Battle of the Dragons Chapter 25, a pride and prejudice fanfic

~O~

Chapter 24 – additional snippet.

The final piece of business they (solicitors etc) conducted, was the preparation of the marriage articles for Miss Jane Bennet and the Honourable Mr Richard Fitzwilliam. Mr Thompson was a little disconcerted because the negotiation included not only Phillips, Gardiner and Richard, but also all the ladies.

When the solicitor tried to object, Richard told him, 'Considering that most of the property will come to us from Mrs Bennet and will be the charge of Miss Bennet, it would be discourteous to exclude the ladies from the discussion.'

Mrs Bennet's comment to Jane, 'I knew you could not be so intelligent for nothing. You picked a most sensible man,' caused laughter amongst the company.

The final document settled Rosings Park on Jane, to be inherited by her oldest child. In return, the estate would provide the funds for Mrs Bennet to buy a house in Meryton and an allowance of five hundred pounds per year for the rest of her life.

Anne's dowry would be held in trust and invested by Mr Gardiner to provide dowries for the four younger Bennet daughters.

All parties declared themselves supremely satisfied with the agreement.

Whining Dragons

The following morning, Gardiner, Phillips and Thompson returned to their homes while the rest of the extended family remained at Rosings Park and Ravenswood.

All the ladies plus Richard and Darcy remained at Rosings to give Jane, assisted by the matrons, a chance to arrange for the essential changes to be made to the house.

Darcy and Richard spent time with the steward, Mr Martin, to prepare the man for dealing with a new master.

The relief of the man was obvious when he exclaimed, 'It will be a pleasure to deal with a man who knows about estate management and is prepared to listen and discuss issues which arise.'

'You do realise that Miss Bennet will be the owner. I will merely do my best to share the burden,' Richard said repressively.

'Pardon me. My phrasing was force of habit. I meant no disrespect to Miss Bennet. From what I hear, she is a most sensible lady,' Martin hurried to make up for his slip.

This most sensible lady had fewer problems as Mr and Mrs Blakesley were only too happy to deal with a new, much less demanding, mistress. The only set of rooms where Jane was determined to make major changes immediately was the mistress' suite.

Her instruction of, 'Send the furniture of the mistress suite to wherever Lady Catherine chooses to settle,' caused quickly suppressed smiles amongst the staff.

When Jane invited Richard to arrange for any changes he wished to the master suite, it turned out to be a minor undertaking as the rooms had not been touched since Sir Lewis occupied them.

Whenever their presence was not required by the others, Darcy and Elizabeth managed to accidentally encounter each other.

On Sunday the family was pleased to listen to Mr Collins' sermon which focused on charity and gratitude. It appeared that Charlotte's influence was already starting to bear fruit.

Two days later, there was an exodus for London.

~O~

In London, Charles Bingley was moping.

He had discovered that Miss Bennet had followed him to town by accidentally overhearing his sisters discuss the lady. He was horrified when her heard Caroline claim that because he had jilted Jane, she had taken up with a rich and probably titled protector.

The phrase, 'I saw Jane Bennet bold as brass walk into a house on Park Lane on the arm of an officer,' kept ringing in his ears.

Bingley refused to believe it, but the tirade about how Jane would accept him on Mrs Bennet's orders because of his fortune, caused him to wonder. Surely, the Bennets were not that poor that Jane would be so desperate.

While he was at Netherfield, He had thought that he detected very warm feelings in Jane for himself. But after his sisters and even Darcy had denied seeing such feelings, he had begun to doubt. In hindsight, he was not certain, one way or the other. But surely, he had not been so wrong about the lady to believe she would be immoral for a pecuniary advantage. He could see her marry for security, but not do any of the things which Caroline claimed. But he was desperate to know.

Lately Bingley had started walking in Hyde Park where he could observe the comings and goings of the residents across the street, but he had never seen the lady whom he hoped and dreaded to see. He had been taking those walk for three weeks when he received a note, asking him to meet a Mr Gardiner.

As he was not doing anything useful, and the name of the gentleman was vaguely familiar, Bingley agreed to meet him.

During the introductions and greetings, Bingley felt there was something familiar about the cast of Mr Gardiner's features, but he was certain that they had never before met.

Once they were seated, Gardiner said, 'Mr Bingley, I will come straight to the point. I recently inherited a title, along with an estate. That estate is Netherfield in Hertfordshire.'

Not expecting to discuss the estate, Bingley said tentatively, 'I know the estate. I currently hold a lease on it.'

'That is why I wanted to speak to you. I understand from my niece, who had a letter from your sister, that you were not planning to return to Hertfordshire. If that is the case, I would like to cancel the rest of the lease.'

Bingley's confusion deepened and he could not resist asking, 'Who is your niece?'

'I have five nieces by the name of Bennet. The one who mentioned you is the oldest, Miss Jane Bennet,' Gardiner said, curious to see Bingley's response.

That name suddenly allowed Bingley to see the family resemblance which had puzzled him. Instead of answering the question about his plans for Netherfield, he asked, 'Is Ja… I mean Miss Bennet in town?'

Gardiner, who of course was familiar with Bingley's history with Jane, answered carefully, 'She was in town for a few weeks, but at present she is visiting friends in the country with her aunt.'

'Will she return to London any time soon?'

'As a matter of fact, I expect her in a day or two. But you have not yet answered my question. What are your plans for Netherfield? The estate needs a master and if you are not going to return, I would like to see to things myself.'

Bingley was suddenly thinking furiously. If Jane's uncle had inherited a title along with Netherfield, Caroline might withdraw her objections to Jane. He needed time to find out. 'Could you give me a couple of days, until after I have spoken to Miss Bennet, to give you my answer?'

Gardiner considered whether he should inform the boy that Jane was engaged to be married but thought that information had better come from her. 'Is your answer dependent on a conversation with my niece?'

Bingley coloured but said firmly, 'Yes, it is.'

'I see. Very well, when Jane returns to town, I will inform you.'

'Thank you, Mr Gardiner. Ah… pardon me for addressing you such. You did say you inherited a title…'

Gardiner grimaced. He was not yet used to his changed status. 'I keep forgetting. I suppose you should address me as Sir Edward.'

'Thank you, Sir Edward. My felicitations on your inheritance. I look forward to hearing from you.'

~O~

Bingley returned to his home in high spirits.

'I just had a most interesting meeting with Sir Edward Gardiner,' he announced to his sisters as soon as he entered the drawing room.

'Who is Sir Edward whatshisname?' Caroline asked carelessly while flicking through a fashion magazine.

'Sir Edward is the owner of Netherfield…' Bingley paused to heighten the suspense. 'And the uncle of the Misses Bennet,' he concluded with a flourish.

'The Bennets' uncle is a knight?' asked Louisa.

'No. He inherited the title; therefore, he must be a baronet,' Bingley responded with a wide grin. 'So, you see, the Bennets are not so lowly and without connections as you thought, Caroline.'

'A baronet is hardly worth mentioning.' Caroline refused to be impressed.

'It is irrelevant what you think. When Miss Bennet returns to town in a few day, Sir Edward will arrange a meeting with her.'

Seeing Bingley's determination, Caroline's attitude softened. 'I suppose if you must,' she said, already calculating how she could use this connection to her advantage.

Perhaps it was fortunate that her attempt to blacken Jane's name several weeks ago had been unsuccessful, as no one of any importance had listened to her.

Perhaps, if Jane was the niece of a baronet, there might be some truth in Miss Grantly's assertion that she was cousin to an Earl. That would most certainly be a useful connection.

~O~

Jane was back in town for less than a day when the Gardiners came to visit her in Deveril House.

Jane and Elizabeth each greeted their relations with a curtsy and addressed them with mischievous smiles. 'Good afternoon, Sir Edward, Lady Gardiner.'

The couple so addressed, complained, 'Not you too. Stop it.'

Mrs Gardiner smiled at her sister and her niece. 'You are fortunate that you only inherited an estate.'

'Yes, but such an estate,' replied Mrs Bennet. 'I confess that I am pleased that I was able to hand the estate off to Jane. It will save me arguments from my husband, who would want to raid the library.'

'What are your plans now?' asked Gardiner.

'Tomorrow I will return to Longbourn. What happens next will depend on my husband.'

'Madeline, Phillips and I are ready to provide any assistance you might need,' Gardiner assured his sister.

'I know and I appreciate the offer. Aunt Isabella has offered Hayes House, if I need somewhere to live in the short term. No matter what happens, I no longer fear what the future holds.'

~O~

The following day, two interesting meetings occurred.

When Gardiner informed Jane of his conversation with Bingley, Jane agreed to meet the young man at Gardiner's home.

Both Gardiners and Mary were at home to support Jane, if she needed assistance.

Punctually at three, Bingley was announced. Gardiner introduced his wife who offered refreshments. Bingley accepted absentmindedly.

He was completely caught up in admiring Jane. She was even more beautiful than he remembered, and he lost no time in complimenting her. Until the tea was consumed, Bingley managed to make polite, albeit distracted conversation.

Eventually, Gardiner said, 'Well Mr Bingley, you have had a chance to converse with my niece. What is your decision about Netherfield?'

That question made Bingley feel as if he had been doused in cold water. 'Ah… Sir Edward, I was hoping to speak privately with Miss Bennet.'

Gardiner turned to his niece. 'Well, Jane? It is up to you. Do you wish to speak privately with Mr Bingley?'

Jane smiled sweetly as she answered, 'Thank you for asking, uncle. But Mr Bingley has nothing to say for which we would need privacy.'

Bingley stared at Jane in consternation. Jane's customary politeness, even if it was a little reserved during tea, had led him to believe that she was pleased to see him, although a little unsure perhaps. Yet her absolute refusal to speak to him in private made him wonder if she was more angry with him than he had thought.

'Miss Bennet, the reason I asked to speak to you was to tender my apologies for my failure to return to Netherfield in December. My sister needed my assistance in town, and I could not get away.'

'Do not trouble yourself, Mr Bingley. I quite understand that your sister is more important to you than any casual acquaintance. But I must tell you that your attempt to establish yourself as a gentleman is a complete failure.'

Bingley opened his lips to protest but Jane did not give him a chance to speak. 'A gentleman would not have paid marked attention to a lady for several weeks and then left without even saying goodbye. Especially after dancing two significant set at his own ball with that lady just the evening before his departure. A gentleman would have at least written to the lady's father to inform them of his lack of interest.'

'I did not stay away from a lack of interest. I remained in town because my sisters and my friend told me that you did not care for me.'

'You still had responsibilities to your estate. A gentleman would have ensured that the staff at the house he was leasing had been paid until at least the end of the quarter, if he closed the house early. A gentleman would have ensured that those members of his staff, which had been unceremoniously discarded, should at least have received references to enable them to find new positions. A gentleman–'

'Stop. I beg of you, no more. I am obviously a failure as a gentleman, but you knew that I am the son of a tradesman. What can I do for you to forgive me? And you should know that I was afraid that if I returned and offered for you, your mother would force you to accept even if your heart was not engaged.'

'I can quite easily forgive you on my own behalf despite this insult that you thought me so weak-willed that I could tie myself to a man against my will.'

'Since you forgive me on your own behalf, may I call on you?'

'No, you may not, Mr Bingley.'

'But why not,' he whined.

'When you decamped from Netherfield last year, I pined for your absence because my heart had been touched. That was until I decided that no fickle boy was worth my pain. Since then, I was fortunate to meet a man who can make his own decisions. Who does not need his sister's permission. I am pleased to say that we are engaged to be married.'

'Engaged to be married?'

'Indeed.'

'Who is the lucky man?'

'The Honourable Mister Richard Fitzwilliam, formerly a colonel in his Majesty's armed forces.'

Bingley looked like he was about to cry, but he managed to contain his emotions. Turning to Gardiner he said, 'I am ready to cancel the lease.'

~O~

Mrs Bennet, accompanied by her maid whom she had brought to London since there was no need for the girl at Longbourn, returned to her home in one of the small spare coaches from Rosings Park.

Mrs Hill's eyes widened when she saw the elegantly attired lady as she opened the door. 'Mrs Bennet, I would hardly have recognised you,' she exclaimed.

'It is quite amazing what a good modiste can do,' Mrs Bennet replied with a delighted smile. 'Now, I need to freshen up and then I should enjoy a nice cup of tea in the library.'

'The library?'

'Indeed. I presume that is where my husband is?'

'Yes, madam.'

'Excellent. I shall enjoy a conversation with him.

Half an hour later, Mrs Bennet, dressed in a clean outfit, stormed the barricades… the library at Longbourn.

'Good afternoon, Mr Bennet. I thought we should have some tea and conversation,' the lady announced as Mrs Hill put a tray on the desk.

As the housekeeper left the room, Mrs Bennet poured tea. She placed a cup near her husband's hand and took another as she sat down.

Bennet frowned as he took in the sight of his wife. 'Mrs Bennet? What happened to you? You are looking quite different.' He put down his book.

'I received an education and an inheritance.'

'Inheritance?'

'Indeed. Do you remember your cousin who you claimed when you are dead, may turn us all out of this house as soon as he pleases?'

'I remember him only too well.'

'Well, it just so happens that his patroness was not his real patroness. Lady Catherine's daughter was the actual owner of Rosings Park. Unfortunately, she was rather sick for many years and passed away on Easter Sunday.' Bennet listened in astonishment at his wife's concise report. 'As it turned out, it seems that she was my cousin and there was an entail on her estate. In this case it worked out in my favour, since I was the first in line to inherit. You shall not need to worry about me being homeless on your demise.'

'Another estate? How delightful. I wonder how much it earns?' Bennet mused, thinking about the books he could buy.

'Not a penny as far as you are concerned. It cannot be owned by anyone not of the de Bourgh bloodline. This excludes you. But the point is moot as I have already signed over the estate to Jane. She and her husband shall be quite comfortable there.'

That statement caused a bellow of laughter. 'Good heavens. That idiot Collins now has an even sillier patroness. One of my very own daughters.

'There was one girl who was much sillier than any of your daughters.' Mrs Bennet paused, sporting a malicious smile when she added, 'I was that girl… because I married you.

Bennet had been about to pick up his book to continue reading, but that unexpected comment caused his jaw to drop. It could not be. His wife would never say such a thing.

Before he could recover, Mrs Bennet continued. 'I just wanted to tell you how it would be from now on. I do not have to tolerate your insolence any longer. You will show me the courtesy to my me as your wife. From now on you will treat me with respect if you know what is good for you.'

'What if I should refuse?'

'Then you will get what you have claimed was your wish for the last twenty years or so. You will have peace. Complete and utter peace because I will move into a house of my own. When my girls come to visit, they will stay with me. You will never again be bothered by silly females disturbing your peace. But you also will not have anyone to talk to on those occasions when you feel sociable. You will have to hope that your housekeeper and cook are able to keep the house running and provide you with clean linen and food.'

'Mrs Hill has been perfectly capable of looking after me while you were gallivanting about.'

'You are assuming the staff will stay with you.'

Mrs Bennet gave a tight smile. 'You have to make a choice. Treat me with respect and your needs will be met without fuss. Otherwise, you will need to hire new staff and hope they will do a good job. You will probably have to supervise them to ensure they do not cheat you. I expect life will not be as pleasant as what you are accustomed to.'

Bennet took in the relaxed and self-confident woman who sat across the desk from him. What happened to his hysterical wife? That was a woman he could dominate. This new version would cheerfully tell him to go to the devil.

On consideration, he liked the new Mrs Bennet.

~O~