by Lauren King
Darcy stops his ministrations because they are in the Gardiner’s drawing room, after all. He needs to stop so that they both can be presentable in case others come back in. They start to talk about the wedding guests and the dishes that will be served that day. Darcy keeps his wedding guests to 100 and Elizabeth’s side will only be eight people. He has told Elizabeth to invite anyone she would like because the cost is not an issue; she informs him that everybody she knows is in Hertfordshire. It is unlikely that her neighbors could come to town for her wedding. She is satisfied that only her family and her Uncle’s family will attend.
Mrs. Gardiner comes into the drawing room to give Elizabeth a letter that just arrived from her Father; afterwards, she returns to the children’s playroom. Elizabeth is very eager to read it immediately, and she does not mind reading it in front of William. Darcy is also eager to hear of the results to Miss Lydia’s mess. He hopes that it has been resolved without further problems.
January 5th, 1811
My Dear Child Lizzy,
Your Mother, Lydia, and I just arrived home this evening – Monday. I am glad to say that Lydia’s health has not been affected much at all after what she went through. Lydia is healthy and is still full of life as usual. She looks forward to marrying Sergeant Denny; she thinks marriage ‘will be fun’ especially because she will have more freedom to do whatever she wants. She thinks that her life will consist of having parties and tea time with friends all day long. She does not act like someone that just endured a shameful ordeal of any sort. I am sorry to say that she was only repentant when I lectured her about what she did, the trouble and hardships she has caused, and the financial burden that I am faced with now. After that lecture, she seemed to be back to her normal self. I am so very disappointed in her; I have no more words for her.
I have explained to your Mother that the additional financial burden caused by Lydia will have to come from your Mother’s marriage settlement if the entire household does not cut back all of its expenses from now on until all my daughters are married. Undoubtedly, your Mother proclaimed immediately that she and all five daughters will cut back on all nonessential expenses without delay. Furthermore, your Mother has decided that all of you five girls’ monthly allowance will also be reduced by half. Of course, I will not decrease your Mother’s marriage settlement, but this seemed to be the only way to impress upon your Mother how important all of this truly is.
Your Mother is a little bit more cognizant of the consequences of Lydia’s actions now because she is sterner with Lydia’s requests and whining. However, your Mother continues to indulge Lydia if Lydia sweet talks her sufficiently. I have emphasized that Lydia still needs to behave with decorum as long as she is not married because I will not allow any more problems or scrutiny to be placed on our family. I have stressed to your Mother that she is completely responsible for Lydia’s actions; I think that scared your Mother adequately because Lydia does not go anywhere without your Mother’s presence now.
As for Lydia’s marriage, I will talk to Sergeant Denny tomorrow morning and figure out an exact date for the wedding to take place. In order to avoid gossip, I think you and Jane will have to return to Longbourn for the wedding and then you can return to town a few days afterwards. I will write to you again as soon as I have all the details to this wedding.
I hope you and Jane are doing well. I hope you and Mr. Darcy are progressing nicely. Do you need anything that I can help you with, my child? You have been the epitome of an excellent daughter as usual, and I appreciate you very much as I always have. Let me know if you need anything for your wedding. I am certain that Lydia’s wedding will take place before yours, so I will talk to Mr. Darcy when you all come back to Longbourn. As for your wedding breakfast, I will take care of it through your Uncle Edward. Do not worry, Lizzy; I know you will try to be frugal, but you do not need to be. I know you are sensible and responsible, so I do not worry that you will have an extraordinarily extravagant celebration. However, I do understand that it will be different because you are marrying into the first circles. Please, understand that I do have the funds for such an event. Do not worry, my child; spend what you need.
Your Mother has expressed that she would like to go to town so that she can show you what to buy for your wedding trousseau and where to buy it, but I have stated that your Aunt Madeline has helped you with all of it already, so your Mother just needs to show up to your wedding and enjoy herself that day. Moreover, I reminded your Mother that she needs to take care of Lydia’s wedding first. She understands that it will need to be as soon as possible so that Sergeant Denny does not get any jitters or becomes dishonorable and changes his mind about going through with the wedding. When I told your Mother that Sergeant Denny threatened not to marry Lydia unless I gave him much more money, she did not seem too thrilled with him any longer. Hopefully, this entire ordeal has shown your Mother the seriousness of Lydia’s appalling actions. I reminded her that the entire family was at Sergeant Denny’s mercy; all you girls are still in danger of enduring shame and being spinsters if he decides to be dishonorable. Your Mother got the flutters at that point, and she angrily stared at Lydia who actually shrunk back from her liveliness and became very quiet.
I leave it up to you if you would like for your Mother and sisters to come to town ahead of time to help you with your wedding preparations. Let me know what you would like. Enjoy yourselves, and I will see you and Jane soon. Send Jane my love, Lizzy. I love you, my child.
Your loving Father,
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
“So we still have to wait and see what Sergeant Denny will decide. It feels so demeaning to be in this position. I feel such…anger and shame…and I am offended to be related to Lydia. Furthermore, I will have to be related to this Sergeant Denny. I am sorry to say that, but unfortunately, I cannot summon any pity for people who are selfish and continue to do things that adversely affect others around them. I cannot believe that she is still not repentant, and she does not seem to want to change her ways. What must happen for her to see her mistakes and become a better person? She is too much, and I refuse to stay in touch with her. I do not know what more to say about her. I am truly ashamed of her.” Elizabeth states with irritation, annoyance, and abhorrence.
“Dearest, do not get so riled up. Let us just wait a little longer and see, all right? Maybe things will just go smoothly now, especially with no baby involved. They will get married and the entire ordeal will be over with. I will not allow that Sergeant to ruin your reputation. Do not worry; he will regret it if he faces me.” Darcy says critically while caressing Elizabeth’s hand tenderly to soothe her ire. “Can I be of any help to your Father? Does he say when the marriage will take place?”
“Here, darling.” Elizabeth hands Darcy her Father’s letter to read. “I love you so much.” Elizabeth leans in to quickly and chastely kiss William’s cheek.
Darcy takes the letter and kisses her hand then he replies, “As I love you.”
After Darcy finishes reading, he says, “All right then, we wait a little longer; that is all.” Darcy says calmly and warmly. He knows that Elizabeth needs reassurance and understanding at this moment. She is always strong and logical, but right now she is simply angry with Miss Lydia and this entire situation. It has been looming over everybody’s head for two months.
“I am sorry I sound so unforgiving towards my own sister. You must think I am horrible, but I am just so very angry and disappointed with her. At least if she showed some remorse, then I can see myself forgiving her, but it seems that she is back to her old self – uncaring, ignorant, and selfish.”
“I think no such thing about you. Your anger and disappointment are justified. Miss Lydia did a very bad thing that could negatively affect her entire family for years – possibly, for your entire lives. Let us hope and pray that Sergeant Denny will not be dishonorable, and he will never tell another soul about their situation.” Darcy kisses the back of her hand again. “Do not worry too much,
sweetheart; let us just wait for your Father’s next letter.”
“You are an amazing gentleman, and I am blessed to have you as my betrothed. I love you beyond words.” Elizabeth openly kisses William’s hand that she is holding.
“I love you, Lizzy; I will always be here for you.” Darcy leans in to kiss her cheek chastely.
That night, Elizabeth shows her letter to Jane and they are both indignant of Lydia’s continued behavior. They pray that all this will be over soon with a positive outcome.
The next couple of days pass by with relative ease and calmness. Darcy visits Elizabeth every day after he attends to some business in the mornings. Darcy visits Bingley on Thursday; he wants to assure that Bingley is not worse than last Saturday. Fortunately, Bingley is not worse, but he is still miserable over his loss of Jane. Only time will heal something like this; it may take a while, but Bingley will get through it. Darcy will check in on him again, next week.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 9th
When William visits Elizabeth at ten o’clock, Friday morning, she shares with him her Father’s latest letter. Elizabeth is incensed and speechless. She hands William the letter as she paces back and forth. She will beat Sergeant Denny with a stick next time she sees him. She will beat him like she beat George Wickham; that is who comes to mind when she feels this infuriated. These two men are the same as disgusting sewer scum; actually, they are worse because they commit these acts knowingly – just for the sake of money.
January 6th, 1811
My Dear Child Lizzy,
I have spoken with Sergeant Denny and he knows now that they will not have a baby to care for; therefore, I informed him that the amount of money that was originally agreed upon will have to be reduced; otherwise, I will have problems coming up with it every year. He had the impudence, again, to tell me that he requires even more money in order to marry Lydia now. He is steadfast on Lydia’s yearly income being 200 pounds, and he wants 1,000 pounds up front on the day of the wedding. He said that Lydia is asking for new clothes and a place to live in Meryton along with every town that they encamp in so that she can be free to do what she wants because she cannot do what she pleases at her Father’s house. He said that she wants a maid and a cook too. I was stunned, to say the least. However, he was serious, and he did not relent.
I reminded him that we had agreed upon 130 pounds per year for Lydia’s total income with no money up front. I told him that I was already having trouble coming up with that amount; I will not be able to afford his new demand. I told him not to be greedy and dishonorable. He still did not relent. You will not believe what he said next, Lizzy. I still cannot believe it! I have never thought of disowning any of my children, but I am close to wanting to disown Lydia! Sergeant Denny said that he knows that I will soon have a very wealthy son-in-law from my second daughter’s marriage, so I can get money from her. He says that as soon as he gets the money then he will marry Lydia; otherwise, he is in no rush. I had allowed Lydia to speak to Sergeant Denny once here at home for half an hour with your Mother present in the drawing room. I think that was when Lydia informed him about Mr. Darcy’s wealth. Then, he insolently reminds me that others have seen him with Lydia already, and it is assumed that they are an item because Lydia has been quite friendly with him. He said he cannot help what others will think about Lydia and her sisters.
He threatened me! Can you believe this despicable excuse for a man, Lizzy? I had to walk away to calm myself or else I would have beaten him. Needless to say, I did not beat him – only because I did not have my walking stick with me; I do not think I could have successfully beaten a young soldier of one and twenty years by my hands alone – I digress. I told him that I will reassess everything. Obviously, there is no wedding date yet.
When I told your Mother this, she went into hysterics and then needed her smelling salts. Afterwards, she forbade Lydia from leaving the house or have any guests call upon her until further notice. Lydia is being guarded by Kitty and Mary – even at night. As you can guess, Lydia complained and whined like never before for her imprisonment – as she puts it. I could not tolerate her anymore, so I displayed my most irate, stony stare at her, and she instantly stopped all noise. I will not get into what I told her and your Mother, but suffice it to say that Lydia will not complain and whine like that in front of me again.
I am sorry I have to be this harsh with any of you girls, but I have failed with Lydia. I cannot talk enough or reason enough with her so that she can see the errors of her ways. I think she does not care at this point; she just wants her way like a small child. She thinks I am made of money. She does not see any apparent hardships with our household; hence, she thinks that I am just being stingy with my money.
I will not continue about this anymore. Lizzy, I will not accept any money from you or Mr. Darcy. If either of you even offers it to me, I will not look upon it well; therefore, do not do it, Lizzy. I only tell you so that you are not shocked when you hear of it. I will handle this Sergeant Denny in regards to his money demand. What I do ask is for you and Jane to come home immediately. I want you and Jane to try to talk to Lydia for the last time before I make my final decision in regards to her.
I hope to see you and Jane by this Saturday the 10th. We will talk more. I have asked your Uncle Edward to allow you two to travel in his carriage with his maid and male servant. I do not think he will refuse, but if for some reason you cannot use his carriage, then send me an express so I can send my carriage for you. Travel safely, take care of each other, and I will see you two soon. I love you both dearly.
Your Loving Father,
Longbourn, Hertfordshire
Now, Darcy is fuming, but he stays composed so he can help this situation. “Dearest, I will take you and Jane back to Longbourn. I will take care of this sergeant. I have been nice hoping that he will be honorable, but he has tested my last limit. He is a contemptible, filthy rat that will be treated as such. He will pay for threatening all of you ladies’ reputation. Now, we can leave immediately or wait until early tomorrow morning. I want Richard to come with us because I want to find out if he can help me get this sergeant transferred to the harshest military regiment possible; I will need Richard’s influence with that.” Darcy grits through his teeth, “This…rotten, stinking scum will not get a farthing over what he is worth.”
Elizabeth caresses William’s arm to calm him; he is very upset. “Darling, is Richard free to go with us on such short notice? I would hate to impose upon his time.” Elizabeth says thoughtfully but worriedly.
“I will go ask him and be back as soon as possible. I know he would like to help you if he could. I think we should wait until tomorrow morning to leave for Longbourn in case I cannot find Richard right away.”
“I agree; it may be dark before we make it to Longbourn, and that can be dangerous.”
“All right, I will go talk to Richard straight away; I will be back as soon as possible. You and Jane should pack and be ready to leave early tomorrow morning around seven o’clock – with or without Richard, we will go. You should also send an express to let your Father know that, minimally, the three of us will be arriving Saturday afternoon.”
“All right, darling. I will see you as soon as you are done?” Elizabeth squeezes William’s hand fondly.
“Yes.” Darcy answers and then kisses Elizabeth’s cheeks lovingly.
“I love you.” Elizabeth kisses him back in the same manner.
“I love you.” Darcy kisses her lips quickly before leaving.
Elizabeth hurriedly locates her Aunt and Jane; she lets them read her Father’s letter. They are filled with anger once they finish reading. Elizabeth explains what William has planned and Mrs. Gardiner is glad and relieved that Mr. Darcy and maybe Colonel Fitzwilliam will be able to help. Once again, Mrs. Gardiner is thankful for how fortunate it is for Elizabeth to have such a good man as Mr. Darcy for her life.
At eleven o’clock, Mr. Morgan visits Jane. Elizabeth and Jane are both preoccupied with Lydia�
��s situation, thus Jane feels less urgent in regards to hers and Mr. Morgan’s situation. This is also probably due to the fact that Jane is resigned to the ending of her courtship with Mr. Morgan, and she just wants to get it over with. She cannot help it if she has failed with two suitors within four weeks.
Mr. Morgan still converses nicely like he always does with Jane. This confuses and annoys her that he would still continue to be duplicitous. She is contemplating being blunt and forward with him so she can find out once and for all and be done with this.
“Miss Bennet, would you like to go for a walk with me in St. James Park tomorrow?” Morgan asks happily.
“I am sorry, Mr. Morgan; I cannot.” Jane answers politely. “I am leaving for Longbourn early tomorrow morning. My sister Lydia will be getting married; therefore, Elizabeth and I will be going home to attend it.”
“Oh, that is nice. When will you be back, Miss Bennet?” Morgan asks nicely. Finally, her sister’s problem will be resolved.
“I think in about a week or two, sir. I will know better once I am home.” Jane replies courteously.
“Well, can I visit you at Longbourn if you stay over a week? I will miss not seeing you for that long.” Morgan says warmly.
Jane is irritated, now. She feels that Mr. Morgan is a false person for saying one thing and doing another. Mr. Morgan is warm and nice with her, but, all the while, he is seen in public with another young lady. Should she just ask him out rightly to explain himself? She wants the truth, but if he truly is dishonest about his circumstance, then he will not suddenly simply tell her the truth about that young lady anyways. He will want to hide his disgrace. Obviously, he does not want to volunteer any information about this young lady. Ugghh! It is still difficult for her to believe that Mr. Morgan could do this to her; he sounded honest and genuine each time they saw each other. She probably heard what she wanted to hear from him. Since she liked him, she only heard the good side of things.