by Kara Louise
“I fear, Darcy, that for some inexplicable reason, you are not in Mrs. Bennet’s good graces. You might have made more of an effort today to change that.”
“I do not… I find it exceedingly difficult to carry on a conversation with her.” My master wiped his brow. “If I had been seated near you or Miss Bennet… or Miss Elizabeth, I would have proven to be more companionable.”
“Well, my friend, I suggest you accustom yourself to it.”
My master looked at the sly smile on his friend’s face. “I beg your pardon?”
“She will be my mother-in-law, of course! I would expect we shall be invited to many such dinners! Besides, I would not wish for her to think too unkindly of my best friend.”
“No, we would not want that.”
The men discussed when they would next visit Longbourn and I became a trifle more fretful about my master’s lack of progress where Miss Elizabeth was concerned. The housekeeper came in and presented a letter to my master. He opened it and frowned.
“What is it?” his friend asked. I was curious as well.
“My presence is required in London. I must make preparations to leave first thing in the morning.”
“Will you be away long?”
“It is difficult to say. Hopefully no more than a week to ten days.”
“Will you return to Netherfield once you have completed your business?”
I shared Bingley’s hope that we would return to Netherfield.
“Yes. I shall return directly.”
That night, after we retired for the evening, I learned that although my master only had a few moments with Miss Elizabeth, he had sensed that she would have gladly welcomed more.
“Indeed, Reggie, I did make several attempts to converse with Miss Elizabeth, but it seemed as though some young lady was conspiring against me. She refused to allow me within proximity of her! It only left me feeling an extraordinary sense of embarrassment.”
My master closed his eyes. His hand stroked down my back as he said softly, “I felt so much but was able to say so little.”
I listened to the sound of my master’s deepening breathing as he fell into a sound sleep and thought of all he had told me. Whilst nothing happened that absolutely assured him of her regard, at least nothing happened that completely shattered his hope.
*~*~*
I accompanied my master to London so I would not be a burden to the staff at Netherfield, although truth be told, my upkeep was but a trifling thing. I slept a great deal, ate very little, and only required the necessity of being let outside a few times a day. Admittedly, it took me longer to move about. I could, at least, walk under my own power even though the pain from my encounter with Wickham lingered. But even with the anticipation of a most disagreeably jostling carriage ride, I welcomed the privilege of remaining at my master’s side.
I found it exceedingly difficult, however, to bear up under this carriage ride. While my master had his man arrange for the thickest blankets and even an old pillow to be placed beneath me, I could not contain my moans. Though I heard my master more than once berate himself for placing me it such a situation, it was not so much the physical pain from which I suffered, but emotional. I wondered whether I could endure another disappointment.
I felt my years advancing resolutely. As a younger pup, I would have shaken off my injuries by that cad Wickham with scarcely a convalescence. The very fact that I found it so difficult to heal made me feel fully every one of my years. I knew I was growing weaker and did not believe I had all the time in the world. My greatest desire was to see my master situated blissfully with Miss Elizabeth, who I knew would make him truly happy. If he needed a little nudging, I would gladly do it, but sadly, I had not yet been given the opportunity to accompany him to Longbourn. There must some way to accomplish this!
*~*~*
When we arrived in London, my master met with his steward and set to work directly. He worked late into the night and then awoke the next morning with the hopes of making the necessary contacts required of him before afternoon. The staff was happy to see that I had tolerably recovered from my injury, but I heard them whispering to one another that I did not look well.
The days in town passed slowly. While my master was away on errands, I forced myself to walk as much as possible. Recently I had been experiencing more and more difficulty getting up after resting idly for any length of time. My legs felt stiff and painful. I had every hope that if I applied myself to exercise, my limbs would be less likely to ache and I would soon have the ability to walk as frequently and as long as I once did.
We were in his study on one of our final days in town. I was sleeping soundly at his feet after sharing a brief walk with my master when a knock interrupted our peace. At my master’s bidding, a servant entered, presenting him with two letters.
As my master read the missives, there was silence save for an occasional chuckle. Thinking the letters were business related, I was quite surprised when he leaned down and spoke to me.
“Well, Reggie. We have some interesting news here. I have just received a letter from Bingley and another from Georgiana. I have determined from Bingley’s much blotted and barely decipherable letter that he has made an offer to and has been accepted by Miss Bennet. He has requested that I stand up for him.”
My tail wagged at this most pleasant news about his friend. At the least, this guaranteed more opportunities to throw my master in the path of Miss Elizabeth. Perhaps even as soon as our return to Netherfield!
He looked at the letter from his friend and then at me. “I wonder whether he is aware of my feelings for Miss Elizabeth. I was quite certain he suspected something, but I could not bring myself to tell him. I must be assured of her feelings before I tell him of mine.”
He looked down at the other letter in his hand. “I believe you will find Georgiana’s missive to be of particular interest, Reggie. She informs me that Sadie is about to have her first litter of puppies!” He looked down at me and smiled. “Could it be, old fellow, that you are the father as everyone suspects?”
My tail wagged even more intensely at this glorious news! I confess I was now torn whether I wished more to head back to Pemberley as soon as possible or remain hopeful and return to Netherfield. I determined that it was not my place to be selfish. I had to know that my master’s life could be as full and rich as possible. It was a comfort then, to know at least I had something to look forward to once we made the journey home.
My master finally concluded his business and we both looked forward to our return to Netherfield. I was in one of my deep slumbers late in the afternoon and in a rather dreamy state. In my dream I was surrounded by an array of puppies, little balls of fur, nipping and yapping, pouncing on me and wearing me out. Sadie was watching with great delight as I attempted to get these little rascals under control. It was a futile attempt.
Suddenly I heard a shrill voice that caused all the puppies to quiver in fear and sent shivers up and down my spine.
That which I had been dreaming quickly became a nightmare! A large cat suddenly appeared, causing the puppies to run about frantically in fright.
I woke from the dream and lifted my head, trying to shake the grogginess that hung over me. My heart was pounding and I chided myself for allowing a mere nightmare to effect me so greatly. But I heard the shrill sound again and knew at once who it was.
Lady Catherine!
I heard my master murmur something harshly under his breath and I looked over to him. There was a soft knock at the door and as my master stood, it opened abruptly. Lady Catherine swept into the room with a determined step, leaving the housekeeper to whisper meekly, “Lady Catherine, Sir.”
“Aunt Catherine, to what do I owe…”
“I must have a word with you this moment!” She turned to the housekeeper. “You may leave now!”
Her eyes were dark and narrow and I sensed such an anger that it caused me to tremble. I wondered what could possibly have put her in such a sta
te. But being familiar with her temperament as I was, I knew it might be anything from a disrespectful servant to not receiving an invitation to a grand society event. Still, I could not imagine what circumstances would cause her to leave Rosings Park to demand an audience with my master.
I had little time to ponder this, for she soon spewed out such accusatory words against my master that he and I were exceedingly puzzled.
“I would never have believed this of you! Never! How could you? My own nephew! The son of my beloved sister and the one promised to my daughter! I insist you tell me that this is not true!”
My master shook his head slowly, “I fear that I do not have the pleasure of understanding you, Aunt.”
She narrowed her eyes and shook her crooked, pointed finger at him. “You are just as evasive as she was! I can see that she has bewitched you!”
“Of whom do you speak?” My master spoke calmly, but I could detect the slight quiver in his voice as shock and bewilderment assailed him.
“That impertinent upstart Elizabeth Bennet!”
I watched as my master’s mouth dropped and he paled. However, he seemed at a loss for words for only a moment. He regained his composure and used carefully measured tones.
“What is it that Miss Bennet has done to cause you such distress?”
“Do not be coy with me, Nephew! An engagement to her? It is not to be borne! I know of her family, the disgrace and shame of it all! I know of her inferior family relations!”
My master’s eyes widened when she made this declaration. I could hardly credit what I was hearing and I suspect he was of a similar sensibility. How on earth did his partiality to Miss Elizabeth come to Lady Cat’s attention?
“Where… where did you hear of an engagement between us?” he finally asked guardedly.
“That is of no import. I received no satisfaction from her and therefore, I must demand so from you. What have you to say of this most insupportable alliance?”
The colour of my master’s face deepened and I sensed anger emanating from him. Very slowly, he asked, “You spoke with Miss Bennet?”
“I did, yesterday. I informed Miss Bennet that any such union is impossible.” Lady Catherine suddenly took off her gloves and presumed to sit down in one of the chairs without invitation. My master stared hard at her, evidently unable to fathom her confronting Miss Elizabeth, though her countenance revealed little anxiety. However, it did not escape my notice that she readjusted her body several times, as if she could not find any comfort in it.
“Listen to me, Nephew. You are a man of reason, but you may have found yourself drawn in by her arts and allurements and forgotten what you owe your family. That is why I am here -- to help you see that.”
She spoke very deliberately and I waited expectantly for my master to put her in her place. But I was rather disheartened that he did not.
My master turned away from his aunt and looked down at the ground. “What exactly did Miss Bennet say when you went to her?”
“Impertinent girl! She refused to directly answer my questions. After I had exhausted all attempts at reasoning with her, she finally claimed that you were not yet engaged.” Lady Cat huffed. “I knew, however, by her one response, that she had every expectation of a proposal!”
My master bolted around to face his aunt. “What one response? What did she say?”
Lady Catherine answered in a most disgusted manner. “I asked her to promise me that she will never enter into such an engagement.”
“And?” my master asked hesitantly.
“She stated that she would make no promise of the kind! Insolent girl! She had the audacity to claim that neither duty, nor honour, nor gratitude would have any possible claim on her and that no principle of either would be violated by her marriage to you! To think that she would be willing to enter into a marriage that would bring you ruin; that would dishonour your family; that would make you the contempt of the world! She refused to give me the assurance that I required; that would exhibit respect for your station!”
I suddenly saw my master relax and a small smile appeared on his face. I watched in utter disbelief as he walked around his desk and leaned over and placed a kiss on his aunt’s cheek. She seemed as surprised as I was, and her features softened -- to an extent.
“Aunt, I greatly appreciate your coming by today. You have no idea how much your words have meant to me.”
A relieved smile appeared on her face. “Then you have not forsaken your duty to your family. You know not how pleased I am. You will promise me, then, never to make her an offer!”
“I now know precisely how to act.” I could not believe I was listening to my own master! Had he lost all reason? Was he agreeing with his aunt on the one thing that I believed would destroy every hope for happiness?
“Forgive me, Aunt Catherine,” he took her arm and escorted her toward the door. “I have some urgent business that requires me to leave immediately. Are you staying at your town home?”
“Yes,” she stammered.”
“Good. You shall hear from me later.”
My master walked her to the door and when he returned, I detected no sign of his former anger. On the contrary, he closed the door to the study and turned towards me, clasping his hands and smiling! “Did you hear what she said? Elizabeth stood up to my aunt and refused to promise her that she will not marry me! She will not refuse me! We must be away to Netherfield directly!”
I sat up, eagerly watching the transformation of my master’s features. Gone was the dull ache from his mien that troubled me to no end. His eyes lit up and his smile simply beamed. “At long last I have hope that Elizabeth is no longer absolutely and irrevocably decided against me. There is every reason to hope her regard for me has improved. My aunt could not have brought me news that was any more encouraging if she tried!”
He reached over and patted my head. “Reggie, we must be away to Netherfield without delay!”
Chapter 26
We returned to Netherfield both harbouring high expectations. Never had I witnessed in my master such optimism that Miss Elizabeth might finally return his affection. He wore a genuinely pleased countenance unlike any I had ever seen grace his features. A broad smile remained affixed as he gazed out the window. He was clearly eager to arrive at Netherfield; as was I.
Buoyed by his hopeful expression, my spirits were in much better stead. Whilst the jostling of the carriage pummelled my body, it could not dampen my morale. There was something in my master’s manner -- indeed, in even the air itself -- that instilled faith in me that we would not come away disappointed.
Again and again I pondered the conversation between my master and his aunt. I must admit I had been quite disheartened when at first I supposed my master would heed his aunt’s words. I was grateful he was of a quick mind to grasp the import of the words she ascribed to Miss Elizabeth. I was rather surprised that I had not and came to the sad realization that I was perhaps not as perceptive as I once prided myself.
When at length we pulled into the park at Netherfield, my master looked down at me. “I promise you, Reggie. No more disappointments. I am determined to see Miss Elizabeth and let it be known to her that my feelings have not changed.”
His hand gently stroked my back and his fingers kneaded that one place that elicited a pleasurable moan from me. “I think it safe to say I have changed, but my feelings have not.”
The carriage drew to a halt and my master began gathering his belongings. We had finally arrived at Netherfield.
My master provided the assistance I required to get out of the carriage. I walked to the house slowly, and much to my dismay, with a slight limp. Having remained immobile for so long in the carriage, it was quite painful to move about. I had truly hoped that by now my body would have returned to normal, but it was not to be. I took consolation, however, in the fact that each step brought me closer to my master’s and my deepest longing.
Once inside, Bingley bounded down the stairs to welcome us. “You
have returned! Did you receive my letter?”
“Letter?” my master asked innocently.
“Yes, I dispatched a letter to you in Town!” He was beaming.
My master chuckled. “I do recall receiving something from you! I would hardly call it a letter, however. I think it would be more accurately characterized as an illegible note or perhaps a barely decipherable communication, but a letter? I think not!”
“Ha! I was far too excited to write as meticulously as you! Nevertheless,” begged his friend seriously, “you did read it, did you not?”
“Certainly, I did, Bingley, and I offer you and Miss Bennet my warmest congratulations!”
Bingley seemed quite satisfied with his friend’s approval and clapped his hands together. “Thank you! Now, good friend, I presume that you will wish to give the Bennets your glad tidings as well. Would you care to accompany me when I call tomorrow at Longbourn?”
My master smiled. “I would agree to a visit this very evening if it were not so late and if I were not so tired and strongly in need of a bath. Tomorrow suits me quite well!”
With that settled, I was able to rest easily. Bingley and my master spent the evening talking of the plans that had already been set for the wedding. I detected a bit of envy in my master’s eyes as his friend talked of his upcoming marriage. I knew my master well enough to comprehend that although he was more secure in his belief that Miss Elizabeth held him in high regard, he wondered whether it was enough for her to consent to be his wife if he renewed his offer.
*~*~*
Over breakfast the next morning the subject of their visit to Longbourn was brought up once again. Bingley wished to ride, but my master requested that they take the carriage, hoping that his friend would not object if I accompanied them. Fortunately, Bingley did not object and they agreed to depart immediately after the noon meal.