PP Non-Canon General Regency

A Gentleman's Choice

Sequel to Making Peace

Previously:

Thomas turned and walked away from the grave; the letters held close to his chest. The path ahead was uncertain, but he knew he had to take it, for Lydia's sake and for his own peace of mind. He just hoped James could figure out what was going on, perhaps that is why this Mr. Thompson fellow was being so protective of her. Maybe, he was protecting her from the aftermath of George Wickham's escapades.

Relaxation Blown

Ch. 10

A cool breeze had permanently replaced the blazing heat of August, and fall was fully in swing. The leaves had turned vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow, creating a picturesque scene around Netherfield. Carriages and buggies were parked neatly in the driveway, their polished exteriors reflecting the golden sunlight. Family and friends had gathered at the Bingleys' newly remodeled estate, the fresh paint and updated furnishings breathed new life into an estate that had begun to feel rather old and decrypted.

Inside, the drawing room was a blend of old-world charm and modern refinement. The walls, recently adorned with a soft, warm hues, complemented the rich, dark wood of the more up-to-date furniture. A large fireplace, its mantel decorated with autumnal garlands, would have crackled softly and provided a cozy warmth - had it been cold enough to warrant doing so. Plush armchairs and sofas, upholstered in gorgeous fabrics, were arranged in intimate clusters, ones that invited conversation and friendly company.

The room was filled with the soft murmur of voices, though an underlying tension was easily felt. The guests were attempting to forget, or at least deal with, the troubling rumors surrounding George Wickham. The uncertainty of whether he had been dead for over three years or was on the run from the law cast a shadow over the gathering. No one spoke of the other rumor, at least not after both Mary and Janet had politely, but far more firmly than most thought possible, asked their aunt, Mrs. Philips, to keep quiet on the subject.

The atmosphere had grown even more strained when Lady Lucas made the mistake of mentioning Lydia. It did not help the woman was refusing to acknowledge their father's efforts to change his own ways. Elizabeth, who had been trying to maintain her composure in an attempt not to ruin her sister, Mary's party, finally lost it.

"You have no business speculating about my youngest sister! Or to insult my father's efforts to improve upon himself!" Elizabeth did not yell; nonetheless, there was clearly a very strong emphasis on her words and in her voice. "You do not know what is and is not true. You have not a clue as to what Lydia may, or may not, be like now. If she has, or has not, repented of her ways. When my father comes, you will keep your mouth shut on this subject, or I will show you out myself"

No one was crazy enough to interrupt Mrs. Darcy as she was very capable of giving Lady Lucas a piece of her mind without any of their help. And no one was foolish enough to bring up the subject themselves afterward. Yet, the questions lingered in the minds of many. Had Lydia changed? Had she, or was she, involved in whatever had caused her husband's disappearance? Their choice of words showed they were not convinced the girl was truly divorced. And, when it came to Mr. Bennet, well, enough of them had seen his changes, they did not fault Mrs. Darcy for chewing out her aunt.

The newly remodeled room, with its elegant decor and inviting ambiance, seemed at odds with the strained mood that hung over the gathering. The guests exchanged uneasy glances, their conversations always cautious. The uncertainty surrounding George Wickham's fate and Lydia's current situation weighed heavily on everyone's minds, casting a somber pall over what should have been a pleasant social occasion.

"Mary, Elizabeth." Kitty spoke up as she entered the room. "Why do you not play a duet? We need some music in here."

Mary had much improved in piano skills over the past couple years and it was nowhere near as labored-Kitty gave credit to Mary having now taking professional lessons and not just doing it herself. And, although, the technical side of Elizabeth's playing had not ever improved; it was always a joy to listen to her. So, Kitty saw nothing wrong with asking the sisters to play together.

"Why not?" Mary turned to her sister. "Shall we?"

"Only if we get to play The Roast Beef of Old England and The Beggar's Opera."

Soon the mood lightened, and music filled the air for the sisters had, over the past four years had actually grown closer than they had while at home. And they had - to their own shock- had more in common than they had originally thought -music being one of them. The good feelings lasted even when Mr. Bennet walked in and sat down.

His foot tapped and voice joined in. People, who did not know him, were surprised at how well he sang. They had always credited Mrs. Bennet for being the one who could carry a tune, for being the artistically minded one. However, now that Thomas was singing, those around him realized Mr. Bennet was quite an excellent tenor and could carry his own weight exceptionally well.

"You should sing more often." Sir William came and sat down next to him. "That or..." He lowered his voice. "Hide from the parson's wife...she just got put in charge music. She may attempt to grab you for a solo in church."

"Lady already has already attempted it." Thomas laughed. "Told her when one sounded liked thirty other tenors they belonged with those same tenors."

"So, in other words, you are now in the choir."

"For now." Again, Thomas chuckled and would have continued only Mrs. Philips made the mistake of ignoring what Elizabeth had said earlier and approached Mr. Bennet with a curiosity in her eye that could not be denied.

"Mr. Bennet," she began, her voice low but insistent, "have you heard the latest rumor about Lydia? They say she divorced that scoundrel Wickham. Is it true?"

Mr. Bennet's expression tightened; he did not appreciate his late wife's sister bringing this particular subject up at Mary's home. However, before the duchess's father could respond, her aunt pressed on. "Do you have any idea where Ensign Wickham might be hiding? I have heard he very well may be running from the law."

Everyone around them grew quieter as nearby guests strained to hear the conversation, some thinking, perchance Mr. Bennet had more information they. Mrs. Philips, clueless as to any growing tension continued her line of questioning. "I also heard George Wickham was involved in some rather unsavory activities before he vanished. Do you think Lydia knew about his dealings?"

Mr. Bennet's eyes narrowed, his patience wearing dangerously thin with the woman in front of him. But Mrs. Philips was relentless. "Do you think Lydia has changed her ways or is she still the same reckless girl we all remember."

Those words, along her final question of "What do you think Lydia is doing now, Mr. Bennet?" Do you think she regrets marrying Wickham?" pushed Thomas Bennet to his breaking point, especially since her questions, and statements, had been fired so rapidly, the poor man had not had a chance to open up his mouth. He stood up, his face turning a deeper shade of red than it had in a very long time; so much so, that it caused even Mrs. Philips to take a step back.

"I think a rat would have more brain cells than you, Mrs. Philips!" he began, his voice dripping thickly with sarcasm. "And even a weasel would have the decency to keep its nose out of matters that do not concern it. But you, madam, seem to lack even that basic level of intelligence and decorum."

The guests in the parlor fell silent, all eyes on Mr. Bennet as he continued his rant towards a woman who clearly might not as well have been family at the moment. "What do I think Lydia is doing now? From what I have been told she is trying to live her life without the constant prying and judgment of people like you! Do I think she regrets marrying Wickham? What kind of stupid, asinine question is that? I should not even grace it with an answer, but I will. I imagine my youngest regrets it every single day, just as I regret my words to her, or of ever having to listen to your incessant gossip and baseless speculation!"

Thomas then took a step closer to Mrs. Philips, his eyes continuing to blaze with fire. "You speak of Lydia as if she is some sort of oddity, some freak, a subject to idle away your time. But she is my daughter, and I will not stand here and listen to you malign her character with your ignorant assumptions. We know nothing of her struggles, her pain, or her efforts to rebuild her life for we have not been around her for these past three and a half years. We have no right to put ourselves as her final judge."

Mr. Bennet's voice grew louder, his anger palpable. "And as for George Wickham, if he is indeed on dead, or on the run from the law, it is no more than the ensign deserves for the misery he has caused to all those who ever crossed his paths. But even then, I am not his final judge. However, to even suggest that Lydia was, or is, in league with his actions is beyond insulative. You, madam, have no idea what you are talking about. And before my tongue slips even more in the sarcasm department, I am leaving!"

With that, he turned sharply on his heel, as if he himself were wearing a military uniform and stormed out of the room, leaving a stunned silence in his wake. The guests exchanged uneasy glances, the tension in the room now thicker than ever. Mrs. Philips, visibly shaken, managed to fumble her way back to her seat, her face pale and her mouth agape. And, for once, she kept her mouth shut.

Elizabeth, who had been watching the scene unfold, rapidly moved to follow her father, gravely concerned; she had not heard her father use such a sarcastic tone in a very long time, nor had either one of her sisters - and they lived closer. Therefore, Mary wasted no time in going over to Mr. Philips and quietly, but firmly, insisted he get his wife to gather her things and leave. Her uncle, who was highly displeased with his wife, did not argue and soon the couple was heading home.

The Roast Beef of Old England and The Beggar's Opera were popular songs during the regency era according to the internet source I have access to.