Pride and Prejudice Fan Fiction

Unlocked Cage

Caroline had purposely spoken the words in front of the whole family, including Jane, for she had no desire for Louisa to be able to twist her words to Charles and his wife later. Now? She was going to return to the couple who had shocked everyone by changing their ways and pulling together - and not apart.

Talk with the Bennets

CH. 2

The sewing room upstairs remained hushed as Mrs. Bennet meticulously selected fabrics for the quilts. A team of maids busied themselves setting up multiple frames, anticipating the Bennet sisters' arrival to assist with tying the quilts. Reds, blues, some adorned with intricate patterns, and others plain—all were scrutinized. Finally, Mrs. Bennet settled on a multicolored fabric, instructing the maid to stow away the surplus material.

The room's modest proportions accommodated a comfortable sofa, a few chairs, and a decent-sized worktable. All the furniture had been shifted to the outer walls, leaving the center open. A standard chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow, while an empty fireplace stood at the far end of the room, its mantel adorned with a few small, framed family portraits. Jane's mother gently placed the chosen bolt of fabric on a nearby table when one of the distant doors swung open—Caroline entered.

"I do thank you for allowing me to stay here this past week while I sorted things out as to what I wished to do." Caroline paused and then asked, "May I ask you a question?"

"I may not have an answer; however, feel free to ask it."

"What changed your behavior and your marriage? You and Mr. Bennet seem a lot happier and closer than what I have heard people say you were, or even claim you still are."

"Lydia."

"Please, explain."

"I pretended to be all excited that she was married, but inside, I was horrified- I mean in the manner it had occurred. After she left with Wickham, I went to my room and took stock of my behavior, my life, and my marriage." Mrs. Bennet sat down and sighed. "I realized no matter what, no matter my husband's faults, I would keep my eyes half-closed to them from then on out. I would back his decisions up and I would stop pushing him to go talk to men like your brother. I do so apologize for that. I would hold my tongue on what others said, I would watch my spending habits and I would—hard as it was—not pull other names into my own conversations if not absolutely necessary. And so forth."

"That could not have been easy."

"No, it has not been, and at times, I have slipped and said things I should not have." Mrs. Bennet gave a weak laugh. "Sadly, the damage done to the relationship between Elizabeth and me had already been done. She speaks to her father but seldom to me. Do not get me wrong, my second child is not rude, but there is no real closeness."

"What about Mrs. Bingley?"

"She is respectful and sweet," Mrs. Bennet gave a small smile. "But she too is closer to her father than I." Squaring her shoulders, "Mary has, thanks to many things, including the talks she has been having with you, come around in ways I did not think po ssible. And Kitty—Lydia leaving, and my own changes have mellowed her out more than I could have ever imagined." She then looked at Caroline. "You are far more mature, kinder, and caring than people are giving you credit for, more than even I thought you to be. Why your own change?"

"Long story," Caroline sighed, the weight of her words filling the room adorned with the warm glow of the hearth. "And not one I am at liberty to tell, but let us say, I overheard a private talk long before my father's death that shed light on how things had changed in our home. And it was not in a way my mother ever spoke of."

"I see."

"I was myself at school. Sadly, when I would return home and was around… well, never mind, let us just say I allowed others to pull me off track… until recently. I am now taking my authentic self back." Her gaze drifted to the window where the late morning light danced upon the delicate lace curtains.

"Go ahead and ask whatever is on your mind." Mrs. Bennet spoke when Miss Caroline opened her mouth to speak but closed it, appearing as if she were debating whether to ask a question.

"What would you think of me asking Mr. Bennet to let me stay here past the time I originally asked? Hire me as a governess for Kitty or a companion for Mary? I would only ask for room and board; I already have a monthly allowance, so money would not be an issue." Caroline admitted she would rather be hired as a maid but thought the Bennets would get enough hassle from Mrs. Hurst over the governess or companion bit as it was.

"Miss Caroline," Mrs. Bennet was genuinely shocked to hear the young woman's request, her activity pausing momentarily. "Why would you ask such a thing? What is wrong that you cannot go back to Netherfield? Should I be concerned for my own Jane?"

"I am most certain Jane is safe enough; she may be quiet, but people are selling her short if they think she cannot stand her own ground or is foolish enough to give the Hursts money." Miss Caroline chuckled at the idea, the sound echoing off the walls lined with oil paintings of England's natural beauty. "Mr. and Mrs. Hurst tried to push her around the other day; they got nowhere. Your daughter is quiet, she is gentle, but—contrary to popular belief—she is not weak." Her mouth then fell flat, her eyes reflecting the flicker of the fireplace. "My sister is like poison to me, I am tired of being the means for her to live through… if you understand what I am saying."

Mrs. Bennet did. It made her sad that a cycle she had been guilty of herself in the past could so easily be repeated. Hence, she nodded her head and told Miss Caroline that Mr. Bennet could be found dealing with his ledger in the Bennet's library. And, if he had no problem with her request, Miss Caroline was more than welcome to stay in any capacity he saw fit.

"We could even take you on as a daughter," Mrs. Bennet laughed, the idea warming her heart as much as a fire warmed the room during any winter month. "It is not as though we lack the experience."

Caroline chuckled to herself and exited the room. Slowly making her way down the corridor and set of stairs leading to the main floor, the young lady felt more at home at Longbourn than at Netherfield. No Louisa attempting to convince their visitor that baby sister 'had' to be taken to a party, 'had' to go to London, 'had' to see an earl, a viscount, or whatever title was out there. The portraits on these walls appeared to be honestly smiling, no arrogant smirks on the whole lot. Finally, reaching the library, she softly knocked.

"Come in," Mr. Bennet's voice called from within, a note of curiosity in his tone as he thought his girls to be out. And a look of surprise when Miss Caroline entered.

She was, however, not phased at seeing Mr. Bennet surrounded by shelves of leather-bound books, the scent of aged paper and wood polish in the air.

"Please, sit down."

Miss Caroline asked pretty much the same questions, received similar replies. But, when the lady asked her last one, she added a little more detail, feeling it was her duty to do so as he was the man of the house. Mr. Bennet took more time to think than Mrs. Bennet had, which was not surprising as she was leaving the final decision up to her husband. However, the gentleman did not waste time in saying he was grateful the women were not pushing for an instant reply.

"Go talk to Mary and Kitty; I will give you an answer before supper."

"Thank you," Caroline said, her heart lightened by the prospect of a fresh start as she left the library, the morning sun casting long shadows across the polished floors.