by Lauren King
“I am well, girls.” Then, Mrs. Bennet lowers her voice and asks Jane. “Is the gentleman behind you your suitor, Jane?”
Jane looks behind her and sees Colonel Fitzwilliam and then shakes her head discreetly at her mother. Jane quietly and swiftly replies, “No, Mama.”
Elizabeth wants to minimize her mother from saying anything too scandalous in front of William and Richard, thus she quickly intercepts. “Mama, I would like to introduce to you, Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy, my betrothed.” Elizabeth says proudly with a wide smile solely directed at William which he returns joyously. “And this is Colonel Richard Fitzwilliam, Mr. Darcy’s cousin. William, Richard, this is my Mother, Mrs. Francine Bennet.”
“Mrs. Bennet, how are you, ma’am?” Darcy bows sophisticatedly.
In Mrs. Bennet’s usual effusive fashion, she excitedly says, “Ohh! I am well. I am well; thank you, Mr. Darcy. Welcome back to the neighborhood, sir. And it is very nice to meet you, Colonel Fitzwilliam. Please, let us all come into the drawing room.”
“Thank you, ma’am.” Darcy responds courteously.
“Mrs. Bennet, it is nice to meet you, ma’am.” Richard bows smoothly.
Mrs. Bennet gleefully leads the way into the drawing room. “You both are most welcomed to Longbourn. Please, come in and have some refreshment before getting settled into your rooms. The trip must have been tiring.” Mrs. Bennet speaks eagerly and nonstop, so no one really has any time to answer her questions. “I am amazed at the coincidence of you meeting and knowing Lizzy in town, Mr. Darcy. Did Mr. Bingley introduce you? Mr. Bingley was such an affable gentleman.”
“No, ma’am; Bingley did not introduce Miss Elizabeth to me.” Darcy answers succinctly and does not elaborate. He is biased against Mrs. Bennet from what he had seen and had heard of her in the past; therefore, he wants to see if she has changed. He could not abide by her demeanor, attitude, and personality last October. He hopes that she has gotten better, given what her family has gone through.
“We have heard that you had a long trip, Mama. I hope you were not too tired from it.” Jane states nicely.
“That trip was long and tiring for my nerves. Goodness, I do not want to take such a trip again. The little town was cold and lacked any neighbors that we could converse with. Gracious, I do not know how I could have lived there for a year.” Mrs. Bennet complains readily.
When Mrs. Bennet heard that Elizabeth was engaged to Mr. Darcy, she was not too happy because she clearly remembers how arrogant and unfriendly he was at the assembly here last October. He was unpleasant, and he thought he was too good for the community’s assembly. He did not speak to anyone outside of his own party, and he had a somber expression the entire night. Poor Sir William Lucas tried to be genial and converse with Mr. Darcy, but he only answered succinctly and then left to stand by himself. He did not dance except once with Miss Bingley and once with her married sister for the entire assembly.
Well, Mrs. Bennet does not have to like Mr. Darcy; if Elizabeth can stand him, then Mrs. Bennet will not care, as long as she does not have to deal with him. However, he is very wealthy and can provide for Elizabeth and….maybe if their family should ever need anything, then he would be able to provide for them too. That is not asking too much, right? They all will be family, thus Mr. Darcy should do his duty to help out his wife’s family; that is the decent thing to do. Maybe he could help Mr. Bennet with the money for Sergeant Denny so Lydia could live comfortably as a gentleman’s daughter deserves. Lydia should not have to live poorly when Elizabeth will be living like a duchess. Yes, Mrs. Bennet will insist that Elizabeth get Mr. Darcy to help them, financially.
With this realization Mrs. Bennet is not bothered anymore about Mr. Darcy’s arrogance from three months ago. Mrs. Bennet would rather have Jane betrothed to someone wealthy like Mr. Darcy because Jane is the best daughter, the most beautiful out of her five daughters, and the most agreeable. Jane deserves someone rich. However, Mrs. Bennet is not worried that Jane will not be able to catch the eyes of other wealthy men, especially now that she is staying in town. She knows that with Mr. Darcy as a connection, Jane will be thrown into the path of other very rich men.
It is a miracle that Elizabeth was able to catch the eyes of such a distinguished gentleman as Mr. Darcy. Mrs. Bennet has been fearful that Elizabeth would be a spinster if she challenged every man that looked her way. She has reminded Elizabeth to be demure and agreeable so the men would be more attracted to her, but Elizabeth did not follow her advice; she has always been a willful child. Mr. Bennet has allowed Elizabeth so much freedom, and he talks to her and teaches her all sorts of non-lady-like subjects and ideas. Of course, she will scare away her suitors. Mrs. Bennet truly prays that Elizabeth does not do anything to scare away Mr. Darcy; with all of his wealth, it would be such a waste.
They are all seated in the drawing room as Jane pours out the tea for everyone. Mrs. Bennet continues to talk about the weather and the roads as everyone stays quiet. At this time, Lydia walks into the drawing room in a haughty fashion. She stops in her approach and looks at both gentlemen. She recognizes Mr. Darcy, thus she smiles obligingly. When she sees Richard, she literally stares at him. Anyone can tell that she is attracted to him. Her face changes into a flirty smile directed solely at Richard. At this moment, both gentlemen stand up to greet Lydia as she walks further into the room to stand near her mother. Elizabeth makes the introductions. Lydia curtsies but her eyes are gawking at Richard. Afterwards, she sits near her mother and looks conceited until she flirtatiously gazes at Richard. Elizabeth is extremely embarrassed to see Lydia’s unseemly comportment.
Richard cannot believe this forward, flirtatious young girl in front of him; she flirts in full view of her entire family. After he bows and greets her, he glances towards Darcy, and they both understand his shock. Richard has been around many women before, but he has not been around someone so young and so blatantly flirtatious. It’s uncomfortable and awkward for him and for others around him. He is certain that the other sisters have noticed Miss Lydia’s brazen actions. Lord, no wonder she has her current troubles.
Elizabeth clears her throat and asks, “Lydia, how are you?” Elizabeth wants to break Lydia’s intense staring at Richard; it is simply too shameful to see.
“I am well, thank you, Lizzy. How are you and Jane?” Lydia states arrogantly.
“I am fine.” Elizabeth answers nicely. She feels such a big change in Lydia, but unfortunately, it is not for the better. Not only is Lydia still flirtatious and forward, but she also seems to be self-important now. Why and how could she be conceited?
“I am well, Lydia. We are glad that you are well too.” Jane says kindly. “I hope the trip was not too hard on you.”
“It was awful, Jane. Mr. Jacobsen’s house was small and cold. He only had two servants for the entire house. He was mean and barely spoke to us. He only laughed and had pleasant conversations with his wife. I do not think he liked me much. Is it too much for me to expect that I have my own room with a lit fire? He expected me to put in my own wood in the fireplace at night if I wanted a lit fire. Can you believe that? Mama and I had to share a room. Thank goodness that it was big enough for two beds. His wife was also strict with me. I could not walk outside and go anywhere without telling them first; you would have thought that they were my parents. Mama let me walk outside to the village’s little shopping area anytime I wanted, so I did not mind what they said.” Lydia states proudly.
Elizabeth could not believe what she was hearing from Lydia. Lydia is still the spoil brat that she has become over the years. Did she think that she was on holiday? Did she think that the Jacobsens were her servants? Lydia’s pretentiousness and expectations are irksome. Lydia complains and expects to be catered to; that is all she does. The Jacobsens were nice enough to accept her condition and take her in, yet Lydia does not recognize it; instead she complains that she was bored living under stricter rules without any servants attending her.
“Ahh, my two eldest dau
ghters are back. Mr. Darcy, Colonel Fitzwilliam, how are you all?” Mr. Bennet says jovially as he walks into the drawing room.
Both daughters cheerily walk up to their Father to give him a warm hug as Darcy and Richard stand to bow in greeting.
“If you have had your refreshments, you should go settle into your rooms a bit and then meet me in my book room in an hour. Is that convenient for you gentlemen?”
Both men reply affirmatively.
“Jane and Lizzy, I will also see you two at the same time along with the gentlemen.”
Both daughters answer affirmatively, and then Mr. Bennet goes back into his book room. Elizabeth informs William and Richard that their male servant, Toby, will show them to their rooms.
Elizabeth reminds Toby, “I will stay in Miss Bennet’s chambers so that Mr. Darcy can take my chambers while he is here. Colonel Fitzwilliam will be staying in the guest chambers, Toby.”
“Certainly, Miss Elizabeth; I will show the gentlemen to their chambers.” Toby replies agreeably.
Elizabeth smiles coyly at William after Toby and Richard turn to go upstairs. Darcy smiles back roguishly. He is very happy that he will have a chance to sleep on Elizabeth’s bed. He wants to be surrounded by her things and her enticing scent. Given that their wedding will not take place for another three weeks, this will be the closest to sleeping with Elizabeth as he can get. He can hardly wait for January 31st.
In their Father’s book room, Mr. Bennet starts to tell them what he has been happening. “I have decided to talk to Sergeant Denny again to convince him to accept Lydia’s yearly income of 130 pounds with no money up front. If he threatens me about you girls again, then I will not hold back from resorting to let his family and neighbors know about him ruining a fifteen years old girl. I have tried not to resort to that, but he leaves me no choice with his insistence. I have tried to be nice and keep things from exploding to an unmanageable degree. He talks as if he is trying to be responsible and fair, but I think he is like any other greedy, dishonorable man trying to extort as much money as he can out of a terrible situation. It is easy money for him. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but I can see how he is now.”
“Mr. Bennet, may I suggest something,” asks Darcy.
“Certainly, Mr. Darcy. I appreciate your suggestions and help throughout this entire ordeal – as I appreciate your help, Colonel. So, please speak your mind.” Mr. Bennet expresses his gratefulness honestly.
Both gentlemen state that they are glad to be of help.
Darcy continues, “I would like for me and Richard to have a personal talk with this Sergeant Denny. I have asked Richard to use his influence to transfer Sergeant Denny to a very far and inconvenient regiment. Maybe there, he will have to work harder than he has ever had to work or else he will be reprimanded or demoted. Furthermore, his family will bear the hardships of his greed if he insists on more money.” Darcy’s tone and expression become even grimmer and more severe as he says, “I will not allow this…man to hurt Lizzy, in any way. He will, gravely, regret it if he goes through with his threat to you, Mr. Bennet. I guarantee it.” Darcy avows with clear intent.
Mr. Bennet can surely see how protective Darcy is, and he knows Sergeant Denny will regret his actions if he tries to ruin the girls’ reputation, in any way. Mr. Bennet certainly does not want to be at the receiving end of Mr. Darcy’s wrath.
“I thank you for protecting Lizzy, Mr. Darcy. I know she will always be taken care of by you. As far as you and Colonel Fitzwilliam approaching Sergeant Denny, I think it is a good idea. At this point, emphasizing to him that he also has plenty to lose is a good plan. I will go with you gentlemen to speak to him. Let us have luncheon and then make our way to speak to him today. I do not want this dragged out any longer. Is that convenient for you gentlemen?”
“Yes, sir; let us get this over with.” Darcy responds solemnly.
Elizabeth and Jane listen intently, and they agree that there is no other way to handle this. Their Father cannot be extorted like this.
At luncheon, Lydia tries to talk as if she is a woman of the world, now, and she is entitled to certain things. Moreover, she continues to talk badly of the Jacobsens. It sounds rude and obnoxious; therefore, Elizabeth feels compelled to curb her from further embarrassing herself and her family.
Elizabeth states composedly. “Lydia, looking down at the Jacobsens is not a nice thing to do. They did not have to accept you into their house. However, they did; that in itself is a very good deed that needs to be appreciated not to be scorned by you. Do you know what further hardship it would have been for Papa if they did not allow you to stay with them?”
“Papa paid them money, Lizzy. They did not do it for free.” Lydia retorts while rolling her eyes.
Elizabeth says firmly and collectedly, “Of course, Papa had to pay them money. Papa would have had to pay them even more money, a lot more money, if we were not related to Uncle Philips. Who would want to take on such a problem as yours? Do you understand the burden, Lydia? And you are fortunate that they do not have any children; otherwise, most likely, they would not have allowed you to stay with them and taint their children’s reputations too – even with Papa paying them.”
Again, Lydia rolls her eyes rudely while she snorts in annoyance. Mr. Bennet interrupts and sternly says, “Lizzy is absolutely correct, Lydia. What did we talk about the other day?”
Lydia is upset and sits there quietly while looking down at her plate. Elizabeth knows that Lydia is fuming right now about how unfair everything is in her life. However, Elizabeth cannot seem to care if Lydia is upset or not. How dare she be upset at anybody after what she has done? Lydia should hear about all the harsh consequences of her actions and know all of the hardships that she has caused for everyone related to her.
As soon as everyone is finished, Mr. Bennet stands to leave the dining room. He asks if the gentlemen would like a drink in his book room. They agree and follow him out. Darcy looks back at Elizabeth and smiles reservedly; he does not want to leave Elizabeth sitting here with her aggravating youngest sister, but Elizabeth gives him the look that she wants him to go with her Father. Darcy reluctantly leaves with Mr. Bennet and Richard. Miss Lydia’s words are grating and Darcy just wants to have a servant remove her from the room and stick her into a nursery where she really belongs. She is an unchaste, ungrateful, unbecoming, ignorant child.
After her Father quits the room, Lydia rushes out of the room in a huff. All her sisters sit there silently. Jane sighs and shakes her head lightly. Elizabeth is displeased, to say the least. It is one thing that William sees and hears all of this but for Richard to experience it, is too humiliating.
“Lizzy, you were too harsh on Lydia.” Mrs. Bennet states protectively. “She has just been through an awful ordeal, and fortunately, she was not harmed in the process.”
“Mama, I have to be blunt here. If it was so awful for her, then she should have learned something from it. Did you see her actions earlier in the drawing room towards Colonel Fitzwilliam? Is that the actions of someone that has just gone through some horrific ordeal? That was so embarrassing, Mama! Why do you think I tried to draw her attention away from gawking at Colonel Fitzwilliam with my questions? It was just too mortifying and degrading. What do you think it made her look like when she gawked at Colonel Fitzwilliam in that manner? What decent young lady does that?” Elizabeth shakes her head in disbelief that she has to say all this to her Mother. Her Mother should have admonished Lydia, but she did not. Instead, she sits here protecting and pitying Lydia for Elizabeth’s harshness.
“She should try to help her situation instead of acting like the spoiled, ignorant child that she is. It looks and sounds like she did not learn a thing from this horrid ordeal that she has caused for herself and her family. Every one of us is suffering because of her now, and we will suffer even more if things do not go well. Does she even care? All of our reputations will be ruined if this Sergeant Denny decides not to marry her or decides to expo
se what has occurred between them. She not only does not act repentant but she has become arrogant. What does she have for her to act so proudly and put down other people? She does not know of all the distress and hardships that Papa had to endure and will still endure because of her. Sergeant Denny is demanding even more money from Papa before he will marry her. Did you know that, Mama? He keeps demanding more money!” Elizabeth refuses to hold back her feelings on this. She will let her Mother and Lydia know the extent of the damage that they have caused.
“Yes, your Father has told me.” Mrs. Bennet says resignedly and then sighs heavily with much grief, worry, and displeasure with her least favorite daughter.
“Then, please, Mama, she needs to know what she has done and help resolve her problem instead of contributing more to her problem. Her telling Sergeant Denny that I have a wealthy betrothed is NOT helping! Now, he has the audacity to try to extract money from Mr. Darcy by forcing Papa’s hand. Do you think that is right?” Elizabeth looks directly at her Mother, unwaveringly. She has never had to be so forthright and so angry at her Mother, but she cannot help it this time.
Mrs. Bennet continues to shake her head and sigh heavily. At this point, Mr. Bennet, Darcy, and Richard come back into the dining room to let the ladies know that they’ll be in Meryton for a short while and will be back right after their business. Darcy sees that Elizabeth is upset with whatever just occurred in here. He locks eyes with her, and they both understand each other, thus they nod lovingly. Darcy does not like to see Elizabeth be distressed or worried so much, but he understands why. He must resolve this problem as soon as possible.