Mary Bennet and the Longbourn Tutor

by Carrie Mollenkopf

  “It would… greatly. Promise me that you won’t go out alone with him until you do. Take one of the servants at all times.”

  “Oh Papa! It cannot be all that! One would think Mr. Everfield had something to hide. I seriously doubt he is another Mr. Wickham, and besides, Charles Bingley recalled him from his days at university.”

  “Perhaps not, but being cautious never hurt anyone. Call it the fancies of an old man. You might do well to see if Mr. Darcy remembers anything about him.”

  “You’re not old! But I will be careful, and I have been meaning to write Lizzie. I would never do anything to cause a scandal. If he doesn’t turn out, I shall sack him immediately!”

  “I know, you are a good girl, but allow a father to worry. It gives me something to do.”

  Mary smiled at her father indulgently and left to complete the requested correspondence. Once Mr. Everfield’s credentials and character were confirmed, it would lay the issue to rest.

  ~Five~

  In less than a fortnight, Mary had received replies to some of her inquiries. Mr. Everfield’s professors at Oxford could not praise him higher and were well pleased to find him so happily situated, but she had yet to hear from his most recent student. Perhaps he was abroad, or a poor correspondent. However, she was satisfied. Mary had neglected to inform them that she was the student, preferring to have them believe what they will. Lizzie had also returned her letter. Mr. Darcy sent his regards to Mr. Everfield, having fondly recalled a summer term break in which he had invited the orphaned scholarship student to Pemberley. Mary smiled happily as she read the contents of Lizzie’s letter aloud to her father.

  “So you see Papa, all is in order. Mr. Everfield is quite respectable… enough to spend a holiday at Pemberley.”

  “Yes, my dear, so it seems. I must say it does put my anxiety to rest. I trust you have learned much over the past weeks?”

  “Oui mon père, j’ai appris tellement beaucoup, and Latin as well. I hope to begin some mathematics in the next month.”

  “I am glad that you are finding him satisfactory.”

  Mary nodded and was about to continue when the sounds of rapid horse’s hooves making haste for Longbourn crunched on the gravel drive outside the open library window. Peering out, Mary saw a panting Atlas Sutton dismount and toss the reigns of his horse to Ben, Longbourn’s groom and gardener. Mary, curious as to the haste of her normally unflappable friend, met him at the door before he could knock.

  “Hello Atlas… what places you in such a frantic state? Find another body?” Mary jested, but stopped abruptly as the accuracy of her question registered on the face of the young doctor.

  Shutting the door behind him, Atlas placed a finger to his lips to suggest she lower her voice.

  “Yes… how did you know? I must speak with your father immediately.”

  “This is indeed disturbing, but what can Papa have to do with a body?” Mary whispered as she led him towards the library, equally surprised that her intended jest was true.

  “What body?” demanded Mr. Bennet as he emerged from his domain only to return immediately, accompanied by Mary and Atlas.

  With the door firmly shut against being overheard, Atlas paced the room for a moment before beginning. This was not a task he relished, especially when it affected those for whom he held such great affection.

  “Sir, I am afraid that the decomposed remains of an unidentified person have been discovered on a tract of forest land that belongs to the Longbourn estate.”

  Mr. Bennet sat down heavily and rubbed his rheumy eyes for a moment as he contemplated the news. Sighing heavily he stared at the young doctor in disbelief. This was not something he wanted to hear. Life had just returned to a semblance of normal and now it appeared to be headed for shambles again.

  “I am sorry, but I felt it best to inform you myself. I am sure that the magistrate, Sir Philip Evans will be calling eventually. As the local physician and having past experience, I have been asked to assist the authorities with identification.”

  Mary had not said a word, but stood in a corner of the room with wide eyes. Just last year, she had discovered a body in the cellars of Longbourn, but that was a long dead ancestor, not someone newly deceased. It was rather upsetting to say the least.

  “Who else is aware of this discovery?” Mr. Bennet inquired.

  “Only we three, Sir Philip, the local constable and his assistants as well as the public coach driver. It was the driver who discovered the remains. Apparently, the body was buried in a shallow grave and animals had been at it, carrying off bits. The coach driver had stopped to prevent running over what he thought was a deer carcass… It was fortunate that he did not have passengers at the time.”

  Atlas stopped his summary at the sight of Mary’s pale face. Offering her a chair, he looked to Mr. Bennet for approval to continue.

  “Go on young man… Mary will insist upon hearing everything anyway,” the elder man replied as he stared off at some fixed point, allowing the news to settle in.

  “Yes, Atlas. I am quite well, it is just a bit of a shock. Besides, if it concerns Longbourn, it concerns me.”

  Atlas knew Mary was of a strong constitution, but even he had feelings of nausea when he had been called upon to arrange the transporting of the remains to Meryton. With springtime upon them, it was not practical to have the body in his surgery. The odors of decomposition were significant and the warmth of the building would only contribute to further decay. It had been necessary to create a makeshift lab in the town ice house. Grimacing at the work which lay ahead, he continued to relay what he knew to the Bennets before returning to Meryton. By then, the police would have delivered the remains.

  *****

  The man posing as Grayson Everfield was also being made aware of the gruesome discovery. As it was Saturday, he had no appointments with Miss Mary Bennet and resolved to make his surroundings more familiar. Not having had time to properly assess his location, he walked the perimeter of the town and took its measure. Years of watching his back on the streets of London had made him wary. More so since his recent business deal had soured, forcing him into his present state of deception. But, it was only temporary, until his seekers lost interest and he acquired enough funds to move on. While the salary offered by Miss Bennet was generous, it was hardly enough for him to relocate and set up a new operation. Fortunately, the unsuspecting nature of the Bennets had allowed him much opportunity. He fingered the small object in his coat pocket and smiled. It was not much, but the crystal paperweight he had stolen from Longbourn would fetch a few pounds in a pawnshop. The longer he spent there, the more he could manage to displace without notice. The surrounding countryside had a number of large houses, just waiting his attentions. Climbing to the top of a slight rise just above the town, he could see for some distance and observed the cluster of men ride out from Meryton and stop near where he had buried the body of Grayson Everfield. A momentary ripple of fear chilled him to the core at the possibility of being found out, but was instantly dismissed. It had been nearly three weeks since he had dug the grave and dumped the body. With recent rains, decomposition would have already set in, making any sort of identification impossible. Smiling to himself, he placed his hands casually in his pockets and walked in the direction of the men. Offering what assistance he could would not only cast suspicion in another direction, but also allow him to stay informed of the investigation.

  He arrived at the site just as a uniformed constable emerged from the thicket of woods, bits of debris clinging to his otherwise pristine uniform. Raising a hand to halt his progress, the official barred his way.

  “The road is temporarily closed due to unfortunate circumstances. I must ask you to turn back the way you came.”

  “I am Grayson Everfield, tutor at Longbourn, may I offer my services in any way?”

  “No, thank you. It is a police matter.” The constable replied firmly just as two of his fellow officers emerged carrying a large canvas wrapped bundle betw
een them.

  “Oh my goodness… is that… was that… a person?” Grayson stammered in mock disbelief and grimaced openly, placing a gloved hand in mock shock upon his chest.

  To this effeminate display, the constable kept his own counsel and did not comment. Keeping his countenance professional despite the intruder’s contribution to the poor opinion he held for many of the lower gentry.

  “Unfortunately so, now please allow us to do our duty. I expect you to keep this confidential. We cannot have a panic started over idle gossip.”

  “Of course. Of course… My apologies… oh dear…” Grayson muttered and hastily retreated in the direction from whence he came.

  Once he was out of sight, he relaxed his nervous affectation and resumed his regular confidant stride. It had been easy to convince those local officials of his weak constitution. Placing his hands back in his pockets, and locating the stolen paperweight once again, he tried to think of where best to sell this and future items where no one would recognize them. Perhaps a trip to London would be in order, despite the danger of encountering old acquaintances. London was a massive city, but not for those who knew it well. It would not be worth the risk until he had a substantial cache to sell.

  ~Six~

  After Atlas had imparted what he knew about the discovery, he left the Bennets to their own and returned to Meryton, but not before cautioning Mary about what he knew would be a demand to provide assistance.

  “Don’t even ask” he directed at her silent form.

  Mary had not said a word the entire time, preferring to make her own speculations as her father voiced inquiries and concerns about what was soon going to be public news.

  “I know you want to help, but this is not like last time. This is in all likelihood a murder investigation… and quite fresh. Things must follow a strict protocol. As it is, many in law enforcement don’t find forensics credible despite evidence to the contrary. I cannot have a local volunteer involved in any way, especially since the body was found on Longbourn property.”

  Mary grumbled and allowed a most unattractive frown to consume her features. While she could understand the implications to Longbourn, she was hardly a person of suspect. Besides, Atlas had admitted that she had been instrumental in the discovery of her ancestor’s identity. There were historical details that could not be learned in a laboratory. Deciding that a tantrum was not going to gain her anything she thought for a moment before offering a suggestion.

  “Perhaps I could help you with any research needed? Missing persons and such? No one need know of my involvement. Besides, I am obligated to do what I can to preserve the Longbourn reputation. We cannot have random bodies turning up everywhere.’

  Atlas could not argue with her logic, and in reality, could use a scribe to speed the investigation along. Additionally, he was secretly trying to have the official opportunity to spend some time with her. Looking to Mr. Bennet for approval, he was happy to receive an affirmative nod.

  “I dare not object… not that it would do any good once Mary gets her mind set, but I will not have my daughter exposed to any sordid situations. For that, I hold you responsible.”

  With a stern look at Mary, Mr. Bennet issued a rare order. “Research only, young lady.” To which he received her reluctant nod.

  Atlas promised as bid and said his goodbyes, he still had equipment to move to the ice house before he could begin to assess what the police had promised to deliver that afternoon. Seeing him to the door, Mary was already making a mental list of things to do.

  “I do wish you would reconsider allowing me to help in a greater capacity.”

  Atlas sighed, he was having great difficulty refusing her anything. With her father now out of sight, he relented his former insistence that she stay away.

  “Well… let me see what is brought in, I had only time for a cursory examination of the area and remains. I must warn you… this time will be very disagreeable.”

  “I have attended my share of harvests. The rendering of livestock cannot smell any worse than a human.”

  “True, but it is different when it is human…I can promise you that.”

  *****

  Mary had arranged to meet Atlas after her lessons on Monday and woke early. She decided to take the carriage both to save time as well as offer Mr. Everfield a ride back to Meryton, it had not escaped her attentions that the walk pained him greatly as she had seen him wince more than once during their turns about the gardens. Mary hoped that his feet would not impair her instruction time, but staying at Longbourn was simply out of the question. While she enjoyed learning French and her knowledge of botany had greatly increased, she was not content. Deciding to broach the possibility of beginning mathematics and astronomy she dressed in her plainest of work clothes so she need not change once her studies were finished for the day. It was thus attired that she met Mr. Everfield as he made the final turn into the Longbourn drive.

  “Good Morning Miss Bennet, shall we be taking lessons out of doors today?”

  “I thought we could practice French and Botany at the same time. Besides, it is the first time the sun has shone in weeks, I should like to take advantage.”

  Everfield tried to hide his disappointment but smiled and offered his arm. He had hoped to acquire an addition to the paperweight he had appropriated the prior week. Additionally, the stolen clothing had really begun to chafe him terribly due to the poor fit, but it had been tolerable provided he did not move about over much. Unfortunately, the same could not be said for his shoes. If he continued on, he would be forced to request an advance on his salary to purchase new ones. When not at Longbourn, he returned to the comfort of his own boots, but they hardly were fit for a gentleman. It was not until they had gone nearly a mile that Mary remembered his limp.

  “Oh! Mr. Everfield! Do forgive my selfishness in dragging you into the wilds in such inappropriate footwear. We must return immediately.”

  “It is of no account. I assure you,” he lied, but it was not effective. Mary was all too familiar with liars, having grown up with a sister such as Lydia Wickham.

  “Oh you cannot fool me with male bravado! Besides, I had hoped to begin my study of mathematics and astronomy. I had Ben, our groom, set up the telescope on the balcony.”

  “I appreciate your sensitive concern, but it really is not necessary. However, as my employer, I must concede to your request. Unfortunately, astronomy is best studied at night. I am afraid that the daylight interferes with observation.”

  “I had not considered that. Hmm. Perhaps we can consult the charts for now. I know that Mama has been meaning to invite you to dinner, this provides a convenient reminder.”

  “I… er… Miss Bennet, I have forgotten to return the Astronomy book. My apologies once again.”

  This time Mary frowned, it had been nearly a month since she had allowed him to borrow that book. More than enough time to prepare adequate instruction. While she had to admit that her French was improving greatly, her desire had been to obtain a man’s education, not something easily acquired through the most mediocre governess.

  “Have I displeased you?” he asked in response to the look of irritation that remained on her features.

  “I had hoped to be progressing beyond the traditional feminine subjects by now. I find them entertaining, but of little value.”

  Everfield had not expected such a blunt assessment of his services. His knowledge of young ladies, while limited to those far below the station of Mary Bennet, had led him to believe that they made great pretense of learning, but in practice demonstrated no inclination. It was a bit of a shock to discover that Miss Bennet meant what she had said about a man’s education. He was going to have to actually work to keep his position and secure hiding place. Making his apologies once again, he promised to rectify the situation immediately.

  “As of tomorrow, we begin geometry and formal Latin in addition to classical history.”

  “That would be most agreeable, and as you have been
in my employ for a month, I believe that your salary is due as well.”

  Everfield smiled with relief and the rest of the morning was spent in French conversation ending with the selection of new materials from Mr. Bennet’s library, settling on Homer’s Iliad for a beginning. When the sounds of the hall clock chimed noon, Mary announced her intentions to accompany her tutor to Meryton.

  “I have some business to attend,” she explained without further explanation.

  Everfield raised an eyebrow in interest, with the hopes that she would clarify her errand, but was met with silence. The silence, while cordial, remained for the entire journey to town. All too clearly he had been reminded of his position in the Longbourn household. He was a servant, one that could be dismissed at will. It was something that he would have a care to remember. He could not let any possible personal connections interfere with his purpose in Meryton. Placing his hand upon the packet of notes that contained his salary, he did his best to muffle the sound of the pieces of jewelry he had managed to conceal. To his happy discovery, Mrs. Bennet, while rarely in residence of late due to Jane’s pregnancy, had a habit of leaving valuables carelessly lying about, much to his good fortune. The ruby and pearl necklace would fetch a handsome price.

  ~Seven~

  Once she had deposited her passenger in front of the Dancing Duck Inn, Mary turned the carriage into the small yard behind Atlas’s surgery and tethered her horse. While she knew he was not presently in the clinic, it was best to provide the illusion of an innocuous visit to the local physician. She had rehearsed an excuse of needing a headache powder for her mother. Quite believable to anyone who was remotely acquainted with Mrs. Bennet. Glancing down the street, Mary was pleased to find it vacant during the early afternoon hours. No doubt the population of Meryton was occupied taking their noon meal. Her quick steps to the village ice house went unnoticed and within minutes she was tapping lightly on the thick oaken doors, before calling out to Dr. Atlas Sutton.