Chapter 4
Harriet Forster was furious with the nasty girl she no longer considered her friend. Since she asked Lydia to come with her to care for her mother, she had done nothing but complain. Furthermore, at Harriet's parents' house, she was rude and not helpful at all.
Mrs. Forster's family lived in a small town, and her father owned a modest shop. They only had two maids who worked at home and two boys who helped in the shop. Lydia hoped that one of the maids would assist her, but she did not have time.
"Lydia, the day after tomorrow, we shall return to Brighton. We shall leave at dawn, so you must pack your luggage for tomorrow. Molly and Rose cannot help you because they are in charge of the house and assist my mother when I cannot."
"Finally, we shall leave this horrible place. In the last week, I have been locked in this house without having anything entertaining to do. I want to go back to Brighton and see all my friends. Also, Harriet, please organize a social gathering as soon as we return and invite all the officers. It is the least you can do after bringing me to this place to waste my time..."
"Make sure you pack your clothes because no one will help you," Harriet replied, leaving her insufferable friend to talk to herself. 'I should have invited Kitty.'
Harriet's father had told his daughter that his wife was well and that she should return to Brighton and not leave her husband alone for so long. The truth was that he and his wife could not stand the complaints and rudeness of their daughter's spoiled friend for one more second.
But Lydia saw things differently than Harriet and her parents did. She had been invited to Brighton to enjoy the sea, the officers, and the many parties and balls she would attend. However, she was taken to a boring town and forced to be away from the officers, especially her secret betrothed, Lieutenant George Wickham.
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"Checkmate, Mr. Bennet," Francis said with a triumphant smile.
"It was just good luck, Captain," replied Mr. Bennet, not very happy. Among his family and friends, he never had serious opponents in chess, and so he was not used to losing.
"Maybe the good fortune is on my side, then. We have played five games, and I have won four," Francis replied. He thought it was amusing that Mr. Bennet was such a sore loser.
"You have to give me the opportunity to show you that I can defeat you. I shall likely win the next games without major problems. I have already figured out your strategy, young man."
"Alright, I have time for one more game. Then, I must return to the port to speak with one of my officers. I hope he can inform me how long the repairs will take so I can plan what I shall do in the coming months."
"I hope you stay on the ground until I have won at least fifty times." Mr. Bennet liked the young Captain very much. He was cultured and quite intelligent. Very different from men his age, who spent much of their time drinking or doing activities that did little to help the development of their minds.
It had only been two days since Francis had met Jane, and he felt that his love at first sight had transformed into deep admiration. She was not only the living image of the goddess of his dreams but also gentle, kind, and very sweet. He decided to hide his admiration for the beautiful Miss Jane because he wanted to give her time to know him better. His strategy was to be her friend and then offer her his love and protection. He did not know how much time he would have to accomplish it, but he was determined to win Jane Bennet's love.
"Father, Captain, excuse me for interrupting you, but I want to go for a walk. Father, perhaps you could accompany me and… Maybe we can meet some of the officers we met in Meryton, and we could get some information…"
"Jane, there is nothing to worry about. The Colonel told us that everything was fine. In two more days, your sister will return, and we can leave for home. Excuse me, Captain, but as I already told you, we came to fetch my youngest daughter, and even though everything is well with her, Jane cannot stop worrying."
Francis looked at Jane and noticed a kind of worry and embarrassment at the same time. Although he did not know Mr. Bennet, he had the impression that he was not a reliable father.
"Perhaps Miss Bennet has good reasons to be concerned," Francis said in an attempt to support Jane.
"Captain, if one day you have five daughters like me, you will be able to understand my life. You cannot imagine what an ordeal it is for my ears and patience to have to listen to six women talking nonsense all the time. Although I must admit that Jane and Lizzy are much more sensible than my three youngest daughters."
As he spoke, Mr. Bennet smiled as if amused by what he said. Francis noticed that Jane looked down and smiled but in a rather sad manner. So, he decided to be honest and express what he really felt.
"Mr. Bennet, my mother died a few days after I was born, and my father never cared for me. The closest thing I have had to family is my fellow sailors and naval officers. If I had a family with five daughters, I would feel fortunate and do everything possible to love and protect them. And if they talked a lot of nonsense, well, I would help them learn new things so that they would be educated ladies that I can feel proud of."
Mr. Bennet did not like Francis's answer but had no arguments to refute it. So, he preferred to excuse himself and retire to rest. The night before, he had stayed up late talking with several officers, and a nap would do him good.
Once her father had said goodbye and left, Jane explained to Francis that she was going for a walk along the path that surrounded the beach. She needed to think and try to find a solution to everything happening, and she knew she did not have her father's support. Francis offered to accompany her and told her that he could show her a very special place from where a large part of the seascape of that area could be observed.
After walking for about ten minutes, Jane decided to share her thoughts with the kind gentleman. "Captain, I really liked what you said to my father, but…"
"Is there something bothering you, Miss Bennet?" Francis asked. "You can be honest; I do not get offended that easily."
"It just made me very sad that you did not grow up with the love of a family, that is all. Forgive me, Captain, if I have been imprudent with my comment."
"Do not worry, Miss Bennet. That is a stage in my life that I have already overcome. I am not the type of person who lives bitterly thinking about the past. On the contrary, I like to think about the future, and it is for that reason that one of my most cherished dreams is to have my own family, even if I only have daughters," Francis said, smiling.
"Then I wish you to have many daughters and sons and find all the happiness you deserve," Jane added, also smiling. Then, she became serious and looked towards where the sea collided with a rock. "This landscape is so beautiful. Although I have only visited the beach once, in my opinion, there is nothing more beautiful than the sea and the sound of the waves. I wish I had come on vacation so I could enjoy all this without constantly worrying about my sister."
"What exactly are you worried about, Miss Bennet?" Francis asked.
"I do not want to abuse your good disposition and friendship, Captain. Since we met, you have only had to listen to my problems…"
"Miss Bennet, I am the one who asked you. I already told you once that I am a good listener."
Jane looked at Francis for a few seconds, then looked out to sea and began to speak. "My sister Lydia is very stubborn. I do not know if my father can control her or, worse, if he truly wants to take care of her. We do not know the name of the officer who has been luring her, and I am afraid she will try to run away with him when she learns we are here."
Jane had told Francis everything. That man had the power to listen and make her feel comfortable and safe, even though she barely knew him. Usually, she was the one who listened, but with Captain Coleman, she was the one who talked.
"I believe I can help with your problem, Miss Bennet."
"No, Captain… Please do not think that I have told you all this to seek your support. It is very good for me to talk to you; it helps me organize my thoughts, but…"
"Miss Bennet, I am a man of action. In the months I sail around the world, my mind must always be aware of even the smallest detail. The lives of my men and the prestige of the Royal Navy depend on it. Then, you will understand that days on land without having anything to do become too tedious. Besides, it feels good to know that I can help your family, your sister, and you, Miss Bennet. So that you understand better, it is not that I am assisting you; it is you who are giving me the possibility of being useful."
"You are always so convincing, Captain," Jane replied, smiling. This time, her smile was cheerful.
"Being in charge of many men with different characters and views on life has helped me much with that, Miss Bennet. How about we walk to that viewpoint and explain everything you have in mind."
Francis wanted to offer his arm to Jane, but he preferred to contain his desire to be closer to her. He was happy that she trusted him, and he was not about to ruin everything he had gained.
After walking for almost half an hour, Francis understood what he needed to do to make sure everything was resolved satisfactorily for the Bennets.
"I have a solution for your concerns, Miss Bennet. Tonight, I will put my plan into action, and I hope to have that scoundrel's name very soon. Furthermore, I guarantee that all of this will be discretely done so as not to generate rumors that could risk your young sister's reputation."
"Captain Coleman, you have been an angel sent from heaven. Thank you very much for everything; my family and I will be forever indebted to you."
"There is no debt between friends, my dear lady," Francis replied. Jane's eyes were shining, and her face was illuminated by the afternoon sun. At that moment, he thought that not even Aphrodite could be as beautiful and gentle as Jane Bennet.
P&P
Mr. Darcy was pacing impatiently down the wide hallway of his beautiful mansion. Every two minutes, he approached one of the windows to see if the Gardiners' carriage would appear. He had not seen Elizabeth in almost forty-eight hours and missed her as if he had not seen her in years. She had been so kind and considerate to him that he hoped that perhaps, one day, she could give him another opportunity.
He was very anxious and got up early to see that everything he had ordered had been done as he had wanted it. Today, Pemberley would receive its future mistress, and everything had to look impeccable.
"Mrs. Reynolds," said Mr. Darcy as he saw the faithful housekeeper pass by. "Please ensure there are plenty of flowers in the room where I shall have tea with my guests."
"I already did it, sir. We prepared some arrangements with flowers of different colors, just as you asked me."
"Thank you very much… Please, Mrs. Reynolds, do not forget that there must be strawberry and blueberry tarts, and everything looks flawless…"
"Sir, I have arranged to use the china with the Darcy emblem, and in addition to the strawberry and blueberry tarts, there will be lemon biscuits because I know they are your favorites."
"Very good… Also…"
"Sir, the coachman told me that the open carriage is ready, and I already ordered two boys to arrange everything under the shade of the big walnut tree. I have laid out several selections of fruits, cheeses, and some biscuits. Plus, drinks, of course. And I asked that they will ensure to clean the library well. I checked and can assure you there is no dust."
"Then everything is ready… I am pleased; I know you are very efficient, Mrs. Reynolds, but I hope you understand that my guests are very important, and Pemberley must look better than ever."
"Of course, sir. All of us who work at Pemberley are proud that this estate is one of the most beautiful and visited in all of Derbyshire."
Mrs. Reynolds curtsied and withdrew. She was very curious to know who those important people were and why her master was so nervous. He had only mentioned that Mr. Gardiner and his family were coming to Pemberley for the day but had given no other details. She was a discreet and disciplined servant and would never dare question the man she admired most in the world.
Mr. Darcy sat for a few minutes and tried to read the newspaper but could not. Then, he got up, looked out the window, and finally saw the carriage approaching. He fixed his tailcoat and cravat and went out to wait for his guests.
Elizabeth looked through the carriage window in amazement at the immense mansion and the beautiful gardens that surrounded it. Without a doubt, Mr. Darcy must be a wealthy gentleman, more so than she had initially estimated.
She had been thinking about him and the reason he had been so kind to them. When she saw that estate, she felt more confused. A man of that fortune and social standing could not be interested in a friendship with her or her Aunt and Uncle. He knew her family and probably knew that she had no dowry or connections. So, what were his motives or intentions for being so nice to them?
When they finally reached the house's entrance, Mr. Darcy approached the carriage, helped the ladies, and greeted Mr. Gardiner warmly.
"Welcome to Pemberley," Mr. Darcy said very proudly, still looking at Elizabeth.
"Again, thank you very much for inviting us, Mr. Darcy. Your estate is one of the most beautiful I have seen in a long time," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"Furthermore, the weather today is ideal for exploring the beautiful park," Elizabeth added, looking in the direction of the forest.
"I am sorry, Lizzy, but not all of us can walk like you do," Mr. Gardiner said to his beloved niece.
"That will not be a problem, Mr. Gardiner. I have arranged an open carriage that will take us near the best place in the lagoon to fish. There, we will have a picnic, and while we fish, the ladies can enjoy the scenery or walk around if they wish. Please, now accompany me to the terrace. I shall ask one of my servants to bring us some refreshments and tell you everything I have planned for today."
Mr. Darcy led his guests to the large terrace that connected the main hall with the garden. There, they sat in the shade of the trees and drank lemonade while they conversed. Mr. and Mrs. Gardiner were discussing the architectural style of the house, and Mr. Darcy clarified that the house had been expanded on more than one occasion and, therefore, had more than one style.
"This garden was my mother's idea. Previously, the house only had gardens at the entrance. My mother really liked to sit here and draw and paint; that is when she decided that a garden would provide much inspiration."
"Undoubtedly, your mother was a lady of impeccable taste," said Mrs. Gardiner.
"Aunt, Uncle, while you rest, do you mind if I walk through the garden?" Elizabeth asked.
"No, Lizzy, we know how hard it is for you to sit still when there are so many beautiful things to see around you,"replied Mr. Gardiner.
"Would you mind if I accompany you?" Mr. Darcy immediately asked. "Sir, Mrs. Gardiner…"
"Do not worry about us; go tour the gardens while we look at the structure of this beautiful mansion," said Mrs. Gardiner.
Mrs. Reynolds went in to remove the empty plates and observed her master walking toward the garden with the young lady on his arm. She could not help but smile when she realized she was the reason for so much uneasiness. Her young master was in love; she only prayed that the young lady knew how to reciprocate his love and treat him with affection and consideration.
"How many types of flowers do you grow in this garden?" Elizabeth asked.
"I do not know, but we can ask the gardener. What I know is that many of these flowers grow in the greenhouse and are then transplanted to this place."
"How wonderful it must be to have a greenhouse. Even if it is winter, one can have flowers…"
"And some fruits."
"It must be very big if you can grow trees there."
"It is, and if you do me the honor of coming back another day, I promise we shall take a walk there."
"That depends on my uncle and aunt, but I believe it will not be difficult to convince them. Especially if your library has books on the architecture of Pemberley and the area."
Elizabeth could not stop looking at everything around her. It was so beautiful that she wondered how many people had to work there to maintain it all.
"Miss Bennet, do you remember that you refused to walk with me at Netherfield?" Mr. Darcy asked. He wanted to avoid making the same mistake and walking beside Elizabeth without saying anything.
"You must have done something to make me refuse, Mr. Darcy," Elizabeth said immediately. She wanted to avoid talking about the past and did not remember the occasion, so she said the first thing that came to mind.
Simultaneously, she wondered how so many things could have happened between them if they had not been friends. And why did one realize that they were evidently more than mere acquaintances?
Mr. Darcy smiled and added, "I am not guilty of anything because I did nothing. I went out for a walk, and Miss Bingley took my arm and insisted on accompanying me."
"I understand. But you need to know that I am not the kind of person who likes to interrupt a private conversation. I did not know Miss Bingley had forced you to walk with her," Elizabeth replied, smiling, hoping Mr. Darcy would close the subject.
"Do not worry, Miss Bennet, I am not offended. If I had been in your place, I would not have wanted to walk with us either." Mr. Darcy remembered Caroline's comments about the Bennet family and how he agreed with many of her opinions.
Mr. Darcy noticed that Elizabeth did not wish to continue talking about that and took the opportunity to ask her a question. "Miss Bennet, please excuse me if I am imprudent, but I have noticed that you have a scar on your arm…"
Elizabeth blushed and withdrew her arm. "Yes, I had an accident…"
"Please excuse me, Miss Bennet. I am a fool; I have no right to make you feel uncomfortable. Please believe me, your health is very important to me, and that is why I dared to ask…"
"It is alright, Mr. Darcy… That happened a few months ago, and it was nothing serious… I think it is best to return with Uncle and Aunt Gardiner."
"Of course," said Mr. Darcy, a little disappointed. He understood that he had no right to ask such personal questions. "Miss Bennet, I hope that after our meeting at the inn, you will have no doubt that I have taken into account all the reproaches you made me in Kent, and I am working every day to be able to remedy all the flaws in my character. It has not been easy, I assure you, but I have understood that you were correct and that I have been profoundly wrong about many things."
Elizabeth was speechless. She did not understand anything that that gentleman said, and the worst of all was realizing that their relationship was very different from what everyone thought. She felt uncomfortable and helpless because she could not remember something that was apparently very important. Mr. Darcy's countenance seemed so stricken, and she did not wish to continue listening to things she did not understand. The only thing she could consider was that the gentleman with a reputation for being pompous and proud had offended her in some way, and she had told him everything she thought about him. That was why he was probably so friendly to her and her family. Not for a second did Elizabeth consider that what had happened between them was a romantic disagreement. Then, she decided to end that conversation in the only way in which he would not realize what was occurring inside her troubled mind.
"Mr. Darcy, I have left all that in the past. If you knew me better, you would know that I am not spiteful. How about we never talk about that topic again and enjoy this beautiful day?"
Mr. Darcy was so happy that he could not control his desire to express his feelings. He took Elizabeth's hand, kissed it, and said, "I agree; let us leave all that behind us and start from scratch."
Elizabeth was even more confused than before. The handsome, kind, wealthy owner of that beautiful estate kissed her hand while he looked at her with longing eyes.
'What kind of relationship did I have with this gentleman?' Elizabeth wondered as her heart did not stop beating.
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Thank you very much to everyone who follows the story and leaves comments. You help and inspire me to write and move the plot forward. I only have a general idea of how the story is going to develop, and many times, what you tell me in the comments makes me focus on some situations or add new dialogues.
In the next chapter, Francis will begin to investigate who Lydia's secret love is, while in Pemberley, Mr. Darcy does not hide his admiration for Elizabeth.
See you soon!
Saludos,
Yo
