"The Captain's Concession: A Bennet's Destiny"
P&P FF'
NOTE: I have messed with MR. and Mrs. Bennet's ages, I have them having married extremely young and in their early 40's. I will keep this note up for those that need reminding (sorry those that do not)
Account Called Up
Ch.1
The parlor, once a scene of idle chatter and trivial pursuits of five young Bennet sisters, now bore the weight of silence and solemnity. Thomas paced its length, his footsteps muffled by the worn-out ornate Persian rug that sprawled beneath his feet. Each step he took was a stark contrast to the stillness of his wife, who perched on the edge of the plush velvet sofa, her fingers entwined in a dance of extreme worry.
Gone were the days when the scent of lavender from Mrs. Bennet's smelling salts permeated the air, which started almost as soon as they were wed before they were even twenty.
The delicate porcelain vases on the mantelpiece, which once held fresh blooms, now cradled only the dust of yesteryears. The heavy drapes, drawn back to let in the morning light, framed the windows like sentinels guarding against the outside world.
The mahogany bookshelves, lined with leather-bound tomes, stood witness to Mr. Bennet's newfound vigilance over his domain. The fireplace, where logs crackled and spat in winters past, lay dormant, echoing the chill of the letter that lay open on the polished wood table—a message that threatened to undo all the progress they had made.
Mrs. Bennet, her usual clamor for attention, or begging her husband to go see a gentleman on behalf of their daughters, was now subdued. She had tried focusing on a sewing project in her lap -but culd not. The crystal decanter on the sideboard, once a symbol of hospitality, now seemed a mocking reminder of a situation that had them highly unsettled.
As the grandfather clock in the corner solemnly struck the hour, the couple exchanged a glance that spoke volumes. The post that had arrived with the dawn's light was a harbinger of a past they could not escape, a stark reminder that change, no matter how earnest, could not erase the actions of their past. However, a litle peace came from the first paragraph brought a little peace, if not much considering what the rest said.
Longbourn House, Hertfordshire
Esteemed Mr. and Mrs. Bennet,
I extend my warmest regards to you both and trust this letter finds you in good health. It is with a sense of urgency that I address a matter of financial import that has recently come to my attention. The investment made to support Longbourn during a year beset by agricultural challenges was done with the best of intentions. This venture, linked with my own affairs in England, was conceived to provide a bulwark for your estate in these testing times.
It is with a heavy heart that I must inform you that the expected dividends have not been realized, leaving a substantial debt. In the course of my investigation, I have thwarted an attempt by another to exploit Mr. Bennet's unfortunate situation. Rest assured, I am resolved to prevent such malfeasance from adding to your burdens.
The law is often unyielding in such matters, with severe repercussions, including the grim prospect of debtor's prison. However, my examination of Mr. Bennet's character has revealed a man of impeccable honesty and virtue. It is not my desire to see such a man face punishment for what is a common plight among many honorable farmers this season.
Thus, I propose a discreet meeting to discuss a resolution that will not only absolve Mr. Bennet of these regrettable debts but also ensure the continued welfare of the Bennet family. While the legal strictures may govern the land of Longbourn, there remain paths yet to be trodden that could secure the comfort and standing of its esteemed residents.
I am prepared to offer terms that are sensitive to Mr. Bennet's circumstances and reflective of the high esteem in which I hold his character. I believe you will find my proposal to be equitable, offering a reprieve that spares Mr. Bennet any undue adversity.
My uncle, who has recently taken residence in Meryton, will act as my envoy. His tact is assured, and he will maintain the utmost discretion to prevent any unnecessary attention to your household. His contact details are enclosed.
I await your prompt and favorable response, and the opportunity to restore balance to our mutual concerns.
With the highest respect,
Captain Emil Pedersen
P.S. Though my roots may stretch to Denmark and Scotland, my loyalties are steadfastly cast with England. My youth was spent on the Scottish border, and my kin now dwell in the Scottish Highlands. Yet, my years amidst English society have engendered a deep admiration for its people.
"My dear..." Mr. Bennet sighed as he sat down and leaned back in his chair. "This letter brings me both joy and pain. It is a huge relief to know a debt which I did not occur is no being laid at my feet, and yet had no way of proving was not mine, has been discovered. And yet..." Thomas's shoulder fell down. "And yet, he is correct in saying the expected returns have not materialized." Shaking his head. "Not enough to pay off the debt owed to him. There are many books I could sell, but the loss on the estate was far worse than I could have imagined."
"What offer do you suppose this Captain Pedersen has that could possibly extricate us from our current predicament? What terms could he propose that would not see you escorted to debtor's prison and leave us women to the mercy of the workhouses?"
"I highly doubt your family would permit you to step foot in such a place, Mrs. Bennet, though I suspect they might not be entirely despondent at the prospect of my incarceration." Thomas chuckled as Mrs. Bennet's glare bore into him. "I jest, my dear, though the humor is admittedly in poor taste." He sighed, the mirth fading from his eyes. "You must understand, I am not acquainted with the man, and my hopes hinge on the scant reputation that precedes him. My feeble attempt at levity is merely a means to cope with the distressing possibility that the mixed reviews I do know well, that the less favorable ones may be erroneous."
"What have you heard?"
"Some people claim he is a hard man, does not give his comrades an inch. Others say he is the most compassionate gentleman you will ever met. I met a woman once who insisted the captain tossed her husband into debtor's prison without looking back, leaving her no choice but to go into a *workhouse. And yet I also met a woman who refused Captain Pedersen would do such a thing without just cause." Mr. Bennet held up the letter. "I am hoping this letter is proving the second woman to be correct."
Thomas then stood up and exited his home. Standing on the porch he overlooked the front gardens of Longbourn. Words from the past, all spoken by Mary, when no one had been around, passing him by in the hall, when his libary door had been open, or while he was working in the garden now floated into his mind.
"Do not worry Papa, Jane and Elizabeth will marry well." "You better watch out, Lydia will bring sorrow upon our heads" those were just a few of the things his third daughter and spoken and then walked away without another word; he should have listened closer. The way that had stuck around the longest , and would still bounce back, now come back full force as he watched a carriage roll by...
"A ship is coming in from the sea and this family is chained to it, you cannot free yourself from it. Something tied to this land will make that impossible. But -maybe- that will save you from drowning?"
"But at what cost?" Thomas looked at the letter again, "The ship has to be Captain Pedersen and his offer. It will keep Longbourn afloat and me out of debtor's prison for that investment I made in hopes of paying of debts of a horrible farming year did not pan out, nor has that deb to his place of business. But at what cost to the family am I looking at?" Looking up the sky he asked softly . "We are on not Welch. Did you have to give my daughter the gift of sight?" Bennet sighed. "Then again, maybe it is good, it gives me time to mentally prepare for what is coming."
*workhouses were in exsitence during the regency era