AU NOT Cannon
May/Dec
Bonds of Duty
PP
Ch. 4
Attic Decision
Lydia did her best to remain still in the side room of the Robinson mansion. Despite her reputation for being restless, she stayed composed, though her friends had, until recently, thought they had every reason to doubt the upcoming wedding would proceed for few admitted her changes would stick.
"This wedding is crazy," Jane, usually quiet, spoke as she entered the white-painted room. Heavy blue curtains were drawn to keep in the warmth, a fire crackled, and a sparkling chandelier spread light across the room. "There is no need to marry Lord Robinson. What was he thinking asking for your hand in marriage? He is too old for you."
"Forget his age," Elizabeth, who was attempting to support Lydia, but who was still finding it difficult to accept her younger sister's seriousness. "The gentleman has never worn a military uniform, I thought that was your thing."
"That does not matter anymore, a fact you would have noticed if your eyes had not been on Darcy." Lydia winked and then sat up straight and went on. "Lord Robinson's young daughter needs a mother, and he wants a chance to have a son. More importantly, he proved the Collins are not the closest relations to inherit Longbourn. Most of all, he proved he is the rightful heir. So, if, Jane, Mary or Kitty do not wed and Father dies, none of them, or Mother, will be without a home. I can live with all of that. Besides, I do like him; the rest of it can come with time."
"I want to know who even gave him that information in the first place," Mary said as she entered. "I am baffled. Why not ask one of us? We are older than you."
"Elizabeth is engaged," Lydia replied, picking up a brush. "As for the rest, ask him."
"I did, he gave no answer. Said it was none of my business."
Their conversation was interrupted when their mother called them to the Robinson's private chapel, much to Lydia's relief. She would not ever confess that she had already spent a year pacing in the attic making this choice before her fifteenth birthday. An action due to her hearing Elizabeth and Jane discuss the family's situation due to poor planning by their father. Nor would she tell her father that it had been she who had dug up the family records and found a link to the Robinson family, the Collins and themselves. If anyone suggested she confess to approaching Lord Robinson with that information and her own offer, they were crazier than Lydia ever thought of being.
"Are you most certain, Miss Bennett? You are correct in saying you would not want for shelter, food, or clothing. Nor would I kick your mother, or sisters out when your father passes on. Your father certainly could not complain about my reputation, for it is sound." Lord Robinson leaned back in his chair. "It is true also that I am indeed looking for a mother for my daughter. Although, I do not mistreat women, your sister Elizabeth -and others, find me too strict, though I have never laid an abusive hand on a lady, nor would I dream of calling women stupid. And, you must know upfront, I would not be signing any divorce papers. So, you better be sure about your offer."
Lydia had maintained her stance -even when given a few months to think on it. Therefore, it was now that the youngest Bennett sister was on her father's arm, walking down the aisle towards a man others thought her crazy to wed, but one who would inherit Longbourn after her father passed away. As she walked, Lydia held no hard feelings towards her father, understanding how much he regretted his choices. She also saw how hard he was working to stop mocking his family.
A short year later Michael B. Robinson was born to Lord Michael B, Robinson and his wife Lady Robinson. Lydia would later write in her journal; While many accused my husband of being a stern man, I cannot find it in myself to regret my decision for he was not ever an abusive one.