieved agreement, he invited the men and Mrs Bingley to join his family in their pew.
As they took their places, Mrs Bennet beamed at Jane who was being escorted by Bingley but frowned at Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam. Being ever the strategist, the Colonel took his seat at the far end of the pew with Elizabeth beside him, thereby preventing a pincer movement by Lydia, causing the youngest Bennet to pout.
Elizabeth on the other hand was impressed, and, leaning a little toward Fitzwilliam, she said quietly, 'Well done.'
~O~
The moment the family exited the church, Mrs Bennet dragged Elizabeth with her as she approached Mr Phillips, who had stepped away from the crowd while waiting for his wife to finish her gossip with the other ladies.
'Brother, I need you to set Elizabeth straight on a point of law,' Mrs Bennet demanded without preamble of the startled man, who was not accustomed to being addressed by the lady in such a fashion.
'I will be happy to clarify any concerns you have,' Phillips answered, wondering what had Mrs Bennet in such a pother.
'Lizzy claims that under English law, a husband has the right to beat his wife if he is unhappy with her. I insist that you tell her that she is misinformed.'
'Sorry, Fanny, I cannot do that.'
'Why not. Surely as a solicitor you must know the law on the subject.'
'Indeed, I do. But I cannot tell Lizzy that she is wrong because she is right.'
Mrs Bennets eyes widened in shock. 'Are you saying that a man has the right to beat his wife if she forced him into a marriage he did not want?'
Phillips thought it best to keep his answer simple without going into details. 'That is correct,' he replied.
'But Mr Bennet never raised his hand to me… even once,' Mrs Bennet cried in consternation, although thankfully her reply was not loud enough to be heard by anyone else.
Phillips ignored the shocked expression on Elizabeth's face at the implication and restricted his response to saying, 'Bennet is a gentle man. You are very fortunate.'
Mrs Bennet did not answer as the enormity of that revelation sank in. Instead, she slowly walked to their waiting carriage, leaving Elizabeth with very disturbing but enlightening thoughts.
~O~
As the weather was fine, Elizabeth and Jane chose to walk back to Longbourn, happily escorted by Fitzwilliam and Bingley respectively.
Elizabeth and Fitzwilliam let the other couple have a head start so they could speak privately. 'I must warn you that Lydia is determined to capture you,' Elizabeth informed he beau.
'I would rather be captured by the French,' exclaimed Richard in almost mock horror. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, he realised that he probably had said the wrong thing. 'I am sorry, I meant no insult to your sister.'
Elizabeth sighed. 'No apology is necessary. I warned her of potential consequences, but she often only hears what she wishes to hear.'
'In that case, I shall have to rely on you to defend me from your sister while I shall do my best to defend you from everyone else,' he said with a smile as he gently squeezed the hand which rested in the crook of his elbow.
Lizzy tilted her head as she looked up at him. 'I rather like the idea of each of us defending the other.'
While his earlier words were intended to be teasing, Elizabeth's answer left Fitzwilliam rather breathless. That was something he had never before considered, as his upbringing was focused on him being the defender at all times. But suddenly it seemed right and a wight, he had not realised he was carrying, lifted off his shoulders. 'I believe that is what partners do.'
His answer caught Elizabeth unprepared, but even as her eyes widened in surprise, a dazzling smile spread across her features.
~O~
As soon as they arrived, Mr Hill was ready to take Bingley to Bennet's study, leaving the others to join the ladies in the parlour.
Mrs Bennet and Mrs Bingley were already deep in conversation, preventing them from noticing Lydia practically pouncing on Fitzwilliam. 'Come, Colonel, sit by me and tell me all about the balls you have attended in London.'
'I am sorry, Miss Lydia, but it has been some time since I went to a ball, and I would prefer the opportunity to converse with your sister.'
'Why would you want to talk to boring old Lizzy, when you could talk to me,' Lydia said in what she thought was a coquettish manner and sidled up to Fitzwilliam.
'Because I prefer sensible conversation and I have no interest in consorting with children.'
'Are you calling me a child?' Lydia stormed, stamping her foot.
'Indeed, and you just proved it by your behaviour. 'Adult ladies do not throw tantrums or stomp their feet.'
'Mama does,' claimed Lydia.
'You are incorrect, Lydia,' interjected Mary who had observed the Colonel's rejection of her youngest sister with pleasure. 'She flutters her handkerchief and complains about her nerves. That is quite different.'
Lydia shot Mary a venomous look and stomped off across the room to take a seat next to Kitty.
To avoid further embarrassment, Jane took Mary's arm and led her to another settee, leaving Elizabeth and Richard to find their own seats to continue their conversation.
~O~
About half an hour later, a smiling Bingley entered the parlour. He nodded at Fitzwilliam saying, 'Your turn,' before he sought out Jane.
'I will show you the way,' Elizabeth offered. They rose and Elizabeth escorted the Colonel to Mr Bennet's study. After knocking, she opened the door for Fitzwilliam to enter.
Mr Bennet looked up and said with a smile, 'Ah, I see you have brought me my next victim.'
'Since Mr Bingley survived, I have no doubt that Colonel Fitzwilliam will leave this room unvanquished,' Elizabeth replied and with a grin at Richard said, 'I hope that you will be gentle with him… He is the only father I have.'
Bennet had been about to tease her about the gentle remark, when he realised it was not directed at him. He was laughing as Elizabeth closed the door. 'It seems my Lizzy has great confidence in you.'
Waving Fitzwilliam to a seat, Bennet said, 'You wanted to speak with me.'
'Yes, sir. I would like to request your consent to court Miss Elizabeth.'
'I gather she already agreed to this courtship.'
'She has.'
'What are your intentions?'
'I wish to marry her if she still likes the idea after she get to know me better.'
'You are already certain that you wish to marry Lizzy?'
'I am. As you can imagine, my mother has been parading many young ladies before me in the hope that I might leave the army. None of them have ever interested me. Many were beautiful, accomplished and wealthy. Some came from titled families. But none of them had that spark which Miss Elizabeth possesses.'
He gave a somewhat chagrined grin. 'It does not hurt that she is not missish when I am being honest. And unlike many of those society butterflies, Miss Elizabeth prefers to live in the country. As a second son, I am not wealthy, although I can provide her with a comfortable life.' He went on to explain his financial situation.
Bennet listened carefully and was impressed with the thoughtful presentation. 'How does your family feel about her?'
'My mother adores her, and my father, of course, hates her… for beating him at chess.' Suddenly his boyish grin made an appearance. 'I have not informed him of all the games that he already lost against her.'
It was Bennet's turn to grin. 'So, Lizzy told you?'
'She did. And before you ask, I have no problem with her expertise. As a matter of fact, I look forward to matching wits with her.'
'Do not be too upset if she beats you. As her father, I may be biased, but I think she is very good.'
'If she wins, she will have earned her victory. I would never begrudge that.'
'Not many men would be able to say that,' Bennet commented thoughtfully. In a lightening change he asked, 'What if I should withhold my consent?'
'Since Miss Elizabeth will reach her majority in a few days, your consent is not essential, but I would still like your blessing since your daughter holds you in esteem.'
Bennet laughed. 'Well said, Colonel. I can see why you have risen to your current rank as quickly as you have. Will you miss the army?'
'Will I miss getting shot at, eating bad food, sleeping in dust or mud, depending on the weather? I have had a decade of that, I think I will prefer a less exiting life.'
'Very well, Colonel, you have my blessing and my consent for your courtship as well as your marriage should you and Elizabeth decide that you are well suited.'
'Thank you, sir.'
'You may as well call me Bennet. Now, how about a game of chess, Colonel?'
'Since I will not be a Colonel for much longer, I would be pleased if you call me Fitzwilliam or Richard. And I would love a game of chess if we have time.'
The men finished their game just before lunch was announced. When they joined the others, Bennet was sporting an amused smile.
~O~
When the family and their guests sat down to their meal, Mr Bennet stood and announced. 'Mrs Bennet, I am pleased to inform you that I have granted permission for Colonel Fitzwilliam and Mr Bingley to court Elizabeth and Jane.'
While Mrs Bennet still thought that Lydia would be a better choice for the Colonel, she did not mentioned that as she had become reluctant to disagree with her husband.
Congratulations were extended by everyone to the two couples except for Lydia, who muttered, 'It is unfair, the Colonel should have been mine. I wanted to be the first to get married and to an officer.'
Lydia suddenly became reconciled to the situation when Mrs Bennet asked how soon the Colonel had to return to duty and Fitzwilliam informed her, 'I am in the process of resigning and selling my commission. The main reason I am still wearing my uniform is because my civilian wardrobe is not yet finished.'
Elizabeth grinned as she told her mother, 'Lady Matlock insisted on gifting the Colonel with a new wardrobe in celebration of his retirement from the army.'
'If you are quitting the army, how will you support my daughter?' came the suddenly anxious question from Mrs Bennet.
'I inherited a small estate from my grandmother, the lease on which will expire at Michaelmas.' Fitzwilliam glanced at Elizabeth, and both thought that the timing was just about perfect.
~O~
Over the next few days Bingley and Fitzwilliam were almost daily visitors to Longbourn, unless the ladies called at Longbourn to visit Mrs Bingley.
But no matter where they were, the two couples could usually find an opportunity to speak privately, as they chaperoned each other more or less adequately.
During one such conversation, Fitzwilliam glanced towards Bingley and commented, 'I believe the time in Scarborough has done Bingley good. He always seemed like a puppy to me, but he has grown up.'
Curious about that statement Elizabeth asked, 'Why do you say that?'
'Apart from the time he spends with your sister, he has thrown himself into managing the estate. And he has shown remarkable aptitude for it.'
'I am pleased for Jane. But that reminds me… I have never thought to ask. Do you know anything about managing an estate, seeing that you are now a landed gentleman?'
'As it happens, father ensured that both Andrew and I learnt. Accidents can happen and he wanted to be sure that I could take over if necessary. Although I pray that I never need to do so.'
'The idea of being an earl does not appeal to you?'
'Most definitely not. Society places too many restrictions on one, and I prefer a simpler and more relaxed life.'
'I am very pleased to hear that, as I suspect a countess does not have many opportunities to go on long rambles unaccompanied.'
'While you are correct, I have to warn you that even my wife will not have many opportunities to do so… as I would hope to accompany you.'
The implication of that statement gave Elizabeth a warm feeling. 'I suppose that I can live with that.'
That answer as well as the accompanying smile gave Fitzwilliam hope that it would not be much longer before his dreams would come true.
~O~
Friday morning the Bennet family gathered to celebrate Elizabeth's coming of age.
Immediately after breakfast, she was presented with various presents. It came as no surprise to her that she received a set of books from her father and embroidered handkerchiefs from her younger sisters. The delicately embroidered shawl which Jane presented to her had obviously been a labour of love from her dearest sister. Mrs Bennet gifted her with a set of very fine gloves, while her earlier choice, a spinster's cap, now resided in her wardrobe, waiting for another recipient.
Elizabeth had barely had time to thank her family for their thoughtfulness when Mr Hill announced, 'A courier is here with a delivery for Miss Elizabeth, and he insists that he must place it directly into her hands.'
The liveried courier was shown in and glancing around the room, he approached Elizabeth. 'Miss Elizabeth Bennet?'
'That is correct. How did you know?'
'You have been described to me,' the man gave her a polite smile and bowed, before reaching into the dispatch case and withdrawing an envelope which he handed to her.
'I wish you a good day,' he said and with another bow took his leave.
Elizabeth as well as her father had recognised the livery, even though none of the others did. Despite the fact that she had been expecting the delivery, she was still slightly dazed that it had happened.
She was still sitting in her chair with a bemused expression, lightly holding the envelope when Mrs Bennet snatched it from her limp fingers.
'Who would send you a letter via a liveried servant?' she asked as she broke the seal to withdraw the contents of the envelope.
'What is this? A cheque for ten thousand pounds? Who would send you a cheque for ten thousand pounds? What have you been up to?' exclaimed Mrs Bennet, partly in concern but mostly out of curiosity.
'It is a birthday present from Mrs George,' Elizabeth replied without thinking.
'Mrs George? I do not know a Mrs George,' Mrs Bennet was puzzled for only a moment before the reality of what she held in her hand occurred to her. Waving the cheque, she cried, 'Never mind about Mrs George. This is wonderful. Just think the dresses we shall have, the lace, the ribbons, even jewels. Come girls, get ready, we must go into town and order new dresses for all of us.'
The greed exhibited by her mother broke Elizabeth out of her daze. 'Not so fast. If you please. This money is supposed to be my dowry and is not for you to squander.' Elizabeth rose and held out her hand to Mrs Bennet. 'Please give me my cheque.'
Mrs Bennet ignored that demand, but one word had caught her attention. 'Dowry? Of course. This is enough that each of my girls can have a dowry of two thousand pounds. Is that not wonderful?'
'No mother, this is my money and I insist that you give it back to me.'
'Nonsense, You are too young to deal with such sums. Since you are a child, this money belongs to your family.'
Bennet had listened with amusement to his wife's gushing but thought the farce had gone far enough. 'Elizabeth is one and twenty today. Therefore, this money belongs to her, and you cannot take it away. If you do not return it to her this instance, it is theft, and the amount is large enough that you could be hanged for it.'
Mrs Bennet blanched and gave an undignified squeak. In haste, she pressed the cheque into Elizabeth's hands. 'There, I have given it to her. Are you satisfied now?'
Bennet was rather startled at his wife's response, but mere said, 'Yes thank you.' Turning to Elizabeth he suggested, 'Shall we go into Meryton and open account at the bank for you, into which you can deposit your money?' Elizabeth was only too happy to agree to the suggestion.
~O~
A/N: Some of you have complained about Mrs B. I would like to remind you of some of the things she said in canon while visiting Netherfield:
'I often tell my other girls they are nothing to her (Jane).' and
'Lizzy,' cried her mother, 'remember where you are, and do not run on in the wild manner that you are suffered to do at home.'
Or: But I tell you what, Miss Lizzy, if you take it into your head to go on refusing every offer of marriage in this way, you will never get a husband at all—and I am sure I do not know who is to maintain you when your father is dead.
Since Lydia (who loves officers) is her great favourite, I simply extrapolated.
~O~
Checkmate (working title) by Sydney Salier, Copyright © 2024
