P&P FF

"Captain's Concession: A Bennet's Destiny"

Previously:

"I'd be more than taken aback if she wasn't. Many a lady has had the selfsame thing happen to them when they're with child. Ye didn't dilly-dally around, did you?" Mrs. Craig gave a knowing wink, a chuckle, and then bade herself goodnight.

Presents Received

CH. 20

Sun rays shone over Pemberley, and horses neighed in the crisp morning air as Elizabeth sat near a crackling fire in the drawing room. She had been reading for a quarter of an hour when a package arrived. Closing the book of English literature, Mrs. Darcy unwrapped the package, which had come addressed to her from the Bonnie Brae and Borders Book Bindery establishment.

"Whispers and Reflections from a Scottish Moor" — Elizabeth choked up as she realized Mary had sent the book, or had been the one to ensure it reached her hands. Slowly opening the book, Mrs. Darcy was amazed not only by the skill of the writer but also by the sketches that brought the Scottish moors to life. Inside, there was a small note that revealed her sister was changing, even in the way she wrote.

I send ye greetings as brisk and invigoratin' as a sea breeze, fresh from the bonnie banks of our new home. My words must be brief, and all names absent from this page, for caution's sake, lest prying eyes discern more than they ought.

My man, my steadfast anchor, stands firm against the shiftin' currents of others' wills. His influence upon me is as the tide to the shore; with each day, I'm reshaped, molded by the strength of his love and the wisdom of his spirit. Though, fear not, my English family still lives in my heart and would have place in my home if they were near.

Our humble abode, though modest, is filled with the warmth of hearth and heart. And soon, our hearth shall be warmed further by the laughter of a wee one, not of our own blood but cherished all the same. A dear friend, as close to our hearts as kin, has been blessed with a bairn that promises to flourish in the nurturin' haven we've built amidst these rugged hills. They are to live with us until their house is built.

May the winds of fortune fill your sails and guide ye to tranquil harbors. And though the storm clouds may gather, remember that after the rain comes the rainbow—bright and full of hope.

Elizabeth folded the letter and held the book close. Although there were aspects of her sister that were changing, Mrs. Darcy prayed that if Mary were ever able to return to England, she would retain enough of her former self that their family would not feel irreparably torn apart.

A similar sentiment resonated with Jane, whose gift was a unique brass locket featuring a picture of a ship sailing close to shore. Upon opening it, she found a sketch of herself behind a piece of glass. Meanwhile, Kitty, sitting in the parlor of Longbourn, gazed upon her present with misty eyes.

"Oh, Mary," she murmured. In her hands, Kitty held a charming music box made of polished wood, its sides masterfully carved with waves and a boat. She wound it up and listened as the melody of 'The Skye Boat Song' filled the room.

Mrs. Bennet would have heard the music too, had she not been unwrapping her own gift while seated on the edge of her bed, having already read her private letter. The changes in Mary were as evident in the letter to her mother as they were to her sister. Setting aside the letter, Mary's mother's eyes welled up again as herbal and tea samples, each in their own compartments, came into view. Unlike her daughters, there was a second package for her; it was a set of teacups and saucers.

Teacups, saucers, and music boxes were far from Mr. Bennet's mind as he sat in an overstuffed chair near the fireplace in his library, slowly rereading Mary's letter for the fourth time. More than once, he had to swallow a lump in his throat. Like the others, it bore no names, yet the reader required none to appreciate its contents.

I hope this letter finds you well. I know it's been a month since I arrived in the Highlands and to ease your mind I am relieved I kin write as we came to Rockhaven. I'm well, truly,

I must confess, the Scottish way of speaking is catching on with me. and I'm picking up the dialect rather rapidly. Certain words and phrases have a way of sticking to my tongue for sure. It's quite endearing, actually. I suspect it won't be long before I'm speaking as if I were born in Scotland with absolutely no trace of English speech. However, the memories of Longbourn and my family there will never be replaced. They are etched in my heart and in my mind, as indelible as any stone I've ever walked upon. And please forgive me, it appears even my writing' is showing' my man's influence, or maybe, it's more accurate to say certain things in life necessitate can require changes in ones life.

Speaking of those changes. Life is now marked by the simple routines of Highland living. The sheep are a constant, even when they belong to the neighbors. Their presence as much a part of the landscape as the hills themselves. There's a rhythm to the day that I'm, surprisingly, finding quite comforting.

I don't mean to ramble, but I thought you'd appreciate knowing that I'm settling in and finding my place. It's a clear statement to the welcoming nature of the people here.

Take care, be assured, I am in good hands.

Thomas gazed at his unopened package. It was not that he lacked the desire to discover what Mary had sent; indeed, he did. However, the gentleman had felt compelled to savor her words—even if Mary had written in a manner she would not have dreamed of before departing from home. At last, he folded the letter, placed it on the table, and reached for the box.

Gently lifting the lid, Mr. Bennet could not prevent a tear from tracing a path down his cheek. His hands revealed a globe, its stand crafted from rosewood. Small ships were engraved upon the base, and waves adorned the sides. As Thomas spun the globe, he spoke as though Mary were seated in the chair across from him.

"If you could see me now, Mary, I believe you would appreciate the changes implemented; Mr. Darcy has given his approval of my new budget. Mrs. Bennet, challenging as it may be for her, has significantly reduced her expenditures—much to the sheer horror of a few her old friends. And…" Thomas could not contain his laughter. "I do not believe Mrs. Philips or Mrs. Lucas are pleased that Mrs. Bennet has lessened the amount of gossip she shares with them." Quietly, inside himself, Thomas hoped he would see Mary again before he met his demise-though he did not know if that would be possible.

He had no way of knowing Mary had purposely left off telling news of herself being with child, not just a new friend; she did have one carrying new life, so her letter to Elizabeth had not been a lie. However, it was not out of any spite. She simply was not that far along and had no desire to say anything until things were for certain as to say a child would indeed be likely to be carried. There had been too many times her own eyes had witnessed woman all excited telling make their announcement only to lose their babies. So, no, it was news that would be shared later, in another way.

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