Loving Lydia

by Leenie Brown

  “Miss Bennet, Miss Elizabeth Bennet, and Miss Lydia Bennet,” Mr. Harvey intoned from the doorway.

  With some effort not to grimace, Richard pushed up from his seat.

  “Colonel,” Elizabeth said, “it is good to see you in the drawing room.”

  “You helped him come down; did you not?” Lydia asked Westonbury.

  “I promised you I would,” he replied.

  “Then show me your cheek,” she answered.

  “You will not pinch my nose, will you?”

  She laughed. “Is it necessary?”

  “No.” He turned his cheek towards her, and she kissed it.

  “Thank you. You are a very good brother.”

  Richard could almost imagine her patting Wes on the head and giving him a biscuit as she did Dash. “You only helped me for a kiss?”

  Westonbury shrugged and smirked. “Can you blame me? I am to keep my half-crowns to myself, after all.”

  “I did not say I would give him a kiss when he promised to see to you,” Lydia said, folding her arms and joining Richard in glaring at his brother.

  “She is correct. I was never promised a reward for making certain you did not fall to your death on the stairs.”

  “And he only got a kiss because there is no one here who would think it utterly improper.”

  “Speaking of which. Where is Miss Mary?” Westonbury asked. “She might like to know that I performed my duty as brother so admirably.”

  Lydia laughed. “She is in the music room with Kitty and Georgiana. I will be certain to tell her, but I fear she will still not like you. You did buy a kiss from her sister.”

  Westonbury’s mouth dropped open. “Is that why she does not like me?”

  “That and you were at Sally’s,” Lydia said. “What else could it be? That is all she knew of you before she met you.”

  “I did not know she knew of that kiss,” Elizabeth said.

  “Oh, she was not supposed to know, but I forgot and mentioned it on that day when Lord Westonbury arrived. I was so shocked that he was the same person we had met at Sally’s that I had to tell Kitty and well, Mary happened to be there when I did,” Lydia answered.

  “That does make things fall into place better,” Jane said.

  “Miss Bennet!” Bingley said as he entered the room. “I am delighted to see you. My sister has given me permission to enter,” he added to Miss Lydia.

  “What do you mean given you permission?” Richard asked. “This is your house. Why would you need permission to enter your own drawing room.”

  “You do not need to be overwhelmed the first time you are out of your room,” Lydia answered. “That is why Caroline and I decided that you should be given time to get settled here without too many people or too much sound.”

  Westonbury laughed. “You do not need Mother. It seems Miss Lydia is filling the role of protectress very well.”

  Richard watched Lydia pull the right corner of her lower lip between her teeth. He also saw Darcy sit forward as if he wished to move in and care for Lydia, but then he move back purposefully and nodded to Richard. It was what he did when he thought Richard needed to address Georgiana. Lydia had become very much a sister to his cousin, and Richard would not disappoint either him or Lydia.

  “I believe Mother would be delighted to know someone has seen to my care,” Richard assured her.

  “Do you think so?” Lydia asked eagerly.

  “Yes,” Westonbury said. “Do you think Miss Mary would let me hear her play today?”

  “I doubt it very much,” Lydia answered.

  He sighed and settled back into his chair.

  “Is all ready for tomorrow evening?” Richard asked.

  Lydia nodded. “I have just to practice my song.”

  “Your song?”

  She nodded again.

  “I did not know you were singing.”

  “It is supposed to be a surprise, so I shall not tell you any more than that.” Her head tipped. “Do you think your head can abide listening to several songs? You will already have endured a dinner.”

  “I would not miss such a treat as hearing you sing. Even if I must do it with my eyes closed to keep the room from spinning. I will imagine your lovely face if I must close my eyes,” he added when her brow furrowed.

  “Lady Matlock’s carriage is on the drive,” Harvey said from the doorway. “Miss Bingley wished you to know in advance of her arrival. Tea will be made ready soon.”

  Lydia’s hands twisted in her lap, and Richard covered them with one of his. “All will be well. You are prepared. She might be surly at first, but she will be won over.”

  He had said these same words to her every day she had visited him in his room, but at present, the words felt a great deal weightier much like “you know your post, see to it” took on a far different tone when said in the face of battle rather than field practice.

  “It might be a challenge, but you are equal to it,” he added.

  She nodded, and, upon hearing Netherfield’s door open, she rose and then assisted him in also rising. Her shoulders straightened, and she lifted her chin. His Lydia was prepared for whatever lay ahead. He gave her hand a squeeze before releasing it.

  “You are equal to it,” he whispered once more before his mother was announced.

  Chapter 20

  Lady Matlock surveyed the room, her eyes taking in every detail. It was not an unfamiliar action to Darcy. It was how his aunt entered all new rooms.

  Her left brow quirked upward as she settled her gaze on him.

  “Mother,” Westonbury said. “May I present the room to you?”

  “I believe you must, my dear. There are those here whom I have not yet met.” She spoke sweetly but her eyes remained on Darcy.

  “It was not feasible for you to meet them when they were in town. Lord Matlock agreed,” Darcy said in answer to her look.

  “Yes, well, he is not as curious as I am.” She had the good grace to smile at Elizabeth. “Begin here,” she said to Westonbury.

  “Mother this is Fitz—”

  “Oh, do skip over the people I know, Reginald.” She huffed. “Why must you insist on being such a trial?”

  “Because I am much like you?”

  “Reginald Arthur Fitzwilliam, do your duty as you should,” Lady Matlock retorted.

  Westonbury chuckled. “My full name and not even five minutes have passed. That must be a record.”

  “Indeed,” his mother replied dryly but with a smile for her eldest son. “Now, get on with it. And do it properly.”

  “Lady Matlock, I present to you Miss Elizabeth Bennet, soon to be Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy. Miss Elizabeth, my mother, Lady Matlock.”

  Elizabeth dipped a curtsey. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Oh, do not assume things,” Lady Matlock replied with a small laugh. “Reginald was not wrong. We can be alike – difficult and trying.”

  “I am not unused to trying and difficult people,” Elizabeth returned with a smile.

  “I should think not if you have agreed to take on Darcy.”

  Darcy cleared his throat and scowled.

  “You are so exacting, and do not tell me you are not.” She turned to Westonbury. “Continue, and I do know Mr. Bingley. I should very much like to know who the beauty is beside him.”

  “Lady Matlock, I present to you Miss Jane Bennet, soon to be Mrs. Jane Bingley. Miss Bennet, my mother, Lady Matlock.”

  Jane also dipped a curtsey as was proper and voiced her pleasure in Lady Matlock’s safe arrival.

  “A gentleman’s daughter?” she directed the question to Bingley, who nodded. “Excellent. That is just what you need to help establish yourself.” She tipped her head and studied Jane for a moment. “And strikingly pretty. Make sure to have her likeness captured in a portrait,” she instructed Bingley before looking once again at Westonbury.

  “Lady Matlock, I present to you Miss Lydia Bennet. Miss Lydia, this is my mother, Lady Matlock.”

&nb
sp; As Darcy expected, Lydia dipped a curtsey.

  “No, soon to be Mrs. Anybody?” Lady Matlock said over Lydia’s greeting.

  “No, my lady,” Lydia answered.

  “Not soon at least,” Richard answered, causing Lydia’s eyes to grow wide. “But I am hopeful.”

  Lady Matlock lifted her chin and swept her eyes from Lydia’s head to her feet and back. “A trifle young, do you not think?”

  “No,” Richard replied. “She is perfect in every way.”

  “I am not,” Lydia said.

  “To me you are,” Richard assured her.

  Lady Matlock’s lips twitched as if she wished to smile. “I have been attempting to bring him to the point of marriage.” She blew out a breath. “However, he is stubborn.” She began to peel off her gloves. “You are not what I would expect.” She held up a finger to keep Richard from saying anything. “That being said, I will not discount you straight away. Someone of your age might in time learn the fortitude necessary for such a stubborn husband.” She handed the first of her gloves to Westonbury and began removing the second glove. “He is a lot like his father. And, though I know you are a gentleman’s daughter, the circles in which he is expected to circulate are not those to which you are accustomed.” She handed the second glove to Westonbury and looked at Lydia expectantly.

  Lydia’s chin rose, but only just. “I believe that when my sister spoke of not being unfamiliar with trying individuals, she was thinking, at least in part, about me.”

  “Indeed?” Lady Matlock looked toward Elizabeth who nodded. “And only this one sister is trying?”

  “No, my lady,” Lydia answered for Elizabeth. “Jane is all that is good, as is Kitty, but Lizzy, Mary and myself are more challenging.”

  “Five sisters?” Lady Matlock blinked.

  “Yes, my lady,” Lydia said. “No brothers. My father’s estate is entailed to his cousin, who holds the living in Hunsford, and my mother’s family is from trade.” She batted her lashes and smiled.

  Darcy’s eyes grew wide. From all the nervousness he had witnessed in Lydia over the past few days as the arrival of his aunt grew closer and closer, he had not expected such a bold reply. He wanted to look at Elizabeth to see how she was reacting to Lydia’s outspoken behaviour, but he dared not take his eyes off his aunt, for he was curious to witness her response.

  “And do you know how to manage a large household?” Lady Matlock countered.

  “My mother is very good at what she does, my lady,” Lydia responded. “And she has instructed me well. However, I have also requested and received instruction by Miss Bingley to ensure that my skills are not lacking since Miss Bingley is more familiar with town than is my mother.”

  Truly, Darcy had not expected her to admit that either.

  “A Bennet always rises to the occasion,” Elizabeth whispered.

  He glanced her direction.

  “Not that I am not also shocked by it,” she added.

  “And where are these other sisters?” Lady Matlock asked.

  “They are with Georgiana in the music room,” Darcy answered.

  “I can take you there and introduce them to you,” Westonbury offered.

  “No!” Darcy said sharply.

  Lady Matlock turned startled eyes to him. “And why can he not?”

  “They are practising,” Darcy answered.

  “They can pause to meet me.”

  “Then, it would be best if I were to take you to them.”

  “Is there a reason for this?” She looked at Westonbury, who shrugged.

  Darcy smiled apologetically at Lydia. “Wes and Miss Mary do not get on well together.”

  “Have you been tormenting the poor girl, Reginald?”

  “He gets as good as he gives,” Darcy supplied.

  “I see. Well, then, we will wait for introductions until later.” She finally took a seat.

  Lydia took Richard by the elbow and assisted him in sitting, making certain he was comfortable before she took her place next to him.

  “I have asked Mr. Westcott to see you,” Lady Matlock said to Richard. “He was not available until the day after tomorrow, however, so he will arrive with your father. Your father cannot stay for very long, but he did wish to see you.”

  “I can wait until I return to London to see Mr. Westcott,” Richard replied.

  “Oh, but he is so very good,” Lydia said. “He tended to my father when he fell,” she explained to Lady Matlock. “Papa only spoke well of him, so he must be very good.” She turned back to Richard. “And it is never a bad thing to seek another’s opinion, is it?” Her head tipped and her lashes fluttered.

  Richard scowled. “I suppose it is not.”

  “And you will not be returning to London until after the wedding,” Lydia added. “So, seeing Mr. Westcott now rather than later would be a good thing, would it not be?”

  Richard closed his eyes.

  “He might know more about how to help you,” Lydia added, “or if there is anything more that you should be doing to recover.”

  Again, her lashes fluttered when Richard opened his eyes, and Darcy knew that is cousin was doomed to agree to have Mr. Westcott visit.

  “You are correct,” Richard muttered.

  Lady Matlock smiled. “You might work out after all,” she said. “However, I will reserve my approval for now until I have observed further.”

  The door to the drawing room opened, allowing Caroline, accompanied by Sir Matthew and the tea service, to enter. Introductions were made, and Lydia was called upon to help pour.

  ~*~*~

  “That went better than I expected,” Elizabeth admitted to Darcy later as they were taking a walk around the garden.

  She would have to leave soon, but at his insistence, her departure had been put off for the length of a slow walk around the hedges and flower beds.

  “It most certainly did,” Darcy replied. “I must say I was surprised by how accepting my aunt was of everyone.”

  “You mean Lydia?”

  “Yes, and you, to some extend, but mostly Lydia. My aunt has long spoken about how she wished to see Richard marry an heiress.” It was odd really how easily his aunt had accepted Lydia. She had not even raised a brow at Mrs. Bennet being from trade. Whatever the cause of her behavior was, Darcy was happy for it. “She may have been swayed by Lydia’s boldness. My aunt does not favour wilting wallflowers – that is what she calls them. A lady should be decorous but with a spine of iron.”

  Elizabeth laughed and hugged Darcy’s arm more tightly. “Well, Lydia does have a will of iron at times, and she is working on being decorous.”

  Darcy kissed the top of Elizabeth’s bonnet. “I am impressed by the change I have seen in her. Yesterday, she was sitting with Mrs. Annesley asking questions about a great number of things for a time, or so Georgiana told me.”

  “I am just as surprised by her improvement as you are, if not more so,” Elizabeth said. “I should not be, I suppose, but I am.”

  Darcy led Elizabeth off the main path and over the lawn toward a bench across from where they had been walking. “Why should you not be surprised?”

  “Lydia has always found a way to get what she wants. She wants the colonel’s good opinion, and so, she will do whatever is needed to gain and keep it. I had not thought of that until recently.” She sighed.

  “What troubles you?”

  “I have been blind to so many things.”

  “Such as?”

  “Such as Caroline is not without sense and is very accomplished.”

  “She hid her sense rather well for some time. I do not think you can be faulted for not noticing it. In fact, I dare say if she did not have Sir Matthew, she would still be rather nonsensical, though possessing many accomplishments. What else?”

  “Lydia is not a child.”

  “I think her experiences of late have played a large role in her maturity,” Darcy countered.

  Elizabeth shrugged. “I guess I view things through a
different lens now than I did before I went to London.”

  “Life is changing,” Darcy said softly. “And not for the worse.”

  “Definitely not for the worse,” Elizabeth agreed, lifting her face so he could kiss her.

  “I have requested permission of your father for your sisters to visit Georgiana after we marry.”

  “You did what?”

  Darcy smiled sheepishly. “Georgiana has grown so close to them.”

  Elizabeth shook her head and laughed softly. “Where has the old Mr. Darcy gone?”

  “The one who did not see your worth and denied his heart? He is gone. You do not wish for him to return, do you?” He kissed her upturned lips again.

  “No, but my sisters? Was not two weeks enough trial?”

  He chuckled. “I think I can survive another fortnight or two.”

  “And has my father agreed?”

  “In part. Georgiana is going to stay at Longbourn for two weeks after we leave. Then, Lydia and Kitty are to join us for a time. One for my cousin’s sake and the other for my sister’s.” He blew out a breath. “I offered to have Mary accompany them, but your father has not decided. He might send her to your aunt’s, or he might keep her at home for your mother. I believe it is the animosity between Wes and Mary which causes him to pause.”

  “For good reason.” A creased formed between Elizabeth’s eyes. “Do you not fear leaving your sister where Mr. Wickham is?”

  Darcy shook his head. “Your mother – and Lydia – will not allow him to harm her.” He stroked her cheek. “I never thought I would relish being part of your family. I know that sounds arrogant, and it was when I first thought it. But now. I honestly cannot imagine my life without them.” He tipped his head as he stroked her cheek once more before brushing her lips with his thumb. “We do not need to stay in town for long after we marry. We could have everyone join us at Pemberley.”

  “Mother does not like to travel, and Jane will be here.”

  “We will think on it,” he answered as his hand moved to cup the back of her head.

  She smiled. “What has happened to your well-ordered life, Mr. Darcy?”

  “It has been completely turned on its head,” he replied, pulling her in for a kiss. “My heart has been broken open and filled with love for you and your family. I do not wish to have my former life back.”