Thursday’s
Child
. . . a pride and prejudice journey of love
Pat Santarsiero
Thursday’s Child is a work of fiction. The characters depicted
are either from the author’s imagination or from Jane Austen’s
novel, Pride and Prejudice.
© Copyright September 2, 2011 by Pat Santarsiero
First drafts were written in 2009 and 2010 and posted serially beginning September 2, 2011 and ending October 20, 2011.
Cover art digitally enhanced by Angel Lugo
Kindle Version
ASIN: B00E9J3NV6
Dedicated with sincere appreciation
To all the readers at AustenUnderground who supported and encouraged me, and especially to
Gayle Mills, Katie Baxley, & Wendi Sotis
whose invaluable support, suggestions and editing made this book possible.
I am eternally grateful.
Monday’s child is fair of face,
Tuesday’s child is full of grace,
Wednesday’s child is full of woe,
Thursday’s child has far to go.
LORD, WHAT FOOLS THESE MORTALS BE
PROLOGUE
A relentless August sun was making the long journey most uncomfortable. She had been riding in the hired carriage for well over an hour, her destination unknown to her. She truly hoped the driver was more enlightened than she. Her only companion was the steady cadence of the carriage, thus allowing her far too much time to think. This is only going to be an interview, she told herself. Certainly she was not committing to anything yet. Indeed, both parties needed to be in agreement.
She sighed deeply. She could not believe that events had led her to this point in her life.
In the year since Elizabeth’s beloved father had died, her life had changed dramatically. Her carefree days at Longbourn seemed so long ago. Her leisurely rambles through the woods, her lively and challenging conversations with her father, and her shared intimacies with her dear sister Jane were all just memories now. As she stood on the brink of a decision that would forever change her life, she wondered at the circumstances that had brought about her present situation. Certainly twelve months ago she would never have even considered the decision she was about to face.
The shock of losing her father so suddenly to a heart attack had been further exacerbated when a very eager Mr. Collins announced he would be immediately taking possession of Longbourn.
Mrs. Bennet had tried to persuade Mr. Collins to delay fulfilling the provisions of the entailment until she and her five daughters could make other living arrangements but was granted a mere se’ennight to accomplish this task.
On the grey, bleak day that Elizabeth had stood at her father’s grave, she knew that her life and the lives of all her sisters would be irrevocably changed. They were no longer the gentlemen’s daughters they had been just days before. They would now have to make their own way in the world. The brunt of that task would fall to Jane and herself, as they were the eldest.
As she watched the scenery outside the carriage move past her, she remembered how the events of that week before her father’s death had been filled with such hope….
~*~
Her mother and two youngest sisters, Kitty and Lydia, were beside themselves with joy over the prospect of seeing Mr. Bingley (and his £5,000 a year) at the Meryton Assembly on Saturday and could speak of little else. As unaffected as Jane had seemed by the news of Mr. Bingley’s attendance, Elizabeth knew her beautiful, serene sister to be every bit the romantic. For herself, Elizabeth knew that only the deepest love could ever induce her to marry. Of course she was curious to see just who would turn up at the Meryton Assembly. Mary was the only sister who truly had no interest in the dance or in Mr. Bingley.
All of these musings were brought about by the fact that Mr. Bennet, after vexing his wife for several days, had finally done what any father of five unmarried daughters should. He had visited Mr. Bingley at Netherfield, told him of his five daughters, and welcomed him to the neighbourhood.
On Tuesday, to Mrs. Bennet’s surprise and delight, Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Bennet’s visit and arrived at Longbourn mid-morning. He was indeed anxious to meet the five daughters on which Mr. Bennet had expounded.
“Why, Mr. Bingley! How very good of you to call!” exclaimed Mrs. Bennet. “Girls! Girls! Come meet Mr. Bingley!” As the five daughters gathered into the parlour from every direction of the house, Mr. Bingley was enraptured. The sounds of giggling and petticoats swishing wafted around him. As if in synchronized time, all five Bennet daughters stopped before Mr. Bingley and made ready to curtsey.
“This is my eldest daughter, Jane,” said Mrs. Bennet. Mr. Bingley lowered his head in a deep bow. As his eyes looked upward in greeting to Miss Bennet, he stopped all movement. Their eyes met, and, as they did, both parties immediately blushed. Mr. Bingley quickly regained his composure.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Bennet.”
Jane, not recovering from her embarrassment as promptly as he, merely nodded and smiled in response.
Mr. Bingley was then introduced, in order, to Miss Elizabeth, Miss Mary, Miss Katherine and Miss Lydia. All curtsied and exchanged greetings. However, Mr. Bingley would later have little memory of any of them, except Jane; indeed, she was a perfect angel.
According to Charlotte Lucas, Elizabeth’s best friend and closest neighbour, rumour had it that Mr. Bingley would be attending the Assembly with at least five ladies and eight gentlemen. The Bennet household was all anticipation for Saturday.
On Wednesday evening, as Mr. Bennet sat in his library, sipping his port and going over the estate books for the month, he felt a gripping pain in his chest.
Saturday morning, Mr. Bennet was laid to rest. That evening, the dance at the Meryton Assembly proceeded without the five Bennet sisters.
~*~
Charles Bingley paced the foyer at Netherfield Park, impatiently waiting for his two sisters, Caroline and Louisa, to finish dressing. Louisa’s husband, Mr. Hurst, and Bingley’s best friend, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, had decided to wait in the library so that they might at least enjoy a glass of port whilst awaiting Bingley’s sisters.
From the foyer they could hear Bingley inquire, “What can be taking them so long?” This entreaty was directed to no one; hence, no one replied. Still he continued, “I do not want to arrive too late! Sir William said the Assembly is to begin at eight o’clock, and it’s already quarter past!” His natural enthusiasm was heightened considerably by the knowledge that the angelic Miss Bennet would also be attending the dance this evening.
Darcy and Mr. Hurst made their way from the library towards the foyer where Bingley was still muttering to himself. Darcy tried to conceal a smirk as he watched his friend’s nervous agitation. Although Darcy insisted on being punctual, he had to admit he was in no great hurry to attend a country dance, nor any dance for that matter. He disliked social occasions and never felt at ease amongst strangers.
Darcy would have preferred a quiet evening enjoying the library at Netherfield, but memories of previous evenings in the company of Caroline Bingley reminded him that this would not be possible. He knew whatever decision he made with regard to tonight’s festivities, Caroline’s decision would mirror his own. The thought of spending an entire evening alone with Caroline Bingley made the decision to attend a country dance amongst strangers the more appealing choice.
He had hoped accompanying Bingley to Hertfordshire would help take his mind off of his obligations and familial duties. On his last visit to Rosings Park, his Aunt Catherine had again brought up the subject of his betrothal to his cousin Anne. As vehemently as he had argued against such a union, he
knew that he either had to find someone suitable on his own (and soon) or marry his cousin. The Darcy name must persevere.
His many seasons in London had accomplished nothing other than convincing him that there was no one of his acquaintance for whom he held any tender feelings. The thought of meeting more conniving mothers and mercenary daughters was so abhorrent to him that he was beginning to wonder whether he might just as well marry Anne as face another season of the same.
As Caroline and Louisa finally made their way down the staircase, Caroline slipped her hand under Darcy’s arm. “Shall we get this over with?” she asked with her usual look of superiority.
Yes, this was going to be a very long evening. Indeed, for both Darcy (who had no expectations to the contrary) and Bingley (who had the highest expectations of seeing his angel), the evening was a dismal disappointment.
CHAPTER ONE
“I think I will take the children out to the park today,” said Jane as James Morgan sipped his tea.
“That’s a fine idea. The weather certainly has been agreeable of late.”
“Oh, Jane, while you’re out, would you mind stopping off at my dressmakers? Could you find out if the fabric I ordered has arrived yet?” asked his wife, Emily.
“Of course, it shall be no trouble at all.”
Jane Bennet had been in London since her father’s death. She had immediately accompanied her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner following the funeral, staying with them in their London townhouse at Cheapside while her Aunt Gardiner made inquiries to find a suitable position for her beloved niece.
Within a few weeks she had heard that a prominent family, who resided at Grosvenor Street, was looking for a new governess for their three children. Jane had many qualities to recommend her for such a position, her sweet nature and unlimited patience making her the perfect candidate. The family immediately fell in love with Jane, and Jane immediately fell in love with the family.
“Jaime! Sarah!” Jane called to the two eldest children from the bottom of the stairs. She then went to the nursery and lifted Caleb, age two, from his bed. As she waited for James (or Jaime as he was called), age eight, and Sarah, age six, to reach the bottom of the stairs, she gathered up their coats, hats, and gloves. “Come on, you two. If we hurry, we might catch a glimpse of that family of ducks again this morning.”
Sarah jumped at Jane’s words. “Can we bring some bread to feed them?” she asked.
“I believe I just might have some pieces wrapped in my pocket,” said Jane, much to Sarah’s delight.
Mr. James Morgan and his wife, Emily, were not part of the hierarchy of London society. Mr. Morgan had made most of his fortune from the shipbuilding business his father had started years before. As it turned out, the business had proved to be highly lucrative, thereby affording the Morgans their current comfortable life style. Considering all that had happened, Jane was indeed quite content with her present situation, caring for their three delightful, well-behaved children. Jane’s mind only occasionally wandered back to that very amiable and handsome gentleman who had once visited Longbourn.
The weather was indeed delightful for March. As they approached the park, Jane watched whilst the two older children ran to play. She held Caleb on her lap as she took a seat on a park bench and pulled Lizzy’s latest letter from her pocket. Although she had read it several times already, it gave her comfort to read it again. She missed her sister dearly. Until their father’s death, they had never been more than a bedroom wall away from each other, sharing every thought, every secret hope, and every fear. Now, she was in London, and Lizzy was wherever Mrs. Worthington happened to be travelling at any particular time.
Elizabeth Bennet had secured a position as a lady’s companion not long after her father’s death. Her knowledge of books and her easy conversation were all the qualifications Mrs. Worthington required. Having been a widow for several years, Mrs. Worthington could no longer stand the uninterrupted peace and stifling quiet of her home. She longed for companionship and conversation. Her son, John, lived in Oxford with his wife and family. She visited them once or twice a year but did not want to be a burden to them. Fortunately, her husband had left her enough money to live comfortably, and so she decided she would travel when her health permitted. She sought a companion with wit and intelligence to accompany her. She had found just that in Elizabeth Bennet.
Jane unfolded Lizzy’s letter and read again:
March 23, 1812
Dearest Jane,
I was pleased to receive your last letter and to hear that you are getting on so well in London. I miss you so much, my dear sister. It is my sincerest hope that I shall be able to visit you in London soon. Mrs. Worthington and I have just arrived at Bath. We will be here for about a fortnight before travelling back to Mrs. Worthington’s home where we will stay until July. At that time Mrs. Worthington is planning to visit her son and has given me leave to take a holiday if I wish. If all goes well, I shall visit you in London then.
Your news regarding Charlotte and Mr. Collins was quite shocking. I suppose with their being neighbours, it was inevitable that Mr. Collins would get around to making her an offer. That she accepted him, however, is what is most surprising. Our mother’s nerves must be quite unsettled knowing that Charlotte Lucas is now the Mistress of Longbourn.
What news from Meryton? You know I must rely on you, dear Jane, to keep me informed of our family. Our mother has held fast to her vow to never speak to me again since my refusal of Mr. Collins, and it seems our younger sisters do not have any desire to displease her by writing to me themselves.
Jane, I know we have never talked about Mr. Collins’s proposal, and because of your generous nature, you have never admonished me for my selfish behaviour. However, I find it rather hard to forgive myself. I realize now that I could have saved our family from all of the unpleasantness that has occurred since our departure from Longbourn. I have lived with that guilt and regret ever since, but I swear to you, my dear Jane, that if I ever have the opportunity to redeem myself, I will sacrifice anything to make it up to all my family.
I fear your opinion is right that our sister Lydia has grown wilder since our father’s death. The situation with the Militia being in town disturbs me greatly. We both know how flighty Lydia can be, and where Lydia goes, Kitty shall surely follow. I sincerely hope our mother will take the trouble to check her unbridled behaviour before she is beyond amendment.
I must close for now, Jane. Mrs. Worthington and I have yet to unpack before dinner. Please give my love to our Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. Write me soon, dear Jane. With love from
Your affectionate sister,
Lizzy
Jane returned Lizzy’s letter to her pocket, turning her attention to the Morgan children at play, as she looked around the park. She really liked this place. It wasn’t so big that she worried the children would run off, but it was still large enough to require a good deal of exercise to walk its circumference. However, rather than walk around it, she much more enjoyed simply sitting on this bench and watching the other people as they came and went. She liked to see the other children at play and watched to see who had brought them there. Since this was an affluent area, it was usually a governess, such as herself.
She also liked to watch the young couples taking romantic strolls, deep in quiet conversation. Again, that amiable and handsome gentleman from Netherfield crept into her thoughts. She shook her head, as if ridding her mind of his image.
Jane shivered, becoming aware of the chill in the air, and she had yet to stop by Mrs. Morgan’s dressmaker. She gathered up Caleb in her arms and walked towards the pond. Sarah had just finished scattering the last of the bread. The ducks squawked loudly to show their appreciation.
“Well, Sarah, I believe you have made friends for life.”
Sarah graced her with her widest grin.
“We really should be going. Jaime, take your sister’s hand. We still have an errand to run.”
~*~
T
hat evening Jane was to dine at the home of her Aunt and Uncle Gardiner. One of the advantages of her employment with the Morgans was their proximity to Gracechurch Street. Her aunt and uncle would often invite her to dine with them and would send their carriage round for her.
Jane climbed the steps to the entrance of the townhouse at Cheapside, a smile gracing her beautiful face. She was always so happy to be in company with her aunt and uncle for they were the finest people she knew.
As they gathered around the dinner table, Uncle Gardiner smiled at Jane. “One of the reasons your Aunt Madeline and I have invited you this evening is to inform you of an extended trip we are planning to take this summer. Another gentleman and I have recently invested in a company that is based in America. Since my partner cannot spare much time away from his other businesses, he has asked if I would go and check on its progress. Your aunt and I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to make a real holiday of it. After concluding my business, we plan to travel about the country and do some sightseeing. I’ve been told there are many places of great interest to visit there.”
“That does sound most exciting,” said Jane. “When have you planned to depart?”
“Well,” said her Aunt Madeline, “we plan to leave London sometime in June and return by Christmas.”
“Yes,” her uncle continued, “I’ll have time to get my business in order by then. I have already written your mother to let her know of our plans. I will try to keep her regularly informed of our whereabouts.”
They spent the next hour discussing her aunt and uncle’s travel plans, and soon it was time to leave. Jane knew she would miss them, but she did have the hope that Lizzy would visit her during the summer to help fill the void.
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