by Kate Speck
“Yes, papa!” Lizzy brought her leather journal to show him what she had so far.
It was titled The Odyssey of Will & Liam and Mr. Bennet laughed loudly several times as he read the first few chapters. The story described his beloved daughter perfectly as a young man and the friendships between the two characters were like William and Lizzy’s. It was an amusing book and Mr. Bennet was impressed with the writing skills of his thirteen-year-old daughter, and he assisted in a few spelling errors and ideas for development of the characters. He hoped that with Mr. Darcy and Edward Gardiner’s support, she would be able to have her book published when she finished it and she would achieve her goal of becoming an authoress. Mr. Bennet was immensely proud of his favourite daughter and knew she could accomplish anything she wished.
~*~
April 1807
“I’m certain I’m dying, Mrs. Anne,” Lizzy groaned as she lay in bed with a damp cloth over her forehead. “I must have the illness that you had. Perhaps you can share some of your draughts with me? I am dying and so far from home... Will you send for my father? I don’t think I have long to live...”
Lady Anne giggled and hid her mouth with her hands. “You are not dying, dear Lizzy. This is something that all women have to suffer and I am surprised you have not been told of it yet. Has not Jane explained some of it to you?”
Lizzy complained, “I don’t understand what you mean. Jane said nothing about it and you know how reserved she is. What do you mean ‘all women have to suffer’? Do you mean to tell me that this is normal?!”
“Yes, Lizzy,” Lady Anne laughed. “All women after a certain age, must have this monthly discomfort and it is the way our bodies tell us that we are ready to become mothers soon. Your body will develop and you will look more fuller in certain places and soon enough, I would say in a year or so, you will look like a lady who is ready to be out. I had my first event when I was twelve and some girls, I have heard, start as young as ten or eleven.”
“Good lord, how is it that I know nothing about this?” Lizzy exclaimed. “Why are there no books about this? Why is this the first time I’m hearing about this?!”
Lady Anne sat next to her in bed and stroked her hair, “Be calm, my dear Lizzy. This is something that all women go through every month and you will feel the ups and downs of your emotions and your body will change rapidly from now for the next months and years. I am certain there are books about it and if you would like, I will ask Mr. Darcy to see if he has anything in our library.” She laughed when Lizzy shook her rapidly in embarrassment. “He is fully aware of your predicament, having been married to me for three and twenty years. I believe it will be in a medical publication and it will be educational for you.”
Lizzy calmed, “I’ll be certain to study it carefully, Mrs. Anne. Can you tell me more about your experience? Are there things I can and can’t do?”
Lady Anne patiently explained how a woman’s body functioned and the changes to expect, and assuaged the young girl of fourteen who was experiencing her menarche away from the comfort of her mother and elder sister. She kissed Lizzy’s forehead after their discussion. “Rest now. If you can nap, it will help the pain to ease quicker. Abby will get you some warmed blankets to cover your abdomen and you will be well soon. We will still take you to Kew Gardens in two days if you feel up to it, but for now, for only a day or two, rest and read and be comfortable. I will send in Georgiana to stay with you, if you wish, and if you are able, try not to frighten her too much, since she has not had her time come yet. She is aware of the changes to occur so she will not be surprised by it.” She smiled and closed the door to return to her duties at Darcy House.
Lizzy was comforted when Georgiana arrived and cossetted her. “I will stay with you and take care of you, Lizzy.” Georgiana sweetly consoled her friend. “I am only ten but mama told me all about it and how it gets better as one becomes used to it. It means that you are ready to be a woman, Lizzy. I hope you will be all well when Richard arrives. He is returning home after being gone for three long years and we will have a grand party.”
“Yes, I’ll be all better by then, Georgie,” Lizzy smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing Major... I mean Colonel Fitzwilliam and hearing of the heroic battles he fought. It is a great honour to know him already and I’m eager to know if we are closer to ending this terrible war. Too many lives have been lost already and I hope Napoleon gets his due soon.”
“I hope Richard will come back and marry someone soon. Do you think he might fall in love with Jane? Jane is so beautiful and has the sweetest temperament. I think Richard would be a good husband for her.” Georgiana daydreamed.
Lizzy giggled, “That would be fantastic, wouldn’t it? But I have a secret to tell you, Georgie.” She spoke in a whisper when Georgiana leaned in. “I think my sister is in love with Mr. Bingley. Remember Charles Bingley, your brother’s friend? Although Caroline Bingley is a shrew, Jane would not stop speaking of how handsome Mr. Bingley was and how much she enjoyed his company. I hope they reunite soon. Without Will here, it will not be easy to do, unless we took Jane to Rosings Park somehow and they were to meet there and fall madly in love, but I hope they see each other again soon.”
The girls giggled together and gossiped and Lizzy soon forgot about her discomfort. She, being an active young lady, recovered quickly from her pains and was able to continue her holiday in London with the Darcys with many outings and happy memories.
~*~
April 1808
The next months flew by, with Lizzy receiving regular posts from William, filled with his adventures and the sights he visited, and Lizzy wrote back, regaling him with her own exciting experiences of seeing the ocean, riding her horse Ghost, and her book, which was about half completed. Lizzy wrote of the new Gardiner baby, a little boy named Gabriel, and how fast Grace Gardiner was growing up.
Lizzy was always thrilled to hear from William and was touched that he never forgot her birthday. For her fourteenth, he had sent her a beautiful Connemara Marble necklace, which he wrote, was a replica of what the Pirate Queen, Grace O’Malley of Mayo wore. And this year, he had a silver sgian-dubh, a small, single-edged knife, that was exquisitely decorated on the handle, which was usually worn with the popular Scottish Highland dress, along with a woollen kilt, sent to her.
Knowing that it took much longer to have the gifts sent and how much earlier he must have planned to send it off, she was impressed with his considerations and she did all she could to care for his family in his absence. There was about a year until his return was planned and she prayed daily for his health and safe return.
“Are you ready to go, Lizzy?” Jane opened the door and asked her sister.
“As soon as I am done sealing this letter, I am.” Lizzy happily responded. “I hope Will receives this without any problems. The letters are so delayed from Scotland and he said he received two at the same time at the last delivery.”
Jane smiled softly, “You have been so diligent about writing to him, Lizzy, and I am certain he must be very happy to receive them. Mr. Darcy said he writes to you more often than to his own family.”
Lizzy grinned, “He and I have so much more to talk about, you know. He still sends me Latin words to translate and he writes four or five pages in his letters since he has to write to me what he does nearly daily so I can use it for my stories, but I enjoy it heartily and I am most eager to write him in return.”
“Well, let us go to Bond Street now. Lady Anne is gathering our gloves and bonnets and is excited to purchase yards and yards of fabric for my coming out. She told me I am good practice for when Georgiana comes out and is excited to pamper me with the finest of dresses. She is so kind. I know she is planning to purchase half a dozen dresses for you as well.” Jane laughed as Lizzy frowned. “You are now fifteen and you did tell mama that you wanted to be out as early as possible in order to attend the theatre and some parties.”
Lizzy groaned, “I went to one dinner party and it was so dul
l that I have changed my mind. I do wish to go to the theatre again but no more dinner parties until next year. I only need a dress or two, only because I have outgrown my current dresses. They fit ill up on the top and are far too short now. I do not understand how I can sprout so quickly in one year!”
“I always thought you would be the smallest one of us girls but you are taller than Mary now and nearly Charlotte’s height. If you continue to grow at this rate, you will be taller than me!” Jane giggled. “Perhaps you will be as tall as young Mr. Darcy someday.”
“Would that not be a miracle?” Lizzy laughed loudly. “I thought him a giant and he is still the tallest man I know. Georgiana will be as tall as Mrs. Anne, I am sure, but I think I will stop soon. I am very happy to be out, though, to tell you the truth. I was able to attend the lecture on philosophy with Mr. Darcy last week and Uncle Edward promised to take me to London Stock Exchange, even if only for a tour and not during working hours. I am enjoying being able to do things that are not open to young girls, even if I am still limited, due to my sex as a female. I only detest doing those activities that ladies are required to do and I still like too much sugar in my tea.” She winked.
Jane and Lizzy walked arm in arm with smiles and joined Lady Anne who was waiting for them in the foyer.
“Georgiana will get to experience what it is to prepare for a coming out ball and we are going to make you the most beautiful debutante that London has seen in ages, Jane.” Lady Anne beamed. “I am so glad to have you girls with us. Your mama will be thrilled when she and your papa join us next week before Easter and will love the dresses that we will choose. Now, Jane, if I am pressing you for something that you absolutely detest, you must speak up. I would hate for my tastes to overshadow your likes because this is for your enjoyment. And Lizzy,” She looked at the young lady, “you must let me know if you think I am too ambitious with my selections. I need your honesty and you are the only one I trust to be painfully blunt if I need it.”
“Of course, Mrs. Anne.” Lizzy smiled. “You know I will not hold back.”
Lady Anne replied, “I know it well. But I must warn you, young lady,” she warned, “you will get your six dresses and accoutrements to go along with them. You are formally out as of last week and I will not have you looking shabby by any means. You are a beautiful young woman now and we must flaunt your assets!”
The ladies laughed as Lizzy rolled her eyes and sighed in concession. They rode in the luxurious Darcy carriage to Bond Street, where they met an unexpected but pleasant acquaintance.
~*~
“Mr. Bingley! How wonderful to see you here, sir.” Lady Anne exclaimed outside of the modiste’s on Bond Street. What brings you to London? Is it for Miss Bingley’s season?”
Mr. Bingley bowed deeply to Lady Anne and nodded his acknowledgment to the young ladies, “Quite right you are, of course, Lady Anne. My Louisa married Herbert Hurst two years ago and I am looking to see if I can give away my second daughter once again. She is visiting the modiste here and my son and I are waiting for them here after completing our own errands. You remember Charles?”
Lady Anne smiled, “But of course. It is a pleasure to see you again, Master Bingley. We are also here to shop for Miss Bennet and Miss Elizabeth, and my daughter is observing and learning.” She saw that Jane was blushing as she eyed Charles Bingley and the young man was doing the same. “Even if Miss Bennet is coming out this season, she has plenty of time to enjoy herself before she has to choose a partner for life.” She returned to the elder gentleman. “Please enjoy your stay in town and call on my husband when you have a chance. I am certain he will be happy to see you again and you can bring your son to Darcy House.”
“You are all graciousness, Lady Anne,” Mr. Bingley beamed. “Thank you, madam. Good day.”
The ladies entered the shop and the owner immediately flew to their side. “Lady Anne, you look as beautiful as ever. Please come with me to the back room. We have prepared a large space for your dear young ladies and they will have their choices in designs and colours today.” She flustered to cater to her best client.
The ladies were following the proprietor to the back rooms when they saw Mrs. Hurst and Miss Bingley. Lady Anne, knowing how Caroline Bingley had attempted to deceive her son of an ankle injury, only nodded to the younger woman while smiling at the older, “I greeted your father outside, Mrs. Hurst. I hope you enjoy the season.” She nodded again and continued following the modiste.
Jane smiled pleasantly at both and curtseyed, while Lizzy raised her eyebrow to smirk and Georgiana rushed after her mother.
“Was that...” Caroline Bingley gasped. “I think that was the impertinent chit who was asking me all those questions in front of Mr. Darcy. What was her name? Alice? Emily? It must have been that little hoyden, but I hardly recognised her!”
Louisa Hurst nodded, “I believe you are right, sister. She is no longer the child we met at Darcy House two years ago. I wonder if she knows how she now appears to others. She has a figure most men would drool over.”
“Oh, shut up, Louisa!” Caroline snipped. “What do you know about what a man likes? She was a hoyden and will always be a hoyden. She probably still climbs trees and gets filthy dirty. Let us go and see if papa knows more about young Mr. Darcy. I hope he is in town and I know once he sees me in one of my beautiful new dresses, he will wish he had a chance to dance with me and I might forgive him for not dancing with me at my first ball. I know he was upset about my faking my ankle injury but it is such old news and I still want Mr. Darcy. He is the most eligible bachelor and I will not lose my chance this year. Even if I have to pretend to be as demure and soft-spoken as Lady Anne, it is my third season and I will be on the shelf soon if I am unable to capture a man of such prominence.”
“You will succeed, I am sure, Caroline.” Louisa comforted her younger sister. “This season, you will outshine all the other young ladies, even if in the literal sense, with the brightness of the colour of your dresses!”
The two ladies cackled and left to gather more gossips about the Darcy family and if young Mr. Darcy had returned from his travels.
Chapter 20
July 1808
“I believe I love Pemberley more than any other place in the world, Mrs. Anne.” Lizzy breathed out in contentment. “It is not only the size of the place but the tranquillity and comfort this place brings me is unlike anywhere in the world. I love Longbourn but this place feels like home to me whenever I visit.”
Lady Anne and Lizzy sat under a large tree next to the pond at Pemberley on a beautiful summer day. They were picnicking with Mr. Darcy and Georgiana, who were by the pond to sail two small wooden boats to see who would win the race.
“You are most welcome here and as you are like a daughter to me, Lizzy, to consider Pemberley to be your home as well.” Lady Anne softly smiled. “You have made several friends here and the staff love you. William has told me many times how you are invited to stay with us at any time of your choosing and he wishes you to take you to over to the continent once this war is over and things are calm. He wrote that he hopes you will find him someone who is going to make a good wife. He said all of the ladies he has come across so far have been the same, if not worse, like the grasping women of the ton and he found them dreadfully dull.”
Lizzy laughed, “After our argument regarding Caroline Bingley, Will has been circumspect of every lady who flutters her lashes at him. I know he needs a beautiful lady with genteel manners who is highly accomplished, and I have been keeping my eyes open for a good fit. I have met a number of people at some of the dinner parties in London and now here in Derbyshire, and found two or three ladies who might interest him, but until he returns from his tour, we shall have to wait patiently and perhaps see if a new debutante might come out next season.” She smiled, as she watched Georgiana splashing the water and Mr. Darcy laughing with his daughter and holding her by the waist so she did not fall in. “I do hope Will finds someone who will love your family
like I do. Georgiana deserves the best sister in the world; she is such a precious girl.”
Lady Anne nodded, “He will, Lizzy. I have high hopes of a special woman of my acquaintance but I know I must be patient until the time is right.” She replied with a glint of mischief in her eyes. “There is someone perfect for William, even if he, nor the lady, do not know it yet.”
“Who, Mrs. Anne?” Lizzy inquired. “I should like to know who so I can assess her myself.”
“I will reveal it all later, Lizzy.” Lady Anne replied. “How about yourself? You are now a beautiful woman, my dear child. You are no longer the tree-climbing pirate. Would you reconsider marriage now?”
Lizzy giggled, “I am still a tree-climbing pirate, Mrs. Anne! I am only pretending to behave myself and I consider my new dresses as my disguise to be a proper lady in society.” They both laughed. “I cannot imagine any man who can accept me as my true self. Who would marry someone like me who is inept at sewing cushions or serving tea and making social calls? I have very little accomplishments according to the usual feminine achievements and I would not be able to feign that I am someone I am not.” She shook her head. “No man in his right mind would take me for a wife and I could never accept one who cannot appreciate me as a bluestocking and a hoyden. I will refuse anyone who wishes to change me and I will be a spinster who will have to rely on the kindness of your son and daughter to find comfort in my future.”
Lady Anne laughed, “You can be a hoyden and still a woman, Lizzy. We will have our own lessons. I will teach you how to pretend to be a lady in public and be like an actor on stage to impersonate an accomplished woman. You know so much but those fools who cannot see your intelligence and compassion will lose their opportunity to know the most wonderful young lady of my acquaintance.” She stood up and reached for Lizzy’s hand. “Come now, Lizzy. It is our turn to race the boats. I am going to beat you soundly again!”