The storyline, new character development, new events, and new characters are my intellectual property. Glorioux
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A/N- The next few chapters will have some angst and drama, but the lightness will resume. Mr. Bennet desires to change and be a better father will bring out conflict; it is unavoidable. But be sure that Mr. Darcy's curiosity is not going to get better. There are some similarities between this story, and Mr. Darcy's Brandied Courage. I wrote them at the same time, it was an experiment of two stories starting in Netherfield, both have a dog and feature Miss Bingley. They take different routes. This story is all written. You will like the ending.
Chapter 5 – A Storm Brewing
Old Memories and Concerns
Remembering the stories he had heard about his uncle's bride, Mr. Darcy decided to hire a guard to keep his bride safe. Perhaps he would hire Mrs. Reynolds's godchild, who was respectful, trustworthy, could read and write, and knew how to use a gun. The young footman would make sure to keep Miss Elizabeth safe and would be glad for the extra money from the new job. Meanwhile, he needed more help, if his business idea worked, he could train him to assist his secretary. He would offer him the job today.
When he was in Longbourn, he would ask Mr. Bennet if he could get a room for a young man and maybe a room for Miss Nancy. He would pay all the expenses. He wanted Miss Nancy to start tending to Miss Elizabeth, wanting the best for his bride. Besides, he didn't trust Miss Bennet and wanted someone hired by him, waiting on his bride. He liked the idea and would ask Miss Nancy to report back to him. Ahem, maybe to keep an eye where Miss Elizabeth kept her daybook; he would think about it.
Mr. Bennet checked Lizzie's face. His daughter's face lost all color and looked upset after she saw the woman standing by the door. Contrary to what people believed, he was observant, hence, he knew with certainty the woman had something to do with Mr. Darcy's request; the one to talk about marrying Elizabeth.
Mr. Bennet observed Miss Bingley, the overdressed, haughty woman, looking at Lizzie with distinctive hatred and contempt while staring at Mr. Darcy with cow's eyes. A bad feeling ran through him, remembering an incident some time ago. His cousin, Edna, his aunt's daughter, a beauty who looked a lot like Lizzie, glowed with happiness at her engagement ball. She was the most sought-after debutant of the season. Edna was not only beautiful, but she had a large dowry, and her father had an exalted status.
The one who won her heart wasn't one Mr. Bennet liked. He was George Darcy's younger brother. He had fought with the Darcy brothers during his first year in Eaton when they visited his brother at his home. The Darcy brothers were older and they were in Cambridge, and that wasn't the only time they fought since they didn't approve of his 'scholarship' friends. Too bad they were probably right, but only because he met Fanny, Eugene's sister.
Since Edna, his dearest cousin, loved Gustav Darcy, who must have been in his 20s, Mr. Bennet was happy for her, accepting her chosen one in the family.
The young and beautiful couple were in love; anyone could see it. They were made for each other. Looking at them, dancing after the announcement, Mr. Bennet had wished to find a love like theirs. He also remembered a lady who reminded him of Miss Bingley, who was haughty and overdressed, standing beside him. She cried, nearly sobbed, when the engagement was announced.
No, he would never forget the tragedy that followed, particularly now when the possibility of a repeated story was a reality, and he didn't want that. He needed to find out why his daughter looked distressed when she saw the woman. Perhaps he also needed to hear what Darcy had to say. He was scared thinking the man asking for his daughter's hand was a Darcy, and Lizzie was closely related to Edna. Never mind, they could have been Edna and Gus; the resemblance was too close. Without a doubt, the situation was too close for comfort.
Mr. Bennet could hear Mr. Darcy calling Dee repeatedly, but the puppy wouldn't look at Mr. Darcy and ignored his commands. Moreover, the little dog sat stuck to Lizzie. It waited to be picked up and taken into the carriage, licking Lizzie on and off, making Mr. Bennet smile. He was very fond of animals and wished they had a pet; he liked dogs and cats, but his wife disliked them profoundly. That was also going to change.
While Mr. Darcy stood by the Bennet, the carriage to pick up Miss Bingley also arrived. She started walking, not to the waiting carriage, but towards the Bennet's. She loudly called Mr. Bennet to wait, "Sir, please wait. I must talk to you; it is of the utmost importance."
Though Mr. Darcy wanted to stop her, he could do little without creating a scene. However, when Miss Bingley came closer to Mr. Bennet, Dee growled and lunged, jumping quite high, ready to bite Miss Bingley. Luckily, or perhaps unfortunately, Lizzie was able to pick up the struggling, angry puppy in mid-air before Dee was able to bite Miss Bingley.
Nonetheless, Bennet was too astute, and he had observed Lizzie and the small dog's aggressive reaction. So, looking at Miss Bingley straight in the eye, he said, "Young lady, I don't have time to talk right now. Please excuse us." And saying that, Mr. Bennet turned away, dismissing her without more to add. Miss Bingley had no choice but to walk to her carriage, looking sour and angry at what she considered a cut direct.
Mr. Darcy smiled, admiring Mr. Bennet and wishing he could applaud. That was a cut direct if he ever saw one; he believed this was a moment to remember. Mr. Hurst, who stood at a window watching, chuckled, applauded, and guessed Miss Bingley had been dismissed. He would later say he had witnessed a perfect cut-direct, adding it had been an unforgettable moment.
When Darcy called Dee again, Lizzie said, "Sweetie, go to your daddy. We will see each other soon." Then she kissed Dee before letting her go, as she was already missing her. She wanted to cry, still upset over everything that happened the last day, feeling Dee was her only friend. She wished Mr. Darcy had let Dee keep her company for a day or two. When a couple of tears ran down her cheek, followed by others, she dried them with the back of her gloved hand}. Her father noticed and wished the dog had bitten Miss Bingley. He felt he needed to talk to Mr. Darcy, the sooner the better.
Dee obeyed and walked to sit by Darcy and whine. He bent to pick up the whimpering dog, "My good girl, I also wish she was staying here with us, but don't be sad because we will be with her soon." Darcy might have said that, but he was not so sure this would come to pass, considering Mr. Bennet's unfriendliness. Suddenly, he had a strong feeling of foreboding that wouldn't leave him, making him wonder if he should have let Dee stay with Elizabeth. So, he decided to bring Dee later when he went to talk to Mr. Bennet and would let Dee stay with Elizabeth for a day or two; something told him to do so. Dee was shaking, clearly upset. Something that increased his anxiety, making him remember his uncle's tragedy.
Storm Clouds
In the carriage, the tension was oppressive, hanging over them like a storm cloud. Lizzie was clearly upset, and Jane was sullen. Finally, Jane asked her father, a bit nastily, "Why did you come today? I am still sick," she coughed a little and tightened her shawl around her, pretending she had a chill.
She looked unhappy, glaring at Lizzie, suspecting this had been Lizzie's doing. Jane had thought that was the case when a maid came to tell her she was there to help her pack, explaining that someone was coming to take her home.
Her father knew acting and his daughters, so he could see Jane was pretending to be ill, "Why, you ask? Because you stayed long enough. I had words with your mother, who irresponsibly sent you here. You walked to Netherfield when you both knew it was going to rain, risking you to get a deadly chest cold. Yes, don't make that face; I am certain you also knew what could happen and liked the idea of staying at Netherfield. Though I am not very happy with this situation, it is done. Hence, I decided to make an announcement about my family once we are home. I mean about my parents, as you know I never talk about them, but it is time. Moreover, considering everything tha is happening, I think it is time for an overdue change." He answered Jane while narrowing his eyes and twisting his lips, expressing his disapproval.
Jane exhaled, angrily, and raised her voice, "I see, so this must be Lizzie's doing. I am sure she is trying to ruin it for me. Did you know she played a nasty game to ensnare Mr. Darcy, hoping to get someone better than Mr. Bingley? She did it because she is jealous and envious when people say I am the prettiest. That is not all. When Miss Bingley was kindly informing me about Lizzie's scandalous behavior, Mr. Darcy barged into my room; imagine he came in with a maid. He was rude and condescending, reprimanding me on her behalf. No wonder, I suspect why he did it," Jane pointed at Lizzie, "because of her special favors."
Lizzie's eyes filled with tears, and she couldn't stop an anguished sob because she was deeply hurt. She couldn't believe this person was her dearest Jane, lying and making mean and awful claims. Listening to Jane, Lizzie changed her mind and wanted to marry Mr. Darcy; it felt right. Besides, she thought she might have been wrong when she called him Mr. Proud. He had acted like a considerate, caring person, who stood up to defend her; not like Jane behaved, hurting her.
"Jane, refrain from your comments. I don't like what you are implying about your sister. Not only implying, but you are unashamedly accusing your sister; how do you dare to say your sister did something improper; it is preposterous. Not one more word until I talk to Elizabeth, and, especially, not a word to your mother. Should you choose to ignore me, you won't like the consequences. Things will change, starting today. I advise you not to believe I am either blind or gullible because I am neither. Though I am a gentleman and have treated my daughters with the utmost respect, I can also discipline them. I suspect, or best said, I am certain that Mr. Darcy heard something he didn't like. Hmm, I am going to ask him. Jane, I must add your comportment is unsettling." He stared at Jane.
Jane was taken aback, thinking this didn't sound like her father. No matter, she tried again, "But Lizzie was behaving disgracefully, going into the forest with two." She couldn't complete the sentence because her father's harsh voice scared her.
"Jane, I said not one more word; this is unacceptable! Now, silence! We are about to get home." Mr. Bennet admonished Jane and passed a handkerchief to Lizzie.
"Here my dear, please stop those tears, not one more tear. I know you're not at fault, so don't worry, I will find out what is going on. I am certain you haven't done anything blameworthy or improper. Please do not tell your mother about the possible marriage to Mr. Darcy; not until we talk, and I talk to him when he comes. I believe I can trust him. Now smile, we're almost home. Show your mother nothing is wrong. And Jane, do not think I will be happy and look the other way should you disobey me and talk to your mother. I warn you, you will not like the outcome." He didn't say anything else and looked out the window.
Jane glared at Elizabeth, who was now thinking to marry Mr. Darcy if it took her away from her home and away from Jane. She didn't recognize her beloved Jane, looking at her angry mien; all because their father had not listened to her nasty accusations. Lizzie decided to ask Mrs. Hill if she could arrange for Nancy, her granddaughter, to come and talk to her father and tell him what she heard. Perhaps Mr. Hurst should come as well.
As soon as they left, Darcy sent his secretary, who had traveled with him, to bring an express to his solicitor. He needed a special license to be married as soon as possible. He wrote the solicitor the terms of the settlement to prepare and send. He knew that with Miss Bingley on the prowl, anything could go wrong. Besides he felt the waves of coldness coming from Mr. Bennet, who was now looking mighty familiar. He would go to see Mr. Bennet in an hour or two and would bring Reggie Hurst along, and who else? Ah, yes, he would also bring Miss Nancy since he might need their help with Mr. Bennet. He had seen how Miss Bennet looked at Elizabeth. He wondered if she could still be conniving with Miss Bingley. It worried him.
He also sent a letter to the family jeweler to choose rings for the wedding, until he could get the family rings, and also a magnificent gift for Lizzie, suitable for a bride. And perhaps something for the sisters and mother, maybe lockets or pendants with nice chains, or perhaps pearl bobs, and a matching chain and pendant. He instructed the jeweler to send them with his secretary. He also wrote his cousin Penny, asking when she stopped in Pemberley to bring a few things for Elizabeth, and to ask Mrs. Reynolds to help her. He also said to bring her younger brothers for the wedding.
When he thought of marrying Elizabeth, Mr. Darcy daydreamed again, and desire ran through him. He was inside his now favorite fantasy, but stopped, not wanting to indulge in self-gratification. As tempting as it was, he wanted to wait for their wedding day. He had a crazy idea, taking form, yes, he would do that. He would wait for their first time until they arrived at Pemberley and that way, he would give her a few days to know him better. He could romance her on the way there.
Mr. Darcy went to look for Mr. Hurst, and to tell Charles he needed to bring Miss Nancy with him. He shook his head, trying to get rid of a bad feeling that wouldn't leave him. He was remembering a painting of his father with his half-brother and a few friends. As to why he was remembering the painting of the young men having a picnic, sitting on a blanket, drinking, jackets off, and smiling, he wasn't sure. Richard Sr. was also in the painting, a favorite of the cousins because they all looked happy. He used to wish he was older and had such good friends.
His father would say, sadly, "That was Gus my dear brother. It was a year before the tragedy. Wicked woman, we should have seen it coming." He would point at the smiling, happy young man, who looked a lot like William and the twins.
Darcy recalled one of those times. His father told him. "During the engagement ball night, Gus was over the moon. What a beauty his love was; we were all jealous he was the one who captured her heart. Unfortunately, another lady had decided Gus was hers. She was the daughter of one of my father's business acquaintances, a pretty lady, but Gus had loved Lady Edna since he first saw her. Gus would hide when the other lady would come to visit. They lived nearby, and she would come here whenever she had a chance. At the engagement ball, she cornered Gus and begged him not to marry. I heard her threatening him, saying he would regret his decision. Later that night, the crazy woman followed Lady Edna when she went to freshen up. We heard the scream, many did, but it was too late; the woman ran away after stabbing Lady Edna. What a tragedy, she died three days later."
"What happened to the woman?" Richard was there and asked.
"Nothing, but nobody knows for sure; she disappeared the same day; we believed the father sent her to America though he denied it. Poor Gus, so young, and he was never the same." His father told them, his eyes full of tears, so, they never asked again.
Remembering, he was concerned, though he believed Miss Bingley wasn't crazy. When he saw Charles, he looked upset. He said he was wondering if he should had accompanied Caroline to London. "I don't know if I can trust her. The way she's behaving worries me." Charles hesitated; it seemed as if he were going to say something else but changed his mind.
Darcy saw his hesitation and asked him, "Is there something else you want to tell me?"
Charles shook his head, grinning, "What makes you think that? I'm concerned but I am sure it's nothing to worry about. Caroline is just a little headstrong."
This was one more thing for Darcy to worry about, making him want to put distance between the Bingleys and himself.
Longbourn's Storm Clouds
Jane jumped out the carriage and ran to find her mother, ignoring her father's warnings, thinking he wouldn't do anything, and her mother would listen to her. Mr. Bennet saw her and walked fast behind her.
Lizzie dreaded coming home because she could see her mother screaming and admonishing her after she listened to Jane. She saw Lydia and Kitty coming out, ready to go somewhere, but Mr. Bennet ran into their path, "Stop, I don't know where you're going, but you must turn around and go back into the house. We need to talk."
Lydia whined, "But Dad, we have something to do. We're meeting Mariah in Meryton."
He asked Kitty, "Kitty, is that true?" He believed otherwise.
Kitty blushed and looked at her feet. "Yeah, hmm, yes, we are."
Mr. Bennet, who was on the warpath, detected that Kitty and Lydia were lying, "I don't believe either one of you. You two need to go back into the house. I mean right now, no discussions, go back in."
They both stepped back. They had never heard their father talking like that. But Lydia harrumphed and stomped her feet.
It displeased her father, "Lydia, I will not have you stomp your feet at me or talk back. You two go back to your room and stay there until I am ready to talk to you. Go in, now!"
Lydia ran back into the house, calling her mother. He followed her, "Quiet, don't go to your mother. I said go to your room!" He was losing the little patience he had left. He feared it would only get worse, surely Jane had gone straight to her mother. He knew his wife, and could anticipate the drama defending his Jane and Lydia, and who knew what else, but he was ready to take charge; it was the only choice if he were to save them from ruin. Better late than never, he thought. No sense in regretting the past; hopefully any damages could be contained. What Mr. Hill told him that morning might mean that wasn't possible, but he would try.
I would like to hear your comments. Be well! Happy reading.
A/N Jane is influenced by her mother, let's hope she wakes up. I believe she is used to her mother taking her side. I don't think she is bad, but perhaps spoiled. I suspect Mr. Bennet has a few confrontations, some painful, ahead of him. You cannot close your eyes for years and hope all is well.
