P&P FF

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

Previously:

"No, Margaret was referring to a friend, not us. We only came to Rockhaven to fetch you. Once you and I are wed, I will go secure a place to live, and that, my dear, I am afraid will be further into the hills than I would normally care to go. I have now found that my grandfather does indeed have land there that his oldest grandson no longer wishes to live on. The family is insisting on my taking over. There is one relation closer than I but, for now, he prefers to stay where he is at. That may change in time. However, seeing as how my sister and mother have no desire to leave Scotland, the family is behind them, and I am the one who rightfully should be taking care of them, it is I needs to ...take the reins?"

Letters to Family

CH. 15

Elizabeth had been upset over the fact that Mary had departed by the time they returned to Longbourn from Mrs. Bingley's residence before returning home to Pemberly. Her father had offered an apology, explaining that there had been no flexibility in the timing. She had also been highly upset when she discovered that Mr. Darcy's business affairs had extended beyond the time they had initially anticipated.

"Why did you not inform me before we departed?" Elizabeth's emotions were a tumult of hurt and anger; her complexion flushed, and tears streamed down her cheeks. "We might have been of assistance!"

"My dear Lizzy," Mr. Bennet began, his voice carrying a weight of solemnity, "I have indeed learned much from the trials of the past year, and one of those lessons is the value of self-reliance. The debt that has befallen the estates is a matter of such magnitude that even Mr. Darcy's generosity would not suffice to resolve it without risking his own financial stability. It was a confluence of unfortunate events, not mere mismanagement or extravagance, that led us here. I could not, in good conscience, burden our relations with a problem that is ours to bear. And, I would think - as open communication as you claim you have with Mr. Darcy, you would already know why I did not ask."

"But to allow Mary to go off to marry a stranger?"

"She was not forced into it, even the captain was willing to step aside." When Elizabeth made another reply, Mr. Bennet sighed. "I have come to realize that seeking immediate rescue from others may not always be the most prudent course. We must face our challenges head-on and learn from them, however painful that may be. It is a difficult truth I have come to accept, and one I must now live by. Mary understood. Please, do not hate me for it, dear Lizzie."

Elizabeth found herself seated on a stone bench outside Pemberley, grappling with the reality her father had presented. He had spoken the truth. And, besides, when she had confronted Mr. Darcy, her husband had pointed out he had told her how bad things were.

"I told you, did I not... how bad the agriculture disaster hit everyone this year. And, normally, you listen exceptionally well. Is it my fault you chose to only half listen this time. If your father had asked for help, I could not have given it. Our own estate was hit too; I was blessed as it was not to lose our home or our servants as it was. You know full well I ended up having to let go some of our outside help as it was. I am shocked Bingley managed to keep his own estate." Therefore, she sat feeling numb, Mary may have been the quiet one, but she was going to be missed more than some people would think. Her attention was captured by a rider who dismounted and approached her.

"Mrs. Darcy?" With a nod from Elizabeth, the gentleman spoke once more. "I have been tasked with delivering this to you." He presented her with a letter and then set off to deliver more letters.

Elizabeth broke the seal and unfolded the paper.

Dear Mr. Darcy and Dearest Elizabeth,

Please forgive me for saying nothing before you left our father's home. I knew you would try to talk me out of my decision, Elizabeth. And I knew I had to save all my energy to keep to my resolve.

I want you to know how much I admire the woman you have become. You have overcome your prideful ways. I was concerned you would let money go to your head, but you have not. Please, keep an eye on father and mother. They have tried, are still trying, so hard to change...small steps it may seem at times. And, yes, there are days it may appear no changes have been made. However, take it from a middle child- someone who is used to being over-looked Papa and Mama are seriously taking those steps.

I do love you both. Considering we will be heading further in land soon, do not expect much-if any- correspondence from me. Please do not attempt to write back. I will not be at the captain's friends by the time you get this letter. The captain will try to send little things with my initials on them, so you know I am alive and well. If not, know you are still in my thoughts.

Love Your Sister.

Mary

P.S. For your sake I am writing in the way you are used to, not in the way I have so rapidly picked up in speech for I do not desire you to think I have turned my heart against my family. Rest assured I will do the same for the rest of the family.

Elizabeth folded the letter, her emotions in disarray. Indeed, her sister had been right; she would have endeavored to dissuade her from the path she had chosen. Setting aside these thoughts, Mrs. Darcy entered the parlor room, seeking to concentrate on anything besides that of something beyond her power to alter.

Though Mrs. Darcy had folded her letter and retreated indoors, similar letters found their way to Netherfield and Longbourn as dusk approached. Jane held her opinions close, as did Charles. They stored their letter in a box within their closet. Kitty reread her letter once before tucking it away in her jewelry box. Mrs. Bennet, on the other hand, reread her letter repeatedly while seated in the family's private parlor.

Dear Mother.

Please, do not be upset I chose to marry Captain Emil Pedersen or that we will be leaving further into Scotland as not to make corresponding with you safe. He does not relish the idea of my lack of correspondence with you and Father. However, it cannot be helped. His mother has no wish to live in England and, understandably, his sister has struggled not to hate the English for it is they who have now killed her husband. She has accepted me only because her crippled son has taken a liking to me.

He will, whenever possible, send the family things with my initials on them, or at least items etched with something you know stands for me. It will let you know I am alive and well. It is the best we will be able to do considering the feelings some our neighbors have toward the English. If not possible, our hearts are always with you.

I had my reason for saying yes, I did not hide that from you and father. He had his when offering father to wipe out the extremely high debt in exchange for my hand in marriage. Please, do not hold that against either one of us. Please, be happy for me, he has-even in this short time- proving to be a fair and considerate man.

Love Your Daughter.

Mary

"What could he have wanted with an English bride if so many people around him dislike us so?" Mrs. Bennet attempted not to scream; nevertheless, frustration was evident in her voice.

"It is not difficult to understand," Mr. Bennet entered just as his wife vocalized the question. "Firstly, the captain and I discussed his Uncle Jack's ties to the English navy. So, while there are those around him that may not favor the English, politically, it provides him some leverage to have an English wife. Secondly, when he set sail, Captain Pedersen was aware I had five unmarried daughters. Thus, upon anchoring in Bristol and learning of my debt to him, he extended his offer to me."

"But our two eldest were married, why persist with asking for Mary?"

"I believe, aside from keeping me out of debtor's prison, it resolved another unexpected issue. One he discovered only upon his return from sea." When inquired further, Mr. Bennet elaborated. "His uncle, having purchased the Lucas home, wished to bequeath it to Captain Pedersen as he and his wife had no children, but with the condition that the captain be married. Mr. Hales informed me they both concluded his nephew would find it simpler to inherit land in England if he had an English bride."

"Marrying our third daughter facilitated that path," Mrs. Bennet exhaled deeply. "I suppose we brought this upon ourselves by not paying adequate attention to her while she resided with us."

"Mary has forgiven us," Thomas acknowledged, aware that in the past, a sarcastic remark might have escaped him, yet now, all he expressed was his intention to retire to his study due to the chill outside. "I shall leave the door ajar."

Once seated at his desk, he unfolded his own letter from Mary, which was lengthier than the others.

My Dearest Father,

As I sit to write this letter, I find myself truly looking at the significant change I now face. The day is fast approaching when Captain Pedersen and I will journey northward from Rockhaven, but for now, we remain here. We are preparing to exchange our forthcoming vows in a town not far from the town I just mentioned. The promise to you in which our wedding is to be kept small, and private, is being kept with no resentment on anyone's part.

I wish to convey to you once again, for I saw you fighting tears more than once before I left, with all the sincerity my heart can muster, that there are no hard feelings being harbored inside me. The arrangement Captain Pedersen extended to you, though born of sheer necessity, is one I accepted not only to keep you free from prison but because I knew it was meant to be from all those dreams which had kept me awake at night. So, please, lift up your head and smile. Some things in life are simply meant to be.

You expressed concerns about the safety of correspondence once we settle in the rugged terrain of the Highlands to me in private before I left. Please rest assured that Captain Pedersen has devised a thoughtful offer. My soon to be husband says he is willing to send items marked with initials or symbols that represent me, ensuring that our connection remains unbroken, even if traditional letters may not always find their way to Longbourn. I have assured mother and my sister if that does not happen, you are all still in my heart.

In your letter which you sent to the Craigs; you inquired about the captain's disposition. Rest assured, Father, that while he can indeed be stern when confronting dishonesty or unnecessary transgressions, I saw that just this morning; he possesses a gentleness of spirit many do not have. It became apparent the second day he was with me, his mother, and sister.

The captain's interactions with the honest-hearted, with children, and with the elderly is nothing short of amazing. His kindness is as steadfast as the Scottish pines, and under his roof, I know I will feel a sense of security and care that I hope will ease your worries.

Please take comfort in knowing that I go forth not with worry of fear, but with a resolve to build a life of honor and happiness, as I know you and mother have always wished for me -even if you were not as vocal about finding husbands for us as mother was.

With love and reassurance,

Mary

Mr. Bennet folded the letter and resealed it with wax. He then unlocked a box used for letters he held most dear and put it with a few others, one of which was written by Elizabeth. And then he took the box back to its a cool, dry, storage area. This was one letter he hoped would be preserved far longer than most others which crossed his threshold.