Master Under Good Regulation

by Kara Louise

  Miss Elizabeth’s face grew alarmed. “This is distressing indeed! Truly, I am sorry for your cousin for it appears she truly loved you. Her condition has worsened by the announcement of our engagement. And your aunt’s threats! Do you expect her to attempt to disrupt our wedding?”

  He looked down at her and cupped her cheek with the palm of his hand. “Fret not, Elizabeth. Let me read you the other letter now. It is from my cousin, Anne.”

  He read, “My Dear Cousin Fitzwilliam, Please be advised that my mother and I will be unable to attend your wedding. Believe me when I say that I wish with all my heart that I could be there to witness this sacred and most joyous occasion, but my mother would only cause a scene, determined as she is to prevent this union. She has threatened to do as much, which leaves it to me to prevent us from being in attendance. I have been compelled to employ my spells quite frequently in recent days to keep her from any sort of travel and I will continue to do so as your wedding date grows nearer. These conveniently timed episodes ultimately force my mother to send for the doctor and remain by my side until I am fully recovered, as she is so faithful to do… and at my insistence. I am quite certain I will be in the grips of a most severe spell the day before your wedding and that I will not be fully recovered until well after the wedding breakfast; perhaps not even until the following day. Please accept my deepest congratulations and warmest regards. Miss Bennet is truly a lady worthy of your love and devotion. I am so pleased that, despite your long wait, dear Cousin, she has finally consented to be your wife. With love, Anne.”

  Miss Elizabeth tilted her head and her eyes widened in surprise. “Anne is truly not as frail as she leads others to believe!”

  My master kept his eyes down, looking at the letter. “I have always wondered if she were truly ill and frail as she sat quietly in our midst. I confess that I never really took the time to become better acquainted with her, for fear of encouraging this notion her mother had that we would marry.”

  Elizabeth laughed. “She always seemed to me to be weak in spirit as well as body, and yet it appears she makes use of it to have an advantage over her mother!”

  “My aunt is formidable. This apparently has been Anne’s way of having a measure of control over her mother.”

  “She mentions your long wait and that I finally consented to be your wife. Did you… did you inform Anne of your proposal when at Rosings?”

  “No, I told no one.”

  “How did she come to learn of it, then?”

  My master took Miss Elizabeth’s hand and wrapped it within both of his. “I believe she knows more about the people that come in and out of Rosings than they know about themselves.” He looked down at me and winked. “Unless Reggie informed her, I think she just knew that I was going to propose.”

  “And that I was going to refuse.”

  My master quietly nodded, a smile forming on his lips. And my tail thumped in hearty consensus of his estimation.

  A rustle of fabric and a whispering hush brought my attention back to the wedding, and I watched as Mrs. Bennet and her two middle daughters took their seat in the front row of the church just opposite us. She looked about her and nodded at several of her acquaintances. To me it seemed not so much a nod of greeting and affection, but of pure smugness and self-satisfaction.

  I was only in her company briefly on the occasion of finally being allowed inside the Bennets’ home. Though I exhibited my excellent training and breeding, giving her no cause for alarm, Mrs. Bennet eyed me with a horror I would expect of a vicious cur. It was to my advantage, then, that she rarely stepped outside, and when she did, it was only to quickly bid farewell. This suited me fine, as I found her nervousness and excitability a little too excessive for my tender sensibilities.

  My master bore up under her idiosyncrasies quite well, although more than once I witnessed his jaw and fingers clench at one of her effusive outbursts on the brilliance of the matches of her two eldest daughters or the fortuitousness of having three daughters married. She expressed great relief of her own situation in the event of Mr. Bennet’s demise, which if I may be excused in saying so, she predicted with some glee. Do not think me unaware that the one who felt the impropriety most heavily was Miss Elizabeth, who made countless futile attempts to curb her behaviour, her cheeks prettily flushed in embarrassment. My master frequently suggested a walk outdoors, even when the weather was not inclined to offer any physical comforts. It was for his own personal relief, I believe, that he sought to extricate himself from his future mother-in-law’s presence.

  My attention was drawn back to the wedding as at length my master and Bingley stepped out and stood at the front of the church. My master stood with rigid comportment, though with unmistakeable eagerness, alongside his guileless friend, Bingley, who as was his wont, displayed his excitement and enthusiasm unashamedly.

  I knew my master felt fully every eye upon him and heard the whispering and murmuring as he took his place. He knew he had been under much scrutiny in Hertfordshire and as his loyal companion, I must say much of it had resulted in faulty speculation and unkind words. If asked, I have no doubt he would have said he cared not a whit whether everyone’s opinion of him had altered from what it was a year ago, but I could sense he truly felt ill at ease under everyone’s scrutiny. I believe his only source of composure was in knowing this was all necessary to secure Miss Elizabeth as his wife.

  He glanced over at me and I lifted up my paw to him to signify my support. I was pleased that he responded with a smile that demonstrated his great sense of happiness; one that I had beheld more and more frequently in recent days.

  The evening that Miss Elizabeth welcomed his address, as my master and I retreated to his chambers, his demeanour spoke of his joy and of his satisfaction. His greatest desire had finally been achieved. I do not believe I had ever beheld such unrestrained delight on his part. And I knew Miss Elizabeth was the sole reason.

  I looked up to him as he slowly lowered himself into a chair and sat idly for a few moments. “I am almost afraid to sleep tonight for fear that I will awaken and find that it was only a dream!” He looked up towards the heavens. “Oh, Reggie, there have been far too many dreams of Elizabeth over this past year. Either they have ended with Elizabeth turning away from me and my greatest wish was to awaken at once from it or I dreamt she returned my regard and accepted my hand in marriage and then, I wished never to awaken! If this is a dream, Reggie, understand me when I say I have no desire to awaken from this most pleasurable state.”

  He sat silently for a while longer, his eyes still shining in memory of her acceptance, and then finally summoned his man who helped ready him for bed. When we were left alone, he stood looking down at the bed with a rather contented look in his eyes. I raised my paw to him and he smiled, and then leaned down and lifted me up, placing me down upon my favourite spot next to him upon the bed.

  “There you go, my faithful friend. Shall we both sleep soundly tonight do you think?” He extinguished the candles and I watched him through the reddish glow of the burning embers in the fireplace as he sat down next to me. He rested his elbows upon his knees and brought one hand up and cradled his jaw. He spoke in a soft voice, “Could I have done it without you, Reggie? How many times did you reprimand me in that way that only I recognize when you knew my actions to be faulty? How many times did you lead me to her only to have me cause you grave disappointment again and again by not openly declaring myself? And how many times were you the sole reason I was given one more opportunity to make things right with her?”

  He leaned back on his elbow and lifted my jaw with his hand so that we looked at each other eye to eye. “Thank you, Reggie, for faithfully remaining by my side and helping me see what I needed to do to win her affections.”

  He said no more and when he crawled into bed, I saw him staring for quite a long time up at the ceiling. But I knew he was not being kept awake by unsettled feelings, but by a great sense of awe in what had transpired that day.

/>   Whilst sitting obediently at Georgiana’s side in the church, I kept my eyes on my master, awaiting the moment he beheld Miss Elizabeth coming toward him. I knew the moment he saw her.

  For a few moments I could only enjoy the reaction of my master, for there were far too many people around me blocking my view of his bride. I noted that his breath halted briefly and he wobbled slightly, as if the sight of her had a dizzying effect upon him. His eyes shone with admiration and his smile reached to the depths of him, leaving no doubt that this was a marriage of true affection. I knew from the unguarded expression that everyone else in this church had disappeared from his view and he saw only her.

  When at last she came into my sight, I could have sworn my own heart stopped. It quickly revived, however, and thundered within my chest. Miss Elizabeth was a vision of beauty with the ribbons and laces -- of which her mother had so often spoke -- elegantly woven through her hair and sewn on her gown. But beyond the fashion of her dress, Miss Elizabeth’s charm lay in the perfect reflection of warmth and love of my master in her eyes. There was a tangible connection between the two that I am sure I was not the only one to perceive, given the approving looks of the wedding guests.

  Miss Elizabeth and her sister, who looked equally lovely, walked slowly toward their two gentlemen at the front of the church, each on the arm of Mr. Bennet.

  Oh, yes, Mr. Bennet.

  My sole interaction with Mr. Bennet occurred one afternoon, soon after my master’s engagement. I was sitting quietly alongside our carriage in front of Longbourn, waiting for my master and Miss Elizabeth to go on their morning stroll. To my surprise, when the door opened, it was not my master but Mr. Bennet who graced the threshold. He stepped outside and began walking briskly in my direction, although apparently not mindful of my presence.

  His hands were folded behind him and his gaze was directed toward the ground. He came to an abrupt stop when he noticed me.

  “Eh, Reggie, is it?” He looked at me and reached into his pocket, pulling a watch from it. He glanced down at it and said with a sly smile, “I should not remain out here longer than fifteen minutes, however tempting. That amount of time will be sufficient for me to gather my wits and good humour, yet not be so long as to appear impolite to my family and guests.”

  He let out a laugh and looked back toward the house. “You know not how lucky you have it, being allowed to enjoy freedom from the conversation that Mrs. Bennet so obligingly monopolises. Far too much talk of ribbons and lace, for my taste. Lace, ribbons, flowers…” He waved his hand wildly through the air.

  His face suddenly grew serious and he turned his attention to me. “So tell me, Reggie, just what kind of man is Mr. Darcy, eh?”

  I let out a hearty bark to assure him of my approbation.

  “Ah, yes. Just as I would have expected. What a loyal companion you are!”

  He took in a deep breath and I thought I saw his eyes grow moist.

  “I have no doubt that society considers the match to her advantage; she will want for nothing materially. But is that enough? Is he good enough for my Lizzy?”

  I know not whether he truly expected a response from me, but I could not let such doubts go unanswered. I stood up and wagged my tail. I offered up my paw to him, which I am happy to say he reached down and shook heartily.

  “You see, Reggie,” he whispered conspiratorially, “though it is not politic to say so, Lizzy is my favourite child, and I only want the very best for her. From what I have seen of your master, he is deeply principled, highly esteemed, very well educated, and… I must admit that being a man of generous wealth does not lessen him in my eyes.”

  He stood up and continued, “But will he love my Lizzy as deeply as I do? Will he treat her with the utmost admiration and respect that she deserves?”

  I affirmed his hopes with an even more fervent wagging of my tail and he smiled, nodding his head. “I can see that you have been treated well by him; that he has not treated you harshly nor been negligent to you.”

  An enthusiastic bark assured him of my master’s devotion.

  “That is a good indication. I believe if a man mistreats his own dog, chances are he will mistreat his wife.”

  He did not speak again immediately, I suspect more from overwhelming emotion than uncertainty. Finally, righting himself again, he proclaimed, “Yes, Reggie, your loyalty comforts me. I do believe he will be good for her.”

  He slowly turned around and walked back to the house. Whether they continued to speak of lace, I know not, but I felt proud that I had once again played a small role in reassuring Mr. Bennet that my master would be an ideal husband for his favourite daughter.

  The clergyman began speaking and my attention returned to the front of the church.

  Miss Elizabeth’s face glowed with love as she looked up at my master. Her face beautifully radiated back to my master all the admiration and regard that she now treasured within her heart for him.

  I sat as an enthusiastic observer watching this ceremony. I understood nothing save for the fact that once they walked back down the aisle, they would be husband and wife. She would be Mistress of Pemberley, would always be by my master’s side, would take walks with him, sleep alongside him, and have his children. That notion gave me nothing but the greatest joy!

  The thought of little ones also caused an impromptu wagging of my tail as I thought of Sadie’s and my little puppies. I was anxious to see them!

  At last, the ceremony concluded with a joyful pronunciation of their being man and wife. They turned to face their guests and their faces beamed with joy. A grand sense of satisfaction filtered through me as I realized this moment, that I had so long awaited, had finally come to pass.

  But just as quickly, and unexpectedly, I felt somewhat melancholy. I knew things would never be the same between my master and me. My whole life had been devoted to him and he had returned my devotion. I have protected him; comforted him; supported him in his good decisions and wrestled with him in his poor decisions; but most of all I have taken quite seriously my office as his companion.

  Ever since that day we came to Netherfield, I became devoted to securing my master’s happiness with Miss Elizabeth. Now that he was assured felicity with her, the place of honour by his side was hers, not mine. My one consolation is that she is not only his heart’s delight, but mine. I no longer have to worry about leaving him without camaraderie and support once I pass from this life on to the next.

  Following the ceremony, the guests travelled from the church to Longbourn, where an extravagant breakfast was served. I made every attempt to keep from getting underfoot as there were a great number of people there. As it turned out, it did not settle for me to sit beside my master and his bride -- I do not think they would have even noticed me anyway -- so I made my solitary way to the drawing room. Here, away from the hustle and bustle, well wishing and jubilation, I curled up in the corner and fell into a sound sleep. Although most of the day still remained, I was quite exhausted.

  *~*~*

  I know not how long I had been asleep, but I was awakened by someone’s hand gently shaking me.

  “Reggie, wake up!”

  I lifted my head and gazed into the concerned face of my master and his new bride. I started to arise, but he kept his hand upon me preventing me from doing so.

  “You lay there, Reggie. It has proven to be an exhausting day for you. We just wanted to come and wish you well. Elizabeth and I are about to depart.”

  Miss Elizabeth -- that is, Mrs. Darcy, my mistress -- smiled and her overt happiness warmed me through. “The next time we see you, Reggie, will be at Pemberley in a little over a week.” Her words gave me great joy. “You must promise me to show me about the place again.” She leaned in a little closer and in almost a whisper, said, “And I look forward with great delight in seeing your puppies as I am sure you do!”

  They took a few moments to run their hands through my fur, their fingers intermingling as they did. I marvelled at the feelings of
contentment and joy I sensed from my master. When they walked away, even though I knew it would be a while before I saw them again, it gave me great pleasure to know that it would be a short absence and that I would be returning to Pemberley on the morrow with Georgiana and finally become acquainted with Sadie’s and my pups.

  It was true that I was exhausted and knew it would not be long before I fell asleep again. With a great sense of satisfaction of all that had transpired this day and almost as much anticipation on what the next day would bring, I lay my head back down and closed my eyes. Morning would be here before I knew it and Georgiana and I would be returning to Pemberley!

  Chapter 28

  Georgiana and I departed Netherfield for Pemberley the very next day. Georgiana said her farewells and we eagerly climbed into the carriage. We were both anxious to return home. There was no reason for us to remain any longer, despite Miss Bingley’s half-hearted solicitations for the young girl to remain. I could see the relief in Georgiana’s eyes, more from pleasure than surprise, when Miss Bingley made little attempt to change her mind. It appeared to both of us that she no longer had a reason to dote on her.

  Georgiana passed the time reading, doing stitchery, or gazing out the window, whilst I slept most of the way. I sensed her stirring at about the same time I began to smell the wonderfully familiar scents of home. I lifted my head and she looked down at me.